Best Torque Wrench

The TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench is our best torque wrench which has been rated 10 to 150 foot per pound. When the set value has been reached, a click can be felt and heard with this torque wrench. It has been pre-calibrated and ready to use at an accuracy of +/-4 percent. In low light operations, it will be no problem due to its dual range scale being of high contrast and easy to read. What’s more, it can measure torque in clockwise direction and can drive the ratchet reversible head in both directions. It does not have plastic parts that easily wear out and made from an all-steel construction.

Top Pick: TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench

Our step-up pick is the VENZO Bicycle Bike Torque Wrench Set and it is perfect for bicycles. This is a complete set kit with a variety of socket sizes and it comes with a gauge. It uses a click sound and vibration to know if you have reached the set value of the torque.

The budget pick is the Performance Tool M195 0-60in/lb Torque Wrench and it has a range of 0 to 60 inches per pound and 0 to 7 N/m. It also has a 1/4 inch drive and it can be measured clockwise or counterclockwise. The accuracy is ensured due to the ball type handles so that force will be localized and the high durability and prevention of fatigue and wearing is highlighted due to its deflection beam for better accuracy. It is a beam style torque wrench design, and it can measure different torque values when being used to tighten fasteners.

A Little Background

Torque wrenches are needed in the biking industry as well as in the automotive industry. They are used for tightening bolts and nuts on the wheels of the bike and on cars. Do know that some vehicles and bikes have specific torque measurements and this is where a torque wrench comes in handy – so you can deliver high accuracy and precise measurements for the torque of the bolts and nuts.
Some other fields such as telecommunication companies may also need torque wrenches. In some cases, a torque wrench may also be used for installation and repair of anything that is related to the telecommunications field.
Torque wrenches are made for tightening bolts, not loosening them. Remember that there is a specific use for the torque wrench and this should not be when it comes to loosening bolts as there is as specific tool for that. Always keep in mind that if you use a torque wrench for what it is not intended to be used for, it can lose its calibration, accuracy and effectiveness.
Torque wrenches eliminate guesswork and over-tightening of any bolt or nut. Generally speaking, a torque wrench is made for accuracy and precision and this is why you want to spend extra dollars in investing in a tool that will make your car or bike more secured without wildly guessing the torque.
These torque wrenches come in manual and digital types, which are both accurate. A torque wrench can be a beam type, a clicking type or a digital type. A beam type is usually the cheapest and you only need to be more careful in watching the dial when it comes to tightening the wrench. The clicking torque wrench produces a clicking sound when it has reached a set value of torque that you have initiated, but it is also in a mechanical way. The common problem with clicking torque wrenches is that you have to zero them out after use or else they lose their accuracy. Most torque wrenches that are in digital format are expensive but also very accurate and convenient.

How We Picked

A good torque wrench must have a wide torque range. Depending on the size of the drive and other specs, a torque wrench with a good range of torque, measured in foot lbs or N/m, is a great thing to consider and the first thing that you should look for in any torque wrench.
The torque wrench should display measurements in a variety of units. Whether the torque wrench can display in Newton meters or in foot pounds is a good thing to consider, especially if you are working with European or Asian cars. A torque wrench with high compatibility and flexibility is a good buy.
The materials used in making the torque wrench must be of top quality. Most torque wrenches out there will be made from chrome vanadium steel and a torque wrench that has been made with all-metal parts is a big advantage over torque wrenches with some plastic parts. With this case, the torque wrench is ensured to last longer than it should.
Do know that torque wrenches aren’t always cheap, especially if you purchase digital torque wrenches. Manual types of torque wrenches, such as beam types and click types, are usually cheaper than digital torque wrenches and this is why you should watch for its price.
Always ensure that the torque wrench has been properly calibrated. In most cases, a torque wrench has an engraved serial number that ensures it has passed quality standards and certifications and tests to calibrate it properly so you can use the torque wrench with high accuracy.
The torque wrench with added accessories is a big plus. For instance, a torque wrench may also come with a breaker bar included in the package as well as a hard case where you can conveniently store the torque wrench.
Know the specs such as the drive size, the length of the torque wrench, the accuracy and many more. These specs help determine whether a torque wrench is highly competitive and professional among its class of torque wrenches. Always compare and contrast between torque wrenches for their specs.

Our Pick

Top Pick: TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench
Our best torque wrench is the TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench in which low light operations are no problem due to its dual range scale being of high contrast and easy to read. It does not have plastic parts that easily wear out and made from an all-steel construction and it has been pre-calibrated and ready to use at an accuracy of +/-4 percent. It can measure torque in clockwise direction and can drive the ratchet reversible head in both directions and it has been rated 10 to 150 foot per pound with accuracy and high range.
With this torque wrench, when the set value has been reached, a click can be felt and heard with this torque wrench. It is light weight and it weighs only 4.3 lbs. As for the sturdiness, it has been made with high quality chrome vanadium steel on the ratchet head and it eliminates guesswork when it comes to tightening fasteners. The torque specifications of your vehicle manufacturer can finally be followed properly and it is very easy to use.
In using the TEKTON 24335 Wrench, you can just set the value on the handle scale and begin turning and tightening the fastener. It has no need for batteries. It comes with an instructional manual and a torque conversion chart and it is also available in a package with a 4-pc adapter set and also comes with a storage case.
This is a dual range torque wrench which has a 1/2 inch drive. The scale is very easy to read and it has an increment of 1.36 N/M or 1 ft per lb. It has a length of 18 3/8 inches and its ratchet is a 24-tooth ratchet. In N/m, its range is from 13.6 to 203.5 N/m

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

There are some inconveniences when it comes to converting to N/m on the scale for European vehicles when it comes to the TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench, which are only minor.

Step-up Pick

VENZO Bicycle Bike Torque Wrench Set
The step-up pick of this article is the VENZO Bicycle Bike Torque Wrench Set which uses a click sound and vibration to know if you have reached the set value of the torque. It comes as a complete set kit with a variety of socket sizes and it is perfect for bicycles and comes with a gauge.
The Allen keys included are 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm as well as in 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. In addition, there is also a longer Allen key at 5 mm and it has an accuracy of +/-4 percent. Being ideal for bicycle carbon parts, it is a great pick for most people.
It has a torque range of 2 – 24 N/m and it uses T25 and T30 torques. The VENZO Wrench Set is a 1/4 inch torque fix set and it can also be set to 7 N/m. Furthermore, it can be used on bolts if you have the right socket. The torque wrench measures 8 inches in length and it is backed by a 1 year warranty.

Budget Pick

Performance Tool M195 0-60in/lb Torque Wrench
With high durability and prevention of fatigue and wearing is highlighted due to its deflection beam for better accuracy, the Performance Tool M195 0-60in/lb Torque Wrench is our budget pick. It has a 1/4 inch drive and it can measure different torque values when being used to tighten fasteners. It has a range of 0 to 60 inches per pound and 0 – 7 N/m.
It can be measured clockwise or counterclockwise and the accuracy is ensured due to the ball type handles so that force will be localized. It is a beam style torque wrench design. It is also available in other torque wrench models and it is resistant to corrosion. It has a dual range scale that is high contrast and can be read even in low light.
The Performance Tool M195 has been calibrated in both metric and SAE and it has been made with a pointed and hard spring steel beam that resists bending while giving accurate readings. It is ideal for carbon fiber bicycles or plastic intake manifolds and it is usable for pinion bearings, preload, gunsmithing, rear differential and many more.
The wrench measures 10 7/8 inches in length. The range of use is from 10 to 140 ft lbs. Having great manufacturing quality, it has an audible clicking so you can know if it has reached the target torque.

Torque Wrench Combo Pack

3/4″ Drive Torque Wrench and Breaker
Being an all in one pack torque wrench with 3/4 inch drive as well as a breaker bar, the 3/4″ Drive Torque Wrench and Breaker also includes a breaker bar handle and the C4D600F and it has been made with super sturdy steel material. It can work on very stubborn fasteners.
It conveniently has a push button operation to allow selection of the length, ranging up to 41 inches. The knurl grip is of heavy duty and it is a great torque wrench kit. It also has 200 to 600 FP in increments of 10 lbs. The 3/4″ torque wrench also has a calibration certificate and it is ideally used on most Porsche cars. It is currently backed by a 1 year warranty.

Small Size Torque Wrench

CRAFTSMAN 9-31425 Micro-Clicker Torque Wrench 1/2-Drive
As a torque wrench that can be used on a wide variety of projects, the CRAFTSMAN 9-31425 Micro-Clicker Torque Wrench 1/2-Drive is a great torque wrench to consider. The drive is 1/2 inch and it reads both in Newton meters and in foot pounds. It has an accuracy of +/-4 percent and it also uses micro clicker technology and style.
The CRAFTSMAN 9-31425 has a range of 20 to 150 ft lbs of torque. Equipped with a very rugged design and has a high strength due to the construction of alloyed steel and a sturdy plastic build, it has been built with a fast locking ring and highly readable adjustments.
The tension you drive will be just right with this torque wrench, eliminating guesswork. It is also highly applicable for knocking rods and blown gaskets. Moreover, there is a knob on its head that can work to change the direction to loosen the fastening. Generally speaking, the CRAFTSMAN Micro-Clicker Torque Wrench with a 1/2 drive can last up to 5 years without rusting when used properly.

Best Digital Torque Wrench

ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2″ Digital Torque Wrench
The ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2″ Digital Torque Wrencoffers an easy to read digital readout on its feature side and it has an easy to set up trace or peak mode set. It can also display in a variety of measurements such as N/M, in lb, ft lb, kg cm on its LCD and many more and it allows settings for the mode, torque and measurement on its standard function set.
This torque wrench also allows for clockwise and counter clockwise direction turning so you can either fasten or loosen things. As a torque wrench that will fit just about any mechanical job, the ACDelco Digital Torque Wrenchas a range of 4 to 99 ft lbs and it has a 1/2 inch drive. It only requires 4 AAA batteries.
Like most torque wrenches, it has an audible buzzing sound when it hits the target torque. Being backed by a 1 year limited warranty, it also comes with a standard sturdy case and it is ideal for just about any critical application.

Torque Wrench with Plastic Case

Gorilla Automotive TW705 1/2 Inch Drive
A torque wrench that will be of use to any mechanical operation, the Gorilla Automotive TW705 1/2 Inch Drive comes with a sturdy plastic case and it has an overall length of 22 inches. It can measure in Newton meters and in foot lbs due to its very easy to read adjustments.
It has a drive measuring at 1/2 inch and it has a range of 50 to 250 ft lbs. It uses a drive click type for its torque wrench mechanism and it is adjustable when you pull the locking collar back and use the handle to pick settings for your torque wrench.
Being only made with premium grade materials, the Gorilla Automotive has a very large range compared to similar torque wrench even at 1/2 inch drive and the plastic case is very efficient and sturdy.

Full Head Design Torque Wrench

Jonard TWAF-71620 Full Head Torque Wrench
A unique design that is a full head torque wrench, the Jonard TWAF-71620 Full Head Torque Wrench has a length of 6 1/2 inches. It delivers 20 inch per pound of torque and it has a drive measurement of 7/16 inch. It can apply specific torque amount such as 20 or 30 inch lbs to eliminate guesswork and it is highly useful for F-type connectors that are commonly found in the telecommunications field.
Also available in speed head design for either ratcheting or traditional type, the Full Head Jonard Torque Wrench and its full head design resembles an open-end wrench that is very convenient. Being a torque wrench that is very economical and useful, if you check out the speed head version, it skips to the corner of the lock and allows you to constantly turn the wrench without repositioning.
Do know that as with most torque wrench, it has an audible clicking sound when you have reached the target torque value. In addition to that fact, this torque wrench is guaranteed and certified by RoHS or Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It gets you more focused on installing and repairing telecommunications-related problems and it is a must-have for any technician team of any telecommunications company to boost their customer service rating.

Torque Wrench with Detachable Head

3/4″ Dr. Split Beam Torque Wrench
The 3/4″ Dr. Split Beam Torque Wrench is a torque wrench that has a unique design and the head is detachable on its split beam design. It has an adjustable knob to avoid spring tension and it is ideal for use on repetitive tasks due to the adjustable wrenches’ torque settings. It generally eliminates the need to turn down the tool after using so you can be more convenient while working/
This torque wrench has a range of 200 to 600 ft lbs of torque and it has a 3/4 inch drive. The assembled length of the torque wrench is at 48 inches and it can also do counter clockwise operations.

