Torque Wrench suggestions?

jsr75 · September 3, 2001, 08:22 PM

Spent all day looking around at the local hardware and automotive shops for a torque wrench to meet all my rifle/base/rings needs. Basically, I was looking for a torque wrench with a minimum of 20 inch-pound and a high of at least 65 inch-pound. Found a craftsman, but 25 inch-pound was the lowest setting. Can anyone recommend a site where I might find such a tool?

TIA!!!

-jsr75

Rob01 · September 3, 2001, 09:34 PM

The craftsman will go below 25 by turning the handle to lower the setting. It's not a bad wrench for the money.

craigz · September 3, 2001, 09:45 PM

Take a look at http//www.mscdirect.com. They list two that adjust from 0 to 75 inch/pounds, but they're both over $140. I bought a Seekonk 65 in/lb T-hande wrench from Brownells for $71, and eventually, I'm going to buy the Seekonk torque screwdriver, which adjusts from 2 to 36 in/lbs, if I can find a better price than $130.

jsr75 · September 3, 2001, 09:48 PM

Much Thanks, Rob. I'll reconsider the craftsman. But I'd still like to get one where I can precisely dial in the exact inch-pound setting.

Also, does it matter what size the drive is (i.e. 3/8", 1/4") for use with typical remington action bolts and base and ring hex nuts? I'm sure there are adapters available for varying sizes, but is one more preferable for this application?

As always, my utmost appreciation for all your support. TFL'ers Rock!

-jsr75

**4V50 Gary** · September 3, 2001, 10:06 PM

I got mine from Snap-on. Check out flea markets and garage sales if you want a deal (and pray it's not stolen).

James K · September 3, 2001, 10:20 PM

I guess I just didn't live right. Here I put on hundreds of scopes and never used a torque screwdriver to get the "exact inch pound setting". Same with action screws. Never had a problem, never had a complaint. Rifles all shot like they were supposed to. Ain't modern precision wonderful?

Head bolts are a different story.

Jim

craigz · September 3, 2001, 11:12 PM

According to a recent article in Gun World (I think), if you tighten your ring and mount screws to precise torque measurements, you can later remove the scope and remount it without losing your zero. I've never tried it though.

jsr75 · September 3, 2001, 11:18 PM

Thanks for all the great replies so far. I've found one made by Pittsburgh with heavy duty cam and pawl mechanism, click-stop type with 4% accuracy, is reversible, 1/4" drive, and adjustable from 20 to 200 inch-pounds. 10" in length and weighs 1lb. And available for $30.00!

Will this one do? Is the 1/4" drive suitable? Just want to make sure that I'll be able to use this and be able to find the necessary adapters.

Gratefully,

-jsr75

craigz · September 4, 2001, 01:31 AM

Some of the scope mounting hardware I've seen calls for as little as 15 in/lbs. I can't say anything about the one you found except that there must be a reason why people so much money on these things.

jsr75 · September 4, 2001, 01:54 AM

Craig-

I've got Leupold MkIV base and rings. Researching the boards have revealed multiple suggestions for 20-21 inch-pounds. Is this not to be trusted? Bases have been recommended for 25 inch-pounds and mounting the rings to the base with 65 inch-pounds. Please let me know if there is something amiss here.

Much Thanks

-jsr75

El Rojo · September 4, 2001, 02:22 AM

I just saw that Anshutz offers a pretty good torque wrench for $50! I will start looking around for it in the morning. It was a long day of shooting and I need sleep! Let us know what you get and how it works out. I want to get one too.

jsr75 · September 4, 2001, 03:21 AM

El Rojo-

Please do! Also, if you could, please post links if you got 'em.

Much Thanks!

-jsr75

slickpuppy · September 4, 2001, 06:06 AM

I have the Anschutz torque wrench for use with the stock screws on my Anschutz rifles. Contrary to what others may believe, setting these screws to known torque values will most definitely help in shot repeatability after disassembly/reassembly.

