Just looking at different QR skewers. I note that there are these new fangled hex key ones, which dispense with the lever and cam and you simply tighten up two nuts on the skewer. To begin with I though, hmm, might as well have solid axles then, but for hollow axles, is there any advantage over cam types?
1. They provide a tad of security since not every scrote has an allen key. A bit more still if you opt for pentagon rather than hex ones.
2. They are lighter in some cases.
3. More convenient fine tuning of clamping force.
Firstly, does tightening the skewer with a small hex key provide more clamping force than a conventional QR (as the sales guff claims, for some of them)
They can provide less, the same, or more clamping force, depending on the model, use, and lubrication. Lube = greater ability to tighten. You can easily get more force with Tranz X ones if you want, for example. Remember that overly tight clamping can be bad for the bearings. Tightening the skewer compresses the hub axle, which in turn affects pressure on the bearings, with all type of bearings. Readjust the bearings in preparation for a change in clamping force, when possible.
and how do you judge when they are tight enough?
- With a conventional (cup and cone) bearings: when the play in the bearings just disappears. Set QRs like this as well.
- With cartridge bearings: you just have to guess when it feels right. QR levers aren't pre-set precisely either, as you adjust the nut to provide the desired force before first use, using your own judgement.
I use hex and pentagon skewers, including Tranz X (available under various other brand names too). I'd only prefer QRs now if I was racing.