A torque wrench is quintessential in any type of maintenance on your car. It is as important as helping you to fasten the bolts and nuts to a certain tightness for your car to be in good shape. If using the traditional wrench, it’s not uncommon to find yourself tightening or loosening the bolts more than required. This is why you’ll need a digital torque wrench for accuracy.
We’ve, hence, rounded up the 5 best wrenches that you can count on this year. Below are their features, what to consider before making a purchase, and so much more. Take a read!
List of Top 5 Best ⅜” Digital Torque Wrenches
1. VEVOR Digital Torque Wrench
The VEVOR electrical ⅜” Digital Torque Wrench comes with a smart, classy design that you’ll be addicted to once you set your eye on it. The wrench, coming with a socket set, is perfect for any fastening, loosening, or suspension work that you may need to do on your engine mount or HVAC unit. The brand is first on our list for its great accuracy of up to ±2% clockwise and ±2.5% counterclockwise.
While you thought that such great accuracy and features would drain all the money from your pocket, VEVOR allows you to remain happy after the purchase by providing a $100 coupon offer. The process of getting this is as easy as signing up for the VEVOR MONTHLYDY PROJECTS and sharing your DIY products. The VEVOR Digital Torque Wrench is not the only chance to win this great offer as it applies to all the other products of the company.
Features and Performance of VEVOR Digital Torque Wrench
Precision torque measurement: With the digital torque wrench, you have a precision torque measurement of between 5 and 99.5 ft-lbs. Besides, you enjoy absolute accuracy of up to ±2% in clockwise direction and ±2.5% in counterclockwise direction.
Multi-purpose LED screen: On the LED display are 2 measuring modes: peak mode and real-time mode. Besides, you’ll notice that the device provides 4 measurements: kg-cm, in-lb, ft-lb, and N-m. If you happen to forget to keep track, the device has an audio feature that reminds you when you reach the value. This function is made possible by the torque target and the Buzzer & LED indicator.
Sturdy material: The VEVOR torque wrench comes in premium carbon steel that enhances its sturdiness and durability. At the head is hardened chrome-vanadium steel that has been shaped into multi-sided teeth. Its rear part features a rubberized handle that’s made of industrial plastics to deliver comfort to the grip while leaving no chances of skidding, rusting or any kind of abrasion.
Multifunctional purposes: This wrench comes in handy when you have to upgrade your DIY projects or for commercial purposes – applying measured torque to HVAC, automotive purposes, etc.
Specifications
Material: Carbon Steel+Industrial Plastic
Drive Size: 3/8 inch
Torque Range: 5-99.5 ft-lbs
Min. Scale: 0.1 ft-lb
Operating Mode: Peak Mode (P)/Real-time Mode (T)
Units Selection: N-m, ft-lb, in-lb, kg-cm
Head Type: Two-way Ratchet HeadRatchet Teeth: 36
Number of Sockets: 7
2. Gioventù Digital Torque Wrench 3/8” Drive
This digital torque is special for having a variety of modes, an audio feature that notifies you when the set torque target is reached and so much more. However, the price was a little higher than what we had expected, considering what it has to offer.
Features and Performance of Gioventù Digital Torque Wrench 3/8” Drive
High precision: The digital torque wrench is more precise than ordinary electric torque wrenches. Besides its wide torque range falling between 14.74 ft-lbs and 73.7 ft-lbs, it has an absolute accuracy of +/- 2% clockwise and +/- 2% counterclockwise.
Variety of modes: You can dance between three modes: present mode, trace mode, and peak mode. Its red LED light flashes and its audio buzzer notify you when you’re about 80% to the set torque target.
Temporary ratchet head: The device comes with an interchangeable spanner head and a ratchet head equipped with 72 teeth. This feature comes in handy when you have to operate in a very tight space.
Easy-to-control LED screen: The screen presents 4 measurement units: kilogram-centimeters, Newton-meters, inch-pounds, and foot-pounds. The device also has an automatic shut-off function that allows it to go off after 3 minutes of idleness.
Convenient: The handle feels comfortable to hold, is compatible with any hand, and has anti-wear, oil, and solvent resistance features.
Specifications
Weight: 2.59 pounds
Head style: Fixed square
Finish: powder coated
3. Sealey STW308 Digital Torque Wrench, 3/8″ Sq Drive
This wrench is made of sturdy material that makes it ideal for both factory and workshop projects.
