Beam Torque Wrench for Scopes?

Buck Wilde

Buck Wilde

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Dec 6, 2020
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#1
Back when I was taught how to mount scopes, I had to have a way to torque screws correctly. I saw ads for the Wheeler torque screwdriver, but I also saw unfavorable reviews. I was afraid a torque screwdriver that cheap would fall apart. Torque screwdrivers from industrial-tool companies can cost over $300, so I figured there might be a reason.

I got myself a beam torque wrench instead, and I used a 1/4" magnetic socket to hold bits. Has anyone else tried this? It seems to work just fine, it was cheap, it never has to be adjusted, and it should last forever.

The other day I found a used Sturtevant-Richmont driver for $43, so I grabbed it. Easier to stow than the beam job.
 
#2
Most of us use Fix-it-sticks torque drivers or Borka torque drivers. They have limitations, but I have never had an issue with their inherent accuracy. I used a Wheeler before I got the Borka kit. I never had a problem with that one either.
 
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#3
I have the Magna-Tip wrench from Brownells and it works just as well as my more expensive CDI wrench. It also allows more precise torque settings than the Wheeler wrench.
 
Last edited:
#4
You can grab a CDI 401SM with the correct range for rings and most gun parts at about $150, and new will come with a (good) traceable cal. Fixit Sticks are neat but you're paying a premium for the convenience of a little kit (ok, it's modular...so what?), Wheeler is ok but it's just so goofy and oversized for what it needs to do, and I don't know if either come with any type of calibration, traceable or not.

I have a good CDI dial torque wrench for stuff higher than I want to use a torque screwdriver on (ARC rings as an example) but it only comes out when it needs to since the screwdriver is so much easier to use.

For this use you don't really need recurring calibration, but if whatever doesn't come with an initial manufacturer cal, I wouldn't trust it, and cheap stuff usually doesn't come with a good cal.
 
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#7
DemonicLemming said:
...if whatever doesn't come with an initial manufacturer cal, I wouldn't trust it...
Click to expand...
Wheeler FAT wrench comes with a cert. At least mine did.
IMG_4616.jpeg
 
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#10
DemonicLemming said:
You can grab a CDI 401SM with the correct range for rings and most gun parts at about $150, and new will come with a (good) traceable cal. Fixit Sticks are neat but you're paying a premium for the convenience of a little kit (ok, it's modular...so what?), Wheeler is ok but it's just so goofy and oversized for what it needs to do, and I don't know if either come with any type of calibration, traceable or not.

I have a good CDI dial torque wrench for stuff higher than I want to use a torque screwdriver on (ARC rings as an example) but it only comes out when it needs to since the screwdriver is so much easier to use.

For this use you don't really need recurring calibration, but if whatever doesn't come with an initial manufacturer cal, I wouldn't trust it, and cheap stuff usually doesn't come with a good cal.
Click to expand...
FACTS. High quality torque tools are not as expensive as some seem to think and are better and more useful that firearm-specific kits.

Tohnichi is a Japanese brand of excellent torque tools every bit as good as CDI and German brands, and my choice for personal use.
 
#11

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