Abstract: A torque tool for tightening a nut or fastener of a work piece to a pre-determined torque level is presented. The torque tool includes a split housing having mounted therein a gear train for driving a hinged gear, a releasably mounted reaction tool and an electronic circuit for indicating an amount of torque placed upon the fastener. A power input is, planar with and interconnected to the gear train. The gear train includes a worm and a worm gear. The hinged gear meshes with the worm gear and includes a socket for engaging the fastener. The reaction tool has an open end or jaw for receiving a portion of the work piece and an opposite end which, when mounted, is disposed within a tubular recess of the housing. This structure provides for the retention of reaction forces within the housing of the torque tool itself. The electronic circuit for indicating torque is employed to measure the reaction forces via a strain gauge and display such forces to an operator of the tool.