Best 3/8 Inch Torque Wrench

Capri Tools 31000 10-80-ftlb Torque Wrench
The Capri Tools 31000 10-80-ftlb Torque Wrench has an accuracy rate of +/-4 percent and it has a 3/8 inch drive. At 0.5 ft lbs increments, it has a range of 10 to 80 ft lbs. As it is a great torque wrench, a matte finish has been given to the chrome vanadium construction.
The 31000 by Capri Tools uses pulse-stop technology to hear a clicking sound that you can also feel to tell if the torque setting you set up was already reached. The low light working is not a problem due to the very high contrast scale. It is also highly applicable for use on bikes, vehicles, appliances and more.
In addition to that, it has a rugged design and the length of the handle is 14.6 inches. As a matter of fact, all parts have been made with sturdy chrome vanadium material. Being completely light weight at only 2.4 lbs, it has been certified by ISO 6789:2003 and ASME B107.300-2010 and also passed DIN standards.
Additionally, it has a knurled handle design that is very ergonomic and prevents slipping due to its texture and it also has a traceable certificate and serial number for NIST as it has been calibrated and tested with ISO and ASME standards.
As with all torque wrenches, you should store it on the lowest setting when not in use and however, do not oil the torque wrench as torque wrenches are not for loosening in general due to possibly messing up with the calibration. You should always stop tightening the fastener when you hear the click sound.
Moreover, it reduces the over-tightening of any bolt. The optimal usage of torque is from 30 to 90 percent. It uses a square drive and the ratchet teeth are at 24 teeth. Being backed by a 1 year warranty, the Capri Torque Wrench comes with a plastic case for protection.

The Competition

There are many torque wrenches out there available that were tempting in price and features but not every single one of them had truly helpful features and had great reviews from users. However, in general, a torque wrench is just as effective as its user so you should be super careful with a torque wrench as it has been designed for specific accuracy and not just for show.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you need a torque wrench?
A: According to Cycling News , they are needed for bikes, vehicles and similar mechanical equipment for tightening fasteners, nuts and bolts. As a matter of fact, some bikes and cars have torque specifications and you can use them as a guide for adjusting the right torque amount on a torque wrench so that you do not over-tighten your wheels.
In addition to that fact, a torque wrench can completely eliminate guesswork when it comes to tightening fasteners and they are guaranteed to give you high precision. And to conclude it, they may be generally expensive but they are accurate to the core.

Q: What are some of the most common truths and misconceptions when it comes to using torque wrenches?
A: According to Hot Rod , because a torque wrench is calibrated, some people believed once you have accidentally dropped it on the floor at a high distance, it will not be good for use anymore. With this, while this can be a bit true, it depends on how hard it hits the floor. In addition, for safety and to be sure, you should check with another torque wrench if it reads the same.
As a matter of fact, most people believe that unloading or resetting the torque wrench before storing is very important, especially if you use a mechanical clicking wrench type. This is because the spring that is loaded with a high torque rating can wear off over time and will make your torque wrench no longer accurate so you should zero it first before storing. And so, this is why some people use a digital torque wrench instead where you only need to remove the batteries for removing the chance of corrosion.
Another thing to add: contrary to popular belief, both digital wrenches and traditional torque wrenches so you should not worry. But one more thing that people should consider is that torque wrenches are not recommended to be used for loosening fasteners, as they can lose their calibration faster. Do know that when it comes to whether different adaptors can make changes to readings, it depends on which adaptors you use.

Q: What are the different types of torque wrenches?
A: The site Engine Repair Shop , the beam type torque wrench is the cheapest of all and they are generally very easy to use and can be turned on both directions, but you have to watch for the dial so as you do not over-tighten the nut or bolt.
On the other hand, a click type torque wrench is the one that produces a click sound when you set a specific amount of torque as you turn the wrench; however you need to zero the wrench after using so it does not lose accuracy and calibration on the spring part.
Another type of wrench – an electronic digital torque wrench is very accurate and very hassle-free as compared to manual torque wrenches, but of course, they need batteries to run.
Last, but not the least, dial type torque wrenches also require watching the dial. However, it can also be of use for breakaway torque measurement like the beam type.
All in all, there are different types of torque wrenches that meet your different specific needs.

Q: Any tips on calibrating and fixing torque wrenches?
A: According to Instructables , you should make sure you know how the torque wrench works and do know that calibrating is only mostly done on a click type torque wrench once it has lost its accuracy due to continued use or misuse. As a warning, do not use it to loosen fasteners, as it can lose its accuracy. The said guide on the website above shows you tips on how to calibrate a clicking type torque wrench.

Wrapping It Up

To wrap things up, the TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive-Click Torque Wrench is our best torque wrench which has been designed to meet your needs and standards when it comes to tightening nuts and bolts of any kind at high accuracy.