Yan Margulis, CEO of Capable Group Inc, says, “I like to use torque wrenches, because they are much faster than using any other wrench. I find it quicker in changing bolts, particularly when I have to do it several times in a row. I also find that ratcheting wrenches tend to slip as I try to tighten or loosen a bolt and need a firm grip on the wrench for sufficient torque. When using a torque wrench, however, the metal ring provides a very firm grip on the bolt, making it much less likely to slip. This is one of the reasons why mechanics like them so much, although, of course, the ultimate benefit of a torque wrench is the precise measurement of torque applied to the fastener. “When using a torque wrench, never add your own extensions to the tool, such as using another screw or socket for added length. Watch your fingers to make sure they don’t get pinched, and use the correct size torque wrench for the job. There are several types of torque wrench available, but the good old-fashioned click wrench is my favorite. Never continue to turn the wrench beyond the click, or you might damage the fastener by over-tightening it.” Our top torque wrench is the CDI 1/2-Inch-Drive Adjustable Micrometer Torque Wrench, which is accurate, easy to use, and comfortable to grip. Here are our favorite torque wrenches. Industrial Brand’s CDI 1/2-Inch-Drive Adjustable Micrometer Torque Wrench is quick, accurate, easy to use, and efficient. Its all-metal construction lets you apply enough pressure to hit a torque range of 30 to a whopping 250 foot-pounds; no problem in tightening even large nuts. Plus, the laser-marked single scale is easy to read and won’t fade or scratch away. The 1/2-inch drive is just right for tightening lug nuts or doing repairs on large engines, including automobiles, trucks, and boats. The wrench’s dual scale is calibrated for either direction, so it’s easy to use whether you are left-handed or right-handed. and it has a positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down lock ring that makes it easy to set your desired level of tightness, and then lock it to be sure there is no slip or wiggle. The quick-release buttons provide tight socket retention and removal. It has a soft plastic ergonomic grip that is comfortable even when the going gets tough. The torque wrench is calibrated to provide ± 3 percent clockwise, ± 5 percent counterclockwise of indicated value. The full length is 24.4 inches, making it easy to reach into even tight spots within engines or behind wheels. The wrench includes a black plastic storage case. Price at time of publish: $183 An audible click lets you know when the preset torque value has been reached. That allows for just the right amount of pressure to be applied to the screw or nut and cuts down on inadvertent over-tightening and subsequent damage to the fitting. The high-contrast, dual-range scale is simple and easy to read, even when the light isn’t great. The smooth grip and reverse-ratcheting head moves clockwise and counterclockwise, but it only measures torque in the clockwise position. The wrench includes a plastic storage case. Price at time of publish: $44 ACDelco guarantees the torque range to be within ± 2 percent when worked clockwise and ± 3 percent counterclockwise. The torque wrench has a soft, rubbery handle for easy grip and a slim design for working in tight spots. It requires 2 AAA batteries, which are included, as is a storage case. Price at time of publish: $110 The handle has a knob to adjust the torque setting to one of three preset levels: 4, 5, or 6 newton meters, which are the most commonly recommended settings for bicycles. Once the desired level of torque is reached, the wrench “clicks out” to prevent damaging over-tightening. The set includes an Allen wrench to adjust the torque knob. Price at time of publish: $40 Made of alloy steel and sealed to keep out oil and grime, this is a sturdy tool that won’t shirk at even tough jobs around the garage. It’s easy to twist the handle to set your desired torque, and then lock the setting in place so the tool won’t slip or spin while in use. It includes a hard plastic case for storage. Price at time of publish: $60 The wrench lets you set torque from 20 to 100 foot-pounds, and it is accurate to ± 4 percent clockwise. Once set, the torque setting locks in place so it won’t slip as you work. Once you reach your desired setting, the wrench gives a loud click so you won’t need to worry about over-tightening. The torque wrench comes with a plastic storage case. Price at time of publish: $125 Made of sturdy alloy steel with a rubber-grip handle, the wrench has a torque range of 0 to 150 foot-pounds. It doesn’t require frequent recalibrating, as do click-style torque wrenches, and it’s easy to grip and use. This is a great addition to your mechanic tool kit, and it’s very reasonably priced. Price at time of publish: $23 The 1/4-inch wrench has a range of 20 to 200 inch-pounds, the 3/8-inch wrench has a range of 10 to 80 foot-pounds, and the 1/2-inch wrench has a range of 25 to 250 inch pounds. All have a ± 4-percent accuracy. Each wrench in the set comes in its own sturdy plastic storage case. Price at time of publish: $148 The jaws open from 0.2 to 1.18 inches. The torque range is 3.1 to 62.7 foot-pounds, with ± 2 percent accuracy clockwise and ± 3 percent counterclockwise. The tool has nine common torque values preset, but you can set your own if desired. The indicator light gets brighter as you approach your torque setting and there’s also a buzzer. The wrench requires two AAA batteries, which are included. Price at time of publish: $200 This torque wrench has a range of 20 to 200 inch-pounds (not foot-pounds, as with many larger wrenches), and its accuracy is ± 4 percent. It drives in both directions but only measures torque in a clockwise direction. This highly precise and easy-to-use torque wrench includes a black plastic storage case. Price at time of publish: $30

