Best Torque Screwdrivers for the Money | 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
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If you are researching torque screwdrivers for the first time, you may be bewildered by terminology and new technology. With so many models available, choosing the best torque screwdriver can be confusing. Here is our handpicked list of torque screwdrivers. Please look at each product to learn more about it and find the one that best suits your needs.
Torque screwdrivers are for screws that torque wrenches are for bolts. They work on the same principle to tighten to a specific tightness, where there’s no room for your best guess.
Given the level of accuracy needed for some jobs, you must select the right torque screwdriver. The good news is there are now several on the market and within most people’s budgets. However, not all are made to the same standards, and there’s a difference in their accuracy.
In this article, we have tested and reviewed 5 of the best currently available. We have arranged them into an easy-to-read comparison table, written a detailed report on each one, and selected our Best Overall and Best Value picks.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll see our Buyers Guide, which we have written so you can better understand your needs and what features your new tool must-have. Remember, it’s not about buying the cheapest or most expensive. This is about your requirements.
It’s almost impossible to recommend tools for each person as we are all different with varying tasks to use them for. So, this is why we take the time to thoroughly research each tool, write the report and buyers guide so that you can make a purchase that’s right for you.
Comparison of our favorite torque screwdrivers
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | CDI Torque 401SM | Check Price | 4.8 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | NEIKO PRO 10573B | Check Price | 4.5 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Capri Tools CP21075 | Check Price | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Wheeler 553556 | Check Price | 4.3 / 5 |
  | CDI Torque Products | Check Price | 4.6 / 5 |
5 Best Torque Screwdrivers – Reviews
1. CDI Torque 401SM (Best Overall)
- This is one of the best torque screwdrivers in the market. It is micro-adjustable meaning that you can use it to achieve the slightest torque setting accurately. For this reason, it is generally preferred for super delicate projects.
- This torque screwdriver offers you total control and accuracy that you need in your day to day work. This tool best serves those in the automotive or electric field.
- It has a simple cam design which plays a huge role in its operation as it eliminates over-tightening and damaging components.
- It has a torque range of 5 to 40-inch pounds and works with all quarter inch-bits. This micro-adjustable torque screwdriver has an adjustable handle which enables easier manipulation of the torque settings. This is even made better by the visible and easy to read settings window.
- You can adjust this tool in 1-inch-pound increment, which gives you an edge when working on jobs that need high levels of accuracy.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty as CDI guarantee it will be free of defects, so as long as you don’t deliberately damage or deface it it’ll last a long time.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Capri Tools CP21075
- Our second product features a certified limiting torque screwdriver. From the reviews, it is easy to establish that it is also one of the best torque screwdrivers in the market as at now. It has an ergonomic design that plays a huge role in handling and functionality.
- Jut like our former product; this tool allows one inch-pound adjustment increments that work for delicate projects. You will quickly achieve the level of precision that you need as you work on your projects.
- The torque limiting feature also comes in handy in the operation of the screwdriver. It causes the screwdriver to slip, which in return avoids the screw from being damaged.
- Your torque adjustment will also lock after each setting thanks to the intuitive torque adjustment.
- This product is easy to use thanks to the design and functionality. The handle is soft and fits the hand perfectly, giving you the needed comfort as you go about with your projects. It comes with a calibration certificate traceable back to the manufacturer’s lab.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. NEIKO PRO 10573B (Best Value)
- Our third product is a fantastic professional grade screwdriver from Neiko. It has a meter window display which makes it easy to use and arrive at the required torque.
- This product has a 10-50 in-lb torque range which you can adjust in 5 in-lb increments. It is therefore quite different from the first two options.
- Some of the notable features include torque-limiting which helps the screwdriver to torque to the set level, protecting your crews or threaded fasteners.
- This tool is also easy to use thanks to the ‘pull-turn-lock’ handle that can be easily adjusted, this handle also ensures automatic tension locking, which you need if you are working on a high-precision project.
- The device is also pretty versatile thanks to the quarter-inch head which works with any quarter-inch socket. You can, therefore, use this screwdriver in different fields such as electronic repair, instrument assemblies, and other delicate industries.
