Top 6 Best Torque Wrenches to Buy in 2022 (Reviews & Buying Guide)
Are you looking for best torque wrench for money but can’t decide which square drive size and brand is suitable for your need? Fret not! In this article, we will guide you to get a perfect professional torque wrench for your repairing work.
Firstly, it is important to know the required drive size and torque range before you buy a wrench. For instance, 100 ft-lb is average torque value for most lug nuts (also called wheel nuts) of cars but the exact value depends on the model of a car. Similarly, 1/2 inch drive torque wrench is good for most of the repairing work for cars, but some bolts need 3/8″ drive.
There is 2 ways to know the exact torque value. You can either check your car manual (check the section for changing or replacing a spare tire) or if you lost your car manual, you can check the following link for size chart.
Once you are sure about the torque value, you can easily pick desired wrenches for your need. For example, if you have Honda Civic (1984-2016) then you need 80 ft-lb forces for tightening the nuts.
Here are some recommended wrenches that are suitable for most of the repairing work like tire rotation, changing spark plug, cylinder head bolts and the like.
Winner
After a lot of research, we can say that Tekton 24335 1/2 inch drive click torque wrench is the best one out there in the market. It is the reliable torque wrench for tightening lug nut of the wheel for the most of car brands/models, its torque range is 10-150 ft-lb.
What we like? Marking/scale is easy to read even in low light. Loud sound on reaching set torque. It comes with a durable case.
RUNNER UPS
- 2Precision Instruments Torque Wrench (PREC33FR250F 1/2" Drive) is another good option if you have some budget. It's torque range is 40-250 ft.-lb. It comes with a storage case.
- 3EPAuto 3/8 inch 10-80 foot pound stands in the list because it works best for other engine parts.
Not Convince?
Here are Honest Top 6 Torque Wrench Reviews of 2020
Are you searching for a reliable, robust, and accurate torque wrench that won’t break the bank? Here are our top picks with detailed reviews.
1. Tekton 24335 ½ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (Best overall)
This Wrench will remain a perennial favorite since it continues to offer fantastic value. This kit comes with a 1/2" torque wrench, a storage case and a manual (with Torque conversion chart). It is rated at 10 to 150 foot-pounds of torque. It is made from premium-grade chrome vanadium steel and has a black oxide finish.
Specification
Brand: Tekton
Model: 24335
Drive Size: 1/2"
Torque Range: 10-150 ft.-lb.
Accuracy: +/-4%
Weight: 2.2 Pound
Why Should You Buy Tekton 24335?
This ½” drive wrench is equipped with a high-contrast dual-range scale that makes it effortless to view the torque readings even in poorly lit working conditions.
1/2 inch drive and 10-150 ft-lb torque range is good enough for most of the mechanic’s works. Spinning handle helps to set the desired torque you want to apply. Click type mechanism ensures an audible sound upon reaching preset torque. Not only do you hear click sound but also feel it in hands.
Demarcated scale helps to read easily.
It is marked in ft-lb (foot-pound) and NM (newton meter) on the opposite of the handle, half marked on the knurled handle and half on the metal body. Knurled handle scale is called micrometer scale and handle body scale referred to the main scale. The ratcheting head helps to continue works on bolt tightening without lifting it again and again.
This could be used for removing fastener (not recommended by the manufacturer, only use the standard wrench for removing fasteners) but it cannot measure torque in the anti-clockwise direction. It measures in only clockwise direction. The wrench itself benefits from an all steel construction with no plastic parts.
Tekton brand offers exchange warranty for broken or damaged tools. You don’t need to worry if you wrench is damaged. You can get a replacement by just contacting to manufacturer.
Uses:
It helps tighten the lug nut of your car wheels and cylinder head bolt. It is perfect for cars and SUV’s tires rotation and swapping summer tires for winter tires. It is also used for installing power steering pump, changing time belt and lawn mowers blades.
