A torque wrench is considered to be one of the versatile and the most efficient tool. However, you will not be able to check whether the fastener component that you are fastening has an adequate amount of tightness or not.
Sometimes having a low amount of tightness can lead to inoperable systems. Also, too might tightness can also ruin the threadings of the fastener. That is where torque angel gauges step in.
These tools will enable you to check whether the bolt that you are fastening has an adequate amount of tightness or not. However, getting the best torque angle gauge is easier said than done.
You are going to struggle a lot with that factor. Well, that is where we step in. We are going to make things straightforward for you.
Our 5 Best Torque Angle Gauge Picks
We know how saturated the market is with angle gauges. And we also know that not all of them will perform according to standards.
To make sure that you get one that will offer you accurate torque readings, we have picked the ones that we believe are recommendation worthy. The ones that we have selected exclusively for you are as follows:
1. OTC 4554 1/2″ Drive
Fastening multiple numbers of bolts with an equal amount of tightness can become a tedious task. But OTC has managed to bring out something that will make that task feel like a piece of cake for you.
First of all, the unit has a zeroing mechanism. That will enable you to zero in the tightness of your preference. You will be able to set the angle to anywhere between 0 to 360 degrees. That will make it easier for you to handle a large number of bolts.
Aside from that, it can provide a precise torque angle. The markers are clearly labeled, and the indicator is quite large in size, which will make it easier for you to read the angles you are on. And each of the small markings is two degrees.
Other than that, it has both the ½ inches male and female square drives. That will make it easier for you to make it work with most of the bolts out there. You would not have to worry about the compatibility that much. Also, the housing is made of steel, which makes it exceptionally durable.
Pros
- Features a metal housing
- Has both ½ inches male and female square drives
- Labels are clearly marked
- Offers accurate readings
- Boasts a zeroing mechanism
Cons
- Wire that is used to hold the gauge in place is flimsy
- Has a plastic handle
2. Brown Line Metalworks BLDAG001 Digital
If you do not find the mechanical angle gauges reliable, we have the perfect thing for you. Yes, it is a digital device, and it is offered by Brown Line Metalworks.
To start with, it features a large-sized screen on the front. The screen has backlighting, which will make it easier for you to see the angle in dark environments. Also, the texts are shown in large fonts, which will make it easier for you to read the numbers.
Aside from that, it features an intuitive design that makes it simple to use. It will output audible feedback when you are going to reach the angle that you were targeting for. That will lower the chances of you over-tightening and under-tightening bolts. All your bolts are going to be perfectly tightened.
Other than that, it will automatically shut itself off after being idle for two minutes. That will enhance the battery life of the device. Also, when the battery is low, it will show you an indicator beforehand. As a result, you will not have to worry about it dying when you are carrying out an important tightening job.
Pros
- Sports an intuitive design
- Outputs audible feedback when the target angle is reached
- Features a large-sized screen on the front
- Screen has backlighting
- Turns itself off when it’s in idle mode
Cons
- Overall construction is not that durable
- Comes with cheap buttons on the front
3. Performance Tool M205 1/2″
You will not be able to measure the angles properly by getting a torque angle gauge that is made of low-quality material. And if you were looking for something made of high-quality materials, then this one from Performance Tool should be on your consideration list.
First of all, the overall construction is of high-quality material. For that reason, it does not it will not be able to comply with the heavy-duty jobs but also have an enhanced lifespan. You can expect to get extended use out of it.
Aside from that, Performance Tool had kept the ease of use in mind when they were producing this unit. It features a dial that has clear markings on it. The degrees are stated at a 30 degrees interval. And each of the small markings is two degrees each.
Other than that, it has an adjustable arm. You will be able to set the arm to two different positions. And it supports both the male and female ½ inches drive tools. So worrying about the compatibility is something that you would not have to do for this one.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty materials
- Can withstand challenging jobs pretty easily
- Features a user-friendly design
- Arm is adjustable
- Compatible with both ½ inches male and female drives
Cons
- Indicator does not move that smoothly
- Accuracy of the unit is not that praiseworthy
4. Supercrazy 1/2 Inch SF0136
An adjustable holding rod can make the task of tightening bolts effortless to carry out. And a unit that can perfectly illustrate that would be this one that Supercrazy is offering.
