Best Torque Wrench Buying Guide

A torque wrench is an easy to use precision device that is used to measure the force, load, or tension applied on threaded fasteners during assembly. This performance tool assists the user to be able to loosen or tighten bolts, screws, and nuts easily without under tightening or over tightening them. A torque wrench is essential in our lives today because it is the ideal fastening tool for safety measures and also for the longevity of fasteners. Below is a review of the best torque wrenches for the money available in the market today.

ACDELCO ARM6014 ½” DIGITAL TORQUE WRENCH

The ACDelco digital torque wrench is constructed from metal for durability and is designed to produce a more precise torque with a variety of mode settings. This drive microtork torque wrench features a built-in audible buzzer and LCD which displays measurements in kg-cm, Nm, ft-lb, and in-lb. The Ac Delco torque wrench is light-weight and is powered with three AAA batteries. This torque wrench has multiple setting functions including torque measurements, mode settings, and Peak & Trace and 10% of max torque value as well as 4 to 99-foot pounds torque range. With a guaranteed accuracy range of plus or minus 2% clockwise and +/_ 3% counterclockwise, this digital torque wrench is a must-have for cars.

TEKTON 24335 1/2 INCH DRIVE CLICK TORQUE WRENCH

The Tekton industry is well known for producing a wide range of quality products which include torque wrenches, measurement equipment and also torque calibration equipment. The Tekton 24335 1/2inch drive click torque wrench is one of their most excellent products, and it comes with a variety of features which include;

• An easy to read dual scale that has a high contrast feature which enables you to read comfortably in low light.
• Long-Lasting and robust steel construction with a corrosion resistant finish.
• A tangible and auditory feature that clicks when you get the appropriate torque value.
• A reversible drive ratchet head that is made of chrome vanadium steel.
• A non-slip knurled handle that gives you that extra grip.

Pros

• Has a feature that enables you to feel and hear when you get the exact torque value.
• Has a non-slip knurled handle that allows you to hold it firmly when working.
• Has an all-steel construction that ensures its durability since its surface is corrosion resistant.
• Consists of an easy to read dual range scale, which enables you to read in low light.
• High quality and inexpensive compared to other wrenches.

Cons

Even though it is the best torque wrench available, before using this device, you will be required to read the full manual cover to cover and understand it well.
Dropping this wrench on the floor carelessly will severely damage it despite its all steel construction.

CDI 2401C13 DRIVE COMPUTORQ 3 ELECTRONIC TORQUE WRENCH

This is also one of the best torque wrenches available in the market today due to its high quality and enhanced technological features which include:

• Contains quick release buttons for easy switching.
• A rubber grip that is ergonomically designed and also non-slip.
• It has a 15 degrees flex ratcheting head.
• Features a LED Display for giving immediate torque values in any of the four torque units available.
• Enables you to torque range anywhere between two and twenty-foot pounds.

Pros

• It is well constructed using durable, firm, and light material.
• The device is very accurate and easy to use.
• Has a quick release mechanism that enables you to set up the sockets quickly and easily.
• Has a LED screen which displays the torque values while you are working so that you know how much force is being applied on your fastener.
• Has the ability to take readings for later reference.
• Has a rubber grip that is ergonomically designed to ensure ease when handling and manipulating it.

Cons

• Even though it is among the best torque wrenches available, the CDI 2401C13 drive torque wrench is quite expensive.
• Sometimes the device might indicate that it has reached the right setting way before it does.

PRECISION INSTRUMENTS PREC3FR250F SILVER 1/2 INCH DRIVE SPLIT BEAM CLICK TYPE TORQUE WRENCH

This performance tool is arguably among the best torque wrenches available because it is cheap and made of high quality. It also has improved features that enable it to perform its function well, and it is excellent for tight spaces. These features include:

• Has setting locks that can be used when adjusting to required torque.
• Comes with maximum speed and efficiency plus innovative torque mechanism which only need a little push for it to work.
• Doesn’t require readjustment after use since it can readjust itself.
• Has an adjustment knob which can do away with spring tension thus making adjustments simple.
• It is quite long for any additional work during wrenching and increased reach.

Pros

• The device is firm, light to use and carry around and also very strong.
• The wrench is easy to read thanks to its well-encrypted measurements on the scale.
• This tool has offered a high level of accuracy and only gives precise numbers.
• No strain required when adjusting this wrench since it has elaborate springs and dials.
• Has an ergonomic design and adjusted length on the torque wrench and handle for comfortable handling and you also get to get in touch with those hard to reach places.
• This wrench is affordable.

Cons

• The wrench only works in a clockwise direction, therefore, cannot be used to torque on left-hand thread fasteners.

