When we think of torque wrenches, we usually think of those that measure torque on a foot-pound scale. These torque wrenches generally have a range between 20 to 200 ft-lbs. However, if you do a lot of detailing work, you’ll probably need to tighten bolts under 20 ft-lbs. Investing in an inch-pound torque wrench would then become a necessity.
They are ideal for precisely tightening small scale fasteners to the lowest end of the spectrum. Regular torque wrenches cannot simply measure torque that low. And if you take your work seriously, you must seek for the best inch pound torque wrench to have in your disposal. And this guide is going to help you out in this regard. Based on the performance and price, we’ve shortlisted the best inch-pound torque wrenches from hundreds of options on the market. And the list looks like this:
- LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench (1/4 inch drive) – Our Winner
- GEARWRENCH Micrometer Torque Wrench (1/4 inch drive) – Known for Its Accuracy
- TEKTON 24320 Click Torque Wrench (1/4 inch drive) – Durability is Unparalleled
- NEIKO 03714A Adjustable Click Torque Wrench (1/4 inch drive) – Best Under A Budget
- Performance Tool M197 Click Torque Wrench – Best ⅜ Inch Drive Option
- Capri Tools 31007 Inch Pound Torque Wrench (1/4 inch drive) – Best ASME & ISO Tested Model
- ARES 70213 Beam Torque Wrench – Best Beam Style In/Lb Option
We’re going to analyze each of the torque wrenches in detail below. However, if you ask which one deserves the best attention, we will stick to our winner LEXIVON ¼ Inch Drive Torque Wrench. Scroll down to the main section and you’ll know why.
Our Findings on the Best Inch Pound Torque Wrenches
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench (1/4-Inch Drive)
Starting with the LEXIVON LX-181 Torque Wrench, the black color finish immediately drew our attention. Its yellow printed scale pops out nicely, and we had no difficulty reading it even in low light.
We tested the torque wrench on a few occasions also for road bikes and mountain bikes and it delivered reasonably accurate results every time. For road bikes, proper torque on delicate components like handlebars and brake/shifter mounts is crucial. This wrench allows precise tightening so parts are secure but not overtightened.
On mountain bikes, this durable torque wrench would help ensure suspension pivots, disk brakes, and axles are tightened to specs to handle impacts from trails. As a proof of quality it comes with a calibration certificate and individualized serial number.
With a wide range capacity of 20 to 200 inch-pounds, LEXIVON LX-181 torque wrench is suitable for industrial use. It has a durable metal construction with no plastic parts and comes in a sturdy carry case, making it easier to store.
We also like that the wrench is able to measure torque in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. As a result, you can use it on both regular and reverse type fasteners with less hassle. Its rotating handle is smooth and designed to prevent hand fatigue.
Our only complaint is that the click sound is a little subdued. However, as a contender for best inch pound torque wrench this is definitely 8 out of 10.
What We Liked?
- Has a calibration certificate
- Durable for lightweight industrial applications
- Features a sleek design. Scale is visible in darker condition
- Provides storage facility in a sturdy carry case
What Can Be Improved?
- Click sound at lower torque is low
GEARWRENCH Micrometer Torque Wrench (1/4-Inch Drive)
LEXIVON LX-181 is going back to back with this Micrometer Torque Wrench.
But this is a Gearwrench tool, and the quality is much higher than other inch-pound torque wrenches we’ve encountered. And guess what? Quality costs money. If you want the best, be prepared to spend more.
This tool’s operating torque is between 30 to 200 in-lbs and the accuracy is within 3%. With this range this torque wrench is designed to handle high-precision parts on your bike and car, extending the life of those components.
The 1/4-inch drive wrench has a pull adjustment collar for quick changes in torque settings. Its slim profile, combined with a head that flexes up to 30°, makes it ideal for working in small spaces. Also, it weighs only 1.19 pounds, which reduces the likelihood of hand fatigue.
The knurled anodized aluminum handle fits comfortably in the hand. The scale is however somewhat difficult to see in low lights.
What We Liked?
- It’s a high quality torque wrench tool.
- 3% accuracy rate between 20% and 100% of wrench capability
- Slim, flex head design allows for more detailing works
- Lightweight plus knurled handle reduce hand fatigue
What Can Be Improved?
- Only 90 days of calibration guarantee.
TEKTON 24320 Click Torque Wrench (1/4-Inch Drive)
TEKTON 24320 is a rugged, powerful torque wrench that lets you tackle any tasks requiring low torque values. Whether it’s intake manifolds, throttle bodies, rocker shafts, valve covers, or spark plugs, especially for dirt bike the fit and finish of this torque wrench is perfect for all those nuts and bolts.
