4 Best Torque Wrenches, Tested (2023 Guide)

Jun 16, 2023

Will Moore has been driving since he was first allowed behind the wheel of a golf cart. He’s written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, unraveling the intricacies of auto insurance policies and products for the everyday driver. Will has logged hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. After completing a PhD at the University of Missouri, Will moved to North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and two semi-obedient beagles. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

A highly accurate torque wrench ideal for automotive use.

An electronic wrench that’s easy to use with useful features.

A split-beam wrench that is solidly built with a flexible head.

An inexpensive, yet accurate click torque wrench.

If you perform any type of maintenance on your vehicle, a torque wrench is a crucial tool. Many of the nuts and bolts that hold a car together must be fastened at a specific tightness, and the best torque wrenches help ensure that you don’t over- or under-tighten any of them.

We tested several wrenches for accuracy, comfort, and ease of use. This guide describes the different types of torque wrenches and their respective uses. We’ll also recommend several torque wrench options.

The CDI click wrench is a dual-scale wrench calibrated for both directions. It features a positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down ring for quick and easy calibration. We like this wrench because it’s accurate and simple to use. The CDI wrench provided the most accurate tightening of any torque wrench that we tested.

While there aren’t any instructions included with this wrench, the operation is obvious to anyone that’s used a click-style torque wrench before. The indicators on the handle are used to adjust torque settings.

Adjusting this wrench is simple, and it has markings in 5.0-lb-ft increments. The push-button socket allows for the easy attachment and removal of drives.

When tightening this wrench, the readout on our monitor matched exactly the torque we set before tightening our lug nuts. Giving an exact match, this was the most accurate torque wrench that we tested.

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 650 ratings

Many purchased this wrench for automotive applications and the majority of customer reviews praise the CDI wrench for its size and accuracy.

A few have said that this wrench fails to click at lower settings (below 30.0 lb-ft). At least one customer with this problem said they requested a replacement and the new wrench worked as expected.

The ACDelco digital torque wrench is a high-quality torque wrench that is accurate and versatile. In addition to calibrating torque in lb-ft, this wrench has peak/track modes as well as angle measuring. All ACDelco wrenches are calibrated by ISO 6789 standards and come with a certificate of calibration. This wrench also includes a one-year warranty and features an LCD screen that’s readable in low-light situations.

Being a digital wrench, the ACDelco requires a little more setup than a click-style torque wrench, which is ready to go out of the box. Confusingly, there are two battery compartments, the primary compartment requiring four AAA batteries.

Sockets are attached and detached with a push-button back. The plastic handle is designed for comfort, but our tester found this less comfortable than a rubber or metal grip. However, this handle does offer excellent leverage.

As a digital wrench, torque can be set more precisely, in 0.1-lb-ft increments. A buzzer sounds when the desired torque value is reached. When testing for accuracy, this ACDelco wrench was only 0.2 lb-ft off.

Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,000 ratings

Consumers appreciate this wrench’s features and feel that it is both accurate and easy to use. For the cost (at around $100), many feel this is the best deal you’ll find on a torque wrench (as cheaper wrenches tend to be less accurate). This wrench is easy to use, even for those who aren’t automotive experts.

A few people have complained the torque alert can’t be set lower than 4.0 lb-ft. You can use this wrench to tighten a bolt to a low torque (by watching the digital display), but you can’t set the alarm to beep at anything less than 10.0 lb-ft.

This Precision Instruments torque wrench features a split-beam design and can measure up to 250.0 lb-ft of torque. It has a flexible head design for getting into tight spaces and claims to provide torque measurement accurate to within four percent.

We like the design of this split-beam wrench. It is easy to use and calibrate, and the instructions are simple to follow. For its size, this was the most comfortable torque wrench to use, featuring an ergonomic rubber grip and sturdy build.

As for accuracy, this wrench did not perform within the stated four percent margin of error. We found it to be off by about 10 percent during our tests. However, it may be that our particular wrench was improperly calibrated or needed recalibration, as many customer reviews claim this wrench does read the correct torque.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1,300 ratings

Consumers appreciate the wide torque range as well as the simplicity of the beam-style wrench. Because it is a beam wrench, it does not need to be dialed down between uses (with a click wrench, you need to set the torque as low as possible when not in use).

Several report that this wrench is very accurate, hitting the target torque within the promised four percent margin of error. It’s possible we were shipped an older wrench that needed recalibration. The other feature commonly praised is durability. This well-built wrench can be dropped and manhandled without suffering catastrophic failure.

