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
Description
This great tool from Silverline is capable of some hefty wrenching with its 210Nm rating. It has a
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Hefty limit of 210Nm | • Overkill for smaller fasteners |
| • 465mm long handle | |
Good budget model
Description
The Amazon Basics torque wrench is a very impressive budget option for most basic car jobs. It
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great value | • Too large for smaller fasteners |
| • Good limit of 203.5Nm | |
Compact choice
Description
This smaller torque wrench is more suited to bicycles than cars this little tool is perfect for
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great for smaller jobs | • No way to pre-set limit |
| • Changeable drive bits | |
The fancy option
Description
This serious bit of kit may cost a fairly hefty chunk of money, but if you're serious about
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Actual torque read-out | • High cost for amateur or occasional mechanic |
| • Audible and visible limit | |
Old school wrenching
Description
Sometimes the old ways are the best and this classic gauge wrench from Draper is as old school as
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good value | • No pre-set limit to indicate correct torque |
| • Simple to operate | |
Get precise torque angles
Description
To add yet another layer of complexity to torque wrenches, on occasion objects need to be fastened
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Make torque angle application easy | • Doesn’t indicate actual torque value |
| • Adjustable stop bar | |