The torque wrench is a metrology tool which, by means of its predefined torque, allows bolts to be tightened to perfection without damaging them. Auto mechanics and do-it-yourselfers alike swear by this precision tool. If you're thinking of buying one, this guide will show you our selection of the best products, as well as tips and tricks to ensure a winning purchase.
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Our selection
"Despite its 2 kilos on the scale, this 75522 torque wrench is easy to use and accurate. This is not surprising coming from Goodyear."
"No matter what you intend to do with it, this standard torque wrench will give you precision and high performance. This mechanical tool will be…"
"This electronic torque wrench has it all. Starting with its LCD display that provides all the necessary information and its torque of 20 to 200…"
"Simple to use and lightweight, this precision vanadium steel torque wrench will allow you to work in excellent conditions wherever you are."
Despite its 2 kilos on the scale, this 75522 torque wrench is easy to use and accurate. This is not surprising coming from Goodyear.
51,99 £ on AmazonThe Goodyear 75522 has all the qualities that professionals expect from a torque wrench. The scale is easy to read, so making adjustments is no problem, and tightening is no problem at all. Thanks to its torque lock function, bolts can be tightened without any untimely checks on your part. When it comes to user comfort, you are entitled to the best of the best.
Goodyear has spoiled us with this 75522. In addition to the torque wrench itself, users will benefit from two 17 and 19 mm sockets, an extension for reaching tight spots and a carrying case. One thing is for sure, you'll find it hard to live without this tool after using it for the first time.
No matter what you intend to do with it, this standard torque wrench will give you precision and high performance. This mechanical tool will be a precious help for your work.
31,99 £ on AmazonDespite being made of solid chrome vanadium steel, this torque wrench is still relatively light. Weighing only 1026 grams, it will be easy to use, especially for novices who are new to torque wrenches. This tool will be very useful for precision tightening on cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
However, the real strength of this torque wrench lies in its adjustment scale that facilitates torque adjustments, which ranges from 19 to 110 N.m with an accuracy of ± 4%. In other words, this 3/8" torque wrench is one of the most reliable torque wrenches available today. To doubt it is a forfeit that you must not commit. Even if the tool is only 37.5 cm long, an extension will increase its reach, allowing you to reach hard-to-reach corners.
This electronic torque wrench has it all. Starting with its LCD display that provides all the necessary information and its torque of 20 to 200 N.m that will allow you to work without any effort.
109 £ on CdiscountWithout being a concentrate of technology, this torque wrench with square drive will allow you to carry out a multitude of tightenings of precision. Indeed, its adjustable torque range of 20 to 200 N.m allows a plethora of applications, especially in the mechanical field. This tool is particularly effective for screwing on a cylinder head, but you can also use it to perfect the tightening of the nuts that hold the wheels of your car or your bike in place.
Keep in mind that this precision device works with 4 AAA batteries of 1.5 V which are included in the delivery. To prevent the torque value from changing during use, this wrench is equipped with an ingenious locking system that you must activate each time. If there is one thing to complain about, it is its weight of 2.5 kg. It is one of the heaviest in its category.
Simple to use and lightweight, this precision vanadium steel torque wrench will allow you to work in excellent conditions wherever you are.
39,96 £ on NorautoThis trigger torque wrench has been specially designed for the most demanding of people when it comes to precision. The easily adjustable torque range from 42 to 210 N.m will allow a multitude of mechanical work on cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Of course, this tool can also be used for ordinary daily activities.
The reason this 1/2" 24-tooth torque wrench is so popular with professionals is mainly because of the accessories that come with it. In addition to the protective case, you also get a 1/2"*3/8" 9.5mm*12.7mm adapter and a 125mm extension wrench that will allow you to tighten in areas with little clearance.
Any specific needs?