Beam torque wrenches rely on the flex of the wrench to measure the torque. It has a long arm or beam that attaches to the head of the wrench, and there is a scale located near the end of the handle that indicates the amount of torque currently being applied. These torque wrenches are extremely precise, making them great choices for tasks where it’s critical to tighten nuts to a specific setting.Split beam torque wrenches are essentially the same as beam torque wrenches in how they function, but with one major difference: A split beam torque wrench has a secondary beam that runs behind the main arm of the tool. This secondary beam is known as a “deflecting beam,” and it bends as the tool is turned, instead of the main arm bending, making the split beam torque wrench more durable than a standard beam torque wrench.Click torque wrenches are the most commonly used type. The torque level is easy to set by twisting the base of the wrench to match up with the desired setting on the handle. These torque wrenches get their name from the audible click that the wrench makes when it reaches the set torque level, though it’s important to note that most click torque wrenches do not have a limiter, so users need to stop applying force as soon as they hear the click, in order to avoid over-tightening.Digital torque wrenches are usually the most expensive choice, but they come precalibrated and display clear, precise readings on a digital screen, making them the easiest to read and use. Just keep in mind that the torque wrench runs on batteries, and without power it will not function properly, so keep it equipped with fresh batteries whenever possible.

Drive Size

The size of a torque wrench’s drive determines the sockets that can be used with the torque wrench. Standard torque wrench sizes include 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch, though most DIYers won’t need to use a wrench that is larger than 1/2-inch in size.

The 1/4-inch drives are the smallest option, and these wrenches are really only used for working on power tools or small engines like those on motorcycles, mopeds, and lawnmowers. However, these wrenches may also be necessary for smaller fittings on cars or trucks.3/8-inch drives are regularly used in automotive repair, especially when the user is working on the engine. Some spark plugs need to be tightened with a 3/8-inch drive, though most spark plugs need a 1/2-inch drive.The 1/2-inch torque wrench drive is the most commonly used size. These torque wrenches are ideal for reinstalling lug nuts, replacing spark plugs, or tightening fasteners on the vehicle’s suspension.3/4-inch to 1-inch drives aren’t usually necessary for DIYers, because these sizes are really only used on large vehicles like semi-trucks and construction vehicles.

Accuracy

The entire purpose of a torque wrench is to ensure that the nuts, bolts, and other fittings are tightened to the exact specified level of torque, so accuracy is one of the most important considerations when deciding on a torque wrench for the home garage. After all, over-tightening or under-tightening the lug nuts on the car could lead to problems when you are driving. Typically, the torque wrench manufacturer will indicate the measured accuracy of the product based on a calibration test that is performed prior to the torque wrench being packaged, shipped, and sold. The calibration level usually has an accuracy rating of about ±4 percent, though there are superior torque wrenches with higher accuracy ratings (e.g., ±3 percent accuracy). Some higher-end torque wrenches include a certificate of calibration from the manufacturer, demonstrating that they were tested and calibrated before shipment.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. Outside the garage, torque wrenches are often used in plumbing repairs or air conditioning installations.

Torque will be indicated differently, depending on whether you are working with a digital torque wrench, a click torque wrench, or any of the other torque wrench types. For this roundup, Michelle considered dozens of torque wrenches, evaluating each for accuracy, ease of use, and versatility. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative. Yan Margulis, CEO Capable Group Inc, also offered input and advice.