A lot of people still sleep on the idea of torque wrenches.
We sometimes think that this tool is not necessarily a need. But once you start working with a torque wrench on your car, for example, you’ll realize what you had been missing out on.
If you are new to this tool and its advantages, do not worry, we will help you find the best budget torque wrench. In this guide, we have listed down some affordable torque wrench as well as some general information about the tool.
7 Best Budget Torque Wrench Reviews
To help you find a value torque wrench, we have made a list of products for you. Take a look at all the details and features of the items to decide which one you want to buy.
1. TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
An accuracy of +/- 4% calibration leaves no room for error. An affordable torque wrench at such a low price is something we rarely see. A feature like this allows you to work with confidence as you know for sure you won’t be over tightening your buts or bolts.
A reversible ratcheting head allows you to drive fasteners in both directions. The tool can also measure torque even in an anticlockwise direction.
This tool is very easy to use and simple. Just set your desired value to the scale and start fastening while measuring the torque. When the set value or pressure is reached, the tool alerts you through a click that you can either hear or feel and stop applying further force.
The high contrast scale is the dual range and can be read with ease, even in low light. This is a great way to prevent over-tightening your bolts and nuts.
Made with an all-steel structure, this tool will stay with you through thick and thin. There are no plastic parts involved in the making or attached to the tool that might cause the product to break or snap. So, you can use this tool regularly without any fear of breakage.
Pros
- Strong construction of all steel
- Easy to use
- Comes pre-calibrated
- No plastic parts involved
- Longer product lifetime
- The scale is easy to read in low light and dual scale
- +/-4% calibration accuracy
Cons
- Better for occasional use but not professional
2. eTORK Click-Style Torque Wrench
Like most other high-quality torque wrenches, you can pre-set value on this one as well. Thanks to the modern design, this tool is made with when the desired value is reached, the tool clicks and also can self detach.
This can be a great help as some of us can easily miss the click and not feel it. There is no chance of you crossing the limit with this tool.
When used in a clockwise direction, this tool works with an accuracy level of +/- 3%. This is a great range for an inexpensive torque wrench like this one.
You can use the tool for measuring torque in both clockwise and anticlockwise direction with preciseness. This tool also meets the American National Standard ASME requirement, so you know you are working with a tool that is known to perform.
Made with hardened alloy, this tool will give you durability, stability, and sturdiness that you’ve never seen before. ETork has been in business for over 40 years, giving people high-quality and long-lasting products.
Each of the torque wrenches is tested and examined thoroughly before they are dispatched so that you never end up with a faulty product.
Pros
- Made with high-quality hardened alloy
- No chances of breakage; will last a lifetime
- Every single tool is tested and examined before handing out
- Can be used in both clockwise and anticlockwise direction
- Accuracy of +/-3%
- Ability to self-detach when the desired value is reached
Cons
- Not lightweight
3. Performance Tool W3001C 1/2 in Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench
The one size fits all moto does not work well with torque wrenches. You can get torque wrenches that you can adjust, but still, the sizing will be limited.
This one has more than 6 options to choose from when it comes to size so that you can choose the size that you work with the most. If you work with a lot of different sizes, not to worry, an inexpensive torque wrench like this one can be bought in bulk as well.
At the end of this tool, you will find a plastic handle that has been crafted carefully for you to use the tool better. Although we do not recommend getting tools that have plastic in them as they tend to break easily, we can trust a Performance tool plastic handle.
A performance tool is a brand that has been providing us with high0quality tools since 1971. They are a brand that is well known for being ergonomic and always caring for their customers. So when they make a plastic handle, we know for sure that the thing won’t break apart on you.
A high-grade spring steel construction ensures product integrity. The locking system of this 1/2″ torque wrench prevents you from making any accidental adjustments, and you also get a heavy-duty carrying case included.
Pros
- Storage case included
- Made with high-grade spring steel
- Locking system prevents any accidental adjustments
- Durable and sturdy plastic handle that won’t break easily
- Lots of sizes to choose from
Cons
- Not the most accurate reading
4. EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
One thing that a lot of people who work around water or liquids complain the most about is their tools getting rusty. When a tool gets rusty, not only does the equipment work less accurately, but the equipment also becomes harmful to use. Many people are allergic and face severe reactions due to this problem. If you are one of them, then this product will save your life.
The hardened and treated chrome vanadium steel makes this wrench corrosion-resistant. So, you can use this product for years without any damage.
Who doesn’t love some extra goodies with their purchase? Well, with this one, you get a plastic, sturdy storage case that is slip-free and also has a knurled handle.
A dual-range scale that is also high contrast allows you to take readings easily without having to put much pressure in your eyes. Taking reading in low light is also easy with one.
This tool comes pre-calibrated and is ready to use instantly. An accuracy rate of +/-4% and a reliable click notification for when the set value is reached truly makes this one of the best cheap torque wrenches. This one would be great for maintenance of bicycles as we have mentioned in our bicycle torque wrench reviews.
Pros
- A storage bag is included that has knurled handles for easy travel
- Corrosion-resistant and will last ages
- Made with hardened and treated chrome vanadium steel
- Dual-range scale with high contrast
- Easy to take measurements in the dark
- Pre-calibrated and ready to use
Cons
- The click does not work sometimes
5. Pittsburgh Pro 239 Professional Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench
If you are someone who needs to travel a lot with their tools, we understand how much a lightweight product means to you. For all of you travelers out there, this is the most ideal cheap torque wrench. Weighing only 4.1 lbs, you can carry this tool around in your storage bag with ease.
An all-metal construction gives you extreme durability. Working on cars to airplanes, everything is easy if you have this tool in your hand. The torque wrench will last you years to come without bending or even getting a scratch. The price and the long product life make this one of the best tools to buy for professional use.
There are no plastic parts involved that might break on you or tear apart. So, there is no maintenance for this product either. Just make sure to clean the tool with some wet soapy cloth and dry it afterward.
This torque wrench is reversible and can be used for both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. A range of 30 to 50ft.LBS is provided, and the tool has a +/- 4% accuracy rate. The cam and pawl mechanism is what makes this tool so suitable for heavy-duty, rough, and regular use. You can also employ a torque multiplier with it.
Pros
- Heavy-duty torque wrench that can be used regularly
- Range of 20 to 50 ft LBS
- Has a click mechanism to inform you when the desired value has been reached
- All metal construction, no plastic involved
- Weighs on 4.1 lbs and can be carried around easily
Cons
- The all-metal construction is not corrosion-resistant
6. Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench
To make it easier for everyone to take readings in this tool, both standard and the metric system are included. No need to whip out those conversion charts anymore to get your reading.
The measurement that you get is +/-4% accurate and can be used on everything starting from bikes, cars, trucks to even airplanes. You can take measurements for both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
A size of only 11.25 by 3.5 inches allows you to store this tool in any storage bag you want. No extra weight is added, and you can move around easily without any trouble with this in your tool bag.
Taking measurements is made easier thanks to the large-sized meter. There’s no chance of misreading with this one in hand.
The long breaker bar allows you to tighten those tough to work with nuts easily as you can apply more pressure. Also, made with high-quality chrome vanadium, you can trust this one to stay with you for a very long time.
A very flexible head and spring-loaded ball bearings allow you to move the tool around without any tension felt.
Pros
- Long beaker bar allows you to put more pressure
- High-quality chrome vanadium construction prevents the tool from damage
- Weathering-resistance elongates product lifetime
- Flexible head allows you to take measurements on both clockwise and anticlockwise direction
- Spring-loaded ball bearing allows you to move this tool in any direction without breakage
Cons
- The handle might snap off
7. J&R Quality Tools 1/4-Inch Adjustable Torque Wrench
If you’ve been working with torque wrenches for a long time, you know how hard it is to find a tool with lower torque settings. The J&R Quality torque wrench includes ¼-inch drive torque, and the ratchet also includes lower settings that are almost impossible to find in other tools. Such a unique torque wrench at this price is a steal.
We always say that finding a torque wrench that fits all sizes is hard, but this tool proves us wrong. A wide range of torque settings allows you to use his thing on almost anything. From bikes with smaller engines to cars and trucks, this tool can be used on anything.
This brand has always provided products that last long and provide superior quality. All of the tools that they sell have been tried and tested in real situations so that you get a product that can handle any task.
This testing also ensures that you never end up with a defective product. With the durability that this brand provides, you’ll be able to pass this torque wrench off to your grandkids.
Heat-treated chrome vanadium steel makes up the construction of this tool. No matter how much pressure you put on this thing, there is no chance of any permanent deformation or bending.
Pros
- No chances of bending or permanent deformation
- Tried and tested in real situations to give you a defect-free tool
- Can be used on a wide range of products like bikes and trucks
- Lower settings of torque available
- Includes a ¼-inch torque
Cons
- Graduation on the scale can be confusing for some customers
Buying Guide for Budget Torque Wrench
There are some features of the torque wrench that you should always take a good look at before deciding to buy one. These features will help you get your job done quicker and make sure you find the best cheap torque wrench out there.
Construction
Usually, torque wrenches are made with some sort of metal. What type of metal is used depends on the manufacturer. Most torque wrenches do have a small amount of plastic in their construction.
This is usually found in the handle or end part of the product. Plastic is a material that you want to avoid when buying torque wrenches, so go for the ones that have the lowest plastic rating.
Weight
As the product is made out of metal, you can expect the tool to be a bit on the heavier side. That kept in mind no tool should be too heavy to work with. Lightweight products will be easier to operate and control. You’ll also be able to carry the tool wherever you want easily.
Size
A smaller compact size for this tool is always a better choice. This way, you can easily carry the tool around, the product will fit perfectly inside your tool bag, and there will be no extra weight to deal with.
Accuracy
To get the best quality torque wrench, always try and check the accuracy rating of your tool. A good quality torque wrench will have the rating printed on the side and will also have a certificate of calibration reading.
If your torque wrench has an accuracy rating below 5%, don’t bother wasting your money. The torque wrench that you buy should be of 5% or greater reading. But the best option would be to get an electric torque wrench. Here, we have some great reviews for digital torque wrenches.
Price
No one should have to pay more than $800 to $1000 for a torque wrench. Most low range torque wrenches perform just as good as the $1000 ones. So why pay more for the same service?
How Much Does A Torque Wrench Cost?
As more and more people realize how great of a tool this is, more manufacturers are coming out with torque wrenches. The price of a torque wrench greatly depends on what it was made with, how the product was made, and also the brand status.
A standard torque wrench will cost somewhere around $150 to $300. Other factors such as the demand of the product at the given time, or extra services such as one-day delivery might spike up the prices a bit.
There are many options to choose from, starting from $50 to even $1000, so you can easily choose one that fits your budget. we have detailed this topic on our best 3/8 drive torque wrench review guide.
Frequently Asked Questions For Budget Torque Wrench
To help you get a better experience with torque wrench, we have answered some of the most common questions that customers have.
Q: Why should I buy a torque wrench?
Ans: This tool allows you to select the level of torque you want and need when putting in bolts and nuts. Therefore, less damage is done, and your products stay intact for a longer time.
Q: How to clean a torque wrench?
Ans: You should always check if your torque wrench is clean before you start using the tool. This will prevent scratches and stains. To clean your torque wrench, just take a damp cloth to rub the tool clean and then let the torque wrench dry.
Q: How to adjust the settings of a torque wrench?
Ans: To make sure that your tool does not slip when using, you can gauge the size and then use the adjustment tool to get the correct setting.
Q: Does one size torque wrench fit all?
Ans: No. While a lot of torque wrenches allow you to adjust the size, some don’t. We recommend getting a size that you find yourself working on the most.
Q: How often can I calibrate my torque wrench?
Ans: If you use the tool regularly, you will need to adjust the tool every 3000 repetitions. Otherwise, calibrating the tool every 6 months is good enough.
Final words
This article should help you find the best budget torque wrench easily.
If you were to ask us, we would recommend the TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench or the Performance Tool W3001C 1/2 inDrive Beam Style Torque Wrench for their high-quality, performance and price.
We’re sure you can’t wait to get your hand on a brand new torque wrench. Good luck with your shopping!
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