TOHNICHI Torque Wrench & Torque Driver Buying Guide: QL, CL, MTQL, RTD and More
Quick answer: For small screws specified in cN·m, choose a TOHNICHI RTD slip-type torque driver (RTD15CN 2–15 cN·m up to RTD500CN 100–500 cN·m) or the non-slip LTD500CN. For 1/4" drive fasteners from 2 to 15 N·m, choose the QL10N or QL15N preset wrench (ratchet head, ±3%), or the lighter metal-handle QL10N-MH / QL15N-MH. For 3/8" and 1/2" drive work, the MTQL40N (5–40 N·m) and MTQL140N (20–140 N·m) cover the higher ranges. If you need to read the actual torque rather than set it, look at the DB dial wrenches or the F23N plate-type wrench. All values below are taken from our product pages; anything we could not confirm is marked Not confirmed.
TOHNICHI model families at a glance
- QL – preset torque wrench with a ratchet head, set by a graduated scale.
- QL-MH – metal-handle version of the QL, with a click signal at the set torque.
- CL – preset wrench body with an interchangeable head (spanner, ring spanner, ratchet or hex heads, per distributor listing).
- PQL – pre-lock preset wrench; the torque is set with a tool to prevent accidental changes.
- MTQL – preset torque wrench from TOHNICHI's motorsport series.
- DB – dial-type torque wrench that shows the torque value.
- F – plate-type (beam) torque wrench that reads the torque.
- RTD – slip-type preset torque driver; the driver slips once the set torque is reached.
- LTD – non-slip preset torque driver.
- QH – interchangeable ratchet head for TOHNICHI head-interchangeable torque wrenches.
Torque wrench comparison (N·m)
| Model | Type | Range (N·m) | Min. graduation (N·m) | Drive | Accuracy | Overall length (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QL10N | QL preset, ratchet head | 2–10 | 0.1 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | ±3% | 219 | 0.29 |
| QL15N | QL preset, ratchet head | 3–15 | 0.1 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | ±3% | 219 | 0.29 |
| QL10N-MH | QL-MH preset, metal handle | 2–10 | 0.1 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | ±3% | 195 | 0.19 |
| QL15N-MH | QL-MH preset, metal handle | 3–15 | 0.1 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | ±3% | 195 | 0.19 |
| CL10NX8D | CL preset, interchangeable head | 2–10 | 0.1 | Depends on head | ±3% | 199 | 0.26 |
| CL15NX8D | CL preset, interchangeable head | 3–15 | 0.1 | Depends on head | ±3% | 199 | 0.26 |
| PQL25N | PQL pre-lock | 5–25 | 0.25 | 3/8" (9.53 mm) | Not confirmed | 220 | 0.25 |
| MTQL40N | Preset, motorsport series | 5–40 | 0.5 | 3/8" (9.53 mm) | ±5% | 245 | 0.45 |
| MTQL140N | Preset, motorsport series | 20–140 | 1 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | ±5% | 399 | 0.77 |
| DB1.5N4 | Dial | 0.2–1.5 | 0.02 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | Not confirmed | 205 | 0.40 |
| DB3N4 | Dial | 0.3–3 | 0.05 | 1/4" (6.35 mm) | Not confirmed | 205 | 0.40 |
| F23N | Plate (beam) | 3–23 | 0.5 | a 9.53 mm, b 11 mm (as listed by the distributor) | Not confirmed | 295 | 0.40 |
Whether a head is included with the CL10NX8D / CL15NX8D is Not confirmed. The QL10N and QL15N are listed as ISO 6789 (per distributor listing); the standard for the other wrenches is Not confirmed.
TOHNICHI QL10N QL preset torque wrench, 2-10 N·m
TOHNICHI QL15N QL preset torque wrench, 3-15 N·m
Torque driver comparison (cN·m)
| Model | Type | Range (cN·m) | Min. graduation (cN·m) | Accuracy | Overall length (mm) | Weight (approx.) | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTD15CN | Slip-type preset | 2–15 | 0.1 | ±3% | 101 | 50 g | None |
| RTD30CN | Slip-type preset | 4–30 | 0.2 | ±3% | 101 | 50 g | None |
| RTD120CN | Slip-type preset | 20–120 | 1 | ±3% | 132 | 160 g | Resin handle |
| RTD260CN | Slip-type preset | 60–260 | 2 | ±3% | 149 | 270 g | Resin handle, preset hook spanner |
| RTD500CN | Slip-type preset | 100–500 | 5 | ±3% | 155 | 320 g | Preset hook spanner |
| LTD500CN | Non-slip preset | 100–500 | Not confirmed | ±3% | 155 | 330 g | Preset hook spanner |
All six drivers are listed as right-hand (clockwise). 100 cN·m = 1 N·m, so the RTD500CN and LTD500CN top out at 5 N·m.
TOHNICHI RTD15CN Slip-Type Preset Torque Driver, 2-15 cN·m
TOHNICHI RTD30CN Slip-Type Preset Torque Driver, 4-30 cN·m
Interchangeable QH ratchet heads
| Model | Drive | Fits wrenches whose model number includes | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QH12D | 3/8" (9.53 mm) | "X12D" (per distributor listing) | 0.19 |
| QH15D | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | "X15D" (per distributor listing) | 0.3 |
| QH15D-3/8 | 3/8" (9.53 mm) | "X15D" (per distributor listing) | 0.3 |
Check the "X…D" part of your wrench's model number before choosing a head. Our CL wrenches are "X8D" models; which heads fit X8D is Not confirmed, so ask us before ordering a head for them.
TOHNICHI QH12D QH Ratchet Head for Torque Wrench, 3/8" Drive
TOHNICHI QH15D QH Ratchet Head for Torque Wrench, 1/2" Drive
How to choose by job
- Small screws specified in cN·m (electronics, precision assembly): start with the RTD15CN (2–15 cN·m, 0.1 cN·m graduation) or RTD30CN (4–30 cN·m). For mid-range screws, the RTD120CN covers 20–120 cN·m.
- Larger screws up to 500 cN·m: the RTD260CN (60–260 cN·m), RTD500CN (100–500 cN·m, slip type) or LTD500CN (100–500 cN·m, non-slip). The LTD500CN listing gives machine screws M5, M6 and tapping screws (M4.5) as reference sizes.
- 1/4" drive fasteners, 2–15 N·m: QL10N (2–10 N·m) or QL15N (3–15 N·m). If weight matters, the QL10N-MH and QL15N-MH are 0.19 kg and 195 mm long, against 0.29 kg and 219 mm for the standard QL.
- Same range, but you want a spanner, ring, ratchet or hex head: CL10NX8D (2–10 N·m) or CL15NX8D (3–15 N·m).
- Production lines where the setting must not be changed by accident: PQL25N (5–25 N·m, 3/8"), set with a tool.
- 3/8" and 1/2" drive vehicle work: MTQL40N (5–40 N·m, 3/8") and MTQL140N (20–140 N·m, 1/2"), both ±5%.
- Checking or reading torque rather than presetting it: DB1.5N4 (0.2–1.5 N·m; reference screws ordinary steel M3.5, high-tensile M3) and DB3N4 (0.3–3 N·m; reference screws ordinary steel M4 (M4.5), high-tensile M4). For a higher reading range, the F23N plate-type wrench reads 3–23 N·m (reference screws ordinary steel M8, high-tensile M7).
General tips: check whether your spec is in cN·m (drivers) or N·m (wrenches); choose a range that puts your target torque in the middle rather than at either end; and match the drive size to your sockets. For a brand-neutral overview, see our torque wrench buying guide.
TOHNICHI RTD120CN Slip-Type Preset Torque Driver, 20-120 cN·m
TOHNICHI RTD260CN Slip-Type Preset Torque Driver, 60-260 cN·m
FAQ
What is the difference between the QL15N and the QL15N-MH?
Both are 1/4" drive, 3–15 N·m, 0.1 N·m graduation and ±3%. The QL15N-MH has a metal handle and is listed at 195 mm and 0.19 kg; the QL15N is 219 mm and 0.29 kg.
What is the difference between the RTD500CN and the LTD500CN?
Both cover 100–500 cN·m at ±3% and are 155 mm long. The RTD500CN is a slip type (it slips once the set torque is reached); the LTD500CN is a non-slip type. Listed weights are approx. 320 g and 330 g.
Do these come with a calibration certificate?
Not confirmed. If you need a certificate, contact us before ordering.
Are they new, and where are they made?
All are brand-new and shipped from Japan. Country of origin is Not confirmed for every model.
