A big part of any maintenance and repair is to work with different types of screws, bolts, and nuts. We need various kinds of tools for the mentioned job.
One of the key tools is the torque wrench. It is useful, and we can’t go without this tool in our lab or workshop. Because specific torque is crucial, we don’t want the nut to be too tight and not loose, we want a perfect balance according to the provided specs.
But there are many options out there. And there are the new digital ones as well.
Now, as a beginner or new person, you have a lot of questions on your mind. Which one to buy? Are digital any good? What to look for when buying the best digital torque wrench? And so many more.
Well, this is what we will explore in the article.
At the end of this article, you should be able to know,
- What is a digital torque wrench?
- Parameter to look for when buying a new wrench
- List of some best digital torque wrench
Sounds interesting? Well, then I am sure you will enjoy the rest of this article as well.
Let’s get started.
Best Digital Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is a very fundamental tool for fastening nuts with a specified torque. That is why it is called the torque wrench.
Now there are a lot of options on the market to choose from. But here in this article, we will explore specially the digital wrench. They are a little expensive, but they are more accurate and user friendly.
The best digital torque wrench that field professionals recommend is the GEARWRENCH Electronic Torque Wrench or the ACDelco ARM601. They are the best because they come from proven brands, are used by thousands of people, are of high quality, are reliable, and have a decent price tag that anyone can afford.
Alright!
Let’s talk about some key parameters to look for when selecting the digital wrench.
Choosing the best digital torque wrench
Following are the key things which think are necessary for a good quality wrench.
1. Size of the stud
The stud is the upper bump out square part of the wrench. This is the part that gets connected to our nuts’ extension and sockets. Its size is really important. It comes in three various sizes, i.e., 1/2in, 3/8in, and 1/4in
Choose your torque wrenches based on what size of nuts you will be dealing with. For car and engine work, 1/2in is recommended.
2. Torque Specs
Every nut and bolt has a specified torque value. For example, 100Ib-ft for cars nuts.
So when selecting your wrench make sure its torque ranges cover the specification of nuts and bolts you will be dealing with all the time.
A recommended range is 10-120lb-ft. But of course, you should definitely know the specification of your nuts.
Some people lose called lb-ft as ft-lb. Also, some wrenches use the unit of Nm. It doesn’t really that matter. Focus on the range values.
You may ask how to found the torque specification of the nuts and bolts. There are two ways, read the manual or search online. Searching online may not be effective sometimes. But a manual guide has all the details you will need.
3. Quality
Price and this parameter are directly related. But the best part is, a quality wrench will have fewer chances of calibration issues.
Of course, once a year you will send your wrench for calibration. If you choose a brand or wrench because of its low price tag, chances are you will run onto these issues many times.
4. Digital vs manual
Well, this is totally up to you and your budget. The Manual is less expensive than the digital one. But with digital, you get more accuracy.
List of the amazing top digital wrenches
I think I have shared all the information that I have about the topic. Now let’s have a look at some top digital wrenches. I will start with very basic digital wrenches then I will talk about the intermediate models and then will end with some professional wrenches. So please keep on reading.
Keep in mind, I am not going to repeatedly talk about the above must have features of top digital wrenches over again and again. They are applied to all the below mentioned models.
Also, I am not going to add some fancy-looking models that you will see a bunch of them online. Look man, I am an engineer and technical terms are more romantic than looks.
1. GEARWRENCH Electronic Torque Wrench
The first best digital torque wrench that I have for you is the Gearwrench 85077. It is a digital wrench with a 1/2in drive.
Gearwrench is a famous brand for making quality wrenches of various drive sizes. It is a proven brand and people really appreciate its products.
Important features:
- Target torque alert feature that gives a warning as you approach the target torque
- When you hit the specified torque value, its handle vibrates, and you will see an LED indication, and also a buzzer sound. I think this is amazing.
- 72 Tooth ratchet mechanism with a 5° swing arc allows you to turn fasteners in tight spaces
- 5 torque measurement units
In a short summary, the GEARWRENCH Electronic Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is a good choice especially when you want to have a handle and housing that are oil and solvent resistant, protecting the tool from harmful agents and keeping your hands in place.
2. ACDelco ARM601
The next best electronic torque wrench is from the ACDelco brand. It is called the ARM601. It is heavy duty digital wrench with 1/2in drive size.
Important features:
- Lightweight, heavy duty, and professional
- Torque range: 14.8 to 147.5 ft-lbs
- Engineered with high-quality materials that display real-time torque values in ft-lbs. and Nm.
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Beeps when the desired torque value is achieved
- Soft grip handle design provides comfort for long working hours and a secure grip for maximum control and steadiness
- Slim body design molded to securely fit and balance hand torque to help reduce vibration and fatigue with less wear on your hands.
In a short summary, the ACDelco ARM601 (Amazon link) is an excellent tool with reliable torque values that is ideal for professionals, automotive, motor bikes, and many other industrial uses.
3. Summit Tools Digital Torque Wrench
The next amazing wrench is from the Summit Tools. Summit Tools was born in 2016 with a mission to build high quality and robust digital hand tools for professional mechanics as well as gearheads.
The torque wrench from this brand is high quality and reliable. It is a 3/8in wrench with a torque range of 3.1–62.7 ft. pounds.