Some wish that the flex head could be further angled, suggesting it doesn’t bend far enough for the tightest spaces.

If you’re looking for a torque wrench that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Tekton click wrench. The reversible ratchet head can drive in both a counterclockwise and clockwise direction. The all-steel construction guarantees long-lasting durability against drops and other mishaps.

The Tekton click wrench is a simple tool that’s a breeze to set up. The handle is comfortable, and the tool produces a satisfying and audible click when the desired amount of torque is reached.

In our accuracy test, the Tekton was only off by a single lb-ft, making it accurate within one percent.

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 28,000 ratings

Many reviewers claim to have tested the accuracy of this wrench and found it to be indeed within four percent. However, some have noted it is less accurate at measuring lower amounts of torque (below 10.0 lb-ft). Most are impressed with the quality offered by this heavy-duty wrench considering the relatively low cost.

If you want more options to consider, the following torque wrenches are exceptionally well-reviewed on Amazon and worthy of consideration.

With over 33,000 Amazon ratings, this torque wrench has an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Most are pleased with this torque wrench as 92 percent of reviewers rate it 4 or more stars. Reviewers include hobbyists and professionals and most like this wrench for its simplicity and rugged design. Many confirm that it is accurate to within 4 percent.

The LEXIVON Torque wrench is also well-reviewed on Amazon, with 93 percent of reviewers rating it 4 or more stars. This torque wrench is said to be accurate and has some features that make it different from other click torque wrenches. Most notably, it’s black with yellow lettering. This high-contrast design can make it easier to read the torque settings.

The Amazon Basics wrench does not have any special features and is similar to most other click torque wrenches. Importantly, it is confirmed as accurate by most of the over 7,900 reviewers on Amazon.

It’s important that you fasten your automotive nuts and bolts to a specific tightness depending on the component. A torque wrench can tell you when you’ve reached the desired tightness, typically measured in lb-ft (pounds of torque per lever foot). This means the best torque wrench is an accurate torque wrench.

Most torque wrenches employ one of the following designs:

In addition to wrench type, you’ll want to consider range, drive size, and head type when purchasing a torque wrench.

The range of a torque wrench refers to the torque force it is able to apply. Torque wrenches can have ranges up to 300.0 lb-ft and higher. Some fasteners require different levels of torque, so it’s important to determine how much torque you’ll need to apply before selecting the appropriate torque wrench.

Most automotive applications require a torque wrench that can apply at least 100.0 lb-ft of torque, so we don’t recommend a torque wrench that falls below this range for your garage.

Drive size refers to the size of bits that can be used with a torque wrench. 3/8- and 1/2-inch drives are the most common specs for auto applications. Torque wrenches can have up to 1.0-inch and larger drives, but these are only useful for big vehicles like heavy equipment.

The head of a torque wrench can be fixed or flexible. Fixed head torque wrenches are solid beams. Flexible head torque wrenches can pivot up and down. A flexible head can be useful for fastening bolts in tight places where there may not be enough room to operate a fixed head torque wrench.

Torque wrenches are precision calibration tools. If used improperly, you will get poor results. A torque wrench isn’t difficult to operate correctly, but there are some things you should know and mistakes to avoid.

Start by setting your wrench to the desired torque level. To determine the proper torque, consult maintenance manuals for your specific vehicle or check online message boards. Most tire lug nuts require 100.0 lb-ft of torque.

With a digital torque wrench, torque is set using a digital keypad. Click torque wrenches are adjusted by twisting the handle. Consult your owner’s manual for details specific to your torque wrench.

Find the appropriately-sized socket for your nut and attach it to your torque wrench.

When you first attach a bolt and begin to tighten it, do not use your torque wrench. Instead, use a standard wrench or tire iron. Do most of the tightening with a standard socket wrench, until the nut is firmly fastened but not fully tightened. Similarly, you should not use a torque wrench to loosen bolts.

When you use a torque wrench, you should complete the tightening in one fluid motion. Do not ratchet the torque wrench back and forth or you may get an inaccurate reading. Once the set torque has been reached you will hear a click or a beep, depending on the style of torque wrench you are using.

If you want to check the torque on a nut, you’ll need to loosen it again and retighten it with your torque wrench.

When you aren’t using your torque wrench, it is important to store it somewhere safe. If you drop your torque wrench many times or from an especially high height, this can throw off the calibration. The best torque wrenches often come with a hard shell storage case.

