Are you looking for the best inch-pound torque wrenches? You’re in the right place.
How often have you been left stranded on the highway struggling to unbolt a flat tire or install a new one?
Innumerable motorists are left cursing their torque wrenches when they fail to tighten or loosen the nuts and bolts on the vehicle’s tires. But as a matter of fact, they should be cursing themselves for having chosen the improper tool.
If you’ve ever used a torque wrench, you know it is a precision tool that comes in handy for gauging the exact torque to be applied on a bolt or nut for loosening or tightening it effortlessly. However, for proper clamping or assembling automotive parts, we must apply the right level of force or torque. And that is when you indispensably need an inch-pound torque wrench.
While working on the nuts, screws, and bolts, and all other kinds of fasteners, you should avoid over-tautening or under-tightening them at all costs for safety reasons. A quality torque wrench lets you work out the accurate torque to be applied on a fastener. So, what are the four best inch-pound torque wrenches that offer you the best returns on your investment?
Best Inch-Pound Torque Wrenches – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Performance Tool M195 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Tekton 24335 | Check Price |
| Capri Tools 31200 | Check Price |
 | GearWrench 85077 | Check Price |
Performance Tool M195 Torque Wrench (Editor’s Choice)
The M195 0-80 in/lb & 0-7 Newton-meter Beam Style Torque Wrench from Performance Tools is one of the best inch-pound torque wrenches you can go for. It comes with a tapering steel beam, which gives accurate readings every time and is highly resistant to bending or deforming.
The measurements are graded in metric and SI (SAE approved standard international units) units, making it easy for you to convert one another and vice versa.
Consistent accuracy in readings is guaranteed as this deflection-beam type torque wrench resists fatigue or normal wear and tear throughout the product life-cycle. Accuracy is steady up to 60inch/lbs, and measurements are always precise, regardless of whether you calculate clockwise or anticlockwise. In addition, you can see the scale readings, even in low light, because of the perfect contrast.
This inch-pound torque wrench is resistant to corrosion as well. The product has a wide range of applications, including gunsmithing, rear differential, pinion bearing preloads, and much more.
Pros
- The analog-based reading scale displays precise readings.
- Deflection-style steel spring beam: extended functional life
- Dual range: inches and pounds
- Increments in 0-80 inches/lbs
- Ball-styled handle focuses force, thereby ascertaining the accuracy.
- Corrosion and fatigue resistant
- A comprehensive range of applications
Cons
- Some users have complained that readings are inaccurate
- The pointer or needle does not always rest on zero
TEKTON 24335 Drive Click Torque Wrench
The TEKTON 24335 ½-inches Drive Click Torque Wrench is easily one of the most versatile torque wrenches available presently. All guesswork is done away with when you hear a click to achieve your preset value. Likewise, you can instantly stop if you don’t hear the click.
The calibration accuracy rate varies from -4% to+4%, so can you rest assured that you’re tightening the fasteners precisely as per the manufacturer’s specifications. So, chances of stressed, poorly-secured, or broken cogs are wholly eliminated. In addition, the dual-range scale has high contrast, enabling you to read displays in low light or semi-dark conditions.
The entire torque wrench has been constructed out of solid steel, which guarantees that it’ll continue to function without breaking or suffering wear and tear for years to come.
Pros
- Click-type mechanical wrench assures perfect torque application.
- Calibration efficiency rate is 4% -/+: ensures tightening to the right degree.
- The wrench is easy to use: ratcheting head turns fasteners both ways.
- Torque measured clockwise
- Dual range: Foot pounds and Newton meter
- Storage case for protecting the wrench
- Instruction manual with torque reading conversion chart included
Cons
- Not ideal for torqueing smaller sized bolts and screws
Capri Tools 31200 20-150 Inch Pound Industrial Torque Wrench
Do not look beyond the Capri Tools 31200 20-150 pound industrial torque wrench ¼” drive if you mostly torque bolts and nuts with reverse threading.
Every component has been fabricated using CNC machining, making it ideal for registering accurate torque readings every time. The calibration is in both directions, and the accuracy varies from 3%-5% (+/-)
The accuracy for readings is maintained for at least 10,000 cycles when measured at full torque capacity. You know that your torque setting has been attained when you hear the click, which is distinctly audible.
This torque wrench fully satisfies the torque calibrating standards fixed by ASME and DIN. So, you can bank on this torquing tool without any second thoughts.
