Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 1-8 Deluxe torque wrench

The Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 1-8 Deluxe torque wrench is a beautifully made and accurate means of ensuring that bike component bolts are tightened to the correct force. Treated well, it'll last an age.

• Pros: Well made, simple to use, accurate
• Cons: Torque range is limited

The Giustaforza 1-8 is a lot like the Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza torque wrench 2-16Nm that we reviewed years ago, but the range it covers is 1-8Nm (the clue's in the name!).

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The Giustaforza 1-8 is simple to use. You set the required torque by screwing the wrench end knob into the knurled aluminium body until it reaches the relevant line on the scale. Then you add the appropriate bit and tighten whatever it is you need to tighten, the head clicking when you get to the right torque. It could hardly be easier.

The laser-etched scale that shows the torque setting is small – about 1.5cm long – and the same is true of the digits on there, so you might need to put your glasses on for this one. The markings on the left side of the scale show whole numbers and 0.5Nm, the markings on the right side show 0.25 and 0.75Nm. That's the sort of thing you'll need to remember because it's not immediately obvious.

The Giustaforza 1-8 has a solid feel to it and the hard anodised finish is going to last. The whole thing measures 145mm with the wrench end knob backed right off (as it should be when not in use).

You get the bits that are most commonly used on bikes: a mixture of hex bits, Torq bits and screwdriver bits (complete list below). You can fit these either directly into the head or via a 100mm extension.

All of the bits are made from S2 steel with a very high surface hardness. If they do ever wear out, you lose one, or you need something that's not included, the Giustaforza 1-8 is compatible with standard 1/4in bits.

Unlike some torque wrenches, there's no ratchet with this design. The lack of a ratchet allows the use of a small head that can be useful for areas where there's not much space.

The 1-8Nm range covers components like front derailleur and seatpost clamps (check the manufacturer's instructions for the exact torque required), Shimano dual control levers, cleat bolts and so on, but there's plenty that's outside its scope: pedals, cranks, and lots more. Check what's required for the components on your bike that you're likely to adjust and decide from there whether this tool will work for you. It might be that you're better off with the 2-16Nm version.

The Giustaforza 1-8 weighs just 134g (not including any of the bits or the tool roll). Effetto Mariposa says that the low weight "is paramount to getting the right feedback at low torque values, without mistaking the effort of holding the tool with the applied torque".

Effetto Mariposa gives a tolerance for the Giustaforza 1-8 of +/-4%, which is typical. In other words, set it to 5Nm and it might tighten to 4.8Nm or 5.2Nm.

We checked the accuracy out of the box and after several weeks of use and it was well within that tolerance across the 1-8Nm range (you can check using a vice, weights, string and a ruler; oh, and a little bit of simple maths).

Effetto Mariposa guarantees that +/-4% tolerance for 5,000 clicks (the number of times you can use the wrench to reach chosen torques). That's a lot of clicks! For the vast majority of home users that's going to cover the full lifetime of the product. If you do get through your quota, you can pay a fee and wing the wrench back to Effetto Mariposa, and it'll re-calibrate it for you.

> Buyer's Guide: 6 of the best torque wrenches

There are certainly cheaper torque wrenches out there. The BBB TorqueSet that we reviewed six years ago is now priced at £74.99, for example. That one is still going strong, by the way.

We like the Pro 3-15 Nm torque wrench set too, although it is now priced at £109.99 – £20 less than the Giustaforza 1-8.

We also rate the Silca T-Ratchet Kit + Ti-Torque Kit highly, with 2-8Nm torque measurement. That's £100.

Overall, the Giustaforza 1-8 is very good piece of kit. It's easy to use, accurate and comes with all the bits you're likely to need. It's also beautifully made and has a real air of quality about it that helps justify the price.

Verdict

Neatly designed torque wrench that's simple to use and accurate