The Best Torque Wrench

Tekton 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10–150 ft-lb)

Tekton is an American family-owned business that prides itself on making good-quality tools for less money than the competition.

This wrench comes in a rugged plastic storage case. With it comes a product manual and a torque conversion chart. We recommend keeping it in the case for safety.

It’s pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy, so you don’t need to calibrate this Tekton torque wrench before the first use. That means you can accurately tighten parts without them breaking or staying loose.

The tool is made from heavy-grade steel, featuring no plastic parts. The ratchet head can drive in both directions but will measure torque only in the clockwise direction.  

This one is a click-style wrench: upon reaching the preset torque value, you’ll hear a click in the handle, indicating that you should stop. 

Tekton 1/2 torque wrench has an easily readable high-contrast dual-range scale. Measuring 10–150 ft-lb (foot-pounds), it’s a good mid-range wrench, perfect for at-home use (less suitable for demanding jobs). 

A 1/2-inch wrench is the most common size, but Tekton offers a range of sizes (1/4, 3/4, 3/8).

Our negative remark about this product concerns its size—it’s large, so you’ll most likely experience trouble if you have to tighten a part in spaces where there’s no room to wiggle. 

Also, some users complain that you must exercise the torque before using the wrench.

Tekton also offers a lifetime warranty for replacements under regular use.

All in all, it’s the best torque wrench for the money. As stated on Tekton’s website, “tools, like many things, don’t have to be expensive to work well—they need to be made well to work well.”

Snap-on 1/2-Inch Drive TQ-Series Torque Wrench (40–250 ft-lb)

Let’s get it out of the way: this torque wrench is the most expensive on our list (and one of the priciest high-end options). But, believe us as we say, it has plenty to show for!

Its torque ranges from 40 to 250 ft-lb, and the accuracy is ±4% clockwise, 20-100% of the full scale.

Designing it, they’ve thought of everything.

This Snap-on torque wrench is a flex-head model with a 36-tooth maintenance-free ratcheting head.

It has no moving parts, and a split-beam measuring element makes it more durable and less prone to friction. In addition to that, the sealed neck will keep the dirt out.

It measures torque in the clockwise direction; you’ll see the Nm (Newton-metre) conversion table on the handle.

With this wrench, you’ll have no trouble accessing all areas; not only is it slim, but its 15° flex-head provides additional clearance.

Every good torque wrench must have an easy torque setting. This one accomplishes that by having a thumbscrew adjustment faster than other types; you’ll only need to rotate the knob until you reach the desired torque.

No accidental adjustments are possible because a thumb guard protects the knob.

Snap-on cares about your comfort, too. The handles have a soft grip and are from material that’s resistant to most automotive fluids.

You can get this 1/2 drive torque wrench in green or red. It comes in a blow-molded case and carries a year of free repairs and calibrations at the Snap-on repair center.

Pro Bike Tol 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set (88–530 in-lb)

Pro Bike Tool is a family-owned UK company that started in 2015 that makes the tools for bike and motorcycle repairs. 

From their great assortment, we chose this dual-direction 72-tooth ratchet head 3/8-inch drive set with 1/4 and 1/2 adaptors and a vast torque range of 10–60 Nm (88–530 in-lb).

When your vehicle breaks down while you are on the road, a compact and portable wrench set like this will be your savior in most cases. 

It deserves to be named the best torque wrench for motorcycles (and other two-wheelers). It will handle any job you put it to and put you back on your wheels. 

Pro Bike Tool wrench comes pre-calibrated and accurate up to +/- 4% clockwise and +/- 6% counterclockwise. The company gives you a calibration certificate with each set.

The wrench is steel, with a chrome beam and head and black handle. 

It prevents accidental torque settings by automatic locking of a spring-loaded adjustment collar. When you reach desired torque, the mechanism will emit a click to warn you to stop.

Thanks to adaptors, this is also the best torque wrench for bikes. The scale is easy to read and offers both imperial and metric measures (in-lb and Nm). 

In the storage case the wrench comes in, there is also a section for the parts you’re not using. The tool is 10.9 inches in length, but it comes with a 2.9-inch extension bar.

Pro Bike Tool offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. They also pride themselves on their customer service, so if you’re experiencing trouble with the product, they will gladly offer a refund or a replacement. 

If, however, the tool you purchased isn’t manufactured anymore, they’ll give you a comparable product or issue a full refund.

Precision Instruments 3/8-Inch Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench (20–100 ft-lb)

Now we’ll give you our recommendation for the best torque wrench for engine building—an American-made flex-ratchet 3/8-inch split-beam wrench from Precision Instruments.

