The Best Budget 1/4 Torque Wrench?

[@gdl357g]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for taking the time to professionally test these lesser expensive torque wrenches. Not everyone can afford Snap-Off.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem, Glad it helped!

[@spicytony8555]

Recently picked up the lexivon one. Liked how it is easy to read. Also big fan of the spreadsheets!

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice!, yeah I wish more manufactures made easy to read torque wrench's. Glad to hear you found the spreadsheets useful!

[@bbo1779]

I bought the Lexivon LX-181 wrench due to this video. I used it to torque new spark plugs to 13 ft lbs (156 in lbs). I have a 3/8 Craftsman Digi-torque wrench that I purchased in 1982 (5-75 ft lbs). The Craftsman has never been calibrated and it was surprisingly close to the Levivon at the low torques. That being said, I trusted the new wrench over the American made Craftsman. Thanks for great videos.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Glad you found it helpful!

[@eosjoe565]

I have a Tekton TRQ21101 (10-150 in-lb) that I paid $42 four years ago. Current price is $59. It checks within 0.1 Nm on a calibration meter. I already have 3/8 and 1/2-inch torque wrenches and needed a 1/4-inch drive unit that went down to very low torque for fasteners too small for my 3/8 wrench. The padded case is only 2-1/2 x 9-1/2 inches so it is very compact.

[@Tools-Tested]

Its on my list, yeah the size of these case's is a big waste of space.

[@ianloyd6384]

I was hoping to see that model on there too. Been eyeing it for a few months now, but I have a 1/4” husky in the meantime, while I can see /find some test data, ( Aw 1/4” torque fasteners are not too common for my personal needs.)

[@waraysangkaymechanic2054]

Best demo ive ever seen. more power to you

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@2967575]

thank god I found your channel in time i was about to buy me a torque wrench this month

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad I could help!

[@toyotatundra0455]

Your channel and the TTC have shown me that some of HF tools are a good choice for the DIY. I wished I've seen your videos on the Quinn torque converters before a purchased the Kobalt and Craftsman torque wrenches. Thanks.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I'm honestly surprised, hoping to batch test the Pittsburgh when they go on sale again. Lol yeah the Quinns are accurate as well, the Kobalt and Craftsman performed very good.

[@Berk-lf6ge]

@@Tools-TestedUnfortunately these test results are only true for the specific tools you received.

[@irasmith2208]

Got the Lexivon so far so good!

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice!

[@GNX157]

I have a 1/4 drive torque wrench I use on my carbon fiber bicycle. It goes from 3 nm up to about 25 nm. Most of my torques are between 5 and 15. I always set it and then get it “warmed up” by clicking it a few times on another bigger fastener first, before using it on the intended fastener.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting I didn't know Norbar is owned by Snap On now, thanks for the info.

[@GNX157]

@@Tools-Tested Huh? I didn’t say anything about Norbar. I don’t even know what that is.

[@jahaxer]

@@GNX157 possibility he was trying to reply to someone else. do you happen to know what brand torque wrench you use?

[@GNX157]

@@jahaxer Venzo VPT. It’s nothing special, made in Taiwan. In reading lots of comments on small click-type models, some say they’ve broken fasteners on first use. A lot recommended the “warm up” I mentioned, so that’s what I do and haven’t had a problem. Lots of the fasteners I tighten are very low torque (5-7nm) (max on tool being about 25nm), and the click you feel on some models is very light. There no room for error as I’m working with an almost all carbon fiber bicycle.

[@mixocg]

thank you brother for the video, I picked the Lexivon for my valve cover gasket, yellow on black is very easy to read.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Yeah the all chrome ones are very hard to see, specially in 1/4.

[@kevinclark7773]

Great video, strait to the point and no bs. I appreciate the spreadsheets.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@alfredbernal8603]

Thank you for the video Friend. I am in the market for a 1/4" torque wrench and your video helps!

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Glad it helped.

[@stco2426]

Agree. Really like your work. Great content and well put together with the necessary caveats at the low end of the scale. Thanks for expanding my knowledge!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad to hear you found it useful.

[@kimchee94112]

No luck with Pittsburgh 1/2", 3/8" or 1/4", all broken within a few weeks. I have a Harbor Freight 1/2" digital, very nice the first five years then it stopped working. They don't have it anymore. Maybe just bad luck . I like my 1/2" Kobalt and 3/8" Craftsman, looking for a 1/4". Kobalt only go down to 50 in-lb, maybe a 10-150 in-lb TEKON. I once had a 1/4" analog dial Snap On, that was a sweet torque wrench. First time viewer, nice comprehensive breakdown.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting, Pittsburg's have worked well for me, but I'm going to do a batch test sooner or later on them. Sounds like you could have my luck lol. I will be testing more 1/4 in the middle price range for 50-200in lbs. Anything under 50 you might look at using a torquing screwdriver. Thanks!

