Top 5 Digital Torque Wrenches for Precision Tightening: Our In-Depth Review
Have you ever experienced the feeling of not having the correct tool for a certain job? That is one of the worst feelings a contractor or technician can experience. It is of utmost importance to have the correct tools, even more so if your livelihood depends on it, to get the job done. That’s where our Best Digital Torque Wrench Review comes in.
The above statement can’t be more true when it comes to the importance of having a good torque wrench. Whether you need it to torque a nut on sensitive instruments or need it to torque a trucks’ lug nut you never want to over-torque and run the risk of breaking or damaging a nut or bolt. The last thing you need is to extend a job that could have been done fast and effectively with the right torque wrench. If you have ever experienced this, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Good complimentary products to a digital torque wrenches are the best Cordless ½ Impact Wrenches.
We have taken the hassle out of searching the web for a torque wrench to fit your every need. In the list below we guarantee that you will find a torque wrench to fit your pocket and get the job done. So, let us get straight into it. Below you will find our review on the 5 best torque wrenches. See also our best ratcheting wrench set review.
Top 5 Best Digital Torque Wrenches Reviewed:
Below is a table that shows how the different Torque Wrenches compare to one another.
1. eTORK 1/2-Inch Drive “Click Style” Digital Torque Wrench
The eTork torque wrench is one of the most versatile wrenches on the market. eTork is one of the most trusted brands with over 40 years of wrench manufacturing experience. They have designed and developed some of the best torque wrenches with accuracy as their main focus.
One of the main features the eTork EC3250 sports is the multi measurement converter display. It gives readings in four different measurements namely Newton meter, Kilogram per centimeter, pounds per foot, and pounds per inch. It has a torque range of 20 to 250-foot pounds. This is very handy when working on a wide range of machinery that comes with different torque requirements. Its dimensions are 23.25 x 2 x 1.62 inches and come with a nifty hard case to ensure the safety of your equipment.
Pros:
Four different measurement readings
+- 3% clockwise accuracy
Hardshell plastic case
Cons:
Has a bit of play
Lack of smaller adaptors
FAQ:
Can this torque wrench determine the existing torque of a nut before being snapped loose?
No, not really, this is not the right tool for that specific job.
Will this torque wrench do odd settings, like 127lbs?
Yes, its digital scale is linear with increments of a 10th at a time.
Does it show the amount of torque as it is applied?
No, it only displays what you set it to, not the amount of torque applied.
2. GEARWRENCH 85077 1/2-Inch Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
The GEARWRENCH family has a line of trusted torque wrenches. None are more trusted than there 85077 model that comes stacked with features. The GEARWRENCH 85077 fixed head model has a torque range of 30 – 340 Newton meter and has a linear increment scale of 0.1 Newton meter. This enables you to torque even the odd increments that are sometimes near impossible with other wrenches.
Another great feature is the fact that the 85077 model can give readings in five different measurements (Newton meter, Kilogram per meter, pounds per foot, Kilogram per centimeter, and pounds per inch). This is a great ability for any torque wrench to ensure you do not need multiple tools for different jobs. The handle has a built-in vibration alert and buzzer to indicate when the desired target is reached. The 85077 has a rather lightweight feel and is only 25.6 x 2.9 x 3.3 inches.
Pros:
It has five different torque measurements
The handle is oil and solvent resistant
Case included
Cons:
Only comes with a ½ inch drive size.
FAQ:
Does the display hold the torque reading to be viewed after it is removed from a nut?
Yes, it keeps the reading even after you removed the socket.
Does the 85077 model store a few different quick settings, or do you need to program it every time?
It only holds settings until you shut it off.
3. ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2″ Digital Torque Wrench with Buzzer (9.9 to 99 ft-lbs.), with Vibration & Flash Notification
The ACDelco ARM601-4 is another one of those torque wrenches that is great value for money. It is powered by two small AAA batteries and comes standard with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. It is extremely accurate; it measures to within 2% clockwise and 3% counter clockwise of desired torque when used between 20% and 100% of full scale.
The ARM601-4 has multiple functions like torque measurement and peak & trace. This wrench has a 9.99 to 99 foot per pound torque range and has an LED flash and buzzer alarm to indicate when the target torque is reached. The ARM601-4 has an easy to read display for clear readings. It can deliver torque readings in four different measurements (Kilogram per centimeter, pounds per inch, Newton meter and pounds per foot)
Pros
Small and compact
Powered by two AAA batteries.
Cons:
Not as powerful as other torque wrenches
Does not come with a hard shell casing
Does not have a backlight for dimly lite areas
FAQ:
Does the display have a backlight for when working in darker spaces?
No, unfortunately, it does not have a backlight display.
How many teeth does the rachet head have?
According to the spec sheet, it has 45 teeth.
Does it have an auto-off function, or do you need to switch it off manually?
It turns off after 60 seconds.
4. CPS BLACKMAX BTLDTW Adjustable Electronic Torque Wrench
The CPS BTLDTW BlackMax digital torque wrench is a great tool to have in your toolbox. This torque wrench has great capabilities and is very compact and lightweight. Its ergonomic design ensures a smooth and efficient tool for all mini-split installations and has user-friendly features in a durable housing. The large LCD display ensures great readability and prevents misreading of any torque data. This is a big advantage over-torque wrenches with no LCD display.
View peak and track torque data with visual, audible, and vibration alerts to ensure accurate torque and avoid over tightening by receiving an early warning when approaching the predefined torque setting. Using AAA batteries to power the wrench it has an average battery life of around 96 hours. Weighing a mere 3.22 pounds gives it a great advantage over its competitors. It has a smooth stainless steel design and has a torque range of 8 – 85 Newton meter.
Pros
Small and Compact Design
Comes with hard casing
Cons
Not as powerful as bigger torque wrenches
A bit expensive
FAQ
What are the max torque settings?
The max torque settings are as follow; 6-63 pounds per foot,
71-752 pounds per inch
8-85 Newton meter
1-8 Kilogram per meter
5. Olsa Tools Digital Torque Wrench, 1/2-Inch Drive
If you have a bit more money to spend and you are looking for a premium torque wrench, then the Olsatools digital torque wrench might be just what you are looking for. This torque wrench is a simple to use digital torque wrench that provides real-time torque values. You only set the desired torque and apply force till the red LCD lights up. It is suitable for narrow working spaces and offers precision and speed with an easy to read LCD display. To avoid over-tightening the bolt and snapping it, this torque wrench will beep and shine a solid LED light to show when you have achieved your desired torque target.
The Olsa 1214 is designed to last you a lifetime and a little longer. The industrial-grade Chrome Vanadium steel is designed to be your trusted companion through the toughest of jobs. This premium torque wrench provides a torque range of 12.5 – 250 pounds per foot. It can display measurements in four different values (Newton meter, Kilogram per centimeter, pounds per foot, and pounds per inch).
Pros:
Strong and durable design
Batteries included
Clear and easy to read LCD display
Cons:
Rather expensive compared to other torque wrenches
No torque angle measurements
FAQ:
Does the Olsatools 1214 torque wrench measure rotational angles?
No, unfortunately, this torque wrench does not measure rotational angles.
Does this torque wrench have a memory function?
Yes, this torque wrench has a memory function to store settings and values.
Buyers Guide
For you to find the best torque wrench to fit your budget can be a daunting task because you need to know exactly what to look for and there are a thousand different wrenches to choose from. Below we have compiled a list of factors you should keep in mind when looking for the perfect torque wrench. This buying guide will take you through everything you need to consider before making your final purchasing decision.
Budget
The first step to buying the perfect torque wrench is defining your available budget. If you know how much you are willing to spend, you will automatically narrow down your options. There is a wide price spread for different torque wrenches and it is important to ensure you get the best possible product your money can buy. Better quality products are generally more expensive, but this comes with other perks that their cheaper counterparts might not have. Another example to consider is the fact that if you only plan on using it every once in awhile, then you might look for something cheaper than if your planning to work with the wrench every day.
