Best 3/8 Torque Wrenches – Reviews & Top Picks

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A sturdy 3/8 torque wrench will help you get all of your light automotive work done on time without wearing out or breaking down on you.

But how do you pick out the best one with so many different brands and options available to you?

Buying the wrong one will result in it not fitting correctly and working like you need it to, and this can leave you out of pocket because you’ll have to buy another.

Our guide gives you five suggestions on the best 3/8 torque wrenches on the market today that can fit into virtually any budget.


Quick Picks

Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...

Best Pick
CDI 1002MFRMH
If you're a certified mechanic or professional tradesman, invest in this model. It's fast, accurate, easy to set, and it comes with an all-metal design that is extremely durable. Backed by a reputable brand.
Best Value
GearWrench 85062
A better value for your money. If you're after a high-strength torque wrench with a thin profile, look no further. It's loaded with great features at a more manageable price point.
Best Budget
Tekton 24330
An excellent option for anyone on a budget. The Tekton 24330 offers an inexpensive but powerful and durable torque wrench that's great for working in your own garage at home.

Best 3/8 Torque Wrench with Reviews

Here's a list of some of the best 3/8 torque wrenches we found on the market:

1. CDI 1002MFRMH 3/8 Torque Wrench

  • Has a torque range of 10 to 100 foot pounds.
  • Dual laser marked scale removes the need for a conversion chart.
  • Full metal design is very durable and resistant to shocks.
  • Calibrated for clockwise and counterclockwise use.
  • Positive lock keeps your desired torque range set.

Pros

  • Spring loaded pull-down lock ring
  • Rugged, industrial strength materials
  • Audible clicking mechanism

Cons

  • Scale may not line up correctly
  • Laser engraving is light
  • Accuracy concerns under 20 pounds

Overview

The CDI 1002MFRMH is a 3/8 torque wrench that is a great pick if you want an industrial-strength wrench that is a higher quality. It has several nice features to help justify the higher price point. The torque range of 10 to 100 foot pounds is broad enough for a variety of applications.

However, the wrench is supposed to give an audible click when it reaches your desired torque range. The click is very quiet, but you can feel it vibrate slightly when you should stop applying pressure. It comes calibrated to work out of the box, but it’s more accurate when you work clockwise.

Any professional mechanic or tradesman will seriously want to consider adding the CDI 1002MFRMH to your lineup of tools to have it on hand. It comes from a reliable brand, and it offers the ability to work both clockwise and counterclockwise. The positive lock will keep the wrench at your desired torque setting to ensure high accuracy, and this will keep your projects moving along from start to finish.


2. GearWrench 85062 3/8 Torque Wrench

  • Thin profile allows for work in tight spaces.
  • Teardrop head has a high strength rating for durability.
  • Offers a torque range of 10 to 100 foot pounds for versatility.
  • Comes calibrated to ratchet in both directions.
  • Knurled grip gives users a non-slip surface to hold on to.

Pros

  • Weighted feel
  • Sliding lock mechanism
  • Dual engraved scale

Cons

  • Measurement markings are light
  • Has a lower number of gear teeth
  • Too long for some jobs

Overview

The GearWrench 85062 is a great pick if you’re trying to balance a mid-range torque wrench with several nice features. It’s slightly more affordable, and it has a thin profile with a high-strength teardrop head that allows you to reach into tight spaces without a problem.

The gear teeth number is lower on this torque wrench, and this allows for slipping when you use it on certain fasteners. If you’re not careful, you could hit your hands on whatever you’re working on when it slips. However, you should use it slower to ensure you get the correct torque.

Any part-time mechanic or DIYer who likes working on their vehicles can benefit from adding the GearWrench 85062 to their collection.The audible clicking noise and slight vibration remove any uncertainty about the torque rating, and the sliding lock mechanism keeps you in your desired range. If you have a few smaller jobs lined up, the engraved dual scale can help you get the job done faster and smoother while saving your arms from fatigue.


3. Tekton 24330 3/8 Drive Torque Wrench

  • Reversible ratchet head will drive in both directions.
  • All-steel construction won't wear out or break.
  • High-contrast dual range scale is easy to read in varying lighting conditions.
  • Click system alerts you when you reach your pre-set torque range.
  • Storage box molds to the wrench to keep it secure.

