Good torque wrenches are very important tools that are used to measure the amount of force that is being applied to a particular object. This is important because it helps to prevent damage to the object that is being worked on. If too much force is applied, it can cause the object to break or be damaged in some way.
Another type of torque wrench is the digital torque wrench. This type of wrench is similar to the dial torque wrench, but it has a digital display that shows the amount of force that is being applied.
The last type of torque wrench is the analog torque wrench. This type of wrench is the most basic type of torque wrench. It does not have a digital display or a dial. Instead, it has a pointer that moves along a scale to show the amount of force that is being applied.
Check the torque wrench reviews below to find your the best torque wrench from the money perspective and explore companies who make a good torque wrench.
7 Best Cheap Torque Wrenches Reviewed
- TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench — Top Pick
- Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench — Good Value
- GEARWRENCH 3/8
- CRAFTSMAN Torque Wrench — Premium Choice
- eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench
- Teng 1492Ag-E Torque Wrench
- LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
1. TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench
The TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench is an affordably priced and accurate tool that is perfect for anyone who needs to regularly torque fasteners. This torque wrench is easy to use, well built, and comes with a nice case and clear instructions.
The only downside is that the engraved settings on the wrench can be difficult to read, but this is not a dealbreaker by any means. Overall, the TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench is an excellent tool that is perfect for both professionals and home mechanics alike.
Key characteristics
- Brand: TEKTON
- Size: 1/4 Inch
- Weight: 0.8 Pounds
- Head Style: Fixed Square
- Range: 1.1 – 16.9 Nm
- Simple and easy to use
- Measures torque in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions
- Built for consistent performance and years of dependable service
- Steel and aluminum construction has no internal plastic parts to wear out
- Some users find the engraved settings difficult to read
2. Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench
The Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench is a great tool for anyone who owns a firearm. This wrench allows you to apply consistent and accurate torque settings to scope rings, guard screws, and other screws on your gun. This is a handheld torque wrench that is easy to use and is very affordable. It is also compatible with bits from Wheeler Engineering’s Deluxe Gunsmithing Screwdriver Sets. This wrench is a great investment for anyone who wants to ensure that their firearm is always in top condition.
Key characteristics
- Brand: Wheeler
- Size: 1 Inch
- Weight: 0.5 Pounds
- Head Style: Hex
- Range: 10-65 inch/pounds
- Very easy to use
- Consistent torque readings
- Accurate
- Inexpensive
- Does not come with a case to store it in
- Compatible with bits only from Wheeler Engineering’s Deluxe Gunsmithing Screwdriver Sets
3. GEARWRENCH Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench
The GEARWRENCH Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench is a great tool for anyone who needs to be precise when tightening bolts. This torque wrench is available in 3/8″ and 1/2″ drive sizes and features a rugged tire tread rubber cover on the head, making it perfect for checking wheel lug nuts. The GEARWRENCH Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench also has a sealed head, which helps keep water and dirt out, making it a great choice for those who need a durable and reliable torque wrench.
Key characteristics
- Brand: GEARWRENCH
- Size: 3/8 Inch
- Weight: 1.59 Kilograms
- Head Style: flex
- Range: 10-100 ft/lbs
- Precise
- Fixed head and flex head options
- Rugged tire tread rubber cover
- The micrometer wrenches only come in two sizes: 1/4″ and 3/4″
4. CRAFTSMAN Torque Wrench
The CRAFTSMAN Torque Wrench is a well-crafted tool that is perfect for those who are not professional mechanics. The locking feature is easy to use, and the ratchet has great action. The torque breakaway is also easy to use, and the click is very obvious. The size of the torque wrench is also perfect, as it is 26 inches from socket to butt. This makes it much easier to feel the click, and also makes it easier to apply 200+ lbs of torque. The only downside is that the stamped scale is not painted, but it is still easy to read. Overall, this is an excellent torque wrench for the price.
Key characteristics
- Brand: Craftsman
- Size: 1/2 Inch
- Weight: 5.85 pounds
- Head Style: Fixed Square
- Range: 20-250 ft-lb
- Hassle free locking feature
- Comfortable and portable
- Good ratchet action
- Obvious click when torque breakaway occurs
- Easy to read scale
- The stamped scale is not painted
5. eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench
If you’re in the market for a new torque wrench, the eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench is a great option to consider. This wrench is made from high-quality materials, including alloy steel and plastic, and features a fixed square head style. It’s also designed with a mechanical operation mode, which makes it easy to use.
One of the best things about this wrench is that it’s very accurate. The indicator for the ft-lbs is easy to read and dead-on, so you can be confident that you’re tightening or loosening bolts to the correct specifications. The eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is a nice bonus.