When storing a click torque wrench, you’ll also want to set the torque to its lowest rating, so that there is only slight pressure on the internal spring. This will help your torque wrench stay calibrated for longer.

All torque wrenches will lose calibration eventually. Have your torque wrench recalibrated at least once per year. This can cost anywhere from $30 to $100, depending on where you have your wrench calibrated and if you need to pay for shipping.

Most torque wrenches are accurate to within two percent. No range is specifically more accurate than another, but digital torque wrenches tend to be the most accurate style, while beam torque wrenches tend to be the least accurate. Some torque wrenches become less accurate when measuring lower ranges (below 10.0 lb-ft).

Foot-pounds (ft-lb) and pound-feet (lb-ft) are two different units of measurement. A pound-foot is used to measure torque. It describes the torque generated by applying one pound of pressure on a one-foot lever.

A foot-pound is a measurement of work, describing the amount of energy used to move a one-pound object one foot in distance.

One of the most common socket sizes is 3/8 inches. These are used on a variety of engine parts like spark plugs, and across automobiles from sedans to small trucks.

The torque wrenches in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching the web for top products, looking at factors like shipping eligibility, customer ratings, superlatives, and prices.

Our product testing team ordered the wrenches that best met these standards. A team member tested each torque wrench, taking note of accuracy, ease of use, and quality of construction (durability). Each torque wrench was given a rating out of 5 stars based on these criteria.

Accuracy is vital for a quality torque wrench. The best torque wrenches can be accurate to 1.0 lb-ft of torque. We gave the highest accuracy scores to those torque wrenches that most closely matched the readout of our torque adapter.

Our ease of use score is based on several factors. How simple is it to set the desired torque and in what increments? Handle comfort and features like a flexible head also contributed to our ease of use rating.

Our durability score is based on our experience with each torque wrench as well as the collective consensus of verified Amazon reviews. Torque wrenches built to last and featuring solid construction scored best in this category.

We tested each of our recommended torque wrenches by tightening the lug nuts on a 2017 Ford Fusion. We set each torque wrench to a specific rating and compared this measurement to the readout given by the ACDelco ARM-602, a digital torque adapter guaranteed by an ISO 6789 certificate of calibration.

To select the torque wrenches featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and maintenance-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We then have our network of experts share their thoughts on the selected torque wrenches. These experts have over 100 years of combined experience in aftermarket auto fields ranging from detailing to accessories to tires, and everything in-between. These experts helped us identify the qualities that would be most important to someone looking for a torque wrench and the standout brands in each category.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

Above all, you want a torque wrench that is accurate. Digital torque wrenches are precise but costly. Click wrenches are often cheaper and just as accurate as digital wrenches (though it is harder to determine a precise measurement in less than 1.0 lb-ft increments).

Overall, we think the CDI Click Type Wrench is a good addition to most DIYers’ tool kits, though the price is high and others may be more inclined towards the value of the Tekton.

Based on our testing, CDI produces some of the most accurate torque wrenches. We also recommend ACDelco, Precision Instruments, and Tekton electronic torque wrenches.

The strongest torque wrenches can produce up to 600.0 lb-ft of torque and beyond – though typical torque wrenches don’t go higher than 300.0 lb-ft, and most home or auto applications do not require more torque than this.

Digital torque wrenches are generally the most accurate type of torque wrench. However, accuracy can vary from brand to brand, and you can find click torque wrenches accurate to within one percent.

Torque wrenches can loosen bolts, but this is not recommended. Torque wrenches are sensitively calibrated, and designed specifically for tightening bolts. It’s best to use a standard socket wrench to loosen your bolts.

Torque wrenches are valuable when working on equipment that needs to be calibrated to specific tolerances or a preset torque. Automotive components are great examples of this since overtightening bolts can lead to sub-par performance.

Torque wrench sets used by mechanics vary depending on the work. They may use a beam-style torque wrench for one task and a click-type torque wrench for another.

It is also common for mechanics to have adjustable torque wrench sets that can be used either by hand or with power tools. Most high-quality sets are made out of chrome vanadium steel instead of plastic parts.

In general, a click torque wrench like the CDI Click Type Wrench is the easiest to use because of its simple operation. That said, the operation of most torque wrenches if fairly simple. A larger, longer torque wrench will require less force to operate.

*Data accurate at time of publication.