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Trying to find the right level of torque can be difficult. With a standard click wrench you never quite know if you’ve got it right.
Getting the best digital torque wrench is going to be able to give you an accurate reading and take all the guesswork out of your ratcheting.
We put together this short list of some of the top models available along with a buying guide at the end.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Digital Torque Wrench with Reviews 2024
Here's a list of the best digital torque wrenches we found:
1. CDI Drive Computorq 3 Digital Torque Wrench
- Multiple size options
- Multiple torque ranges
- Four unit measurements
- 15 degrees of flexibility
- Rubber grip
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Great torque range
- Easy to use
- High accuracy
- A range of buying options
Cons
- No vibration alert
- Some users mentioned the batteries were difficult to replace
Overview
CDI have been able to produce a range of digital torque wrenches that are going to be suitable for everyone’s needs. They have size options from 1/4” to 1/2” and have torque ranges from 10 – 250 foot-pounds, all at a very high quality.
As well as the exceptional build quality, they also have a great level of durability. The 15 degrees of flexibility can be extremely useful in tight situations. The display has is able to show four torque units, it is easy to use and it is also very easy to read.
2. GEARWRENCH 85077 1/2" Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
- “Target torque alert” gives a warning as you approach the target torque setting to reduce the chance of over torqueing
- Vibrating handle, buzzer sounds, and solid LED light indicator offer additional safe-guards to avoid over-torqueing fasteners
- 72-Tooth ratchet mechanism with a 5° swing arc allows you to turn fasteners in tight spaces
- Handle and housing are oil- and solvent-resistant, protecting the tool from harmful agents and keeping your hands in place
- Torque accuracy of +/- 2% CW and +/-3% CCW from 20% to 100% of wrench capability
Pros
- Great digital features
- High accuracy
- Highly rated
- Easy to use
Cons
- High battery usage
- Batteries not included
Overview
In terms of digital features, it doesn’t get better than this tool from GearWrench. Not only does it have a vibrating handle to alert you to high torque but it also features a buzzer and a solid LED light. That will ensure that you never over-torque your fasteners.
It adds to the great usability of the product as it has a simple operation and a very comfortable handle. To go with that, it has a fantastic level of accuracy. It also has 5 degrees of flexibility to help you reach those tight spots.
3. Craftsman 3/8-in. Digital Torque Wrench
Pros
- Easy to read display
- Comfortable grip
- High durability
- High handle display
Cons
- Lower torque range
- No flexibility
Overview
For a tool on the lower end of the budget scale, this is a brilliant digital torque wrench. It probably has the easiest to see display on the market as not only is it backlit but it’s also high on the handle. That means it’s close to the socket, and therefore your eye line.
It a top range of 80 foot-pounds it doesn’t have the greatest torque level and there is no flexibility on the head. It is still able to tighten to a high level of torque and the wrench also has a high level of durability, and should last for many years.
4. ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2" Digital Torque Wrench
- Advanced technology: 4 to 99-foot lbs torque range with LED flashing / buzzer alarm when torque is reached.
- Easy to read LCD display with measurements (kg-cm, N-m, in-lb. ft-lb)
- Multiple Setting Functions: Torque, Measurement, and, Peak & Trace, Mode Settings. (Torque setting range: 10% of max torque value. Measuring range: 4 to 99 ft-lbs.)
- Accuracy range: ± 2% clockwise ± 3% CCW of indicated value, CW, from 20% to 100% of full scale.
- Meets or exceeds ASME B107.14-2004, ISO 6789 standards, individually serialized with matching certificate of calibration traceable to N.I.S.T.
- One-year limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workman ship
Pros
- Heavy-duty wrench
- Large torque range
- Easy to read display
- Great digital features
Cons
- No flexibility
- No backlighting
Overview
The large display on this digital torque wrench is great for then there is enough light but one area that lets it down is the fact that it’s not backlit. Aside from that, the large torque range it has and the large size makes this a great wrench for heavy-duty jobs.
There are some great digital features on this wrench as it has different measurements, peak and trace and mode settings with easy to use buttons. Those working in tight spaces might rue the face it doesn’t have any flexibility but this is an otherwise great digital torque wrench.
5. Kobalt 856838 3/8-Inch Electronic Torque Wrench
- Programmable from 5-ft lb to 100-ft lb
- 3/8” or 1/2” size
- Torque and angle accuracy of +/- 3%
- Numerous high torque warnings
- 5 button controls
- 4 display options
- Carry case
- Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
Pros
- Great torque warnings
- Easy to use
- Highly durable
- Large torque range
Cons
- No flex head
Overview
Having a large torque range is a huge advantage and the 5 to 100 foot-pound range on this model is up there with the best wrenches on the market. That comes with a 3% accuracy level which is less than most but still able to give a great reading.
