Best 1/4 Torque Wrenches – Reviews & Top Picks

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A dependable 1/4 torque wrench will help you tighten those sensitive bolts around your home without overdoing it and shearing the head off.

But how do you narrow down your choices with so many different options available on the market?

Buying the wrong one can result in damage to your parts or equipment, and a lot of frustration on your part as you try to fix it.

Our short guide will outline five suggestions for the best 1/4 torque wrench on the market for any budget restrictions you may have.


Quick Picks

Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...

Best Pick
Capri Tools 31200
If you're a skilled mechanic, invest in this torque wrench. It has a broad enough torque range to tackle a variety of projects that other wrenches can't touch. Backed by a high-quality brand.
Best Value
Tekton 24320
A better choice for the price. If you need a durable torque wrench that features a reversible ratchet head and loaded with great features, this is the tool for you.
Best Budget
EPAuto ST-013-1
The EPAuto ST-013-1 is an excellent choice if you want a inexpensive torque wrench that's easy to read. It's comfortable, versatile, and it'll fit into any budget you have.

Best 1/4 Torque Wrench with Reviews

Here's a list of the best 1/4 torque wrenches we found on the market:

1. Capri Tools 31200 1/4 Drive Torque Wrench

  • Offers a 20 to 150 inch pound torque range.
  • Premium components and a durable build ensure longevity.
  • Bi-directional calibration lets you use it clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • Audible click signals you reached your pre-set torque setting.
  • NIST-Traceable Calibration Certificate included in each purchase.

Pros

  • All metal construction
  • +/-3% and +/-5% accuracy ratings
  • Dual scale markings

Cons

  • Torque settings are difficult to read
  • Feels too lightweight
  • Case isn't durable

Overview

The Capri Tools 31200 is a great choice if you want a torque wrench with a broad torque range of 20-150 inch pounds. It has a solid design that makes it worth the price. The advanced technology and premium components make it suited for rigorous daily usage.

Although there is a scale to tell you the different torque settings, they’re very light. This lightness makes it moderately difficult to see them in different light conditions. Also, the scale can wear off and fade with repeated use, and this makes it impossible to use it once it’s gone.

If you’re a mechanic or tradesman, you’ll want to add the Capri Tools 31200 1/4 torque wrench to your collection. Not only does it come from a very high-quality brand, but it comes calibrated to work both clockwise and counterclockwise for your convenience. There is an NIST-Traceable Calibration certificate included in every order to ensure accuracy. The audible click will help you get the perfect torque range for your project without any guesswork.


2. TEKTON 24320 1/4 Torque Wrench

  • Dual range scale has a high contrast rating.
  • All-steel construction is durable with no plastic components.
  • Offers a broad 20 to 200 inch pounds of torque.
  • Ships pre-calibrated and ready to go out of the box.

Pros

  • Feel and hear the click
  • Ratchet head drives in both directions
  • Durable materials

Cons

  • Click isn't loud enough
  • Scale is very light
  • Torque lock can slip

Overview

The TEKTON 24320 is a great value for your money because you don’t sacrifice durability or features for the price. It emits an audible click that you can feel and hear when you reach your preset torque settings. This prevents you from tightening your fastener too far and causing damage.

Although the ratchet head is reversible and drives in both directions, it only torques when you’re moving in a clockwise direction. This leaves room for errors, especially if you’re working in tight areas and need all of the flexibility you can get to complete your job.

Anyone who likes to do their own mechanical work can benefit from having the TEKTON 24320 in their toolbox and within easy reach. It comes backed by a reputable brand with an all-steel construction to minimize the number of parts that could break. The high-contrast scale is easy to read in all lighting conditions. Also, the broad 20 to 200 inch pounds of torque helps you keep all of your projects on track and on schedule.


3. EPAuto ST-013-1 1/4 Torque Wrench

  • Knurled handle gives you a non-slip surface to hold.
  • Has a broad 20 to 200 inch pound torque rating.
  • Storage case has foam molded to the wrench's shape.
  • Uses hardened Chrome Vanadium steel alloy for durability.
  • Pre-calibrated to be accurate out of the box to ± 4%.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty for home use
  • High accuracy
  • Case makes storage easy

Cons

  • Click is too quiet
  • Torque range lock can slip
  • Not shock-resistant

Overview

The EPAuto ST-013-1 is a great pick if you’re on a tight budget but need a dependable and simple torque wrench to help around the house. The durable ratchet head will survive multiple uses without failing, and it has a sleek satin finish that resists wear, tear, and scratching.

