There are a variety of top rated torque wrenches, and you may find it challenging to pick one from the sea of brands. The usage of these wrenches vary, but primarily, they are used to modify the tightness of bolts and nuts. They have torque settings to adjust with measurements in feet or meters, but the function is the same in all wrenches.
You will need a torque wrench for car repair. For manual cars, the specific information on the torque setting to use is given.
The wrenches are universal, allowing them to be used on any car make or model. You might also need a torque wrench for bicycle tuning. By tweaking the appropriate gears, your bike will perform optimally.
For bicycles, you have to ensure you choose a wrench for bicycles as ordinary wrenches will not work.
Basically, wrenches are used on any device that requires screws and bolts tightening. While you can use a regular ratchet, the accuracy of tightness will be low for a ratchet.
TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive Click-Torque Wrench – Best for Under $100
The Tekton 1/2-Inch Drive Click-Torque Wrench is fabricated for use on cars, trucks, garden and lawn equipment with a torque range of between 10 and 150 ft-lb. Its build lets you tighten screws and bolts with precise specifications to ensure that you secure parts without damage.
Calibrated for preciseness, the Tekton 1/2-Inch Drive Click-Torque Wrench allows you to meet the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
It sports a calibration accuracy of +/- 4 percent, preventing breakages, stress, and poor fastening. The wrench is simple and reliable. Inside its handle, the wrench clicks, alerting you when you have met the required torque.
The Tekton wrench features a dual range scale, which is easy to read even in dimly lit rooms. This tool is fabricated from steel, for long lasting performance. There are no plastic parts and, therefore, parts do not wear or break. The wrench is recommended for use on vehicles of all makes and models.
Pros
• Easy to read dual-range scale
• All-steel construction for consistent performance
• Built for precision tightening
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Tekton 24330 3/8-Inch Drive Torque Wrench – Good Choice for Motorcycle
Like most Tekton wrenches, the 24330 3/8-Inch Drive Torque Wrench was engineered for use on cars and trucks, garden and lawn equipment and other devices that need screws and bolts tightening.
It accommodates between 10-80 ft.-lb. Its adjustability lets you meet precise torque requirements from manufacturers without damaging equipment and devices.
On the wrench is a positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down ring for ease of use. This makes the wrench easy to set. Even better, it sports a grooved grip, giving you enough control during use. The design of the wrench features easy-release buttons for socket retention and removal.
The Tekton has a simple design with reliable mechanical operation. It produces a click inside the handle, alerting you when to stop applying force.
The Tekton 24330 wrench is offered with high contrast dual range scale that you can read even in low light. Its all-steel construction makes it dependable. It is recommended for diverse applications.
Pros
- All-steel construction makes it long lasting
- Useful in different applications
- Great price
Cons
- Metallic handle feels harsh on handle after long use
Neiko 03713A 3/8-Inch – Best Adjustable Click Torque Wrench
If you have a device that requires precise wrench settings, the Neiko 03713A is designed to offer just that.
It features a +/- 4 percent calibration, allowing you to meet the torque specifications of the manufacturer. It accommodates torque measurements between 5 and 80 foot-pounds.
The Neiko wrench sports a 3/8-inch drive head, accommodating different sockets and offering versatility. Like other click torque wrenches, the Neiko 03713A has an audible click sound that alerts you once you have met the needed torque. On the wrench is a dual range pressure scale that is easy to read.
This tool is easy to use. Adjusting torque levels is as easy as aligning the patterned grip with the torque recommended for your car, truck, or equipment. On the grip is a 0-10 gradient that allows micrometer adjustments with a knob to lock in the tension.
This unit is fabricated from vanadium steel, allowing it to perform consistently. Coupled with its chrome finish and its ABS storage case, the wrench is safe from rust and corrosion. It is recommended for use on all cars.
Pros
• Chrome finish to keep it safe from rust and corrosion
• Easy to read scale
• Highly adjustable for versatility
Cons
- Threads wear out quickly
Pittsburgh Pro 239 – Cheap Torque Wrench under $50
The Pittsburgh Pro 239 uses a heavy duty cam and a pawl mechanism. This is a reversible half inch drive wrench torque that uses a click stop mechanism.
