Top 5 Best Torque Wrenches for the Money: Precision Meets Affordability
Finding a wrench that’s not only on the cheaper side but also good quality can be much harder than it seems. You have probably experienced the frustration of buying a specific tool and spending a lot of money, only to have it break or underperform when you need it most. This is something that can drive you crazy by delaying an easy job by hours or even days.
Not being able to complete a particular task in the time you thought possible might cause you unnecessary headaches and even cost you money if you’re being paid for the job. This cannot be more true for having a trustworthy torque wrench in your toolbox. Whether you’re a contractor that will be using a wrench every day or a DIY master that might need it once or twice a year, you will need a tool you can count on when the time rolls along that you will need it.
We have taken the hassle out of finding a tool at a reasonable price while keeping quality in mind. We have spent some time and narrowed it down to a list of five well-priced wrenches that we believe will meet every one of your torque needs.
So, let us get straight into it. Below you will find our review on the 5 Best Torque Wrenches for the Money.
Top 5 best torque wrenches for the money Reviewed:
Below is a table that shows how the different Torque Wrenches compare to one another.
1. TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The TEKTON 1 / 2-inch torque wrench is excellent if you are not looking for something with all those added bells and whistles. It is straightforward to use a torque wrench that will get the job done. It can move in both a clock – and counter-clockwise direction, but it can only torque in a clockwise direction. It measures torque in both pounds per feet and also newton meters. It is accurate to within + – 4 % and is 18 – 3/8 inches in length.
It comes with a hardcover casing that makes it very easy to transport and keep it safe from outside elements. With the storage case and product manual, you will also receive a torque conversion chart to make conversions between units easier.
Pros:
Lightweight
No need for setup. It can be used once received.
Hardshell casing
Cons:
Can only measure pound per feet and newton meter
Does not come with as many features as some of the other torque wrenches.
FAQ:
Does this torque wrench come with a warranty?
Yes, this product has a lifetime guarantee on standard usage ware.
Does the wrench have a newton meter scale too?
Yes, it has a newton meter scale on the reverse side.
2. EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The EPAuto 1 / 2-inch torque wrench is a very well rounded wrench. It provides excellent value for money, and it also provides very accurate torque readings. It has a very durable chrome vanadium ratchet head for improved durability and a smooth finish. The 3.85-pound torque wrench comes with a hardcover casing to keep the ½ inch drive 5-inch long extension bar and also the 3/8 drive reducer all together in one easy to reach the place.
The EPAuto torque wrench makes use of a click indicator to inform you once the desired torque value has been reached. You should stop applying pressure once you hear and feel this clicking noise. The non-slip knurled handle provides a sturdy grip on the wrench and minimizes the chance of your hand slipping to almost zero.
Pros:
Very well priced
Comes standard with an extension and a reducer
Has loads of extras that can be purchased
Cons:
It only has a click indicator when the desired torque is reached. No LED light or additional sound.
FAQ:
Where is this torque wrench made?
This wrench is manufactured in Taiwan.
How accurate is the EPAuto wrench?
Its accuracy is stated to be +- 4%
3. Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Silver 1/2″ Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench with Flex Head
The PREC3FR250F is a great torque wrench if you have a bit more money to spend. It might be a little more expensive than the previous wrenches, but you receive a few added bonuses. This wrench has a smooth finish and a well-designed grip. It has a swivel head and a relatively long shaft that makes reaching those hard to get at places that much easier. With the wrench being 25.5 inches long, it can give you the needed leverage to reach those higher torque measurements when working with more massive bolts.
It is a relatively lightweight tool when compared to its size. It weighs a mere 4.5 pounds and has rather significant power. It has two torque measurements, namely newton meters and pounds per foot. It has a maximum torque capability of 250 Newton meters or 300 pounds per foot. It is this design that makes it one of the leading wrenches in its price class.
Pros
Elegant design
Lightweight and has strong torque capabilities.
The swivel head makes those hard to reach places a lot easier.
Cons:
A tad expensive
Only tightens clockwise
FAQ:
Does it come with a case?
Yes, it does come with a black plastic case.
Does this wrench have any kind of warranty?
Yes, it comes with a 90-day warranty.
4. EPAuto 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The EPAuto 3/8-inch torque wrench is a very well-rounded tool that should be present in every toolbox. It is the same wrench like the one mentioned above, with the only difference being it has a 3/8-inch drive instead of a 1 / 2-inch drive. The chrome vanadium steel alloy makes for a powerful rachet head that can get the job done. It has a torque range of 13.6 – 108.5-newton meter and 10 – 80 pounds per foot. This is perfect for any small bolts, like that of an engine that needs to be fastened to a specific standard.
This wrench comes standard with a plastic casing to protect it when stored, and it has an easy to read dual range scale. It is pre-calibrated to + – 4%, and the non-slip grip handle makes it easier to torque to the exact measurement.
Pros
Powerful ratchet head.
Comes with casing and accessories
Great price for an easy to use a torque wrench
Cons
Not as strong as the 1 / 2-inch drive EPAuto torque wrench.
FAQ
Does the wrench come with a calibration certificate?
No, it does not come with a calibration certificate.
What is the warranty on this torque wrench?
It comes with a 90-day warranty if you are not happy with your product.
5. eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench (1/2-Inch Drive)
The eTork click style torque wrench comes with a lifetime personal use guarantee. That will come in handy if you are looking for a wrench that’s going to last you a very long time. It is accurate to within 3% in a clockwise direction and comes with a calibration certificate as proof. Most of its competitors come with a 4% accuracy, putting the eTORK a step above the rest.