The best torque wrench of 2021
The best entry-level torque wrench
The best high-end torque wrench
The best torque wrench for personal use
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| OUR SELECTION |
Goodyear 75522
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S&R Torque Wrench 3/8
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Brüder Mannesmann 18142
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Michelin MTW-210
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Despite its 2 kilos on the scale, this 75522 torque wrench is easy to use and accurate. This is not surprising coming from Goodyear.
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No matter what you intend to do with it, this standard torque wrench will give you precision and high performance. This mechanical tool will be a precious help for your work.
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This electronic torque wrench has it all. Starting with its LCD display that provides all the necessary information and its torque of 20 to 200 N.m that will allow you to work without any effort.
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Simple to use and lightweight, this precision vanadium steel torque wrench will allow you to work in excellent conditions wherever you are.
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Torque range
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42 -210 N.m
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19-210 N.m
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20 to 200 N.m
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42 to 210 N.m
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Weight
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2.21 kg
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1.26 kg
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2.5 kg
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1.86 kg
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Length
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67 cm
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46 cm
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28.6 cm
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46 cm
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Precision
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Shipped with
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1 extension and 2 sockets of 17 and 19 mm.
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1 125 mm extension, 3 sockets of 13, 15 and 17 mm, 3/8"- 1/2" + 3/8"- 1/4" adapter, 1 carrying case, 1 user manual.
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4 AAA 1.5 V batteries
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Plastic case, adapter and extension cord.
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This is the most important feature to consider when purchasing a torque wrench. On this type of equipment, the drive squares (expressed in inches) do not have the same dimensions, so it is worth checking the squares or bits that come with the instrument.
There are several types, but the most commonly used are the ¼ inch radio square, the 3/8 inch junior square, the ½ inch standard square and the ¾ inch truck square. If this is your very first purchase, go with the standard model first.
Display is corollary to convenience. If you need to control everything yourself, turn to a trigger wrench without a display that needs to be reset after each use.
On this device, the characteristic click informs you that the torque value has been reached. On the other hand, if you're a novice, you may want to consider a direct-reading digital wrench that does all the work for you. In the same vein, you can also opt for a battery-powered electronic torque wrench that informs you of everything on its screen.
As far as tightening accuracy is concerned, the goal is mainly to check the torque wrench's ability to tighten larger or smaller torques. Ideally, prefer an instrument with a tightening capacity between 1 and 1000 N.m. These types of tools are easy to use and superbly versatile. They can be used for a variety of mechanical and do-it-yourself jobs.
A good torque wrench should give you a good grip when tightening, which is the minimum for a tool of this type. Prefer a tool with a longer or shorter handle and a handle covered with a non-slip material. The last thing you want is for the tool to slip through your hands, the consequences would be dire.
Think about accessories that compensate for the tool. A torque wrench that comes with a set of ratcheting sockets, an extension and a torque converter will have the benefit of being usable as soon as you receive it. It's even better if the tool comes with a storage case. This will make it much easier to transport, in case you need to use it away from home.
Practical and easy to use, a torque wrench will allow you to easily tighten screws and bolts with great precision. In general, this instrument consists of a locking screw or reset finger and two cylinders. Be aware, however, that this tool should never be used without some preparation. Before getting down to the nitty-gritty, an adjustment is in order.
Always start by adjusting the torque, as this is what will allow you to tighten a nut to its proper value. To begin, unscrew the knob on the end of the handle counterclockwise, then look for the vertical numbers engraved on the wrench handle before adjusting the wrench to the desired torque. If you are using an electronic model, the adjustment is done via a console.
Caution! The adjustment must always be done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, you can simply refer to the standards for tightening a bolt to 80-85% of its yield strength in the relevant class.
Once you have determined the correct torque, you can then adjust the square of the tool. This is not very difficult, as it is only necessary to refer to the dimensions of the bolts to be tightened. From there, all you have to do is position the square on the bolt and lock the wheel so that the value does not change while tightening. Tighten gradually and stop as soon as you hear the click sound.
All torque wrenches have an audible or sensory system that informs you when the correct torque value has been reached. It is important to avoid overtightening, as this can damage the bolt and the wrench.
