How to Pick the Right Torque Wrench?
If you drive a car, you will need a torque wrench sooner or later. Today, cars are equipped with all kinds of fasteners — nuts, bolts, and screws — and it is essential that all of these fasteners are tightened appropriately.
Drive a car and you might as well learn about torque wrenches!
To ensure safety, it’s vital that you use the right amount of force (torque) when tightening a bolt.
The best way to figure out the right amount of torque is to use a torque wrench.
What is a Torque Wrench?
Torque wrenches (also called torque screwdrivers) are measuring devices designed to measure the amount of torque being applied. Because torque is the product of force and distance, a torque wrench must measure both force and distance mechanically.
The two most common types of torque wrenches are beam wrenches and clicker wrenches.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench | Best Overall |  |
| TEKTON 4971 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set | Budget Pick |  |
| Precision Instruments PREC4D600F Wrench | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Ideal for auto and motorcycle projects
- Very stable and durable
- Accurate readings
- Easy to operate
- Good grip
- Solid construction
- Includes a handy carrying case
- Packaging is very detailed, and it includes instructions
Cons:
- Unit operates at 130 RPM
- Calibration has been reported to be a problem
- Can be inaccurate up to 10%
This is an example of a great, inexpensive torque wrench. It’s perfect for tightening nuts and bolts on auto and motorcycle projects thanks to its very stable and durable construction. It features up to 750 lbs. of torque, and you can easily adjust the settings with a special built-in clutch.
The EPAuto 1/2-inch click torque wrench includes a handy carrying case so that you can easily transport it to the workshop. Even though the packaging recommends it for bike assembly use rather than auto repair, it still works great. The unit operates at 130 RPM, and this may be a downside for many. However, the click torque ratings can be very accurate, as long as you don’t go beyond the 200 ft. lbs. safety limit.
2. TEKTON 4971 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set
Pros:
- Very durable
- Excellent grip reduces the chance of injury
- Nicely made (china)
- Includes bonus TA adapter
- Excellent price point
Cons:
- Some users didn't like the chrome
- Might slide off if not properly locked
The TEKTON 4971 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set, Cr-V, 3-Piece is very well-made torque wrenches. The chrome vanadium steel construction and durable coating contributes to excellent durability. The stainless steel shafts are hard chrome plated and the anodized finish provides corrosion resistance.
These wrenches come with a lifetime guarantee, which is a sign of quality. In addition, the length of the extension bars made the wrenches even more versatile. The TEKTON 4971 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set, Cr-V, 3-Piece is the best choice for professional users who do a lot of heavy work.
3. Industrial Brand CDI Torque 2503MFRPH 1/2-Inch Drive Adjustable Micrometer Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed grip
- 0 to 250 Ft-Lbs range
- HP/Inch Switch to give you awesome control
- Long lasting ratchet
- Precise readings
- Clear dial to make precise readings
- Portable
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- A bit expensive plastic casing
- The dial indicator is not as precise as some of its competitors
The Industrial brand CDI Torque 2503MFRPH 1/2-Inch Drive Adjustable Micrometer Torque Wrench is a must in every mechanic's home tool collection. It is ultra-precise and comes with a 250-foot pounds range. The dial indicator is also highly accurate, enabling you to work on large bolts and screws with ease and precision. All this is achieved via easy and effective dial adjustment.
Furthermore, this wrench is equipped with a pendulum action that returns automatically when the wrench is rotated. The build quality and design of the wrench is superb, making it one of the best torque wrenches on the market.
The dial indicator is clear and lets you read all critical details easily. The wrench is quite accurate and offers you quick and simple adjustments, allowing you to swap between jobs smoothly and effortlessly. The wrench has an ergonomic grip that allows for single hand operation and control.
4. TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Durable
- Intuitive and easy to read
- Comprehensive torque ranges
- Includes a torque limiter with settable torque size
- Good price
- Accurate and reliable
Cons:
- Some found it hard to read (difficult to see) under fluorescent light
- Requires additional accessories for ratcheting
- Glues easily on the ratcheting when used for a long period of time
This is one of the best torque wrenches you can find on the market today. This torque wrench has an extremely good rating on Amazon, and it seems worth it. The Tekton model is a click torque wrench with a torque range from 10-150 ft.-lbs. It has a bright, red body made of sturdy nylon composite that you can expect to last for a long time.
The Tekton features a large dial that is easy to read so you can get the torque settings you want more directly, and a ratcheting click mechanism with interchangeable sockets. The Tekton comes with a 1/2-inch head and a six-inch handle. It also comes with a storage case for easy transportation. And, as an added bonus, it can slip up to a 3/8-inch nut or 1/2-inch bolt.
