Gunsmithing torque wrench

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  • Cheesy Lasagna

    Sooooo Cheesy!
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    54   0   0
    Aug 20, 2011
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    Kennah!
    Howdy all,

    Does anyone know a local place that sells gunsmithing specific torque wrenches?
    I have automotive torque wrenches but they’re a different animal.
    Looking to mount a scope mostly.

    I’ve seen fixit sticks but am not certain if they’re worth the coin.

    Any input appreciated.
     

    MTx11B

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    NOLA
    Scopes you're looking for an inch lb., I've seen the wheeler FAT at academy it will get you through
     

    DAVE_M

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    Wheeler FAT Wrenches are good for the price.

    If you want something more precise and you are familiar with automotive tools, just about every major tool manufacturer makes an inch/lbs torque wrench. You will also need a ft/lbs torque wrench in the 20-100 ft/lbs range if you plan on putting AR's together.
     

    JBP55

    La. CHP Instructor #409
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    When I was still working I torqued everything in 3 sequences and the torque numbers would be slightly different if anti seize was used on the threads.
     

    DAVE_M

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    When I was still working I torqued everything in 3 sequences and the torque numbers would be slightly different if anti seize was used on the threads.

    The torque spec should indicate wet or dry threads. Some specs require threads to be lubricated in order to achieve proper torque.
     

    Magdump

    Don’t troll me bro!
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    I use this for pretty much everything inch pound related:

    https://www.eurooptic.com/Fix-It-St...429D3_ohgBAQs7D3ZdwQDAq6IWgZ_UIgaAoekEALw_wcB

    It’s great because I use a plain old craftsman driver and it’s easy to just pop this inline and pop in whatever bit I need. I also occasionally use a quarter inch drive torque wrench because I have one.

    The big stuff like seating barrels I use a craftsman dial in automotive torque wrench with 1/2 inch drive.

    That being said, I bought a wheeler F.A.T. last year and have yet to use it. I think I just prefer the old craftsman drive in my hand.
     
    Last edited:

    JBP55

    La. CHP Instructor #409
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    The torque spec should indicate wet or dry threads. Some specs require threads to be lubricated in order to achieve proper torque.

    We did major torqueing on the roughly 60 pound cap screws using anti seize on Large Steam Turbines.
    We inserted heat rods until they reached certain temp. verified by heat stick then tightened with a 2 1/2 inch two man air driven impact wrench then torqued to specs.
     

    DAVE_M

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    We did major torqueing on the roughly 60 pound cap screws using anti seize on Large Steam Turbines.
    We inserted heat rods until they reached certain temp. verified by heat stick then tightened with a 2 1/2 inch two man air driven impact wrench then torqued to specs.

    Yep, that just further highlights the importance of following the torque spec. Thankfully, I've never encountered scope mounts that require lubricated threads or enough heat to need a heat stick. :eek3:
     

    sheltongrn

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    Oct 3, 2017
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    Luling, LA
    Harbor Freight sell a 1/4" torque wrench in inch-pounds, usually on sale for $10.00, buy a hex adapter and you're good to go.
     

    Core

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    Inch pounds for optics. That's the small torque wrench. Ft lbs for barrel nuts etc, those are the big ones. Mechanical torque wrenches work just fine you don't need special gunsmith wrenches or digital wrenches.
    thumbnail.jpg
     

    thorswhisper

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    If you want something that is accurate and will hold its calibration I highly recommend you find an inch pound torque driver made by CDI. Snap on makes a good one too. You get what you pay for.
     

    JBgleason

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    NorthShore
    Harbor Freight has its place, precision measuring tools to be used on guns is not one of those places.

    Once told to me by a VERY famous gunsmith who I won't out here for obvious reasons. I asked him what brand he used because I was going to buy a torque wrench:

    "I use a XYZ (well known and very expensive) brand. But only because people come in my shop and expect to see it. If it weren't for that, I would go buy a Harbor Freight or big box store one. Let's be honest about it, we are building guns... not the space shuttle."
     

    DAVE_M

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    Once told to me by a VERY famous gunsmith who I won't out here for obvious reasons. I asked him what brand he used because I was going to buy a torque wrench:

    "I use a XYZ (well known and very expensive) brand. But only because people come in my shop and expect to see it. If it weren't for that, I would go buy a Harbor Freight or big box store one. Let's be honest about it, we are building guns... not the space shuttle."

    Some people build guns that rival the space shuttle.

    It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. You can use the gootentite method if you don't give a crap.
     

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