Automobile and mechanical field are no exception. In fact, some of the jobs require so much precision and patience that people would love a tool that’ll make their job easier. For impact gun and torque wrench users, that tool is the best torque sticks set.
Torque sticks are the tool to do your tightening work properly by saving times and protect your equipment damaging from over-tightening. But, with a plethora of options on the market, the build quality, and measurement tolerances can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
At this article, we’ll give you a better option to choose the top quality torque stick set. We have reviewed 2019 best of the best by their performance, quality, price, easy of uses and longevity.
Before the full reviews have a look at our top selected torque sticks set to do your job quickly.
How to Pick the Best Torque Sticks Set
What’s the difference between a hasty buyer and an informed buyer? The informed buyer makes smart choices. He/she takes her time to sort out the requirements, knows which factors to evaluate, weigh between prices and features carefully.
We’re here to help you. Below we discussed the necessary factors you need to keep in mind when buying torque sticks.
Torque Settings
Whether you are a regular user or working on a special case, make sure the set you choose got you covered. Usually, people go for a torque stick set rather than purchasing sticks separately. The reason is torque stick sets are cheaper and you’ll get everything under one package.
Usually, torque stick sets cover between the ranges of 65- 150-foot pounds. You’ll get 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 foot-pounds in between.
Most of the sticks that come with sets are ½ inch drive with a length of 8 inches. You usually won’t need to calibrate them or need special maintenance.
Quality
Torque sticks are literally built to take beatings and absorb shock. The prime objective of these sticks is to deform when the torque has passed a certain point, but won’t break. This demands a special build quality.
Usually, these sticks are made of steel that can be twisted, yet strong enough. Renowned manufacturers use chromium-molybdenum (CR-MO) steel for this purpose. To add further protection and prevent rust, they use manganese phosphate and powder coatings. This gives the sticks a smooth finish.
Fastener Types/Sizes
You don’t know which size of impact gun you may need in the future. Likewise, you may need to work on different projects that demand a wide range of fastener.
Usually, the sticks that come with the set are made to fit a particular sized fastener. If you’re a user with abovementioned reality, we recommend you to buy a set with universal fittings. They should work with any impact gun you use.
Color-Coded System
This is one of the important factors. The clear color-coded system is the reason why torque sticks are a faster solution. You can just pick the right one and get done with the work.
Look for torque sticks that are laser engraved with the torque setting values. Also, they need to be clearly identifiable different color-coded aluminum rings. These two factors will eliminate the guesswork and help you pick the stick you need easily. We would suggest avoiding poorly written or sticker type identification for torque values.
Accuracy
Well, torque sticks are meant to come with pre-calibration. Otherwise, why would you even opt for a torque wrench then, right? However, before purchasing any brand, it’s always good to ask and look around for that particular torque stick reviews.
Check if they are trusted by the users, and known for giving accurate results. While most of the products give quite accurate results, some products might fall short. Therefore, you need to be cautious.
Carrying Case
Since you’ll probably be managing several torque sticks, it’s important to keep them secure and organized. How would it feel if you don’t find them when you need them? Also, keeping them here and there will damage the performance, and accidental bangs might knock them off calibration.
That’s why to look for a set that comes with a storage case. Usually, they come with a hard plastic carrying case, which contains grooves to keep the sticks organized and secure. Also, a storage box makes carrying these sticks around easy and stress-free.
Price
Price shouldn’t be a factor for torque sticks users, because almost all the good brands come within a similar price range. This is a competitive market, and that allows the users to get quality products within an affordable price.
Still, with tens of tools to purchase for automobile and garage shops, making smart decisions become important. You cannot just throw money frantically if you have to buy other stuff. In this case, be smart and look for products that are top quality but within the lower spectrum of price.
There is a difference between cheap and value for the money. If you know your requirements, just purchase the set that meets your needs, don’t overdo it. Larger sets will come with a higher price tag, but lower average price. Your job is to strike a balance between these two.
How to use Torque Sticks Properly?
Final Words
So, here we are at the end of this guide. With different buying factors to remember and assess, the purchasing job might be overwhelming for you. After all, the market is filled with shiny objects that are all talk, but no action.
That’s why we did our own research and came up with a list of best torque sticks. No, not all of them are the same. They differ in features, qualities, and specifications.
But one thing is common, they are all good products and praised by the users. We sincerely hope this list works for you and you become one of the contented users. Let us know your experience of using torque sticks. Take care.