5. TEKTON 4957 Impact Adapter and Reducer Set
Pros:
- Shock resistant handle
- Black oxide finish resists corrosion
- Color-coded, easy to use
- Thick vinyl grips
- Thumbscrew tightening system
- Tapered sockets work with hex and 12-point fasteners
- 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, and 3/4 drivers
- Comes with a quality carrying case
- Accurate to within four percent
- Sturdy and precise
The Tekton 4957 Impact Adapter and Reducer Set is a 4-piece torque wrench set designed to handle hex and 12-point fasteners. The set comes with four different ratchets, with each ratchet offering an accuracy of four percent.
These ratchets offer an average speed quick change system for quick setting of drive sockets. The Tekton wrench has a 450 ft lb of torque adjustment for SAE and a 3/4 inch drive for the metric system.
The product has a vinyl grip which makes it comfortable to use. The Tekton ratchet is made with shock resistant steel and has a black oxidized finish to prevent corrosion.
6. Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Silver 1/2" Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench
A reliable torque wrench is one of the most basic, yet essential, tools you should own for machinery maintenance. A torque wrench measures the amount of force present in your application. It helps you avoid over- or under-tightening bolts and nuts, which could result in parts breakage or failure.
This 1/2-inch drive wrench from Precision Instruments has a 250-inch-pound (ft-lb) capacity and measures torque in 2-foot-pound increments. It features a dual-scale display for reading in +/- ft-lb and +/- nm interchangeably. So, you don’t have to be an engineer to use this wrench!
The wrench has a built-in, precision bubble level, which comes in handy when you need to bore bolt holes in a straight line. It also has a quick-release button, a non-slip grip, and a protective canopy.
7. GEARWRENCH 1/2" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench 30-250 ft/lbs.
8. TACKLIFE 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Dual scale measures both Nm and ft.-lb.
- Easy torque range selection
- Six adapters for multiple uses
- Easy to operate and read
If you need the best torque wrench for the money, the Tacklife 12-150Ft-Lb Click Torque Wrench is for you. Dual scale measures both Nm and ft.-lb. Make no mistake about this wrench. This baby will help you get the job done no matter what. It comes with 6 adapters and so many operations that you will feel like a car technician.
What makes this torque wrench different is that it allows you to start with either Nm or ft.-lb, depending on the job instructions. The dual scale of the wrench also makes it easier to use.
This wrench has an optimal torque setting of 5-35 in-lb. You can get it at any time, and it will get the job done. One of the best features of this wrench is standard in-lb./Nm conversion chart that gives you the ability to check the torque settings according to your needs. For the budget buyer, you would be happy to know that the Tacklife 12-150Ft-Lb Click Torque Wrench is the best you can get. For the price it’s worth it.
9. eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Features a convenient digital readout
- Comes with a built-in level
- Adjustments are easy and intuitive
- Accurate readings
- Workmanship is excellent and durable
Cons:
- Small display size can be hard to read
- Zero function doesn't work as well as it should
ETork is a reputable manufacturer of torque wrenches and this is one of their best products. It has a 1/2-inch drive, a versatile range (50-250 ft.-lbs).
The eTork Click-Style Wrench is different from other torque wrenches because it employs a rather unique click-style mechanism to regulate the pressure applied. At the end of the wrench, you will find a rotating face with several click points for different pressure settings.
You simply set your desired torque setting, and then loosen the bolts or nuts a couple of turns.
10. NEIKO 03727A 1/4” Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench
Pros:
- High-quality chromium plating
- Adjustable length
- Dependable and easy to use
- Compact and well made
- Accurate and sturdy
- Fast and easy to calibrate
Cons:
- Covers 0-80 in/lb.
- A little short for a 1/4” drive
- A bit pricey
The NEIKO 03727A 1/4” drive beam torque wrench is one of the best torque wrenches you could buy. Its beam mechanism won’t slip or bend during use as it makes use of heavy duty materials and machinery. It is perfect for fastening and loosening nuts and bolts and is great at the job.
The NEIKO 03727A comes in a 2-piece set meaning you get the wrench, the box, and a set of instructions. The wrench comes at a handy size of 8.3 x 3 x 2 inches and weighs just 2.3 pounds. A little short for a ” drive but gets the job done. It is packaged conveniently with a protective foam to prevent damage during shipment. The wrench makes use of chrome plated heat-treated head and is easy to use, easy to calibrate, and very accurate.
