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Which Torque Wrench?

1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Jerry Hemby 
#1 ·
Your thoughts, I have used torque wrenches for years on different machine assemblies. I saw a video on one of the gun/suppliers and they did torque the first action screw all the way down to the recommended 65 in lbs first time. My question and what i would do as with all other jobs is to torque screws / bolts in a sequence rather to max on first try. Like to 40 for all then again to 50 then final to 65 or what ever is called for. This would prevent any distortion that could be caused by torquing to final setting on first try. This is what I would do but just curious as to your thoughts.
 
#2 ·
Jerry, welcome back, though I must tell you, you're posting in a six year old thread, and you would probably get better/more answers to your question starting your own thread... just a thought.
 
#5 ·
I saw a video ..
That's the problem; anybody can make a video these days, even if they don't know what they're doing.

Sequencing is correct. I do that even when there are only two bolts/screws.

And even with one screw I will re-torque it after the initial tightening.
 
#6 ·
I started reloading about 1965-66, not sure of the date but began at the Ramstien AFB rod and gun club, Germany. In all those years I never once torqued the action bolt's. Got my new Mossber Patriot and the rear bolt goes down through the front of the trigger guard, guard is plastic. Well I got it to tight and managed o break the hole around that bolt. Mossberg sent me a new trigger guard and suggested torquing the action bolts to 20-25 lbs. Got my first torque wrench then! I recall my old mod 660 in 308 also had a plastic trigger guard and it was also broken. I'm sure now that it was over Tighten'ed. The Mossberg is now set to 20 lbs, so are the rest of my rifles. I got my wrench off of Amazon. It'a a Cal-Hawk 1/4" drive in inch pound's. On Amazon you build point's using the Amazon credit card and the point's get you X # of dollars on your last purchase. I don't recall the list price of it but after the point's discount It was about $7 with free shipping. Goes up to 200 in lbs.
 
#7 · (Edited)
TIGHTENING SCREWS ON FIREARMS
If you can't find recommended torque figures for your firearms, I would, (while using a torque screwdriver) tighten the screws to what feels comfortable to you. Always better to use too little torque rather than too much that might cause damage. While tightening the screws (with the torque driver) watch the reading on it or have someone watch while you tighten the screws to what feels good to you. Using this method you should have the wrench limits set to max, (around 65 in. lbs.) Remember this figure (the one you read when you tighten your rifle screws to what feels good to you) so you can always be consistent when assembling your rifle. Even without recommended settings, being consistent each time you remove and tighten these screws is important. Again, better to err on the side of too little torque than too much torque, which can cause damage.
The Wheeler FAT wrench and I am sure others as well, have recommendations for torque limits.

If the action is properly bedded, less than max torque will secure your action in the proper location and prevent any unwanted motion.
 
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