Torque Wrenches Product Test

Eliminate the chance of making potentially ruinous mistakes by investing in the best.

WINNER – Sealey STW201

£164.44 Item: STW201

We like…
Easy-to-read scale with both Nm and lb-ft displayed on the same side. Solid feel to the ratchet mechanism, and the handle makes it comfortable to use. Fine-tuning dial is easy to set. Positive action to the lock on the end of the handle. Clear feedback on the torque reached. Scale from 20-150 lb-ft. Calibration certificate included. Can be used in both directions.

We don’t like…
It’s the most expensive wrench here.

Scale 5/5
Value for money 3/5
Ease of use 5/5
Ergonomics 5/5
Build Quality 4/5
Score 22/25

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Draper Electronic

£160 Item: 77993
Contact: 02380 494333, www.draper.co.uk for stockists

We like…
With a range of LEDs lighting up and a deafening beep, this is the best wrench for knowing when you’ve reached the correct torque. Comfortable handle, and functions in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Digital scale enables you to set torque accurately. Comes with certificate of calibration. Scale from 40-200Nm (30-148 lb-ft).

We don’t like…
Expensive. Easy to knock the buttons and lose where you were. Not as intuitive as a standard wrench.

Scale 5/5
Value for money 3/5
Ease of use 2/5
Ergonomics 4/5
Build Quality 4/5
Score 18/25

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Sealey AK624

£64.57 Item: AK624

Contact: 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk

We like…
Quick and easy to set up, with a clear scale. Offers both lb-ft and Nm settings. Range of 20-150 lb-ft (27-203Nm). Supplied with calibration certificate. Lockable handle.

We don’t like…
Not the most audible or obvious of clicks when the correct torque’s reached. People with bigger hands may find the handle uncomfortable.

Scale 4/5
Value for money 4/5
Ease of use 4/5
Ergonomics 2/5
Build Quality 5/5
Total 19/25

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Draper EPTW50-180

£120 Item: 58139

Contact: 02380 494333, www.draper.co.uk for stockists

We like…
Calibration certificate included. Accuracy set to ISO 6789, so within plus or minus four percent. Fine-tuning the scale is easy.

We don’t like…
There isn’t a handle as such – just a plastic cover over the end of the wrench. The scale isn’t very easy to read – there’s only a tiny slot to view it through – and it’s only in Nm. Lock works okay but is a bit awkward to get your fingers round. Bit on the expensive side considering what you’re getting.

Scale 2/5
Value for money 2/5
Ease of use 4/5
Ergonomics 3/5
Build Quality 5/5
Total 16/25

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Silverline 633567

£24.13 Item: 63357

Contact: 01935 382222, www.toolstream.com

We like…
Externally much the same as the Sealey AK624. Range of 28-210Nm (20-155 lb-ft). Comes with extension bar and converter to switch to 3/8in drive. Lifetime guarantee. Good value.

We don’t like…
Crucially lacking in a lb-ft scale. Only comes with Nm and kg-m. Not the most noticeable of warnings when the correct torque has been reached so you have to pay attention.

Scale 3/5
Value for money 4/5
Ease of use 4/5
Ergonomics 2/5
Build Quality 4/5
Score 17/25

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Prices and availability correct as of 10th February 2010

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 at 11:26 am and is filed under Product Tests, Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.