Last reviewed: May 2026 · MLC editorial team · UK trade workshop perspective
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Below about 5Nm a torque wrench is useless - the scale starts too high to set small fastener torques accurately. A torque screwdriver covers the 0.1-6Nm band where electronics, instruments and small machine screws live, and a calibrated one repeats to a few percent so you stop stripping threads and cracking housings. In UK workshops, reliable tools like the Wera Zyklop or Snap-on TorquePro models are favoured for their precision and durability, priced typically between £50 and £200 depending on features such as digital displays or magnetic tips. For those working with delicate components, a torque screwdriver is not just a convenience but a necessity to ensure that every screw fits snugly without causing damage.
How we picked these
- Range: pick a tool whose range brackets your target torque in its accurate middle third (0.3-1.2, 1-6Nm etc.), not at the extremes.
- Accuracy and repeatability: trade tools hold +/-6% or better and come with a calibration certificate.
- Type: adjustable click/slip (most common), preset (fixed for production) or digital (reads and logs torque).
- Bit drive: 1/4in hex bit holder is standard; check it takes your bits or a 1/4in square for sockets.
- Calibration: torque tools drift - budget for periodic re-calibration if the readings matter.
Reviewed picks
Draper Adjustable Torque Screwdriver (1-5Nm)
Price: £40-£70 | Best for: budget general assembly
The Draper Adjustable Torque Screwdriver (1-5Nm) is a solid choice for budget-conscious tradespeople needing basic torque control in small assembly tasks. Priced between £40 and £70, it offers an affordable entry into accurate screwdriving with a 1/4in hex drive and adjustable slip mechanism covering the common range of 1 to 5Nm. While its UK warranty adds peace of mind, the lack of a certificate as standard and coarser adjustment are notable downsides.
| Range | 1-5Nm |
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| Type | Adjustable slip |
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| Accuracy | ~+/-6% |
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| Drive | 1/4in hex |
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Pros
- Affordable entry to torque control
- Covers common small-fastener range
- Draper UK warranty
Cons
- No certificate as standard
- Coarser adjustment
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Check Draper Adjustable Torque Screwdriver (1-5Nm) on Amazon UK →
Bahco TSS Adjustable (0.4-2.0Nm)
Price: £80-£130 | Best for: low-torque electronics and instruments
The Bahco TSS Adjustable (0.4-2.0Nm) is a reliable torque screwdriver for precision work in electronics and instruments. With a clear click at set torque and good low-range resolution, it excels where accuracy matters. However, its narrow range limits versatility, and the price tag sits above £80, making it pricey for some tradesfolk.
| Range | 0.4-2.0Nm |
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| Type | Adjustable click |
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| Accuracy | ~+/-6% |
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| Drive | 1/4in hex |
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Pros
- Clear click at set torque
- Good low-range resolution
- Bahco build
Check Bahco TSS Adjustable (0.4-2.0Nm) on Amazon UK →
Wera 7400 Kraftform (1.2-3.0Nm)
Price: £90-£140 | Best for: best all-round precision screwdriver
The Wera 7400 Kraftform (1.2-3.0Nm) is a top choice for precise torque control in UK workshops, priced between £90 and £140. It boasts excellent ergonomics with its Kraftform handle, ensuring comfort during extended use. The slip mechanism prevents over-torquing, safeguarding both the screwdriver and your workpiece. However, it comes at a premium price, and each tool offers only one torque range.
| Range | 1.2-3.0Nm |
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| Type | Adjustable slip |
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| Accuracy | +/-6% |
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| Drive | 1/4in Rapidaptor |
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Pros
- Excellent Kraftform handle ergonomics
- Slip mechanism prevents over-torque
- Rapidaptor quick bit change
Cons
- One range per tool
- Premium price
Check Wera 7400 Kraftform (1.2-3.0Nm) on Amazon UK →
Wiha TorqueVario-S (0.5-2.0Nm)
Price: £100-£160 | Best for: adjustable lab/field precision
The Wiha TorqueVario-S offers a precise 0.5-2.0Nm range with adjustable and lockable settings, suitable for lab or field work requiring accuracy within +/-6%. At £100 to £160, it's pricey but boasts high build quality and ESD versions. However, some models require an adjustment tool for setting torque values.
| Range | 0.5-2.0Nm |
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| Type | Adjustable, lockable |
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| Accuracy | +/-6% |
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| Drive | 1/4in |
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Pros
- Fine, lockable adjustment
- ESD versions available
- High build quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Adjustment tool needed for some models
Check Wiha TorqueVario-S (0.5-2.0Nm) on Amazon UK →
Norbar TTs Torque Screwdriver (1-6Nm)
Price: £150-£250 | Best for: best certified trade/production tool
The Norbar TTs Torque Screwdriver (1-6Nm) is a certified tool for precise torque applications in trade and production settings. Priced between £150 to £250, it offers an accuracy of +/-6% with a 1/4in hex/square drive. It comes with a calibration certificate, reflecting Norbar’s metrology expertise. However, its high cost makes it overkill for infrequent users.
| Range | 1-6Nm |
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| Type | Adjustable, certified |
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| Accuracy | +/-6% |
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| Drive | 1/4in hex/square |
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Pros
- Supplied with calibration certificate
- Norbar metrology pedigree
- Wider 1-6Nm range
Cons
- Highest price here
- Overkill for occasional use
Check Norbar TTs Torque Screwdriver (1-6Nm) on Amazon UK →
Recommendations at a glance
| Best overall | Wera 7400 Kraftform - ergonomics, slip safety, quick bit change |
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| Best certified/production | Norbar TTs - calibration certificate, 1-6Nm |
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| Best adjustable precision | Wiha TorqueVario-S - fine lockable adjustment |
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| Best low-torque | Bahco TSS - 0.4-2.0Nm for electronics |
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| Best budget | Draper 1-5Nm - affordable torque control |
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Related reference on MLC
Frequently asked questions
When do I need a torque screwdriver instead of a torque wrench?
Below about 5-6Nm. Torque wrenches start their accurate range too high to set small fastener torques, so they over-tighten. A torque screwdriver covers roughly 0.1-6Nm - the band for electronics, instruments, connectors and small machine screws - and sets those accurately.
How accurate are torque screwdrivers?
Trade tools hold around +/-6% and the better ones (Norbar TTs) ship with a calibration certificate. Accuracy is best in the middle third of the range, so choose a tool whose range brackets your target torque rather than working at its extremes.
Click, slip or digital torque screwdriver?
Click tools signal the set torque with an audible/tactile click; slip tools (Wera 7400) disengage so you physically can't over-torque - good for repetitive assembly. Digital tools read and can log torque, useful for documentation but pricier and battery-dependent.
Do torque screwdrivers need calibration?
Yes - like all torque tools they drift with use and age. If the readings matter (production, safety-critical, warranty work) re-calibrate periodically, typically annually or per a set number of cycles. Wind adjustable tools back to their lowest setting for storage to relax the spring.
What bit drive do torque screwdrivers use?
A 1/4-inch hex bit holder is standard, taking common driver bits; some also accept a 1/4-inch square drive for small sockets. The Wera 7400's Rapidaptor lets you change bits one-handed, which speeds repetitive work.
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