SNAPON INDUSTRIAL BRAND CDI TORQUE 2503MFRPH 1/2-INCH DRIVE ADJUSTABLE MICROMETER TORQUE WRENCH

This CDI Snapon torque wrench is undeniably the best torque wrench available amongst the brands available in the market today because of its enhanced features, ease of use among other pros mentioned below. Its features include:

• Has two directional standardized dual scales.
• It has a single scale that is laser marked.
• Its torque ranges from plus or minus thirty to two hundred and fifty ft lbs.
• It has an appositive lock with a pull-down lock ring that is spring loaded.
• The wrench has quick release buttons that enable you to have a fast set up and socket retention.

Pros

• Easily readable due to its bright and distinct markings.
• It is very accurate.
• Has high quality and is inexpensive.
• Easy to set up because of its ergonomic design.
• It is compact and lightweight.
• The device has buttons that have a quick to release feature which enables immediate retention and release of sockets.

Cons

• It’s plastic handle is quite uncomfortable and also slippery.
• The wrench requires special maintenance for it to last long.
• It might be a little challenging to read in low light.

This CDI 2503MFRPH torque ½ inch drive adjustable micrometer torque wrench features a calibrated dual scale and functions in double direction and has a lock with spring loaded pull down lock ring. The Industrial brand CDI torque wrench is designed to be fast, easy to set, and easy to read scale. This torque wrench comes complete with quick release buttons which provide excellent socket retention, an ergonomic comfort grip, and easy socket removal. The torque range of this wrench is 30 to 250foot-pounds. The industrial brand CDI adjustable torque wrench measures 21.2inches by 2.8inches by 2.4inches and weighs 4.3 pounds.

THE AIRCAT 1150 KILLER TORQUE WRENCH

It is among the best torque wrenches because it delivers a motor that is 15% more compared to its competition, Also great for small or tight spaces. Its features include:

• A well-fixed exhaust system.
• Original quite technology.
• Has a larger rotor and cylinder compared to other wrenches by 15%
• Ergonomic handle design.
• Aluminum finish.
• Consists of a variable speed capacity.
• Has an easy flip lever that can operate forward and reverse.

Pros

• The Aircat 1150 is the most powerful impact wrench because of its 15% large cylinder and rotor.
• The device can keep remains away from the users face using the original handle exhaust.
  Produces low operational sound.
• It is fast, reliable, and has a rugged hard hitting twin hammer mechanism for enhancing speed.
• Its ergonomic handle design makes handling and manipulating the device easy and comfortable.
• It is highly reliable since it was designed for general use.
• It is lightweight, thus making it portable.

Cons

• This wrench doesn’t get a good grip of the socket thus may be easily pulled off the outlet when in use.
• There are high chances of crushing your finger when using this device to hold back the other side of the bolt.

Anyone looking to purchase a torque wrench should go through the reviews we have provided above and select the best torque wrench available in the market today. If you have had the chance to perform mechanical repairs, then you realize how important this park tool is.

TEKTON 24340 ½-INCH DRIVE CLICK TORQUE WRENCH

The Tekton drive click torque wrench is constructed with durable steel and has no plastic parts to wear out or break. This accurizing torque wrench has a range of 25-250 ft.-lbs. The Tekton drive click wrench features high-contrast dual-scale which is easy to use even in low light and a reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions & measures torque in a clockwise direction. This 1/2inch torque wrench measures 26inches by 3inches by 2.5inches and comes pre-calibrated to plus or minus 4% accuracy. The reliable mechanical operation inside the handle produces a click when the desired torque is reached to ensure parts are correctly secured without damage.

CAPRI TOOLS 31103 1/2INCH DRIVE TORQUE WRENCH

The Capri Tools Drive Torque Wrench is constructed from aluminum with a matte finish and diamond sure-grip made of light-weight impact resistant materials for a firm ergonomic hold. This torque wrench features ultra smooth torque dialing, rapid torque change with spring loaded pull down, and secure torque setting with positive lock mechanism. The Capri tools drive torque wrench comes with a dual torque range of 30-250 ft-lbs and an accuracy of +/- 4%. A custom fitted high-impact storage case is included.

NEIKO 03727A ¼ INCH DRIVE BEAM STYLE TORQUE WRENCH

The Neiko Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench is versatile and can be used on motorcycles, bikes, cars, boats, and much more. This torque wrench is convenient as it is ambidextrous for clockwise and anti-clockwise use. The Neiko drive-beam style torque wrench is universal with both standard and metric readings. This torque wrench has a range of 0-80 ft/lb in 1 ft/lb increments and is manufactured with an accuracy of +/- 4%.

Torque Wrench Buyers Guide

A torque wrench is a vital part of the toolkit of a serious at home mechanic. Most precision lug nut and bolt application have a set quantity of torque that needs to be applied to it; too little or too much torque can cause them to break or become loose. That is where the torque wrench comes in. A torque wrench is a unique easy-to-use precision instrument used for adjusting and setting the tightness of bolts and nuts to your desired value.