If you are looking for one of the Anschutz wrenches try www.championshooters.com

Rob01 · September 4, 2001, 07:34 AM

JSR those torque values you stated are about right. 20 for the rings (difference between 15 and 20 is nill and the screws can take it, I was told 20 by the Badger people anyway), about 25 for the base and maybe up to 30 and 65 for the large nut connecting the rings to base but this is only for Badger or Mark 4s or a large strong ring like them. There are some that wouldn't take that but seeing as you use Mark 4s there won't be a problem. Also ad a little BLUE locktite to the base and ring screws and you will be in business. Some people don't use it but it doesn't hurt anything and if yu ever had a base or ring loosen up in the field you will swear by it. Good luck

jsr75 · September 4, 2001, 02:09 PM

Slick Puppy-

Thanks for the recommendation. Found the wrench and it is adjustable from 4-12 NM. Any idea how this translates into inch-lbs? If this can be used for everything (base, rings, stock) then I'm sold.

Rob-

Thank you for confirming the correct torque specs.

El Rojo · September 4, 2001, 03:27 PM

Where did you find the anshutz wrench?

slickpuppy · September 4, 2001, 09:46 PM

5 newton meters = 43.4 inch pounds. That is the preferred torque on the Anschutz rifle stock screws. Enough info to do a simple algebraic equation to get the range conversion of 4 - 12 newton meters to inch pounds. 4 newton meters = 34.7 inch pounds on the low end. 12 newton meters = 104.16 inch pounds on the high side.

Won't meet your needs on a do all I guess, but for what I purchased it for it meets my needs.

LoneStranger · September 4, 2001, 10:05 PM

Would strongly suggest that you contact an Electronics Wholesale Storehouse. You will usually find that they will either have the low torque wrenches that you are looking for or they will be able to get them for you.
You should check out IDEAL tools or the other electronic tool companies.
If you are going to work in inch/pounds you should probably stay with 1/4' drive tools. Makes it less likely that you will overexert yourself on small fasteners.

labgrade · September 5, 2001, 10:03 AM

Handy conversion tables (for literally most anything) can be had here ... saves all that complicated math.

Mountz makes some of the best torquers anywhere. More than likely more accurate than anything you'd really need for shooter application, but ...

Usual drive is 1/4" but plenty of adpaters available to change over to other sizes ...

JAMES L.SMITH · September 5, 2001, 09:20 PM

I was looking around my favorite pawn shop today ,_thought I remembered this post bought a K&D 1/4"drive 30-200in.* for 20$ wish it was 0-100 I'll use it some time down the line.

jsr75 · September 6, 2001, 12:57 AM

Thank You ALL for the much needed help!!!

Best Always,

-jsr75

Art Eatman · September 6, 2001, 08:28 AM

I've always dedicated certain screwdrivers to certain tasks. First off, I grind the end so the sides are parallel--getting rid of the wedge effect. ("Hollow ground" is needed whether or not you use a torque wrench.)

Small-handled screwdrivers for the small scope-mount screws. Say, no more than 3/4" diameter. Larger for the receiver screws, maybe 1" or 1-1/4". For the thumb-screws of a Weaver-type mount, a quarter coin does quite well, or the larger screwdriver.

I go by the feel of the screw as it nears its final tightening; you can feel the change in the resistance to turning. Odds are that as you get used to this, you'll be pretty close to torque limits or torque specs, anyway.

As near as I can tell, the most need for a torque wrench is for the Allen-head screws on a Remington 700; I understand the factory calls for a torque spec of 60 inch-pounds. (Is this correct?) Even with these, however, developing a sense of the "feel" of the screw as you near the tightness limit will suffice.

From what I've seen through the years, most folks tend to over-tighten. (Tire shops are the worst!

)

Just some thinking points...

Art

Edward429451 · September 9, 2001, 01:05 PM

Careful with those Seekonk T-handle wrenches. They're good but dont be tempted to use em' like a little hammer on anything, you'll whack em' out quick! Take it from experiance.

mikeinfwa · November 13, 2002, 10:53 PM

found this on EBAY.

anyone got an opinion on this wrench for use on a remington 700?

thanks,

mike

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=1788144195

slickpuppy · November 15, 2002, 10:06 PM

Don't let the name fool you. It is from China.

September 3, 2001, 08:22 PM	#1
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Torque Wrench suggestions? Spent all day looking around at the local hardware and automotive shops for a torque wrench to meet all my rifle/base/rings needs. Basically, I was looking for a torque wrench with a minimum of 20 inch-pound and a high of at least 65 inch-pound. Found a craftsman, but 25 inch-pound was the lowest setting. Can anyone recommend a site where I might find such a tool? TIA!!! -jsr75 Last edited by jsr75; September 3, 2001 at 09:00 PM.