The wrench has an ergonomic soft-grip handle that makes it very comfortable to use and ensures it requires less turning force than other torque wrenches. The locking knob secures the desired torque measurement from any accidental changes that might accrue when using the tool. It comes with a hard plastic casing, a calibration certificate, and an instruction manual. The wrench is lightweight and easy to use. It weighs as little as 3.31 pounds and is 20.5 inches in length. It is reasonably priced and can torque as high as 250 pounds per foot.
Pros:
Strong and durable design
Reasonably priced
Comes with calibration certificate
Cons:
It cannot torque lower than 50 pounds per foot.
FAQ:
What torque setting should the wrench be kept at when not in use?
Always keep your wrench at the lowest possible setting when not in use.
How often do I need to re-calibrate my eTORK torque wrench?
It might be smart to have it checked every few couple of years.
Buyers Guide
There are many different torque wrenches on the market, and it can be somewhat overwhelming to decide on a wrench that fits all your needs. We have taken the confusion out of searching the web by compiling a list of factors that you should take into account when looking for the perfect torque wrench. This buyers guide will bring to your attention everything you will need to take into account before making that final decision.
Price Tag
Establishing how much money you have to spend is the first step in narrowing down your search. If you know in what price range you are looking, then it automatically narrows down your options by taking more expensive tools out of the equation. Torque wrenches span a relatively wide price range. There are wrenches available for as little as $30, and then there are others that cost as much as $150. To help you determine your budget, you can define what you want to use it to understand better if it is necessary to spend a lot of money on this tool. If you are only going to use it once, then you will not spend as much as you would if you are planning on using it every day.
Size
There is a correlation between the size of the torque wrench and the torque capabilities. A longer torque wrench will probably have the capability to deliver higher torque measurements. This ability might come with the downside of not having a nimble and easy to maneuver tool. If your working space is limited, then it might not be beneficial to have a big, bulky torque wrench. It is thus of utmost importance to get the correct sized tool to ensure you can get the job done. The torque wrenches we mentioned above range from 3 pounds to +- 5 pounds in weight and from 17 inches to 25 inches in length. This plays a huge role in choosing the best tool for the job. You will not need the same wrench for torquing engine components as you will need when torquing a lug nut of a truck. Your desired application will determine the size of your wrench.
Torque Range
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the wrench, the higher it will be able to torque. When working on a big piece of industrial machinery, the torque requirements will differ from when working on a, let’s say, a small lawnmower engine. This is something one should keep in mind when browsing the market for a new torque wrench.
For example, if you need to torque something to 18-newton meters, then it will not be beneficial to buy a wrench with a minimum range of 50-newton meter. On the wrenches mentioned above, the torque capabilities range from as little as 13.6-newton meter to as high as 250-newton meters. This should provide some indication as to the importance of defining your torque needs before buying a wrench.
Torque Measurements
The most common torque measurements used are foot per inch and newton meters. It is essential to know the difference and to understand what’s the measurement that you will need to torque with. Most wrenches give readings in both imperial and metric measurements, making it easy to meet all your torque requirements. You will need to double-check the wrench to ensure it can torque your desired measurement.
There are a few other measurements that you might come across, and you might need a wrench that can torque in some other measurement than a foot per inch or newton meter. You have two options, you can either buy a wrench that can measure those measurements, or you can convert those measurements to either newton meters or foot per inch.
FAQ
Do all torque wrenches come with a case?
Usually, all torque wrenches come with a case. This can either be a hardcover plastic case, or it can be a softcover pouch.
Does this torque wrench come with a warranty?
Different wrenches come with different warranties. Warranties differ from each manufacturer, meaning some manufacturers might provide a 90-day warranty while others offer a 2-year warranty. Be sure to understand the warranty provided by the manufacturer before buying your desired wrench.
How accurate is a torque wrench?
When buying a new torque wrench, you should be sure to ask whether it comes with a calibration certificate. A calibration certificate will provide you with evidence on how accurate your torque wrench will be. Most wrenches vary from 3% to 5% accuracy. This is usually in a clockwise direction, but since there are wrenches that can also torque in a counter-clockwise direction, a calibration certificate is very important to understand how accurate the wrench will torque in either direction.
Can I recalibrate my wrench at home?
You should understand that if a wrench is used almost every day, then it might be necessary to have it recalibrated once every 2 years to be safe. But if you’re only using it every once in a while, then it wouldn’t be necessary to recalibrate your wrench for a very long time.
You will need to send your wrench to a recalibration center. Each manufacturer has its own, or they will provide you with the details of one they recommend. After recalibration, you will receive a new calibration certificate stating the accuracy of your wrench after it has been recalibrated.
If I use an adapter or extension, will it affect the accuracy of my torque wrench?
No, adding an adaptor or extension will lead to a more inaccurate torque reading. Avoid using any additional extensions or adaptors to ensure you get a reading that’s as accurate as possible.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best torque wrench on a strict budget is not easy, but it can be done. With a little help from us, you can choose a wrench that not only fits your budget, but it will meet your every need. The torque wrenches that we mentioned above have been tested and reviewed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed buying decision. There are thousands of different torque wrenches on the market, and we took the time to narrow it down to some of the best wrenches, make it easier for you to find a wrench that you will be happy with for many years to come.
Last update on 2023-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
