The Best Torque Wrenches for 2021
/
Best Torque Wrench
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are affiliate links in this post. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a commission if you purchase through my link. I will only ever promote the products and services that I trust and 100% recommend. You may read my full disclosure policy for more information. Thank you for supporting my business in this way.
For this post, I have put together a collection of the best torque wrenches currently available.
UPDATED: May 26, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the TEKTON 24335 because it features a torque range from 10 to 150 ft.-lb., a simple click-style indicator, and all-steel components.
Never guess the torque of a fastener again. These high quality wrenches will allow you to apply the level of force to prevent overtightening or undertightening.
Common Types of Torque Wrenches
Beam-Type Torque Wrenches
The indicator bar remains straight while the main shaft bends proportionally to the force applied at the handle.
Click-Type Torque Wrenches
The force exerted by the spring is overcome and the ball "clicks" out of its socket. This design yields greater precision as well as giving tactile and audible feedback.
Digital Torque Wrenches
Measurement is by means of a strain gauge attached to the torsion rod. The signal generated by the transducer is converted to the required unit of torque and shown on the digital display.
There are two standard units used to measure torque:
foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.)
Newton meters (Nm)
If you are unfamiliar with how to use a torque wrench, here is a brief video overview:
RELATED: The Best Tap And Die Sets
The following torque wrenches use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The Best Torque Wrenches for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: TEKTON 24335 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The TEKTON 24335 offers a torque range of 10 to 150 ft.-lb. and is calibrated to an accuracy of +/- 4%.
Features a reversible ratcheting head to drive bolts in either direction (measures torque clockwise).
Offers a simple to use design, simply set the desired value on the handle scale (foot pounds or Newton meters).
Features a click-style indicator for when the set torque value has been reached,
Features a simple mechanical operation that does not require batteries.
Constructed from all-steel components for long-lasting durability.
Includes a case for storage and transport.
Runner-up: EPAuto 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The EPAuto 1/2" torque wrench is constructed from hardened treated chrome vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) for strength and durability.
Features a click-style design to indicate when the desired torque has been reached.
Includes a dual range scale with high contrast for visibility.
Features pre-calibration for accuracy down to ± 4%.
Equipped with a knurled handle for a non-slip grip.
Features a corrosion-resistant design with a satin finish.
Includes a storage case.
Best for High Torque: CDI 2503MFRPH 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The CDI 2503MFRPH features a torque range from 30 up to 250 foot-pounds.
Equipped with a positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down lock ring.
Includes an easy to read laser marked dual scale.
Features quick-release buttons for socket retention.
Features a grip with an ergonomic design.
Must-have Accessories
Don't forget the reducers and extensions.
Best Finish: LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The LEXIVON 1/2-inch torque wrench features a chrome vanadium alloy ratchet gear head for long-lasting durability.
Provides an accuracy of +/- 4% that comes pre-calibrated.
Equipped with a reversible ratchet head that allows it to work in either direction, making it great for difficult-to-reach situations.
Features a unique electro-black finish that protects the tools from corrosion.
Equipped with bright yellow scale markers that make it quick and easy to read against the dark handle.
Comes with a calibration certificate for verification.
Best Compact Option: Capri Tools 31200 1/4" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The Capri Tools 31200 features all-steel construction for durability.
Offers the ability to provide readings from 20 to 150 in-lbs. (2.8-16.4 Newton Meters).
Features a clockwise measurement accuracy down to +/-3%
Equipped with a non-slip grip and a knurled handle.
Features an engraved dual scale for quick and easy reading of measurements.
GearWrench 85066 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The GearWrench 85066 features a range from 30 up to 250 foot-pounds.
Features a thin profile design for access into confined areas.
Equipped with a sealed tear-drop head design for long-lasting durability.
Includes a pull collar for quick adjustments.
Features a stamped scale on the beam for easy visibility.
Includes an anodized aluminum knurled handle grip.
Features accuracy down to +/- 3% from 20% to 100% of full scale.
Best Budget Option: Neiko 03727A 1/4" Drive Beam Torque Wrench
The Neiko 03727A 1/4" features a beam-style design that provides accuracy or readings to within +/- 4%.
Offers Standard and Metric Readings, so conversion charts are not required.
Features measurements for 0 to 80 in/lb in 1 in/lb increments.
Includes a dual scale, from 0 to 9 Nm in .25 Newton Meter increments.
Offers either clockwise or counter-clockwise measurements for ambidextrous use.
Best Split Beam: Precision Instruments PREC4D600F 3/4" Drive Torque Wrench
The Precision Instruments PREC4D600F features a removable ratchet head that allows the wrench to be broken down for compact storage
Designed to consistently provide accurate readings to within 4 percent of the setting.
Offers the ability to quickly set the torque since there isn’t a spring tension on the adjustment knob.
Equipped with a torque mechanism that requires minimal effort to change.
Features an all-steel construction for long-lasting durability.
Includes a carrying and storage case.
eTORK 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
The eTORK 1/2" drive torque wrench features a hardened steel alloy steel housing for a durable, yet strong design.
Includes a ball bearing release mechanism.
Equipped with a 45-tooth ratchet head for either easier clockwise and counter-clockwise operation.
Includes an easy to read ft-lb or Nm dual scale.
Equipped with a locking knob to prevent unwanted changes to the settings.
Features a quick pull-down and turn of the handle procedure for torque adjustments.
Equipped with a wide soft-grip handle for comfort.
I hope this list of the best torque wrenches was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Citations
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, June 29). Torque wrench. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:50, August 16, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Torque_wrench&oldid=848092960
