torque screwdrivers

[WWDHD?]

Like a lot of people here I have a basic Wheeler FAT torque screwdriver. I guess it works fine. I've never broken or stripped out a screw using it. It just seems kinda imprecise to me. It's kind of vague as to the exact setting. I've used it more than I thought I would though- screws on various firearms and mounting scopes.
I'm looking a the Capri CP21075 torque screwdriver. Is this overkill for my non-professional use or a good step up from the Wheeler? Any better options?

[Rickrock1]

I don’t think it’s over kill. I have quality ones and they never seem to fit good and eventually wobble out

[Fishwishin]

I just got my Wheeler FAT last week and I agree- the lack of a precise scale is a big FAT fail. The marks of the scale are too small and incremented too far apart. The indicator is too big and FAT to really know where it really is on the small scale.

[hermosabeach]

Good tools are an investment


If you are buying high end scopes, bases, optics, the $100 price difference is nothing

https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-CP21075-Certified-Screwdriver/dp/B00VPPJWLW

[therealnickb]

I just got my Wheeler FAT last week and I agree- the lack of a precise scale is a big FAT fail. The marks of the scale are too small and incremented too far apart. The indicator is too big and FAT to really know where it really is on the small scale.

This makes me sad.

[hermosabeach]

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/wrenches/general-wrenches/pro-drive-torque-wrench-prod133975.aspx

Or

https://www.torqwrench.com/products/micrometer-clicks/1-4-drive-micrometer-click-wrench-m1r50h/

[ar15barrels]

I have torque wrench calibrators.
I have yet to see a fat wrench that actually hits the spec of what you have it set to.
I won't use a fat wrench after seeing how bad they are.

I recommend buying a good used USA made tool on ebay.
Something like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194716878158

Or this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304384511631

[pacrat]

I have torque wrench calibrators.
I have yet to see a fat wrench that actually hits the spec of what you have it set to.
I won't use a fat wrench after seeing how bad they are.

I recommend buying a good used USA made tool on ebay.
Something like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194716878158

Or this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/304384511631

Prices seem very low. I can only guess they don't hold value.

Randall, which would you pick? Top one range is 8.2-36 inch #. Bottom is 6-30In#.

Seems very versatile, but do they go low enough for little 6-48 scope screws?

I've always just hand tightened fasteners on guns. And/or used my SnapOn In# wrench for guard screws.

[ar15barrels]

Prices seem very low. I can only guess they don't hold value.

Randall, which would you pick? Top one range is 8.2-36 inch #. Bottom is 6-30In#.

Seems very versatile, but do they go low enough for little 6-48 scope screws?

I've always just hand tightened fasteners on guns. And/or used my SnapOn In# wrench for guard screws.

The price is low because they are used.
Get the sturtevant richmont.
New ones run $200 and up.

The sturtevant richmont has a nicer feeling cam than the Utica.
I have them both and use the sturtevant richmont the most.

6-48 screws typically need 15 in-lbs wet (loctite is considered wet) or 18 in-lbs dry.

[mtenenhaus]

i would strongly advocate, in advance to purchasing, that you review the range of torque values for which you intend to utilize the tool....i failed to do so and unfortunately several of the manufacturer requisite torque value exceeded the range of the tool.

[WWDHD?]

i would strongly advocate, in advance to purchasing, that you review the range of torque values for which you intend to utilize the tool....i failed to do so and unfortunately several of the manufacturer requisite torque value exceeded the range of the tool.

10 in/lbs to 50 in/lbs is plenty of range for anything gun related I'd use this tool for.

[mtenenhaus]

I believe mine is Vortex brand. Works well

[hermosabeach]

eBay

The price is low because they are used.
Get the sturtevant richmont.
New ones run $200 and up.

The sturtevant richmont has a nicer feeling cam than the Utica.
I have them both and use the sturtevant richmont the most.

6-48 screws typically need 15 in-lbs wet (loctite is considered wet) or 18 in-lbs dry.

Both of the auctions listed were for parts
One had a not calibrated sticker on it to boot


Randall

Is this the model you use?

https://omegatec.com/810587-sturtevant-richmont-cal-36-4-adjustable-torque-screwdrivers.aspx

[hermosabeach]

Lower price

https://www.autoaides.com/product/sturtevant-cal-364-roto-torq-micrometer-adjustable-torque-screwdriver/

[WWDHD?]

I believe mine is Vortex brand. Works well

That Vortex sure looks a awful lot like the Capri - and for about half as much too.