Looking at getting a tool kit for matches and such. I have narrowed my choices down to 2 fix it sticks or borka any input would be appreciated!
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Fix it sticks or borka
- Thread starter Willywonka
- Start date
I have the entire Fix It Sticks kit with all the torque limiters and love the kit. Its been great. Been using it for 2yrs or so now.
Recently got the updated Borka that has the variable adjust torque wrench and the field expedient cleaning rod all in a tight compact kit.....
EFK with the ECR option here.......
http://www.shooterstools.com/Pages/ATD/atdkits.html#
Really impressed with the kit.
Boris is a member here and often offers Snipers Hide discounts.
EFK with the ECR option here.......
http://www.shooterstools.com/Pages/ATD/atdkits.html#
Really impressed with the kit.
Boris is a member here and often offers Snipers Hide discounts.
Plus
Boris is a hell of a nice guy. Always willing to help out with spare parts, questions, etc.
I have been using his stuff for a long time.
Boris is a hell of a nice guy. Always willing to help out with spare parts, questions, etc.
I have been using his stuff for a long time.
I usually carry and prefer the Borka with me, however i also have the Fit Sticks for light simple easy carry.
The Borka lets you vary the Torque settings however a bit more complex to use vs the Fit Sticks you need to purchase specific torque setting bits yet set up in Fit Sticks quicker and easier. If you are looking at light carry i would have to say the Fit Sticks is the way to go,as long as you set it up specifically for your rifle,
if you have various rifles and want to use one kit only for all the rifles then the Borka is the way to go. I also use the Wheeler Torque Wrench at home which works like a traditional torque wrench that clicks when setting that is set is reached, just remember when traditional torque wrenches are not in use turn the torque setting all the way down to zero to keep the wrench calibrated( at least that is what i was taught many years ago)
The Borka lets you vary the Torque settings however a bit more complex to use vs the Fit Sticks you need to purchase specific torque setting bits yet set up in Fit Sticks quicker and easier. If you are looking at light carry i would have to say the Fit Sticks is the way to go,as long as you set it up specifically for your rifle,
if you have various rifles and want to use one kit only for all the rifles then the Borka is the way to go. I also use the Wheeler Torque Wrench at home which works like a traditional torque wrench that clicks when setting that is set is reached, just remember when traditional torque wrenches are not in use turn the torque setting all the way down to zero to keep the wrench calibrated( at least that is what i was taught many years ago)
Interesting you have such insight into his particular business.
You are aware of his manufacturing and overhead costs to say with such certainty he changed prices for no reason other than greed?
This is a capitalist system that works on desire which is another term for greed.
Lots of places work on the concerns of the buyer at the peril of the manufacturer and you know what.........their markets offer nothing for sale.
Working LE Ive never made the discount a big decision making concern. I get paid better than most by people that pay taxes and hire people in their businesses. If they decide to honor me with a break that's neat but not necessary, they take pretty good care of me as it is.
This was brought up before and found to be BS...don't like it don't buy it..really simple
+1 for Borka.
I don't have one (yet), but I emailed Boris with several questions and he was more than helpful -- very thorough in his analysis and response. I'll admit that it looks a little cumbersome to use, but as someone said above (I think), it's something you get used to fairly quickly.
I don't have one (yet), but I emailed Boris with several questions and he was more than helpful -- very thorough in his analysis and response. I'll admit that it looks a little cumbersome to use, but as someone said above (I think), it's something you get used to fairly quickly.
Boris is great and so is his kit. I don't know about MIL/LE discounts but he often runs group buys and Hide discounts. He is one of the few that I know of that actually manufactures and modifies his products based on input from end users.
I've got the Borka. I can't tell you how many times I have needed that kit in the field. Badass honestly. Only complaint is that I'd like some smaller hex keys for items such as the Kahles Zero turret screw. But I just have a little case with those super small hex's. It's really a badass kit. Being a tech for a number of years, you come to appreciate tools and understand the quality. The ratchet that comes with it, is really well thought out. Seems like it's some china stamped tool, but it's holding up strong. You can tell the majority of the quality was spent on the torque wrench itself as the bits and everything else resembles harbor freight type of chrome vanadium. Honestly though, I like precision in all aspects. But versatility always wins in my book. Being able to fine tune my torque settings isn't able to be achieved with Fix it sticks. You're limited right off the bat. +1 Borka. Won't steer you wrong.
Have the Borka.
Have used it in austere conditions- many times. There's not much to go wrong or get fouled up.
I don't leave home without it.
Have used it in austere conditions- many times. There's not much to go wrong or get fouled up.
I don't leave home without it.
Thanks for the responses think I’m going with the borka is my best bet to he right to borka?
I have a Borka but, according to what I see now, mine is archaic. It is the old flat plate that you mover a wooden handle to the hole for each torque value.
I really thought all the cool kids used Fix-It-Sticks now.
I really thought all the cool kids used Fix-It-Sticks now.
Nope...the new Borka gives you the flexibility to fine tune things that you can't get from Fix it Sticks
I have and use both for various tasks. I generally keep the Fix It Sticks with my rifle for parts that I may have to use often or check the torque on and I keep the Borka in my tool kit at home to handle any task that requires any given torque value.
