So your old venerable beam torque wrench has finally kicked the bucket, and you are considering an upgrade to the best digital torque wrench.

That’ll be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

Irrespective of whether you are a hobbyist or a DIY car geek or work on a small assembly line, the best digital torque wrench is a must-have tool, that’ll make life simpler for you.

They take the guesswork out of torque application and indicate torque readings with astute precision.

You don’t have to listen to a feeble click anymore. A loud alert is sounded once the desired torque is reached.

As hardened old timers, we were skeptical about these tools for the longest time.

‘Do they justify the cost? I only work weekends on some DIY mods for my car.’

‘My old beamer still works like a charm. I aint no tool nerd’

Guess what we realized? An electric torque wrench will improve productivity by leaps and bounds.

There are of course a whole lot of other advantages, which we will touch on in the article.

For now, here’s a list of the best digital torque wrenches that money can buy you in 2020.

Craftsman 3/8-in. Dr. Digi-click Torque Wrench

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Dr. Digi-Click is the top-of-the-line offering from Craftsman’s range of digital torque wrenches. It is available in both 3/8-in and 1” drive options.

The 3/8” is the one you need if you are working on lighter fastening tasks that require less torque. Like water pumps, oil pans, small engine repairs, motorcycle brakes and timing belts.

Sleek and lightweight

It has a very sleek design which is quite different from the old-school all-metal, grotesque-looking torque wrenches.

Also, it comes with an ergonomic handle, which minimizes grip strain.

If you use this professionally and have to perform repeated tasks with it, you can do it all day without getting worn out. It weighs just 4 lbs. and is a breeze to carry around the workshop.

The caveat is that you’ll have to be a little more careful handling these things. They aren’t fragile, but they aren’t built like a rock either. Just ensure that you don’t drop them, tuck them in after use and you should be good to go. It’s great that Craftsman includes a clear storage case in the package.

Easy to use

With the Craftsman Dr. Digi-Click, you can switch the measurements between Newton Meter, Inch/Pounds, Foot/Pounds, kilogram/cm and of course degrees, at the touch of a tiny button.

The accuracy tolerance is +/- 3-degree on clockwise usage and +/- 4-degree on counterclockwise usage.

Using it is super easy. Just boot it up using the tiny power button and the wrench auto-calibrates. You can manually enter the torque threshold that you want to set, and the wrench does two things to indicate that you are nearing the threshold.

Multiple indicators

First, there will be a green light that shows that you are nearing it, followed by a red light on top that tells you when you hit the threshold. The lights and the tiny LED display (backlit) that shows the numbers, are bright and will be visible even in low lit environments.

It also beeps with a very audible beep that can be heard even in loud, busy workshops.

Overall, this is a very easy tool to use, even for rank beginners. Hard to go wrong with it.

Best features

• Sleek and lightweight design
• Available in 3/8” and ½” drive options
• Ergonomic handle for easy grip
• Very easy to use
• Auto calibrates
• Switch between Newton Meter, Inch/Pounds, Foot/Pounds, kilogram/cm
• LED backlit display
• Loud audible beep indicator

Kobalt 856839 1/2-Inch Drive with Torque Angle

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Kobalt ½-inch drive is the top-of-the-line model in Kobalt’s range of digital torque wrenches. For the unversed, Kobalt is a brand owned by Lowe’s and the tools are manufactured in Taiwan.

It is one of the top rated precision engineering tools in the business and hence, are priced a tad more as compared to budget-priced brands.

But if you seek precision and versatility, Kobalt is one of your best bets.

Vast torque range

The 856839 ½-inch drive offers a vast torque range from 12.5 – 250 ft-lbs in tiny increments. This makes it well suited for a variety of automotive and mechanical applications, both heavy duty as well as light, everyday tasks.

The unit is built like a tank with a steel body and a rubberized PE housing and handle.

The handle is designed with ergonomics in mind and fits firmly in your hands even in a hot and sweaty environment. (No unexpected slips). To top it off, it weighs just 3.7 lbs. You can work with it all day with zero strain.

Intuitive controls

Like most electronic torque wrenches, you get readouts in ft-lbs, N-m, in-lb, and kg-cm. There’s a five button control panel on the housing which lets you switch between these, as well as access some of the other functions.

The readouts, the presets, the mode of operation and the peak/angle/follow options are displayed on an LCD display, which is pretty bright. But it’s not backlit, which is a slight letdown considering that this is a premium model. Not that it affects the working in any way.

Multiple indicators

You get two signals that indicate to you when the desired torque value is reached. There are repeated audible beeps and a green light as you approach 90% of the torque value.

