The Best Torque Wrenches of 2022 : Reviews and Buyer Guide

Construction and Size

This is an important element to look at. You want to make sure the torque wrench you buy is a sturdy and tough one. Also, that it’s not too big or small for your project. A large torque wrench works best for certain project, just as a small torque wrench works best for other projects. For instance, a large one is a good one to use for automotive car and small one for things like bikes. When buying one, consider your project and whether you’ll need a large or small torque wrench. The construction is also important to keep in mind. You don’t want to buy a torque wrench that is not made well. One thing to look for in the construction is a finish on the tool. This finish helps seal the torque wrench. Also, a metal/steel torque wrench will often work better and have a longer life than one that isn’t made of it. Sometimes torque wrenches contain plastic which makes them not as sturdy as one that is made of heavier materials.

Features and Range

Torque wrenches offer many different features and ranges. Because of this, it’s important to look for the right ones for your project. Some features to look at is if the torque wrench comes already calibrated. If the torque wrench is not already calibrated, you’ll have to do so yourself. You should look for a torque wrench that comes with a storage case. Also, a storage case will help protect the torque wrench from damage such as scratches and rust. Also, the grip is important to look at. Because you’ll have to turn the torque wrench with your hands, you want to make sure the grip is comfortable and easy to use. Another feature to look for is if the head is reversible, or “ratcheting”. Ratcheting lets the head of the torque wrench move in either (or both) a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. If your torque wrench does not have this ability, it could be hard to work with some objects and reach hard to reach areas. An easy-to read scale on the torque wrench is also crucial. If you are unable to clearly read the scale on it, the torque wrench could end up damaging the object it’s being used on. For instance, the Snap-On product listed above features a laser scale. Because this Snap-On model has an easy-to-read scale such as this, using this Snap-On product is easy and helps ensure safety. Also look at the manufacturer’s warranty of the torque wrench. If the warranty is not at least a year or so, this might mean the torque wrench will not have a long life. A long warranty is what to look for when you buy a torque wrench. Range (also known as drive) is important to look at when shopping for a torque wrench. The range indicates how small or large an object a torque wrench can be used for. Ranges will often come these sizes: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches. 1/4: This is a good range for both small vehicles and objects. This is best for levels of 4 ft.-lbs to 21 ft.-lbs. 3/8: A good range for small/medium size vehicles and objects. The levels to use this with are 15 ft.-lbs. to 75 ft.-lbs. 1/2: This range is good for things like spark plugs and heavier vehicles. Use this range for levels of 30 ft.-lbs. to 250 ft.-lbs. 3/4: A range that’s not often needed except for very large and intense projects. The levels for this will exceed the ones that are mentioned above. Be sure to keep these ranges in mind when buying a torque wrench. Choosing the right range will help ensure your project is completed correctly.

Performance

A torque wrench’s performance is important. The purpose of a torque wrench is to tighten nuts and bolts to make sure they are secure properly. It is important make sure that you don’t tighten them too much, because that could cause some major damage. A torque wrench needs to be able to tighten and secure these nuts and bolts accurately depending on what they are attached to. For instance, lug nuts needs a different torque wrench performance than a spark plug. It’s important to keep this in mind because you want to buy the torque wrench that will perform the best for your specific project. If the torque wrench does not work or perform properly, you can end up damaging the tool and the object you are working with.

Price

Just because a torque wrench is expensive doesn’t mean it’s better than an inexpensive one. There are plenty of good cheap torque wrenches on the market. Torque wrench prices range everywhere from being cheap to very expensive. This all depends on what you need it for. A cheap torque wrench is often best for small and basic projects. It’s mainly for when you occasionally need to use a torque wrench. However, an expensive one is ideal for when you need to use the torque wrench a lot. Because these torque wrenches also often come with more features and a heavy-duty build the price will be much higher.

Programmable Electronic Torque-Angle Wrench

This type of torque wrench is electronic and allows you to program it to the specific torque level that you need. It is similar to the electronic torque wrench as it uses a digital screen and also collect memory from previous usages. It also uses special sensor to help make sure that the angles and torque level needed are used correctly. This sensor is also known as an “electronic gyroscope”. You can program the torque level into the torque wrench and also lets you move it in many angles. Because you can program it digitally, you can save the memory, which will let you look back on the torque levels and angles you used once you’re done with using it. This helps with using the torque wrench in hard to reach places.

Click Wrench

This type of torque wrench is great for using on vehicles. For instance, if you need to tighten or remove spark plugs, a click wrench would be a good choice for you. One reason why it’s great for vehicle use because you don’t have to see the torque level to know when it’s been reached. So, if you’re under a car with it, you just have to wait for the clicking sound. A click wrench lets you use a clutch to secure it onto an object. It lets you adjust it so that you don’t over torque the object, which can lead to damage. Usually once you’re done using a click wrench you need to reset it back to the lowest setting.

Hydraulic Torque Wrench

A hydraulic torque wrench is best to use with large objects. These are usually used with heavy duty machines and extremely large nuts and bolts. These hydraulic torque wrenches are also known for being great with providing the correct accuracy for a project. A hydraulic torque wrench is ideal for construction work or if you work with large and heavy machines.

Beam Wrench

This torque wrench has a beam indictor on it, which kind of looks like thermometer. The beam indicator will show you the current torque level. However, you have to pay attention to the levels as there is not a sound to indicate once the right torque level has been reached. It also tends to be a little heavy. This is good for if you don’t plan to use a torque wrench and only need one occasionally. They also are a cheaper torque wrench option compared to other torque wrenches, so if you are on a budget beam wrenches are usually the best choice.

Electronic Torque Wrench

An electronic torque wrench is similar to a click wrench except it has a few differences. One notable difference is the sound. Instead of a clicking sound to indicate you’ve reached the desired torque level, it makes a beeping one. Because it’s digital, it has a digital display and also can keep memory. The display is often LED, which means it will be easy for you to read. Also, because it keeps memory, it can review previous torque levels. You can save this memory on a memory card. However, keep in mind that these are often expensive.

Usage Tips

Having a torque wrench means there’s a lot of usage tips and rules to remember to ensure accuracy and safety. One tip is that when first using your torque wrench, you need to make sure the torque accuracy is correct, as well as the measurements. If these aren’t, your torque wrench could break or damage the object you’re working on. Also, make sure to only use this tool on objects that it is intended to be used for. If you don’t, you could end up breaking both the tool’s torque levels and the object. Another thing to keep in mind is that when using the torque wrench on an object, use the correct force.For instance, the right force for spark plugs will bea different force compared to certain bolts. If you use too much or too little force, that could damage the object or even not tighten it enough. Be sure to also move the wrench in the direction indicated on the tool itself. By not doing so, it could some serious problems. Some other things to keep in mind when using a torque wrench is to not try to make it fit on tools or use heads that don’t fit properly on it. If you do these things, the torque wrench won’t work properly and can cause damage. When moving the torque wrench, hold it in the center of the handle. If you hold it too high or too low, it could slip and cause damage to not only the tool and object, but also injury to yourself. Once it beeps or clicks you want to stop moving the tool. By going using it even a little more after the tool sounds, it will end up adding too much torque to the object and can damage it. It’s also important to not use the torque wrench to constantly loosen things. While you can do so occasionally, the torque wrench is intended more to tighten things. You also want to make sure not to put oil, grease, or water on it as these can ruin your torque wrench. Once you’re done using your torque tool, be sure to store it in its lowest setting. Then, put it in its storage case and store it away in a clean and dry place. You should occasionally check the tool to make sure it’s working properly and that it’s not rusting.

Safety Tips

When using a torque wrench, there are some things you should remember to keep not only your tool safe, but yourself. While using the torque wrench make sure it’s on its correct torque level. If the tool is under or over, it can either tighten the object too much or too little. This could cause some serious problems if the object too tight or not tight enough. You should also make sure to not keep moving the torque wrench after the beeping or clicking sound. Once it sounds, immediately stop. Be sure to also move the torque wrench in the correct direction. Depending on the tool, you might only be able to move it clockwise or counter-clockwise. By not moving it in the correct direction, it could not tighten things correctly and could slip. Also make sure to not put any extensions on the torque wrench. If you do, it could damage the tool and the torque. It could also slip from the object. You should also make sure to reset the torque wrench to 0, or its lowest setting, before using it on another object. If you don’t, the torque will still be the same level as your last project. By keeping it also at the current torque level it could ruin the tool. You also sure make sure to wear safety googles while using a torque wrench, just in case it happens to slip or fall. Another safety tip to keep in mind is to check your torque wrench every so often. By doing so you can help prevent injuries and damages.

Torque Measurements

Torque wrenches come with many different types of measurements that you can use. These can be a little confusing though, which is why many torque wrenches come with a conversion chart. While the torque wrenches above typically used ft.-lbs. or Nm measurements, there are some other ones: In. - lbs. (inch to pounds) In. - ozs. (inch to ounces) Ft. - lbs. (foot to pounds) Nm (Newton meter) cNm (Centi-Newton meter) Often to find the right torque measurement, there is a formula that you can use. You can multiply the length of the tool times the force which will give you the correct torque level. It is vital that you use the correct torque levels and measurements for your project. If you don’t do this, you could end up having many problems such as not tightening it enough or too much. You could also have the problem of not tightening it straight. If you don’t tighten the object enough, it could end up falling off which will cause the object it is attached to fall off. By tightening something too much it could end up breaking. If this breaks, it can also damage the object that it was attached too because it was on it too tightly. If you tighten an object unevenly it can rub against the object it is on. This can cause not only the nut or bolt to become damaged, but also the object it is moving against.

Calibrating a Torque Wrench

While many of the torque wrenches mentioned above come pre-calibrated some don’t. This means you will have to calibrate the torque wrench yourself, which can sometimes be a difficult process. Depending on the type of torque wrench you have, calibrating it will be a certain way. This is why it is important to review the owner’s manual that comes with your torque wrench. After you successfully calibrate your torque wrench you can test the calibration. There are three different main types of calibration testers for torque wrenches. These are mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic. Each one will help measure and test your torque wrench calibration and make sure your torque wrench is working properly and ready to use. This torque wrench review article tells of the 12 torque wrenches you should consider using. Each of these torque wrenches has a different purpose as well as different features. All torque wrenches are not the same, so it’s vital you look at things likes their range, features, and types. The range will tell you how much torque you can except to get. The various features on a torque wrench will help you with your project. The types of torque wrenches are also important as each type has a specific purpose. When shopping for a torque wrench, be sure to especially keep these three things in mind. By doing so, you can help ensure using your torque wrench will go smoothly and safely. This torque wrench review helped show you the best torque wrenches to buy and why. Keep the previous reviews and tips in mind when you are shopping for a torque wrench. Also, be sure to consider purchasing one of the good torque wrenches from this review.