Comparing Digital And Mechanical Torque Wrenches For Torqueing Trailer Wheel Lug Nuts

Updated 01/29/2024 | Published 01/27/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Lionshead Trailer Wheel Center Cap - 3.19" Pilot - Stainless Steel - Qty 1

(1413)

$20.56

Torque Wrench - Dual Scale - 1/2" Drive - 250 ft/lb

(14)

$110.13

Question:

What brand click torque wrench is the most accurate for my 2016 travel trailer with 15 aluminum wheels. Is a Digital torque wrench more accurate. Do not want to over torque the lug nuts. Thanks, Wayne

asked by: Wayne N

Expert Reply:

Digital torque wrenches can be vastly more accurate than a mechanical torque wrench, but the quality of the digital torque wrench plays a big part in the accuracy. A good digital torque wrench will set you back quite a bit more than a mechanical torque wrench like part # PT79FR. Both digital and mechanical torque wrenches need to be recalibrated regularly and mechanical torque wrenches need to be set back to zero every time in order to maintain calibration. When it comes to the lug nuts on your trailer going a bit over really isn't an issue at all so you'd be fine spending a bit less and getting a mechanical torque wrench.

In the shop I typically use a digital torque wrench because it's easier to get to an exact or oddball torque setting. I bought a mechanical one years ago from my local hardware store and just leave it in my truck in the event I get a flat and have had no issues with the couple of times that I had to. If you don't plan on doing much with it besides torqueing the lug nuts on your trailer then a mechanical torque wrench is all you'll need.

expert reply by: Kevin C