The tool has a one-hand operation trigger with three position settings that come in both forward and reverse.Plus, this tool works well for people who are left-handed and right-handed. Remember that it requires an air compressor that can deliver at least 5 cfm at 90 psi for power, which is not included. Preferably, you should have a much larger air compressor for optimum performance.

Now that you know a little more about some of the best torque wrenches out there, it’s time to figure out which torque wrench is right for you. Not only that, but too many people get an excellent torque wrench only to ruin it because they don’t know how to care for it properly. Why? Because if you fail to adequately torque a bolt, it could work its way loose. Or, if you tighten it too much, you could cause costly damage. About torque wrenches from Halfords Even better, you know you’re not going to need to replace it any time soon, even if you use it quite a bit. It’s extremely accurate with measurements you can fine-tune to a single in/lb, but it does start at 50 in/lbs. While that’s not all that high, sometimes for very small bolts on sensitive equipment there will be a smaller torque spec. The good news is that keeping this from happening is easy. After you use the torque wrench simply lower the torque wrench to the lowest setting. You shouldn’t “bottom out” the torque wrench, put it on the lowest setting it has.

An impact wrench is all about torque; that’s the tool’s twisting force. Some manufacturers state the torque in foot-pounds of force, while others use inch-pounds. Don’t automatically assume that you need the highest amount of torque; too much torque and you’ll find your fasteners snap in half. The stakes are high with a torque wrench, which is why you don’t want to just trust any torque wrench and hope it’s doing the job correctly. That’s why we took the time to highlight ten of the best torque wrenches on the market today. This Capri Tools torque wrench is another ¼” drive torque wrench that you should consider for smaller jobs. It’s an outstanding mix of price and quality for a ¼” torque wrench. It’s not the most affordable option out there for a ¼” option, but since it’s a smaller torque wrench it’s still not all that expensive.

In that case, you’ll need to invest in multiple torque wrenches to properly torque everything down. While that can be a little frustrating, if you’re trying to save a little money the Pittsburgh Pro torque wrench set we highlighted above comes with three different torque wrenches that should be able to handle just about any job you have. Drive Size It also has a wider range of torque specs, starting as low as 14.8 ft/lbs. And with a maximum torque of 147.5 ft/lbs, it’s more than capable of handling most larger jobs you’ll come across in a DIY setting. It uses a digital display and a buzzer-activated system that’s easy to use. If you're looking for a high-performance tool that is lightweight but still able to pull off big jobs, the Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Drive Air Impact Wrench is a great option. It has a well-manufactured drive mechanism to put out serious spin ability with 1,350 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. Ingersoll’s ½-inch air impact wrench is known for its power-to-weight ratio, as it weighs in at only 4.6 pounds and has a four-position power regulator (which makes the torque easy to adjust). To rate the torque wrenches within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the drive sizes available, quality of the construction, whether or not a test certificate is supplied, accuracy, measurement scales, additional accessories, warranty and value. Best Torque Wrench OverviewFrom assembling patio furniture to removing stubborn lug nuts on vehicles, the Milwaukee Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench can handle almost any job. The cordless high torque wrench has a four-mode drive control with bolt removal, making it a stellar choice for serious weekend warriors. You'll appreciate the L-shaped handle with rubber overmold that offers a comfortable grip while plowing through lengthy jobs. It even has a handy LED work light that lights up your work area to make the job easier when working in dim or tight quarters. Wrenches can be used across a wide range of applications thanks to their versatility, ease to use and nature as an essential hand tool. Wrenches are commonly used by: And it’s also why it takes quite a bit to earn our nod as the best ½” drive torque wrench. This ACDelco ARM601 torque wrench is an outstanding mix of price and quality. While it’s far from the most affordable option on our list, it’s a great value considering it should last a lifetime. Sometimes you need a torque wrench for a really big job. If that sounds like you, then you should consider this ¾” drive Neiko Pro torque wrench. With a ¾” drive and a minimum 100 ft/lb setting it’s not for smaller jobs, but you’re also not going to find another torque wrench on our list that can come anywhere near 700 ft/lbs. It’s an important distinction, but it gives you far more precise results for jobs with lower torque values. This is common for jobs like head gaskets or even oil pans because they use smaller bolts with lower torque values.

This heavy-duty tool has a 4-position power regulator, so you can fine-tune the power to your needs, and it's very easy to switch the forward/reverse mechanism with just one hand. Note that you will need an air compressor capable of delivering at least 6 cfm of air at 90 psi for reliable performance of the impact wrench.Even better, since it’s a 3/8” torque wrench you don’t have to spend nearly as much compared to some of the other options on our list. But even for a typical 3/8” drive torque wrench this one by EPAuto is available for a great price, and that’s a big part of the reason it’s our top 3/8” drive option.