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Need a new torque screw driver

Art Dirindin

Just went to torque down the mounting screws for a MRD on my S&W M&P 4" Performance Center Comp Carry and found my Wheeler Fat Wrench wouldn't adjust up from it's recommended not in use minimal (<5 in/lbs) settings. Did manage to get it to adjust again but did a test of trying to torque a screw in an front rifle rest that weighed in at 20 lbs with the fat wrench set at 15lbs and the rest spun around on the table repeatedly without the Fat wrench clicking as if the rest weighed nothing so I no loner trust the inch-pound settings and are not willing to find out if they are good or not by damaging a scope.

I bought the Wheeler Fat Wrench at least 20 years ago and have been 100% satisfied with it but I know a lot of companies now make in-pound torque screw drivers specifically advertised for firearm use and was wondering if one or two are well regarded as more accurate than most others. In all my years of mounting optics, scope bases and rings I have never needed for than 32 inch-ponds of torque.

So what's out there currently in the under $100 range for a consistently reliably accurate gunsmith inch-pound torque screw driver.
 
Really like the fix-it kit with the torque adaptor in it. Keep one in my truck and range bag
 
Bought a Gear Wrench for $125.00 two years ago. Range is 10-50 Inch Lbs. Bottoms out at 9.9. Calibration is certified and they can recertify if necessary or desired. Great on the loading bench or in the range box. No problems yet. I will PM pics.
 
I'm partial to beam torque wrenches...they're much more of a PITA to use but for as little as I use them, I can deal with the inconvenience. Plus, you can pretty much bet your life on them being right, no calibration needed, and a small fraction of the cost of the others. I've been using one like this for years:

Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch-Drive Beam Torque Wrench, SAE and MM Bicycle and Automotive Wrench, Reads in 0–80 Inches/Pounds and 0–9 Newton/Meter Increments - Amazon.com

Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch-Drive Beam Torque Wrench, SAE and MM Bicycle and Automotive Wrench, Reads in 0–80 Inches/Pounds and 0–9 Newton/Meter Increments - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

I'll trust a clicky foot-pound torque wrench on my car, but for my guns and bikes using inch-pound fasteners, I'll take the beam benders...I just don't trust the clickers. I've seen them go pretty whack. I'll also weld up single-purpose wrenches, like one with a 1/2" socket ($1 at local flea market) welded to a 6" piece of 5/16" steel rod ... if I lift my 12# rifle with that wrench on the scope ring-to-base nuts, it'll give a pretty reliable 65 inch-lb, no torque wrench needed. Same deal with Allen wrench on the action screws. ;-)
 
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I use the Wheeler T handle that has the preset torque modules. I don't need anything more precise for any of my stuff but I do still have my yellow Fat Wrench as the OP described and it still works fine after a lot of years of use.
 
Syncrowave said:
I'm partial to beam torque wrenches...they're much more of a PITA to use but for as little as I use them, I can deal with the inconvenience. Plus, you can pretty much bet your life on them being right, no calibration needed, and a small fraction of the cost of the others. I've been using one like this for years:

Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch-Drive Beam Torque Wrench, SAE and MM Bicycle and Automotive Wrench, Reads in 0–80 Inches/Pounds and 0–9 Newton/Meter Increments - Amazon.com

Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch-Drive Beam Torque Wrench, SAE and MM Bicycle and Automotive Wrench, Reads in 0–80 Inches/Pounds and 0–9 Newton/Meter Increments - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

I'll trust a clicky foot-pound torque wrench on my car, but for my guns and bikes using inch-pound fasteners, I'll take the beam benders...I just don't trust the clickers. I've seen them go pretty whack. I'll also weld up single-purpose wrenches, like one with a 1/2" socket ($1 at local flea market) welded to a 6" piece of 1/4" steel rod ... if I lift my 12# rifle with that wrench on the scope ring-to-base nuts, it'll give a pretty reliable 65 inch-lb, no torque wrench needed. Same deal with Allen wrench on the action screws. ;-)
Click to expand...
I too use a beam wrench. I don’t find it at all a nuisance. I pick it up insert the socket and use it. No turning up or down. I can be finished before they get dialed. I have Snap-On for bigger jobs like barrels and engines.
 
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