Rifle Scopes How important is it to use a torque wrench???

[saleen308]

I just received my Vortex Viper scope, Seekins rings, and the Ken Farrel base. They recommend using using a inch lbs torque wrench to tighten everything. I don't have issues with following directions but, I'm having a hell of a time finding an inch lbs torque wrench that goes from 15 inch lbs to 55 inch lbs. Even my local Sears hardware does not have this.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: saleen308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just received my Vortex Viper scope, Seekins rings, and the Ken Farrel base. They recommend using using a inch lbs torque wrench to tighten everything. I don't have issues with following directions but, I'm having a hell of a time finding an inch lbs torque wrench that goes from 15 inch lbs to 55 inch lbs. Even my local Sears hardware does not have this. </div></div>

Here try this:

Wheeler FAT Wrench

Bob

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

I have never used one on mounting a scope base or rings on a new setup but if your pulling it off and wanting it to go back then yes you need to retorque everything back like it was. I would use one if I where trying to but a action back in the stock. So that the POI would not change by much.

 

[glock24]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

The Seekins rings are a bit finicky without a torque wrench. My Premier's parallax adjustment jammed up if I torqued the ring caps too tight, and that was after I lapped them.

I also found that my scope didn't sit down into the rings completely if the base screws were too tight, almost like the bottom half of the rings were compressing.

If you don't have a torque wrench, at least be conscious of the recommended torque value, and try to come close.

 

[jwp475]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???


Useing a torque make life easier IMHO

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

I have seen guys use impact wrenches putting together small block Chevy main bearing caps and the motors last for years and years. Does that mean I do that? Hell no! I now use torque angle gauge that is even more accurate than a torque wrench. Is my version better? Don't know but I am not changing. Do what you want based on how you like your equipment to perform........

 

[dmg308]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

Custom rifle $3k
Topline optics $2k
Sixty bucks for consistent even torque settings $ Priceless

Seriously everything we do is about repeatable consistency as above a Wheeler is a cheap no brainer.

 

[Thud]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

Listen to the Experts. The correct tools are worth their weight in gold. This saying goes a long way " Buy Once Cry Once, Buy Twice Cry Twice".

Try the local Snap On Truck or mail order. Be patient.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

Torque wrenches have really made my life easier with regards to remounting of optics. The guesswork is eliminated, and I no longer have anxiety of over or under tightening. I have 2 Seekonks: a 15 in-lb and a 65 in-lb. Show me an affordable adjustable wrench with quality equal to that of Seekonk, and I would have bought it instead of 2 separate wrenches. But I honestly don't know of a single practical affordable wrench that provides this range of torque. So they are relatively inexpensive compared to high end adjustable torque wrenches ($129 for the pair at LibertyOptics). They are heavy duty, super solid tools that are precise, and very easy to use.

In my opinion, I don't think the FAT wrench is so great. Sure, it is a nice concept and inexpensive, but it is plastic, and from what I have heard, it is not very precise nor repeatable. It is advertised to range from 10-65 in-lbs, yet the meter only reads up to 60. I have a feeling that I would have been disappointed with the quality of the FAT wrench and would have replaced it anyway. I like to get things right the first time, so that is why I went with the Seekonks.

If you were only to get one, I would say that the torque on the ring cap screws is more critical than that of the base. Since I have been using the 15 in-lb Seekonk, I have not left an iota of rings marks on my scopes.

 

[prplhaz72]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I also found that my scope didn't sit down into the rings completely if the base screws were too tight, almost like the bottom half of the rings were compressing.
</div></div>

I had the same problem with my seekins rings. I talked to Glen about it and he told me to just put the bottoms on finger tight and then set the scope in and put on the caps and torque them. Then torque the rings to the base. Seemed to work great and I have had no problems.

 

[TRON]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

I got one with a rifle I bought and love very repeatable.

 

[1911.it]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmg308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Custom rifle $3k
Topline optics $2k
Sixty bucks for consistent even torque settings $ Priceless

Seriously everything we do is about repeatable consistency as above a Wheeler is a cheap no brainer. </div></div>

My sentiments exactly. I couldn't justify a Seekonk so I bought the FAT wrench and it seems to work just fine.

 

[saleen308]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

I went ahead and bought the FAT wrench from Midway. Seems like the best bang for the buck

 

[rundm]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

I got a snap on from someone reselling on the hide. Got it for a steal and no longer have to think about repeatable torque setting. Just dial in the value and turn. No worries and can go back and fourth with little poi adjustments.

 

[JRose]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

Jacobs got a torque wrench built into his wrist....


WTF's up with that???

 

[JRose]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have seen guys use impact wrenches putting together small block Chevy main bearing caps and the motors last for years and years. Does that mean I do that? Hell no! I now use torque angle gauge that is even more accurate than a torque wrench. Is my version better? Don't know but I am not changing. Do what you want based on how you like your equipment to perform........ </div></div>

BTW, I couldn't agree more with this, when I was a mechanic, I would torque everything that rotated at high speeds, even lug nuts. Old timers used to give me shit, but I never ever had a come back due to loose fasteners or bound up parts squeeking.

Piece of mind, and KNOWING something is installed right, is a great feeling

 

[Magnumdood]

Re: How important is it to use a torque wrench???

<span style="font-size: 26pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Very!</span></span>