At 100%, the unit sounds a single, longer beep along with a red light. Hard to miss really.

Once you are done working, just press the quick release button to disengage the wrench.

By the way, the Kobalt 856839 also offers torque angle, which is a prerequisite in some applications, but may be overkill for others.

If you rarely do angle measurements, you might want to check out some of the other options in this list.

Best features

• Torque level from 12.5 – 250 ft-lbs.
• Steel body with PE housing
• Rubberized handle and lightweight construction
• Readouts in ft-lb, N-m, in-lb, and kg-cm
• Dual signals to indicate desired torque range
• Bunch of presets for repeated applications
• Quick release button

Possible cons

• No backlit LCD

GEARWRENCH 3/8″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Gearwrench 85076 is the mid-range model in Gearwrench’s range of electric torque wrenches. It sits right in between the 85078, which has all the bells and whistles, and the 85074, which is a more barebones version.

This one is best suited for standard automotive and industrial tasks.

Decent torque range for most standard applications

It is a very versatile digital torque wrench that offers a range of 7-100 ft-lb at a fraction of the cost what you’d expect to pay for such a tool. You can cover most of the fasteners in your car at that range.

Club that with a torque accuracy tolerance of 2% for clockwise applications and 3% for counter clockwise, from 20-100% of the range.

Sturdy construction

It has a polished stainless steel body that’s corrosion resistant and extremely durable. Gives you the assurance that an occasional drop or bump isn’t going to spill the guts all over the place.

The more delicate digital components are safely housed in a heavy duty, red plastic handle that prevents oil and solvents from sneaking in. It does tend to attract grease spots though. So you have to be diligent about wiping this down after use.

There’s a bright LCD display that shows you crisp and clear readouts in five different units of measurement, that is Nm, ft-lb, in-lb, Kgf-m, and Kgf-cm. You can easily switch between the measurements as well as toggle through the other functions of the wrench using the control panel.

5-degree swing arc

One of the best features is the swing arc that allows you to work freely in cramped spaces, like underneath your car. The 5-degree arc means that the ratchet catches without having to move the wrench too much.

There are three ways in which the wrench alerts you when the desired torque is reached. There’s an LED indicator light for low visibility workspaces, an audible beep (not a feeble click) and an inbuilt buzzer in the handle, which vibrates.

For some reason, if you happen to miss out on the light or the sound, there’s no way you are missing out on the vibrating feedback.

The only possible quibble that we have with it is that it is a power guzzler. You will have to keep some spare AA batteries handy if you intend to work with it all day.

Other than that, this certainly qualifies to be the best digital torque wrench at this price point.

Best features

• 5-100 ft-lbs torque range
• Digital display
• Five units of measurement Nm, ft-lbs, in-lb, Kgf-m, and Kgf-cm
• Polished stainless construction
• Heavy duty plastic handle
• Three alerts when desired torque is reached
• 5-degree swing arc

Possible cons

• Drains the batteries quite fast

ACDelco ARM601-4 Digital Wrench

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Budget-minded shoppers who do not want to spend an arm and a leg on an electric torque wrench will love the ACDelco ARM601-4.

It is a nifty little tool that offers a lot of features for a very affordable price.

Torque down to 4 ft. with a caveat

For starters, it has a vast torque range from 9.9 ft. to 99 ft. This should suffice to cover most standard applications. But there’s more. You can actually torque down right up to 4 ft. The only quibble is that below 9.9 ft., the alert system goes defunct. So you’d have to watch the display closely if you wish to use this at that range.

The build quality is top notch and it can easily withstand the wear and tear that comes heavy duty work in a busy workspace. The body of the wrench is stainless steel and the housing is heavy duty plastic. The handle is rubberized and contoured for a firm, comfortable grip.

2% Accuracy tolerance for CW operations

At 2.2. lbs., it is one of the lightest digital torque wrenches that we’ve used, which is perfect for beginners.

Comes with a quick release ratchet with 45-teeth in the ratchet head and has a torque accuracy of 2% for clockwise operations and 3% for counterclockwise from 20% to 100% of the torque range.

The supported units of measurements are kg-cm, N-m, in-lb, ft-lb, which can be toggled through very easily. In addition to this, the wrench also offers peak and trace modes.

Three alert modes

There are three modes of alerting you when the desired torque range approaches. There’s an LED light which flashes, a buzzer alarm that sounds and the handle vibrates.

Now for some minor grumbles that we have with this versatile tool. It does not have a backlit display, which sort of defeats the purpose of torqueing down to 4 ft. You will find yourself squinting at that display when you are cramped in a low lit space.