From dual scale to ratcheting head, it has everything you could want in an advanced torque wrench. The scale is printed in both inch-pound and newton-meter units, allowing you to measure torque in standard and metric systems depending on your needs.
Furthermore, it accommodates seamless right and left hand operation. It is pre-calibrated and you can confidently tighten all small type fasteners ranging from 20 to 200 in-lbs.
Many customers also praised the torque wrench’s all-steel construction, which allowed it to last for years. However, we discovered that the wrench is slightly inaccurate at the lower end of its range.
Otherwise, the click alert is spot on, you can hear and feel it clearly. The plastic storage case is a nice addition. The high contrast scale doesn’t hurt either.
What We Liked?
- High quality all steel construction. Fairly priced.
- Ratcheting head provides versatile capability
- Measures torque in both standard and metric system
- Regardless of the torque range click sound is clear
What Can be Improved?
- Less accurate when set to lower torque
NEIKO 03714A Adjustable Click Torque Wrench (1/4- Inch Drive)
NEIKO 03714A is another torque wrench that deserves your consideration. We’ve tested a few cheap torque wrenches as well as some that aren’t, and this one is by far the best.
With a ¼ drive head, the wrench is well suited for light-duty applications around bikes, motorcycles, boats, and trucks. It is lightweight and has a reversible ratchet head that can drive in both directions. If you ever need to tighten a fastener with a left-hand thread this will come in handy.
Because it meets SAE standards, the accuracy (+/-4%) this torque wrench provides is hard to argue with. Given the lower-than-average price, we can’t get too excited about its durability, but we’ve noticed a lot of hobbyists rave about how well the wrench holds up over the years.
To prevent over-tightening, NEIKO torque wrenches have a locking mechanism at the base. For added peace of mind, the scale is laser engraved into the body, and we found it relatively easy to read. In addition, when the time comes, the knurled handle lets you easily deal with stubborn nuts and bolts.
What We Liked?
- Can be used on both regular and reverse type fasteners
- High tooth count ratchet head geared for tight situation
- Easy twist dial torque setting and locking mechanism
- Comes with sturdy plastic case for convenient storage
What Can be Improved?
- Bulky. Not intended for tight space operation.
Performance Tool M197 Click Torque Wrench (3/8-Inch Drive)
⅜ inch drive is the smallest among torque wrenches and works best for fixing lightweight trucks and small engines. And if you are looking for one that features an inch-pound scale Performance Tool M197 Click Torque Wrench will be the right pick.
This tool has got all the perks you expect to have in a high-quality torque wrench but the ease of using this tool beats the competition. It allows you to lock your desired torque with a slight turn on the adjusting collar and unlock it with a reverse move when you are done. Even a novice can get used to it in no time.
We had no trouble gripping its handle while fixing multiple spark plugs to the correct specifications. The overall length (14-inch) is adequate and provides decent leverage.
The torque wrench is fairly accurate within its range (30 to 250 in/lbs). The high-grade spring steel and 41-tooth sprocket head ensure greater torque power.
Words of caution: Don’t use the Performance Tool M197 Torque Wrench as a breaker bar; it’s a precision torque tool for your weekend auto projects. Remember to lower the torque setting after use. It will continue to produce good results for many years.
What We Liked?
- Simple, easy to use features
- Long shaft ensures greater power with less effort
- Torque accuracy is shown as promised
- Offers a relatively wide torque range
What Can be Improved?
- Given the asking price a storage box should be included.
Capri Tools 31007 Inch Pound Torque Wrench (1/4-Inch Drive)
Capri Tool 31007 is another inch-pound torque wrench that we think is worth considering.
Calibrated and tested using ASME and ISO standards with traceable serial numbers, this torque wrench is designed to produce consistently accurate results. Its precisely constructed CNC metal components exceed our expectations in all aspects.
Apart from inch-pounds, you may need to set and measure torque in metric systems, and this torque wrench lets you do that with its Newton meter scale. The laser-engraved scale is clearly visible even under the hood of your car.
Thanks to the textured, knurled handle, the wrench offer maximum grip. This also makes it easier to access bolts and nuts in hard to reach places.
One issue we discovered is that at lower torque settings, the wrench makes a very gentle click sound. However, at that range, you can click the wrench head with your bare hands. Make sure to practice beforehand to get a feel for it.
What We Liked?
- Perfect for all low torque nuts and bolts
- Meets all relevant standards. NIST Traceable Certificate.
- Aesthetic appealing and rugged construction
- Handy for torquing hard-to-reach bolts.
What Can be Improved?
