When torque is important, you need a wrench that can both stand up to the pressures of the job and provide a great degree of accuracy. That is exactly what you will get with a digital torque wrench. In the following article we have reviewed several of the most popular and best selling digital torque wrenches currently on the market, including the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing/owning each product.
We have also included a Digital Torque Wrench Buyer’s Guide, in which we will cover all the things you need to know when purchasing one of these items, as well as all the facts you will need to consider.
Made by a company that specializes in a wide range of technically advanced tools, the ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2 Digital Torque Wrench is the tool of choice when precision is a must. Boasting a torque range of 4 to 99 foot pounds, it is the perfect wrench for a huge variety of projects, from bicycle wheels to large engine parts.
When working with the ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2 Digital Torque Wrench, users can set the desired torque. And as the bolt is turned, the wrench’s digital technology, represented by a flashing LED light and a buzzer alarm, will let you know when the desired torque has been reached. The easy to read LCD display panel on the wrench can reflect torque in a variety of measurements, including kg-cm, N-m, in-lb, and ft-lb. The wrench also features multiple setting functions, including torque measurement and Peak and Trace. The quick release function of the torque wrench makes for a time-saving job, and the reversible ratchet function makes it the perfect tool when accuracy and efficiency is a must.
In terms of accuracy, the ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2 Digital Torque Wrench is guaranteed to be within (plus or minus) 2 percent of the desired torque when used clockwise, and 3 percent of the desired torque when used counter clockwise. The wrench meets or exceeds all regulatory standards for a wrench of this type, and features a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty against any defects in the tool or its workmanship.
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The GearWrench 85077 1/2″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench is the ideal tool for projects in which you need to track torque measurements. Thanks to its intuitive, patented technology, the wrench provides multiple alerts when the pre-set target torque has been achieved to prevent the over-torque of bolts that can lead to stripping and a wide range of other problems. Once the torque has been reached, the handle of the wench will vibrate, an electronic buzzer will sound, and the LED light the wrench is equipped with will flash a solid color. The “Target Torque” technology gives users a warning when the proper torque setting is nearing, reducing the chance of a bolt being tightened too strong.
Unlike some of the other wrenches in this class, there is never a need to unwind the GearWrench 85077 1/2″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench after use in order to maintain the proper calibration. Just turn it off and the calibration will be preserved. The wrench boasts a 72-tooth ratchet mechanism with a 5 degree swing arc, and it guarantees torque accuracy to a degree of +/- 2 percent when used clockwise, and +/- 3 percent when used in a counter clockwise direction.
There are five torque measurement units available on the GearWrench 85077 1/2″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench for working in Nm, Ft-lb, In-lb, Kgf-m and Kgf-cm; and the increments of measure include 0.1 Nm, 0.1 Ft-lb, 1 In-lb, 0.01 Kgf-m and 1 Kgf-cm. Best of all, the wrench has been tested to guarantee that it meets or exceeds all ASME specifications
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Craftsman tools are known throughout the world for their strength, reliability, durability and excellence, and the Craftsman ½” Drive Digi-Click Torque Wrench is certainly no exception. When torque is important, whether working on small household engines or large diesels, this wrench helps provide all the strength and accuracy you need to get the job done right.
Boasting a ½ inch drive, the Craftsman ½” Drive Digi-Click Torque Wrench makes certain that every turn of the wrench counts. Going in ½ inch increments, the wrench can provide torque from 25-250 pounds. It can also convert torque into a variety of measurements, from ft. lb. to in. lb. to Nm at the single touch of a button. The backlit screen is easy to read in low light conditions, allowing you to easily see when the desired torque is being approached and when it has been reached. Its sleek ergonomic handle delivers a sturdy no-slip grip, and the easy-to-use buttons and settings can be adjusted on the fly as you work.
Pros
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When purchasing a digital torque wrench, there are many factors you should consider – factors that go beyond price. To help you make the most informed buying decision, below we have listed and explained some of these crucial factors.
Number of Torque Measurements
Torque is a measurement that is usually measured in one of two ways: the imperial scale of foot pounds, expressed as ft. lbs.; or the metric scale of Newton meters, expressed as Nm. Most digital torque wrench manufacturers will include at least these two measurements in their wrenches. However, sometimes torque can also be measured in inch pounds (in. lbs.) or kilograms per centimeter (kg. cm.), even kilograms per meters (kg. m.). For a truly diverse torque wrench, we recommend you buy one that includes all or at least most of these potential measurements.
Torque Accuracy
A good rule of thumb for picking out an accurate digital torque wrench is to choose one that guarantees at least +/- 2 percent accuracy when used clockwise, and +/- 3 percent accuracy when used counter clockwise.
Torque Directions
For the most versatile product, try to select a digital torque wrench that can be used both clockwise and counter clockwise
Multiple Alerts
The majority of digital torque wrenches have an LED display of some kind that tells you when the desired torque level has been reached. However, some also include multiple alerts, such as a “buzzer” noise and a vibrating handle when the torque limit is being approached and when it has been reached. These are by far much more useful than those with just an LED screen.
Comfortable Handle
Using a torque wrench, especially when the amount of torque required is very high, can be extremely hard on your hands. Therefore, try and look for a torque wrench with a soft, ergonomic handle that will not slip when in use.
Other Features and Extras
Other features and extras to look for when purchasing a digital torque wrench include batteries (sometimes they are not included); a storage case for easily storing and transporting your new torque wrench; an automatic shut down function that will turn the LED display off when the wrench is not being used; a charge indicator that allows you to see how much life is left on the battery; and more.
By examining all of these important factors and features, you should have no problem selecting the perfect torque wrench for all your projects.