When you attain the manufacturer’s recommended torque, the wrench will produce a loud click sound to alert you.
This wrench accommodates a torque range between 20 and 150 foot-pounds. It sports a +/- 4 percent calibration, offering great precision. This is a reversible wrench, enhancing its versatility. You can use it on cars, trucks, and garden equipment. The wrench is 18 inches long and weighs 3.15 pounds. Its ergonomic size allows you great control during use.
This wrench is made of high grade steel for consistent performance. It is recommended for heavy duty use.
Pros
• Reversible for versatility
• Created for precision tightening
• Patterned grip for control
Cons
- The click is not loud
Industrial Brand CDI 1/2-Inch Torque Wrench – Best Versatile Tool
The CDI 1/2-Inch is a long torque wrench designed for use on applications that need a heavy duty. It accommodates torque between 30 and 250 foot pounds. This makes it ideal for different car makes and models.
This wrench sports a dual scale that is easily visible even in low light conditions. The scale is laser marked.
This is enhanced by the calibrated dual direction, making it easy for you to get precise screw and bolts tightening.
On the wrench is a positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down ring for ease of use. This makes the wrench easy to set. Even better, it sports a grooved grip, giving you enough control during use. The design of the wrench features easy release buttons for socket retention and removal.
CDI has a variety of other wrenches of different sizes and different torque ranges. The CDI 1/2-Inch Torque Wrench is recommended for those who need versatility.
Pros
• Versatile
• Easy release buttons
• Easy to set up
Cons
- The grooved handle is relatively less durable
Go Outdoor 3/8-Inch Wrench – For Home Mechanic
The Go Outdoor 3/8-Inch Torque Wrench is a reversible wrench designed for use in different applications including garden and lawn equipment, motorcycles, cars and trucks. It uses a heavy duty cam-and-pawl mechanism.
The wrench was engineered for preciseness. It is a click torque wrench that produces a sound every time the required torque is achieved. It accommodates a torque range of between 5 and 80 foot-pounds.
The Go Outdoor wrench features a precise calibration of + or – 4 percent. This allows you to tighten and remove bolts and screws from different devices with high accuracy. The wrench is 14.25 inches long and weighs 2.65 pounds.
It is offered with carrying case, allowing you transport it with great ease. Its textured grip gives you control while its steel construction gives it lasting consistency.
The unit is recommended for those who need preciseness and ease of use.
Pros
• Reversible for use on different applications
• Ergonomic construction for ease of use
• Textured grip gives the user control
Cons
- Click not audible at times
Precision Instruments PREC3FR250 – Good Split Beam Torque Wrench
The Precision Instruments PREC3FR250 sports a stellar design that ups its performance. It was engineered for precision and ease of use.
It features all-steel construction with a nickel/chrome finish. This makes it resistant to rust and corrosion to give you consistent performance. After use, the tool does not need to be turned down.
On the handle of this wrench is a single scale that lets you tighten different bolts and screws. Torque settings lock, making repetitive applications easy.
The wrench sports an adjustment knob that helps you eliminate spring tension, which makes it easy for you to set the torque. It is recommended for all applications.
Pros
• Torque settings can be locked for repetitive use
• Great preciseness for all applications
• Easy to read scale
Cons
- The plastic handle is less durable
EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click-Stop Torque Wrench – Best for Bikes & Cycling
The EPAuto 1/4-Inch Torque Wrench is designed with a long lasting ratchet head, which keeps it functioning for many years to come. This tool features a Chrome Vanadium steel alloy and will fit perfect for your bike.
This protects it from elements while ensuring that it lasts for a long time. The tool comes in a sturdy plastic case that makes storage easy. Its knurled handle is comfortable and non-slip, giving you great control during use.