- NEIKO also adds value to your purchase by including 20 detachable bits - a mix of Hex, Torx, Phillips, and Slotted.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. Wheeler 553556
- In case you are looking for something different, this product from Wheeler is everything you need. It has thousands of positive reviews that speak loudly of it. It is accurate and has a torque range of 10-65 inch/pounds.
- This torque screwdriver is easy to use thanks to the variety of features it comes with. You can apply the correct torque settings to different screws and scope rings, which helps solve some of the problems experienced with fasteners.
- You can rely on this product thanks to its generous torque settings range. It is also pretty durable thanks to the s2 steel tool steel that is used in making of the bits. This material is further hardened to 56-68 Rockwell.
- Included are 10 detachable bits, which although is a nice added extra it is half that you get from NEIKO.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. CDI Torque Products
- Our last recommendation consists of a CDI Torque Products that has a different ergonomic design to the others. It is made of stainless steel which assures you of durability. The pricing is also quite fair compared to some of the options that we have looked at.
- This one consists of a quarter-inch hex magnetic bit shank with six bits. These six hex bits are 4 mm, 5mm, 6mm, T25, 6mm long, and T25 long.
- It is easy to use thanks to the adjustment knob, which allows you to set your desired torque. This ranges from 2.0 to 8.0 Nm.
- Just like most of the products that we have reviewed, you will enjoy a torque limiting feature which prevents over-tightening and destruction of the fasteners. The product also has an ergonomic design which plays an essential role in its functioning.
- You will also enjoy a positive grip L-handle, which further makes it easy to use. The manufacturer offers a warranty which can be requested by customers.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Torque Screwdrivers Buyers Guide
Our intention with the buyer’s guide is to give you ideas to consider when deciding which torque screwdriver is right for you. We’ll walk you through their features that can either add value or diminish the quality of the tool.
Torque range
This is the most critical aspect to consider when purchasing a torque screwdriver.
It’s important because it determines the tool’s overall accuracy and what projects you will use it on. Torque screwdrivers are accurate from 20% of their max range to 100% of their max capacity, and so a tool with a max torque range of 10 inch-pounds would be inaccurate on anything under two inch-pounds.
Knowing the maximum range of the tool is very important because you can damage internal components if you exceed it, and it can destroy the torque screwdriver. Make sure you know what torque level your task requires and use a torque screwdriver that is accurate within that range, and you will ok.
Increments
Many torque screwdrivers are the same and can work to the same maximum range. However, having a tool that you can adjust in smaller increments is likely to be more helpful.
For example, if you have two torque screwdrivers with a range between 10-50 inch-pounds and you are regularly doing tasks that require 40 inch-pounds of torque, then both will be good. But, if you have a job that requires 37 inch-pounds of torque, having one that adjusts in smaller increments will be needed.
Those more versatile torque screwdrivers are more money, but they are more accurate and will generally come with a calibration certificate that you can trace back to a lab.
Calibration certificate
The purpose of a calibration certificate is to formalize the accuracy of a tool from a given date for a specified period – usually 12-months. On the certificate, it will state what percentage of accuracy the device has to the set measurement.
The torque screwdriver can be re-calibrated on the due date to maintain its accuracy for years ahead. We recommend getting a tool that is calibrated if you are using it in your workplace.
As with any tool, torque screwdrivers do go wrong, and it will be easier to obtain a refund or replacement if it is calibrated. It will also give you peace of mind that the tool you buy has been tested and is in excellent working order.
Torque screwdrivers that come with a calibration certificate will cost you more money. Still, this additional cost is balanced out by knowing you are getting a highly accurate tool – and that is the sole purpose of a torque screwdriver.
Conclusion
The CDI Torque 401SM torque screwdriver won our Best Overall award thanks to its high accuracy level, versatile adjustment, and lifetime warranty.
Our Best Value pick went to NEIKO PRO 10573B as this tool offers a decent torque range, comes with great accessories, and has an automatic tension lock feature.
We hope you have found our reviews and buyers guide helpful, and it has given you a clear idea of which torque screwdriver is right for you.
Remember, this is not about just buying the cheapest or most expensive. It’s about assessing your needs and purchasing the best tool to serve you well for years ahead.
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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