A side-deployable medical guidewire or guide wire torquer, torque device or wire manipulator. The torquer comprises an elongate body comprising first and second halves having an outer surface and inner surfaces, wherein the first and second halves are coupled to one another such that the inner surfaces to mate with one another, and wherein the mated surfaces are substantially parallel to the longitudinally axis of the body; a plurality of wire retainers disposed on the inner surfaces of one or more of the first and second halves configured to engage a guidewire positioned between the halves; and a releasable lock mechanism configured to mechanical secure the first and second halves in the mated configuration.