"Greed" is not a factor used to run my business.
There is another tool, which I use, and it is called calculator. Very important tool, which helps to stay in business...
BTW, with practically 40% or so taken by government in taxes and numerous fees, adjustable torque driver and TAB GEAR custom pouch made in the U.S., it is really hard to become rich any time soon. So, there is a number of very good reasons to consider before drawing any conclusions about "greed".
In regard to MIL/LE discounts - FYI, Borka Tools provided such discounts in line with industry practice. Such discounts from Borka Tools have been introduced before FIS started selling SLOKY torque limiters.
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Don't feed the TROLL Boris...
He's so damned stupid that he couldn't pour piss out of a boot without the instructions written on the heel.
Correctly estimating the variety of a very small size bit tips for turret screws are always some kind of challenge. Different scope manufacturers use different screws, and have certain tendency of periodically changing things like size of the bit tips required for various scopes, and specs for the tightening torque. In addition, Borka Tools adjustable torque driver can not go below 10 inch-lbs., while most of the torque requirements for these screws are below 10 inch-lbs., so, technically speaking, there is a mismatch. After looking at the whole picture from different angles, and giving it careful consideration, I've made a decision not to include any screwdriver bits, which can not be used with our adjustable torque driver (or PTL) because these bits require application of torque outside the range of the torque tool(s) itself.
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I saw the comment "Harbor Freight quality bits".
Truth be told I have never used harbor freight bits but if they are as good as yours I'll be a customer.
When I get a new gun I will measure various screws or fittings and order what I need from Brownells but your bit kit has saved my ass plenty of times and the bits are as good, actually better than Brownells.
One use in particular was on a stuck screw in a Unertl 10X external mount scope. The Brownells driver deformed and start to break out the screw slot.
I resorted to the tiny slotted driver from your kit and it bit and twisted it right out.
There must be some магия in these Borka tool kits.
****Edit add - магия = Magic
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Thank you for mentioning it, as I felt like I was not going to talk about "bits quality" situation myself, but you're correct that comparing Borka branded bits to Harbor Freight branded bits may be slightly "complicated".
Here is why - nobody really knows who makes screwdriver bits for Harbor Freight, except that these bits are made somewhere in China. Borka branded bits are made in Taiwan, by COMPASS corporation, which is one of the best screwdriver bits makers in the world. COMPASS makes bits for many brand names in Europe and I believe, for some companies in the U.S.A. COMPASS made bits have accurate geometry, to ensure correct fit into the head of the fastener, made from S2 tool steel, heat treated to exact 58-60 HRc range of hardness, which is very important. Borka branded bits are HARD chrome plated for additional corrosion resistance, per our own specs. Relatively thick and unpolished hard chrome plating sometimes makes the very end of some bit tips (mostly small size torx bits) look just a little bit weird, but this does not affect the precise fit of the bit tip into the head drive socket of the fastener. I'm considering, for the future, to move to POLISHED hard chrome plating, although it will not change anything important except for cosmetic appearance. However, I have to consider how it may change the kit price.
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I just want to be clear here too. I'm not informed of the complete manufacturing process that Borka employs. These are my observations and mine only. I've been in the auto industry for more than half of my life and almost have had at least 1 tool in my hand daily. From Snap-on, MAC, Matco, Stanley, Cornwell, Craftsman etc. just to name a few. When your income comes directly from these tools, it's important that they are not going to fail on you. If a failure happens, we loose time and money. Being able to understand and identify quality made tools is an invaluable tool in itself. That said, I only needed to look at the Borka kit once from a friend and quickly came to the decision that I need this in my range bag. Sure I could have utilized my snap-on bits put together in a box and a $300 inch pound torque wrench with an extension and a 1/4" 1/2" socket, but it doesn't make any sense. You can tell right away there is a lot of thought put into the Borka kit. Down to the cordura pouch with the individual slots for repeatable storage. Again my observations when stating "Harbor Freight Quality Chrome Vanadium" had nothing to do with the quality of the bit. Just the appearance. I honestly wouldn't change anything in the kit. Haven't had any flaking issues, rust issues etc. with the chrome. I can tell you that even some of the most reputable tool manufactures, have experienced chrome flaking. I've needed longer bits for some countersunk fasteners, but that option is available to the consumer as well. Honest review.
Boris / Borka has earned my business.
I've recieved a personal phone call from him multiple times and that holds value to me.
Very Respectfully Carlysle
I've recieved a personal phone call from him multiple times and that holds value to me.
Very Respectfully Carlysle
Yes, God forbid a business man should earn some profit.
Borka EFK. One lives in a range bag, the other in my truck. Practice with it for a few minutes along with the 8541 Tactical video referenced on Boris' site and it will be a breeze to use even when tired, frustrated, and your hands are cold. These are high quality tools you will be proud to own. I am plenty happy to support Boris and his capitalism, which is how I got all my scopes and rifles to begin with.
The best solution I have seen for turret screws is the below pictured tool that comes with NF ATACRs. Because of it's size it is far more difficult to lose and easier to grab than individual pieces. This works for many scopes, including Kahles. It does not appear for sale on the NF website, but if it did I would buy 5 of them. Maybe it's worth calling them to buy a few.