The EPAuto 1/4 features a high contrast easy to read dual range scale. The preciseness of the calibration is +/- 4 percent. Its satin finish enhances its functional life by making it corrosion retardant. The Taiwan made torque wrench is easy to use and reliable. It produces a click sound that alerts you when you hit the preset torque.
The wrench is recommended for all applications thanks to its versatility.
Pros
• Easy to set up
• Created for precision
• Ergonomic design for comfortable use
Cons
- Textured grip feels harsh on hands after a long period of use
EPAuto 3/8-Inch-Drive Click Torque Wrench – Best for Cars and Trucks
The EPAuto 3/8-Inch features the same quality construction of all wrenches from EPAuto. First off, it has a long lasting ratchet head forged from hardened and treated Chrome Vanadium-Steel Alloy.
This allows the wrench to offer long-lasting and consistent performance. It is delivered in a durable plastic case, which allows you to store and travel with your tool with ease.
Its knurled handle feels comfortable on your hands and makes the tool non-slip.
The wrench is easy to set up thanks to its high contrast dual range scale. It is pre-calibrated with an accuracy of +/- 4 percent. This lets you get very accurate and precise torque settings. With a satin finish, this tool resists rust and corrosion and feels easy on the hands.
It is a click torque producing a sound whenever the preset torque has been attained. This click is loud enough and you can hear it amid low noise. The wrench is 14 inches long and weighs 2.5 pounds. This makes it ergonomic enough for long periods of use. The tool is recommended for cars and trucks.
Pros
• Heavy duty construction
• Simple and reliable design for easy set up
• Reasonable price
Cons
- Plastic case is bulky when traveling
Pittsburgh Pro Set – Best Torque Wrench Set
The Pittsburgh Pro Set include three of the most used torque wrenches, making it a versatile set for all your applications.
The three wrenches included in the set feature the same quality of Pittsburgh Pro wrenches with all-steel construction for long-lasting use.
They use a heavy-duty cam and pawl mechanism, making them ideal for applications that need precise torque. Each of the wrenches offers a reversible functionality for versatility.
You are offered a 1/2-inch drive wrench that accommodates between 20 and 150 foot-pounds of torque. This is a click-type torque wrench with a calibration accuracy of +/- 4 percent. This wrench is 18 inches long.
The second wrench features a 3/8-inch drive and accommodates between 5 and 80 foot pounds. It is a reversible wrench 14.25 inches long. The third wrench has a 1/4-inch drive. It accommodates between 20 and 200 foot-pounds. It is 100 inches long.
Each of the wrenches comes in a plastic protective case that keeps it protected and makes it easy to carry. Their steel construction offers you a long lasting and consistent performance. If you need value for money, this set of 3 is recommended.
Pros
• Offers great value for money
• Comes as a complete set for versatility
• Durable carrying and storage case
Cons
- Metallic does not feel comfortable
Best Torque Wrench for the Money – Buyer’s Guide
Torque is the force of tightening. It refers to how much a given screw or bolt should be tightened. Critical components on cars and trucks have specified torque from the manufacturer. This keeps them safe from stress and breakages. When more than the needed torque is used, the component might get damaged, and when a little torque is applied, the bolt might back off when the application is in use.
Either way, incorrect torque can result in catastrophic component failure. Brakes and suspension components are especially critical, and care should be taken when tightening fasteners. This is where a torque wrench comes in.
A torque wrench lets you preset the required torque for preciseness. It will be offered with a scale from which you can set the specific torque needed within a range.
Typically, a single wrench is enough as you can swap sockets to meet the needs of different applications. There are different types of torque wrenches on the market, but automotive wrenches are the most common.
This guide looks at the basics of these wrenches to help you make a good buying decision.
Size Guide
There are different industries that need wrenches. In industries, there are more than ten wrench sizes for diverse applications. However, for users at home in small automotive shops, there are four commonly used wrench sizes.
Each of the wrenches accommodates a different torque range indicated in foot-pounds for SAE fasteners. In metric fasteners, it is indicated in newton-meters. In smaller wrenches, inch-pounds may be used.