September 3, 2001, 10:06 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,843	I got mine from Snap-on. Check out flea markets and garage sales if you want a deal (and pray it's not stolen). __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

September 4, 2001, 02:22 AM	#11
El Rojo Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2000 Location: People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 2,057	There was just an article in Shooting Sports USA. I just saw that Anshutz offers a pretty good torque wrench for $50! I will start looking around for it in the morning. It was a long day of shooting and I need sleep! Let us know what you get and how it works out. I want to get one too. __________________ Get Some!

September 4, 2001, 03:27 PM	#16
El Rojo Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2000 Location: People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 2,057	Where did you find it? Where did you find the anshutz wrench? __________________ Get Some!

September 5, 2001, 09:20 PM	#20
JAMES L.SMITH Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 1999 Location: Lakeland Fl.U.S.A. Posts: 173	I was looking around my favorite pawn shop today ,_thought I remembered this post bought a K&D 1/4"drive 30-200in.* for 20$ wish it was 0-100 I'll use it some time down the line. __________________ MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI

September 3, 2001, 09:34 PM	#2
Rob01 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2000 Posts: 455	The craftsman will go below 25 by turning the handle to lower the setting. It's not a bad wrench for the money.

September 3, 2001, 09:45 PM	#3
craigz Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 395	Take a look at http//www.mscdirect.com. They list two that adjust from 0 to 75 inch/pounds, but they're both over $140. I bought a Seekonk 65 in/lb T-hande wrench from Brownells for $71, and eventually, I'm going to buy the Seekonk torque screwdriver, which adjusts from 2 to 36 in/lbs, if I can find a better price than $130.

September 3, 2001, 09:48 PM	#4
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Much Thanks, Rob. I'll reconsider the craftsman. But I'd still like to get one where I can precisely dial in the exact inch-pound setting. Also, does it matter what size the drive is (i.e. 3/8", 1/4") for use with typical remington action bolts and base and ring hex nuts? I'm sure there are adapters available for varying sizes, but is one more preferable for this application? As always, my utmost appreciation for all your support. TFL'ers Rock! -jsr75

September 3, 2001, 10:20 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I guess I just didn't live right. Here I put on hundreds of scopes and never used a torque screwdriver to get the "exact inch pound setting". Same with action screws. Never had a problem, never had a complaint. Rifles all shot like they were supposed to. Ain't modern precision wonderful? Head bolts are a different story. Jim

September 3, 2001, 11:12 PM	#7
craigz Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 395	According to a recent article in Gun World (I think), if you tighten your ring and mount screws to precise torque measurements, you can later remove the scope and remount it without losing your zero. I've never tried it though.

September 3, 2001, 11:18 PM	#8
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Thanks for all the great replies so far. I've found one made by Pittsburgh with heavy duty cam and pawl mechanism, click-stop type with 4% accuracy, is reversible, 1/4" drive, and adjustable from 20 to 200 inch-pounds. 10" in length and weighs 1lb. And available for $30.00! Will this one do? Is the 1/4" drive suitable? Just want to make sure that I'll be able to use this and be able to find the necessary adapters. Gratefully, -jsr75

September 4, 2001, 01:31 AM	#9
craigz Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 395	Some of the scope mounting hardware I've seen calls for as little as 15 in/lbs. I can't say anything about the one you found except that there must be a reason why people so much money on these things.

September 4, 2001, 01:54 AM	#10
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Craig- I've got Leupold MkIV base and rings. Researching the boards have revealed multiple suggestions for 20-21 inch-pounds. Is this not to be trusted? Bases have been recommended for 25 inch-pounds and mounting the rings to the base with 65 inch-pounds. Please let me know if there is something amiss here. Much Thanks -jsr75

September 4, 2001, 03:21 AM	#12
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	El Rojo- Please do! Also, if you could, please post links if you got 'em. Much Thanks! -jsr75

September 4, 2001, 06:06 AM	#13
slickpuppy Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 1999 Posts: 928	I have the Anschutz torque wrench for use with the stock screws on my Anschutz rifles. Contrary to what others may believe, setting these screws to known torque values will most definitely help in shot repeatability after disassembly/reassembly. If you are looking for one of the Anschutz wrenches try www.championshooters.com

September 4, 2001, 07:34 AM	#14
Rob01 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2000 Posts: 455	JSR those torque values you stated are about right. 20 for the rings (difference between 15 and 20 is nill and the screws can take it, I was told 20 by the Badger people anyway), about 25 for the base and maybe up to 30 and 65 for the large nut connecting the rings to base but this is only for Badger or Mark 4s or a large strong ring like them. There are some that wouldn't take that but seeing as you use Mark 4s there won't be a problem. Also ad a little BLUE locktite to the base and ring screws and you will be in business. Some people don't use it but it doesn't hurt anything and if yu ever had a base or ring loosen up in the field you will swear by it. Good luck

September 4, 2001, 02:09 PM	#15
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Slick Puppy- Thanks for the recommendation. Found the wrench and it is adjustable from 4-12 NM. Any idea how this translates into inch-lbs? If this can be used for everything (base, rings, stock) then I'm sold. Rob- Thank you for confirming the correct torque specs.

September 4, 2001, 09:46 PM	#17
slickpuppy Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 1999 Posts: 928	5 newton meters = 43.4 inch pounds. That is the preferred torque on the Anschutz rifle stock screws. Enough info to do a simple algebraic equation to get the range conversion of 4 - 12 newton meters to inch pounds. 4 newton meters = 34.7 inch pounds on the low end. 12 newton meters = 104.16 inch pounds on the high side. Won't meet your needs on a do all I guess, but for what I purchased it for it meets my needs.

September 4, 2001, 10:05 PM	#18
LoneStranger Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2000 Location: Lawrence, KS Posts: 576	Would strongly suggest that you contact an Electronics Wholesale Storehouse. You will usually find that they will either have the low torque wrenches that you are looking for or they will be able to get them for you. You should check out IDEAL tools or the other electronic tool companies. If you are going to work in inch/pounds you should probably stay with 1/4' drive tools. Makes it less likely that you will overexert yourself on small fasteners.

September 5, 2001, 10:03 AM	#19
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Handy conversion tables (for literally most anything) can be had here ... saves all that complicated math. Mountz makes some of the best torquers anywhere. More than likely more accurate than anything you'd really need for shooter application, but ... Usual drive is 1/4" but plenty of adpaters available to change over to other sizes ...

September 6, 2001, 12:57 AM	#21
jsr75 Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 34	Thank You ALL for the much needed help!!! Best Always, -jsr75

September 6, 2001, 08:28 AM	#22
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I've always dedicated certain screwdrivers to certain tasks. First off, I grind the end so the sides are parallel--getting rid of the wedge effect. ("Hollow ground" is needed whether or not you use a torque wrench.) Small-handled screwdrivers for the small scope-mount screws. Say, no more than 3/4" diameter. Larger for the receiver screws, maybe 1" or 1-1/4". For the thumb-screws of a Weaver-type mount, a quarter coin does quite well, or the larger screwdriver. I go by the feel of the screw as it nears its final tightening; you can feel the change in the resistance to turning. Odds are that as you get used to this, you'll be pretty close to torque limits or torque specs, anyway. As near as I can tell, the most need for a torque wrench is for the Allen-head screws on a Remington 700; I understand the factory calls for a torque spec of 60 inch-pounds. (Is this correct?) Even with these, however, developing a sense of the "feel" of the screw as you near the tightness limit will suffice. From what I've seen through the years, most folks tend to over-tighten. (Tire shops are the worst! ) Just some thinking points... Art

September 9, 2001, 01:05 PM	#23
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Careful with those Seekonk T-handle wrenches. They're good but dont be tempted to use em' like a little hammer on anything, you'll whack em' out quick! Take it from experiance.

November 13, 2002, 10:53 PM	#24
mikeinfwa Member Join Date: January 23, 2002 Posts: 30	found this on EBAY. anyone got an opinion on this wrench for use on a remington 700? thanks, mike http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=1788144195

November 15, 2002, 10:06 PM	#25
slickpuppy Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 1999 Posts: 928	Don't let the name fool you. It is from China.