<span style="font-weight: bold">Overview of the Borka Multi Torque Driver</span>
Torque wrenches or drivers are a well-known tool for the precision rifle crowd. Consistency means accuracy, and having the action and scope properly torqued is vital for consistency. Additionally, some parts have to be torqued to set values in order to be properly installed. Borka has introduced the Multi Torque Driver with the following objectives:
1. The tool should allow use in both the shop and the field with a wide variety of optic and rifle combinations.
2. The tool should be light weight and small to minimize the impact on someone who needs to carry everything.
3. The tool and accessories should be of quality parts and construction.
4. The tool and tool kits should be manufactured in the US and still priced competitively.
To handle the first goal of working with a variety of rifles and optics, the Multi Torque Driver is capable of using any 1/4" hex drive bit (and even 1/4" and 3/8” drive sockets by using drive adapters) to apply varied torque values. The torque values are determined by the selection of the hex cut-outs that run the length of the torque arm. With these two features the Borka driver can apply 12 different torque values (15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 36, 43, 50, 57, 65, and 72 inch-pounds) on a variety of fastener types. While the tool is small enough to be easily carried into the field, it is accurate enough to not sacrifice consistency when used over a more conventional torque wrench that may be found on a workbench.
The second task of maintaining small size and light weight is achieved by using stainless and alloy steel for the spindle, torque arm, and hex driver and structural polymer on the handle and knob. The spindle is fairly short, while the torque arm is just large enough to provide for the variable-length torqueing lever arrangement when assembled. This length is kept short by having torque values split between the two sides: the torque value is set by placing the spindle in the correctly marked hole with the low range on one side and high range on the other. The knobs used for the driver are small but still large enough to allow for easy, sure, and comfortable use. This provides for a smaller package than carrying a single large typical adjustable torque wrench or driver, which can be the size of a larger socket wrench or a fat screwdriver. It also eliminates the need to carry a set of several fixed value T-handle wrenches. For those that don’t have to haul everything with them for miles, the Borka driver allows for a very compact tool that will handle a variety of needs that will fit into a small pocket in a range bag, stock pouch, or pack.
The third objective of using quality parts and construction is where many of the adjustable wrenches and drivers fail. Many of the lower priced units are inconsistent, improperly calibrated, or don’t last. The Borka driver also avoids the springs found in adjustable wrenches that can fail if not properly reset after use. By using quality components and a simple variable torque construction with in effect a single moving part the tool is both durable and accurate.
Finally, Borka wanted the tool to be manufactured and produced in the US, along with all of the accessories while being priced in the range of other torque drivers and wrenches that have been thought of as the industry standards. The tool itself is manufactured in Michigan, and the Mountz accessories that are part of the various kits are manufactured in California. The tool pouch included with the tools is manufactured by T.A.B. Gear in Texas. Depending on which tool or tool set desired, the prices range from in the $40 as a low to around $120 as a high as usually offered. Considering that one quality T handle wrench will cost in the upper area of that range, and the larger adjustables will be in the middle of that range but have fewer drivers and accessories the Borka driver is very competitively priced.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Description of the MG3 kit</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka Multi Torque Driver rolled up in the T.A.B. Gear pouch.</span>
The MG (Military Grade) 3 kit includes the following:
MTD-15x72-12FS-MG torque driver (bit holder/spindle, driver arm, bit holder knob)
1/4" hex (male) to 1/4" square (male) adapter
1/4" square (female) to 3/8" square (male) adapter
T.A.B. Gear nylon tool pouch
Instruction sheet
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver broken down into its components.</span>
The driver arrived in a clear plastic envelope containing the parts above, stored inside the rolled up T.A.B. Gear tool pouch. The driver is stored broken down into its component parts so that the tool roll will be relatively flat. I selected the MG3 kit as I had a variety of bits, sockets, and adapters that I would need already, and I use a Versa Driver for breaking down rings, bases, and actions in the field that serves the same purpose as the Mountz accessories offered in the SRA kit (more on this accessory later). The driver is easily assembled, and the tool pouch is well made and capable of holding the MG3 and a variety of other bits and tools if needed. For my needs however, I didn’t use the tool pouch as I keep my rifle tools in a small organizer. The tool pouch has fairly deep sleeve pockets that while very good for the driver doesn’t have quite the organization for the several smaller tools and items that I need to keep on hand.
