While a torque wrench is an essential component of any toolbox, using the best torque wrench will guarantee you the best results. Unlike adjustable wrenches, the design of torque wrenches prevents any over-tightening of both bolts and nuts. At the same time, torque wrenches are much easier to handle. You don’t have to use a lot of energy to guarantee efficiency.
Although torque wrenches come with a host of benefits, there are different things that you should consider when choosing a formidable torque wrench.
The good news is, I’ve covered the best torque wrenches in the market today. On top of that, I’ve also covered a detailed buyer’s guide to help you know what exactly you should be looking for in a torque wrench.
Torque Wrenches Reviewed
Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench
Key Specifications
- Brand-Wheeler
- Model-553556
- Weight- 0.5 pounds
- Length-11 Inches
Pros
- It’s highly accurate
- It’s easy to use
- Highly reliable
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Quite expensive
When it comes to creativity in developing torque wrenches, you can always trust Wheeler to have you covered. Not only are their products top-notch, but Wheeler ensures that all its wrenches perform optimally.
Manufactured by Wheeler, the 553556 model is a wrench like no other. It has been designed with perfection to ensure that every screw perfectly fits the desired part of your rifle.
Measuring 3.23×6.06×3.07 inches, the 553556 model packs a powerful punch when it comes to torque size.
Such features make it the ideal wrench for all your rifle maintenance needs. However, you will have to dig a little deeper into your pocket in a bid to get your hands on one.
Tekton 24340 ½ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Key Specifications
- Brand-Tekton
- Model-24340
- Weight-4.4 Pounds
- Length-1 Inch
- Size-½ inch drive (25-250 ft-lb)
- Torque-250 foot-pounds
Pros
- Top quality
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Has reasonable accuracy
Cons
- Measures torque in clockwise motion only
For quite some time now, Teknot has graced the torque wrench market with incredible products. As you would expect, you cannot miss mentioning this company when looking at the market’s best torque wrench. The 24340 model does not fall short of the glory that precedes it.
If you are in the market for a torque wrench that packs a lot of power, then the Tekton 24340 model is what you need. Being the bigger brother to the 24335 model, the 24340 boasts of a torque force between 25 -250 ft-lb. It’s worth noting that this is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, which could only manage a torque force between 10-150 ft-lb.
With such power, you would expect this tool to be huge. However, the 24340 is only 1 inch long and weighs a mere 4.4 pounds, making it a tool that can be handled and manipulated with ease.
Although torque wrenches come with a host of benefits, there are different things that you should consider when choosing a formidable torque wrench.
The good news is, I’ve covered the best torque wrenches in the market today. On top of that, I’ve also covered a detailed buyer’s guide to help you know what exactly you should be looking for in a torque wrench.
EpAuto ½ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Key Specifications
- Brand-EpAuto
- Model-ST-010-1
- Weight -3.9 pounds
- Length-1.7 Inches
- Size-½ inch drive (10-150 ft-lb)
- Torque-150 foot Pounds
Pros
- Comes with great accessories
- Has impressive torque range
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Possible Over-tightening
EpAuto is a household name when it comes to manufacturing and selling both industrial grade and DIY products. It has a vast collection of torque wrenches in the market, with the ST-010-1 model emerging as one of the best torque wrenches.
Although this torque wrench comes with a torque range of 10-150 ft-lb, it features a highly durable Cr-v head, a non-slip grip, and a comfortable knurled handle. Additionally, this impressive tool comes with a top of the range high contrast dual range scale with calibration of +/- 4% accuracy.
As if that’s not enough, the entire tool’s surface has been covered with a retardant satin finish to ensure that it remains durable for a long time. Although one of the most significant drawbacks to this tool is the fact that it can hardly tighten bolts and nuts in closeup locations, it’s generally a force to reckon with in the market today.
Lexivon ½ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Key Specifications
- Brand- Lexivon
- Model-LX-184
- Weight-6.9 pounds
- Length-24 Inches
- Size- ½ inch drive (25-250 ft-lb)
- Torque- 250-foot pounds
Pros
- Dual-range scale visible in low light
- Decent torque range
- Easy to read
Cons
- Torque measurements are only clockwise
- General performance is subpar
Based in the US, Lexivon is a pretty new entrant in the tools manufacturing market. Some of the products the company specializes in producing include measuring tools, hand tools, and torque wrenches such as the Lexivon ½ inch drive click torque wrench.
One of the most impressive features that Lexivon torque wrenches have is a well-calibrated scale. The LC-184 doesn’t fall any shorter. Ideally, this torque wrench comes fitted with modern low light and a dual-range scale printed in yellow. Such features make it easy for you to read all the measurements with ease. And although this torque wrench measures torque in a clockwise direction only, the effect has been countered by the reversible ratchet head.
Simultaneously, this all-steel model provides 4% accuracy in both extremes, with a torque range of 25-250 ft-lb, which is quite decent for a torque wrench of its size.
On the downside, the Lexivon LX-184 is quite pricey compared to other torque wrenches in its class. If only it could measure torque in both directions, then you can justify its high price. Additionally, this tool does not perform as you would expect it to perform. Otherwise, the Lexivon-184 torque wrench is a powerful tool that will get the job done with ease.
Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench
Key Specifications
- Brand-Precision Instruments
- Model-PREC3FR250F
- Weight-4.5 Pounds
- Length-25 Inches
Pros
- Highly durable
- Measures accurately
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Needs frequent adjustments
Having been in the industry since 1938, Precision Instruments are one of the best torque manufactures. With a chrome/nickel finish, this Precision Instrument torque wrench provides convenience to its users, making it one of the best in the market.
