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The Best Torque Wrenches For Your Car

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:06 p.m.

Your car’s tires are often put through the rigors of potholes, speed bumps, and swerving in and out of traffic. To make sure your tires are screwed on tightly and stay that way, you need a torque wrench. Whether you’re a pro-mechanic or a do-it-yourselfer, your toolbox is incomplete without one. But finding the best tool for you can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. I made this buyer’s guide to help you out. When purchasing a wrench, I look at multiple different factors, such as specifications, price, and quality. Our review team has also tried and tested a number of options to help you find the best product for you.

Torque Wrenches: A Buyer’s Guide

Different Types of Torque Wrenches

Electronic torque wrenches

Electronic torque wrenches, sometimes also known as digital wrenches, work in pretty much the same way a drive click type wrench works, with the only considerable difference being that instead of a click sound electronic wrenches make a beeping sound to let you know that the optimal torque amount has been reached. I like these because they also feature a digital meter providing the torque reading.

Click torque wrenches

Click wrenches are preferred by professional mechanics for their automotive work. This kind of wrench gives the user an audible click sound when the right amount of torque has been reached.

Beam torque wrenches

This is the oldest and simplest type of torque wrench. These beam work in a way that as you start applying the torque, a beam flexes against an indicator gauge. This type of wrench is cheaper than other types but they are not a great option for heavy-duty use.

Torque Wrench Sizes

Quarter inch drive

This wrench is perfect if you are planning on working with only small lug nuts. This drive size provides an appropriate torque range for fasteners that are between 4 and 21 pound-foot. This size is great for working in tight spaces.

Three-eighth inch drive

I like this size for automotive work since the majority of nuts and bolts in automobiles are of this size. This wrench provides a torque range between 15 to 75 pound-foot. This wrench size is also great for working wheels.

Half inch drive

This size is for large nuts and bolts similar to the ones that you find on engine mounts and suspensions. The torque range of this wrench size is between 30 to 250 pound-foot.

Three-fourth inch drive

This is the largest wrench size available for daily applications. This is only meant for special applications and won’t be suitable for your daily needs.

Torque Wrench Specifications

Drive size

You should check the drive size, since the drive heads of different torque wrenches may vary. The different drive sizes include half an inch, quarter inch, three-fourth inch, or three-eighth inch. These different sizes may be used for different applications.

Torque range

Torque wrenches allow you to set torque ranges, therefore this becomes a vital factor in picking a torque wrench. Torque ranges typically can range from 10 to 150 or 50 to 250 pound-foot of torque. In my experience, a greater torque range provides greater versatility and can be used for several different applications.

Wrench length

The length of the handle is termed the wrench length. This offers more leverage for tightening bolts.

How to Choose a Torque Wrench

Brand

Choosing a good brand will provide more durability over the long term and will provide more accurate results, while a mediocre brand will break down more often.

Types

There are three main types of torque wrenches (beam, electronic, and drive click) and each type offers different features. You should understand the features by reading above before buying.

Price

Torque wrenches are available at different prices in the market. Wrenches that offer more features come at a higher price. The brand name also plays a role in the price. Good brands sell at a higher price since they offer more durability.

Quality

I always make sure that anything I buy for my tool set is of the highest quality. Buying a high-quality torque wrench will mitigate inefficiencies and save you money since the wrench will not get damaged or break down easily.

Accuracy and calibration

Torque wrenches come with varying accuracies. A good thumb rule is to pick a torque wrench with an accuracy of ± 5%. You should also check the torque wrench calibration for accuracy and date of calibration. A well-calibrated torque wrench will provide clear scale visibility.

Storage

The accuracy and longevity of a torque wrench depend on how well the wrench is stored. Most torque wrenches come with storage cases, however, if one doesn’t come with a storage case you should buy one immediately since this would help to protect the torque wrench.

Materials

The material a torque wrench is made of determines the durability of the wrenches. If the torque wrench is made from strong metallic materials they last longer.

Top Picks

Best Overall Torque Wrench: Gearwrench Torque Wrench
Best Multipurpose Torque Wrench: Tekton Torque Wrench
Most Durable Torque Wrench: Precisebuilt Torque Wrench
Best Built Torque Wrench: Epauto Torque Wrench
Best Clicking Style: Lexivon Torque Wrench
Best Digital Pick: Gearwrench Digital Torque Wrench
Best Value: Amazon Basics Torque Wrench

Reviews

Best Overall Torque Wrench

Gearwrench Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
All metal construction, no plastic handle or locking collar Knurled metal handle with locking collar easy to adjust and stay in place Comes with a Calibration Certificate which shows that the manufacturer has faith in its product's accuracy	The slip collar is not as good as the rotating lock on older models

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Best Multipurpose Torque Wrench

Tekton Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Markings are easy to read Reversible ratchet head Pre-calibrated to ± 4% accuracy	The torque wrench is not properly aligned

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Most Durable Torque Wrench

Precisebuilt Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Great for car maintenance Includes durable case Unique internal design	No audible click when the torque setting is reached

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Best Built Torque Wrench

Epauto Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Durable Chrome Vanadium steel alloy handle High-quality plastic case Great torque range	May need re-calibration

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Best Clicking Style

Lexivon Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Comes pre-calibrated for ease Can be read easily in low-light conditions Reversible ratchet head drives in both directions	It may not work after several uses

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Best Digital Pick

Gearwrench Digital Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Has a digital display Feels comfortable in the hand Can be used in car care shops	Powers off quite fast when left idle

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Best Value

Amazon Basics Torque Wrench

Pros	Cons
Plastic case makes it easy to carry Dual range scale with high contrast markings Full polish chrome finish	The etched setting may be difficult to read

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FAQs

What are the benefits of using a torque wrench?

Using a torque wrench helps ensure that fasteners are tightened properly and will not become loose over time due to excessive force being applied to them as would happen with regular wrenches. Additionally, they help prevent damages caused by over-tightening, which could lead to stress fractures or stripping of threads on nuts and bolts.

Which torque wrench type is the most accurate?

The accuracy of torque relies on the product that you have, however, click-type torque wrenches provide the greatest accuracy.

How frequently should I calibrate a torque wrench?

As per the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guideline, a torque wrench should be recalibrated once a year or after using it 5,000 times. These are the minimum requirements, however, and you can recalibrate the torque more than this.

How much does it cost to calibrate a torque wrench?

If you hire a professional to calibrate your torque wrench it might cost you something between $20 to $100. But if you do it yourself, there are no costs to calibrate it.

What types of tasks can a torque wrench be used for?

A torque wrench can be used for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. In addition, it can be used for assembling machinery and automotive components.

How do I use a torque wrench correctly?

To use a torque wrench correctly, first select the appropriate size of fastener for the job. Then attach the fastener to the torque wrench. Set the desired torque on the wrench if it is adjustable and then proceed to apply the specified amount of torque to the fastener without exceeding it or going below it. Finally, remove the fastener and verify that it has been properly tightened with a torque-measuring device.