Torque screwdrivers for gunsmithing

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Torque screwdrivers for gunsmithing

Posted: 8/10/2015 9:40:47 PM EDT

What torque screwdrivers do I want for gunsmithing? Currently looking at the one from Brownells. Thanks

Posted: 8/10/2015 10:20:04 PM EDT

[#1]

Home enthusiast or business quality?

If the former get a Wheeler Fat wrench. Can't make a comment if it's business quality but it hasn't failed me yet.

Posted: 8/10/2015 10:20:56 PM EDT

[#2]

Use a wrench with adapters.

Posted: 8/12/2015 7:13:14 PM EDT

[#3]

I have an adjustable driver similar to the Wheeler that my wife bought from Dave Manson. Made in Taiwan.

I also have a Harbor Freight 1/4 inch drive torque wrench as a prize at the end of the match season, but I've only used it to torque spark plugs.

Posted: 8/13/2015 12:03:58 PM EDT

[#4]

What kind of work.

The insert bit types work fine, but the tips do have lightly wiggle in the holders.
The fixed type handles are better since they don't wiggle, but if you snap or dull a tip, then you have to get a whole new driver.

Really, for hobby work, an Irwin bit set with 1/4" hex hand driver will be fine.
The tips are not made out of cheap steel that is going to dull quickly, and if you do snap a tip, then easy enough to buy a new replacement tip at say home depot or lowes.

If these are going to be your bread and butter for work instead, Then spend the extra money for hand drivers that have a life time warranty instead. Snap on/ Mac has good sets, and the extra money you are paying for them, thick of it as a free delivery charge service if you snap one, and they need to bring you a replacement.

Posted: 8/13/2015 3:10:43 PM EDT

[#5]

Are the brownells ones any good?

Posted: 8/14/2015 9:23:54 AM EDT

[#6]

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Are the brownells ones any good?

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Yes, but pricey. I've had awesome luck buying Seekonk and CDI wrenches (the best, IMHO) off Ebay. They are the best, and can be had for 50% the cost of Brownells or elsewhere.

Posted: 8/14/2015 11:08:44 AM EDT

[#7]

Are the brownells screwdrivers in general any good?

Posted: 8/17/2015 1:01:30 PM EDT

[#8]

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Are the brownells screwdrivers in general any good?

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It looks like a rebadged Utica, should be way good to go.

Make sure to ALWAYS reset your torque driver ( any torque wrench or driver ) to zero after you are done with it.

Took a look at it on Brownells website.....it looks IDENTICAL to my Utica torque drivers that I use at work...it is listed as USA made. Buy with confidence.

Posted: 8/17/2015 1:06:49 PM EDT

[#9]

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Quoted:

The insert bit types work fine, but the tips do have lightly wiggle in the holders.

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Get a better socket.

It does not affect the torque; just the handling.
Any 'play' is removed before the desired torque will be achieved.

Posted: 8/17/2015 10:30:14 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:

It looks like a rebadged Utica, should be way good to go.

Make sure to ALWAYS reset your torque driver ( any torque wrench or driver ) to zero after you are done with it.

Took a look at it on Brownells website.....it looks IDENTICAL to my Utica torque drivers that I use at work...it is listed as USA made. Buy with confidence.

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View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Are the brownells screwdrivers in general any good?

It looks like a rebadged Utica, should be way good to go.

Make sure to ALWAYS reset your torque driver ( any torque wrench or driver ) to zero after you are done with it.

Took a look at it on Brownells website.....it looks IDENTICAL to my Utica torque drivers that I use at work...it is listed as USA made. Buy with confidence.

That is a Utica torque screwdriver. The part number is TS-35, which is the Utica model number. I have the TS30 and TS35 Utica torque screwdrivers. They are high quality. You can get them used on EBay for $40-$50.

Posted: 8/18/2015 10:49:57 AM EDT

[#11]

The screwdrivers do not hold torque calibration nearly as well and long as a wrench.
We used to do wrenches every 6 months and allowed adjustment of the setting.
Screwdrivers every month and fix the setting to one value. Good ones have a place for a pop-rivet to lock the setting.