Best Torque Wrench (Review and Buying Guide) in 2020

Torque wrenches are considered to be one of the most useful and frequently used tools by a mechanic and a person at home trying to do simple repairs on his own. The production of cars and the use of bolts, nuts, and fasteners in most equipment have increased the demands of installations and repairs resulting in an increased number of torque wrench applications. It is also the reason why torque wrenches have been a popular search item by a lot of people. Below is the list of the best torque wrench in the market you can consider if you are looking for one.

The Best Torque Wrench

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1. Neiko ⅜” Adjustable Torque Wrench

Pros

Reliable torque precision (pre-calibrated at ± 4% accuracy)
Reversible ratcheting
Has locking and unlocking mechanism.
Audible click sound upon reaching the right torque setting to avoid over-tightening.
Dual-range pressure scale (foot-pound and Newton meter).
Built with tough heat-treated chrome vanadium steel construction.

Cons

The ratchet mechanism is poorly made.
It is not ideal for frequent or excessive use.
Not well-calibrated.

Conclusion

It won’t benefit a mechanic due to durability issues regarding frequent use but this would be good enough for simple DIY home repairs.

2. Gorilla™ Automotive TW605 Torque Wrench

Pros

It includes a 5-inch extension bar.
Chrome-plated finish.
Enclosed by a high-impact resistant case.
Includes a ½” to ⅜” adapter.
Average accuracy.
Click-type with the capacity of 10-150 ft.lb.

Cons

Tightening efficiency drops over time.
It produces clicking sounds even if the setting not yet set or reached.

Conclusion

It is durable but a regular-quality torque wrench. The accuracy is fair but the price is too much.

3. Pittsburgh® Pro ½” Drive Click-Type Torque Wrench

Pros

Heavy-duty, ultra-durable cam and pawl mechanism.
Torque range of 20-150 ft.lb.
18 inches long.
Fairly accurate within ± 4%.
It comes in a protective case.

Cons

Slightly difficult adjustment settings.
Ratcheting is a bit hard.
Measurement or torque setting is hard to read.

Conclusion

The laser printed torque measurement on the handle does not go smoothly with the chrome plating. Other than that, it is a great torque wrench enclosed by a well-cushioned, durable protective case.

4. ACDelco® ARM601-4 ½” Digital Torque Wrench

Pros

The capacity of 4-99 ft.lb. with 45 gear teeth.
Digital torque setting, mode setting, and measurement setting.
The LCD display shows kg-cm, ft-lb, in-lb and N-m pressure measurements.
Uses a buzzer instead of clicking sounds.
The torque wrench is 440mm long with an anti-slip soft grip.
User-friendly and with built-in modes (Peak or Trace).
Clockwise and counter-clockwise operable with a quick release ratchet.

Cons

Accuracy for foot-pound measurement is not reliable.
Hard to calibrate.
The auto-shutoff feature does not work well.

Conclusion

It is ideal for mechanics to make production or work easier and faster. You can have a steady measurement of your torque with just a push of a button.

5. Craftsman® ½” Drive Micro-Clicker Torque Wrench

Pros

Accurate at ± 4%.
Click-type with a torque range of 20-150 ft.lb.
It has a flexible torque scale showing inch/metric units and provides readings in foot-pounds and Newton-meters.
It has a twist ring with lock/unlock
Very solid, can withstand frequent and excessive use.

Cons

The ratchet mechanism is a bit faulty.
It does not measure torque accurately.
Not ideal for industrial use.

Conclusion

This item is applicable as a home or personal DIY tool but not for a mechanic or for industrial use. Frequent turns can break the tool faster than intended.

6. TEKTON® 24335 ½” Drive Click Torque Wrench

Pros

The scale is easy to read due to high-contrast.
Produces audible click sound. The click can actually be heard and felt when the setting is reached.
Works great both clockwise and counter-clockwise.
No plastic parts. All made from strong steel construction.
Pre-calibrated to ± 4% accuracy.

