10 Best 1/4 Torque Wrenches 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews

When you use too much force when fastening bolts and nuts, you risk damaging the mating parts. Additionally, using less torque than necessary could cause the bolt to back out, leading to potentially catastrophic results, especially when dealing with critical components such as your vehicle’s suspension.

DIY tasks requiring low torque values when driving nuts and bolts may require a ¼ torque wrench.  Buying the proper torque wrench can be daunting, especially if you don’t know which features to pay attention to.  Below, we have reviews of the best ¼ torque wrenches and a buyer’s guide to help you pick the right tool for the job.

A Quick Look At Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		TEKTON TRQ21101 Click Torque Wrench	Dual-direction Wide torque range Audible click	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench	Non-slip grip Affordable Satin finish	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Capri Tools 31200 Industrial Torque Wrench	All steel body Non-slip handle Wide torque range	CHECK PRICE
		LEXIVON LX-181 Torque Wrench	Easy-to-read scale Beautiful black finish All steel construction	CHECK PRICE
		TACKLIFE HTW4A Click Torque Wrench	Easy to read scale Includes calibration certificate Comfortable grip	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best 1/4 Torque Wrenches

1. TEKTON TRQ21101 Click Torque Wrench – Best Overall

The TEKTON TRQ21101 Click Torque Wrench allows you to tighten screws and nuts in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions without spending more money on a second torque wrench. You can, therefore, easily work on regular and reversed fasteners.

With a solid steel and aluminum construction and no plastic parts, this torque wrench will serve you for many years. It can handle a torque range of 10–150 inch-pounds, making it ideal for small screws that require less torque.

The high-contrast inch-pounds and Newton-meter scales are easy to read, even in low light. The spring-loaded adjustment collar makes it easy to lock the manufacturer’s recommended value effortlessly. You will hear a clicking sound once you reach the preset value. Also, you will feel the click, making it the ideal tool to use in noisy environments.

The only drawback is that the accuracy decreases when using it counterclockwise. The precision is ±4% for standard fasteners but ±6% for reversed fasteners. Otherwise, the Tekton is the best overall torque wrench because it ticks all the right boxes.

2. EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench – Best Value

The EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is a favorable option if you’re looking for the best 1/4 torque wrench for the money. It is made of chrome vanadium steel alloy that is hardened to enhance durability and comes with a sturdy plastic case. The satin finish not only looks good but also keeps it corrosion-free.

Setting the torque wrench to your desired value is simple because the high-contrast scale is easy to read. You’ll hear a pronounced and crisp click sound, allowing you to stop applying more force at the right moment to avoid causing irreparable damage.

The tool may not cut it professionally, but its build and features are satisfactory for a torque wrench in its price range. It includes a knurled handle with a Non-Slip grip that feels comfortable in your hand while allowing you to apply the correct torque with ease.

Additionally, it comes with a ±4% accuracy, allowing you to exert the right amount of torque.  The EPAuto torque wrench will be useful in many applications, including working on your motorcycle or car. However, it does not feel durable.

3. Capri Tools 31200 Industrial Torque Wrench – Premium Choice

With a wide torque range of 20-150 inch-pounds, the Capri Tools 31200 Industrial Torque Wrench comes with an impressive finish and delivers consistent results every time.

Designed for continuous heavy-duty industrial use, the torque wrench features an all-metal construction made from durable matte chrome steel with an excellent finish. Thanks to the non-slip knurled handle designed to provide maximum grip, you can easily access bolts and nuts in hard-to-reach places.

The Capri Tools wrench surpasses expectations in terms of quality. It features a ±3% clockwise accuracy that meets all industrial and professional standards. As proof of quality, it comes with a certificate of compliance that features an individualized serial number and a calibration date.

With the two scales that allow you to set your desired torque in Newton meters or inch-pounds, you can work in standard or metric systems, depending on the specific circumstances. The only area that could use some improvement is the somewhat unclear numbering. Nonetheless, this is one of the best models on the market.

4. LEXIVON LX-181 Torque Wrench

The LEXIVON LX-181 Torque Wrench is one of the most beautiful tools you will ever encounter. It comes in black and bears a yellow printed scale that easily pops out, making it easy to read even in environments with little light.

The wrench feels sturdy, and with an all-steel construction with no plastic parts, it’s unlikely to fail. It is also packed in a heavy-duty plastic case that will provide extra protection during storage.

As a testament to its quality, it features a calibration certificate and a unique serial number. It is also reasonably accurate and comes pre-calibrated to ±4% accuracy. However, we felt the click could have been slightly louder since you can easily miss it. The handle is also a bit short.

5. TACKLIFE HTW4A Click Torque Wrench

The TACKLIFE HTW4A Click Torque Wrench is pre-calibrated within ±4% accuracy, allowing you to tighten any nuts or screws without stressing or breaking the poorly secured parts. The bottom adjustable ring also makes setting and locating your desired torque range easy. And that’s not all. You can easily read the high-contrast dual-range scale even in low-light environments.

The click sound when you reach the preset torque value will stop you from applying excessive force, enabling you to tighten fasteners according to the manufacturer’s specific recommendation accurately.

You can rest assured that this torque wrench will serve you for a long time since it features durable all-steel construction that enables you to maintain a firm grip without slipping. It also feels heavy in your hand and is convenient to use.

The calibration certificate indicates that the Tacklife is a high-quality tool, and its hard plastic case will protect it from damage during storage. However, the click sound is too soft.

6. PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench

The PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench is accurate and ideal for DIY fastening jobs.  It is specially designed to handle sensitive parts. For example, you can fasten the carbon fiber parts of your bike without inflicting any damage.

Whether you’re repairing a mountain bike or road bike, the spring-loaded adjustable collar allows you to easily set and lock in your desired torque, thus eliminating the margin of error. Once you lock in the torque, you can rest assured it will not slip. Featuring a reversible 72-tooth ratchet head, the Pro Binke Tools wrench measures in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. It has an accuracy of ±4% when turned clockwise and ±6% when turned anti-clockwise.

Overall, the PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench is easy to use and has various features. It is also well-built and beats many other similar tools in its price range. The two drawbacks are the low ±6% accuracy when turning anti-clockwise and the low torque range.

7. NEIKO 03727A Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench

The NEIKO 03727A Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench comes with Standard (SAE) and Metric (MM) readings, which eliminates the need for conversion charts. It, therefore, is easy for you to read regardless of the nature of the task. It is also very versatile, and you can use it on your bicycle, car, boat, or motorcycle.

Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, the torque wrench is designed for clockwise and counterclockwise use, allowing you to tighten regular and reversed fasteners with less hassle. Moreover, it is manufactured to high standards and features an accuracy of ±4%.

The overall build quality is excellent, and the ball end handle enables you to grip the handle firmly for smooth turning. The high-contrast markings are also large enough and are easier to read even from afar.

The torque wrench is much more reliable than many click-type torque wrenches in its price range. Although it is not as easy to use and not as accurate as a click-type on the first day, this beam type ages much better and won’t require any calibrating for many years. However, it may not be convenient for use in tight situations.

8. BULLTOOLS 1/4-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench

To enhance strength and durability, the BULLTOOLS 1/4-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is made from hardened chromium-molybdenum alloy, which is much stronger than chromium-vanadium steel. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case to protect it from damage when you’re not using it.

The handle is made from an aluminum-titanium alloy, which feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to work flawlessly in tight angles and awkward situations. Moreover, it is rust and corrosion-resistant.

The torque wrench is convenient and easy to use. Additionally, the ratchet head features multisided teeth that won’t slip, enabling you to tighten and loosen bolts in tight spaces. You can also set your desired torque easily by pulling down the lock knob and only releasing it after the setting is completed.

With a torque range of 20 to 200, the BULLTOOLS 1/4-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench clicks when you reach the set torque value.  Apart from being very accurate with an error range of ±3%, you can also use the wrench in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

However, you can barely hear the click while using this tool, and sometimes, there’s hardly any click. Therefore, you can easily apply excess torque and damage your sensitive parts. Moreover, the dual-range scale is hard to read, especially in low-light environments.

