best digital torque wrenches for motorcycles

Any mechanic or engineer worth their salt knows the importance of tightening fixings to the manufacturer’s specification. Get it wrong and the result can be a catastrophic failure – too loose and the assembly has the potential to fall apart, whereas overtightening is a short cut to stress fractures, stripped threads or a snapped bolt. Either way, there’s going to be a significant cost involved.

The only way to get it right is by using a specialist tool which can be set to the desired tightness or ‘torque’ to use the correct term – ergo, a torque wrench. There are a few different types of torque wrench available, but they all work essentially the same way, by measuring the force applied and giving an indication when the specified torque has been reached.

We’ll be looking at the digital type here, which allow the user to enter the required value via an LCD screen. As the tool reaches that value it gives the user a signal, either visual, audible or physical. Digital torque wrenches come in the usual socket sizes, such as 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2”, and can be set to suit different units, both imperial and metric. Features particular to digital wrenches include being able to store several different settings at once, recording peak torque and showing the actual torque in real time.

Given the huge variation in tightening torques, there isn’t one wrench to suit all applications, so check that the range is right for your needs before purchasing

BikeMaster Wrench Adaptor

Price: $47.44 | VIEW OFFER

This compact device converts a regular ratchet socket wrench to a precision digital torque wrench. This is the 3/8” version, but it’s also available for 1/4” and 1/2” sockets too. It’s easy to set using the LCD display and signals that the target torque has been reached both visually and audibly

Range – 19.9 to 99.6 ft. lb
Units – kg/cm, kg/m, in/lb., ft/lb, and Nm

AC Delco 3/8”

Price: $99.99 | VIEW OFFER

Boasting multiple functions, including measurement, peak torque and trace, this versatile tool from AC Delco can be programmed for the most commonly used units. Flashing LED and buzzer alert, with a quick release ratchet head with switchable direction. At 1.25 pounds it’s pretty lightweight and handy for awkward spaces.

Range – 3.7 to 37 ft/lb
Units – kg/cm, in/lb, ft/lb and Nm

Vanpo 3/8”

Price: $85.98 | VIEW OFFER

A high precision ratchet with an ergonomically designed handle, suitable for novices and seasoned home mechanics alike. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to read and acts as the visual warning, while Track mode displays actual torque in real time. Includes a 1/4″ adaptor, screwdriver and extension bar.

Range – 2.2 to 44.3 ft/lb
Units – kg/cm, in/lb, ft/lb and Nm

Performance Tool M206

Price: $65.98 | VIEW OFFER

This 1/2″ drive torque adaptor attaches to a ratchet or bar wrench and comes with both 1/4″ and 3/8” socket adaptors. The large display can be rotated so that it can always be read from a convenient angle. Takes up less space than a conventional wrench and comes with a handy case for convenient storage.

Range – 30 to 150 ft/lb
Units – kg/cm, kg/m, ft/lb, in/lb and Nm

Goehner’s Heavy Duty

Price: $139.70 | VIEW OFFER

Shipped with an individual Certificate of Calibration, this 1/2” drive torque wrench has a host of useful modes, such as preset, peak and trace settings. The LED and buzzer both signal at 95% of the desired torque, and up to 99 groups of values can be stored and tracked.

Range – 12.5 to 250 ft/lb
Units – kg/cm, in/lb, ft/lb and Nm

Vpoer 1/4″ Calibrated

Price: $90.00 | VIEW OFFER

Handy for those smaller jobs like caliper retaining pins and handlebar controls. Pre-calibrated from the manufacturer, with four selectable units and two measuring modes, it’s constructed from steel and ABS plastic for durability. Like the bigger versions here, the Vpoer has both audible and visual indicators, plus a one-year warranty.

Range – 0.22 to 7.37 ft/lb
Units – kg/cm, in/lb, ft/lb and Nm

Gearwrench 3/8” Flex Head with Angle

Price: $254.99 | VIEW OFFER

High end torque wrench with a flexible head, giving extra reach for hard to reach fixings. In addition to visible and audible alerts, the Gear wrench also has a buzzing handle, ensuring an indication can be registered whatever the environment. Three function modes and 10 preset settings for convenience on the job.

Range – 10 to 100 ft/lbs
Units – kg/cm, kg/m, in/lb., ft/lb, and Nm

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