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

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

DIY tasks that require low torque values when driving nuts and bolts may need a ¼ torque wrench.  Buying the right itorque wrench can be a daunting task especially if you don’t know what features to pay attention to.  The following are our 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 direction without having to spend more money on a second torque wrench. You can, therefore, work on both regular and reversed fasteners with ease.

With a solid steel and aluminum construction and no plastic parts, this torque wrench will serve you for many years to come. 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 meters scales are easy to read even in low light. And the spring-loaded adjustment collar makes it easy for you 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% with reversed fasteners. Otherwise, it is our favorite pick overall 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 wrenches for the money. It is made of Chrome Vanadium steel alloy that is hardened to enhance durability and comes with a sturdy plastic case making it easier to store. The satin finish not only looks good but also keeps it corrosion-free.

Setting the torque wrench to your desired value is easy 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 just at the right moment to avoid causing irreparable damage.

The tool may not cut it in the professional world, 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 right torque with ease.

Additionally, it comes with a ±4% accuracy allowing you to exert the right amount of torque.  This torque wrench will come in handy in a wide range of applications, including working on your motorcycle or car. However, it feels cheap.

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 will give you great service. It comes with an impressive fit, 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. You can easily access bolts and nuts in hard-to-reach places thanks to the non-slip knurled handle designed to provide maximum grip.

This torque wrench surpasses expectations in terms of quality. It features a ±3% clockwise accuracy that meets all industrial and professional standards. And 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 either customary or metric systems depending on the specific circumstances. The only area that could use some improvement is the some-what 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 come across. It comes in black color 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 that features no plastic parts, it is not likely to break down any time soon. 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 a little bit 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 confidently tighten any nuts or screws without stressing or breaking the poorly secured parts. The bottom adjustable ring also makes it easy to set and lock your desired torque range. 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 manufacture’s specific recommendation accurately.

You can rest assured that this torque wrench will serve you for a long time to come 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 is proof of the tool’s high quality, and its hard plastic case will protect it from damage during storage. However, the click could use some improvement to eliminate any need for guesswork that may lead to catastrophic results.

6. PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench

The PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench is accurate and has been proved effective at different 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 set and lock in your desired torque with ease, thus eliminating the margin of error. Once you lock in the torque, you can rest assured it is not going to slip.

When you achieve your desired torque, you will hear a click sound warning you to stop preventing any damage that may occur from excess torque.

Featuring a reversible 72-tooth ratchet head, the torque wrench measures in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. It has an accuracy of ±4% when turned clockwise and ±6% turned anti-clockwise.

Overall, the PRO BIKE TOOL TWS-220 Click Torque Wrench is easy to use and comes with a variety of great features. It is also well built and beats many other similar tools in its price range. The only 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 eliminating the need for conversion charts. It, therefore, 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 are left-handed or right-handed, the torque wrench is designed for clockwise and anti-clockwise 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, making it easier for you to read even from afar.

The torque wrench is much more reliable than some 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 to come. 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, allowing you to work flawlessly in tight angles and awkward situations. Moreover, it is anti-skid, anti-corrosion, and will not rust.

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 anti-clockwise directions.

However, you can barely hear the click while using this tool. And sometimes there’s hardly any click at all. 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 the need for 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 not only feel good in your hand but is also tough and durable.

The CDI 1501MRPH 1/4-Inch Drive Adjustable Torque Wrench offers you 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 though it is the recommended way of storing the tool. Additionally, the Nm scale is not very easy to read.

10.  eTORK C1200 Click-Style Torque Wrench

eTORK is a reliable brand that has been manufacturing torque wrenches for over 40 years. Like its other products, the eTORK C1200 Click-Style Torque Wrench is tough, reliable, and precise. It comes with 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 will feel 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 setting preventing accidental changes.

Although it comes with a calibration certificate, the torque wrench is less accurate than other options 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 is a myriad of 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 different industries and will come in a wide variety of sizes. However, the most common torque wrenches for DIY tasks come in four basic commercially available sizes. The sizes roughly correspond to 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 will usually incorporate a substantial amount of plastic. Although these 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 as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain this accuracy. If you drop the wrench by accident, 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 probably 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 options have their scales engraved into the steel and are easier to read than printed options. If you’re using a digital torque wrench, ensure you can read your LED scale easily from all angles. Some versions will include a backlight to allow you to see the reading in the dark.

Conclusion

A torque wrench is an essential tool when you’re tightening sensitive bolts and nuts that require a specific amount of torque. Whatever type or size you chose to buy should be informed by your unique needs. And since it is a tool you are unlikely to replace any time soon, ensure you take your time to find the perfect option 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 for your needs a lot easier.

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