Rifle Scopes Nightforce told me to use 100in/lbs on ring clamps - it broke

[hkmp5ks]

So I called Nightforce and was told to use 100ft/lbs (correction: 100in/lbs) on the clamps for my 6 screw rings. I dialed in my torque wrench and got started. It seemed a bit excessive and well before I started to get any major resistance, the nut broke, losing all its threads. Seems like the cross bolt is fine, however. Lost one top screw that was not yet tight and got launched into orbit.
Has anyone had this happen?

 

[CavReconScout]

Are you sure it wasn’t in/lbs?

 

[Steel head]

100 INCH pounds possibly on the cross bolt.
Most screws on rings for scope clamping get 18-24 INCH pounds

No foot pounds ever on rings or mounts.

 

[Sprayed99]

cross bolts are generally 60 in lbs.... INCH POUNDS...
cap screws normally run 15-20 in lbs depending on the manufacturer of the rings and optics. This is with split half rings.
Rings like the ARC M10 are a different beast and require different torque.


What rings are you using?
What optic?

 

[dirthead1]

65 in/lbs on cross bolts
15-25 in/lbs on ring screws

100 ft/lbs for the lug nuts on your car.

 

[whatsupdoc]

BULLSHIT, So you took a 1/2 drive torque wrench to your ring screws. Again BULLSHIT

 

[Sprayed99]

65 in/lbs on cross bolts
15-25 in/lbs on ring screws

100 ft/lbs for the lug nuts on your car.

unless it is a Honda Accord... warp rotors quick...ask me how I know

 

[Sprayed99]

shit I don't even torque barrels to 100 ft lbs

 

[DIBBS]

Well

On a side note, thanks for the laugh. Sorry about your problem....

 

[ma smith]

Newton Meters (NM) for the WIN

 

[wpeach1912]

100 ftlbs should get you to the “tighten till you hear a crack and back off a quarter turn” range

 

[ma smith]

So I called Nightforce and was told to use 100ft/lbs...

This is why the rings come with written instructions and why they internet exists

...just want to make sure nothing has changed in regards to cross bolt torque on the Night Force rings sets. I'm used to 65 inch pounds, think they always state 68, however, new set of the A268 states not to exceed 100 inch pounds. Is it necessary to go that high or is the time tested spec of 65 adequate? Since this is the 6 screw, wondering if that is unique to them vs. the 4 screw...

 

[timberwoofers]

Don't know if OP is serious.

 

[1791PrecisionArmory]

Ham fisted the shit outta that.

 

[TheGerman]

So you just used 1200 inch/lbs? lol

For reference, the Jesus nut on my Polaris is torqued at 140 ft/lb.

 

[bullseye13]

I hope this is real.

 

[Jscb1b]

Duct tape it back together, you'll be fine.

 

[cruze5]

Joined Nov 18, 2020

you Sir did not read the box

 

[10ring'r]

Little parts, HUGE torque values......what could possibly go wrong.....Mac

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

#8 wire, duct tape, and loctite.
Fixes most things.
Just wondering why you would think foot/lbs would be applicable to such a small set up, as scope rings.
That screw that came off, must be in orbit by now.

 

[Powder_Burns]

You didn’t think it was odd when you put a 1/2”x1/4” adapter on your 36” torque wrench to get a 3/16” hex bit socket to torque to 100 ft-lbs?

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

How the hell do you apply 100 FOOT pounds of torque to a rifle component without clamping it down?

 

[Rocketmandb]

#8 wire, duct tape, and loctite.
Fixes most things.
Just wondering why you would think foot/lbs would be applicable to such a small set up, as scope rings.
That screw that came off, must be in orbit by now.

You forgot JB Weld.

 

[B-P-UU]

So you just used 1200 inch/lbs? lol

For reference, the Jesus nut on my Polaris is torqued at 140 ft/lb.

"Jesus Nut".. I haven't heard that term in a long time. Thanks for the laugh.

 

[Smokenaces]

Happened to me my first time.
Coat everything with an extra thick layer of 5 minute epoxy. Head to the range and sight in!

 

[Krob95]

This is why I only buy Spuhr. Cranked my cross bolts to 150ftlbs no issues at all. Cranked the scope caps to 50ftlbs. Also no issues

 

[sleeplz]

Pics? so we can better diagnose the problem. I think a few people here have done that.

 

[ma smith]

You didn’t think it was odd when you put a 1/2”x1/4” adapter on your 36” torque wrench to get a 3/16” hex bit socket to torque to 100 ft-lbs?

Mo Money Mo Money Mo Money

 

[whatsupdoc]

"Jesus Nut".. I haven't heard that term in a long time. Thanks for the laugh.

Jesus nut was always on the rotor head, never thought a Polaris had one.

 

[hkmp5ks]

Shit I meant in/lbs... my torque wrench doesn't do ft/lbs it's not that big. Sorry, I can see how you're all confused. Seems like the nut was problematic because the other one didn't care and it got to 100in/lbs without a problem

 

[Skg_Mre_Lght]

If you aren't using a 3/4" impact on scopes mounts, you're dead wrong. Don't forget the Rocksett to make sure the screws won't back out.

 

[whatsupdoc]

OP also repairs fine watches.

His Tool Set

 

[JoeZ]

Don't forget the Rocksett to make sure the screws won't back out.

Not sure how listening to 80's music helps, but sure.

 

[hkmp5ks]

Ok now you're all cracking me up... I deserve it! Thanks for the laughs, much needed!!

 

[LeftyJason]

Not sure how listening to 80's music helps, but sure.

You are thinking Roxette.

Which reminds me. She died last year on my birthday.

Different spelling different product.

 

[Powder_Burns]

rocksett not roxette.

 

[10ring'r]

You did this on purpose.....didn't you??? I see what you did, shame on you! Mac

 

[Skg_Mre_Lght]

Not sure how listening to 80's music helps, but sure.

You gotta listen to your heart, man.

 

[candyx]

Should of went with the Spuhr Mount this is the torque wrench I had to use to tighten it up.

 

[Smokenaces]

I know someone that can help. PM me for contact info.

 

[Tokay444]

So I called Nightforce and was told to use 100ft/lbs on the clamps for my 6 screw rings.

No they didn’t.

 

[jsimonh]

Shit I meant in/lbs... my torque wrench doesn't do ft/lbs it's not that big. Sorry, I can see how you're all confused. Seems like the nut was problematic because the other one didn't care and it got to 100in/lbs without a problem

I had the same thing happen to me with NF rings. I still run ultralights on all my guns, 4 screw version though. The 6 screw version calls for 100in/lbs but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I went to 90 on the set I had. Snapped the nut clean. Called NF and told them what had happened, they sent me new rings at no charge and I just sent the others back. Great CS. I dont use the 6 screw versions anymore, and go to 62in/lbs on the cross bolt with the 4 screw version.

EDIT**** Found my post from 2018 lol

 

[Shoots 700's]

Theres no way in hell they told you 100 pounds of inches or otherwise

 

[hkmp5ks]

Yeah one of them did fine at 100in/lbs the other one snapped at probably 90ish

 

[Shoots 700's]

You would risk bending the scope tube with that much force. Maybe not allowing it to track due to binding.

 

[candyx]

I know someone that can help. PM me for contact info.
View attachment 7482586

My buddy had that setup on his long range rifle and hit a 10" steel 5,280 yards.

 

[jsimonh]

Theres no way in hell they told you 100 pounds of inches or otherwise


You would risk bending the scope tube with that much force. Maybe not allowing it to track due to binding.

How would that much pressure on the cross bolt cause binding? Just curious of your train of thought since you have such a strong opinion that they didn't tell him that.....

 

[Bb214]

Shit I meant in/lbs... my torque wrench doesn't do ft/lbs it's not that big. Sorry, I can see how you're all confused. Seems like the nut was problematic because the other one didn't care and it got to 100in/lbs without a problem

Atleast you’re a good sport about it OP

 

[candyx]

You would risk bending the scope tube with that much force. Maybe not allowing it to track due to binding.

Thats why I fill my scope with water so the rings can't deform the tube.

 

[CBDR]

100 INCH pounds possibly on the cross bolt.
Most screws on rings for scope clamping get 18-24 INCH pounds

No foot pounds ever on rings or mounts.

Some of us learn our lessons the hard way.