Basic sizes include:
- 1/4-Inch Drive – When you have small bolts and nuts, this is the ideal drive. It accommodates torque between 50 and 250 inch-pounds, an equivalent of 4 – 21 foot-pounds.
- 3/8-Inch Drive – This is a versatile size, accommodating most bolts and nuts on cars and trucks. It is useful in automotive work, requiring between 15 and 75 foot-pounds. It is an ideal wrench when you need to buy a single size. While it will not cover all your needs, it will allow you to tighten a high number of nuts and bolts.
- 1/2-Inch Drive – This torque wrench comes in handy for relatively large bolts. You can use it on engine mounts, suspension, and transmission mounts. It allows you to torque accurately irrespective of the car or truck you have. Most are in the range of 30 to 250 foot-pounds.
- 3/4-Inch Drive – This is the largest size. It comes in handy for center lug wheels and other special applications. In everyday applications, this wrench is not needed. Granted, you may not need it at home as you need a wrench that meets your needs.
In all the four wrench sizes, there is an overlap in the torque ranges. You might, therefore, think of buying a single size for all your torqueing needs.
However, note that while the torque demands increase, so does the size of the fasteners. This means that, while a 3/8-inch drive can accommodate the same torque as a 1/2-inch wrench, one wrench may not maneuver small spaces with ease.
Most cars and trucks have low torque requirements, and as such, you will find a smaller wrench easier to work with than having a very big wrench. Again, torque wrenches offer better precision in the middle of the range. It is, therefore, advisable for you to choose the range carefully.
Types of Torque Wrenches
There are different types of wrenches to choose from, including:
Click-Type
Click-Type torque wrenches are the most common and the easiest to use for automotive work. Most garages and mechanic shops use this type of wrench. The wrench allows you to preset the needed torque.
When you hit the preset torque, the wrench produces a clicking sound, alerting you to stop applying more force. However, the wrench does not lock to prevent you from using extra force. You should not apply additional force after the click to avoid damaging automotive parts.
Electronic
Electric torque wrenches are digital alternatives to click-type wrenches. They run on a battery, producing a beeping sound once the preset torque is attained and showing the torque on a digital display. However, the mode of operation is the same between these and click-type wrenches.
In advanced electronic wrenches, features such as memory and release buttons are fitted. These added features come at a cost. They are relatively pricey. They allow you more precision, especially when dealing with delicate components and equipment.
If you do not mind using a few bucks to get the added features, they are a suitable option.
Beam
Beam Torque Wrenches have been used for a long time. They are simple and straightforward, especially for those who do not know how to use torque wrenches before. However, they are relatively less accurate and less reliable.
With these wrenches, a beam will flex as you apply force, showing you the torque being applied in real-time. Ergo, your eyes have to be fixed on the visual indicator gauge.
If you need a cost-effective wrench, this is your best bet. They are recommended for those who do not need a wrench often. Some of them are heavy and less comfortable to use.
Shopping Guide: Factors to Consider
You need to buy a torque wrench that meets your needs. These tools are simple, with minimal features to consider. Once your needs are met, consider value for money. Some factors to consider are:
Warranty – Some units are offered with a lifetime warranty. This shows the confidence of the manufacturer on the wrench. At all costs, avoid wrenches offered with a warranty of less than a year.
Preciseness – The torque accuracy will vary between different wrenches. A good torque wrench should offer a calibration accuracy better than 5 percent. This will be indicated in its calibration certification. The wrench should also be easy to calibrate as per the maintenance requirements set by the manufacturer. This allows them to maintain the factory accuracy.
Torque wrenches are pre-calibrated. However, there are instances where the calibration may be affected, especially when you drop the wrench. Ergo frequent calibrations are necessary. Storage can also affect the preciseness of a torque wrench. Therefore, store the wrench as the manufacturer recommends.
Construction – Most wrenches are forged from stainless steel and finished with chrome or satin. Others, the cheaper options, have lots of plastic parts and are less durable. Consider the weight and the length of the wrench for convenient torqueing. Each aspect of the wrench should make it easy to use by enhancing its ergonomics.