[@jaseswinconos]

Yeah personally I don't mind spending the extra 20-30 bucks to make sure I have a halfway decent wrench that isn't going to fail and sheer a bolt lol. I would like to keep my bolt extractors in lightly used condition 😂😂😂

[@engineersintravel4377]

really like your work, precise data bundle, it deserves all the hype

[@Tools-Tested]

Much appreciated!

[@fitch8363]

Thanks for another excellent test. I have the Pittsburg. Mine isn't nearly as accurate as yours, and the click action makes it very hard to use under a 100 inch pounds as you mentioned.. It's unusable in low low part of its range. I have a Snap-On 40 to 200 inch pound wrench I bought 30 years ago. It's still accurate and has an excellent crisp click. In the low torque ranges you might look at bicycle torque wrenches. Apparently at least some if not most of the carbon fiber bicycles have torque specifications printed right next to the fastener on the bicycle frame. For work on Chainsaws and some parts of an ATV, as well as the carbon fiber frame bicycles, it's really handy to have a torque wrench that's calibrated in Nm. All of the bike wrenches I looked at had Nm as their primary setting scale. I bought a Vibrelli 1/4 inch drive that has a range of 2 to 20 Nm and comes with a set of bits selected for bicycle use. The case has room for a 1/4 - 3/8" adaptor and a T27 Torah bit which is used all over the place on Stihl Chainsaws. Near as I can tell, it's within specification and works very well for low torque applications. There are a lot of Bike Torque wrenches on Amazon and KZbin but I've not seen anyone do a test of the quality you do. Perhaps some day you might take a look at them?

[@Tools-Tested]

No Problem! Yep in all reality they should be labeled 100-200, they are accurate under 100 but its not easy to notice when they click. Click seems to be more crisp on the made in Taiwan wrench's. Yeah I noticed a ton of bike torque wrenches on amazon, I will have to check the Vibrelli out. I defiantly plan on doing lower torque rated wrenches/screwdrivers, the small tester will do 1.25-50 in lbs. Also probably a mid and high cost 1/4's in this range.

[@capone_rd_809]

You're comparing Kobe beef to a 2 dollar steak, of course snap on is going to outperform

[@johnpenwell6402]

I’m honestly shocked at how well the Pittsburghs have done in your testing across the board. Not the best but for $12 on sale I’d say pretty damn impressive for something I think most (myself included) would be quick to write off as junk. I wish more companies did what EPAuto, lexivon, and Tekton do by making the numbers readable. You see that even on higher end wrenches, the chromed over cut numbering is a pain to read. Also that’s a good discussion point about technique at the end especially with these lower torque wrenches.

[@brandonb8103]

I have the 3/8 lexivon.. my biggest concern is that it looks like the scale is just painted on.. so I think with hard use it could potentially rub off over time. I don't use mine very often so I'm not sure.

[@vanman3752]

The cheap HF may be pretty good until it isn't and you have to fix a broken bolt in a CDI head. Then you will wish you spent a little more up front and not have to spend hundreds in the end.

[@KyleRepinski]

​@@vanman3752 if you cant tell when you're going to break a bolt regardless of what the torque wrench is telling you you don't belong near a cylinder head in the first place

[@vanman3752]

@@KyleRepinski I'm not a psychic that's why I use a good torque wrench.

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

​​@@KyleRepinskiWith using a 3/8 HF torque wrench, I've broken a bolt many times below the required torque on the manual. It won't click so I kept going with anxiety. That's why I use a digital torque wrench now. I can tell if it's slipping below the torque setting.

[@RobHTech]

Don't forget too that the Lexivon, and maybe others, can be adjusted on your own. Just remove the end and adjust the screw inside up or down then reassemble.

[@eastbay40386]

I used a Harbor FREIGHT one. Felt it not accurate. You video show that I might have turn the wrench too quickly. Great video😊

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yeah unlike the larger torque wrench’s, it seem a slow pull of the wrench is key with 1/4’s. Glad it was helpful!

[@JBridgetMcCurry]

Cool. I ordered the Lexivon just yesterday after having the top bolt come out on my brake caliper. That won't be happening again.

[@SC-iv6cc]

Thanks for your video Noticed that Precisebuilt is the only brand that is green in all your test results. I'll give Precisebuilt torque wrenches a try.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@brent2989]

Fantastic breakdown! Well done!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@cynic777]

Excellent detailed test thank you!