Cons

The connector can snap off if not careful.
Lousy calibration if not stored at its lowest setting of 10 ft.lb./13.6 Nm when not in use.
Accuracy on the lower range is unreliable.

Conclusion

It is the best-selling product of Tekton. The construction is highly regarded. It is ideal for industrial use. Mechanical, this can withstand frequent use for a long time.

7. CDI® ⅜” Drive Dual Scale Comfort Grip Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrench

Pros

Accuracy: ± 3% CW ± 5% CCW of indicated value, CW, from 20% to 100% of full scale.
Dual scale and reversible—can be calibrated in both directions
Made with an ergonomic grip for comfort and spring-loaded pulldown lock ring.
Torque range of 10-100 ft.lb. (16.9-132.2 Nm)
Accurate, simple and easy to use.

Cons

Laser marked scales are hard to read.
The handle is small and uncomfortable. Made of plastic and a little bit loose.

Conclusion

This is an expensive click-type torque wrench with simple features but gives you the proper torque power you need and durability.

8. CDI® ½” Drive Dual Scale Comfort Grip Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrench

Pros

Torque range of 30-250 ft.lb. (169-779 Nm)
With an accuracy of ± 3% CW ± 5% CCW of indicated value, CW, from 20% to 100% of full scale.
Dual calibration. Clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Spring-loaded lock ring. Pull down the positive lock mechanism.
User-friendly, accurate and provides great torque power.
Features quick-release buttons that provide good socket retention as well as easy socket removal.

Cons

The numbers on the torque scale setting are hardly visible.
The torque setting and the handle does not work well together.

Conclusion

The CDI torque wrenches are great for both DIY and industrial use. It is a dependable torque wrench made in the USA that meets or exceeds ASME B107.14-2004, ISO 6789 standards. They are individually serialized with matching certificate of calibration traceable to N.I.S.T.

9. TEKTON® 24340 ½” Drive Click Torque Wrench

Pros

It is reversible. Ratchet’s head can move in both directions.
High-contrast torque scale for visibility.
All parts are made of solid metal with reliable sturdiness.
Ready to use right out of the box—pre-calibrated to ± 4% accuracy.

Cons

Less efficient and accurate when working with a lower range torque.
Very long and heavy.

Conclusion

Tekton torque wrench reviews always have positive or good ratings. This product holds a great spot on the list of the best torque wrench reviews.

10. Precision Instruments ½” Flex Ratchet Drive Split-Beam Click Torque Wrench

Pros

It has a nice chrome nickel finish.
Capacity of 40-250 ft.lb.
The handle is ergonomically designed.
Torque lock settings for repetitive use.
No spring tension on the adjustment knob.
Highly accurate with a ± 4% accuracy out of 20% of full scale to full scale.
The overall length of 22⅛” and width of 1⅝” with an effective length/reach of 19”.

Cons

Expensive
The head is slightly hard to move.

Best Torque Wrench FAQs

Why Buy Torque Wrenches?

The answer is obvious for mechanics. A good torque wrench would make their work faster, easier and more accurate when handling bolts, nuts, fasteners, etc. For DIY people, it is highly recommended to have your own set of tools and equipment at home such as a torque wrench. It can be very expensive or costly to have simple repairs done in a repair shop rather than doing it on your own.

What to Look for When Buying One?

Consider the types of torque wrenches. Each type has specifications in terms of accuracy, capacity, and ease of use, durability, and price. You may want to research and read torque wrench reviews to be able to compare features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type and brand and the prices.

Conclusion for the Best Torque Wrench

This product has the highest price. It is also on the top spot and holds the highest ratings amongst other brands that were mentioned in the list. It has a few negative reviews (minor issues) and a lot of good remarks from satisfied customers. It is highly recommended by DIY crafters and mechanics.

The best torque wrench is the one that fits your needs and preferences. This list and the reviews can play an influential role that will help you with your purchasing decisions but always look for a product that will give you precision, comfort and make your work easier.