For an entry-level torque wrench, this precision Instruments torque wrench is quite expensive. Even so, it comes with an array of desired features.
For starters, unlike other wrenches in its class, this torque wrench does not come with a clicker style head. Instead, it can offer a single click that is always audible whenever you achieve the desired torque force.
Another impressive feature is the simple button on the handle. This button comes in handy when setting the ideal level of torque. Generally, this wrench is simple and effective, making it a great starter tool.
Torque Wrench Buyer’s Guide
A torque wrench is an essential component of your toolbox. However, buying one can be a daunting task. What factors should you consider?
Before hitting the market for a torque wrench, it’s of utmost importance to consider many things. Otherwise, you won’t have the desired results for all your DIY needs.
Below is a detailed roadmap to what you have to consider before buying a torque wrench.
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the most critical features that you should consider when choosing a torque wrench. Working with an inaccurate torque wrench, it can lead to breakage or overtightening of a bolt or nut.
But how can you know if a particular torque wrench is accurate? Well, this might be quite difficult to comprehend. The good news is that a vast majority of manufacturers offer calibration of +/-4% accuracy. To ascertain whether the calibration is correct, ensure the wrench comes with a calibration certificate in order to certify its legitimacy.
Quality
Another factor to consider is the quality of a wrench. The quality of a wrench is perhaps the most critical factor you should consider. After all, you wouldn’t want to buy a highly accurate wrench that can easily break.
When considering the quality of a torque wrench, it’s essential to decide whether you will use it often or periodically. Either way, ensure to get your hands on a wrench that can withstand high levels of wear and tear.
To make it easy for you, you should always go for digital torque wrenches. Although they are a bit expensive, these wrenches are known to be of high quality. Always avoid wrenches made of pure steel. Although they are a bit cheaper, they are often less sturdy.
In a bid to determine whether a torque wrench is of high quality, always ensure to compare it with the set international standards. Alternatively, you can see whether a wrench comes with a money-back guarantee. Products with money-back guarantees mean that the manufacturer is confident that the product meets all the desired standards.
Range
The range of a torque wrench will determine the kind of jobs you can perform. As a rule of thumb, whenever a torque wrench has a lower range than 100ft-lb, you can consider it too narrow. Therefore, avoid it.
À torque wrench with a narrow range will ultimately limit you from performing hefty tasks. On the other hand, having a limited range torque wrench isn’t a bad thing. A narrow wrench enables you to do smaller tasks that you would otherwise not do with a wide range wrench. Generally, always go for a wrench with a range of 10-250 ft-lb.
Dimensions
Just like the range of a torque wrench, the dimensions of a particular wrench will not only determine the type of jobs you will do but the duration of time you will do a task as well.
For instance, a wrench weighing 6 pounds and 22 inches long is bulky. Such a wrench will take a toll on your energy levels if you work with it for more extended periods. Simultaneously, the sheer size of such a wrench will deter you from using it in particular areas.
Always go for a wrench that is not only light but compact as well. However, make sure not to compromise on the quality, range, and durability of a wrench. Ensure that you choose a compact wrench that will get all your tasks done.
Ratcheting Head
Contrary to common belief, the ratcheting head plays an integral role in choosing a torque wrench. Typically, you should always go for a torque wrench that comes with a reversible ratcheting head.
Another thing to consider about a ratcheting head is the direction in which it measures torque. A vast majority of wrenches measure torque in the clockwise direction alone. While this might be enough to carry out specific tasks, it’s quite limiting. Therefore, to effectively carry out all your tasks, always go for a wrench that can take torque measurements in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
Scale Readability
Finally, ensure to go for a wrench that has good scale readability. Essentially, all wrench models have different ways of displaying the torque and setting the desired torque. Since torque is an integral feature of a wrench, it’s essential to choose one that you can easily read and configure.
Also, you can choose to go for a wrench with analog-style dials. Although these tools often have excellent displays, it all boils down to your personal preference.
FAQs
Have questions about finding the best torque wrench? Here are the answers.
Why Should I Buy a Torque Wrench?
Why should you buy a torque wrench if you can call a pro mechanic to fix your items? If you are a DIY enthusiast, there are two main reasons for purchasing a torque wrench: longevity and safety reasons. And by allowing you to choose your desired torque, wrenches give you the flexibility of selecting your desired level of accuracy.
While the need for a torque wrench may seem minimal when fixing a broken door lock, it plays an integral role when it comes to driving in screws and tightening bolts on a vehicle as well as any other machine.
Is There a One Size Fits all Torque Wrench?
No. Torque wrenches come in varied dimensions, materials, range size, and cost. Therefore, it is quite challenging to find a multipurpose torque wrench. Even so, it’s highly advisable to choose a wrench with a wide range of torque. At the same time, selecting a torque wrench that can fit your specific needs is equally important.
How Often Should I Calibrate my Torque Wrench?
It’s worth mentioning that torque wrenches are precision tools. It’s for this reason that they always come with a certified margin of error of +/-4%. A certified margin of error of +/-4% means that you will need to calibrate your wrench whenever the device goes beyond a margin of 5%.
Generally, you don’t have to calibrate your wrench now and then. However, you can only calibrate after it has attained 3,000 repetitions. You can calibrate your tool about every six months if it only enjoys occasional use.