First of all,I just got a Primary Arms 1-6x scope & an American Defense QD mount and was reading about mounting scopes and was wondering if you really need a torque wrench. American Defense is saying 20-25 in/lbs. If so, would the Wheeler Torque Wrench be ok:

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler...Wrench/dp/B0012AXR4S

Any installation tips would be appreciated, I have absolutely no knowledge about scopes.

It took me a very long time to start using torque wrenches when mounting scopes, and could only bemoan the fact that I didn’t discover them earlier. (Part of the reason is that when I started out I never saw any published torque information; typical guidance used to be, “Tighten them enough so they don’t come loose, but not so tight to strip or break anything.” Thanks a bunch.)

The usual guidance is to snug all the screws down and ensure the reticle is aligned correctly, then use the torque driver for final tightening in a cross pattern. When looking down at the four screws on a ring (assuming that number), 1 is upper left, 2 upper right, 3 lower left, 4 lower right. Although the exact sequence doesn’t matter, I will tighten 1, 3, 4 (or 2), 2 or 4.

What can be tricky without some way of holding the scope in place is keeping it from rotating as the screws are tightened. There is a tool* to help prevent movement or some people use a stack of business cards, but it’s necessary to have a flat mounting surface for it to work. Otherwise, I go slow with the tightening process and rotate among the screws until it seems there will be no chance of rotation, and then torque them to spec.

I have individual torque drivers for specific values, but that’s a lot more expensive than what you’re looking at. I really like not having to guess what’s enough or not too much, and having a torque driver saves a lot of time and frustration. If you mount only one scope in your life, having a dedicated tool probably isn’t necessary; if you’ll ever mount a second one, or move the first, it is, IMO.

* https://arisakadefense.com/products/optic-leveler

It would be wise.


I have seen some high quality optics with crushed tubes for sale because the owner got ham-fisted with a screwdriver.

Kinda like tightening lug nuts...

I appreciate the quick responses!

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
The usual guidance is to snug all the screws down and ensure the reticle is aligned correctly, then use the torque driver for final tightening in a cross pattern. When looking down at the four screws on a ring (assuming that number), 1 is upper left, 2 upper right, 3 lower left, 4 lower right. Although the exact sequence doesn’t matter, I will tighten 1, 3, 4 (or 2), 2 or 4.

quote:

Originally posted by lkdr1989:
Kinda like tightening lug nuts...

Yup: Same principle.

Which wrench?

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
It would be wise.

It would be wise, indeed.

quote:

I have seen some high quality optics with crushed tubes for sale because the owner got ham-fisted with a screwdriver.

Somebody put the monkey fist to it!!

Yes. Get a Wheeler Fat Wrench. Will keep you from damaging a scope, like I have.

I also use Wheeler scope mounting kit. Makes the job a lot easier.

I don’t have a high end torque wrench but a wheelie fat wrench has served me well.

I have one of these kits and it serves me well.

https://store.fixitsticks.com/...?variant=40906294861

I think they are beneficial. I have the Wiha torque drivers in 3 ranges, but the Wheeler is probably close enough. 20 in lbs is not nearly as much torque as most guys think it should be. Stripped screws are rare when doing it right.

quote:

Originally posted by TampaSIG:
I have one of these kits and it serves me well.

https://store.fixitsticks.com/...?variant=40906294861

I have the same set in my range bag. It's not just rings but mounts, bases, grips, you name it. I also have an inch pound driver in my main tool box.

I use a Wheeler Fat Wrench. If your mount uses T-15 Torx screws, you can use this little gadget from Warne. Preset for 25 inch-pounds. I bought mine from Midway for about 18 bucks.

I wouldn't say you need one but an inch/Nm torque wrench comes in handy for all kinds of things besides gun stuff. I have CDI, IIRC they make the Snap-On torque wrenches.

Other people have posted good solutions to an expensive torque wrench.

I've been using the Wheeler Fat Wrench and I am pleased with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:
Which wrench?

Wiha. Buy once. Cry once.

Borka makes nice torque wrenches too.

Wheeler Fat Wrench also here. I will never not use a torque wrench. I'm too heavy handed not to!!

Fascinating.

Yet another tool I need in my tool box.

20-25 in/lbs. isn't much.

I still need a good balanced hammer and punches. I'm just using Harbor Freight junk right now.

Go nuts on the hammer and get a Shooboy. Really.