Torque Wrench Recommendation?

It wasn't me!

Hi guys, looking for recommendations for a good torque wrench. Got so many bolts and bits on the rifle at this stage I figure it's about mandatory, and when I have some cash I'll be getting a short case for it, so it will be transported disassembled, further mandating a good torque wrench. Recommendations and prices welcome.

Tackleberrywho

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Hi guys, looking for recommendations for a good torque wrench. Got so many bolts and bits on the rifle at this stage I figure it's about mandatory, and when I have some cash I'll be getting a short case for it, so it will be transported disassembled, further mandating a good torque wrench. Recommendations and prices welcome.

http://www.caulfieldindustrial.com/files/productdetail.asp?ProductId=124628&PName=CDI+1%2F4%27%27+Drive+Micro%2DAdjustable+Torque+Screwdrivers

They are in Galway, but they deliver

Sparks

Never had any issues with the AHG one I use myself. Seen it online for about half the cost of Tack's listing there. Centra's one looks more capable and fancier, but to be honest, I don't think it's worth the extra money (still cheaper than Tack's listing though). Intershoot's got an interesting one on their website - a torque screwdriver rather than a torque wrench. At the levels of torque we use, that's managable and might be more comfortable to use...

Tackleberrywho

Sparks wrote: »

Never had any issues with the AHG one I use myself. Seen it online for about half the cost of Tack's listing there. Centra's one looks more capable and fancier, but to be honest, I don't think it's worth the extra money (still cheaper than Tack's listing though). Intershoot's got an interesting one on their website - a torque screwdriver rather than a torque wrench. At the levels of torque we use, that's managable and might be more comfortable to use...

Caulfields only sell Quality tools.

And sometimes you pay for Qulity.
Any good handtools will last a life time if quality to begin with

You can always buy cheap tools in Aldi if you are skint.
I would never reccomend any of there tools as th ebuild quality is not there.

Buy cheap, buy twice

And Caulfields is an Irish owned, Irish Run Company!!

Sparks

That is nonsense Tack. The AHG torque wrench is a quality tool, I've been using it for ten years now without a single problem, and it was used by the entire DURC for several years as well, so it's seen a fair amount of use.

And paying more for something doesn't make it better, it just makes it cost more. "Buy Irish"? Sure, I'll buy an AHG tool that does the job well for half the price and I'll buy it from an Irish RFD!

zeissman

I use the wheeler fat torque wrench myself.
Adjusts between 10 and 65in lbs.
I got mine from the US but I seen them online in the UK for 51.00 sterling.

Tackleberrywho

Sparks wrote: »

That is nonsense Tack. The AHG torque wrench is a quality tool, I've been using it for ten years now without a single problem, and it was used by the entire DURC for several years as well, so it's seen a fair amount of use.

And paying more for something doesn't make it better, it just makes it cost more. "Buy Irish"? Sure, I'll buy an AHG tool that does the job well for half the price and I'll buy it from an Irish RFD!

One of intershoots torque wrenches is the same price give or take a €

the other is a screwdriver

the OP asked for a Wrench and I listed one in Ireland (quality, and very usefull on all manner of applications)

had he asked for a screw driver type, I would have offered a screwdriver type at a different price.

Caulfields aftersales service is second to none. That is why I recommended them.

I buy a lot of tools off them.

intershoots


Price: £72.50
Some shooters (us included) find it easier to torque their action bolts with a screwdriver, rather than a wrench
Using a wrench can cause some knurling of your bedding screws if not used carefully, especially if using long hex keys
We have tested several torque screwdrivers and found this one to be the most accurate and reliable
The long thin neck allows you to access deep seated bolts, e.g. in wooden stocks

Adjusts from 2-10Nm
Robust construction with easy-to read window for precise torque setting.
Includes popular sized bits and adaptor, the hex bits supplied are M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6
Textured, contoured handle for added grip and comfort

Sparks

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

One of intershoots torque wrenches is the same price give or take a €

That would be the Centra wrench I mentioned earlier.
And if you have the € to give or take, buy whatever you want.
But there are far, far cheaper alternatives to the caulfields one you mentioned that are just as good, and do not have quality issues.
Just because you paid more for it doesn't mean you're getting a better product and as for after-sales service, if a wrench breaks in my hand, I expect a no-questions asked refund or I'm going to the small claims court. Beyond that, what else can a company do about hand tools? Do they offer a free calibration service?

It wasn't me!

The Caulfields one has the wrong range of adjustments. Looking more for something like 2-10 Nm. The tube will be 2.25-4, the bedding bolts something like 4-6.5, so that would be about right. wrench or screwdriver design isn't important. Just has to work well and consistently. Smaller is better for stowing away in kitbags, so bulky kits aren't quite so useful.

intershoot

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Hi guys, looking for recommendations for a good torque wrench. Got so many bolts and bits on the rifle at this stage I figure it's about mandatory, and when I have some cash I'll be getting a short case for it, so it will be transported disassembled, further mandating a good torque wrench. Recommendations and prices welcome.

I use the RS (Radio Spares) torque screw driver, great tool but a bit expensive. Bought it new on ebay a good few years back, and I think I gave somewhere in the region of £60!

Might see what your after here;

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=retrieveTfg&Ns=stockPolicy_uk%7c1%7c%7cnew_uk%7c1&Ne=4294922322&Nr=AND%28avl%3auk%2csearchDiscon_uk%3aN%29&N=4294963862+4294955358+4294917852&binCount=31&multiselectParam=4294963862 4294955358&selectSubRange=Drivers - Quickset, Adjustable & Indicators#breadCrumb

Tackleberrywho

intershoot wrote: »

I use the RS (Radio Spares) torque screw driver, great tool but a bit expensive. Bought it new on ebay a good few years back, and I think I gave somewhere in the region of £60!

Might see what your after here;

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=retrieveTfg&Ns=stockPolicy_uk%7c1%7c%7cnew_uk%7c1&Ne=4294922322&Nr=AND%28avl%3auk%2csearchDiscon_uk%3aN%29&N=4294963862+4294955358+4294917852&binCount=31&multiselectParam=4294963862 4294955358&selectSubRange=Drivers - Quickset, Adjustable & Indicators#breadCrumb

RS is radionics Intershoot
I've been buying stuff off them for years!

BountyHunter

It wasn't me! wrote: »

...Looking more for something like 2-10 Nm. The tube will be 2.25-4....

So would it be normal to torque up the tube?

BountyHunter.

intershoot

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

RS is radionics Intershoot
I've been buying stuff off them for years!

and??? can you get them cheap then

intershoot

BountyHunter wrote: »

So would it be normal to torque up the tube?

BountyHunter.

generally a good idea, yes!

Tackleberrywho

intershoot wrote: »

and??? can you get them cheap then

I can get them F.O.C!!

Tackleberrywho

BountyHunter wrote: »

So would it be normal to torque up the tube?

BountyHunter.

Generally any screw nut or bolted joint should be torqued down if has a specific job.

Gutter bolts no:D

If you want something level torquing down is how you tighten.

for example 3.5 turns clockwise on each screw in a star formation, then torque down each screw to same torque. Newtons Metres for metric or Foot pounds if you prefer Imperial.

Tackleberrywho

DRAPER 1-5NM TORQUE DRIVER
(rrp €118.30) Price €67.66 + Shipping

DRAPER 1-5NM TORQUE DRIVER
For low torque applications i.e. engine covers on motorcycles. Comprises handle with torque adjustment and 3/8" square drive blade with spring-loaded ball bearing for secure socket holding. 1/4" sq. drive x 1/4" hex. bit holder for use with screwdriver insert bits. Torque range 1-5Nm. Torque is adjusted by screw action on handle. Supplied in blow mould storage case.


http://www.abbeypowertools.co.uk/subprod/draper-torque-wrenches-0001392.aspx

Order Total including VAT : €79.13 (EUR)
UK Vendor

Qty Item Code Price each VAT each Total
1 DRAPER 1-5NM TORQUE DRIVER 13116-43985 €56.38 €11.28 €67.66
Shipping cost: Republic of Ireland €9.56 €1.91 €11.47

---

Total ex VAT: €65.94
Total VAT: €13.19

---

Order Total (EUR): €79.13

Cheapest Delivered I have seen so far of a reputable make

fat-tony

For usual rifle usage, range needs to be approx 3 - 8 Nm - that one is too low, unfortunately Tack.

intershoot

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

I can get them F.O.C!!

get me half a dozen!!

Tackleberrywho

fat-tony wrote: »

For usual rifle usage, range needs to be approx 3 - 8 Nm - that one is too low, unfortunately Tack.

Jeez. I can't win.

I showed one from Caulfields that was too expensive, and too high a range.......

Now this is too small a range!

I don't use one unless I am in work.
Counting rev's is enough for me, years of practice at maintenance I suppose!

intershoot

dunno much about the make, but I think they use something like this in Eley for testing!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mountz-SSA75-Dial-Torque-Wrench-5-75-lbf-in-/390217238127?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adac2866f

zulu_dawn

this one is pretty good

http://www.borkatools.com/

ok price

Half-cocked

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

Jeez. I can't win.

I showed one from Caulfields that was too expensive, and too high a range.......

Now this is too small a range!

Sounds familiar. I was once told my entire collection of taps and dies only came in 2 sizes - too big and too small;)

Sparks

intershoot wrote: »

and??? can you get them cheap then

Pretty easily actually - you just go buy them from Farnell instead. Usually the same parts for a good 10% to 20% less. Never did figure out how RS stayed in business with that model...

demonloop

I've had a fair bit of recent experience on the torque wrenches, when I was looking for a new addition to the website.

The Gehmann torque wrenches have been giving me some trouble recently.

This is the same wrench Sparks has (its not made by ahg or Gehmann, its just a re-labelled job) and the problems have been more recent (last 1-2 years) than Sparks wrench, if its still going strong.

Quality has dropped a lot recently, and I'm getting returns.

So I got myself a few options, and tested them myself against the Britool I use, and the Centra one that I also stock.

I got the Draper, that someone suggested above - it was poor, quality wasn't great.
I got a Sealey, it was very similar in design to the Draper but a different animal completely. It performed really well.
I looked on RS Components, but the adjustment ranges weren't just right and the price was prohibitive.
I considered stocking my Britool but couldn't get a trade price on it, so no point going down that road.
Snap-On make a good wrench, my broerh has one so I was able to test it too. It was very good, but they were too costly also.

In the end I started stocking the Sealey, its a screwdriver, and works really well. I've had no problems thusfar. It complemants the more expensive Centra wrench quite well.

The Centra model isn't actually Centra, its made by Wurth, and is excellent. I tried going direct to Wurth to see if I could undercut the Centra price but the Irish distributor needed a huge order to get it at the right price so I couldn't take that any further.

My advise is to stay clear of the cheaper end of the market, the quality isn't there, and you don't want the danger of over-torqueing etc.

Tackleberrywho

intershoot wrote: »

get me half a dozen!!

Will one's like this do ya?

I only have 2 of them in my Tool box though

zeissman

zulu_dawn wrote: »

this one is pretty good

http://www.borkatools.com/

ok price

I contacted borkatools yesterday as my mate is looking for a torque driver.
the model I enquired about was the adjustable one.
It adjusts between 10 and 80 in lbs.
85.25 dollars which includes postage which should work out at just over 60 euro.

FISMA

Even Tack's torque wrench is "pimp'd."

Anyhow, I would recommend getting this kit.

SnapOn is probably one of the best brands out there - lifetime guarantee is always nice. However, the Wheeler kit is a must have for: torquing, leveling, and lapping.

Tackleberrywho

Snap on

I would never have guessed!

What would I know about tools

clivej

FISMA wrote: »

Even Tack's torque wrench is "pimp'd."

Anyhow, I would recommend getting this kit.

SnapOn is probably one of the best brands out there - lifetime guarantee is always nice. However, the Wheeler kit is a must have for: torquing, leveling, and lapping.

That looks good like a GOOD kit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5yi4icHsW8

clivej

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJMCMWwoLio