You know your toolbox is incomplete when you don't have the best torque wrench. Torque wrenches are handy tools used in the automotive industry, military factories, and for household purposes. To help you find the best torque wrench, this article contains a list of the 5 best torque wrenches.
Before you start choosing a torque wrench, you need to know what they are. This is very important: each type has its own characteristics of design and work, therefore, its scope of application, in which its use will give the best results.
Limit (spring) type wrenches. The body of the key and the rotating part are marked on a scale. First, you need to release the locking nut, then, rotating the handle, make sure that the zero marks on it coincides with the desired mark on the scale of the wrench. Thus, the desired tightening torque will be set. Next, to add the values on the handle's scale to the first set value, rotate the handle clockwise until it matches the next zero mark value. Then you can lock the lock nut and tighten the fasteners. There is no need to monitor the set torque value: when it is reached, you will hear a click, which tells you that the fastener is tightened to the set value.
Who can use such wrenches? For example, locksmiths at service stations, when they need to tighten a large number of nuts per shift, where the high accuracy of the value does not play a big role. Accuracy is ± 4%.
Pointer wrenches. The easiest in construction and use. They consist of a body, to which the scale is attached, a handle, a square for sockets, and an arrow. It is easy to work with such a wrench: during tightening the body with the scale is deflected, and the arrow stays in place, showing the value of torque. The error of the devices is rather large and amounts to 6 - 8%, and not very handy body does not allow working with the tool in hard-to-reach places. However, despite the disadvantages, such keys are very convenient when the process of tightening critical assemblies needs to be controlled - you can see with what force the nut is tightened.
Digital keys. The most accurate kind of tool - the error is about 1%. The work of this kind of wrench is built as follows. On the body, there are several buttons: to turn on the device, select the unit of measurement of torque, set the desired value of torque and its adjustment, a buzzer to signal. After setting all the parameters you can begin to work - during tightening the display shows the current torque value. When the desired value is reached, the wrench beeps.
Where to use these wrenches? At the service station for tightening very critical joints, e.g. to fasten a cast alloy wheel that can crack even with a little extra torque. The digital wrench is also convenient to use in industrial plants for the repair and maintenance of machine tools, railroad vehicles, etc.
TOP-5 Best Torque Wrenches to Buy Right Now
TEKTON 24330 (under $50)
This torque wrench produces an audible click when the default value is reached. It has a high-contrast dual scale with easy-to-read numbers. You can read them even in low light. It has a reversible ratchet head that moves in both directions and measures torque clockwise. It is made of durable steel, which is highly reliable and will not wear out.
Check PriceDrive Click Torque Wrench (under $30)
This torque wrench uses a heavy-duty cam and ratchet mechanism to work. The torque range is 20 to 150 ft. It has a reversible LBS function and a wrench length of 18 inches. Clicks when the exact torque range is reached.
Check PriceAmazon Basics 1/2-Inch (under $60)
This torque wrench has a sturdy ratchet head made of a hardened, corrosion-free, chrome vanadium steel alloy treatment for longer life. It comes in a sturdy plastic case that makes it easy to store anywhere. It has high contrast and a dual scale that is very easy to read. It clicks when the set torque range is reached.
Check PriceEPAuto 1/4-Inch (under $30)
This torque wrench is made of a hardened, machined chrome vanadium steel alloy that prevents rust and will not wear out over time. It has a non-slip handle that gives you full control of the tool. No calibration is required the first time you use it. Just take it out of the package and use it as is. Tells you when to stop using force with a clicking sound. Comes with a sturdy storage case for easy carrying and storage.
Check PriceEPAuto 3/8 (under $30)
This torque wrench is a reliable tool that has been certified for calibration. It has a deeper torque scale with a dual-range for a high-contrast view that makes it easy to read even in low light. The reversible ratchet head can provide intermittent movement both clockwise and counterclockwise. It comes with a sandblasted chrome silver case that prevents glare even in bright sunlight.
Check PriceHow to choose a torque wrench?
The quality of the work performed and its durability depend directly on the choice of the tool according to its technical characteristics. What are the main parameters of torque wrenches? Let's take a closer look:
- The maximum force (torque) - measured in newton meters (Nm) and directly affects the work that can be controlled with it. It is better to buy several wrenches with different ranges of force to perform any operations, for example, FIT IT 62452 with a range from 28 to 200 Nm and 3/4 "DR Jonnesway T04500 (T04M500) with a range from 100 to 700 Nm.
- Square - indicated in inches. Before you buy a torque wrench, decide what size nuts you will be tightening most often and get the tool with the appropriate size square.
- Weight and length - affect how easy it is to work with the wrench.
So, a torque wrench is useful not only for professional mechanics and service stations for checking the tightening torque but also for car enthusiasts. When you buy a tool you get:
- The ability to tighten nuts with a force from 15 to 980 Nm;
- The ability to work with different seating squares under the head - from 1/2 to 3/8 inch;
- Confidence in the durability of the resulting construction.
Always clean the tool with a clean rag after use and lubricate it periodically. To keep the wrench working accurately, it should be checked about every 1000 uses.
