Level up Your Next Project With These Torque Wrenches
You’ll experience fewer hardware issues when you get in the habit of using a torque wrench.
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Torque wrenches are an integral part of an automotive mechanic's tool kit, allowing nuts and bolts to be tightened to exact specifications. Their unique construction, consisting of threaded fasteners, allow users to apply the correct amount of force, load, and tension to tighten correctly without damaging your engine or other internal parts.
Torque wrenches use a ratchet mechanism combined with a set of gears to rotate the wrench handle backward while the fastener stays in one place, tightening and loosening bolts to the correct torque. The best torque wrenches make accurate torque readings (expressed as foot-pounds), have a durable construction, and come in four available sizes: 1/4-inch drive, 3/8-inch drive, 1/2-inch drive, and 3/4-inch drive. Check out our recommendations on the best torque wrenches.
Torque wrenches aren't just for professionals. Any fastener you come across has a designated torque spec you ought to tighten it to. Now, I can't pretend to be the person who torques everything to spec. I have learned that cranking down on bolts until I hear the crack and then backing off a quarter turn is no way to do things either. The fact is even DIYers need a torque wrench. Which model do you need? Well, the best one you can afford. That means different things to different people, so let's at least get you pointed in the right direction.
Craftsman Half-Inch Click Torque Wrench
- Great torque range
- Comfort grip
- Good length
- Lifetime warranty
- Clumsy adjusting mechanism
- Socket retention needs improvement
Tekton Half-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
- Affordable
- Quality
- Lifetime warranty
- Easily reaches max torque setting
- Low tooth count
- Finish wears easily
Gearwrench Half-Inch Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench
- High quality
- Priced well
- Great torque range
- Good length
- Click can be missed
- Short warranty

Our Methodology
The whole reason to buy a torque wrench is that your projects demand a certain level of accuracy from you and your tools. You can't trust just anything, or you might wind up with a rod coming through the side of the engine block or a wheel taking a solo ride down the freeway. That's why I won’t recommend just anything to you. These torque wrenches are those I trust or those I know to trust based on research into quality, accuracy, and reliability. Even so, you should take the time to do your own homework to find what works for you.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn moreBest Torque Wrench Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Manufacturer: Craftsman
- Part Number: CMMT99434
- Torque Range: 50-250 pound-feet
Pros
- Great torque range for automotive projects
- Comfort grip feels good in the hand
- Length makes easy work of reaching high torque settings
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Clumsy adjusting mechanism
- Socket retention can see some improvements
Specs
- Manufacturer: Tekton
- Part Number: 24335
- Torque Range: 10-150 pound-feet
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality surpasses expectations
- Lifetime warranty
- Easily reaches max torque setting
Cons
- Low tooth count
- Finish wears easily
Specs
- Manufacturer: Gearwrench
- Part Number: 85066
- Torque Range: 30-250 pound-feet
Pros
- High quality
- Priced well
- Lifetime warranty
- Easily reaches max torque setting
Cons
- Low tooth count
- Finish wears easily
Specs
- Manufacturer: Gearwrench
- Part Number: 85077
- Torque Range: 25-250 pound-feet
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quality construction
- Works well in tight spaces
- Affordable price range
Cons
- Some quality-control issues
- Short warranty
Specs
- Manufacturer: Craftsman
- Part Number: CMMT99433
- Torque Range: 20-100 pound-feet
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality design
- Comfort grip
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Clumsy adjustment mechanism
- Socket retention needs improvement
Specs
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Part Number: N/A
- Torque Range: 10-100 pound-feet
Pros
- Easy to use
- Digital
- Shares battery with other industry-leading power tools
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery not included
Our Verdict
If I could only recommend one, the Craftsman Half-Inch Click Torque Wrench would be the one. The range, quality, price, and warranty are all exactly what I expect of a torque wrench I use on my own car. However, that Tekton Half-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is really hard to beat if you've only got a few dollars to spend.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Search for the pro-level tools first. High-end tools are likely taken care of and are least likely to need repair.
- Check the torque wrench’s accuracy against a known-good unit or have it calibrated after purchasing.
What to Consider When Buying Torque Wrenches
Picking out a torque wrench is not as simple as buying the first thing in front of you. While I stand behind my recommendations, I want you to make an informed decision and pick what's best for you.
Types of Torque Wrenches
Click
The most common option is a click-type torque wrench. You set the torque specification, generally by adjusting the scale on the handle, and once you tighten a fastener to the specified torque, you will hear and feel a click. Exactly how you set the torque specifications depends on the manufacturer's design, but all work on the same basic principle.
Beam
Beam-style torque wrenches aren't quite as common as the other two main types talked about here. These wrenches have a beam or bar that runs the length of the tool from the head to just above the handle at a scale. As force is exerted onto the handle, that bar will move along the scale to tell you how much torque is being applied to the fastener. A dial-type torque wrench works similarly, only with a dial rather than a bar. Neither of these is your best choice for general DIY repair work.
Electronic
An electronic torque wrench is basically the leveled-up version of the click type. Instead of having to manually crank the handle while reading the scale, you simply set the desired torque setting on the digital display. When you tighten a fastener to that setting, a beep will sound. You can sometimes watch the torque setting on the digital readout as well. These are usually more expensive than click-type torque wrenches, but the convenience is well worth it.
Key Features
Torque Range
Each torque wrench is going to have a set range of torque readings. Make sure whatever you're considering will work with the project at hand. Keep in mind that some are designed specifically with smaller fasteners and low torque settings, while others focus more on large fasteners and high torque. The torque reading itself is also a detail to be aware of. Inch-pounds, pound-feet, and Newton meters are the most common readings you'll be supplied with, and you have to pick a torque wrench with the appropriate increments.
Size
A longer handle makes it easier to reach higher torque settings and is something you will appreciate when you need to crank down on fasteners. However, on smaller fasteners with lower torque settings, a shorter handle can keep you from over-torquing. The size will determine where you can feasibly use a torque wrench. It’s not a bad idea to invest in multiple torque wrenches to ensure you can properly address all torque specifications on a given vehicle.
Pricing
Pro-level torque wrenches for automotive use generally run between $350 and $500. If you're using your tools to make a living or want the best of the best, that's about what you can expect to spend. That does not mean you can't land a really solid torque wrench for $100-$200. Most DIYers spend about that. There are many options for less than $100, and some are good for the money. However, it's essential to do your research to make sure you're buying the right one for you.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Do I really need a torque wrench?
A: Yes. If you're into the engine, transmission, differential, or anything else in the driveline, you must have a torque wrench on hand, since most parts rely on precision assembly. You'll also run into critical fasteners throughout the suspension and chassis.
Q: Can you change a tire without a torque wrench?
A: Yes. Most lug nuts are to be fastened to around 100-140 pound-feet, which can be done with the supplied tire iron in your vehicle. It is a good idea to go over the lug nuts with a torque wrench when possible to ensure you're within spec.
Q: Can you use a torque wrench to loosen fasteners?
A: Yes, but you shouldn't. Fasteners often require a ton of force to break loose, and exceeding the max torque load of a torque wrench can damage it. So, even if they can handle loosening, the potential to do harm and throw off accuracy isn't worth it. It's best to reserve the tool for tightening.
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