The torque wrench is widely used by car and motorcycle mechanics. During a repair, this instrument is mainly used to loosen or tighten the cylinder head of a combustion engine. With the torque wrench, the cylinder head can be tightened to the nearest millimeter. In addition, the torque wrench can also be used for an ordinary task, such as locking the nuts of a wheel.
Electronic torque wrenches have a digital console that allows users to quickly make the adjustments they need. On this type of instrument, torque is calculated by means of a strain gauge. The data recorded by these instruments can be transferred to a computer for analysis.
Advantages: The torque wrench allows both tightening and torque control. In addition, the torque wrench's exceptional tightening performance allows it to meet high work rates. All the information needed for tightening is displayed on the digital screen of this tool, which is said to be a direct reading.
Disadvantages: The digital torque wrench happens to be expensive compared to other types of products.
Who is it for? This tool is mostly recommended for professionals who need to do high-precision fastening work including rotating parts on vehicles.
This category of torque wrenches is widely available in the trade. Typically, these tools feature a spring-loaded lever that adjusts as the bolts are tightened. When the torque level is finally reached, the lever breaks with a loud snap. This explains the sound that emanates from this device.
Advantages: The trigger torque wrench is versatile and very easy to use. It is very convenient for precision tightening.
Disadvantages: Be warned that the trigger torque wrench is not compatible with tightening torques over 250 N.m.
Who is it for? Because it is simple to operate, even archaic, the trigger torque wrench would be more of an instrument for individuals.
The hydraulic torque wrench is mostly used for tightening truck nuts. It is also used in industrial settings, particularly for servicing machinery powered by heat or electric motors. As the name implies, this device uses a hydraulic system to achieve the required torque level.
Advantages: This tool is particularly suitable for torques that cannot be reached manually in Newton meters.
Disadvantages: The cost of this device is not cheap.
Who is it for? This type of device is definitely for a professional audience, industrialists and manufacturers.
This torque wrench is halfway between the manual wrench and the electric wrench. Widely used in workshops and garages, the pneumatic torque wrench is usually used as a tool for checking and verifying torques. But it is also used to accurately tighten wheel bolts on a car.
Advantages: With this device, the tightening is done in a few minutes, even a few seconds only, because it is so powerful.
Disadvantages: Unfortunately, the pneumatic torque wrench is not as powerful as the hydraulic model.
Who is it for? Keep in mind that this torque wrench requires a compressed air supply. It is mostly found in garages and motorcycle repair shops. It is therefore a device for strictly professional use.
Whether it's a trigger or a direct-reading wrench, a torque wrench can be used to perfect the tightening of bolts in the most delicate places on a car or industrial machinery. It's the best option for people looking for a precision tool to tighten or loosen car wheel bolts, engine head bolts and hub nuts.
The socket wrench is the closest mechanical accessory to the torque wrench. This tool consists of a square socket that is locked by a ball positioned on a spring and a replaceable sleeve. The socket, which is mounted on a ratchet with an extension, can be used to loosen a screw or nut in a hard-to-reach place. The dimensions of the socket wrench bits are exactly the same as those of the torque wrench.
A torque wrench beats the socket ratchet in every aspect. To achieve torque without providing any effect and without risking damage to a part, it is best to use a torque wrench.
It is very precise
There is nothing more precise and powerful than the torque wrench for tightening a bolt, a nut or any mechanical part. This device will prevent you from overtightening, which can cause a screw's socket to break. All you have to do is determine the torque value in advance and stop when it is reached. It's that simple.
It saves time
Unlike a conventional wrench, a torque wrench has a ratchet that allows you to tighten without removing the socket from the nut. To complete a tightening, all you have to do is make a natural back-and-forth movement. Because the tool has an ergonomic handle, tightening is effortless. No need for Herculean strength to tighten a bolt.