You will hear and feel a click when you reach your preset torque settings, but they’re both very subtle. If you’re working in a loud garage or working too fast, you can miss them and over tighten your fasteners. However, it’s loud enough for most home garages.

Any DIYer or gear head that likes working at home in the garage can benefit from having the EPAuto ST-013-1 on hand. It comes in a hard case with a foam molded interior that protects your ratchet when you store it. Backed by a reputable brand, the lifetime warranty removes any doubt you may have. The high contrast dual range scale ensures you can quickly get through your projects in any light.


4. TACKLIFE HTW4A 1/4 Drive Click Torque Wrench

  • Guaranteed to have a high calibration ratio due to passing DIN-ISO-6789 standards.
  • Ratchet head works in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
  • Durable rubber handle allows you to get a firm grip.
  • Has a 20 to 200 inch pound torque range.
  • Comes with an extension bar and an adapter.

Pros

  • Can feel the click through the grip
  • Hard sided case include
  • Accessories include

Cons

  • Feels too light
  • Bulky for tight area work
  • Adapter isn't durable

Overview

The TACKLIFE HTW4A is a mid-level 1/4 torque wrench that offers a lot of great features wrapped in a durable build for a decent price. The heavier design with metal construction make it a good buy. Additionally, it comes calibrated in accordance to international standards.

It is nice that the wrench allows you to work both clockwise and counterclockwise for added flexibility, but it only torques in the clockwise direction. When you combine this with the fact that it’s slightly bulkier, you understand why it’s difficult to work in tighter areas with it.

Anyone who likes to fix lightweight automobiles or bikes in their home should consider buying the TACKLIFE HTW4A. The hard sided case comes with a foam insert to cradle the wrench between uses. The accessories allow you to extend your reach and complete more projects without having to swap out tools, and it comes backed by a quality brand. If you have a few projects you’ve been meaning to get around to doing, let this torque wrench help you finish them.


5. GearWrench 85060 1/4 Torque Wrench

  • Think profile helps you gain access to tight spaces.
  • Offers a broad torque range of 30 to 200 inch pounds.
  • Has a torque accuracy of +/- 3% clockwise.
  • Pull adjustment collar makes setting your torque range easy.
  • Knurled anodized aluminum handle gives you a firm grip.

Pros

  • Scale markings are highly visible
  • Teardrop head design
  • Calibration accuracy good for 90 days

Cons

  • Scale numbers are very small
  • Clicking sound is hit and miss
  • Handle has play

Overview

The GearWrench 85060 is a slightly more expensive 1/4 torque wrench that offers a unique design and several quality features to help justify the price. It has a sealed teardrop head design that makes it relatively easy to work in tight spaces, and it has a thin profile.

You do get an ergonomic handle, but it has a little play in it. If the handle moves too much when you use it, it’ll cause your torque setting to slip. If this happens, you have to stop and reset it before you start working again.

Any part-time or amateur mechanic can benefit from having the GearWrench 85060 on hand. It comes backed by a well-known brand and many happy reviews. The pull adjustment collar allows you to make quick torque range changes while you work, and it clearly marks the midpoint on the handle to improve accuracy. If you have one or two smaller projects lined up, this torque wrench can help you complete them with minimal fuss or frustration.


Wrapping it up

When you start to compare 1/4 torque wrenches, you want to pay close attention to the construction, scale markings, and the accuracy levels. Since it’s going to work on lighter fasteners, you have to be able to hear when you reach your torque setting so you don’t shear off any parts. It should also have a broad torque range.

For these reasons, we chose the Capri Tools 31200 as our pick for the best 1/4 torque wrench. It comes with a calibration certification to ensure accuracy, and it feels good in the hand. The lightweight design is also small enough to fit into tight spaces with ease.

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About Jacob Hanson

Jacob is the Editor at Toolsfirst.com. He used to be the owner of a local construction company with over 20 years experience in the trade. He now enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools as well as publishing guides to help readers.

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