Also, it powers off after 1-minute of inactivity. It’s kind of annoying to power on the wrench every time you leave it for a couple of minutes. Also, we suspect that the frequent power cycling can drain the batteries faster.

Apart from these minor quibbles, the ACDelco ARM601-4 is a great choice for weekend warriors and DIYers looking for a reliable torque wrench.

Best features

• Torque range of 9.9 ft to 99 ft
• Can torque down up to 4 ft (Not advertised by the manufacturer)
• Three types of alert
• Four units of measurement which are kg-cm, N-m, in-lb, ft-lb
• Sturdy build quality and lightweight
• Non-slip rubberized handle

Possible cons

• No backlight
• No flex head
• Powers off automatically after a minute of inactivity

CDI 2503 CF3 Computorq

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CDI is amongst a few brands who continue to manufacture their tools right here in the United States. Noticeably, the quality is considered to be superior as compared to Asian-made tools. The caveat is that it’s priced higher than its Asian counterparts as well.

But the tools are designed for professional, commercial applications and are on-the-money every single time. If precision is what you seek, then a few extra bucks won’t really matter, would they?

Available in a variety of torque ranges

This is the 2503 CF3 ½-inch drive electric torque wrench that has a vast torque range of 25 ft. – 250 ft. Works great for a variety of applications. The same model is also available in ¼ and 3/8-inch options with a lower torque limit of 10 ft by the way.

It features a very streamlined design with a stainless steel neck and a tough, corrosion-resistant plastic housing. There’s a rubberized, contoured handle which gives you a firm grip, even if it’s covered in grease and grime.

Add to this, a 15-degree flex ratcheting head that gives you access to nuts even in very space-constrained settings, and you have a great tool that’s a treat to use.

Remembers the last torque value used

The control panel buttons could have been a little larger. There is a possibility that you might accidentally press one of these. But that’s just a minor quibble. Definitely not a deal breaker.

There’s a reasonably sized LCD display that reads out the torque values in four units of measurement, that is, in. lbs., Nm., Kg. cm.

The 2503 CF3 remembers the last torque value set and automatically sets it when you reboot it. This can be very useful for repeated use applications. When the target torque is approaching, an LED light and an audible beep alert you about it. Sadly, there’s no vibration feedback on the handle. Also, the beep is not as loud as you’d expect it to be. In a noisy workshop, maybe you’ll miss it and over torque. So keep an eye on the lights.

Overall, this is a great electric torque wrench for the price. It’s American made and it has almost all the features that one gets with much higher priced units.

Best features

• American made tool
• Sleek, streamlined design
• Stainless steel and PE housing
• 15-degree flex ratcheting head
• Reasonably-sized LCD display
• Four units of measurement
• LED light and beep for alert

Possible cons

• Small buttons on the control panel
• No vibrating feedback
• Beep is not as loud as you’d expect

Summit Tools 3/8-inch Digital Torque Wrench

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If your work involves working with very low torque ranges, then this 3/8-inch digital torque wrench from Summit tools will be a great choice.

It is a very versatile tool that’s used by professionals in aerospace, HVAC and automobile applications. If you are a home user, this can be very handy while working with bolts and nuts in ATVs, bicycles, motorbikes and cars, that need precise measurements every time. No more working purely on ‘feel’ for those parts.

Stainless and Industrial-grade plastic

The wrench is constructed for functioning in tough conditions. It is a mix of high quality stainless and industrial grade plastic on the handle. The handle does seem a little bulky given that the wrench itself is pretty short. On a positive note, it does give you a firm grip.

Also, the housing is resistant to oils, solvents and other corrosive liquids, which ensures that the chances of this malfunctioning due to invading liquids, are close to zilch.

Precise at low torque ranges

The torque level ranges from 1.11 – 22.12 ft. that can be adjusted in increments of tenths of a pound with 3 % accuracy tolerance in both CW and CCW operations. It reads out measurements in N-m, ft-lb, in-lbs. and kg-cm and also features peak hold and tracking modes.

There are two alert types, an LED light that flashes and an audio buzzer that sounds a loud and clear beep, when the preset torque value is approaching and reached.

Carry case included

As if it wasn’t great value already, Summit throws in a carry case that allows you to tuck this in safely after use. Also included in the pack is a tiny screwdriver for the AA battery case. Swapping batteries is a cakewalk.

Overall, this is one of the best digital torque wrenches in 2020. Anyone who works in applications that demand low torque ranges must have this in their kit.