Straight away, we see some improvements many wrenches lack. 

First of all, the critical parts of the wrench are alloy steel welded together (there’s less risk of falling apart) and resist automotive fluids. 

Second, wrenches of this type (split-beam click wrenches) won’t give you trouble as a micrometer-style clock wrench would. 

And lastly, there’s no need to reset it after each use.

This type of mechanism requires only fingertip force to set the torque. It’s accurate up to 4% clockwise, with a torque capacity of 20–100 ft-lb.

Every mechanic needs a powerful 3/8 wrench, which is the best torque wrench for engine work. It’s well-made, accurate, solid, and flexible; it comes in a nice storage case, works well, and is easy and quick to adjust. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll have no problems. 

We only have one con to add. There is no end cap on the tool. Thus, the handle may rust from the inside.

A one-year warranty backs it, and you get a dated calibration compliance certificate. 

Craftsman 1/2-Inch Drive Torque Wrench (20–250 ft-lb)

There rarely is a tool kit without at least one Craftsman tool. Affordability and good quality for the price attract the customers to shop for Craftsman tools and equipment.

Their 1/2-inch torque wrench is a good-value-for-the-money product, easy to adjust and use, clicks loudly enough, and offers a good range of torque.

It works in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Your comfort is secure with soft-grip handles.

You can find the calibration certificate as a sticker on the shaft.

It comes in a rugged clear plastic box for storage (as we said before, it’s best to store and carry wrenches in their original cases).

Both metric and imperial scales are stamped onto the tool and are easy to read.

Lowe’s sells Craftsman, and they often offer excellent deals. Check those out; you may obtain the best cheap torque wrench.

Craftsman will repair your tools for free within the time specified in the warranty (in this case, a year).

We have to note that on the packaging, it says the torque range of this wrench is 50–250 ft-lb, which is untrue (20–250 ft-lb says the inscription on the tool). This mistake is most likely due to a change in design or reusing the packaging.

Gearwrench 1/2-Inch Drive Electronic Torque Wrench (30–340 Nm)

Now the choice for the best digital torque wrench: Gearwrench’s 1/2-inch 30–340 Nm made from alloy steel. Although many mechanics prefer using an analog wrench, we have to have something for the tech lovers.

Thanks to a 72-tooth ratchet head with a 5° angle swing, you’ll be able to operate in tight spaces.

This wrench gets its power from two AA batteries (not included). The mechanism will alert you as you approach the desired torque. The buzzing sound, the handle vibration, and an LED light will indicate the set torque.

A good torque wrench is an irreplaceable part of any self-respecting tool bag. And this is one of the best torque wrenches with an accuracy of up to +/-2% clockwise and +/-3% counterclockwise. The manufacturer guarantees the calibration accuracy for 90 days.

Aside from standard imperial and metric scales (in-lb, ft-lb, Nm), it also shows the result in kg-m and kg-cm.

As a couple of previously mentioned wrenches, this one is also resistant to industrial fluids, and it carries a one-year limited warranty.

We should warn you that you’ll have to buy a lot of batteries for this tool. It eats them.

Lexivon 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10–80 ft-lb)

That is our best torque wrench 3/8 inch in size and with low torque. There’s no need to calibrate it before the first use because it comes pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy.

Although the reversible head drives in both directions, it will measure torque only in the clockwise direction.

On the bottom of the handle, it has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental setting changes. It’s a robust little wrench that seems to be reliable for many uses.

The ratcheting head is of heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel. Lexivon treated their best 3/8 torque wrench with the unique Electro-Black finish for protection from corrosion and rust.

Yellow-on-black letters and numbers of the dual-range scale easily catch your eye; it’s easy to read even in dim settings and with not-the-best eyesight too!

The manual says you should operate the device several times before each use.

You also get a calibration certificate (the tool has passed the tests three times) and a traceable serial number. And a sturdy wrench case, of course.

Costing only around 40 bucks, this is also the best budget torque wrench of this size and might. When you register your tool on their website, they’ll give you a two-year warranty.

Some users have reported that you may miss the click upon reaching the torque if you don’t have good hearing (or don’t pay attention).

ACDelco 1/4-Inch Angle Digital Torque Wrench (1.11–22.12 ft-lb)

A 1/4-inch torque wrench gets the most use in the motorcycle- or bike repairs/building (or any jobs requiring tightening tiny fasteners). 1/4 wrenches are smaller thus better to use in narrow places.

ACDelco’s lightweight but heavy-duty, digital angle torque wrench is a worthy competitor for the best 1/4 torque wrench title.

