What are torque wrenches, you might be asking? One thing you’ll quickly learn when you begin to work on your car is that the correct torque reading for every fastening is important. As a result, alongside the best tools for each job on your car, you’ll essentially need a tool-shaped guarantor.
This is something that can accurately measure the torque on the important fasteners. That’s where a torque wrench comes in. They essentially fasten up your nuts and bolts to ensure that part is fastened in properly at the correct torque figure. This is especially important for putting wheels on a car or other major components.
It’s not the end of the world if you’re fiddling around with non-important interior trim. That’s where a socket set might come in handy. But if you’re changing a wheel or working on your engine, it’s incredibly important to listen to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The best torque wrenches 2024 at a glance:
The best torque wrench: Wera Click Torque C3 – buy from Amazon
Editor’s pick: Dewalt 1/2 Inch digital torque wrench – buy from Amazon
Best torque wrench set: ACDelco ARM601 twin set – buy from Amazon
A torque wrench is much more advanced than a more familiar spanner set. They allow you to see how much torque has been applied as you do up the fastening. It’s a real garage essential for car work and we’ve selected our favourites below, suitable for a whole range of tasks and budgets.
The best torque wrenches 2024
The best torque wrench
Rrp: $191.01
Rrp: $191.01
You adjust how much torque you want using the knob at the end, and being a Wera product, you can be assured the C3 is built to great build quality. There's even a version called the C5 which can go up to 400Nm of torque.
Pros
- Good, durable build quality and materials
- Easy to adjust torque settings and pre-set
- Torque range of 40-200Nm
Cons
- Doesn't differ too much from lesser options
Editor's pick
Rrp: $269.97
Rrp: $269.97
You select your desired torque by using the arrows and, potentially, the U.S button on the base. Nothing more can be said other than this is one of the best quality torque wrenches you can get.
Pros
- Can convert and set torque ratings easily
- 77cm long, so it can reach harder-to-access areas
- Durable build quality with powder coating
Cons
- Potentially quite overkill for some users
The best simple torque wrench
It also ships with a 125mm extension bar, a 1/2 into 3/8in socket adapter and a handy plastic storage case. It represents good value for money too at under £30 - which compared with many top-end torque wrenches, isn't extortionate. Just don't expect the same level of precision from a torqued nut.
Pros
- Hefty limit of 210Nm of torque
- 465mm long handle makes it easier to reach tight spaces
- Good value for money at under £30
Cons
- The precision will be slightly lacking
Best mid-range torque wrench
Pros
- Good quality tool that's ideal for most light fastening jobs
- Great value for money at under £50
- No batteries required
Cons
- Limited to 80Nm of torque
Best budget torque wrench
Pros
- Great value for money and does most smaller jobs
- A healthy limit of 203.5 Nm of torque
- Long enough (27.2cm) for most applications
Cons
- Too large for smaller fasteners
- Build quality is compromised compared to others
Best affordable digital torque wrench
It also features a digital read-out to show your torque display and controls. And it goes up to 85Nm, which is enough for most car tasks.
Pros
- Good build quality, as per Sealey tools
- Digital gauges ensure better torque accuracy over analogue
- Pre-set torque limit ensures nothing can be over-torqued
Cons
- Digital read-outs aren't for everyone
The best torque wrench twin set
You even get a buzzer and a small LED light to tell you when you've reached your pre-inputted torque. Unfortunately, the whole set requires four AAA batteries which aren't included in the set. Happily, you can use universal batteries which aren't specific to the manufacturer.
Pros
- Two torque wrenches in one set will be more attractive to some
- Rubber handles for better grip of the tools
- Sturdy materials and great build quality
Cons
- Not quite as long as some would desire
Things to remember about torque wrenches
What does a torque wrench do?
A wrench is a tool designed to turn nuts and bolts, often by connecting to an appropriate socket. While the terms spanner and wrench are technically interchangeable. In the UK, spanners are fixed sizes while wrenches can be adjusted. Mechanics use torque wrenches all the time for important jobs to ensure the part is secured on safely and to the correct torque setting. They are an essential part of their tool boxes.
Everything in your car that’s fastened will have a set torque setting set by the manufacturer that needs to be torqued to the correct setting. From something as simple that can’t be tackled by a precision screwdriver set to important bolts that hold the wheels on and keep the engine held together, they all need to be torqued. If you’re planning on doing any task like this you must use a torque wrench so you don’t do some serious damage to your car as you rebuild it.
What are the best brands for torque wrenches?
Torque wrenches require calibration and need to be accurate for more heavy-duty jobs. Therefore, there is a massive price gap for entry-level and more professional offerings. Professional options from the Sealey Professional line and Norbar are possibly the most accurate examples available. But these may be a little overkill unless you’re doing some serious wrenching. Draper and Sealey cover the more affordable end of the price spectrum. The same applies when it comes to socket sets which are produced by the same brands.
Is it worth buying an expensive torque wrench?
For the purpose of accuracy alone, absolutely. Premium torque wrenches and digital torque wrenches are more accurate in how much torque is applied and pre-set. This ultimately makes things a lot safer for more important fastening jobs, such as wheel nuts.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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