So You Use A Torque Wrench For Simple Installations?

[Abraham]

Let's say you're going to install a red dot sight.

You don't want to over tighten the screws onto the Picatinny rail, but you don't want to under tighten either...

What to do?

Get a torque wrench use it and quit worrying or is spending the money for one really not necessary unless you're a perfectionist?

What say you?

P.S. I've always done without, but yep, I'm considering one, but then again, I've never over/under tightened anything...

[rotor]

I use a torque wrench after breaking mounting screw on a red dot. Not every manufacturer gives you the specs though and I have had to contact them to find out specs. You can never have too many guns or too many gun tools, gun screwdrivers (Grace) especially. I have one of the older Wheeler torque wrench but I see they have a new digital one. None are cheap and you don't need them very often. Some of these things you almost need a group buy and lend club. Like tools for gunsights, how often do you use them? I use my torque wrench once every few years.

[Bob Wolff]

I use a torque tool alot on rails, rings etc.
I have and use one of these. Always in my shooting bag as other tools are and have been needed at the range

BORKA TORQUE TOOL
http://www.shooterstools.com/

[Abraham]

rotor,

Yeah, I looked at a gun use digital torque wrench recently and it cost about $80.00.

The thing is as I mentioned previously, if one doesn't think he has to tighten down on rather delicate screws like he's connecting a line pipe flange with a spud wrench and sledge hammer, he'll probably do fine. But, yes, being something of a perfectionist, I'd like a preset-able digital torque wrench, but can't really justify the cost. Unless, there's a digital one for far less cost than $80.00 I'm unaware of it... So, what to do? Tighten less than I''d like and use blue locktite...

I'd buy the darn thing if I was using one frequently, but I don't...

Are there lower cost, decent quality digital torque wrenches available for gun part installations out there? If there are, I haven't found them...

Bob Wolff,

Just before I posted to rotor, I saw your post, but with only a cursory look, I didn't see a cost? So, is there one and if so, what is it?

Thanks!

[rotor]

I bought my set on sale at Cabelas which included the Wheeler scope mount kit and a Caldwell sled for free. It was a deal I couldn't refuse. Amazon has the best price on just the Wheeler wrench.

[mrvmax]

I bought the Weaver scope install kit a while back and it has worked well.

[TexasJohnBoy]

I've had my eye on this little guy for a while, but haven't had a project to buy it for yet:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/71802 ... crewdriver

[WildBill]

Maybe I should, but I haven't used a torque wrench for simple installations.
I could never justify the expense for a tool I would use infrequently.

That said, in my limited experience with mounting hardware on firearms, I have
never had anything fall off or become loose because of loose [under torqued] fasteners.
I admit that the largest caliber I have used is .308 Win. I have mounted a rifle scope on
an air rifle and haven't had issues either.

In previous jobs I have taken classes to become a certified torque operator.
One thing that I learned is that most people, including many engineers, do not
understand the purpose of torquing fasteners.

[apvonkanel]

Having seen (and once participated in) the destruction of great gear and equipment as a result of too much torque, I'm always an advocate for a torque wrench if it's warranted. Between stripped threads, broken bolts, and poor performance, the risks often outweigh the costs. I'll use a four way lug wrench if I'm changing a flat on the side of the road though.

[Pawpaw]

I probably don't use my torque wrench as much as I should.

When it comes to mounting a scope though, I'm a perfectionist. I have the whole kit, including alignment and lapping bars. A properly mounted and torqued scope can turn a good rifle into an amazing rifle.

[The Annoyed Man]

Get yourself one of these kits: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012 ... UTF8&psc=1. It's a torque bit driver. I use it all the time, especially for mounting optics. No more guessing.

[mrvmax]

I probably don't use my torque wrench as much as I should.

When it comes to mounting a scope though, I'm a perfectionist. I have the whole kit, including alignment and lapping bars. A properly mounted and torqued scope can turn a good rifle into an amazing rifle.

Exactly, when you are mounting a $1000 plus scope with $150 rings the cost of a torque driver is worthwhile to ensure it is properly mounted. When I used the $200 scopes I never worried about it.

[bblhd672]

Get yourself one of these kits: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012 ... UTF8&psc=1. It's a torque bit driver. I use it all the time, especially for mounting optics. No more guessing.

Same here.

[Abraham]

Thanks all for your responses!

TAM and TexasJohnBoy both recommended the same T. wrench and I'm now going to have to buy it.