Size and Weight
If you need a torque wrench to work in tight spaces, you might opt for a smaller more compact wrench than you might look for if space is not an issue. Knowing what you plan on using it is very important to ensure you purchase a torque wrench that is perfect in size. As we saw in the above product reviews, the size and weight of the various torque wrenches differ considerably. That is why it is imperative to choose the correct size for the job you need it to fulfill. The above-mentioned torque wrenches range from 17 inches to 26 inches in length they can weigh anything from 3.5 pounds to +- 5 pounds. This can play a big part in your final purchasing decision.
Torque Measurements
Torque wrenches give measurements in many different readings. Most torque wrenches give readings in both metric and imperial readings. Before deciding on what torque wrench, you want to buy, be sure that the wrench can display torque in your desired measurement unit.
The standard units of display that most torque wrenches have in the following: Newton meter, pound per foot, pound per inch, kilogram per centimeter, and kilogram per meter. These are the basic measurements that torque wrenches display, if you desire to measure torque in a different measurement then you will need to double-check what wrench can give you the desired measurement.
Torque Ranges
Different bolts will need different torque requirements. The same is true when working on a car engine or working on a piece of heavy machinery, the torque requirements will differ. Therefore, you must understand your torque requirements before you purchase a wrench. The torque range of a wrench is probably its most important characteristic.
Depending on the size of the torque wrench, they can have torque rages of anywhere between 20 pounds per foot and 250 pounds per foot. This is very important to understand because if you end up buying a torque wrench that can only torque till 99 pounds per foot and now you need to torque a bolt to 189 pounds per foot then you will not be able to do it. The same is true if you have a torque wrench that has a torque range of 25 pounds per foot to 250 pounds per foot, but now you need to torque something to 12 pounds per foot. Be sure to understand your torque requirements to guarantee you purchase the best torque wrench.
Here is the great video that shows you how to use the digital torque wrench:
FAQ
Will using a 3/8-inch adaptor for a ½ inch wrench affect the readings
No, if you use a straight adaptor it should not affect the torque readings.
Do all torque wrenches come calibrated or do you need to calibrate it yourself?
All certified torque wrench suppliers calibrate their torque wrenches before selling. All major manufacturers will provide you with a calibration certificate with your purchase. It is possible to recalibrate an older torque wrench, you can either send it back to the manufacturer for calibration or you can send it to a certified test facility.
How accurate are torque wrenches?
Most torque wrenches come with a manufacturer accuracy guarantee. It is important to note that the accuracy differs from clockwise to counterclockwise torque. The normal range for torquing accuracy when torquing clockwise is 1.5% to 3% at most when staying within the torque range of the wrench.
What indication does torque wrenches have for indicating you have reached your desired torque value?
Different torque wrenches have different ways of indicating that you have reached the desired torque value. Some wrenches make use of a LED light or an audible alert or even a vibrating handle. Some torque wrenches even incorporate all three alerts to ensure you do not over-torque a nut and break it.
Can I store torque settings on the wrench for future use?
This functionality depends on the type of wrench you buy. Many wrenches have this memory function and many others do not. If this is a functionality that you would like to have with your wrench, you will need to ensure that the wrench you buy has this capability as it is not a standard function that comes with every torque wrench.
Final Thoughts
A good torque wrench should be part of any toolbox. It is a critical tool for anyone working on automotive components or heavy machinery. Finding the perfect wrench to suit all of your torquing needs is very important and that is why we have thoroughly reviewed the above wrenches. This gives you all the information to make an informed decision before making a purchase. Nobody wants to waste money on a tool that does not fulfill the requirements of the job at hand. So, after careful consideration, we can say that we are 100% certain that you will find a wrench to fit all of your needs from the list above. Happy torquing. And that concludes our Best Digital Torque Wrench Review.
Last update on 2023-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