Pros
- Best torque wrench that works perfectly with fasteners having reverse threads
- ¼ drive increments for precise measurements
- Very high accuracy rate–/+3% (clockwise) and -/+ 5% (counterclockwise)
- Using CNC machines, parts and components are shaped out: accurate readings are guaranteed.
- Fully lubricated parts ensure that the wrench keeps on working smoothly in the long run.
- State-of-the-art internal mechanisms guarantee seamless functioning.
- The wrench has been framed out of industrial-grade steel, ensuring longevity.
- The fine serrations on the handle make for a firmer grip.
- The dual range scale (Nm and foot-pound) offers precise readings.
- ASME and DIN approved
Cons
- The only downside about this wrench is that it’s a bit expensive (which is not a technical or mechanical loophole.
GearWrench 85077 1/2” Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
If you have a penchant for digital tools and gears, then the GearWrench 85077 1/2” Drive Electronic Torque Wrench is your best bet.
Since it tracks torque settings using the digital mode, you can be assured of faultless readings. And you’re alerted in numerous ways when you hit the preset torque-the handle throbs, LED light glows displaying the reading, and the buzzer goes off.
So, you can never go wrong when it comes to applying the right degree of force to nuts, bolts, screws, and other sorts of fasteners. It is a digital wrench with a 1/2 –inch drive that can accurately measure torques for loads over 200lbs. The handle has been constructed out of supple yet tough material, offering you a firm yet comfortable grip.
On the other hand, the torque wrench’s body has been made out of premium quality steel, imparting incredible hardiness to the tool.
Pros
- Versatile torque wrench for presetting torque digitally: accurate readings
- Multiple alerts if and when stipulated torque is attained
- You can set it up quickly.
- Ease of use
- Hardy construction
- Quick conversion of readings to and from Nm, inlb, and ftlb
Cons
- You need to buy batteries separately.
- You can set up batteries only in a parallel format that could lead to problems later.
How to Pick the Best Inch Pound Torque Wrench
You’ll come across mainly three types of inch-pound torque wrenches in the market; deflection-beam (with analog scale), click-type micrometer, dial-type, torque-angle, digital, and detachable-head wrenches.
Every type has its advantages and drawbacks, though torque wrenches with click functionality are the most popular. Regardless of the type of torque wrench you finally choose, take into account the following considerations before coming to a buying decision:
Accuracy
It is perhaps the most critical factor you should consider while selecting a product. The more acceptable the accuracy rating, the better the chances of attaining the preset torque. For instance, if you go for a wrench with an accuracy rating of 5% (+/-), then it’ll signal (either via a LED light or audible click) the moment a torque of 14.5Nm-15.5Nm is reached when the preset value is 15Nm. On the other hand, if the error margin is too high (far removed from the present value), then you’re jeopardizing your safety.
Construction Material
The real wrench should be produced out of sturdy materials to continue functioning efficiently for an extended period, withstanding wear and tear.
Square Drive
Torque wrenches find applications across a wide gamut of industries, including automotive, defense, fertilizers, heavy engineering, aeronautics, and so on. These wrenches have square drive of varying capacities and size ranges. The ones designed for day-to-day use have a 3/8 or 1/4 square drive with a torque measurement capacity ranging from 30inch/lbs to 200inch/lbs.
Always pick a wrench whose square drive capacity is apposite for the tasks you wish to carry out.
Certification
The accuracy of top-notch inch-pound torque wrenches is usually approved by one or more calibration certificates valid for a specific period. Check the following aspects in a calibration document:
- Calibration date
- Ambient temperature
- Reading units (SI or metric)
- Accuracy range
- The calibration setting of the product
- Model number
- Serial number
- Storage Case. The pound torque wrenches are delivered in a robust case that secures the tool and keeps its accuracy intact. If the product you order does not come with a box or container, make sure you buy one.
So, What Is the Best Inch Pound Torque Wrench?
So there you have it – the four best inch-pound torque wrenches. One of these is a deflection-beam type wrench (Performance Tools), two are click-type (TEKTON and Capri Tools), while the tool reviewed last is digital (GearWrench).
If you’re the old school type, you can safely choose the Performance Tool model, which costs less than $25.00. However, it does not come in a box, so you’d have to purchase a case for safekeeping it.
If hearing a clicking sound (when actual torque is reached) seems reassuring to you, then you can choose either the TEKTON or Capri Tools torque wrench. And the GearWrench is perfect for the doubting Thomas that needs to be reassured in multiple ways of achieving the desired torque.