Why it's best: A torque wrench is expected to be accurate, reliable, and simple to use. The Gear Wrench 85052 does all of those things in a package that won't cause you to mortgage the house or sell the children. It's no secret how expensive these tools can get, but on any normal project few of us will ever require N.A.S.A. Like precision. So if your not building rockets this wrench is the way to go. Well built and durable, this wrench gives you a positive "click" when you have reached the preset torque. The micrometer dial has a overall good feel, but the numbers are etched without contrast making them difficult to see. The selector is equipped with a lock to keep the setting from being changed accidentally. Next to beam type torque wrenches the micrometer click types are probably the easiest to recognize; making it easier to train new employees how top operate them properly. The proven design of this style also helps to keep the confidence of seasoned professionals. Either way I would recommend this wrench for any auto repair shop, or even a small assembly plant. The weekend repair man may find this wrench to be a bit overkill. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$85.99
Why it's a best pick: Since coming onto the market Husky has been making a name for itself. Lucky for them, it is a good name they have been building. Since their fairly recent emergence onto the major tool production scene they have built tough tools that last. Precision tools aren't something I have tried before with Husky, but I think they have kept their reputation with the 39104T. It uses the same micrometer click style design as the number one spot. The handle is a little longer than most giving for welcome leverage on higher torque tasks. The accuracy is a bit off, but for automotive jobs it works just fine. Husky's 39104T is also built to handle fairly heavy use. This wrench isn't something I would buy to have just in case, or to fill a spot in my tool box. Husky made this wrench for work not for show. So if your looking for a new shop tool I feel this would be a solid choice. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: SK Hand Tools has been in some turmoil lately. The company filed for bankruptcy in June of 2010. Luckily it was bought by another company with the capital to get things up and running again. It would have been a shame to miss out on more tools from this manufacturer. SK was the first to patent round head gear wrenches; a tool almost every major tool making has copied. The U.S. Plants still build high quality tools. The 74555 model torque wrench is no exception. Accuracy is the first major plus I see in this choice. It is accurate enough right out of the box for just about any job, and it is tough enough to keep that accuracy after repeated use. This wrench has many of the same features as it's competition. A micrometer click type design for easy setting and simple, fool proof torquing. Compared with the other tools in this list this wrench may be a little on the pricey side depending on the seller, but accuracy doesn't come cheap. I would strongly recommend this wrench for anyone who doesn't mind spending the extra money for a more accurate tool. I will so, though, it may not be quite as durable so a more seasoned operator should be used with this tool. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Craftsman has a long tradition of making high quality tools that both hobbyists and pros would be proud to own. The famous no question replacement warranty probably didn't hurt either. Recently, though, the Craftsman line or torque wrenches have gone a little south. Not to say they are bad tools; they just aren't quite up to par with the competition. The simplicity of the Craftsman 44978 has saved this tool from that fate. Using a beam type design the 44978 doesn't have much to go wrong. With a decent size gauge for easy viewing, and long handle for extra torque this torque wrench will do well in any toolbox. Since beam type designs rarely lose their accuracy this wrench is great for occasional use where storage tends to include some bumping and thumping every now and then. Since you have to physically look at the gauge and stop torquing when the proper torque is reached; beam style wrenches aren't for every job. Again, this would be just fine for a weekend warrior worried about proper lug nut torque, or a pro that may not need a precision tool very often. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: A beam wrench design torque wrench, the KD 2957 makes a perfect fit for the do it yourself mechanic. Accuracy out of the box isn't what I'd recommend for high end engine building, but as a go to tool for other less critical tasks the KD 2957 takes the cake. Since it is a beam style wrench it will also keep it's accuracy for life so long as you don't use it as a pry bar or other similar job. The KD 2957 won't set you back quite as much as the others on my list which is why I recommend this tool for someone who isn't going to use it every day. Like the Craftsman it will hold up well over time and keep well in your tool box. This is probably the style of torque wrench you remember seeing in grandpa's garage. It isn't just because it is the original style. Beam wrenches just hold up well over time and don't require expensive recalibration that can cost more than the tool is worth. The low cost of the wrench makes it easy to justify when you don't plan to use it everyday. KD has done a fine job building their version of the beam style torque wrench in the 2957, and I would feel no qualms putting this into my own tool box. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$48.33
