Harbor Freight 1/4" in-lb torque wrench $12 coupon

[LiveLife]

I have Tekton 10-150 in-lb torque wrench that I use for scope ring/mount bolts - https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-TRQ21101-4-Inch-Dual-Direction-1-1-16-9/dp/B01M12284X

But since most scope ring/mount/picatinny rail bolts are torqued at 20-25 in-lbs to 30-45 in-lbs, Harbor Freight has 1/4" 20-200 in-lb torque wrench with coupon for $12 (expires 10/1) and comes with lifetime warranty - https://go.harborfreight.com/email/2023/09/182061-63880/

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have one their inch lbs torque wrenches. It comes in handy.

 

[12Bravo20]

I personally prefer the screw driver type torque wrenches such as the Wheeler Fat Wrench. I find the type that you linked to are still easy to over torque things. They are fine for 50 to 100 inch pounds. Most scope rings only require 18 to 20 inch pounds, with 18 inch pounds being more common. And most mounts require 30 to 40 inch pounds. 38 Inch pounds is a common torque spec for one piece AR mounts.

The type of torque wrenches linked do come in handy when working on vehicles and I do have one that I use a lot. I find the 1/4" drive torque wrenches better than using a 3/8" torque wrench that is inch pounds.

The main thing about any torque wrench is how repeatable they are. They can be a couple of inch pounds off and it won't hurt as long as they are consistent.

 

[LiveLife]

Before I got the Tekton in-lb torque wrench, I used the "Turn little Allen wrench until feel firm pressure" but I guess I am tolerant to pain as when I checked my hand torqued scope ring/mount bolts, they were all over torqued.

This was particularly troublesome when I was conducting 50/100 yard testing with 22LR mounting big heavy 6-24x50mm scopes and after torquing bolts to 20 in-lb with some Loc-tite, haven't experienced any loose ring/mount bolt and now I have piece of mind.

Although HF torque wrench only goes down to 20 in-lb, even if it was off by few inches, you will be torquing the bolts to likely under 25 in-lb, which I do believe should be good enough for most scope ring/mount bolts.

I know, I know ... but for $12, it's better than nothing.

 

[LoonWulf]

Nice! I sometimes need a ratchet style for some if my smaller engine bolts, and getting the recommended 60in/lb +/- on some of the rifle action screws is hard with a screwdriver style.

 

[JDeere]

I bought one some time ago but as mentioned at the lower end like scope rings it can be over torqued. The Fat Wrench is my go to for scope rings, dot plates and bases...

 

[12Bravo20]

Nice! I sometimes need a ratchet style for some if my smaller engine bolts, and getting the recommended 60in/lb +/- on some of the rifle action screws is hard with a screwdriver style.

I've used the 1/4" ratchet torque wrenches for transmission pan bolts that require 100 inch pounds. A 3/8" drive is a bit overkill for 1/4" or 6mm bolts. Heck I've over torqued transmission pan bolts with a regular short 1/4" drive ratchet.

 

[LoonWulf]

I've used the 1/4" ratchet torque wrenches for transmission pan bolts that require 100 inch pounds. A 3/8" drive is a bit overkill for 1/4" or 6mm bolts. Heck I've over torqued transmission pan bolts with a regular short 1/4" drive ratchet.

Yeah ive missed the click on a cheap 3/8th drive and snapped one off before ......least i did it going in.
Anyways lately Ive been guessing when i couldnt get my screwdriver torque wrench into the space...... don't like guessing...

 

[jmorris]

I haven’t played with the HF one but the Roto torque (center) feels and stores better than the wheeler but you have to have something to set them with initially. The wheeler doesn’t feel as good but does give you an indication of where you are at, even if it’s not exact, if you change one much.