Torque Screwdrivers

Cal44 · Mar 17, 2018

I'm thinking of getting a torque screwdriver so I can torque down things like side plate screws and cylinder release screws to factory spec.

Can anyone recommend one?

It would be nice if it came with a few bits as I already have a set of Brownell gun smith screwdrivers (the full driver) and don't really want to buy a set of screwdriver bits separately (although that's an option).

Also, where can you get a list of factory torque specs.

chief38 · Mar 17, 2018

If that is all that you intend on using it for then I'd recommend just learning from a very mechanically inclined person what is correct torque - by hand. I DO own three torque measuring tools however I almost never use them. Once you "get the feel", you will never loose it! I'd bet almost no Professional GS uses one - except for maybe a special purpose on a rare day.

You can buy almost new Snap-on Torque Tools used on ebay for very reasonable prices. Don't waste your money on the cheap Harbor freight ones - they are not accurate IMO.

NOTE: They are available in foot pounds AND inch pounds! Be aware of what you are buying!! They also make specific Screwdrivers but they are usually limited to JUST screw heads.

These two OLD torque wrenches are in inch pounds. They may be old BUT they work perfectly!

They are both 1/4" drive and the Snap-on goes up to 30 inch pounds. I've also got a big sucker that measures up to 160 foot pounds!

andy52 · Mar 17, 2018

I have a Wheeler Fat Wrench, there not overly expensive and work well for me.

chief38 · Mar 17, 2018

BTW...... About 3 or 4 months ago I had my Snap-on Torque Wrenches calibrated by the Snap-on Truck Guy and they were pretty much right on over most of the range. It gives you piece of mind to have them checked once in a while.

deadin · Mar 17, 2018

I have a couple inch/pound wrenches around here somewhere. One is a screwdriver type and the other is a torsion bar type.
I've never used either one....

joe44va · