is it really important to use a torque wrench to do so?

or will i be fine with a normal ratchet

Eh. It's not super important. I used a wratchet and all is well.

Same here, I have always just used a ratchet and get them hand tight. Once it stops turning I give one last little tug and I'm done.

One thing to consider is putting antiseize on the threads to prevent galling and binding, also acts as a thread lubricant to ease installation and removal.

One thing to consider is putting antiseize on the threads to prevent galling and binding, also acts as a thread lubricant to ease installation and removal.

ditto there too, esp with a rebuilt engine and no extra lubrication ling around, plugs have really been a hard but to crack at time

Normal wrench, you can usually tighten the plug finger tight using the ratchet extension rod, and then go about a half turn tighter with the ratchet for a snug fit...

goneturbo said it right - in fact many plug makers used to say a half to 3/4 turn after the base touches - but I haven't seen it on the boxes in many years. DO NOT repeat that a second time, you've crushed the washer. If you're snugging down the old plugs, don't go beyond maybe a quarter turn. For THIS purpose (and few others) even an el cheapo dial bar wrench from the local walmart will be fine, and preferable to hand tightening.

just some more useful information, you should check the gaps. Do not trust that the plugs are pre-gapped. Also you should use anti-seize compound on the threads to prevent the plug from adhearing to the head...

Should have mentioned that myself. YES, and for a stock motor, just set them to stock spec. Often they're close out of the box but NOT necessarily. be careful, it's pretty easy to chip the ceramic insulator around the center electrode (the white stuff around the center metal piece) when trying to adjust the ground electrode for gap.