![29 Best Torque Wrenches for Industrial Jobs [+ Selection Guide]](https://www.gwyinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GNR80E_03-625x267.jpg)
Torque wrenches deliver the power and accuracy required to tighten nuts and bolts while preventing structural damage. These tools ensure that connections are tightened according to engineering specifications and prevent loosening while a structure or piece of equipment is in use. Torque wrenches also prevent over-tightening, which can damage threads, shorten the lifespan of a connection or cause sudden structural failure.
When choosing industrial torque wrenches and multipliers, you’ll need to consider project specifications, maneuverability and available or preferred power source. If your project requires more power than the average installation job, look no further than GWY — our industrial torque tools provide the most accurate readings possible to ensure the safety and security of your structures.
Types of Industrial Torque Wrenches
High-capacity torque wrenches can either be hydraulic, manual, electric, battery-powered, or pneumatic. Torque wrenches can be categorized further depending on their design and intended application.
Manual (Click-Type) Torque Wrench
These hand-operated tools can be set to deliver a specific amount of torque and will “click” once the desired torque has been reached. Click-type torque wrenches are best for jobs in tight spaces or with low visibility, since the wrench will give an audible cue once it achieves the preset torque. These tools have long lifespans, few parts or accessories and are fairly simple to use.
Torque Multiplier
For bolts that require a high amount of torque (or have been over-tightened), torque multipliers can deliver additional torque without requiring extra force on the part of the operator. Torque multipliers are essential for maintaining worker safety while tightening or loosening bolts by hand. Multipliers can also increase torque at small intervals at a very slow pace, reducing the risk of over-torquing or worker injury.
See Manual and Digital Torque Multipliers >
Electric Torque Wrench
With the ability to deliver more precise accuracy than an analogue tool, corded or battery-powered electric torque wrenches can be preset to a desired torque within ±3% to ±5% repeatable accuracy. If you choose to go untethered with a battery-powered torque wrench, have extra batteries or a charger on hand. If corded electric torque wrenches are your preference, be sure there is adequate clean power that allows you to safely reach your work area. This includes the proper generators (no welding generators or boom lifts) and/or properly installed spider boxes that output the correct power for the tools. If extension cords are necessary, anything longer than 150 ft. is not recommended.
See Electric Torque Wrenches >
Hydraulic Torque Wrench
When it comes to larger jobs, hydraulic torque wrenches are able to deliver over 25,000 ft.-lbs. of torque. They come in square-drive or low-profile designs called cassettes, which consist of the cassette and drive unit. Hydraulic wrenches themselves are quite light, but are accompanied by heavy systems that can carry a high price tag. Hydraulic systems include pumps and a stiff hose that can be difficult to move. Hydraulic torque wrenches also carry safety concerns related to pinch hazards and hydraulic fluid leaks, and should only be used by trained operators.
See Hydraulic Torque Wrenches >
Pneumatic Torque Wrench
Like hydraulic tools, pneumatic torque wrenches can deliver much higher torque than a manual or electric wrench, but require additional equipment like an air hose and compressor.
29 Best Torque Wrenches for Industrial Applications
The DIY or auto mechanic may be familiar with torque wrenches that deliver lower torque capacity. Lug nuts on a car tire require an average torque of 80–90 ft.-lb., and can be found at most hardware stores.
Torque tools that deliver 300 ft.-lbs. and over are more often used in large-scale industrial construction, and therefore will carry different buying considerations. Here are the top 29 industrial torque wrenches we recommend based on torque capacity, accuracy and reliability.