Best features

• Very precise tool for low torque range applications
• 1.11 ft. – 22.12 ft
• +/- 3% accuracy tolerance and 0.01 ft-lb resolution
• Comes with a calibration report
• Four units of measurement – kg-cm, N-m, in-lb. ft-lbs
• LED light and buzzer alerts
• Stainless steel and industrial plastic construction
• Very easy to read from the display

Possible cons

• None that we could find

GEARWRENCH Flex Head Digital Torque Wrench

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Gearwrench ½-in drive electric torque wrench is one of the few models that are crammed to the brim with features, and covers an extensive torque range.

That range is 25-250 ft in increments of 0.1 ft/lbs, which pretty much covers all standard industrial and automobile applications, along with several others.

If you were to buy an identical digital wrench from Snap On, it would cost you well in excess of $400.

New 120XP micrometer

The wrench features Gearwrench’s new 120XP micrometer.

It has a very sleek, low profile tubular design, with a chrome-plated stainless steel body and a PE handle. There’s a textured, rubberized grip that prevents slippages during operation. Most other digital wrenches have bulky handles and grips. Not this one. It’s the same width as the wrench itself, which makes it easier to carry.

There’s a 6 button control panel that’s positioned slightly above the main handle, which makes it easy to access, and prevents you from accidentally pressing the buttons. We also like the power switch that’s flush mounted on the body. Fewer chances of accidentally switching it off.

Perfect for low-clearance applications

Working with this wrench is a treat, no matter what the application. It features a 3° ratcheting arc, with a low-clearance beam that will allow you to work on fasteners even in cramped spaces. Ditto with the 15° flex teardrop head. Let’s you reach fasteners in awkward positions with ease.

There are three operational modes, that is, peak torque, angle, and peak angle. This means that you do not need additional apparatus if you are looking to measure angles. The wrench measures torque in ft-lb, In-lb, Nm, kg-m, and kg-cm.

Memory to store 10 Torque values

You can store up to 10 torque value presets in the wrench, which works really well for repeated applications, such as assembly lines and auto shops. Just quick toggle through the memory, find the setting and go to work.

The torque accuracy tolerance is +/-2% for CW and +/-3% for CCW operations between 20-100% of the torque range. The accuracy for angle reading is +/-1%.

When you approach and reach target torque, there are three alerts that kick-in. There’s a vibrating handle, an audible buzzer, and an alert on the LCD screen as well.

If you are looking for a tool that’s on-the-money every time, this is it.

Best features

• Sleek, tubular design
• Rubberized, textured grip
• Torque range of 25-250 ft
• Flush mounted power switch and 6 button control panel
• 3° ratcheting arc and 15° flex teardrop head for clearance in cramped spaces
• Measurements in ft-lb, In-lb, Nm, kg-m, and kg-cm.
• Three alerts when target torque is reached
• 120 XP micrometer
• Peak torque, angle, and peak angle
• Can store 10 torque presets on board

Possible cons

• None

Yellow Jacket 60648

Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Yellow Jacket 60648 3/8-in drive digital torque wrench is a favorite with HVAC professionals who work primarily with mini splits. But it can also be put to good use in several other applications that can use a lowish torque range and an adjustable wrench head.

Comes pre calibrated

The wrench comes pre-calibrated at the factory with a certificate, a removable spanner head attachment, a screwdriver to remove the battery cover and a sturdy travel case. The advantage of the removable head is that you can just buy other wrench head attachments instead of carrying a whole bunch of wrenches.

The build quality is top notch. The body is chrome-plated alloy steel and the handle/housing is industrial-grade PE. It feels like a sturdy unit when you hold it in your hands and you get a feeling that this will easily sustain the wear and tear as you put it through the paces.

Wrench head with an offset

The wrench head features an offset that grabs a nut a lot more firmly and does not slip. Such slippages often cause a rounding effect on the nut, which makes it more difficult to work with.

The Yellow jacket 60648 has a torque range of 3.1 ft-lb to 62.7 ft-lb., and the accuracy tolerance is +/-2% for clockwise use and +/-3% for counterclockwise. It reads out measurements in Foot-Pound, Inch-Pound, Newton-Meter and Centimeter-Kilogram.

Well spaced-out control panel

The control panel is one of the best that we’ve seen with well-spaced out buttons, that pop out from the housing. There’s no way you are accidentally pressing one of these.

You can store up to 50 frequently used torque values for use with repeated applications. 9 of these are accessible in the quick access menu.

Apart from the LED light and the audible buzzer that sound when you approach target torque, the wrench also has an indicator that sounds if it comes into contact with liquids. This is a great safety feature that helps prevent unwanted spillages from damaging the circuitry.

Overall, this is a very versatile tool, that’s worth every dime you spend on it.

Best features

• Torque range of 3.1 ft. to 62.7 ft.
• Comes with a removable, adjustable span head
• Head features an offset for better grip
• Alloy steel construction
• On board memory for storing 50 torque values with quick recall for 9 of them
• Two alerts when target torque is reached
• Alert for contact with liquids

Possible cons

• None

How to Select the Best Digital Torque Wrench

Selecting the best digital torque wrench for your workshop is not as easy as it is often made out to be.

That’s especially true when you are upgrading from an old click styled wrench or a split beam one.

There are literally hundreds of digital wrenches to choose from.

To make matters worse, brands often like to harp on fancy features and technical gobbledygook that can make little difference to the functional accuracy of the tool.

Make no mistake, you are investing in a precision tool. There are only a handful of factors that matter the most.

Here’s a brief buying guide that explains these features that you need to consider while shopping for electrical torque wrenches.

Torque range and size

Always select a torque wrench according to the intended application. If you mainly use wrenches for automobile restorations and repairs, or HVAC applications, then a wrench that offers a range of 20-200 lbs. with either a ¼” or 3/8″ square drive should more than suffice for your needs.

Heavier tasks such as engine rebuilds may require a higher torque range of say, 250 lbs. These are typically supplied with a ½” square drive adaptor.

Industrial digital torque wrenches can have up to 1000 lbs. capacity. But these are clearly overkill for DIY use.

Rather than buying an expensive gadget that you ‘may’ use occasionally, buy one that meets the intended purpose.

Accuracy Tolerance

Every electronic torque wrench will have an accuracy tolerance for the output that it displays. For example, the Gearwrench 3/8” digital torque wrench has an accuracy tolerance of +/- 2% for clockwise operations.

That’s a very accurate tool for you.

The lower the accuracy tolerance, more accurate the torque reading will be within that percentage.

Some lower priced models may have accuracy tolerance +/- 4%, which are still fine for DIY use and hobbyists.

Also, the accuracy tolerance will always be lower for counter clockwise operation.

One very important thing that a lot of people do not know about digital wrenches is that their accuracy rating is guaranteed only from 20% of their capacity and upwards. Below 20% torque level, the accuracy may be circumspect.

Build quality

Until a few years ago, the general consensus among old school mechanics and engineers was that digital torque wrenches can never match the durability of old, beam wrenches.

But the build quality of electronic wrenches has undergone a raft of change in the recent past.

Wrenches these days, feature stainless steel alloy bodies with durable PE housings that are impervious to oil and grease.

That said, do pay attention to the quality of the wrench you select.

Is it resistant to corrosion? Does it resist spills?

Does it come with a carry case that you can use for storage?

Is the battery panel cover flimsy?

Units of Measurement

Most digital torque wrenches, be it budget-priced ones or more expensive ones read out torque values in a minimum of four units of measurement, that is kg-cm, N-m, in-lb, ft-lb. Some, like the Gearwrench 3/8 offer an additional unit, that is Kgf-m.

Getting the torque output in a preferred unit of measurement prevents the need for additional calculations.

Ease of use

The digital torque wrench that you select should be easy to use. The buttons should be evenly spaced apart so that you don’t accidentally press one of them while working.

The handle should have a rubberized non slip grip. It should ideally have a quick release button that disengages the wrench the moment the target torque is reached.

The LCD/LED display must be bright and clear, and possibly backlit.

The torque measurement should be easy to read on the digital display.

Swapping batteries and toggling through modes such as peak and trace must not be a chore.

Alert

The alert mechanism is one of the most crucial factors to consider while shopping for a digital torque wrench.

Most wrenches will have at least two types of alert systems that get activated when the target torque measurements are in range.

• Flashing LED lights.
• Audible buzzer or beep

The lights need to be bright and visible even in a poorly lit space. Ditto with the beep which must be loud enough to be heard in a busy, noisy workshop.

Some digital wrenches have a third alert system where the handle vibrates when the target torque is reached. Even if you miss the other two, the vibrating alert is impossible to miss.

Flex heads

If your work involves fastening nuts positioned in awkward, cramped spaces, then you might want to consider an electric torque wrench with a flex head.

These have a flexible head that offers a few degrees of movement that can prove to be invaluable in some situations.

Please note that not every application requires a torque wrench with a flex head. If you don’t need it, look for a wrench with no flexibility. It might be cheaper.

Closing thoughts

That’s it folks. We hope that you enjoyed reading our recommendations for the best digital torque wrench. Feel free to check out our other reviews and buyer’s guides over in the tools section.

If you feel that we have missed out on something, do let us know.