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@GibsonLP07]

Awesome video! I needed a good inch-pounds torque wrench to seal up the primary cover on my Harley. The engine is rigid mounted to I have to check the bolts regularly. I'm going with the Tekton personally. Thanks for the data!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yeah the tekton and Capri seemed to be the highest quality. No problem!

[@m3talc0re]

This is why I am here. Except he didn't test below 50 in-lbs. M8 primary cover screws are 25-35 in-lbs and the Pittsburgh 1/4 torque wrench just feels like absolute mush. You can't tell if the damn thing clicked or just slopped around from being so low.

[@ironvoice5079]

Great video, I was kind of afraid the HB torque was going to be complete garbage but it seems to be great value for the money.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@WaterBearOfficial]

I had to check my 1/4 Pittsburgh torque wrench- and it is for sure made in China. My 3/4 and 1/2 inch are made in Taiwan. For the dollar, theyre hard to beat.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep they really are.

[@ididitok9007]

Surprising results for Pittsburgh tools but good quick buy if your in a pinch and want one for a single job. All their torque wrenches have passed . Crazy considering the price

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep its insane! I have walked by them in the store and laughed, no way those are accurate.

[@jsc3417]

@@Tools-Tested Are you going to laugh at them now?

[@Tools-Tested]

@@jsc3417 nope

[@gplarry]

hold your hand on the handle where it breaks and clicks. you can feel the click when it breaks even when you cant hear it.

[@skip741x3]

I just grabbed a pitsburg 1/4 for doing valve cover bolts...I also have the 3/8 and 1/2 versions... one thing in common with all their models is that the clicks are not pronounced, usually soft and in the case of the 1/4 , its almost inaudible at low settings but you can feel the break point....Alot of bad reviews for this brand have come from ham fisted, unaware souls who were wanting a loud click to let them know and instead kept on torquing past the break point till a bolt sheared...as long as they are reasonably accurate, I can forgive them not being loud..LOL they do have a rough feel as far as the rotation and machining finish...adding alittle oil into the handle makes the rotation abit smoother... my other gripe is the scale etching is pretty awful ,making seeing the numbers a real chore... not much you can do about it....one tip for any of the HF tQ wrenches is to pretest them,to make sure the break point Will trigger, Before you start torquing away with trust in it...I do this by setting my calibration, then applying torque on some Other pretightened bolt, just to see and feel for the release point... I have times with these where they were Notgoing to release at all and had I done my real tightening, I'd for sure have stripped the threads awaiting a break point that wasnt coming... sometimes ,something sticks inside these..putting the switch to Loosen and applying torque, then back usually frees them up... adding that little bit of oil to the mechanism probably will help prevent this...Really excellent testing showing actual performance over just cost and appearance..

[@ericebryan]

Thank you. I got the Performance Tool version (Taiwan) of the HF 1/4" for 8mm valve cover bolts. Right out of the package it was tight and inaccurate, but I ran it up and down from low to high to low, testing at several levels on a tight 19mm lug nut, then it worked great. Rather than worrying about a click, I felt and watched for the break at the neck. At 20 in lb and low settings, the neck will break with the pressure of just one finger at the end of the handle. At 50 in lb, careful pressure with two fingers caused the break. I think at 80 in lb two or three fingers pressing on end of handle brought the break. I found out that this testing up and down the scale is required before each use of the wrench. That's OK. Also, I was to tighten the valve cover bolts to 80 in lb. For safety's sake, I first set the wrench to I think 50 in lb, and tracked the neck break/bend. Then I went up to 65 in lb or so, and did the same. Then on up to 80 in lb. This stair-step incremental method helps to get a feel for tightness and helps to hold on to sanity as you work your way up the scale to the required torque.

[@mrallan8063]

Seems like made in TW are your better options. Not surprising. Thanks for testing!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep good point, no problem!

[@1k3nts09]

I know these tests cost you alot and aren't cheap to make but a 3/8s 10-80 or 5-80 ft lbs test would be great I'd like test incrimates be at lowest, middle and highest settings. So we can see if they shine or die at higher lower or middle ranges. Thanks for the content sir.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah defiantly a lot of $$$ and time, consider how little views the videos get. I do plan on testing some more 3/8 versions but it will probably be a month or 2 before I do. I plan and purchase tools for videos a month in advance. No problem!

[@1k3nts09]

@Tools Tested I really can't believe how this algorithm shafts you, sir. I hope this year your channel starts getting some love. I'm very thankful for your time and effort. ( maybe some harbor freight vs blank clicky titles might help.) Good luck, sir. excited to see your future videos.!

[@Tools-Tested]

@@1k3nts09 Yeah seem like YT is hiding me in a box lol. Hopefully it picks up, I like testing tools but at the current rate of spending I will probably have to stop after this year if it doesn’t pick up. Thanks for the support!!

[@1k3nts09]

@Tools Tested I found your channel about 4-5 months ago from a budget 1/2 inch torque wrench" video. I went to school for media studies before going into trades and we talked about overcoming algorithm challenges. it might be worth trying Instagram snipets or tiktok as unfortunate as that is as the algorithm on there would probably help you reach more eyes quicker. It might even be worth collaborating with some bigger channels that do tool testing. Such as torque test channel or project farm.( even just tool tubers) I know that's easier said than done but hopefully they can see the value KZbins algorithm doesn't and help shed light on your content. Another thing might be to have longer titles so you can squeeze in some more keywords people might search to find your content ( best torque wrench review and test.) That way when people look for your content it doesn't matter if they put torque wrench test or torque wrench review or just torque wrench. Either way your more likely to be seen. Little stuff like this has massive affect on algorithm. Like I said I really like your content and think your a great guy hope you succeed sir. Good luck.🤙

[@Tools-Tested]

@@1k3nts09 It's crazy how much the algorithm plays a role. I have been doing some reading trying to understand some tricks. Other platforms have been a thought, my issue is time with a full time job. Recently I'm trying to implement the use of ChatGPT. I know TTC has watched my videos and I have commented on theirs, they would probably be the only chance. Thanks for the support! hopefully it works out!

[@TheManFrayBentos]

Recently bought a Tekton 1/4" and finally cured an intermittent valve cover leak by carefully torqueing to 78in-lbs as the manual said. For years I'd been pussy-footing around and erring on the side of having them slightly under rather than risk them stripping.

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice, hopefully it solved your issue.

[@brandonb8103]

My Pittsburgh is the same way I have to go by feel to tell when it hits the correct torque, it doesn't have a very audible click.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep defiantly not at the low end.

[@Centaur008]

Unfortunately the printed numbers on Epauto began to fade away after 2 to 3 uses, so the accuracy went off the window since I can't read it anymore

[@ianloyd6384]

Whoops 😬

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting haven't seen it yet, but can totally see that.

[@Centaur008]

@@Tools-Tested It always gets some oil/grease so I like to give my tools a quick wipe with a 10:1 water-degreaser dilution. Might be worth checking how much it takes for the print/stamp to fade off on the cheaper ones

[@TheManic.5-OH]

Wow what an awesome video

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@ThomasNappo]

Had to Sub...well done😊

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Looking for 1/4 & 3/8, watched both videos and very useful info. PS. I live very near a Harbor Freight. :)

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad you found the video useful, yeah harbor freight is the new dollar general. I think every town will have one soon lol.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

@@Tools-Tested Maybe 12 dollar general, as I got them both on sale for 12dollars each. Had a cert saying they need to be calibrated every six months. So, I'll need to look into that at some point. I think my town as two HF so we are stealing one from another town...

[@Highvoltagehands909]

Sold Lexivon is the one I’m getting thanks

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@bas3237]

It is the best quality in the world (Torque Wrench EVT) I have owned seven pieces for 50 years and they have never broken down

[@armandocardenas6094]

Pro Bike Tool ( $ 69.00 ) no complaints so far. It comes with the hex sockets.

[@Tools-Tested]

Hoping to test it at some point, 1/4 tester is at Snap-on for repair and calibration right now seeing it won't power up....

[@VOODOOphg]

Excellent video! Would just love to see some non-budget quarter inchers like my Gear Wrench digital 120 XP angle!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Hopefully at some point, it will probably be a few months though. I just got my 1/4 tester back from Snap On.

[@WvMnts]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@boosted2.4_sky]

The way most of these are made the actual line is very hard to see... and most people just don't set them properly.... so if they do overshoot Out of the 4% range (which isn't very high) could just be user error.. a lot of times You can just back it off a hair and be accurate a hundred percent of the time.... they're not digital so setting these is critical...👍 Nice work....

[@bobbyz7736]

Great review. I have a Harbor Freight and it is not accurate on low setting.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, yeah the HF 1/4 accuracy is poor on the low end.

[@squarepants.official555]

Awesome TestI'm looking at the Lexivon 1/4" drive Road/Mountain Bike TW kit. I'm wondering how durable the Yellow numbers will be over time?? I like the range 17.7 to 230.1 In/Lbs but the graduations are in 1.8 increments. If it fairs as well in the Testing as the Lexivon TW you have then I should be able to make it work✌😎☮

[@Tools-Tested]

Good question, yeah it's hard to say, with a lot of use the numbers would probably start to rub off.

[@peterxyz3541]

How about using the old fashioned torque wrench with the needle and scale as a baseline?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah they work and are highly accurate.

[@musek5048]

i have one of those but wonder if i'm overshooting the torque since you gotta keep the pull consistent. wouldnt the click style be safer to use?

[@mustang2433]

Could you test the icon inch pound torque wrench

[@Bartbobo]

The wrenches with the printed instead of stamped in # can be scratched off or unreadable as they get banged up and removed

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep easy to read until it disappears.

[@igamehackshelper]

Why was the gen 1 1/2" and gen 2 1/2" tested at different torque values?

[@three-phase562]

My Knipex insulated torque wrenches operate in a similar manner and require a lot more feel to be able to use them correctly, very easy to over torque with them. How many of those wrenches have laser etching for the torque settings. They are much better to read than the engraved ones, but I wonder how long they will last?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah its defiantly tricky at the lower end. The Capri and Tekiton are laser etched. I agree the engraved ones are very hard to read, I really like the painted ones but they probably are not going to last, defiantly if you get chemicals on them.

[@1k3nts09]

There's some tool tubers saying the epauto tekton and lexivon ( flat bar style with knurled lock nut) are all they same. Did this seem like the case to you personally?

[@Tools-Tested]

No I would say they are not, the knurled lock is totally different. Different style stamping of the numbering and color. Epauto comes with an extension and adapter. Packaging is also very different as well.

[@CorvetteTrev]

I have a UYECove 3/8 click, would have been nice to see. I returned a $200 digital for the click type because i was standing there playing with it too long.

[@musek5048]

for someone looking to use this for light auto work or rifle building which one would you recommend? im probably only going to use it very sporadically and not for any serious work or business so I just need something that will at least get the job done right.

[@neastguy]

which one do your recommend for a lawn mower? between 30 and 50 lbs?

[@Tools-Tested]

Foot Lbs the new 3/8 Icon split beam In Lbs in that range the Real Avid torque screw driver.

[@nopriors]

What is the best if you have a 25ft lbs requirement?

[@earlbucklin8323]

Thank you...... looking for a new wrench to install rod barring while in car.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! glad to hear it helped.

[@JoãoPontes-h8c]

I have Amazon basics, should I buy the lexivon? Or worth to buy the lexivon?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I thought the lexivon good.

[@dominictorres3941]

I'm looking for a torque wrench for my bike under $50. Bonus if it comes with the allen heads. 20-150+ but it's really important for it to be accurate at 20 for the low end stuff. Suggestions?

[@Tools-Tested]

Sadly I was just about to test that range when I fired up the 1/4 tester and it wouldn’t display. So I hope to get it shipped out to snap on for repair. I’m guessing it will be about 2 months from now before I have it back.

[@jlawlar]

the Pittsburgh on sale is 9 dollars

[@mandocash.]

Im looking for a torque wrenche to do my Audi A4 spark plugs which one you recommend the most?

[@Tools-Tested]

I would probably go with the Kobalt www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-4-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench/5001994751

[@MobileYamTechNC]

Do you have a 1/4 digital comparison?

[@Tools-Tested]

Not yet, probably in a couple of months.

[@sypher0101]

Anyone have experience with the EPAuto brand? I'm thinking of getting the 1/4' and 3/8' for engine work but didn't want to spend $$$ for a one time use sort of thing, but also didn't want something that's going to be inaccurate out of the box and end up breaking headbolts or something.

[@MC-mh2ju]

No Husky?

[@Tools-Tested]

Will be in another video.

[@dv6195]

The capri have gone up in price more then double now

[@Tools-Tested]

Crazy

[@sypher0101]

1000 cycles, what's that mean? 1000 clicks?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yes 1000 click of the torque wrench @50% of max scale.

[@capdcrusadr88]

I think I would automatically avoid any brand that doesn't come with a calibration sheet

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep defiantly a concern.

[@vanman3752]

How do the number of teeth come into play?

[@Tools-Tested]

Arc angle, more teeth=less movement of the torque wrench to grab another tooth. Helps in tight areas.

[@jordanwiley4582]

I bought a Pittsburgh one, and the damn thing doesn't click.

[@Tools-Tested]

At the low end of the scale or high, it can be hard to hear it at the low end.

[@shannontrainer5857]

"Kgcm" means "kilogram centimeters".

[@cdee6096]

Sometimes Harbor Freight is the king. Most of the time its not though!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep they sell a lot of junk.