11. Precision Instruments PREC4D600F Wrench
Pros:
- Ideal for home use and light commercial use
- Accurate and comfortable to use
- Includes a built-in torque control with variable settings
- Can be used to perform angle and freehand torque measurements
- Available in 2, 3, and 4-way, with ½, ¾, and 1-inch drive models available
- Features a large, easy-to-read dial
- One-year limited warranty to if you register your tool within 60 days
- Durable, industrial strength design
- The best deal if you want to purchase one that comes with a torque control mechanism
- Deflecting beam ensures that you measure the amount of pressure applied
Cons:
- The unit is not too suitable for professionals use
- The tool is too heavy (1.97 pounds)
- The control knobs don't always stay put
Manual torque wrenches are an old-school design. However, they are still very useful and common in many professional and industrial settings, especially for tightening different kinds of fasteners. So, manual torque wrenches are also useful for do-it-yourself home mechanics and car hobbyists.
12. Capri Tools 31200 20-150 Inch Pound Industrial Torque Wrench
Pros:
- Comes with notes and tips that you can use to work with it
- Very easy to set up, and easy to use
- Comes with a comprehensive instruction guide
- Built with durable and long-lasting materials
- There is a guarantee that the torque wrench will work
- Durable, and comes with a reasonable price
Cons:
- There have been some complaints about the accuracy of the torque wrench
- It is not recommended to use by inexperienced users
The Capri Tools 31200 20-150 Inch Pound Industrial Torque Wrench, 1/4" Drive, Matte Chrome and Black Handle is a convenient product to use in our day-to-day lives. It can be used to examine sheer force, torque, turning force, load, twist and click, tension, strain, compression, and many other applications.
The dial is marked in both inch pounds and Newton meters, so you can use it as a general measurement tool. The torque wrench is easy to set up, and it comes with a comprehensive instruction guide as well as a guarantee that it will perform well. It is durable, and it’s also reasonably priced.
However, there have been some complaints about the accuracy of the torque wrench. It is also not recommended to use by inexperienced users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best torque wrenches?
The three most well reviewed are the Matco Tools® 24 in-lbs, the TEKTON® and the Craftsman®. When researching these three, it becomes clear that they are all made with high quality, sturdy materials. Their unique features and price points set them apart, though.
The Torque Pro 24 is best in the market overall. It is adjustable from 0-170 in-lbs. It features a dual beam laser which allows for precision when tightening the lug nuts of the car. It is enclosed in a lug nut storage case and is flexible enough to be used in any position.
The Tekton torque wrench is great for professionals and those who want top quality at a decent price. It has a dial gauge with a one-degree accuracy. This tool is built to last with a 180 degrees swivel head.
The Craftsman Torque Wrench is affordable and is used by both professionals and amateurs.
What is the most accurate torque wrench?
The most accurate torque wrench is one with a laser pointer that can be moved over a scale of inches. It will give you an accurate reading on the spot.
The original purpose of the torque wrench was to solve the issue of unscrupulous or slightly careless mechanics over-tightening nuts. Standard wrenches have a tendency to be inaccurate as they slip. Once this happens, you will never be able to know if you have tightened it enough, but you’ll know that it’s too tight.
Such a tool is very useful for professionals because it ensures that they tighten nuts correctly. If they don’t use it, they will be in trouble. However, the over-tightening problem applies more to standard wrenches than a torque wrench. Most mechanics or other people will never over-tighten anything.
What is the best torque wrench for lug nuts?
Wheel lug nuts can, and sometimes do, get loose. Loose wheel lug nuts can be especially dangerous when the car is in motion. They can get loose for a variety of reasons:
Agitation by gravity.
Sudden vibration.
Road bumps.
To protect yourself and others from getting hurt, always check your lug nuts for tightness before each drive. This is when a torque wrench is very useful.
Any lug nut with a loose nut is potentially dangerous. It can come off while driving. A good torque wrench can virtually eliminate lug nut failure.
Not knowing the strength of a torque wrench, is not a good excuse for not being aware of that.
I've never seen a torque wrench without an indication of its resolution. (If you've seen such a thing, please send a photo.)
The most important thing to verify is that your torque wrench is accurate.
How do I choose a torque wrench?
It is very difficult to cover all the criteria for a good torque wrench in a quick answer. However, here are some basics: Look for a wrench with a nice ergonomic design that gives you a good grip, especially if you're using it in awkward positions. Go for a wrench that has a wide range of pounds. It must also be durable. The warranty matters as well, especially if you'll be using it in professional environments. Look for a model that is easy to use and handle. If you're buying online, be sure to read the reviews first.
Conclusion
To find the best torque wrenches for bike, we conducted dozens of interviews with professional cyclists and bike mechanics, read dozens of online reviews, and reviewed dozens of bike torque wrench products (as well as popular alternatives). Based on our research, we found that the Contoured from Fox makes the best bike torque wrench for home mechanics and professionals.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench | Best Overall | |
| TEKTON 4971 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set | Budget Pick | |
| Precision Instruments PREC4D600F Wrench | Upgrade Pick | |