Overall performance and reliability:
- TONE GNR-211E – Electric
- TONE GNBC-211E – Electric
- TONE PDX-501F – Electric w/ Digital Display
- TONE PD-500EFA – Manual Multiplier w/ Digital Display
- TONE P600A – Manual Multiplier
- TONE STC-50AE – Electric
Best click type torque wrenches:
Best electric torque wrenches:
Standard
Minimal clearance
Best hydraulic torque wrenches:
Unit type: Low profile cassette
Unit type: Square drive
Manual torque multipliers:
Digital torque multipliers:
Top Torque Wrench Brands
We have found the following brands to be most reliable in terms of repeatable accuracy and ease-of-use. For all of the tools we carry, we offer training and support to anyone who will be maintaining the tools at their shops or job sites.
TONE: Electric TONE Torque wrenches are known for their durability, cost effectiveness, repeatable accuracy, speed and ease of use. We almost exclusively carry this brand of torque wrench. These corded and cordless tools deliver the power, accuracy and stamina required for extensive bolting jobs. Plus, since Tone prioritizes worker safety, we highly recommend them as the go-to bolting solution.
Norbar: Norbar is renowned for its long history in the structural bolting industry, and they’ve perfected their tool design to fit global demand.
Enerpac: Like TONE, safety is Enerpac’s calling card. The company even offers training programs for operators and maintainers of their high-powered hydraulic tools. Enerpac Hydraulic Torque wrenches are known for their repeatable accuracy and ease of use.
Norwolf: Norwolf Hydraulic Torque wrenches are also chosen for their repeatable accuracy and ease of use.
Torque Wrench Sources to Avoid
It should go without saying that Amazon, eBay or other aggregate eCommerce sites are not a reliable source for industrial torque tools. Your best bet is to buy directly from the OEM or a leading provider of industrial bolting equipment like GWY.
It’s important to remember that your initial purchase or rental is not only about procuring the product — it’s about the subsequent service. Every torque tool requires yearly calibration, so make sure the supplier you’re considering can provide annual calibration services, certificates and necessary repairs.
Be sure to research reputable suppliers before your next purchase or rental. Check reviews and ratings online and ask industry professionals for their recommendations and experiences. When in doubt, reach out to the supplier you’re considering and ask about their service program and whether they can provide any references.
Torque Wrench Considerations
The type and model of torque wrench you choose depends on your specific use case. Some considerations are fairly straightforward — torque range, size, power source — while some are often overlooked during the buying or rental process.
Here is a list of questions to consider while making your torque tool selection:
- What are the torque requirements of your application?
- Accuracy
- Level of torque
- Range
- How often do you need to calibrate this torque wrench?
- What is the diameter and length of the bolts in your project?
- Does your employer or project site require calibration certificates?
- What type of power source do you require?
- Electric
- Battery-powered
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Do you have the required accessories for your power source?
- Electric: Proper gage cord and generator
- Battery-powered: Batteries and charger
- Hydraulic: Hose, pump
- Pneumatic: Hose, lubricating oil, compressor, antifreeze to prevent freezing in the lines
- Do you have the necessary safety accessories?
- Do you have tool size requirements or limits?
- Will visibility on the job site affect analog or screen readability?
- How much maneuverability does your job site offer?
Torque Wrench Safety Tips
Be sure that all operators are briefed on safe handling and precautions before using any high-capacity torque tools. Here are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind:
- Be aware of your tool’s power source and accessories at all times. Hydraulic or air hoses can present tripping or tangling hazards. Keep extension cords away from water to avoid electrical shock.
- If your tool indicates that torque has been achieved without any tightening of the nut or bolt, loosen the connection and start over to avoid over-tightening.
- Build up pressure slowly and smoothly to avoid tool breakage or thread damage.
- Try to avoid going within 25% of the maximum torque limit too often to extend your tool’s life.
- Be sure you have the proper safety equipment and accessories to prevent drop hazards and physical injury.
- Always keep fingers away from the wrench head or hose connections.
- Calibrate your torque tools once every year.
- Store tools in their case in a clean, dry place.
With over 45 years of experience in the industrial bolt installation business, the team at GWY is equipped to meet all your structural bolting needs. Reach out today with your questions about high-capacity torque wrenches, and we’ll be happy to talk.
