Tool review: Neiko 03713A 3/8" Drive Automatic Click Torque Wrench

Key Features:
 +   Easy to use
 +   Comes with a nice case
 -    Instructions are not very clear


The Neiko 03713A 3/8" Drive Automatic Click Torque Wrench is the first torque wrench I've used, so I can't compare it to other torque wrenches yet.  However, it has worked great for what I've needed it to do.

The torque wrench comes in a molded hard plastic case.  The case is holds both the torque wrench and the instructions.  It's a good case for protecting the wrench, not too large to carry but large enough to keep the wrench from being jarred or damaged.

The instructions that come with the wrench are not very clear.  They tell you how to use the wrench, but until you've actually used it the first time, they don't make a lot of sense.  Once you've used the wrench once or twice, it's very easy to use.

Like many other torque wrenches, this one "clicks" when you've reached the desired torque setting.  The click is loud and easily heard.  One reviewer on Amazon stated that he couldn't use hear the click on lower-torque settings, but I've used this wrench for high-torque applications (lug nuts, 80 ft/lbs) as well as low-torque applications (spark plugs, 13 ft/lbs) and the click has been distinctive and easy to hear every time.

At both ends of the spectrum, the wrench functions consistently well.  Its stated range is from 10 ft/lbs to 80 ft/lbs, and while I haven't used it at its lowest setting, it definitely does work at its highest setting.  It gets harder to adjust the torque at higher settings, but I guess that's to be expected.

The wrench has a lock nut that allows for adjustment of the torque level.  This nut spins easily and locks firmly.  The 14" shaft is chrome vanadium steel with a textured handle.  If I could make one improvement to this wrench, it would be to add a plastic or rubber grip for less slippage, but this is a minor detail that doesn't detract from the wrench's functionality.  If you find that you can not grip the wrench securely, grip tape is easy to apply and does the job adequately.

The Neiko 03713A 3/8" Drive Automatic Click Torque Wrench has held up well so far under moderate use.  I don't expect it to be a "lifetime" tool, but so far I'm impressed with it.  It sells for $24.95 on Amazon.com (it was $28.95 when I bought mine) and that seems like a fair price for this tool.