5 Best Inch Pound Torque Wrench Review in 2021

Inch-pound torque wrenches allow the users to make small adjustments at low increments.

With the best inch pound torque wrench, you can deliver a very specific small amount of torque, which is not possible with foot-pound ones.

If you have looked for such a wrench in the market, you already know that there are tons of models with different features, specs, and price tags.

Choosing the right one among them can be a bit confusing if this is the first time you are about to buy a torque wrench.

To make it easier for you, I have made a list of top 5 inch-pound wrenches, describing what they are good at and their flaws with a definitive buying guide.

Why Inch Pound Torque Wrenches?

Smaller fasteners don’t require a higher amount of torque to tighten them into place properly.

This is where inch-pound torque wrenches come beneficial. These wrenches can deliver friction of an inch-pound/ounce of torque force to fasteners.

Even though it deals with smaller torque amounts, there are vehicles, appliances, machinery that have smaller sized nuts and bolts that require precise torque control while fastening.

Fittings of hydraulic or gas lines, brake system bolts, hard drive cases’ screws are smaller in size but come with the manufacturer’s specific torquing instructions.

Overtightening these small fasteners will damage or break the threads, parts connected to the fasteners, and can wear the fastener itself. An inch-pound wrench prevents such an issue from happening.

Best Inch Pound Torque Wrench Review

The list includes wrenches of various types with good accuracy and well-built quality.

You will find a good inch pound torque wrench that meets your fastening requirements.

Tekton ¼ Inch Drive Torque Wrench 20-200 in-lbs.

The very first product on the list is from Tekton. It’s a ¼ inch mechanical torque wrench that is built to last.

Made of durable all-steel housing, this one can withstand whatever situation you throw upon it.

Unlike conventional wrenches, there is no plastic part in it that raises the chance of wearing or breaking.

This torque wrench ships with a pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–4%, which is the standard accuracy in mechanical wrenches.

You can drive the fasteners in both directions for convenience. However, it only measures in a clockwise direction.

There are high-contrast dual-range scales that you can work with. Its wide range of torque value distinguishes the wrench from others on the list.

You can adjust torque value between 20-200 in-lbs with 1 in-lb of increment. This allows you to set more precise torque for tightening various fasteners.

When you apply the torque, and it reaches the desired value, you will get a mechanical click response from it, telling you to stop forcing the fastener further.

Weaver Gunsmithing Torque Wrench

This torque wrench is ideal for tightening different fasteners of hunting guns, rifles, and firearms.

If you are looking for such a torque wrench primarily for adjusting nuts and bolts of firearms, it’s the best inch pound torque wrench for the money.

Made of the highest quality material, this screwdriver torque wrench can withstand your toughest hunting session with ease.

It has an ergonomic grip handle that prevents it from falling out of your hand accidentally.

You can conveniently adjust its torque setting from 15 to 80 in-lbs. Such amount of torque value is more than enough for fastening screws of guns, scopes, and related accessories.

It further ensures the wrench applies a constant and adequate torque that enhances your shooting experience as well as prevents damaging the threads.

The package includes several bits of different sizes that you can use for versatile applications.

This torque wrench got a magnetized tip on its drive that securely connects the bit.

When you are done applying the preset torque value, it will emit a solid click so that you don’t torque the fastener any further.

Related Guide: Torque Wrench Under $200

Neiko ¼ Inch Drive Adjustable Click Torque Wrench 20-200 Inch-Pound

There are only a few torque wrenches with both uncompromised durability as well as top-notch accuracy, and this one from Neiko is one of those.

All these come at an affordable price point, which makes it the best budget inch pound torque wrench on the list.

The wrench is made of high-grade heat-treated chrome vanadium steel. You will find it sturdy enough regardless of working conditions and fastening intensity.

Furthermore, the handlebar sports a diamond knurled texture, and it creates a non-slippery surface.

With pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–4%, this wrench ensures you don’t overtighten, stress, break any part associated with the fastener, including the thread.

You can conveniently torque in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Its 20-200 in-lbs of torque range allows you to tighten fasteners of versatile applications.

You can deal with fasteners that require lower torque settings as well as ones that need higher torque to fasten adequately.

Whether you want a wrench primarily for quick fixing your motorbike, bicycle, or even car engine, the wrench can effectively handle such tasks.

It emits a click response when the preset torque amount is applied. There are engraved dual-range scales for convenience.

Capri Tools 31200 20-150 Inch Pound Industrial Torque Wrench ¼ Inch Drive

Made of premium high-quality components, this one checks pretty much all aspects of being the top rated inch pound torque wrench on the list.

The accuracy, build quality, and useful features of this wrench will easily grab your attention.

This torque wrench is built to withstand industrial toughness. The entire housing of the wrench is made of 100% steel material.

Due to its premium knurled handle, you will find the non-slip grip comfortable in hand.

With its +/–3% of pre-calibrated accuracy in the clockwise direction, this tool precisely handles most fastening jobs with ease.

Even if you are about to use it on sensitive fasteners, you have no reason to worry about breaking or damaging the thread and fastener.

You can conveniently adjust torque settings within 20-150 in-lbs. And the accuracy is much better within its 30-90% of range capacity.

Its higher leverage greatly contributes to the high accuracy at higher torque settings.

After you apply the exact amount of torque, you will hear and feel a clicky feedback. The manufacturer assures you about its calibration till it reaches 5,000 cycles or one year of usage.

CDI ⅜ Inch Drive Adjustable Micrometer Industrial Torque Wrench 30-250 Inch-Pounds

Even though this last torque wrench on the list costs a bit more than others, it’s worth spending the money considering what it has to offer. In terms of accuracy, this is one of the best torque wrenches on the list.

The manufacturer ships the tool with a pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–3%, which is much more accurate than conventional mechanical torque wrenches.

This can even compete with digital wrenches on accuracy. This wrench measures torque in both directions.

However, the accuracy is slightly less in a counterclockwise direction. Adjusting torque on this wrench is relatively easier and straightforward.

It features easy to read scales that can deliver torque of 30 to 250 inch-pounds to smaller and mid-sized fasteners.

For fast and convenience socket retention, this one also features a quick-release button. There is a positive lock spring that locks the torque setting for applying repeatedly.

The house of this wrench got all-steel construction. Also, its ergonomic handle feels great on hand while preventing it from accidental falls.

So, if you are looking for a durable entry-level torque wrench for professional use, you should get this one as it can withstand the fastening intensity of your repair shop with ease.

What to Look for Before Buying?

There are some functions and characteristics that make torque wrenches worth considering. Be sure to check these before you buy one.

Accuracy

The standard accuracy of mechanical torque wrenches is about +/–4% in the clockwise direction. This accuracy rating is pretty much enough for most fastening jobs.

However, if you want a more accurate torque wrench, then go for one that comes with a +/–3% accuracy rate.

In the counterclockwise direction, the accuracy is quite less in pretty much all wrenches. The rate is reduced by +/–2% more or less on every model.

Torque Range

Inch-pound torque wrenches come with a torque range that starts from as little as 20 in-lbs and goes up to 250 in-lbs. Here you need to consider the type of fasteners you mostly deal with.

Be sure to get the manufacturer’s instructions for applying torque, then find a suitable one that offers that specific torque value.

Make sure the torque amount is within the 20-80% of the wrench’s total capability. Some models mention this accuracy range, within which the accuracy comes much better.

Build

Torque wrenches are primarily made of all-steel, hardened steel alloy, heat-treated steel materials.

All these materials are sturdy enough to handle tough working conditions. However, hardened steel alloy has the upper hand over others due to its extremely durable properties and lightweight construction.

You need to also consider the material on the handle as well. Some wrenches come with an ergonomic handle, which provides the utmost grip so that you don’t accidentally drop the tool on the ground.

The diamond knurled textured handlebar also provides a good grip and makes it comfortable to hold in hand.

Reversible Head

There are some situations when you cannot torque the fastener properly in the clockwise direction. In such cases, a reversible torque wrench allows you to do it counterclockwise too, which comes handy to deal with versatile fasteners.

Therefore, make sure the wrench you want to get, drives fasteners in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions for convenient torquing.

Scales

Most in-lb torque wrenches also include the Newton-meter scale for the user to deal with fasteners that come with specific Nm torque settings.

Be sure to check whether these scales are printed or engraved on the wrench. Printed ones get erased too soon. Therefore, always go for one that has engraved scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Hopefully, finding the best inch pound torque wrench wasn’t that hard after you went through the reviews and buying guide.

Consider calibrating your wrench as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep its accuracy to an optimal level.