Bicycle and small fasteners
You need a figure under 30 Nm and a 1/4 inch square. A car-wheel wrench starts too high for that job. The 7181 is scaled from 6 to 30 Nm, with a case and a certificate in the bullets, and it clicks clockwise only.
BGS torque wrench comparison 2026
The best BGS torque wrenches, compared.
Top pick: BGS 7532 10–50 Nm set Best value: BGS 961 20–110 Nm – Highest value score that is not the top pick, at about £24.44 with 227 ratings and a UK review at 40 Nm. Updated October 2026.
A torque wrench lets you set a newton-metre value, pull until the mechanism releases, and stop. In the UK you buy one when a handbook gives a figure for a bolt: a bicycle fastener, a motorcycle or small-engine fixing, or the wheel nuts on a car. A suitable example matches the square drive to the socket, and the marked range has to contain that handbook number with a margin. A range that starts too high, or stops too low, cannot do the job even if the drive looks right. Check which way the click works. A reversible ratchet head is not the same as a release on a left-hand thread. Many click wrenches are clockwise only. Look for a stated release figure, a scale you can read, a lock that holds the setting, and a case. A sheet in the box is a factory document, not automatically a UKAS calibration. Use the [guide to drive and range](/hub/hand-tools/bgs-torque-wrench/sub/bgs-torque-wrench-buying-guide) before you expect one tool to cover a bicycle and a car wheel.
A torque wrench lets you set a newton-metre value, pull until the mechanism releases, and stop.
42 products checked · 61 hrs invested · +24,100 readers
12 of 12: Best BGS torque wrenches compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 12Best overall
Best value
6.0/10
7.2/10
6.8/10
8.2/10
6.2/10
7.1/10
6.9/10
6.7/10
6.0/10
5.3/10
5.4/10
4.5/10
∼ £132
∼ £107
∼ £50
∼ £16
∼ £23
∼ £37
∼ £55
∼ £24
∼ £166
∼ £29
∼ £29
∼ £39
5.0(2)
4.8(93)
4.8(30)
4.6(63)
4.6(63)
4.6(39)
4.5(28)
4.4(227)
4.4(184)
4.4(100)
4.2(745)
3.9(12)
Personal buying guide
Which torque wrench fits the job?
Question 1 of 2
Where does the handbook figure sit?
The best BGS torque wrenches in detail
Our view
The BGS 7532 is a 315 mm insert wrench for 9 x 12 mm tools, scaled from 10 to 50 Nm, with open-end heads from 7 mm to 14 mm and a switchable 1/4 inch ratchet head. The listing shows 5.0 from only two amazon.co.uk ratings, and both review texts are from Germany, so that star line is not a reliability sample. One German review praises the quality, a stable plastic box, metal catches and the foam. The bullets state a right-hand thread, 48 teeth, a viewing window, a handle lock, a ±3% claim, a certificate and a fine scale of 2.5 Nm, which is a coarse step on a 10–50 Nm body. At about £131.59 the price is for the head set. The file has no UK buyer, and 50 Nm does not cover car wheel nuts. The 5.0 from two reviews does not win, because the sample is too small.
Pros
- Open-end inserts from 7 mm to 14 mm plus a 1/4 inch ratchet head
- 10–50 Nm, 48 teeth, a viewing window and a stated ±3%
- Plastic case, foam and a calibration certificate in the bullets
- 315 mm body for 9 x 12 mm inserts
Cons
- 5.0 from two reviews, both from Germany
- Fine scale is 2.5 Nm, coarse on a 10–50 Nm body
- About £131.59 with no UK use report in the file
- Right-hand thread only, and the range stops at 50 Nm
Best for: You need 7–14 mm open ends on a 10–50 Nm insert wrench and you accept a two-review listing.
Less suitable: Car wheel nuts, left-hand threads, or a first wrench chosen from a large UK review sample.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 7532 10–50 Nm set
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£132
- Customer rating
- 5.0/5(2)
- Drive
- 9 x 12 mm
- Torque range
- 10–50 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 2.5 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 48
- Lock
- Handle lock
- Case
- Plastic case
- Certificate
- Yes
- Length
- 315 mm
- Weight
- 1670 g
Common questions
What heads are in the BGS 7532 box?
Open-end inserts from 7 mm to 14 mm, plus a switchable 1/4 inch ratchet head. The body takes 9 x 12 mm inserts.
Is 5.0 from two reviews a reason to buy it?
No. The listing shows 5.0 from two reviews, both not marked as United Kingdom in the saved listing.
What range is it?
10–50 Nm, fine scale 2.5 Nm, stated accuracy ±3%, right-hand thread.
Our view
The BGS 2806 is a 604 mm, 1/2 inch click wrench from 60 to 340 Nm, and it is the only model here whose listing says it suits both right-hand and left-hand threads. It has 4.8 from 93 amazon.co.uk ratings, with no review text marked United Kingdom. The bullets give 48 teeth, a 1 Nm fine scale, a viewing window, a ±4% resolution and a test certificate, and the technicals list Taiwan and 1.88 kg. A US review calls it easy to set and robust, and a German review calls it expensive and well finished. An Italian review finds the adjustment slow. A French review calls the storage tube impractical, and the bullets do not name a blow-mould case. The 4.8 does not make it the top pick: there is no UK text, and the price sits in the lowest value band for a 1/2 inch wrench in this set.
Pros
- 60–340 Nm with both thread directions stated
- Viewing window, 1 Nm scale, 48 teeth and a test certificate
- 4.8 from 93 ratings, with Taiwan and 1.88 kg listed
- 604 mm length for the upper end of the scale
Cons
- About £106.76, the dearest 1/2 inch wrench in this set
- No UK review text in the file
- Adjustment called slow, and the storage tube called impractical
- Stated release is ±4%, wider than the ±3% claims on the cheaper 1/2 inch models
Best for: You need one 1/2 inch wrench for 60–340 Nm and the listing must say it works on left-hand threads.
Less suitable: A typical car wheel under 60 Nm, or a buyer who wants UK review text and a cheaper clockwise-only wrench.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2806 60–340 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£107
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(93)
- Drive
- 1/2 inch
- Torque range
- 60–340 Nm
- Direction
- Both ways
- Release claim
- ±4%
- Fine scale
- 1 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 48
- Certificate
- Yes
- Length
- 604 mm
- Weight
- 1880 g
Common questions
Will the BGS 2806 click on a left-hand thread?
This listing says the wrench suits right- and left-hand threads. That is the only model in this set that states both.
What is the range?
60–340 Nm, fine scale 1 Nm, stated resolution ±4%, length 604 mm.
Does the box include a certificate?
The bullets say a test certificate is included. They do not call it a UKAS certificate.
Our view
The BGS 2829 is a 585 mm, 1/2 inch click wrench scaled from 60 to 330 Nm, which puts many car wheel figures and some higher fasteners on one clockwise scale. It shows 4.8 from 30 amazon.co.uk ratings. The UK review in the file calls the adjustment smooth and recommends it when you do not want to spend more. The bullets state a 72-tooth head, a 1.5 Nm fine scale, a handle lock, a round plastic box and a ±3% release, clockwise only. An Italian review describes it as looking robust. A French review reports a little play between the two parts and treats that as acceptable for occasional use. The listing weight of 40 g is not a credible figure for this length, so the weight is treated as unknown. A calibration certificate is not in these bullets.
Pros
- 60–330 Nm on a 1/2 inch drive with 72 teeth
- Stated ±3% and a 1.5 Nm fine scale
- UK review praises the smooth adjustment
- Round plastic box in the bullets
Cons
- Clockwise only
- One review reports play between the two parts
- Listed weight of 40 g is not credible
- No certificate in these bullets
Best for: Your handbook wheel figure sits between 60 and 330 Nm and you tighten clockwise.
Less suitable: Left-hand threads, figures under 60 Nm, or anyone who needs a stated certificate and a believable weight.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2829 60–330 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£50
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(30)
- Drive
- 1/2 inch
- Torque range
- 60–330 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 1.5 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Handle lock
- Case
- Round box
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 585 mm
Common questions
Can I use the BGS 2829 anti-clockwise?
No. The listing sets trigger clockwise to yes and trigger counter-clockwise to no.
Does it cover car wheel nuts?
The scale is 60–330 Nm. Many car wheel figures sit inside that, but the handbook number is the one to use.
What does it weigh?
The listing says 40 g. That is not a credible weight for a 585 mm wrench, so treat the weight as unknown.
Our view
The BGS 7181 is a 250 mm, 1/4 inch click wrench scaled from 6 to 30 Nm in 0.2 Nm steps, for bicycle bolts and other small fasteners. Across 63 amazon.co.uk ratings it sits at 4.6, and the one UK review in the file calls the quality decent for the price and reports no complaint in use. The bullets state a clockwise click, a 72-tooth head, a ±3% release claim, a blow-mould case with a hard foam tray and a calibration certificate. German reviews in the sample describe it as easy to set and comfortable in the hand. A Spanish review says the scale numbers are very small and hard to see, which is the concrete criticism in the extract. The listing does not say the click works anti-clockwise. It is the top pick because it is the only score at 82. The 6–30 Nm scale is the limit, and this was not a lab test.
Pros
- 6–30 Nm in 0.2 Nm steps on a 1/4 inch square
- 72-tooth head and a stated ±3% release
- Blow-mould case, foam tray and a calibration certificate in the bullets
- About £15.98 with 4.6 from 63 ratings and a UK review that reports no fault
Cons
- Scale numbers called very small in a Spanish review
- Clockwise trigger only; anti-clockwise is not stated
- 30 Nm sits below typical car wheel-nut figures
Best for: You set bicycle bolts and other fasteners between 6 and 30 Nm and want a cased 1/4 inch wrench with a certificate in the listing.
Less suitable: Car wheel nuts, or any fastener you have to tighten anti-clockwise.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 7181 6–30 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£16
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(63)
- Drive
- 1/4 inch
- Torque range
- 6–30 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 0.2 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Handle lock
- Case
- Blow-mould case
- Certificate
- Yes
- Length
- 250 mm
- Weight
- 800 g
Common questions
What torque range does the BGS 7181 cover?
The listing says 6–30 Nm on a 1/4 inch square, with a 0.2 Nm fine scale and a stated release accuracy of ±3%.
Does it click anti-clockwise?
The listing says the trigger is clockwise. It does not say the click works anti-clockwise.
Is a case included?
Yes. The bullets describe a blow-mould case with a hard foam tray and a calibration certificate.
Our view
The BGS 2825 is a 250 mm, 1/4 inch click wrench from 5 to 25 Nm in 0.25 Nm steps, for bicycle bolts and other low-torque fasteners. It has 4.6 from 63 amazon.co.uk ratings, and none of the review texts is marked United Kingdom. An Italian review uses it on bikes, motorcycles and low-torque car work, and a Spanish review likes the click at this price. The listing is clockwise only, with 72 teeth, a serrated steel handle, a round plastic box and a ±3% claim. Another Spanish review gives three stars because the numbers are tiny and the blue finish rubs off, and a further review says one unit did not behave at a 10 Nm setting. The weight field says 0.1 g, which cannot be the tool, so the weight is unknown.
Pros
- 5–25 Nm in 0.25 Nm steps with 72 teeth
- Stated ±3% and a round plastic box
- Reviews mention bike and low-torque motorcycle use
- About £23.17 with 4.6 from 63 ratings
Cons
- Clockwise only, and no UK review text
- One report of a unit that did not behave at 10 Nm
- Finish rubs and the scale figures are called tiny
- Listed weight of 0.1 g is not usable
Best for: You set 5–25 Nm clockwise on a 1/4 inch square for a bike or similar small fasteners.
Less suitable: Wheel nuts, anti-clockwise threads, or a buyer who wants a credible weight and a UK review.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2825 5–25 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£23
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(63)
- Drive
- 1/4 inch
- Torque range
- 5–25 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 0.25 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Handle lock
- Case
- Round box
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 250 mm
Common questions
What is the BGS 2825 for?
The scale is 5–25 Nm on a 1/4 inch square. That is bicycle and small-fastener territory, not car wheel nuts.
Will it click anti-clockwise?
The listing says clockwise yes and counter-clockwise no.
Why is the weight odd?
The listing says 0.1 g. That cannot be the tool weight, so the weight is unknown.
Our view
The BGS 2843 is a 415 mm, 3/8 inch click wrench from 7 to 105 Nm in 0.25 Nm steps, which reaches some car and motorcycle fasteners and stops short of many wheel-nut figures. It has 4.6 from 39 amazon.co.uk ratings, with no review text marked United Kingdom. A German review likes the hand feel and the lock, and a Spanish review used it for car repair and found the tube case practical. The bullets state clockwise only, 72 teeth, a slide-ring lock, a round plastic box and ±3%. A French review mentions a calibration certificate that is not in the short bullets, and says the torque cannot be checked at home. The sampled reviews do not describe a repeated breakage.
Pros
- 7–105 Nm in 0.25 Nm steps on a 3/8 inch drive
- 72 teeth, slide-ring lock and a stated ±3%
- Round plastic box; reviews call the lock pleasant
- Listed length 415 mm and weight 1.03 kg
Cons
- Clockwise only, and no UK review in the file
- 105 Nm is below many car wheel figures
- Certificate appears in a review, not in the short bullets
- Buyers say they cannot check the click against a tester
Best for: You work between 7 and 105 Nm on a 3/8 inch socket and tighten clockwise.
Less suitable: Wheel nuts above 105 Nm, anti-clockwise work, or a job that needs a certificate printed in the bullets.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2843 7–105 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£37
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(39)
- Drive
- 3/8 inch
- Torque range
- 7–105 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 0.25 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Slide ring
- Case
- Round box
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 415 mm
- Weight
- 1030 g
Common questions
Is the BGS 2843 a wheel-nut wrench?
It stops at 105 Nm. Use it only if your handbook figure is inside 7–105 Nm. Many car wheels sit above that.
Which way does it click?
Clockwise only. Counter-clockwise trigger is set to no.
What drive is it?
10 mm, which is 3/8 inch, length 415 mm, 72 teeth.
Our view
The BGS 2827 is a 525 mm, 1/2 inch click wrench from 40 to 220 Nm, so a handbook wheel figure in that band can be set on a clockwise scale. It has 4.5 from 28 amazon.co.uk ratings, and none of the review texts is marked United Kingdom. German reviews call the scale readable, the click clear and the wrench suitable for private wheel work. The listing is clockwise only, with 72 teeth, a 1 Nm fine scale, a handle lock, a serrated steel handle, a round plastic box and a ±3% claim. A German reviewer still finds the figures small enough that older eyes want glasses. One Spanish review is dissatisfied and does not name the fault, and no certificate appears in these bullets.
Pros
- 40–220 Nm covers many car wheel figures on a 1/2 inch drive
- 72 teeth, 1 Nm steps and a stated ±3%
- German reviews mention a clear click and a readable scale
- Round plastic box and a listed weight of 1.4 kg
Cons
- Clockwise only, and no UK review text in the file
- Scale still called small for older eyes
- Certificate not in the bullets
- One dissatisfied review names no fault
Best for: Your wheel figure sits between 40 and 220 Nm and you tighten clockwise.
Less suitable: Anti-clockwise threads, figures under 40 Nm or over 220 Nm, or a buyer who wants a UK review and a printed certificate.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2827 40–220 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£55
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(28)
- Drive
- 1/2 inch
- Torque range
- 40–220 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 1 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Handle lock
- Case
- Round box
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 525 mm
- Weight
- 1400 g
Common questions
Does the BGS 2827 cover car wheel nuts?
The scale is 40–220 Nm, so many handbook wheel figures sit inside it. Use your own figure, and it clicks clockwise only.
Which way does it release?
Clockwise yes, counter-clockwise no, 72 teeth, stated ±3%.
Is a certificate listed?
Not in these bullets. The case is a round screwable plastic box.
Our view
The BGS 961 is a 280 mm, 3/8 inch click wrench marked 20–110 Nm, and the box includes an adaptor so a 1/2 inch socket can go on the same scale. It has 4.4 from 227 amazon.co.uk ratings, the second-largest count in this set, with one clear UK review. That UK reviewer used it at 40 Nm on a folding e-bike, heard a clear click and found a calibration sheet. A French review says the engraved range really is 20–110 Nm, and other reviewers mention motorcycles and a first-pass cylinder-head tighten. The bullets lock the setting with a stop screw and quote 45 teeth and ±4%, but they do not say whether the click works both ways. An Italian review says the lock screw moves and makes the adjusting collar stiff. At the top of the scale the 280 mm body is short. It is the best value because its value score is the highest that is not the top pick. The adaptor does not raise the scale.
Pros
- 20–110 Nm with a 3/8 to 1/2 inch adaptor
- 4.4 from 227 ratings, with a UK review at 40 Nm on an e-bike
- Calibration sheet mentioned in that UK review
- Stop-screw lock, 45 teeth and a stated ±4%
Cons
- Direction of the click is not stated
- Lock screw can walk and stiffen the collar
- 280 mm feels short towards 110 Nm
Best for: You torque motorcycle, e-bike or similar fasteners between 20 and 110 Nm and want a 1/2 inch socket on a 3/8 inch wrench.
Less suitable: Car wheel nuts above 110 Nm, or jobs where you must know the click works anti-clockwise.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 961 20–110 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£24
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(227)
- Drive
- 3/8 inch
- Torque range
- 20–110 Nm
- Direction
- Not stated
- Release claim
- ±4%
- Ratchet teeth
- 45
- Lock
- Stop screw
- Certificate
- Yes
- Length
- 280 mm
- Weight
- 910 g
Common questions
Does the adaptor make this a 1/2 inch high-torque wrench?
No. The adaptor lets you use 1/2 inch sockets. The scale stays 20–110 Nm.
How long is it?
280 mm. A UK reviewer used it at 40 Nm on an e-bike and mentioned a calibration sheet.
Does the listing say it clicks both ways?
No. Direction is not stated. The set torque is locked by a stop screw.
Our view
The BGS DIY 9576 is an 830 mm, 3/4 inch click wrench scaled from 140 to 980 Nm and listed at 5.01 kg, for high fasteners rather than a handbook figure below 140 Nm. It has 4.4 from 184 amazon.co.uk ratings, and several of the review texts are from the UK. UK reviews call it solid, mention the blow-mould case and a certificate, and one from a Snap-on dealer background calls it well made for occasional use. The bullets say right-hand thread, a reversible ratchet and a lock for the set value, with no ± figure and no tooth count. A UK review says it torques one way only and would have preferred a push-through square, and another says the brass slider that shows the setting came out. An Italian review reports an insert that sheared while tightening at 800 Nm. A reversible ratchet on this listing is not a two-way click.
Pros
- 140–980 Nm on a 3/4 inch drive, 830 mm and 5.01 kg
- 4.4 from 184 ratings, with several UK reviews
- Blow-mould case, and UK reviews mention a certificate
- UK comments call it heavy duty for occasional use
Cons
- Scale starts at 140 Nm, so lower car-wheel figures are off the scale
- Clockwise only; a UK review wanted a push-through square
- UK report that the brass scale slider came out
- One review of an insert shearing at 800 Nm, and no ± figure in the bullets
Best for: You already know the fastener is between 140 and 980 Nm on a 3/4 inch square and you tighten clockwise.
Less suitable: Ordinary car wheel nuts below 140 Nm, anti-clockwise work, or a light tool you want to carry often.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS DIY 9576 140–980 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£166
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(184)
- Drive
- 3/4 inch
- Torque range
- 140–980 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Lock
- Set lock
- Case
- Blow-mould case
- Certificate
- Yes
- Length
- 830 mm
- Weight
- 5010 g
Common questions
Can I torque a normal car wheel with the 9576?
The scale starts at 140 Nm. A handbook figure below that is outside this wrench.
Does it work anti-clockwise?
The bullets say right-hand thread. A UK review says it torques one way only.
What did UK reviewers say?
They mention a solid tool, a case and a certificate. One says the brass scale slider came out.
Our view
The BGS 960 is a 280 mm, 1/4 inch click wrench marked 5–25 Nm with a 24-tooth head and a stop screw that locks the setting. It has 4.4 from 100 amazon.co.uk ratings, and none of the review texts is marked United Kingdom. French and Spanish reviews use it for small torque, some buyers say they repeat-buy BGS, and a German review mentions bicycle bolts. A French review says it suits spark plugs and not wheel nuts. The bullets do not state a ± figure or which way the click works, and the case is listed as a plastic case from Taiwan. An Italian review questions the precision and attaches no measurement, so that complaint stays an assertion.
Pros
- 5–25 Nm on a 1/4 inch square, 280 mm, listed at 800 g
- 24-tooth head with a stop-screw lock and a plastic case
- Taiwan listed as the country of origin
- 4.4 from 100 ratings, with bicycle and spark-plug comments
Cons
- Click direction is not stated
- No ± figure in the bullets
- 24 teeth, so the head needs a longer swing than the 72-tooth 1/4 inch models
- Precision is questioned in one review with no measurement attached
Best for: You set bicycle bolts or spark plugs between 5 and 25 Nm and can accept an unstated click direction.
Less suitable: Car wheel nuts, or a tight space where 24 teeth means too much swing.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 960 5–25 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£29
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(100)
- Drive
- 1/4 inch
- Torque range
- 5–25 Nm
- Direction
- Not stated
- Ratchet teeth
- 24
- Lock
- Stop screw
- Case
- Plastic case
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 280 mm
- Weight
- 800 g
Common questions
What is the BGS 960 for?
5–25 Nm on a 1/4 inch square. Reviewers mention bicycles and spark plugs, not car wheels.
How many teeth does it have?
24. The set torque is locked by a stop screw. A ± figure is not in the bullets.
Does it say which way it clicks?
No. Direction is not stated.
Our view
The BGS DIY 987 is a 275 mm, 1/4 inch click wrench with an effective length of 200 mm, titled 2–24 Nm and sold with a blow-mould case for about £28.60. It has 4.2 from 745 amazon.co.uk ratings, the largest count here, and the two UK reviews in the sample disagree. One says it works for a bike. The other says the torque does not work, the tool behaves as a plain ratchet, and calls that dangerous. A separate item-torque field says 13 Nm, which contradicts the title, so the range to read is 2–24 Nm. The bullets say right-hand thread and a lock, with no ± figure and no tooth count. An Italian review mentions poor contrast on the scale. Those 745 ratings include a UK report that the mechanism never clicked, so the average is not a clean pass.
Pros
- Title range 2–24 Nm on a 1/4 inch square
- 4.2 from 745 ratings, the largest sample in this set
- Blow-mould case and a stated right-hand thread
- One UK review says it works for a bike
Cons
- A UK review says it never clicks and acts as a plain ratchet
- Item field of 13 Nm contradicts the 2–24 Nm title
- No ± figure and no tooth count in the bullets
- Scale contrast called poor
Best for: You want a 2–24 Nm wrench for a bike and you can check that the one you receive actually clicks.
Less suitable: Wheel nuts, left-hand threads, or any fastener where a silent ratchet would be a problem.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS DIY 987 2–24 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£29
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(745)
- Drive
- 1/4 inch
- Torque range
- 2–24 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Lock
- Set lock
- Case
- Blow-mould case
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 275 mm
- Weight
- 740 g
Common questions
What range should I trust on the 987?
The title says 2–24 Nm. A separate item-torque field says 13 Nm. Use 2–24 Nm and ignore 13 Nm.
Do the reviews agree it clicks?
No. A UK review says it never clicks and behaves as a plain ratchet. Another UK review says it works for a bike.
Is it for wheel nuts?
No. 24 Nm is far below a car wheel. The listing is a 1/4 inch right-hand wrench.
Our view
The BGS 2841 is a 245 mm, 3/8 inch click wrench that only runs from 5 to 25 Nm, so the square is larger than the scale you can set. It has 3.9 from 12 amazon.co.uk ratings, the lowest star line in this set, and none of the review texts is marked United Kingdom. The bullets claim a clockwise click, 72 teeth, a 0.25 Nm scale, a slide-ring lock, a steel handle, a round plastic box and ±3%, at about £38.74. A Belgian review heard no click at 5 Nm, only a visual signal, and says no case arrived. A German review passes on a mechanic’s advice to avoid it. Other reviewers still describe it as precise enough or better made than wrenches around £25–£30, so the small sample is split. The range stays 5–25 Nm even though the drive is 3/8 inch.
Pros
- 5–25 Nm in 0.25 Nm steps, 72 teeth and a stated ±3%
- Slide-ring lock and a lasered scale in the bullets
- Listed weight 418 g and length 245 mm
- Some reviewers prefer the build to cheaper wrenches
Cons
- 3.9 from only 12 ratings, with no UK review text
- One review: no audible click at 5 Nm, and no case in that delivery
- A mechanic’s comment in a review says to avoid it
- About £38.74 for a 25 Nm ceiling on a 3/8 inch drive
Best for: You already want a 3/8 inch square for 5–25 Nm clockwise and you can return a unit that does not click.
Less suitable: Anyone choosing a first 5–25 Nm wrench on stars, price and a case that arrives with the tool.
Specifications
- Model
- BGS 2841 5–25 Nm
- Brand
- BGS
- Price
- ∼£39
- Customer rating
- 3.9/5(12)
- Drive
- 3/8 inch
- Torque range
- 5–25 Nm
- Direction
- Clockwise only
- Release claim
- ±3%
- Fine scale
- 0.25 Nm
- Ratchet teeth
- 72
- Lock
- Slide ring
- Case
- Round box
- Certificate
- No
- Length
- 245 mm
- Weight
- 418 g
Common questions
Why a 3/8 inch drive for only 25 Nm?
The listing is 5–25 Nm on a 10 mm square. The range is the limit, not the drive size.
What is the star rating?
3.9 out of 5 from 12 reviews, the lowest star line in this set.
Does every buyer hear a click?
The bullets say an audible release. One review says that at 5 Nm there was no click, only a visual signal.
How we compared
We scored twelve BGS click-wrench listings on amazon.co.uk. Shelf prices, stars and review counts are those listings. There was no torque bench and no lab test. The score is 0–100: stars out of 35, the size of the review sample out of 25, how clearly the listing states direction, release, scale, teeth, case and certificate out of 25, and value inside this set out of 15. A stated fault in the reviews can deduct up to 15. The highest score is the top pick, once. The highest value part that is not the top pick is the best value, once.
1
Star rating
35%The amazon.co.uk star line, scaled so 5.0 is 35 points. Stars are not a measure of torque deviation.
2
Review sample
25%How many ratings the listing shows, and whether a UK review text is in the file. A missing UK text is already counted here.
3
Listing clarity
25%Whether the bullets state direction, a release figure, a fine scale, the tooth count, a case, a certificate, and a credible length and weight.
4
Value in this set
15%Price against what this set of listings actually offers: range, case, certificate, review evidence and drive. The first matching band only.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
BGS torque wrench buying guide
You match a click wrench to a handbook figure, a square drive and a direction. One range does not cover a bicycle bolt and a car wheel. The prices on this page are the amazon.co.uk shelf prices for the twelve listings. Stars and review counts come from those same listings. There was no torque bench. A ±3% bullet is a manufacturer claim. A sheet in the box is not automatically a UKAS certificate. Read the range before the price, and stop when the wrench clicks.
What is a click torque wrench?
A click torque wrench is a hand tool you set to a newton-metre value. You pull until it releases, then you stop. UK buyers mostly match a drive and a range to a job, then check whether the click works clockwise only. On a listing, the useful signs are the stated release figure, a scale you can read, a range that covers the handbook number with margin, and a certificate you understand as a factory sheet rather than a UKAS calibration. The handbook figure has to sit inside the marked range.
Best for
- Bicycle and small-engine work that stays under 25 Nm
- Clockwise wheel refits whose handbook figure sits on a 1/2 inch scale
Not ideal for
- One wrench expected to cover both a bicycle bolt and a car wheel
- A left-hand thread when the listing does not say the click works that way
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
One wrench for a bike and a car
A 5–25 Nm wrench cannot do a car wheel. A wrench that starts at 60 Nm cannot do a 10 Nm bolt. Match the handbook figure to the marked range before you look at the price.
- 2
Reading a ratchet as a two-way click
A reversible ratchet head turns the square both ways. It does not mean the click releases on a left-hand thread. Only a listing that says both directions supports that job.
- 3
Treating ±3% as a lifetime promise
A ±3% or ±4% bullet is a manufacturer claim, not a UKAS result, and it does not last by itself. An adaptor does not raise the scale. A 40 g or 0.1 g weight field, or a 13 Nm field against a 2–24 Nm title, is not a figure to trust. Stars do not measure torque deviation.
What to weigh up
Range and drive
HighThe marked range is the first filter, and the drive is the second. The handbook torque has to sit inside the scale, not at a guessed close enough. A 5–25 Nm wrench cannot do a car wheel. A wrench that starts at 60 Nm cannot do a 10 Nm bolt. Leave margin rather than living on the last mark, because the top of a short body is a hard pull.
Direction and release claim
HighDirection decides whether the click exists for the thread you are tightening. Several listings are described as clockwise or right-hand only. One 1/2 inch listing says right and left. Two older lock-screw wrenches do not state a direction. A reversible ratchet head is not a dual-direction click. If the job is a left-hand thread, buy the listing that says so. The stated release is the next line to read. ±3% or ±4% is the manufacturer claim on that listing.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Car wheels, clockwise
You refit wheels and the handbook figure sits between 40 and 220 Nm. You tighten clockwise. The 2827 is the 1/2 inch wrench in this set whose scale starts low enough for many of those figures and still reaches 220 Nm.
Left-hand threads
You need the listing to say the click works on a left-hand thread. A reversible ratchet is not that. The 2806 is the only wrench here whose listing says both right-hand and left-hand threads, on a 60–340 Nm scale.
Common questions about BGS torque wrenches
Which BGS torque wrench is the top pick in this set?
The top pick is the BGS 7181, a 1/4 inch click wrench from 6 to 30 Nm at about £15.98. It is the only score of 82. The bullets state a clockwise click, a 0.2 Nm scale, 72 teeth, ±3%, a blow-mould case and a calibration certificate. amazon.co.uk shows 4.6 from 63 ratings, and the UK review reports no fault. It stops at 30 Nm, so it is not a car-wheel wrench. This was not a lab test.
Which BGS torque wrench is the best value in this set?
The best value is the BGS 961 at about £24.44. It has the highest value score. The scale is 20–110 Nm on a 3/8 inch square, with an adaptor for a 1/2 inch socket. That adaptor does not raise the scale. amazon.co.uk shows 4.4 from 227 ratings. A UK reviewer used it at 40 Nm on an e-bike, heard a click and found a calibration sheet. Direction is not stated, and 280 mm is short near 110 Nm.
How much does a BGS torque wrench cost on amazon.co.uk?
On these twelve listings, short 1/4 inch wrenches and the 961 sit at about £16 to £29. Mid 3/8 inch and everyday 1/2 inch wrenches sit at about £37 to £55. The high range, the insert set and the 3/4 inch wrench sit at about £107 to £166. Those bands are this set, not a market study. A low price still has to cover the handbook figure. A certificate in the bullets is a factory sheet, not a UKAS calibration.
What should you check before you buy a BGS torque wrench?
Put the handbook figure inside the marked range, with margin. Then match the square: 1/4 inch for low newton-metres, 3/8 inch for mid-range fasteners, 1/2 inch for many car wheels, and 3/4 inch only when the figure is high. Read whether the click is clockwise only. A reversible ratchet is not a two-way click. Check the stated release, the lock, the case and whether a certificate is actually in the bullets. Star ratings do not measure torque deviation.
Do these BGS torque wrenches click anti-clockwise?
Most listings here describe a clockwise or right-hand click. The 2806 is the one that says it suits right-hand and left-hand threads, from 60 to 340 Nm. The 961 and the 960 do not state a direction. For a left-hand fastener, the listing has to say the click works that way. A reversible ratchet head is not a dual-direction release.
What torque should you use on car wheel nuts?
Use the vehicle handbook. A typical car figure is often about 110–120 Nm, and published UK bands for many cars are about 108–135 Nm, higher for SUVs and trucks. The model year changes it. A 5–25 Nm wrench cannot do that job, and a scale from 140 Nm leaves an ordinary car wheel below the range. Stop at the click. Do not finish with an impact wrench. There is no single figure for every UK car.
Is a calibration certificate the same as UKAS calibration?
No. A certificate in the bullets is a factory sheet, not by itself a UKAS calibration to BS EN ISO 6789-2. A UK calibration house calibrates clockwise unless you order both directions. If you have no control procedure, 12 months or 5,000 cycles, whichever comes first, may be the interval from first use. Recalibrate after overload, repair or mishandling. Home use is not generally forced through that lab. Work equipment still has to be maintained under PUWER 1998.
When would you choose a digital torque wrench instead?
A click wrench releases at the set figure, so you stop at the click. A digital wrench shows a live reading, and you watch the display. This page is click wrenches only. For a live number, see the digital torque wrench comparison. Neither type replaces the handbook figure, and neither was lab-tested here. A ±3% claim is not a lifetime promise.
Our verdict
The top pick is the BGS 7181. It is the only score at 82: about £15.98, a stated 6–30 Nm scale, a case, a certificate in the bullets, and a UK review with no fault. It is a 1/4 inch wrench, so it does not cover a car wheel. The best value is the BGS 961, which has the highest value score that is not the top pick. It is about £24.44, with 4.4 from 227 ratings and a UK review at 40 Nm on an e-bike. The adaptor does not raise its 20–110 Nm scale. This was not a lab test.
Best value
View offer
BGS 961 20–110 Nm
Highest value score that is not the top pick, at about £24.44 with 227 ratings and a UK review at 40 Nm.
Editorial
DIY & tools editor
Hand toolsTorque wrenchesWorkshop tools
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to BGS torque wrenches
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
BGS torque wrench buying guideChoose drive and range for the job before you compare the twelve rows.Best BGS torque wrench in this setOne clockwise recommendation, and who should skip it.How to set a BGS torque wrenchSet the figure, stop at the click, and store the wrench.BGS torque wrench for wheel nutsHandbook figure, star pattern, and which ranges cover a car wheel.BGS torque wrench clockwise onlyWhich listings click one way, and which one states both directions.
Related comparisons
Sources
Sources for this comparison, last checked on 22 October 2026.
- ISO 6789-1:2017 sample, deviation by type and maximum torque (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- ISO 6789-2:2017 sample, interval of 12 months or 5,000 cycles (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Avon Dynamic ADCF112, UKAS calibration guidance (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- AWS white paper on ISO 6789:2017 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- BGS technic torque wrench product page (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Barum, tightening wheel nuts (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Ingersoll Rand UK, how much torque you need (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE L22, PUWER 1998 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Listings, review counts and public sources still decide the comparison. We did not run a lab test.