To start with, it features a zeroing mechanism. That will enable you to lock in a target angle. After that, you will be able to tighten multiple numbers of bolts without having to set the target angle each time. That will allow you to tighten a large number of bolts in a short amount of time.
Aside from that, the unit features an adjustable rod. That will enable you to hold the unit in position when you are using it. You will not have to manually hold it in place with your hand when tightening the bolts.
Other than that, the scale features clear labeling on it. The interval that the numbers are written in is 30 degrees, and each of the small markings is 2 inches each. You will get accurate readings out of it. Also, the front glass of the scale is pretty durable too.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable rod
- Features a zeroing mechanism
- Provides accurate readings
- Labels are marked clearly
- Has a durable front glass
Cons
- Durability of the housing is questionable
- Comes with a vaguely written instruction manual
5. Lisle 28100 Torque Angle Meter
Are you looking for something versatile? Want something that has a universal fit? Then what you are probably looking for is this angle meter that is being offered by Lisle.
First of all, the unit features a unique design. That design enables it to comply with all of the torque and yielding applications. Yes, you will be able to carry out torque-to-yield applications with this, which is not that common with the other units that are out there.
Aside from that, the unit is compatible with both the ½ inches male and female drives. That is where it achieves its universal label from. As a result, you will not have any trouble in the case of carrying out most of the fastening tasks with it.
Other than that, it comes with an adjustable handle. That will enable you to make it hold with the bolts without you having to hold it manually. Also, the scale is properly marked, and it provides precise and accurate readings. The markings have a thirty and ten degrees interval.
Pros
- Features a universal design
- Compatible for all the toque-to-yield applications
- Markings have an interval of thirty and ten degrees
- Outputs accurate readings
- Labels are clearly marked
Cons
- None
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you really want to get the most out of the money you are going to spend, going through the reviews will not be enough. You will also keep some factors in mind. Without keeping them into consideration, you will not be able to scrutinize the units appropriately. The factors that we are talking about are as follows:
Build Quality
Before anything else, you will have to consider the build quality first. In this case, what you have to make sure of is whether the unit is made of high-quality materials or not.
If you happen to get one that is made of cheap quality materials, you will have trouble carrying out the heavy-duty fastening tasks with it. Consider that you should only opt for the ones that are of heavy-duty materials.
The Scale
If you are opting for a manual angle gauge, you will have to keep the scale into your consideration. In this case, we would recommend shooting for the ones that have a clear marking on them.
Also, ensure that the indicator can be read easily, or else you will not be able to tighten the bolts adequately. Alongside that, you should also factor in whether the front glass is durable or not.
Battery Life
For the automatic ones, you should consider the battery life. We would suggest shooting for the one that has an automatic shut-off feature. Those will turn themselves off when you are not using them.
As a result, the battery drain will not be that substantial, which means you would not have to change the battery that frequently.
Zeroing Mechanisms
Even though most of the units in the market features a zeroing mechanism, many will not have that. The zeroing mechanism will enable you to lock the target angle, which is going to make it easier for you to fasten a large batch of bolts. You would not have to set the target angle manually for each and every bolt.
Ease of Use
Another thing that you should consider is the design. The more user-friendly the design will be, the easier it will be for you to use it. And as you are going to handle a lot of bolts using it, the ease of use is an important factor. For that reason, we would highly recommend shooting for the ones that sport a user-friendly design.
Final Words
Hopefully, the review section and the buyer’s guide included in our article have made it easier for you to choose the best torque angle gauge. And we hope that no matter which one you decide to purchase, you can efficiently tighten all of the fasteners with the perfect amount of torque.
As you have ended up being here, you have already gone through the top 5 torque angle gauge available today. Apart from that, you should read our buying guide on the top tubing notcher for roll cage, and the top quality mini grease gun for the money. Plus, we have summarized top CNC router for home business as well.