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Torque Wrench Recommendation

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tracker12 View Drop Down
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    Posted: February/19/2009 at 07:44
Looking for an adjustable torque wrench for use to install rings and bases.  Not looking for the cheapest but one that is adjustable and accurate.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 08:56
I use a small craftsman torque wrench from my tool box. It's not application specific like the Wheeler, but it does the job. I put rings at 15in.lb. and action screws at 40in.lb. It costed about $79. If you happen to have a regular in./lb. torque wrench, I wouldn't run out and buy one just for your scopes, just get a socket for that for your action screws, and ring screws. If you don't already have one, then knock yourself out. Either of the above should work fine. I have heard that some of the Wheeler's don't hold the bits very well, but can't confirm that.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LSUSPY Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 11:01
I just purchased the Wheeler myself. It offers the correct adjustment range for any rifle application. I purchased it on sale here:
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 11:04
We cannot post links to competitors web sites which is why the link above has been altered.  If SWFA does not sell the Wheeler you should be able to find a list of dealers in the site I posted earlier.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracker12 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 11:39
Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sholling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 12:33
In my opinion the best for rings is the Utica TS-35. You can find them used for $35-50. These are actually professional grade tools.




Edited by sholling - February/19/2009 at 21:36
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 20:55
I use the Warne one........ its not adjustable, set at 25 in/lbs.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 21:18
OK ready for this, so what listen anyway....I tighten them till the little wrench bends while holding it between my index finger and thumb. No more ....guess what never had a set or a base come loose call it lucky or whatever it works.

Edited by rifle looney - February/19/2009 at 21:19
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bbush Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 21:57
I bought a in/lbs specific torque wrench off of E-bay about 10 years ago for this specific purpose.  At that time, they were kinda hard to come by.  You could find all of the ft/lbs torque wrenches that you wanted, but the in/lbs were pretty rare.  I think that I paid about $40 or so if I remember correctly.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 22:31
For one thing, good rings tighten better than crap rings like the Tascos I got talked into once!

 I don't have a 15 in-lb. wrench but can certainly vouch for the quality of the Seekonk 65 in-lb. T-handle wrench. Nightforce and Leupold rebrand the exact same wrench: http://www.swfa.com/pc-2900-594-leupold-mark-4-torque-wrench.aspx (and it used to be that both charged more than if you looked for the Seekonk-branded item but I see that's no longer the case...at least with the Leupold-branded version). From what I've gathered, the adjustable wrenchs (except for the expensive ones) are little better than rifle looney's method. Even the quality fixed wrenches can vary +- several percent.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 23:04
 Did not say they were good just that it works!  Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sholling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2009 at 23:18
Originally posted by jonoMT jonoMT wrote:

From what I've gathered, the adjustable wrenchs (except for the expensive ones) are little better than rifle looney's method. Even the quality fixed wrenches can vary +- several percent.

The FAT Wrench is probably not calibrated and I have no idea how repeatable. My experience with Wheeler products has been mixed and I wouldn't call it a professional grade tool. That's why I recommend the Utica. It's a $200 professional grade tool that comes from the factory with a calibration certificate. Plus/minus 3% if I remember correctly. That's better repeatability than most mechanics' torque wrenchs. The ones you find on ebay for $35-50 usually have an expired cert but as long as you get one that's in good shape it should be plenty good enough for mounting scopes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/20/2009 at 00:13
Sholling... that is definitely a nice tool wouldn't mind having one ....maybe recheck my method?.....not......  but it is nice,thanks for sharing that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/20/2009 at 00:19

I just bought one of the Warne ones but I have mounted a lot of scopes without one just by feel so I hope to use it soon to try it out.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oyeme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/20/2009 at 20:46
I bought one of these from Brownells 3 months ago and it is the best I have ever used.  You can work up to exact torque you want in any increment amount even 1 inch pounds if you want.  I love mine. 
 

MAGNA-TIP® ADJUSTABLE TORQUE HANDLE

MAGNA-TIP~ ADJUSTABLE TORQUE HANDLE
Stock NumbersSpecificationsEmail a Tech-->



Mfr: BROWNELLS

Apply An Exact Amount Of Pre-Set Tightening Force; Accepts All Magna-Tip Bits

Bill E.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/21/2009 at 17:33
Originally posted by sholling sholling wrote:

Originally posted by jonoMT jonoMT wrote:

From what I've gathered, the adjustable wrenchs (except for the expensive ones) are little better than rifle looney's method. Even the quality fixed wrenches can vary +- several percent.

The FAT Wrench is probably not calibrated and I have no idea how repeatable. My experience with Wheeler products has been mixed and I wouldn't call it a professional grade tool. That's why I recommend the Utica. It's a $200 professional grade tool that comes from the factory with a calibration certificate. Plus/minus 3% if I remember correctly. That's better repeatability than most mechanics' torque wrenchs. The ones you find on ebay for $35-50 usually have an expired cert but as long as you get one that's in good shape it should be plenty good enough for mounting scopes.
One of our labs/shops has a suretest calibration bench.  I have tested my FAT wrench and it is consistent to within +/- 1 in/lb.  That is more than sufficient for the precision required by most scope mount requirements.  I do not know how long it will hold that level, it doesn't get a lot of  use, so a gunsmith doing a LOT of scope mounts may require a much higher quality instrument.  I also cannot speak to quality overall of Wheeler FAT wrenches.  Mine is the only one I have ever tested and it was only one test, just because it was there.  My FAT may be bad tomorrow, but it was good when it was tested.  
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