<span style="font-style: italic">Tool pouch opened with driver arm and bit holder shown in sleeve pockets.</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">One of the sleeve pockets has an internal divider and has a little more room than the others.</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka driver with Versa Driver, bolt disassembly tool, wrenches, broken shell extractor, multiplier, socket, bits, and adapters.</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold">MG3 Driver kit specs</span>
12 fixed torque settings: 15,18,21,24,27,30,36,43,50,57,65,72 inch-pounds
Torque settings calibration accuracy: +/- 4% (This translates to a possible projected low of 14.4 inch-pounds to a high of 74.9 inch-pounds)
Assembled torque driver weight (ATD-15x72-12FS-MG only): 4 ounces
Total weight with adapters and carry pouch (MG3 driver kit): 6 ounces
Materials: stainless steel, alloy steel, structural polymer
There are other Borka Multi Torque driver sets available that offer additional accessories and a choice of several torque ranges as well. The Sniper Rifle Accessory kit includes a Mountz mini ratchet wrench, Autolock bit holder, 1/2" hex socket, adapters, and 18 bits.
A simplified torque driver is also available that has only six torque settings.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Use of the Borka Multi Torque Driver</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka driver components: hex bit holder/spindle on the left, bit holder knob showing O-ring center, and driver arm showing etched torque values and corresponding hex sockets on the right.</span>
The driver is easy to assemble and operate. The hex shank of the bit holder is inserted into the hex socket that is marked with the torque value that is needed. On the MG3, the values are laser etched. Note that the shank is inserted into the hex socket of the arm from the same side that shows the desired amount of torque. By doing this the applied torque setting is NOT visible while using the tool. The torque value will be on the side of the arm facing the fastener and will not be visible while you are torqueing the fastener.
<span style="font-style: italic">The laser etched torque markings on the driver arm. 65 inch-pounds is indicated.</span>
Next place the bit holder knob over the top of the hex shank, securing the bit holder to the driver arm. The knob has a small O ring inside that will provide a friction hold on the shank and keep the tool together during use. You can then attach the needed bit or adapter to the hex socket of the bit holder.
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver assembled with socket driver adapter in bit holder.</span>
To use the driver, engage the bit or socket to the fastener. Hold the driver by positioning the bit holder knob with the palm of your hand, and tighten the fastener by pushing against the knob on the end of the driver arm with the fingers or thumb of the same hand. There is finger groove in the driver arm handle for proper indexing of your fingers or thumb. Continue to apply pressure until the driver arm knob “breaks” indicating that the desired level of torque has been applied.
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver is held in place by downward pressure on the bit holder knob while torque is applied with the driver arm knob.</span>
Torque wrenches or drivers are a well-known tool for the precision rifle crowd. Consistency means accuracy, and having the action and scope properly torqued is vital for consistency. Additionally, some parts have to be torqued to set values in order to be properly installed. Borka has introduced the Multi Torque Driver with the following objectives:
1. The tool should allow use in both the shop and the field with a wide variety of optic and rifle combinations.
2. The tool should be light weight and small to minimize the impact on someone who needs to carry everything.
3. The tool and accessories should be of quality parts and construction.
4. The tool and tool kits should be manufactured in the US and still priced competitively.
To handle the first goal of working with a variety of rifles and optics, the Multi Torque Driver is capable of using any 1/4" hex drive bit (and even 1/4" and 3/8” drive sockets by using drive adapters) to apply varied torque values. The torque values are determined by the selection of the hex cut-outs that run the length of the torque arm. With these two features the Borka driver can apply 12 different torque values (15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 36, 43, 50, 57, 65, and 72 inch-pounds) on a variety of fastener types. While the tool is small enough to be easily carried into the field, it is accurate enough to not sacrifice consistency when used over a more conventional torque wrench that may be found on a workbench.
The second task of maintaining small size and light weight is achieved by using stainless and alloy steel for the spindle, torque arm, and hex driver and structural polymer on the handle and knob. The spindle is fairly short, while the torque arm is just large enough to provide for the variable-length torqueing lever arrangement when assembled. This length is kept short by having torque values split between the two sides: the torque value is set by placing the spindle in the correctly marked hole with the low range on one side and high range on the other. The knobs used for the driver are small but still large enough to allow for easy, sure, and comfortable use. This provides for a smaller package than carrying a single large typical adjustable torque wrench or driver, which can be the size of a larger socket wrench or a fat screwdriver. It also eliminates the need to carry a set of several fixed value T-handle wrenches. For those that don’t have to haul everything with them for miles, the Borka driver allows for a very compact tool that will handle a variety of needs that will fit into a small pocket in a range bag, stock pouch, or pack.
The third objective of using quality parts and construction is where many of the adjustable wrenches and drivers fail. Many of the lower priced units are inconsistent, improperly calibrated, or don’t last. The Borka driver also avoids the springs found in adjustable wrenches that can fail if not properly reset after use. By using quality components and a simple variable torque construction with in effect a single moving part the tool is both durable and accurate.