Features and Performance of Sealey STW308 Digital Torque Wrench, 3/8″ Sq Drive
- The package has a storage case, product manual with a conversion chart, and 1 piece of ⅜” torque wrench.
- High accuracy of +-2% with a wide torque range, spanning 10% -100% of the device’s capacity.
- The device also adopts an audible alarm that rings when the set torque target is achieved.
- The device features 4 measurements: ft-lb, lb-in,kg-cm, and N-m.
Specifications
Weight: 2.46 pounds
Head style: Fixed square
Material: Chrome vanadium steel
Finish type: Powder coated
4. VPOER Digital Torque Wrench 3/8-Inch Drive
Here’s a torque wrench that fits your at-home projects. The tool comes small, making it not the best option for industrial use. However, there’s more.
Features and Performance of VPOER Digital Torque Wrench
Comes small: This size makes VPOER’s torque wrench highly portable. Despite its size, the tool provides a 2% clockwise accuracy and 2.5% counterclockwise accuracy with a torque range of between 20% and 100%.
It features 2 modes: present mode and peak mode as well as 4 measurements: N-m, kgf-cm, lbf-ft, lbf-in
The wrench is made of high-quality steel, making it tough enough for harsh conditions.
Specifications
Material: Steel and ABS industrial plastics
Weight: 1.88 pounds
Head style: Fixed square
5. ACDelco ARM601-3 3/8” Digital Torque Wrench (5 – 50 Nm) With Buzzer
Last on our list is this red torque wrench from ACDelco. Equipped with great features, the device perfectly fits you when working with a tight budget.
Features and Performance of ACDelco ARM601-3 3/8” Digital Torque Wrench
- The equipment features an easy-to-read LED screen that shows 4 measurements: kg-cm, N-m, in-lb, and ft-lb.
- You have a variety of settings before you get started: Peak and Trace modes, Torque, and Measurement settings.
- Made of metal, this lightweight device can survive harsh environments.
Specifications
Material: Metal
Weight: 1.25 pounds
Operation Mode: Battery
Finish: Painted, Polished
After closely looking at each of the above wrenches, we can now confidently say that VEVOR takes the day. The brand’s wrench has ultimate quality, is sturdy and durable, and can be used for both home and industrial purposes, and yet it’s very affordable.
Different Types of ⅜” Digital Torque Wrenches
Hydraulic Torque Wrench: Being the most common torque wrench, it is powered by hydraulics, giving the highest power-to-weight ratio. It has a high accuracy of +/-3% and has the widest Torque range.
Pneumatic Torque Wrench: Compressed air is its power source, giving out an accuracy of +/-5%. Since the tool requires high pressure to operate, it cannot be effective in high altitudes.
Electric Torque Wrench: Like VEVOR Digital Torque Wrench, this tool is powered by electric energy to give out high accuracy. They do not need air compressors or hydraulics. Some of these wrenches are powered by batteries, hence tend to be cordless and highly portable.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Digital Torque Wrench?
Torque range
You want to get a torque wrench with a high torque range because the lower the range the fewer tasks you can do.
Accuracy
The main goal is to avoid over or under-tightening a bolt or nut. This is why accuracy should be your priority.
Alert features
A good torque wrench should notify you when you reach the target torque you set. If you find one that lights up and rings the alarm, you’re sure that you won’t miss the notification.
Are Digital Torque Wrenches Worth It?
Digital Torque Wrenches have become like “I can’t live without” tools for mechanics. Among the many benefits, they come in handy when you need to get your car into the right shape but aren’t sure how tight you’re supposed to leave the knots.
FAQ About ⅜” Digital Torque Wrench
1. After how long should my digital torque wrench be calibrated?
You want to ensure that your digital torque wrench is calibrated either every 5,000 cycles or after every year. Whichever occurs first will be good.
2. What is the importance of calibrating my digital torque wrench?
Getting your torque wrench calibration is as important as getting its accuracy verified. Besides, calibration also informs the reliability of the tasks performed by this equipment.
3. How do I know when to stop applying torque?
Most digital torque wrenches will both buzz and light up the LED screen to indicate that it’s time to stop using the torque wrench.