One great feature of this product is that it gives you different warnings when it’s at 90% and 100%, which gives you a great awareness of when you are reaching the higher levels of torque. The LCD display is able to show many different measurements and the 5 button controls make it very easy to use.
6. BikeMaster Digital Torque Wrench
- 3/8” size
- Made for bikers
- Compact size
- 5 measurements
- 5 button controls
Pros
- Great for tight spots
- Easy to read display
- Simple controls
- High torque level
Cons
- Lack of leverage
- No flex head
Overview
The lack of length of this digital torque wrench can be both a negative and a positive. A negative is that you have less leverage on the wrench and therefore it’s harder to reach those higher torque levels. The positive is that it reaches more spaces and is more portable.
It has a higher torque level of 99 foot-pounds and comes with a digital display that is easy to read, partly due to the backlight it has. This is another budget option that has a very high level of quality. The durability means it’ll last you for many years.
Related: Torque Wrench Reviews – Best Overall
Buying Guide
Size
There is not a lot of difference between the size of digital wrenches. We see that these wrenches come in either 1/4”, 3/8” or 1/2” depending on your needs. In reality, there’s not a lot of difference between the three as there is a wide range of socket sizes to fit them all.
If you are going to be using your wrench for heavier duty tasks then it’s going to be better to go for the larger size. These tools also generally have a higher level of torque too. It’s always important to check the other key features.
Build quality
With any type of product, you want it to have a high level of build quality. With tools that have to go through a high level of tension, it’s even more important. Buying a cheap digital torque wrench could mean inaccurate readings and your tool breaking.
All the products that we have looked at here have a great level of build quality. They use high-quality metals and the latest technology to ensure all readings are accurate. If you have any doubts, it is always a good idea to check the reviews.
Display
The biggest feature that sets a digital torque wrench apart from its manual rivals is the digital display. There’s no point in getting one of these wrenches if you aren’t going to be able to read out the number.
There are a few key features that can separate one display from another. The size of the display is going to be the most important feature as you want a font size that is easy to read. Having a backlit display will also help you in darker areas and you also want to make sure that it is above the grip handle.
Torque range
The most important aspect of a digital torque wrench is its torque range. This is the range the wrench is going to be able to read without the risk of breaking.
If you are going to be completing heavy-duty tasks, then you will want a wrench that has an upper limit of around 100 foot-pounds. For everyday tasks, this is going to be less important but you still want to make sure you have a good range.
Digital Features
As well as the display, you also want to consider these other digital features:
- Target torque – Set your required torque and get an alert when you reach that limit. Different alerts include vibrating handles, LED lights or beeping.
- Peak mode – Shows you the highest level of torque you’ve applied.
- Trace mode – Live indicator of the current torque you are applying.
Flex Heads
Some of these digital torque wrenches have a flexible head. The range of flexibility a swivel head has is generally minimal. Yet, having that few degrees of movement is can be useful – handy if you work in awkward spaces.
Many people prefer wrenches without any flexibility as they feel more sturdy. This comes down to personal preference as you might not need to have any flexibility in your digital torque wrench.
Accuracy
One of the most important things to know about digital torque wrenches is that they don’t have a very accurate rating to under 20% of their capacity. If you are looking for a torque wrench for only light work then you’re probably not going to get a good reading with less than 20 foot-pounds of pressure.
Above that figure, these digital torque wrenches tend to have a very high level of accuracy. Anything at a 3% accuracy variable or under is going to be a high-quality wrench. Most wrenches are slightly more accurate when turning clockwise rather than counter-clockwise.
What to check before you buy
There are also a few other features that you want to check as well:
- Comfortable grip – Makes tightening easier and will help prevent your hand from blistering.
- Unit of measurement – Wrenches can show imperial, metric or both.
- Type of batteries – Having spares will always be useful.
Digital wrench vs a standard model
In terms of making your life as easy as possible, there can be no comparison as a digital torque wrench is going to be the tool for you. Being able to read that clear display will help to take any guesswork out of your job and make for an accurate reading.
As we have seen, they also great features such as alarms that are going to alert you when you are reaching your required limit. There is an added expense to digital torque wrenches but many will see it as worth it for the brilliant extra features that you get.
Wrapping it up
Getting the right level of torque has always been a difficult task. It can often leave to over-torquing. Digital torque wrenches solve this by taking the guesswork out of the job.
Our favorite is the trusted CDI Drive Computorq. You are able to get the size and range you need on a wrench that has an exceptional level of quality. The accuracy, flexibility, alarm and display options all help to make it the best digital torque wrench on the market.
Other Guides
Budget Torque Wrenches for Under $100
I have been looking for a torque ranch for a semi professional application the one that seems to of caught my eye is the Klezhi torque ranch digital. Expensive but has a number of features that seem to put it head and shoulders above the rest would be interested in your thoughts.