Overall, the eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench is a great option for anyone in need of a new torque wrench. It’s well-made, easy to use, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Key characteristics
- Brand: eTORK
- Size: 1/2 Inch
- Weight: 3.24 pounds
- Head Style: Fixed Square
- Range: 50-250 ft.-lb./70-340 N.m
- Very nice design
- Locking handle design
- Easy to read indicator
- Lifetime warranty
- Some users found that the tool was difficult to set and use
- The torque wrench is not adjustable, meaning that it can only be used for one specific size
6. Teng 1492Ag-E Torque Wrench
This Teng Tools torque wrench is a great option for those looking for a well-made, accurate tool. The ratchet head is perfect for both tightening and final checking of the torque, and the angular gauge is a nice touch for after-tightening checks. The wrench is also reversible for right-hand action when torque checking. The only downside is that the user manual does recommend “working” the wrench a few times when it’s new or after it hasn’t been used for a while, but other than that, this is a great torque wrench for the price.
Key characteristics
- Brand: Teng & Co
- Size: 1/2 Inch
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Head Style: Fixed Square
- Range: 5-25Nm / 4-18 ft.lb.
- Comes with an individual Calibration certificate
- The user manual is quite clear
- The “click” is obvious by feel and also plenty loud enough to hear
- Is not recommended to be used a few times when it’s new or after it hasn’t been used for a while
7. LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is a precision tool that is perfect for those who want to ensure that their work is accurate. The wrench comes pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and is ready to use right out of the box. It also comes with a calibration certificate with a traceable serial number.
The ratchet gear head is constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel for durability, and features an easy-to-read, highlighted yellow print dual-range scale. The wrench is also comfortable to use, with a reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions and measures torque in a clockwise direction.
Overall, the LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is an excellent tool for those who are looking for precision and durability.
Key characteristics
- Brand: LEXIVON
- Size: 3/8 Inch
- Weight: 2.27 pounds
- Head Style: Fixed Square
- Range: 10~80 Ft-Lb/13.6~108.5 Nm
- Precision
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Some users have found it difficult to hear the click at lower torque settings
Torque Wrench Buyer’s Guide
What is a Torque Wrench?
A torque wrench is a hand tool that is used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener, such as a nut or a bolt. It is usually used to ensure that the fastener is tightened to the correct level of torque. Check our How Does Torque Wrenches Work article to know more about this tool.
How to Pick a Torque Wrench?
Unit of measurement
The first thing you need to consider when picking a torque wrench is the unit of measurement. Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are the most common units in the U.S., but Newton-meters are also used in some cases.
Drive size
The next thing to consider is the size of the drive. The most common sizes are 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch.
Length
The length of the torque wrench is also an important consideration. The most common lengths are 12, 18, and 24 inches.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the torque wrench is also an important consideration. The most accurate torque wrenches have an accuracy of +/- 3%.
Price
The price of the torque wrench is also an important consideration. Torque wrenches can range in price from $20 to $200.
How to Use Torque Wrenches?
To use a torque wrench, first ensure that the wrench is properly calibrated. Next, use the wrench to tighten the bolt or nut until it reaches the desired torque. Finally, release the wrench and remove it from the bolt or nut.
What Are the Benefits of Torque Wrenches?
Torque wrenches provide many benefits, including:
- They help ensure that bolts and nuts are tightened to the correct level of torque, preventing them from becoming loose or coming undone.
- Torque wrenches help prevent overtightening, which can damage bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
- They can be used to loosen tight bolts and nuts.
Torque Wrenches for Home Use FAQ
What is a decent torque wrench?
A decent torque wrench is one that can accurately measure and apply torque to a wide variety of objects. There are many different brands and types of torque wrenches on the market, so before making a purchase, you should decide what purpose the tool will be used for and what characteristics it should have: type of wrench, tightening range, size, and more.
What torque wrench do mechanics use?
The most common torque wrench used by mechanics is a 3/8-inch drive click type torque wrench.
Is a digital torque wrench better?
Digital torque wrenches are generally more accurate than their analog counterparts. This is because they use sensors to measure the amount of torque being applied, rather than relying on a spring to estimate it.
How long do torque wrenches last?
Torque wrenches can last for years if they are properly maintained and stored.
How much does a torque wrench cost?
How much for a torque wrench you can pay is an up-to-you question. There is no set price for a torque wrench, as they can vary greatly in quality and features. However, the cost of torque wrench ranges from $20 to $200 for a good quality torque wrench.
What are the best torque wrenches inch pounds?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and needs. However, some of the best torque wrench models on the market that offer adjustable torque settings in inches include the Tekton 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench, Craftsman 1/2 or 3/8-Inch Drive Torque Wrench and others listed above.
Conclusion
A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a certain amount of torque to a fastener, such as a nut or bolt. It is usually used to ensure that the fastener is tightened to the correct level of torque. The level of tightening required is usually specified in the accompanying documents: data sheet, manual, etc.
There are many reasons why it is important to use a torque wrench when tightening fasteners. First, if a fastener is tightened too much, it can cause damage to the thread and make it difficult to remove in the future. Second, if a fastener is not tightened enough, it may come loose, which can cause problems such as parts coming loose and falling off. Third, using a torque wrench helps to ensure that all of the fasteners on a particular project are tightened to the same level, which makes for a more professional looking finish.
Overall, high-quality torque wrenches are vital tools for anyone who works with fasteners on a regular basis. It helps to prevent damage to the fasteners and the surrounding materials, and ensures that all of the fasteners are tightened to the same level. Find your torque wrench for a cheap price by reading the summary above.
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