Pros

  • Ships pre-calibrated
  • Handle is durable
  • Heavier build for better durability

Cons

  • Scale is very light
  • Only torques clockwise
  • Storage box locks are flimsy

Overview

The Tekton 24330 is a great torque wrench for anyone on a strict budget that wants a durable tool with a torque range of 10 to 80 foot pounds. It will emit an audible click when it reaches your pre-set torque range to prevent shearing off your fasteners.

There is a scale with this wrench, but it’s lightly stamped into the metal. This makes it difficult to see under dim lighting conditions, and it also makes it easy to wear away with repeated use. But, it does come with a dual range to remove the need for conversion charts.

If you’re a DIYer who routinely works on bicycles or light automobiles, consider adding the Tekton 24330 to your toolkit. The reversible ratchet head will drive both directions for your convenience, and the all-steel construction removes the possibility of part failure. It ships pre-calibrated and ready to go out of the box, and it can help you complete your project quickly and easily without any costly delays.


4. Precision Instruments PREC2FR100F 3/8 Drive Wrench

  • Offers 20 to 100 foot pounds of torque.
  • Do not have to turn down after each use to keep it in good working order.
  • All-steel construction increases the wrench's durability and resistance to shock.
  • Comes with a dated calibration certificate.
  • Covered scale is durable and resistant to wear.

Pros

  • Calibrated upon arrival
  • Full year warranty
  • Storage case is durable

Cons

  • Ratchet head has less teeth
  • Difficult to get a firm grip on the handle
  • End has an exposed design

Overview

The Precision Instruments PREC2FR100F is a solid pick if you want a high-quality torque wrench that has a slightly higher price attached to it. It’s made in the United States with a full metal design to add durability. Additionally, it comes with a hard-shelled case to protect it when it’s not in use.

The scale does have a protective covering over it, but this can fog over in certain environments to make it difficult to read. It’s also difficult to read in lower lighting. However, you get a dated calibration certificate with every order, and it’s ready to use out of the box.

If you’re a mechanic or professional tradesman, it’s a good idea to consider adding the Precision Instruments PREC2FR100F to your toolkit. Not only does it come from a reputable brand, but it comes with a full year warranty against damage or wear. If you have several big jobs lined up ahead of you, using this tool can help you finish each one within your deadline.


5. TACKLIFE HTW1A 3/8 Torque Wrench

  • Comes calibrated according to DIN-ISO-6789 standards.
  • Offers 10 to 80 foot pounds of torque.
  • Ratchet head works both clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • Has an audible click you can also feel when you reach your pre-set torque range.
  • Comes with an extension bar and adapters.

Pros

  • 2.95-inch extension bar included
  • Passed international calibration standards
  • Hard storage case included

Cons

  • Torque setting is hard to read
  • Only torques clockwise
  • Bulky design

Overview

The TACKLIFE HTW1A is a mid-range torque wrench that works well for applications around the house. It’s more affordable without skimping on materials, and it comes with a high accuracy rating of +/- 4%. It’s also packed with nice features to make it more versatile.

Although this torque wrench clicks when you reach your pre-set range, the click and vibration are very subtle. If you’re working quickly, it’s easy to miss them and shear off the bolt. However, it has a deep scale that is easy to read and won’t wear away.

If you’re a DIYer who likes to tinker in the garage, consider adding the TACKLIFE HTW1A to your collection. It comes from a very well-known brand, and it offers a great value in terms of the price. The all-steel construction makes it resistant to rust, corrosion, and shocks. You can get into smaller spaces due to the ability to ratchet it both clockwise and counterclockwise, and this can ensure you finish all of your projects without delays.


Wrapping it up

Whichever 3/8 torque wrench you choose, it should have a broad torque range. A nicely marked scale is another bonus, and it should have a full metal design that makes it resistant to shocks and damage. Having it calibrated to torque both directions is another thing to watch for, and this is why we chose the CDI 1002MFRMH as our pick for the best 3/8 torque wrench. The positive lock keeps us inside our necessary torque range, and it gives an audible click to remove any guesswork.

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About Jacob Hanson

Jacob is the Editor at Toolsfirst.com. He used to be the owner of a local construction company with over 20 years experience in the trade. He now enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools as well as publishing guides to help readers.

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