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Impact wrenches are fun to have and fun to use but not always what you need to get the job done. There are any number of reasons you might want to keep an old-fashioned torque wrench on hand. Perhaps you don’t want the trouble and expense of an impact wrench hookup, or maybe you just don’t use it enough to justify the cost.
These are only a sampling of the reasons you might want to keep a torque wrench around, but whatever motive you have, you’ll want a good one. Torque wrenches can be your only hope of changing a flat or other critical roadside repairs, and it can be a very wise investment to have one that you can trust.
Torque, the force that gives these wrenches their name, is the force applied in a twisting motion. A torque wrench works by fitting a socket over a lug nut or bolt and using a ratchet system to continually apply twisting pressure to the nut, compounded by the mechanical advantage afforded by the handle’s length turning into leverage.
This combination of simple machines makes it possible to loosen even an impact-tightened lug nut by hand, and a key facet of most roadside assistance or at-home auto maintenance.. To make sure that you’re trusting your car to quality tools, we’ve picked out the five best models you can pick up for your toolbox.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. TEKTON 24340  |
| Check Price |
2. EPAuto Drive Click  |
| Check Price |
3. Industrial Brand 2503MFRPH  |
| Check Price |
4. Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F  |
| Check Price |
5. Park Tool  |
| Check Price |
Our Best Product Reviews and Comparisons
1.TEKTON 24340
Product Highlights
Use this wrench’s extra length and sturdy construction to deliver superior torque.
Features
- 20-250 ft-lbs torque
- 26” long
- Weighs 4.41 lbs
- .5” torque increments
What We Like About TEKTON 24340
This wrench has a solid steel construction that makes it easy and safe to use with breaker bars.
What We Don’t Like About TEKTON 24340
This wrench is on the costly side in the market.
PROS
- No plastic parts
- Comes pre-calibrated
- High contrast scale is easy to read
- Lifetime warranty
- Fully reversible ratchet head
CONS
- Somewhat more expensive than similar models
- Operators manual contains incorrect information
2.EPAuto Drive Click
Product Highlights
This wrench goes for the top of the range with improvements to nearly every aspect as compared to other tools.
Features
- 20-200 lbs torque output
- 10.6” long
- Weighs 1.64 lbs
- 2.5 nm torque increments
What We Like About EPAuto Drive Click
Among the most useful features of this tool is the audible warning when the predetermined amount of torque has been applied.
What We Don’t Like About EPAuto Drive Click
This tool will need an extension bar to apply full torque on anything but the lightest jobs.
PROS
- Audible warning when desired torque is achieved
- Relatively low price
- Scale is easy to read and in both imperial and metric systems
- Vanadium ratchet heads offer superb durability
- Tough plastic storage case included
CONS
- Not long enough for tougher bolts
- Dual scales can be confusing to read or calibrate
3.Industrial Brand 2503MFRPH
Product Highlights
This wrench emphasizes versatility, with enough torque for any job you may have and an understated exterior that will be at home in any context.
Features
- 20-250 lbs torque output
- 21” length
- 4.3 lbs weight
- 1” torque increments
What We Like About Industrial Brand 2503MFRPH
The scale on this model comes precalibrated with laser-cut marking for supreme accuracy.
What We Don’t Like About Industrial Brand 2503MFRPH
Many pieces of the tool are plastic, making it less durable than comparable metal models.
PROS
- Simple to use
- Accurate forwards and back
- Calibration sheet included for later maintenance
- Laser-measured scale
- Relatively quiet in operation
CONS
- Does not fit the supplied case
- Plastic components are somewhat fragile
4.Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F
Product Highlights
This wrench boasts an articulated head that allows you to reach even the most awkwardly placed lug nuts.
Features
- 1” torque increments
- 2.25’ long
- 4.5 lbs
- 20-250 lbs torque output
What We Like About Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F
Between length and articulation, this wrench can work free a lug nut, no matter how deep into a car or building it is placed.
What We Don’t Like About Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F
This model will need to be calibrated before use, and the gauge can be misleading.
PROS
- Good value for money
- Good balance of length and weight
- Articulated head
- Grip is soft and easy to work for long periods of maintenance
- Grip is soft and easy to work for long periods of maintenance
Head attaches firmly
CONS
- Is not calibrated out of the box
- Gauge can be hard to align properly
5.Park Tool
Product Highlights
Park Tools torque wrench is made for the more delicate tasks where just adding foot-pounds isn’t what will get the job done.
Features
- 17” long
- 14.4 oz
- 4nm torque increments
- 18-124 inch-pounds
What We Like About Park Tool
The small dimensions and precise control of this wrench make it suitable for tasks more exacting than auto maintenance, such as bicycle repair or DIY projects.
What We Don’t Like About Park Tool
This wrench does not deliver the leverage or socket size needed for heavy vehicles or machinery.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Precise increments
- Can handle smaller jobs without damaging parts
- Integrated torque readout
CONS
- Relatively low torque output
- Cannot be used for trucks or other larger tasks
Final Verdict
Torque wrenches might appear to be a simple and easy tool to use, but that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a subpar model. Pick one of these that can fill your needs and meets your budget to make sure that your tool chest is ready for whatever life throws your way.
Although the wrench itself is obviously critical, don’t forget that you will be needing to use a socket attachment as well. When selecting your wrench, make certain that you are choosing one compatible with your socket set.
If you anticipate dealing with particularly stubborn lug nuts or hex bolts, you may want to consider acquiring a wrench extension or breaker bar. These tools fit over the end of a torque wrench to create a longer lever for the user, adding a considerable mechanical advantage when trying to loosen a bolt.
This added length can be invaluable in reversing the actions of an overzealous impact wrench, something that could prove all too real a problem when attempting roadside maintenance.
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