The best solution I have seen for turret screws is the below pictured tool that comes with NF ATACRs. Because of it's size it is far more difficult to lose and easier to grab than individual pieces. This works for many scopes, including Kahles. It does not appear for sale on the NF website, but if it did I would buy 5 of them. Maybe it's worth calling them to buy a few.
I've been using two snap on torque wrenches for years, a 30-200 in lbs and a 5-40 in lbs. I never saw the need for a field kit but always thought about getting one. I debated this myself just last week and decided to go with the Borka for the adjustability.
I received my EFK2 yesterday and played with it a good bit last night and it's pretty awesome, definitely satisfied with my purchase and it will live in my pack.
I received my EFK2 yesterday and played with it a good bit last night and it's pretty awesome, definitely satisfied with my purchase and it will live in my pack.
Big fan of the Fix It Sticks. Been using them since last year and my old torque wrench rarely gets pulled out anymore. The Fix It Sticks kit gets tossed in my match pack and I also use it when we teach. Used it this past weekend on a students rifle.
I don't need any in between. I have a 15, 20, 25, 45, 55 and 65 in/bs. Handles everything I need from rings to bases to action screws.
They make others though if you needed.
https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/torque-limiters-1/products/small-torque-limiters
https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/torque-limiters-1/products/large-torque-limiters
They make others though if you needed.
https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/torque-limiters-1/products/small-torque-limiters
https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/torque-limiters-1/products/large-torque-limiters
They work and are easy, accurate and retain accuracy for 20,000 cycles. Not sure why you are hung up on adjustability as they make them for the specs needed for shooting but maybe they aren't for you if you need that much adjustability. Anyone using it for shooting needs will be fine with the set amounts.
You also don't have to buy just those. You can buy the kit and add to it if needed.
https://store.fixitsticks.com/colle...5-inch-lbs-kit-with-pouch?variant=40906294861
You also don't have to buy just those. You can buy the kit and add to it if needed.
https://store.fixitsticks.com/colle...5-inch-lbs-kit-with-pouch?variant=40906294861
The Borka set is nice (a friend has one), but for me, I use the Fix-it-sticks. I have an adjustable torque wrench (several Snap-On's actually) that I use at home. For the range or for matches, the fix-it-sticks' pack-ability and small size/weight just fit my needs better.
As Rob said, there are certain torque settings a shooter generally needs that negates the adjustability argument in my mind....
As Rob said, there are certain torque settings a shooter generally needs that negates the adjustability argument in my mind....
I have been using the Borja for years. Love it. I do use the extension to remove my Surgeon bottom metal. I have not used the fixit stir.
I want to buy a set of screwdriver bits kind of like one of the big Brownells kits, with all the different width and thickness flat bits, quality inch/metric hex even in tiny sizes and maybe throw in Torx and Philips.
I wouldn't use the tiny bits with a torque wrench, it's just nicer to have one big set than chase around dozens of tiny Allen keys that come with various products.
If you could put together a set like that and beat Brownells on price, I would buy.
I have a Seekonk torque wrench for my inch-lb needs but your kit looks like it would be nicer in the field. I will keep it in mind.
Thank you for your suggestion. I will certainly give it a thought, with consideration to level of overall market demand. As a manufacturer, I have to purchase any components in MOQ, which means I also have to sell a certain volume of goods.
Havnt tried the fix it stix yet but I’ve been using the old borka kit I got 10 years ago with no complaint personally.
Going to kick this back up. I'm actually a pretty recent convert from fix it stick to borka.
1. My fix it sticks turn into an abomination in the pouch after throwing it in my pack.
2. The bits on the borka kit are superior to those included with the fix it sticks kit.
3. No more having to buy multiple torque limiters.
I'm starting to see the value of things that are purpose built for shooters in mind rather than shooters being an after thought.
1. My fix it sticks turn into an abomination in the pouch after throwing it in my pack.
2. The bits on the borka kit are superior to those included with the fix it sticks kit.
3. No more having to buy multiple torque limiters.
I'm starting to see the value of things that are purpose built for shooters in mind rather than shooters being an after thought.
I got myself fix it sticks and it has been very useful. I had a wheeler fatwrench but the adjustments were never consistent. The fix it stick are awesome on the go. And its compact size is easy to store and carry around with you.
How did you find out that Wheeler torque screwdriver adjustments were never consistent? Do you have a lab with torquemeters at your disposal?
What kind of testing procedure did you use for validation of the wheeler torque tools consistency? Just curious...
I have a fix it sticks kit.
I did not purchase any of the torque limiters so I can not speak to those. I know I should use them and will in the future.
I was looking to build 1 compact kit that was capable of removing or tightening any fastener on all of my long guns.
I have not tried the Borka wrenches so I can not speak to how they work.
I did not purchase any of the torque limiters so I can not speak to those. I know I should use them and will in the future.
I was looking to build 1 compact kit that was capable of removing or tightening any fastener on all of my long guns.
I have not tried the Borka wrenches so I can not speak to how they work.
