Torque isn't just the figure you struggled to understand as a child but knew more was better in a car, it's also something that every nut and bolt in your car will have a predetermined figure for to keep it correctly in place.
Torque is a force applied at a radial distance and is a measure of how tightly you do up a bolt or fixing, and while screws may not need an accurate measure of torque application, most nuts and bolts do. The only way to make sure you have it correct is by using a torque wrench.
We've found several of the best examples currently for sale that suit a whole range of budgets. We recommend however splashing out for the best one you can afford just for peace of mind.
The best torque wrenches
A simple torque wrench
This great tool from Silverline is capable of some hefty wrenching with its 210Nm rating. It has a reversible ratchet head and comes in a plastic case with a 125mm extension bar and a 1/2in to 3/8in socket adapter. A great choice for a simple torque wrench.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Hefty limit of 210Nm | • Overkill for smaller fasteners |
| • 465mm long handle | |
Good budget model
The Amazon Basics torque wrench is a very impressive budget option for most basic car jobs. It comes in a plastic storage case and is available in a range of sizes, including this one, with settings from 27.1 to 203.5Nm. It also has a reversible ratchet head which makes it even more versatile.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great value | • Too large for smaller fasteners |
| • Good limit of 203.5Nm | |
Compact choice
This smaller torque wrench is more suited to bicycles than cars this little tool is perfect for smaller fixtures that need torquing. It only runs to 10Nm but features a selection of head attachments and a built-in torque meter which makes it a clever choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great for smaller jobs | • No way to pre-set limit |
| • Changeable drive bits | |
The fancy option
This serious bit of kit may cost a fairly hefty chunk of money, but if you're serious about wrenching it makes perfect sense. This digital offering from Sealey uses 3/8in drive sockets and has a digital read-out of the actual torque being applied. A pre-set limit alarm can be set that generates an audible signal as well as a flash when reached and this example goes up to 85Nm, more than enough for most cars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Actual torque read-out | • High cost for amateur or occasional mechanic |
| • Audible and visible limit | |
Old school wrenching
Sometimes the old ways are the best and this classic gauge wrench from Draper is as old school as torque wrenches come. Itu2019s a 1/2in drive handle with a separate bar that indicates on the built-in scale the actual torque being applied. There is no pre-set warning or limit which means you'll need to keep your eyes on the scale.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good value | • No pre-set limit to indicate correct torque |
| • Simple to operate | |
Get precise torque angles
To add yet another layer of complexity to torque wrenches, on occasion objects need to be fastened to a specific torque and then to a specific angle afterwards. This accessory will make gauging angles a lot easier by slotting underneath the ratchet handle to give you precise adjustments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Make torque angle application easy | • Doesn’t indicate actual torque value |
| • Adjustable stop bar | |