A large number of motorists prefer to carry out repair and restoration work on their car right in their garage, without seeking help from specialists in a car service. Due to the wide distribution of various devices and tools on the market, everyone has this opportunity, the process does not require unnecessary maintenance costs. Purchasing accessories for minor and simple repairs saves a lot of time and money. One of the most essential tools is a torque wrench, a wrench with a built-in dynamometer. This device is designed to tighten fasteners and threaded connections, helps to maintain accurate parameters, preventing overtightening, as well as thread stripping. The torque wrench is used not only in working with a car, but also in construction, industry and technical design.
This review of the best torque wrenches will go into detail on how to choose a good model suitable for various repairs and maintenance, as well as brands that make the best equipment.
Content
Before you make a purchase and replenish your arsenal with a new tool in the form of a torque wrench, you need to familiarize yourself with the device and the principle of operation of this device.
As a rule, the instructions for a car or other technical units always contain information about what force is needed to tighten a certain threaded connection, including an automobile wheel. That is why you need to know exactly what type of key you need to purchase to carry out the work. Following tightening requirements guarantees the reliability, accuracy, safety and long life of all mechanisms. Traditionally, the unit of measurement is the Newton meter.
The torque wrench looks like a regular wrench with a dynamometer installed. Depending on the type of key, it will be implemented differently. Sometimes the design also has a scale and an arrow, some have a special screen to display the desired values.
Before purchasing this tool, you should understand what types of work you need to carry out and, based on this, choose the most suitable option. Manufacturers offer a huge amount of goods, which differ in design, action and configuration.
There are three main types of keys: arrow, click and electronic.
The arrow key is the most common option, as it has a low cost and simple design. However, devices of this type are significantly inferior to others in accuracy, having an error of about 10%, and their maximum tightening does not exceed 280 Nm. In car services or professional craftsmen, such a product is practically never found, however, it is quite suitable for light home repairs.
The snap type, which is also called the limit, has a clutch with a given moment, which is activated if the required tension parameters are exceeded. For this tool, the torque usually varies from 40 to 360 Nm. A device of this type is divided into professional and household, for more advanced models, the error rate cannot exceed 3%, while for simple ones it reaches the level of 5%.
An electronic key is best suited for vehicles that have high maintenance requirements. It is believed that this is the most reliable type of device with high technical characteristics. It has an electronic scale for measuring the level of tension, and the device signals if the required value is reached by sound or flashing light. The main advantage of this type of device is a very small measurement error - about 1%, but the price of such a device is higher than that of the others.
So, having decided on the type, you can study the main characteristics by which you can determine a reliable torque wrench:
In the event that the device needs to be used regularly and at the same time work with different connections, it is worth taking a closer look at several models at once with different ranges. It is necessary to check the relevance and accuracy of the specified moment for a particular type of repair. There are models with a range from 20 to 150 Nm, some have from 100 to 700 Nm, you should choose a device based on the average value available for the required work.
The dimensions of the joining square are also important, as a rule, their size is measured in inches and has values of 1.4, 3.8, 1.2, 3.4, and so on. This parameter directly depends on the type of bolts and nuts on the machine.
The functionality of the key may include such parameters as: an alert system when certain values are exceeded (beep, flashlight, click), the presence of a convenient screen for displaying the specified settings, additional buttons for regulating the operation of the device, the presence of a case and much more. All these parameters greatly simplify the use of the device and make it much more convenient. There may be a reset among the buttons, and the presence of additional equipment such as a ratchet, heads or nozzles allows you not to spend money on different types of keys or unnecessary auxiliary tools.
The brand plays a very important role, it is important that the product is recognizable and the manufacturer has a good reputation. When buying a product from a little-known company, it is easy to run into a low-quality product that will last for a year or several months, and also have a large measurement error.You should choose the brand and model of the key based on the opinions of other buyers, product reviews can be viewed on online forums or the official website of the spare parts store. The presence of positive feedback directly speaks of the reliability and quality of the device, you can also find additional information about the nuances of its operation, get recommendations and tips on operation.
The accuracy of the device is always determined by the degree of its error. It is necessary to build on well-known standards, where the accuracy is determined in Nm, and the size of the squares in inches. This will greatly simplify the choice of device and help you choose the most suitable option for the situation. It should be remembered that the arrow keys are the most inaccurate, followed by snap keys, and electronic keys have the smallest error rate.
Most products are equipped exclusively with metal handles, which is not very convenient when you have to work with oil and other liquids. It is best to choose a tool with a plastic or rubberized handle that will not slip and interfere with work. If, nevertheless, the choice fell on a device with a metal handle, then it is necessary to check the strength of the material so that it is solid, does not bend or corrode.
The size of the product is also very important, too small keys do not allow for extensive repairs, since it is quite difficult to work with them, you have to make much more effort. At the same time, models that are too large can get in the way, they are more efficient when tightening, but do not always fit into a limited space.In this situation, you should study the working conditions, in some cases small tools can be lengthened, but large ones cannot be reduced.
In addition to knowing all the parameters of the device, it is equally important to follow such simple rules when buying and operating as: purchase the product only in trusted places and online stores that have certificates, check the hardness and characteristics of the metal from which the product is made, store the tool with a relaxed spring or at minimum settings, and when using, hold only the handle and firmly press the ratchet.