It is easy to use
The shape and ergonomics of the torque wrench allow it to reach hard-to-reach places on an engine. In addition, it is rare for a device to miscalculate the torque. This means that whatever you plan to do will be done with the precision of a watchmaker.
It's versatile
The torque wrench is not just for automotive use. Experienced and amateur do-it-yourselfers also use it for ordinary jobs, such as adjusting the bolts on a bicycle. It is also an excellent partner when it is necessary to tighten the wheel bolts of the car or the cylinder head screw.
It is reliable in all circumstances
If you already have a torque wrench with a trigger, another one with electronic operation will not be too much in your toolbox. The efficiency of these two devices is the same, but it is clear that the comfort of use of an electronic torque wrench is better. It will allow you to work on your materials while respecting them.
In our opinion, the best brands of torque wrenches in 2022 are :
Goodyear may be the third largest tire manufacturer in the world, but it never rests on its laurels. In order to meet the increasingly sophisticated expectations of consumers, the company is constantly innovating and diversifying its products.
Brüder Mannesmann is one of Germany's leading designers of power tools, hand tools and gardening equipment. Today, this company directly or indirectly manages 5 subsidiaries, which is proof of its immense reputation in the world.
Michelin has held the position of the world's leading tire manufacturer for decades. Although the company is best known for its wide range of tires, it also offers mechanical instruments for sale, such as torque wrenches.
DeWalt, the trading name of Stanley Black & Decker, is one of the most influential North American players in the field of construction, industrial and mechanical equipment and accessories. If you're looking to buy tools that will last you a long time, DeWalt is your solution.
Created in 1918, Facom is a French tool brand that is recognized throughout Europe and the rest of the world for the excellent quality of its tools and mechanical equipment.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Tighten slowly
Each clamping movement should not exceed 4 seconds. By respecting this time frame, you reduce the risk of inertia leading inevitably to early release of the equipment.
Preserve your equipment
To keep your equipment at its peak performance, never forget to reset it after each use. Also, avoid leaving the blade under permanent tension, or it will lose its flexibility. Also, never use a bit with a different shape than the nut.
Train yourself
Before using a torque wrench for real, try to understand how it works first. This will help you gain speed when making tightenings. Ideally, you should practice on tire nuts.
Maintain your device
The torque wrench will need a damp cloth cleaning after each use. Also, perform a calibration every 3 years or 5000 tightenings. For this, you will need a vise, an empty bucket, and water. To do this, wedge the tip of the wrench into the vise and hang the empty bucket on the handle. Then determine the amount of water needed to operate the wrench, taking into account the length of the tool's handle. As a reference, 1 liter of water is equivalent to 1 kilo and 1 kilo suspended from a handle of about 50 centimeters produces a force of 20 N.m.
Always be alert
When you work, always keep an eye on the scales and pay attention to the sound of the click. This is what lets you know that the clamp is on point and you should stop turning.
Setting the torque is an important step in using a torque wrench. To set the desired torque value, pull on a ring located under the vernier while turning the handle. The goal is to place the red cursor on the desired decimal point. On an electronic model, you will only need to program the torque value very precisely using the console.
After setting the torque value, place the square of the wrench on the socket of the bolt you wish to tighten. Since this is precision work, turn the wrench meticulously until the audible, sensory or visual signal sounds. After that, there is no need to continue the maneuver. To maintain the performance of your torque wrench, don't hesitate to recalibrate it every 5,000 or so tightenings.
The torque wrench is a precision tool that is used to tighten the bonds of a torque whose value is expressed in Newton-meter or deca Newton-meter. This force allows it to perform a rotation without the risk of deforming or breaking the bolts and mechanical parts. This device finds its use in automotive mechanics, but also for everyday mundane activities.
For personal use, the ideal would be to opt for an electronic torque wrench with direct reading. This device is very easy to adjust, and you could get all the information you need on the display screen. The electronic model is the ultimate in convenience. On the other hand, if you feel the need to control everything, opt for a trigger model that can be set manually.
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