Finally, Borka wanted the tool to be manufactured and produced in the US, along with all of the accessories while being priced in the range of other torque drivers and wrenches that have been thought of as the industry standards. The tool itself is manufactured in Michigan, and the Mountz accessories that are part of the various kits are manufactured in California. The tool pouch included with the tools is manufactured by T.A.B. Gear in Texas. Depending on which tool or tool set desired, the prices range from in the $40 as a low to around $120 as a high as usually offered. Considering that one quality T handle wrench will cost in the upper area of that range, and the larger adjustables will be in the middle of that range but have fewer drivers and accessories the Borka driver is very competitively priced.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Description of the MG3 kit</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka Multi Torque Driver rolled up in the T.A.B. Gear pouch.</span>
The MG (Military Grade) 3 kit includes the following:
MTD-15x72-12FS-MG torque driver (bit holder/spindle, driver arm, bit holder knob)
1/4" hex (male) to 1/4" square (male) adapter
1/4" square (female) to 3/8" square (male) adapter
T.A.B. Gear nylon tool pouch
Instruction sheet
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver broken down into its components.</span>
The driver arrived in a clear plastic envelope containing the parts above, stored inside the rolled up T.A.B. Gear tool pouch. The driver is stored broken down into its component parts so that the tool roll will be relatively flat. I selected the MG3 kit as I had a variety of bits, sockets, and adapters that I would need already, and I use a Versa Driver for breaking down rings, bases, and actions in the field that serves the same purpose as the Mountz accessories offered in the SRA kit (more on this accessory later). The driver is easily assembled, and the tool pouch is well made and capable of holding the MG3 and a variety of other bits and tools if needed. For my needs however, I didn’t use the tool pouch as I keep my rifle tools in a small organizer. The tool pouch has fairly deep sleeve pockets that while very good for the driver doesn’t have quite the organization for the several smaller tools and items that I need to keep on hand.
<span style="font-style: italic">Tool pouch opened with driver arm and bit holder shown in sleeve pockets.</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">One of the sleeve pockets has an internal divider and has a little more room than the others.</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka driver with Versa Driver, bolt disassembly tool, wrenches, broken shell extractor, multiplier, socket, bits, and adapters.</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold">MG3 Driver kit specs</span>
12 fixed torque settings: 15,18,21,24,27,30,36,43,50,57,65,72 inch-pounds
Torque settings calibration accuracy: +/- 4% (This translates to a possible projected low of 14.4 inch-pounds to a high of 74.9 inch-pounds)
Assembled torque driver weight (ATD-15x72-12FS-MG only): 4 ounces
Total weight with adapters and carry pouch (MG3 driver kit): 6 ounces
Materials: stainless steel, alloy steel, structural polymer
There are other Borka Multi Torque driver sets available that offer additional accessories and a choice of several torque ranges as well. The Sniper Rifle Accessory kit includes a Mountz mini ratchet wrench, Autolock bit holder, 1/2" hex socket, adapters, and 18 bits.
A simplified torque driver is also available that has only six torque settings.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Use of the Borka Multi Torque Driver</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">The Borka driver components: hex bit holder/spindle on the left, bit holder knob showing O-ring center, and driver arm showing etched torque values and corresponding hex sockets on the right.</span>
The driver is easy to assemble and operate. The hex shank of the bit holder is inserted into the hex socket that is marked with the torque value that is needed. On the MG3, the values are laser etched. Note that the shank is inserted into the hex socket of the arm from the same side that shows the desired amount of torque. By doing this the applied torque setting is NOT visible while using the tool. The torque value will be on the side of the arm facing the fastener and will not be visible while you are torqueing the fastener.
<span style="font-style: italic">The laser etched torque markings on the driver arm. 65 inch-pounds is indicated.</span>
Next place the bit holder knob over the top of the hex shank, securing the bit holder to the driver arm. The knob has a small O ring inside that will provide a friction hold on the shank and keep the tool together during use. You can then attach the needed bit or adapter to the hex socket of the bit holder.
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver assembled with socket driver adapter in bit holder.</span>
To use the driver, engage the bit or socket to the fastener. Hold the driver by positioning the bit holder knob with the palm of your hand, and tighten the fastener by pushing against the knob on the end of the driver arm with the fingers or thumb of the same hand. There is finger groove in the driver arm handle for proper indexing of your fingers or thumb. Continue to apply pressure until the driver arm knob “breaks” indicating that the desired level of torque has been applied.
<span style="font-style: italic">The driver is held in place by downward pressure on the bit holder knob while torque is applied with the driver arm knob.</span>