9. CDI 1501MRPH 1/4-Inch Drive Adjustable Torque Wrench

The CDI 1501MRPH 1/4-Inch Drive Adjustable Torque Wrench features a dual scale that allows you to read the marking easily without needing a conversion chart. It is also easy and fast to set up since the positive lock with a spring-loaded pull-down lock ring enables you to lock and retain a setting.

Although the wrench looks nice, it incorporates plastic in its construction and will not be as durable and long-lasting as an all-metal torque wrench. However, its handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. It will feel good in your hand and is tough and durable.

The CDI 1501MRPH 1/4-Inch Drive Adjustable Torque Wrench offers a torque range of 20 to 150 inch-pounds, which is an acceptable range at that price range. It also comes with a certificate of calibration and a unique serial number. However, the wrench will not fit into the case at its lowest torque setting. Additionally, the Nm scale is not very easy to read.

10.  eTORK C1200 Click-Style Torque Wrench

eTORK is a reliable brand manufacturing torque wrenches for over 40 years. Like its other products, the eTORK C1200 Click-Style Torque Wrench is tough, reliable, and precise. It has an easy-to-read scale that reduces potential setting errors and measures torque in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

With an ergonomically designed grip, the torque wrench feels comfortable in your hand, is easy to use, and requires less turning force. It also includes a secure locking knob that locks and secures your desired torque, preventing accidental changes.

Although it comes with a calibration certificate, the torque wrench is less accurate than other brands on this list. It also has a faint click, and you could easily exceed the torque limit without knowing.

Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best 1/4 Torque Wrench

Buying the right torque wrench is not as easy as clicking the purchase button. There are several factors to consider when comparing different brands, types, and sizes. Here is what you need to know before buying.

Type

Torque wrenches come in three main types:

Grip

The best handles are ergonomically designed to provide more grip and comfort. They should avoid slippage even with wet or oily hands and should be made from materials that are water, oil, grease, and rust-resistant.

Size

Torque wrenches are used in many industries and come in various sizes. However, the most common DIY torque wrenches come in four commercially available sizes. The sizes roughly correspond to the torque range, which is calibrated in foot-pounds or Newton-meters for those using the metric system. The sizes include:

Materials

High-quality torque wrenches are made with steel or a steel alloy and are very strong and durable. Cheap options usually incorporate a substantial amount of plastic. Although they work just fine, they are unlikely to last very long.

Accuracy

Torque wrenches come with different accuracies, and the best have an average accuracy of 4%. It would be best to calibrate your torque wrench regularly per the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain this accuracy. If you accidentally drop the wrench, you should calibrate again for accuracy. It would help if you also stored it as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain its accuracy.

Price

Like with most equipment, the more money you spend, the better the quality of the tool. A quality torque wrench will cost you a few more bucks but will serve you for a long time without losing its accuracy. It will also include additional features to make your work easier. On the other end of the spectrum, cheap options won’t be accurate even when new. And they will not maintain accuracy when calibrated.

Scale Visibility

If you’re buying a click-type torque wrench, ensure the scale on the handle is easy to read, even without adequate light. The best models have their scales engraved into the steel and are easier to read than printed options. If using a digital torque wrench, ensure you can read your LED scale easily from all angles. Some versions include a backlight to allow you to see the reading in the dark.

Conclusion

A torque wrench is an essential tool when tightening sensitive bolts and nuts that require a specific amount of torque. Since it is a tool you are unlikely to replace any time soon, ensure you take your time to find the perfect model for your needs.

Our list above includes reviews for the best ¼-inch torque wrenches on the market. Although we can vouch for any tool on the list, our favorite pick is the TEKTON TRQ21101 Click Torque Wrench. The EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is the best option if you’re looking for the best ¼-inch torque wrenches for the money. We hope we have made your search for the best ¼-inch torque wrench much easier.

• See Also: 10 Types of Torque Wrenches: What are the Differences?