This is a rating of the most popular and high-quality torque wrench models at a nice price that can be used for home and professional repairs.
This is a well-known German company that manufactures various tools at a high level of quality. Most development is carried out in Germany, but manufacturing plants are distributed throughout the world. The devices of this brand are considered very reliable and durable and, in addition, have an acceptable cost.
This wrench has a nice appearance and with chrome surfaces, it has successfully passed all the necessary tests for twisting various elements. Its error is 4%. Also, the advantage of the key can be considered its versatility, heads and nozzles from other manufacturers are suitable for it.
This model represents another German company - Heyner, which makes excellent tools for any kind of repair work.
The model of this wrench has additional extension cords and an adapter, has a durable housing that can withstand up to 210 Nm. All parts of the design work flawlessly, there is a built-in ratchet, regulator and limiter. The device comes with a plastic case.
Another popular company that manufactures reliable tools, accessories and devices for auto repair. The brand has become famous for its high quality products and a long warranty. Most professional services buy devices from this company, despite the rather high price.
This tool has a simple but multifunctional device that has the ability to adjust, a scale with a special lens, a rubberized handle, and a built-in 48-tooth ratchet. The device has a working range from 40 to 200 Nm, a plastic case is included in the kit.
The brand was founded in Germany back in 2008 and has been producing various modern and reliable equipment since then. The company is widely known in Europe and enjoys increased popularity.
One of the most purchased devices of this company is the dynamometer adapter, which is attached to the wrench design - a ratchet or an inch square.
The device has an adapter with a steel core, a durable case with a built-in screen and additional buttons for adjustment. The accuracy of the tool is 2%, which is very worthy, in addition, it has an alert system with a sound or light signal, and also supports work power from 40 to 200 Nm. Thanks to the presence of the display, the torque can be easily tracked. Rubber case included.
This company produces high-quality tools, characterized by versatility and special designs that have no analogues on the market.
This model of torque wrench is also special, it is a unique development of a specific company, which is protected by a patent. The key has a convenient glazed scale with a magnifying effect, a durable steel body and a handle. The working range of the tool reaches 100 Nm.
Again a German company engaged in the manufacture of reliable and high-quality devices with high technical capabilities.Almost all instruments of this company have a minimum measurement error and wide functionality.
Among the most popular models are devices from the 6000 series, as well as all electronic keys with a wide tightening range. Owners of trucks and work cars often purchase 3-4 inch wrenches, as well as additional devices such as multipliers for unscrewing large nuts and electronic devices for checking equipment.
The key 5120-2CT has a huge number of positive reviews among buyers, many highlight the excellent quality and long tool life, as well as the accuracy and readability of the scale.
The products of this brand comply with all modern quality standards ISO 9001. The manufacturer takes a responsible approach to manufacturing, all products are made of reliable and high-quality materials - chromium-vadium and chromolyblen steel. Among the company's products you can find various devices for working with threaded connections for machines of various types, including torque wrenches, which are distinguished by their strength and long service life.
The presented model has a wide operating range - from 20 to 210 Nm, has adjustment and locking tools right on the handle, high accuracy - 3% and complies with the ISO 6789 standard.
This company from Germany is a subsidiary of the Hazet brand and produces good and reliable devices for car repair. All tools, including wrenches, are highly accurate and manufacturable, and also have a quality certificate and certificates of successful testing. In addition, among the brand's products there are budget and worthy options for every taste and color.
This model is far from the cheapest of all, but it is loved by most consumers and has good reviews. The key is clicky and has a power of up to 120 Nm, as well as an accuracy of about 4%. The case has a double scale and includes a 72-tooth reversible ratchet. There is an indication of operation by clicking on the hand and by ear.
The models of this company are considered reliable and efficient in the operation and maintenance of the car, because the manufacturer values the opinion of its consumers.
This wrench has a working range from 40 to 210 Nm, an accuracy of about 4%, and at the same time it is very convenient to use, as it has a trigger mechanism when an acceptable value is reached, does not allow the handle to be turned, and has additional adjustment buttons. The kit includes a ratchet for 32 teeth and a special case for storing the product. The design has a ratchet mechanism, which allows the use of the key in a limited space.
A not-too-famous company that produces a decent range of automotive products that can be used for home and professional repairs.
Among the variety of tools, this model is distinguished by a comfortable long handle that fits snugly in the hand, as well as a decent working range - from 28 to 210 Nm. The kit includes a ratchet, a special storage case and a certificate of quality.
Name | approximate cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
Berger BG-12 TW | 2 190 rub. | ||
Alca CR-V 450 000 | 3 000 rub. | ||
Heyner 40 - 200 Nm | 6 000 rub. | ||
Gross | 4 600 rub. | ||
JTC 4933 | 7 680 rub. | ||
HAZET 5120-2CT | RUB 17,949 | ||
Kabo Tool ARD150 | 4 244 rub. | ||
Vigor V3898 | RUB 9,130 | ||
KING TONY 34464-1FG | 4 220 rub. | ||
Gigant Professional TW-3 | 2 401 rub. |
This is a list of high-quality torque wrenches that can be used both in professional activities and for car repairs right in the garage. All presented models and manufacturers are reliable and have a good reputation among buyers.