What torque wrench up to 60"lbs?

[z7]

I noticed my action screws on my rifle are a little loose after about 300 rds. I tightened them without a torque wrench originally and perhaps was a little light on them, now they are loose.

I am looking at the wheeler fat wrench. seems to meet the required range for me as the recommended specs are 45"lbs to 65"lbs

I am looking for your thoughts, the Fat Wrench is about $45 right now and then I will have to buy the correct size hex head to get the work done.

what torque wrench in the 10"lbs to 65/70"lbs range do you prefer?

 

[maxxhavoc]

I use the FAT wrench. It came with every bit I have needed so far.

 

[stu1ritter]

If your torque specs are 45-65 ft. lbs. then you want a wrench where that number is 70% of the max value of the wrench. The sweet spot on a torque wrench is 30-70% of capacity. Over 70% and you start loosing accuracy.

Stu
retired Mercedes-Benz mechanic

 

[stringnut]

Stu is correct about accuracy dropping off at the higher end. However, torque wrenches have to be within a certain range of accuracy to be certified and far wrenches are. This range is within manufactures tolerance for the fasteners. Repeatability is a very important quality also. The fat wrench has a good reputation. I would go with that as opposed to a harbor freight cheapie with larger range. Something to consider is that click type torque wrenches also get less accurate the larger the range is. I run the shop at a Mack and Volvo truck dealership. The only brands of torque wrenches I allow are Snap On , Mac, SK, and Precision Instruments. Matco click types are OK, but, the digitals having proven to be unreliable. We do have to torque some very small stuff on fuel systems and would have no issue using a Wheeler fat wrench. Mine has proven to be accurate and repeatable.

 

[Chip1wa]

http://www.cditorque.com/

CDI mfg all the way.

They make torque wrenches for SnapOn.

For 60 in/lbs one of their screw driver type products just might be the ticket.

Like Stu1ritter says, they don't work on the extreme upper and lower end of the ratings of the wrench.

 

[Bart B.]

Here's exactly what I've used since the 1960's for Winchester 70's:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Superior...8817&wl11=online&wl12=152502938&wl13=&veh=sem

Removed its socket then filed its tip to 1/4" square drive tight fit to use 3/16" hex wrench tips for stock screws so headed. It's 60 in/lb setting is easily adjusted to spec if needed.

It's setting can go up to over 80 in/lb if set to maximum so it's quite repeatable. I put 5 pounds on a foot long arm length to adjust it. Checks by the lady running the metrology lab at work said it was a good design and a bargain for its cost.

Most interesting was the accuracy tests a friend did testing Win. 70's in his machine rest learning 60 in/lb was best for that action. As stock screw torque across a range changed, test groups went from large to small to large. Proof that receiver clamping force to the stock effects the barrel's whip angle at bullet exit. Use the stock screw torque that is best for accuracy if that's your objective.

 

[z7]

I went with a wheeler fat wrench after speaking with my smith and recommends 40"lbs to maybe 50"lbs so the wheeler covers it easily and for the most part it is not rocket science, just tighten the bolts to something a little more precise than good and tight. . .but not too tight

 

[boom boom]

Thanks Bart B. Have a Fat wrench but it is sometimes more convenient to use one with a preset especially at the high end. I also appreciate you relating how you checked its accuracy.