Gunsmithing Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

[slowr1der]

I've finally decided I need to go ahead and get a Borka torque wrench. now I must debating if I should pay the extra $40 and get the one with the bits or not. What size bits does it take? are the ones that come with the set good quality? I have a to of screwdriver bits that loom like they would work, but I want to make sure. Also where is the best place to buy the wrench?

 

[billyburl2]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

It uses standard 1/4" bits found in any hardware store.

 

[Shredder58]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I would buy the wrench direct from the source... http://www.borkatools.com/default.html

As for buying with or without the bits...that's a tougher decision. I really like the nylon TAB carry bags he sells with the kits, also like the bit holders he includes. I pack the kit when I go to matches and like to know I have a full range of bits to handle any job.

Borka also has a Group Buy that just started, looks like a really good deal.

Good luck...

 

[kortik]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slowr1der</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've finally decided I need to go ahead and get a Borka torque wrench. now I must debating if I should pay the extra $40 and get the one with the bits or not. What size bits does it take? are the ones that come with the set good quality? I have a to of screwdriver bits that loom like they would work, but I want to make sure. Also where is the best place to buy the wrench? </div></div>

If you would like just a torque driver, the good place to buy it is Brownells. See related product page

This is a basic kit, in plastic case, aka MG2, which I supply only to Brownells. Torque driver is exactly the same, just marked with Brownells name, per their specs. You can use your own accessories - 1/4" standard screewdriver bits, sockets, etc. You can also purchase MG2 directly from Borka, although I do not advertise it as "in stock product".

In regard to Borka bits - I'm getting real anal about quality of bits I sell. I'm looking around, and see two trends in the market place - either cheap ones made in China ($0.10-0.20 per piece an average) or very expensive high quality ones, not made in China (up to $3.50 per piece, say, from PB Swiss Tools, or $2-$3 from Brownells). My objective is to offer high quality bits, not from China, at a reasonable price below $1 per each. At the moment, all my bits are precision machined, made from S2 alloy and hardened to the average of HRc 58, which appears to be optimal for the type of bits used for work on firearms screws. I only offer bits with standard 1/4" hex shanks, which can be used with any tool having standard 1/4" hex socket.

 

[Compact45]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I really like my Borka Torque kit. Buy the complete kit the way Boris put it together then you will have everything you need when you need it. It's good engineering with quality USA made components!!! Thanks Boris, I purchased mine earlier.

 

[slowr1der]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I decided to go ahead and buy the MG9 kit directly from BorkaTools.com

I checked out the group buy and the price seemed tempting, but after much debating I decided I'd rather have it in the steel case than a pouch, so I went ahead and payed the extra to get it from the website. I can't wait to check this thing out.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I went through the same thought process. I also wanted to buy a kit that was composed of everything made in the US. As far as I can tell, the borka kit isn't entirely made in the US (the larger kits contain the Mountz Ratchet, which according to them is made in Taiwan). I was looking at the Borka driver, and a bit set and ratchet from Chapman tools

http://www.chapmanmfg.com/

They have a bit set designed for guns as well. All this, and you can buy the TAB Gear pouch directly from Rifles Only as well...

However, Borka is the only one I know of that has that nice AICS stock wrench, so you may want to get that with the driver if you have a need for it

 

[kortik]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I wish I could use all U.S. made components in my kits, but with today's reality, some of the accessories can not be sourced from U.S manufacturers at any decent price or these components are simply not available. MG torque driver and pouch are 100% U.S. made, accessories are typically a mix of imported and domestically made parts. Many bits, sockets. wrenches, etc. sold in this country as U.S. brands are in fact imported from Asia. The question is which part of Asia - neither Mountz or Borka does not use parts made in China, if it comes from Asia, it's mostly Taiwan. It's just a level of quality consideration, Taiwan is currently #1 place in the world for quality inexpensive hand tools. Not a lot of choice for certain products, really... But, Borka torque drivers will always be made in the U.S., as a matter of principle, there are still good number of companies left in this country that can do custom parts.

I believe Chapman makes an excellent ptoduct, but if I'm correct, they make special, none-standard 1/4" hex screwdriver bits and stuff. Chapman bits may not work with Borka drivers or any other tools which use standard 1/4" hex screwdiver sockets, but it needs to be confirmed. I didn't do this kind of testing, so may be I'm wrong.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I hope nobody took my comments in any way as a critisizm of Borka tools? I think this is a great tool, and I think the kits were really put togather at almost cost just because customer kept asking for kits. I think by far the core of the kit is the driver, and that's ingenious in my opinion. I just wanted to look around like the OP and I am sure many other do for alternates to the other components of the kit. Not neccessarily for a less expensive option, but to be more specific to what I will be using. In fact, I found I only really currently use about 7 bits on my rifles, so really figured I would just get those bits, and some type of driver. Since I wanted to keep in USA made, I found Chapman. I haven't yet placed the order, but in talking to Chapman it sounds like the bits should fit the Borka. Once I have them in hand, I will post if they fit or not so everyone can have a definitive answer.

 

[kortik]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

HeroFish,

I'll be very interested to learn if Chapman bits fit my torque driver. Please post results when you have a chance.

Thanks,

Boris

P.S. I actually very much welcome constructive critical opinions related to my tools. It really helps to improve products, so, at the end of the day, everybody benefits...

 

[Old Salt]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

A Chapman bit will go in the Borka extension up to the detent ball on the bit, I think it's bottomed out at that point. Might not lock in but it will still work.

 

[SSC]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I would get the full Borka set. He has thought through and included every bit you will need. Plus his metal case is great. Everything is right where it should be.

 

[Wolf22]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

+1 for Kortic/Borka............gear works great, is accurate and is backed by a great guy.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I like the bits that came with my Borka set. They're a high quality set for the money and I haven't managed to put any wear on them yet. This coming from a guy that uses Wiha and Wera drivers at work, which many people consider the Mercedes of fastener drivers.

 

[Quarter Horse]

Re: Borka torque wrench without or without the bits?

I bought the complete kit as it has the necessary MM hex bits for a TRG. I also use bits from a Brownells magna tip for slotted screws. The Borka bits seem to be of good quality.

If you haven't been using a torque wrench you are going to be surprised at how far off you have been. I sure was.