Thread: Torqueing screws for cheapskates

It’s about consistency that’s all , done some reading over the years on the subject , most will say you need a drop of oil on a thread to torque it / tighten it , you are trying to put tension on the thread without the thread actually binding together .

I don’t get why many shooters seek out and invest in gear machined to really fine tolerances and then ignore manufactures torque recommendations.
Decided to up my game when I bought a couple really nice rifles and scopes, but I do come from an industry though where mechanically, she’ll be right doesn’t cut it.
I guess it depends on individual investment and their expectations as much as anything.
At the range I’ve witnessed satisfaction at some astonishingly poor shooting, so understand the concept of correctly torquing fasteners is completely lost on more than a few.

Originally Posted by Moutere

I don’t get why many shooters seek out and invest in gear machined to really fine tolerances and then ignore manufactures torque recommendations.
Decided to up my game when I bought a couple really nice rifles and scopes, but I do come from an industry though where mechanically, she’ll be right doesn’t cut it.
I guess it depends on individual investment and their expectations as much as anything.
At the range I’ve witnessed satisfaction at some astonishingly poor shooting, so understand the concept of correctly torquing fasteners is completely lost on more than a few.

do you torque the wheelnuts on the family car???? but they do on heavy trucks.....
why the difference??? because on one it is important,on the other,the strain isnt going to be huge and tight enough is good enough...bit like scope rings really.....
now action screws on a long range precision rifle,in a ridgid chassis, I can understand....the bedding contact may be effected differently ,but not on std stock.

Given I'll be torquing steel screws (I think) into aluminium rings I agree entirely.

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Originally Posted by Eat Meater

Given I'll be torquing steel screws (I think) into aluminium rings I agree entirely.

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what rings did you get?

Originally Posted by longshot

what rings did you get?

Talley low ring mounts.

https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/collecti...ow-medium-high

Always identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss and I will be missed

Yes I torque wheel nuts.
Ever since snapping a couple of studs on a work vehicle where someone had over cooked things using their calibrated elbow.
Was a cheap lesson on consequences really.

on your car???? if so you would be only person Ive ever heard of doing it....

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

on your car???? if so you would be only person Ive ever heard of doing it....

Kats tires at kiapoi definitely torque wheel nuts on cars to spec, they did with mine
To be honest I've seen more issues with over torquing on both cars and rifles, so using a torque driver/wrench isn't as silly as you think.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

on your car???? if so you would be only person Ive ever heard of doing it....

Yes.
Although I’d admit if I didn’t have access to a 1/2” drive torque wrench at work I doubt I’d buy one special.
I was happy to invest in a 1/4 drive one for my firearms though.

Torque, torque, torque. Why doesn't somebody just do something!

Originally Posted by gundoc

Torque, torque, torque. Why doesn't somebody just do something!

ya right gundoc - ya not exactly fitting head back on a bloody lamborghini V10 when one is putting a scope on -

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

ya right gundoc - ya not exactly fitting head back on a bloody lamborghini V10 when one is putting a scope on -

Exactly!
Never knew a torque wrench was needed for a firearm until I joined this forum.

Cylinder heads, main bearings etc l, flywheels I knew about but on a rifle???

Spend a few $$ and get one of these...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...d=9VmDNXcXYjlC

Geezus, that's long (she said!). Yeah, anyway...follow the link to a Shahe digital screwdriver.
Not too dear, and works fine.
I bought one to torque scope rings, mounts, and Oryx alloy 'chassis' bolts.
Seen too many ham fisted sods strip a thread on scope mounts, or overtighten so much that they pinch the scope tube.
Also, don't believe all the 'testimonials' online about the Wheeler (USA, and high priced) gear.
It's been tested and checked...and found to be less than stellar for accuracy.
Plus, don't torque something up to (say) 15"lb and then give an extra tweak 'just in case'. That's a good way to munt threads.

The thing about torqueing wheel nuts on cars, reminds me of when I was a young fella having borrowed the old man's car. I said swiped a fence by getting in the long grass while cornering on a narrow Taranaki back road. That dented the wheel rim so me and my mates changed the tire out but little did I know about tapers on wheel nuts so I ripped two wheels that night!