Originally posted by Ironworker: I used to work at a nuclear power house. They were very particular about torque wrenches. I have wondered about the Wheeler Fat Wrench. Could you point me to better wrench for not much more money? Thank you.
Not sure about the “for not much more money” part (I know quite a few gunsmiths that use the Fat Wrench daily)...but this seems like one option if I had the bucks and patience of Job...
"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches Making the best of what ever comes our way Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition Plowing straight ahead come what may And theres a cowboy in the jungle" Jimmy Buffet
March 28, 2020, 10:55 PM
Lefty Sig
I have a Stanley-Proto 6-36 in-lb torque limiting screwdriver. It's a professional tool and I got it from Grainger for a lot more than a FAT wrench. Craftsman has some mid-priced options last I checked, so you might look into them.
March 28, 2020, 11:29 PM
AZGlock21
I have used my Fat Wrench more times than I can count. I am sure it is not dead nuts accurate but for what it is for it has never failed me.
This is a german manufactured tool. Much higher quality than the Fat Wrench, for a LITTLE more money.
This is what I have, used it several times so far, couldn't be happier. I chose this model for gunsmith/scope work and did tons of research including the Fat Wrench, before settling on this. You can tell it's quality just by picking it up, let alone using it. I highly recommend it.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches Making the best of what ever comes our way Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition Plowing straight ahead come what may And theres a cowboy in the jungle" Jimmy Buffet
March 30, 2020, 09:26 PM
wrightd
quote:
Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk: Thanx for posting
One more thing: mine goes from 10 to 50 inch lbs. Verify this before you hit the buy button, since I THINK the copy for the URL I posted above says 5 - 10 in lbs, which I belive is a misprint, but do your due diligence before purchasing.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
March 31, 2020, 02:52 AM
iron chef
This is a very rare occaision where I can mention an obscure tool that others will appreciate. I have a Tohnichi adjustable limiting torque screwdriver similar to the Stanley-Proto model that Lefty Sig has.
If you use promo code "BENCH20" when you check out, you'll get an additional 20% off, which means you can get a FAT Wrench for $28.79 shipped!
December 01, 2020, 08:33 PM
jaybirdaccountant
I like the Wheeler Fat Wrench not for super precision work, but it helps keep me for getting crazy and damaging things and gives me some measure of knowing I'm adjusting action screws to roughly the same torque each time.
December 02, 2020, 10:09 AM
monoblok
Interesting that they changed the ergonomics of the tool. I've had my pre-"Coke Bottle" one for years now and it's performed seamlessly every time, even with my small mitts.
Not particularly excited over a digital version; just more unnecessary complexity to go south on you.
-MG
December 05, 2020, 09:20 PM
C-Dubs
Thanks for the heads-up iron chef!
I missed out last year. Just placed my order.
“I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”
December 19, 2020, 01:24 PM
Scooter123
I have to question what is the specific torque range most useful for mounting a scope.
The reason I ask is because on NEW S&W revolvers it can take nearly ever bit of power I can deliver with a screwdriver to remove the sideplate screws. BTW, I have actually tested to determine how much torque I can produce with hand tools and with a screwdriver that is 20 ft.lbs. or 240 inch lbs. With a standard 3/8 ratchet 35 ft.lbs is my limit with one hand. Point is that with many firearms screws can be tightened far in excess of these screwdrivers.