- No socket release button.
ARES 70213 Beam Torque Wrench (1/4-inch Drive)
Despite knowing that clicker and digital torque wrenches are so convenient, there is a reason we chose a beam torque wrench to feature in our list.
This type of torque wrenches can handle smaller scale fasteners that require low torque, so low that a click or digital torque wrench would normally be unable to accurately measure them.
Also because there are no settings to play with and no alert system, beam torque wrenches require its user to be more attentive when applying force. The user needs to observe the scale until it points to the desired setting. This in turn can help novices hone their skills and develop a feel for fastener torque.
Since the Ares 1/4-Inch Drive is a Deflecting Beam Torque Wrench it has no wearing parts, which means that the tool will not lose its accuracy frequently. It has a dual-range scale for measuring torque in standard and metric units (i.e. inch-pounds and newton-meters), helping you avoid confusion on the job.
It applies torque accurately from 0 to 80 in-lbs and 0 to 9 Nm at 2.5 in-lbs and 0.25 Nm increments, respectively. The SAE sized engraved markings are legible and will not fade throughout the lifetime. The downside is that there is no storage case for such a precision tool. No calibration certification is included either.
What We Liked?
- Can tighten bolts at the lowest torque value accurately
- Shows reading in both in-lb and N-m scale
- Scale markings are engraved and scratch proof
- Design allows both CW and CCW use
What Can be Improved?
- No calibration certificate and no storage box.
Choosing an Inch Pound Torque Wrench: Buying Guide
When choosing an inch-pound torque wrench some considerations must be made in order for your purchase to be worthwhile. Take a look at the tips below to learn those things before you regret it.
Build Quality
To withstand impacts and rigorous use, the torque wrench you choose should be made of durable steel. To be able to set the value accurately the handle, in particular, needs to be sturdy and not sloppy.
Accuracy
Try to go for a torque wrench that offers an ISO 6789 calibration certificate with the package. Torque wrench that mentions 3% accuracy is best, if not possible stick to 4% at least. This is the amount of deviation possible at different values. Don’t forget to re-calibrate your wrench at least once in a calendar year for optimal results.
Drive Size
1/4 inch drive size is most common for inch-pound torque wrenches, but you could find some offering 3/8 inch. 1/4 inch is ideal for a wide range of components and vehicle parts. However, both are fine when you know which type of work you need to use the torque wrench for. With the help of an adapter, you can also choose to use 3/8 inch on a 1/4-inch drive wrench.
Check Out: Best 1/4 inch Torque Wrench Model for bike
Torque Range
Like foot-pounds, inch-pound torque wrenches come in a variety of torque ranges. There is no right or wrong range to choose from, it all depends on your specific requirements. However, there is one thing to keep in mind. Most mechanical torque wrenches are less accurate at the lower end of their range. If you need a torque wrench to measure 50 in-lbs, choose one with a torque range of 20 to 200 in-lbs rather than 50 to 200 in-lbs.
FAQs About Inch Pound Torque Wrench
How To Convert Inch Pounds To Foot Pounds?
Converting inch pounds to foot pounds is a simple process. Simply divide the inch-pound number by 12 to get the answer. Do the other way around, i.e., multiply the foot-pound by 12 and you’ll convert it to the inch-pound number.
Can You Use An Inch Pound Torque Wrench For Foot-Pounds?
In terms of application, both an inch-pound and a foot-pound torque wrench are similar. And feet after all are made of inches and this may lead you to wonder, “Do I really need to buy another tool that does the same thing?” “Isn’t it possible to simply multiply by 12 and use my inch-pound torque wrench for foot pound?”
Well, when you can definitely do the math’s right, and convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds when it comes to torque wrenches this ‘work-around’ torque method is usually discouraged. Simply put, you won’t get the same level of precision which might be less important in some cases, but if you need to be precise, don’t mess with it.
How To Read An Inch Pound Torque Wrench?
Assume you want to set the inch-pound torque wrench to 110. To begin, you’ll need to align the micrometer scale with the main scale. Lower and press the collar down while simultaneously turning the knurled handle. Do this until the top edge of the multimeter scale horizontally meets the ‘100’ mark on the main scale. At the same time, it must be vertically centered with ‘0’ mark on the main scale.
To increase torque from 100 to 110, turn the micrometer handle clockwise until the center of the top row intersects ’10’ on the main scale vertically.
Final Words
If you deal with a lot of low torque nuts and bolts, an inch-pound torque wrench will save you time and effort by combining performance and ease of use. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have gained valuable insight into the best inch pound torque wrenches and are able to choose your preferred option. Have a great day!