Pros:
- Terrific value for the price
- Easy to read scale
- Spring loaded detent balls to firmly secure the adapters
- It comes in decent carrying case, you can keep it safe
Cons:
- This is not good for smaller screws and bolts
2. Tekton 24320 ¼” Drive Click Torque Wrench
If you need torque wrench for bike, motorcycle, or small equipment, you need not look further than the Tekton ¼”.This is one of the best inch pound Torque Wrench under 100 dollars. This tool is easy to use and comes with the same easy-to-read scale as the other Tekton models. The high-contrast dual-range scale is rated from 20 to 200 inch-pounds of torque and is easy to adjust.
This smaller Tekton ¼” has steel construction to deliver fantastic durability. There are no weak and brittle plastic parts so you can expect to use it for a long time indeed.
It's accuracy is within +/- 4% and comes with a compact storage case.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easy to read torque scale
- Tough all steel construction
Cons:
- Minor issues with quality
3. Precision Instruments Torque Wrench (PREC33FR250F 1/2" Drive)
The Precision Instruments ½” Split Beam Torque Wrench is on top of the list since it delivers great accuracy at a rather friendly price.This beautiful torque wrench has a nickel and chrome finish and is equipped with an ergonomic grip handle that feels good to the hand.
It is ideal for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and other demanding jobs. The great thing about tthis wrench is the adjustment knob. This feature eliminates the spring tension so you can easily adjust the proper torque settings with a click of a finger. The torque setting can also be locked in place which is perfect for repetitive applications such as tightening the bolts on the valve cover of your car’s engine. You don't need to reset the value to zero after every use.
One of the most good thing about Precision Instruments PREC33FR250F is that it is USA made torque wrench.
This wrench works in clockwise direction only, but you should not worry, because it's non-reversible ratchet mechanism protect from misuse.
You don’t need to be relaxed or wound-down after each and every use. It is rated to handle 40 to 250 pound-feet of torque. This is a professional grade tool that deserves a place in your garage.
Pros:
- Premium nickel and chrome finish
- Flex head
- Accurate to within 4%
- You can see scale setting clearly even if you are working in low light
- Loud click sound upon reaching set torque.
- Does not need to be wound-down after use
- Easy to adjust
- A good alternate of Snap-On
Cons:
- Slightly higher price tag
- Storage case is big
If you need a high-quality torque wrench for your bicycle, you need the Venzo Torque Wrench Kit. It comes complete with a wide assortment of Allen keys including 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm keys. It even includes a longer 5mm Allen key and T30, T25, and T20 keys as well.
The Venzo ¼” torque wrench is accurate within +/- 4%, but it is a good idea to have the kit calibrated if you are planning to use this on a carbon fiber bike. Remember that carbon parts need to be tightened to exact specifications since overdoing it will either crack or damage the part.
The gauge is easy to read and the torque values are easy to set. The torque range is rated at 2 to 24 newton-meters. The kit even comes with a compact hard case so you can bring this with you on your next biking adventure.
Pros:
- Complete Allen key set.
- Easy to use.
- Clear and legible gauge.
- Great price.
Cons:
- Calibration is required if planning to use on carbon fiber bikes
5. Pittsburgh Torque Wrench (Pro Reversible Click Type)
When it comes to value, it is hard to fault the Pittsburgh Pro. This kit is sold as a set of 3 torque wrenches in ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” sizes. You know what this means, right? If you’re a serious hobbyist and you need a complete set for your car, truck, and bicycle, the Pittsburgh Pro should be on top of your list.
This kit is a click-type torque wrench that is accurate within +/- 4%. All three wrenches are equipped with a heavy-duty cam and pawl mechanism to achieve maximum durability. Best of all, the torque wrenches are reversible and each comes with its own hard case. The torque range is rated at 20 to 200 pound-feet.
If you don’t want to spend too much money on a torque wrench, this kit is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Fantastic price
- Premium quality and feel
- Accurate within 4%
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- The torque readings are hard to read
6. Tekton 24330 3/8” Drive Click Torque Wrench
This kit is also equipped with a reversible ratchet head can drive in both directions. However, take note that it can only measure the torque in a clockwise direction. The good thing about the Tekton 24330 is the high-contrast dual-range scale. This makes the torque values easy to read even when it’s a bit dark or gloomy. The torque range is 10 to 80 inch-pounds.
It is also calibrated to within +/- 4% to deliver faultless accuracy.
Pros:
- Great low price.
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable all-steel construction
- The scale is easy to read
Cons:
- Minor gripes with quality
Repairing is hard enough and it consumes a lot of time. Nobody likes to do it wrong the first time. The one who repairs knows that once something is done, it is done.
Just Imagine! You use the wrong tool for some work and then you realize that you have made the work even worse. Think about it for a moment. I am sure the disappointment can break you into tears.
Now you have to redo all the work you’ve just done. You could’ve saved yourself the time, effort, and extra cost of doing it right the first time. Using the proper procedures, and more importantly, using the right tool for the job can save you agonizing hours of redoing the finished work.
Either you are a mechanic in the Automotive Industry or if your hobby is to maintain or repair your own vehicle, you need hand tools. You need tools like screwdrivers, wrench sets, Spanners, pliers, cutters, hammers and others and they must be the ones that are required for your work.
Important Note
Often mechanical and automotive jobs impose tight work areas, while precision and accuracy is also required. Despite years of experience, an expert mechanic can over-tighten or under-tighten a component which causes damage or breakage of vehicle parts.
In these situations, we need tools which can work easily in these critical situations, provide accurate results, and alert the user to avoid over or under stress. For tightening of lug nuts on cars, trucks and other large vehicles, a torque wrench is the a good tool. It applies proper force on fasteners to get the job done precisely.
Avoid a Do-Over: Pick a Best Torque Wrench for Your Need
TW Sizes: Many users ask that What size torque wrench should I buy/use?
There are the following four basic sizes of square drive head, which are used for different purposes:
What Exactly is a Torque Wrench??
It is an easy-to-use precision tool used to measure the accurate torque on a bolt, nut or other fastener. In other words, it is used to measure the amount of force applied on fasteners to meet the criteria set by the manufacturer. It helps the user to be efficient in tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and screws while avoiding under-tightening and over-tightening them.
Importance of this tool in our Daily Life
When we apply a force to the nuts and bolts during the assembly of automobile parts, we use torque for clamping the parts together. For safety measures and for the longevity of fasteners, we need proper fastening tools that will precisely tighten to an exact specification.
A torque wrench is a precision tool and measures the applied force/load/tension on the threaded fasteners during assembly. It helps to achieve the specific fastening torque quickly and correctly, yet operates smoothly with minimal human effort. A properly torqued fastener remains tight during the rigors of operation and vibrations that occur and can save the vehicle from any serious damages.
Inadequate tightening or using poor torque fasteners can fail during operation due to high vibrations or strain. To avoid these problems, we need proper torque tools. With these problems in mind, engineers have designed this tool to apply the specific amount of torque to joining the parts.
Mostly, modern torque wrenches are equipped with a ratchet mechanism. It allows the user to keep the wrench on the fastener once it has reached the end of travel in the work space. The user simply turns the wrench in the opposite direction from its intended travel. The ratcheting mechanism uses a gear inside the wrench head to let the handle slip backward while the fastener remains still. It allows faster operation in a tight work space.
Application: These wrenches are used in Automotive, heavy engineering, Aeronautic, Watercraft, Fertilizers and Defense Organizations, etc.
The most recognized and best brands/manufacturers for these wrenches are:
Every brand’s has the same operating principle, but accuracy, durability and prices are different. They are available in different sizes and lengths, and are sold in retail shops and online stores like Amazon. Before selecting or buying a torque wrench, we need to understand their features and select the best suitable tool according to our needs.
Features and Qualities to Look for in Torque Wrench
There are a lot of questions comes in mind, like Where to buy torque wrench? How much does a torque wrench cost?
Answers of these 2 questions are, you can buy it either from local store or from Amazon (Recommended) and It costs between $30-$150.
While requirements vary from person to person, some important things should be kept in mind before making a final decision to purchase so that we select the best tools suitable for our needs:
- What size of square drive is needed?
- What is its operating torque range?
- Can it measure torque in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, or only one?
- What is the maximum torque it can measure?
- How accurate is it?
- Is it easy to use and easy to grip during work?
- Is it easy to read the torque spec while tightening or loosening the fastener?
- Is its weight and length easy to handle?
- How durable is it?
- Does the manufacturer provide warranty?
- Does it include a Certificate of Calibration?
- Does it include a storage case?
- Does it meet ASME B107.14M-1094 and ISO 6789 standards?
- Is it manufactured with a locking feature?
Square Drive
These wrenches are available with different sizes of square drive which have been previously explained in detail. Before choosing any wrench to buy, make sure the size of square drive matches the job you need to perform.
Accuracy
Mostly torque wrenches have an accuracy of (+/-) 5%, which means a particular wrench should read within plus or minus 5% of the exact torque value. For Example, we set the value 15 newton meters (nm) , it should click constantly when the actual torque is between 14.7nm – 15.5nm.
Storage Case
Mostly torque tools available on the market come with their own storage case. It is very important to have storage case for to maintain the accuracy and longevity of any tool, especially precision tools. Be sure to buy a case for your tool if it doesn’t come with one.
Certificate of Calibration
It is a document which certifies the accuracy of your wrench against the standard, which the wrench is being tested. Most calibration certificates are valid for 3 years after the inspection or for one year after date of usage. It includes the following key features:
- Model number.
- Serial number.
- Torque setting to which TQ wrench is calibrated.
- Accuracy limits.
- Units in either SI or in English.
- Ambient Temperature.
- Date of calibration.
Design Factors
It heavily depends on your needs and your budget to determine the best torque wrench for you. TEKTON, NEIKO, GEARWRENCH, and CRAFTSMAN brands are good quality and have wrenches under $50 for the price-conscious shopper.
If you are more concerned with owning high quality, long lasting tools, then you should buy CDI, NORBAR, and SNAP-ON. These brands have highly reliable tools with highly precise accuracy.
Types of Torque Wrenches
Clicker Type Wrench
The most suited wrench for automotive work is a clicker type torque wrench. It is the most popular and widely used tool in the world. It employs a clutch mechanism so that the clutch starts slipping once the required torque value is reached. It creates an audible click when it reaches the set value.
Beam Type Wrench
It consists of two parallel rods: the wrench handle, and a second rod contains a needle or pointer which moves in both directions, clockwise and counter-clockwise by applying pressure. Using this style of wrench ensures accuracy. However, it may be a challenging task because you have to constantly look at the needle for an accurate reading.
Split Beam Type
The “split beam” provides accurate reading and trouble-free performance. We can adjust it from the bottom of the scale to the top of the scale within seconds. It requires the least maintenance as the ratchet head is sealed. It has an easy grip handle and reduces user fatigue. The key benefit of this wrench is that you don’t have to release the torque after use.
Dial
The design of this style and heavy metal guard makes it robust and durable. It uses a needle, which moves by applying force and shows the exact torque value. These wrenches can measure torque in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
According to some experts, dial type TW are more accurate than clicker type wrenches. It is the only wrench whose accuracy is not affected by hand-hold position. Usually it's dial face is large which makes it easier to watch the value and reduces human error.
Electronic With Digital Readout
This is the most expensive, but also the most reliable torque wrench. It is most commonly used where angle plus torque is required.
It uses of a large back-lit LED display for showing torque digitally to ensure that the users see the reading quickly and easily. It also includes a buzzer for audible noise and 3 different LED lights to alert the mechanics that the required value has been reached.
These types of wrenches usually display all 4 types of units of torque: Inch-pounds, foot-pounds, Newton-meters, Kilogram-centimeter. The most advanced electronic torque wrenches have a feature that measures the tightening angle as well as torque. Its accuracy is unbeatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise direction.
Click here to find the best digital torque wrench for great quality and results.The Final Verdict
Finding the right torque wrench for you depends on your purpose. For bicycles, small engines, and precision repairs to small projects, a ¼ inch square drive is your best choice.
3/8 inch square drives are the best choice for automotive repairs, and ½ inch square drive are best for heavy mechanical, cars, trucks, SUVs, and large equipment. For any industrial projects or repairs, 1 inch square drive TW's are your best choice.
Learn from the mistakes others have made. Obtain the right torque wrench for the job at hand. You will save yourself the time and effort of redoing work a second time.
References:
