When it comes to automotive work, a torque wrench is a specialty tool. It seems straightforward and simple to purchase a new tool for your workshop, but it can be challenging and confusing. Digital torque wrenches are specifically designed for different applications such as automotive and industrial use. The capacity and sizes range from small, medium size and large. When buying a digital torque wrench, you should consider some important factors aside from the price. We’ll help you make an informed decision by checking these top digital torque wrenches. Let’s get started!
List of the Best Digital Torque Wrenches in 2019:
| Digital Torque Wrenches | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|
| #1. ACDelco ARM601-4 |  | - Easy to use - Durable - Clockwise and counterclockwise directions - Audible torque confirmation |
| #2. GearWrench 85076 |  | - Accurate - Fairly light - Easy to use - Nice interface |
| #3. Craftsman |  | - Easy to read - Comfortable handle - Precise measurements |
| #4. ACDelco ARM303-4A |  | - Easy to use - Precise measurements - Durable |
| #5. Topeak D-Torq |  | - Good built - Reliable - Compact - Nice case |
| #6. Checkline DTW-625F |  | - Precise measurement - Simple to use - Can be used in different applications |
| #7. CDI 1002CF3 |  | - Simple to use - Displays real-time torque values - Sleek design - Durable - Bright LED |
| #8. GearWrench 85077 |  | - Comfortable handle - Durable - Easy to use |
| #9. Brown Line Metalworks |  | - Accurate measurements - Works great - Easy and comfortable to use |
| #10. K Tool International KTI-72130 |  | - Can go 1 in.-lb. low - Audible tone alerts - Convenient and easy to use |
#1. ACDelco ARM601-4 ½ inch Digital Torque Wrench
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This is a 4 to 99 ft-lbs digital torque wrench with LED flash notification and buzzer alarm. Most digital torque wrenches have a backlit LED display to tell you when your desired torque level has been reached. Some brands include multiple alerts, like a vibrating handle and “buzzer” noise when the torque limit has been reached or nearly approaching, which are more useful than those brands with just a backlit LED screen.
The LCD display is easy to read with different measurements (kg-cm, in-lb, N-m, ft-lb). It has multiple setting functions to provide the most precise torque. With ACDelco ARM601, accuracy range is guaranteed at ± 2% clockwise and ± 3% counterclockwise of the indicated value. The CW full scale from 20% to 100%. It meets and exceeds the ISO 6789 and ASME B107.14-2004 with a certificate of calibration that is traceable to N.I.S.T. You can easily power this torque wrench with three AAA batteries. It is durable and lightweight.
Conclusion: The durability and longevity of the torque are two factors in determining if it is a good value for money. Of course, you want one that will last for many years. It is crucial to research the performance of the digital torque wrench through the International standards. The lower the tolerance of the torque wrench, the more accurate is the reading. The ACDelco ARM601 Digital Torque Wrench is specifically designed to provide a precise torque with different mode settings. It has a built-in LCD display and audible buzzer to show the measurement settings.
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Clockwise and counterclockwise directions
- Audible torque confirmation
- Quite difficult to hit 5.0Nm
- Quite a challenge to set a bell that low
#2. GearWrench 85076 3/8″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
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The GearWrench 85076 Drive Electronic Torque Wrench feels great and comparable to snap on mac tools wrenches and matco. It is equipped with multiple alerts to prevent bolt over torquing when the desired torque is reached.
The LED light is solid and the handle vibrates. It can do 5 to 100 ft-lbs. It’s easy to operate, lightweight, and provides accurate results.
Conclusion: The GearWrench 85076 Drive Electronic Torque Wrench is a nice addition to your garage or workshop. This digital torque is good for reconditioning applications and engine rebuilding. It’s easy to use and provides precise settings.
- Accurate
- Fairly light
- Easy to use
- Nice interface
- Keeps shutting off after a minute
#3. Craftsman 3/8-inches Dr. Digi-click Torque Wrench
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This torque wrench can do 5 to 80 ft-lbs. It is a micrometer style wrench, featuring a LED-backlit screen. This is a click-style torque wrench that easily tightens different automotive bolts, from crankshaft bolts, cylinder heads, lugs, and engine-mountings. It converts units from ft.-lbs to in.-lbs, as well as into Nm with simple and quick switching. The ergonomic handle promotes a sure grip, secure hold, and comfortable performance.
Conclusion: The Craftsman torque wrench is great for twisting a setting knob and looking at a sliding scale. The click style is suitable for small engine repairs, motorcycles, brakes, four-wheelers, engine and more.
- Easy to read
- Comfortable handle
- Precise measurements
- “Click” is barely noticeable
- Unclear instructions
#4. ACDelco ARM303-4A 1/2″ Angle Digital Torque Wrench
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This ACDelco ARM303-4A digital torque wrench comes with vibration, buzzer, and flashing notification. The torque range is 12.5 to 250.76 ft.lbs or 17 to 340 Nm. The maximum angle measures 720 degrees. The memory capacity is 30 data sets. The LCD backlight display shows the reached torque, measurement mode, and battery life. The standard functions include torque setting, mode setting, and measurement setting.
Choose a digital torque wrench that you can use both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CWW). This is for a more versatile operation. The operation of the ACDelco Tools Torque is available in clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) directions. The accuracy of CW is +-1.5% and +- 2.5% for CCW. It is equipped with LED flashing and vibration or buzzer alarm when an overload or under torque. The battery type is 2 x AA, but not included. The tool weight is 3.12 lbs with an overall length of 26 1/3 inches or 666 millimeters.
Conclusion: The ACDelco Tools Torque Wrench is a great addition to your garage for your personal vehicle or commercial auto shop. The LCD display shows different measurements including N-m, kg-cm, ft-lb, and in-lb. measurements.
- Easy to use
- Precise measurements
- Durable
- Frequently resets
#5. Topeak D-Torq Torque Wrench
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This is a precision digital torque wrench with programmable LCD readout, settable torque, and over-tighten alarms. It is programmable in Nm/kg, inch/lbs, Nm/cm, and ft/lbs. The D-Torq range is 1 to 20 Nm. The D-Torq DX range is 8 to 80 Nm. This wrench is equipped with auto-off function. The D-Torq measures 7.5 inches long and the D-Torq DX measures 13.1 inches long. This wrench beeps as you get to the setting to avoid guesswork and for your peace of mind.
Conclusion: This wrench is simple to use which comes with one AA battery. It comes with a nice case that protects and holds the bits and wrench tightly. This wrench is so easy to use and it’s reversible for left-hand threads.
- Good built
- Reliable
- Compact
- Nice case
- Tedious to change
#6. Checkline DTW-625F Digital Torque Wrench
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The Checkline DTW-625F is designed to deliver precise measurement for automotive, industrial, and even aerospace application. Sometimes, a torque can be measured in kilograms per centimeter or kg. cm. and inch pounds or in. lbs., as well as kilograms per meters or kg. m. We highly recommend you purchase at least most of these measurements or a wrench that includes all measurements.
This digital torque wrench has a torque capacity of 625 lb-ft / 850 N-m with 3/4″ Drive. It displays N-m, in-lbs, and ft-lbs. The clockwise accuracy is – ±2.5% and – ±3.5% for counter-clockwise, from 20 to 100% capacity. The length measures 47.25in and 1200mm. It features a target set point, indicating your desired torque value with an audible beep and a bright LED display.
Conclusion: The Checkline DTW-625F is easy to use a digital torque wrench you can use for your wide range of vehicles and applications.
- Precise measurement
- Simple to use
- Can be used in different applications
- Doesn’t measure degree turns
#7. CDI 1002CF3 Drive Computorq 3 3/8-Inch Electronic Torque Wrench
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The CDI 1002CF3 Digital Torque has an ergonomically designed non-slip rubber grip with 15-degree flex ratcheting head. When the required amount of torque is very high, it can be extremely hard and painful on your hands. Try to look for a digital torque wrench that has a soft, comfortable, and ergonomic handle that won’t slip when in use. You want a less stressful workshop operation every time.
This electronic torque wrench has a digital readout wrench, displaying real-time torque values in torque units, in.-lbs, ft.-lbs, Kg.-cm. and Nm. It can handle 10 to 100 ft.-lbs. You can set the desired torque value and then apply force until you see the green LED illuminates.
Conclusion: This torque is great for light industrial, motorcycle, automotive, aircraft, and watercraft applications. It uses lithium-ion batteries for longer operation. To get the best value for your money, choose CDI 1002CF3 Digital Torque because it has good quality, that you can use for many years. By doing so, you won’t regret at the end of the day and you got the job right and faster with minimum hassle and stress.
- Simple to use
- Displays real-time torque values
- Sleek design
- Durable
- Bright LED
- No vibration
- Not loud beep
#8. GearWrench 85077 Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
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This digital torque wrench boasts its patent-pending technologies including double gear sensing system. It ensures repeatable accuracy both clockwise and counterclockwise at +/- 3.5 percentage with 20 to 100 full-scale percentage. The soft touch over-mold promotes a comfortable non-slip grip. The backlit digital display is large and easy to read, showing both current read-out and target torque. The buzzer creates an audible feedback when the target torque is reached and the digital display provides a visual feedback when you’re operating the wrench. It meets the ASME B107.10.2005 standards.
Conclusion: The Brown Line Metalworks Digital Torque Wrench has engineered plastics to ensure resistance against impact resistant housing and the most common garage fluids.
- Comfortable handle
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Loses all settings when powered off
#9. Brown Line Metalworks BLD0212BM Digital Torque Wrench
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If you need a precise digital torque wrench, the Brown Line Metalworks BLD0212BM is a good catch. It ensures accurate +/- 3.5 percentage applicable both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, with 20 to 100% on a full scale. Using this torque is comfortable and easy with its soft touch mold non-slip grip. The readout is made a breeze as shown on the large backlit digital display showing the true value settings. The drive reversible ratchet head measures a ½ inch.
Conclusion: The Brown Line Metalworks Digital Torque Wrench meets the ASME B107.10.2005 standards. When choosing an accurate and precise digital torque wrench, it is important to select one that guarantees a percentage accuracy of at least +/- 2 when used clockwise (CW) and +/- 3 percent for counterclockwise (CCW). This torque is a great investment for your garage!
- Accurate measurements
- Works great
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Doesn’t beep when it should
#10. K Tool International KTI-72130 3/8-Inch Drive Digital Torque Wrench
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The K Tool International Digital Torque Wrench is convenient and easy to use with a non-slip grip. When it comes to torque, it is a measurement that’s measured either by imperial scale (foot pounds or ft. lbs.) or by metric scale (Newton meters or Nm). Most manufacturers of digital torque wrench include these two measurements.
This torque wrench has four buttons to power on and off, torque target up or down, and choose a unit of measurement. It quickly switches in three different types of measurement, which eliminates the need to use three separate tools. The audible tone alerts increase in volume with changing patterns as you get closer to your desired torque value.
Conclusion: The K Tool International KTI-72130 withstands heavy-duty applications and performs consistently. It has a rugged and durable housing as well as a high contrast LCD screen display. It is a great device you can use for different applications, most especially for automotive application. It’s a worthy investment for a high-quality digital torque with excellent performance.
- Can go 1 in.-lb. low
- Audible tone alerts
- Convenient and easy to use
- Takes a learning curve
- Doesn’t have a power off button
Final Thought
Now, you are more confident in buying your first or next digital torque wrench. Keep these tips and best features in mind the next time you shop to help you choose the best for your applications. The final decision of the best brand to use now depends on you based on your regular application or work specifics. The other extras and features you need to look for when buying a torque wrench include a storage case for easy storage and transport of your new torque wrench; batteries (included or not included); an automatic shutdown feature that will turn the backlit LED display off when it is not being used; and a charge indicator so you can see the battery level. Grab your digital torque wrench now and start working on your next project! Happy shopping!
p.s: You may wish to have a look at the digital levels or laser levels.
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