Question about tightening my scope mount screws

[3Crows]

You can get a set of driver bits for your 1/4" torque wrench pretty cheaply.

Most 1/4 inch torque wrenches, unless they are low range, start at 40 inch pounds and run up to 200 to 240 inch pounds. There are low range 1/4 drive wrenches but most mechanics prefer a driver for below 40 inch pounds.

3C

 

[rdnktrkr]

25-30in lbs sounds a little strong for scope rings to ne, I usually tighten rings to receiver at 20in lbs and rings to 15in lbs using blue Loctite, I've never thought about using finger nail polish but I like it if you ever think you will replace the base and be sure to clean the threads before applying Loctite or fingernail polish. Look on Amazon or eBay for a "driver" in "in" lbs. I have the yellow Wheeler one and another that is shaped like a T, both came with bits and I use them every time I tighten a firearms screws.

 

[taliv]

If you have a few extra bucks, do yourself a favor and buy the fix it sticks kit. It will have everything you need for scope rings and bases and only takes a couple inches in your backpack or range bag

 

[jmr40]

Using a typical Allen style wrench, put the long end in the head and twist the small end with your fingers.
You could easily over tighten twisting the long end. But with only about a knuckle of purchase on the short end, you can crank on it a bit and be in the ballpark

This is the method I've always used. Just as tight as possible with only the short end of the wrench for leverage. I've never had any issues.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Most 1/4 inch torque wrenches, unless they are low range, start at 40 inch pounds and run up to 200 to 240 inch pounds. There are low range 1/4 drive wrenches but most mechanics prefer a driver for below 40 inch pounds.

3C

I mentioned earlier a torque tool capable of 0-80 in-lbs.

I own it and recommend it. I’ve used it in firearm, sewing machine, and automotive applications.

 

[Varminterror]

If you have a few extra bucks, do yourself a favor and buy the fix it sticks kit. It will have everything you need for scope rings and bases and only takes a couple inches in your backpack or range bag

Find a way to find these few extra bucks and get the Fixit Stick products.

I have multiple of the limiter sticks, and the all-in-one torque adapter (more of a measuring device than a limiter, like the others). I also have two Fat Wrenches and the Vortex wrench, and honestly, I should be passing on all of them except the Fixit Sticks. I do like the limiter sticks a little better than the all-in-one adapter, but for size, cost, and accuracy, they’re tops.

 

[Walkalong]

Actually, the torque value of 25-30 inch/lbs. was for the base screws. For the ring nuts, the value given was 10-15 inch/lbs. These were given in the scope mount instructions.

Which isn’t very much and we can very, very, easily go over that with even short allen wrenches if we hold the long part.

The first time you use an inch pound torque wrench to do 10 to 15 in lbs it will surprise you, at least it did me. I had been over tightening them.

 

[cdb1]

I'll use blue loctite on scope base to gun mounting screws but not on any other screws.

Same for me, blue loctite on base screws, nothing on ring screws.

The torque values are for the rings. You aren’t going to hurt the receiver by using a wrench to be sure the nuts on the mount are secure.

I still use the inch pound weight on base screws that the instructions state.

I don’t use mount and ring screws that are Allen head and haven’t for quite some time. I’ll only use Torx.

I always have blue loctite on hand but wouldn’t feel disadvantaged if I had to use fingernail polish.

I’ve had a Fat Wrench for a long time. For myself I also find it great for stock to action screws.

 

[Demi-human]

I still use the inch pound weight on base screws that the instructions state.

I as well. On these…
A relatively fragile gas and glass filled tube need just the right pressure to hold it without damaging it.

Things like these, as in the OP, get attached with more than “finger tight” pressure.


I am positive there are torque values for these that would keep them on. I also don’t care what they are and tighten them with a wrench on the wrench flats. The base mounts are not going to crush the receiver.
(Albeit, a sufficiently motivated gorilla could, I suppose.)

The lower one is a 450 Bushmaster. That one needs to be tight.
Ask my shoulder why.

The smoothie, finger only riser still has a knife slot for more torque, and is in the picture for an example of what not to buy. There is a reason why it’s new looking, I don’t use it much. It doesn’t stay tight, even with rubber jawed pliers. And I broke the, luckily cheap, scope that was on it by dropping it off a .22.

Now, base mount torque values for a CZ or Browning bolt rifle are another beast entirely. They also don’t come with slotted nuts.