Torque measurements

Torque is a twisting force that turns or rotates an object like a lug nut or bolt. Unlike horsepower, torque can still be exerted on an entity even if it does not move. You measure torque in pounds-feet or “ft lbs,” meaning a force in pounds acting on the end of a shaft measured in feet. For example, if you put 100 pounds of power on a 2.5 feet-long wrench, then you are putting 250 ft lbs of torque onto the bolt.

Range and Accuracy

The accuracy of a drive microtork torque wrench is tested in terms of Indicted Value or Full Scale. The result has a big difference as indicated value accuracy indicates an allowable error at the set point on the wrench, while full-scale accuracy indicates the eligible error over the full-scale range of the park tool. For a more accurate approach, choose a wrench with flex head.

Types of Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with same necessary capabilities but slightly different operating principles. These are the four main torque wrench types;

Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench

The split beam style torque features a sealed ratcheting head making maintenance easy. You can adjust it from the top of the scale to the bottom within seconds, and the range is also easy to read. The split-beam wrench torque provides accurate reading and stress-free performance. With the drive split-beam torque wrench, you don’t have to release the torque after use.

Break-Over Torque Wrench

The Break-over torque wrench allows accurate mating force when disassembling and assembling coaxial connectors. Break-over torque wrenches have a unique feature of “breaking” at the pivot point once the preset torque value is reached, preventing you from over tightening the connector. These torque wrenches are designed with durable wrench heads connected to light-weight handles for better handling.

Drive Click Torque Wrench

The click style torque wrench is the most common and widely available torque wrench. Click type torque wrenches use a clutch mechanism that is calibrated to measure foot pound gains accurately. This torque wrench uses a spring and a ball detent as a clutch. The spring releases itself and forces the ball detent out of its place, causing an audible click when it detects that the requisite amount of force has been used. These ratcheting click type torque wrenches have considerable precision over other torque wrenches.

Electronic Torque Wrenches

The electric torque wrench features a digital screen which allows you to view an accurate representation of torque. These types of torque wrenches use strain gauges, which are attached to the torsion rods. Electronic or digital torque wrenches are capable of storing measurements made in an internal memory device; the measurements can later be viewed on a computer or printed.

Due to the various materials, types, and sizes that torque wrenches can be made of, there are several factors to consider before selecting a wrench. Some of the factors to take into account when getting a wrench includes; the accuracy of the wrench, material used in construction, ratcheting of the wrench, scale readability, and handling.

Tips On How To Use A Torque Wrench

•  You should always unwind the wrench when you are done using it.
• You use a 1/2inch torque wrenches to tighten bolts not undo them.
• Do not tighten the bolt with a lot of pressure, build up the strength steadily and smoothly until the desired torque is reached.
• Avoid going within 30% of the maximum end of the range.

Identify the Type of Wrench to Use

One should first identify the type of wrench to be used for a specified type of job; pipe wrenches to be used for drainage connections and common use wrenches for nuts and bolts. A wrench with a correct structure should be selected to avoid sudden movement, and one should also wear protective safety gear on the face in case of shreds or tumbling objects. Damaged wrenches should be appropriately discarded. An impact wrench with a firm grip should be used instead of an imbalanced handle if possible.

Fast movements should not be used when pulling a wrench instead of a slow, and steady pull should do it. When using a ratchet wrench support its head when using socket extension as is has a ratcheting head. In case one has to use an adjustable torque wrench when turning, the direction of the turn should be towards the permanent jaw, it helps the operator to adjust the torque settings as needed.

Torque Settings

Handling riflescopes and other firearms mounting should be done perfectly, and this can only be achieved if an accurizing torque is used. Wrenches should be well cleaned after use, and pipe wrenches teeth are sharp and oil-free to prevent slippage and injuries. Preset torque wrenches enable torque settings hence improving control of the bolting process when dealing with bolts.

When handling torquing nuts and bolts that need up to 600 foot-pounds of pressure, a performance tool is most efficient for this type of work. For Sockets and handles with extensions bar requiring adjustment of the torque wrench; the best tool is a wrench with a flex head.

One should never use a wrench on moving machinery, use a makeshift wrench, insert a shim into a wrench for a better fit and most importantly not to use the wrong tools for the job.

Tip: Don’t use these wrenches as a breaker bar.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this complete buying guide, including everything you need to consider when buying a torque wrench. According to the desired torque, accuracy, handling, and style, you will be able to determine what type torque wrenches or wrench sets you should buy. This blog post is ideal if you want to know the current price or check latest price on Amazon, analyze the performance tool, or even if you need to find 1/2inch, 3/8inch drive, or 1/4inch drives.

We always suggest choosing a torque wrench with flex head according to the drive sizes. If you are looking for a torque wrench buy one that has a certificate of calibration. Most home improvement stores usually carry these tools. When it comes to car repairs, this is one of the best hand tools you can have on your garage. We recommend not to use these wrenches as a breaker bar. Out top pick is the CDI Snapon based on current online reviews and mechanics input.