7 Best Torque Wrench Under $100 in 2022 (Buying Guide)

1. TEKTON 24335: Best for Overall Performance

This highly durable and solid steel made wrench is meant to serve you with the best performance. Once you grab this wrench, the first thing that will catch your eye is its super easy-to-read dual-range scale that you can see clearly even in the lowest light. By the way, it has no plastic part to get damaged.

Thanks to its reversible ratchet head that won’t let you take a headache on driving directions as you can go on both sides. Though you can measure torque only in a clockwise direction, it won’t be a problem as you can slip it through the tightest space.

Seems team TEKTON love good numbers. Otherwise, how something as ±4% reading accuracy would’ve been there in the first place? But the best part is yet to come. It’s the click sound when it reaches the desired torque setting. So, if you’re thinking about questioning its reliability, then we guess you’ve got the answer.

Pros

• Made of durable and solid steel
• Comes with easy-to-read dual-range scale
• Can perform torque measurement in tight spaces
• The accuracy range is perfect
• No plastic parts to get damaged

Cons

• Its torque adjusting mechanism could’ve been smoother

2. EPAuto ST-010-1: Best for Budget Segment

There’re basically three prime features that make a torque wrench perfect for a job – precision, quickness, and ease. So, if you have something like that in your mind, then you’re probably looking for none other than the ST-010-1 from EPAuto.

Its ratchet head made of Chrome Vanadium (Cr-V) steel alloy is so durable that you won’t have to think of swiping your card in a long while. Moreover, the corrosion-resistant feature with its satin finish ain’t going to let you mess with its visual appeal as well.

For making things much more precise and to get you maximum ease on usage, it comes with two different accessories. One is the long extension bar with a size of 5″ and 3/8″ drive reducer. Now, not too many of the tasks are going to be a big deal for you anymore. Plus, the dual-range scale has just pushed the ease higher.

Like any of the finest pieces, this one also comes with a sound indication. This means a simple “click” will let you know if you’ve reached your preset torque value or not. On top of that, with a pre-calibrated reading accuracy to ± 4%, the only thing you’re going to end up with is the perfect performance level.

Pros

• Maintains a higher durability level
• Corrosion resistance keeps it good as new
• Precise and easy to use
• Comes with useful accessories
• Sound indicator for reaching preset torque value

Cons

• Having a calibration certification would’ve been better

3. ETORK EC3250: Best for Dual-Directional Operation

Nobody said perfection comes at a cheaper price. But it looks like team ETORK has decided to change that a bit with their EC3250 Digital Torque Wrench. After all, they’ve poured all of their efforts into making it your best torque wrench for under 100.

Unlike lots of the competitors, team ETORK hasn’t repeated the same mistake on operating directions on this 25-250 lb.ft ranged wrench. So, this time you won’t have to take it to the clockwise direction (± 3% accuracy), but you can go counter-clockwise (± 6% accuracy) as well.

But if it’s the ease is what you find most important in a torque wrench, then you’re going to love its durable 45-tooth ratchet head for sure. As that’s made of alloy steel, it brings in all the strength you need right there. Its slim and lighter design deserves appreciation as well for taking the comfort to a whole other level.

Along with its reliable locking knob for keeping the selected torque setting secure, another feature will literally blow your mind. It’s the sensitive, consistent, and precise ball-bearing release mechanism of EC3250 we’re talking about.

Pros

• Can operate in clockwise/counter-clockwise direction
• Boasts a reliable locking knob
• Highly strong and durable
• Comes in a slim and lighter design
• Sports an efficient ball-bearing release mechanism

Cons

• Having some small adapters would’ve been better

4. AKM BS001: Best for Multiple Sleeves

Is it your first time with torque wrenches? If not, then we’re guessing you already have some idea about the efficiency level of industrial-grade wrenches. But having them within budget has not always been that easy. Thankfully, now there’s the BS001 torque wrench for lug nuts from AKM that jumped in to bring some exception to that.

To eliminate your worries, team AKM has got it the measuring range of 20-160ft./lb 20-210Nm. Hold on! You’re looking for the ratchet head? Well, then there’s one waiting for you with super sturdy Cr-V steel alloy construction. Plus, its three-side bite teeth come with no chance of slipping.

That’s not the end. As it’s capable of functioning in dual-direction, you won’t have to stay stuck to the regular clockwise operation. Moreover, its aluminum-titanium alloy handle will help you to get a solid grip over it. A fair share of thanks goes to its knurled design for that as well. By the way, it’s anti-rust and anti-skid too.

Waiting for the best part? Here it is then. It comes with sleeves of different sizes that’ll nail the job with pure perfection. And yes, you won’t miss the ‘click’ here as well once you hit the preset value. Along with that, the makers have got it the accuracy range of ± 3% for more precise performance.

Pros

• Comes with a super sturdy construction
• Made as anti-rust and anti-skid
• The accessories are highly helpful
• Perfect handle ensures solid grip
• Capable of dual direction operation

Cons

• Not the cheapest one

5. ACDelco ARM601-3: Best for Inbuilt Standard Functions

These days people love doing things in an easier way, and we bet you do too. So, if you’re bored with the traditional torque wrench and need to get it all on an easier level, then we’ve got something for you. It’s the ARM601-3 Digital Torque Wrench from ACDelco we’re talking about.

Now, it’s tough to pick any one feature as team ACDelco has literally converted it into a pile of useful features.

Yet, we think its digital meter is worth a shot, where you can have a view over the reading the way you want, whether it’s in-lb, ft-lb, kg-cm, or N-m. Plus, with those knobs you see around, you can go for any value to keep it precise.

Now let’s have a glance over its inbuilt standard functions as there’s three of them. Torque settings, mode settings, and measurement settings – these three are meant to help you out with all your desired working mode. And the accuracy range? It’s ± 2% clockwise and ± 3% Counter-Clockwise.

By the way, it comes with an audible buzzer that makes sure you know if you’ve reached the torque value or not. And yes, this 2.8 pounds torque wrench with its 1.5 x 1.5 x 12.2 inches size can go anywhere you want. So, there’s no way you can give it anything less than a full mark on portability.

Pros

• Digital meter and knobs made it easy to use
• Made highly portable and lightweight
• Comes with inbuilt standard functions
• Audible buzzer replaced traditional ‘click’
• Boasts a functional accuracy range

Cons

• Has no vibration feature like their other models

6. LEXIVON LX-184: Best for All-steel Construction

Come on! Who are we kidding? You’ve already seen the headline, and you know we’re about to get started with the LX-184 from LEXIVON this time. That’s because we think it’s time to review something that nails the performance part along with the design.

No, you can’t evaluate the performance by just glancing over the cover, but the design speaks a lot for this one. Especially its dual-range scale with highlighted yellow print has made it more readable than ever, even in low light.

And do we need to say anything about its reversible ratchet head that comes with bi-directional driving?

Though it can measure torque only in a clockwise direction, that ain’t going to be an issue with its smooth performance. And if it’s the accuracy you’re taking headache about, then we think +/– 4% is going to be more than enough for any of your tasks. Moreover, it comes with the calibration certificate as well.

One of the disappointing facts of some of the high-end wrenches is using plastic parts that are quite vulnerable for a wrench. But thanks to team LEXIVON for keeping this one plastic-free. On top of that, its all-steel construction left no scope for questioning its durability.

Pros

• Comes with durable all-steel construction
• The dual-range scale is readable in low light
• Boasts a better accuracy range
• No plastic parts for wearing out
• Equipped with calibration certificate

Cons

• Not for them who doesn’t like a contemporary design

7. ETORK Click Cycle Torque Wrench: Best for the Ergonomic Design

There’s nothing new to say about ETORK as you’ve already got to know what they’re capable of. Their innovative perspective has always been worth the applause, and with this Click Cycle Torque Wrench, they’ve proved that point once again.

Durability has always been the top priority of team ETORK. So, to keep you tagged to this wrench, they’ve given it the alloy steel housing, which not only has made it durable but also stronger than ever. And don’t worry about the bi-directional operation as its 45-tooth ratchet head is there for you to deal with it.

Once again, the makers have filled it up with consistency, sensitivity, and precision through its ball-bearing release mechanism. But that’s not the wow-factor here. It’s the soft-grip large-diameter, ergonomic handle that has simply taken down the turning force to 50%.

But that‘s not what has taken this one step ahead from its competition. Any guess? No, it’s not the ± 3% accuracy. Well, it’s the metric and English scales that have pulled it off. If you’re planning to go for comparison, then be sure this wrench is going to be much easier to read.

Pros

• Alloy steel housing ensures higher durability
• Boasts a high level of precision, sensitivity, and consistency
• Can go for a bi-directional operation
• Ergonomic grip lowers effort
• Sports a decent accuracy level

Cons

• The handle binding could’ve been smoother