Important features:
- Modernly designed Electric Torque Wrench
- Provides precision torque measurement from 3.1 – 62.7 ft-Ib with ±3% accuracy and 0.1 ft-lb resolution.
- LED & Buzzer indicator provides audible feedback when target torque is reached
- Offers Peak-Hold and Tracking modes
- Constructed from high quality stainless steel and industrial plastics.
- This electric torque wrench set comes with a protective case that shields it against wear & tear when not in use to deliver long lasting performance.
In a short summary, the Summit Tools Digital Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is a compact digital torque wrench that can operate in tough conditions. A perfect tool for controlling and applying measured torque in industrial, HVAC, automotive, and aerospace applications.
4. CRAFTSMAN Digital Torque Wrench
The next digital wrench is from the Craftsman brand. This brand is making tools for a long time and has a proven reputation for quality and reliability.
The torque wrench from this brand is 1/2in and has a torque range of 50 ft-lb to 250 ft-lb.
Important features:
- Converts torque from ft./lb. to in/lb. to Nm at the touch of a button
- An LED backlit screen makes it easy to see every readout
- Comfortable handle with ergonomic styling and provides a sure grip
In a short summary, the CRAFTSMAN Digital Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is an amazing torque wrench that is perfect for small engine repairs four-wheelers motorcycles brakes engines, and more.
5. eTORK Torque Wrench
The next digital torque wrench is from the eTORK brand. eTORK has over 40 years of experience in the torque wrench industry, and is the tool of choice when precision and reliability matters.
Important features:
- It is 1/2in drive with torque range of 25-250 ft.-lb./33.9-339 N.m
- Instantly converts between four different measurements
- When your preset torque value has been reached, an audible click is produced that you can hear and feel.
- The locking knob secures the selected torque setting from accidental changes.
- The directional switch allows the user to operate and measure torque in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions
In a short summary, the eTORK Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is a money worth option. The best thing is the torque adjustments are hassle free. Simply rotate the adjustment knob at the base of the handle to the desired torque, and you are all set.
6. MULWARK Digital Torque Wrench
The next top digital torque wrench is from the Mulwark brand. The wrench from this brand has 3/8in drive size and has the torque range of 2.2-44.3 ft-lbs (3-60 Nm).
Important features:
- 10 memory torque presets provide quick access to most used settings
- Non-slip grip to help protect yourself from discomfort and injury even when your hands are covered in oil, sweat, or grease.
- It comes in a very sturdy case for storage, which is perfect for a precision instrument.
In short summary, the MULWARK Digital Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is an amazing torque wrench that has the capability to automatically shuts down after 60 seconds of inactivity, ensuring power saving and battery life.
7. SUGPV Mini Digital Torque Wrench
The last digital wrench is from the Sugpv brand. This wrench is a mini wrench. It has the drive size of 3/8in with torque range of 1.33-44.25 ft-lbs(1.8-60 Nm).
Important features:
- Mini design which is easy to carry and occupies a small position.
- Provide precision torque measurement from 1.33 to 44.25 ft-lbs with accurate to 2% clockwise & 2.5% counterclockwise in 0.01 ft-lb resolution.
- LED & Buzzer indicator provides audible feedback when target torque is reached.
- Easy to use with auto shut off.
- Constructed from high quality steel and ABS industrial plastics, handle and housing are oil and solvent resistant, can operate in tough conditions.
In a short summary, the SUGPV Mini Digital Torque Wrench (Amazon link) is the best choice for people who use a wrench occasionally. This wrench is durable use and no calibration required, all the torque wrenches are pre-calibrated in the factory, you can use it immediately.
Conclusion
A torque wrench is a very useful tool when it comes to automobile maintenance and repair. Also, you can use it for different situations as well.
The key function of a torque wrench is to fasten the nuts and bolts to a specified value.
The main issue with nuts and bolts is that if you fasten them too tight. Chances are you may damage them. But if you don’t tighten them enough, chances are they will get loose with time. This can be dangerous, especially for car wheel nuts.
For the above mentioned reasons, we need to have a quality torque wrench in our lab or garage.
Now, you got two options these days. One is manual, and the other is digital. It doesn’t matter which you use. But here are the key difference. Manuals are not that user friendly when you are a beginner, and they are less expensive. While digital wrenches are expensive, but they are more accurate and user friendly.
Alright!
The other thing to look for is what a new person should consider when selecting the torque wrench.
The answer is simple, the stud size and torque range. You should first determine these things. Like what torque value and nut sizes you will work with. After that choose a quality and digital torque wrench.
Well guys, this is all that we cover in the above detailed article. I just share what I believe a beginner should know about the best digital torque wrenches.
So that is it. I hope I was helpful.
Thank you so much and have a grateful and beautiful life ahead.
Other useful posts for your references:
- Oscilloscopes for beginners (how to select the best oscilloscope)
- Multimeters for beginners (Complete buying guide for a new person)
- Soldering stations for beginners (Amazing list of cheap and portable stations)
- Basic electronics for complete beginners (Easily start learning electronics)
- Resistor testing (Know if the resistor is bad, open, or short)
- 7 Best Stud Finder for Plaster Walls
- 7 Best pH Tester for Water (Accurate meters)
