Torque Wrenches Tested

January 2009

Numerous metals and alloys are used in today’s cars and, as a result, you need to be much more precise when tightening bolts and suchlike. The days of winding up until it feels about right are gone if you want to avoid cracked casings, stripped threads and sheared bolts.

Even the most basic of jobs, such as swapping wheels, is affected as modern alloys need careful handling – if the bolts are too tight or loose, you are asking for trouble. A torque wrench is the answer, with the half-inch drive version being the most useful for car work.

But which model talks the torque? We took 12 from the accessory shop shelves to find out.

The Test

We took over leading producer Norbar’s impressive test lab to check out these wrenches, placing the emphasis on accuracy.

Using the torque wrench industry standard (ISO 6789) as the basis for the evaluation, a series of readings were taken at 20, 60 and 100 per cent of each wrench’s maximum.

All readings should be within four per cent of the true torque. We preferred tools with the common automotive scales of lb/ft and Nm rather than kg/m, and they had to be sensibly graduated. We were looking for a smooth action and fine ratchet, plus the ability to tighten accurately in both directions.

Verdict

Halfords’ Professional Torque Wrench takes the Best Buy. Its superb accuracy and ease of use puts many higher-priced tools to shame. At just under £50, it’s an absolute steal. Sealey’s Recommended electronic STW302 is easily the best to use, but it comes with a high price tag. The final podium place goes to Norbar’s new TruTorque TT150, which is extremely user-friendly.

Contacts
Clarke: 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com
Cromwell (TriTorq): 01162 888000 www.cromwell.co.uk
Draper: 02380 266355, www.draper.co.uk
Halfords: 08457 626625, www.halfords.com
Laser: 01926 815999, www.lasertools.co.uk
Norbar: 01295 270333, www.norbar.co.uk
Screwfix (Screwfix and Teng): 0500 414141, www.screwfix.com
Sealey: 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk
Sykes Pickavant: 01922 702222, www.sykes-pickavant.com

Top 3

1. Halfords Professional Torque Wrench
2. Sealey STW302
3. Norbar TruTorque TT150

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