Gunsmithing Torque wrench questions (update)

[TARFU]

I need a torque driver for base and ring screws (15 in.lb.) and stock and ring bolts (65 in.lbs). I know Seekonk makes a nice product but I'll need two wrenches and they are pricey. I am looking at a Wiha Torque-Vario 20-70 in.lb. torque screwdriver for $74.00. 3 questions:

Is 20 in.lb. minimum too much for base and ring screws when the manufacturer calls for 15?

Is there a better option (I've heard mixed reviews on the Wheeler FAT wrench)?

Anyone ever use the Wiha? Thanks.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Torque wrench questions

I know sometimes it may not be really handy. But I'm using a standard 3/8" square drive PROTO with a 1/4" adapter. It reads both in inch-pounds and newton-meters. It's small enough to get MOST things. But big enough to get a decent grip on. One of the places I used to work, I could buy tools and they would deduct it a little at a time from my paycheck.

 

[sapper12b]

Re: Torque wrench questions

I've got the FAT wrench it works great

 

[rdl65]

Re: Torque wrench questions

I bought a Craftsman 3/8 drive. It seems to do the job.

 

[TARFU]

Re: Torque wrench questions

The Craftsman was also recommended to me. Seems like a big wrench for torquing ring and base screws. I guess you need a 1/4 adapter to fit your screwdriver bits? Anyone here own a Wiha?

 

[rdl65]

Re: Torque wrench questions

Yes get a 1/4 inch adapter and your gtg.

 

[TARFU]

Re: Torque wrench questions

I ended up buying the Wiha Torque Vario 20-70 in.lb., received it today, and am very pleased. It is quite solid and comes with a robust adjustment tool. There are solid and audible clicks when you reach the torque setting. They are made in Germany and came with a calibration cert. They tested it at 3 levels and the highest deviation was 0.4%. They allow +/- 6%. The driver, 1/4 socket adapter, and 1/4 bit adapter came to my door for $92.00 ordered from All-Spec Tools.

Not a popular tool on this site, so I thought I would give everyone a heads uop.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Torque wrench questions

brownells sells a great torque wrench with their name on it.

 

[tindlej]

Re: Torque wrench questions

+1 for Craftsman!

 

[Explorer]

Re: Torque wrench questions

Typically avoid using calibrated tools at the extremes of their ranges but probably better than the old fashioned "reff on it" method. Consistency is key IMHO.

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: Torque wrench questions

the other thing is, if you buy higher end tools (price) i.e. snap on for instance, they will calibrate your tools for you free of charge.

for work there used to be this calibration firm that would come in and do all our tools. man were they expensive. it was almost cheaper to buy some tools new