It’s battery-powered (2 AA batteries are not included) and made of industrial-grade alloy metal. The reliable and secure soft-grip handles improve control over the tool and provide comfort.

All of the ACDelco wrenches come pre-calibrated and with an accuracy up to +/-1-5%. Because it’s an angle torque wrench, the manufacturer recommends laying the tool on the flat surface when powering up.

You’ll be satisfied as maybe the most accurate torque wrench of digital type. For an affordable price, you get great precision and quality. Some even compare it to Snap-on (ACDelco will undoubtedly burn a smaller hole in your pocket)!

The digital display shows the measurement scales (in-lb, ft-lb, Nm, and kg-cm), battery level, and torque settings. When the tool reaches the set torque, it will beep.
It’s easy to set up, but be careful not to “over-torque” and damage the tool.

If you are a bike owner and prefer digital tools, this might be the best bike torque wrench.

The tool comes with a hard case, a user manual, and a one-year limited warranty. Dissatisfied customers will get a refund or replacement.

Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench (10–60 in-lb)

For all firearms lovers out there: we didn’t forget about you! We know the importance of keeping your firearms accurate and properly maintained, so we present you with a hardened steel hex-head manually adjusted torque wrench from Wheeler. 

As the best torque wrench for gunsmithing, we chose a hand-driven Wheeler model over a digital one simply because it’s simpler to use.

It’s +/- 2% accurate up to 40 in-lb, and  +/- 5% from 40 to 65 in-lb. You must set it to the lowest torque after each use to avoid damaging the accuracy. 

Setting it over the maximum torque may also damage the accuracy (as is the case for every torque wrench).

The set includes a plastic protective case that stores 9 Torx, Allen, flat bits, a hex to the square adaptor, and a 1/4 socket. It’s the best torque wrench for firearms adjustment, but it, of course, doesn’t have to be used only for that.

This wrench is compatible with all bits from the Wheeler screwdriver set (89 pieces), and you can use it like a screwdriver, not a ratcheting tool! It works only in the clockwise direction.

Wheeler backs their tools with a limited lifetime warranty. It is definitely one of the best hand tools on the market.

Neiko Pro 3/4-Inch Drive Adjustable Click Torque Wrench (50–300 ft-lb)

Automotive mechanics who work with massive vehicles, such as trucks, need to add this size to their kit, and what better way to do it than to purchase this Neico 50–300 ft-lb quality torque wrench made from heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.

This tool is resistant to shock, thanks to the durable materials it’s made of.

It features the click-style mechanism to indicate desired torque, and its accuracy is up to +/-4%. It works in the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction. Laser-engraved torque settings read easily and come in Nm and ft-lb.

That is an affordable torque wrench; you can get it for around $140.

The case it comes with is blow-molded and custom-fitted for better safety. A 34-inch textured ergonomic grip handle helps you loosen large bolts with less struggle.

This wrench won’t fit into standard tool bags and boxes, so it’s best to keep it in its original case.

Neiko Pro tools come with a one-year warranty.

Are Snap-on torque wrenches the best?

Yes, if you are ready to pay the price. Snap-on wrenches (and tools in general) are ingenious and of such good quality that they’ll last you a lifetime! 

If you are a mechanic, and “torquing” is in your job description, by no means invest in Snap-on.

However, if you only need tools for around-the-house jobs a few times a month, you shouldn’t spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on an almighty Snap-on tool.

Who makes the best 3/8 torque wrench?

Pro Bike Tool from the UK makes the best tools for two-wheeler maintenance and repairs. Their 3/8-inch wrench set (with different adaptors) is the best torque wrench in the 3/8 category. It’s solid, accurate, and has a lifetime guarantee.

Moreover, they packaged it in a sturdy and convenient case that you can throw in your bag with no hassle. They’ve also added an extension bar.

Are Tekton torque wrenches any good?

Yes, Tekton’s wrenches, which come in different sizes, are among the top budget-friendly options. Their tools are of good-quality materials (mostly plastic-free) and ideal for mid-duty jobs and at-home use.

They come pre-calibrated and very accurate, offering a dual-range scale that’s easy to read. Also, Tekton gives you a lifetime warranty for replacements under intended use.

What is the best size torque wrench to buy?

The most common size of torque wrench is 1/2-inch. It’s suitable for most tasks on vehicle wheels (steering, tightening larger nuts and bolts, suspension, engine mounting). 

With this wrench size, you can handle most repairs.
The second most common size is 3/8-inch, ideal for engine work and tightening spark plugs. But, a 1/2-inch wrench (with a proper adaptor) can handle even the 3/8 jobs, so it’s the best torque wrench size to get!