Ratcheting – This refers to the mode of operation. Some wrenches are bi-directional, and others are uni-directional, allowing you to torque clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most click-type wrenches are bi-directional while beam torque wrenches are uni-directional.
Scale – Some tools have a dual scale and some single scales. This only affects the units used. The most important aspect of the scale is its visibility. A digital display is easy to read, but that comes at a relatively high cost.
Grip – The tool you choose should offer you a steady grip without being harsh on your hands. This is especially true for mechanics who are always working with oily hands. Some tools are provided with rubber grips and others with plastic grips. However, most come with knurled grips.
Extra features such as quick release buttons should also be considered when shopping for a wrench. These features, however, come at a higher price.
FAQ
Why do I need a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is very useful in tightening nuts and bolts in either your car or bicycle. They come with particular settings that you can adjust to get the job done. Torque wrenches are different and what you choose for your car is different from the wrench suitable for your bicycle.
How do I know when my nuts and bolts have reached the necessary torque?
Most torque wrenches come with calibration accuracy and have click sounds for you to know when to stop torquing. This helps you tighten your screws easily without adding excess pressure or breaking them. You, therefore, need to get a reliable torque wrench to simplify tightening your bolts safely.
I don't know much about torque wrenches, what are some of the features that I should look for before purchasing one?
Consider the length of your wrench if you need one to use for heavy duty. Ensure that the settings are user- friendly and are visible for you to use underneath your car. You can check if your torque wrench has a release button for easy removing of sockets. Check for versatility in using a torque wrench to determine if you can easily reverse it or not. Accuracy is also crucial for a torque wrench to prevent breakage.
How do I ensure that my torque wrench does not rust?
If you are worried about this, you could go for a torque wrench that comes with an ABS case for storage. This gives it maximum protection for external factors such as water that may make it rust. You can also look for one with a chrome finish to guarantee safety.
Can I get a torque wrench to tighten screws on my motorcycle?
Yes. Torque wrenches are diverse and designed for various locomotives. Check out the tekton 3/8 inch drive in this case. You can quickly adjust your nuts and bolts with this wrench for precise torque. Its design is simple for easy use on a motorcycle, and its operation is reliable. The dual range on it allows you to use in less light intensity. It is also a bit cheaper than most torque wrenches designed for heavy duty applications.
What material is best for my torque wrench?
Steel is mostly used to manufacture most wrenches since it is durable and free from wear and tear. You will not go wrong with a wrench made from steel since it ensures consistency. Choose one with a grooved or a patterned grip for you to easily control your device.
What torque wrench do I need for my bicycle?
The EPAuto ¼ inch drive is the most suitable wrench for the screws on a bicycle. This is made from vanadium steel that makes your wrench durable. Unlike other torque wrenches, you get a casing to store your wrench and move it around quickly. This also keeps it safe from corroding. You will not find the handle uncomfortable while using it as it is designed to be non- slip. A calibration of +/-4% makes your wrench precise and accurate for torquing.
Should I choose a high or low priced torque wrench?
This depends on your potential as well as what features you are looking for in a torque wrench. Each torque wrench offers different features from a simple one that you can work with for home use, to complex one for heavy duty work. For instance, electronic torque wrenches may cost you more than click type wrenches due to additional features such as release buttons and memory. Therefore, the cost of a torque wrench goes hand in hand with what you need from it.
Is there a warranty for a torque wrench?
Yes. Get a torque wrench from a reputable dealer and ensure that your warranty is above at least one year.
Conclusion
Best torque wrenches are a must-have for mechanic shops and garages. You might also need one for use at home, especially if you love DIY projects. It is critical to ensure that different components in your car are torqued right for optimal functioning. From the different brands and types of torque wrenches, you can choose any, but make sure it meets your needs.
These wrenches are fabricated rugged for long-lasting and consistent performance. In most cases, you will need a tool that offers you versatility and accuracy. The price and beauty of a wrench should come after your needs have been met. Note that, even after you have bought a wrench, you will still need different sockets to match different bolt sizes.
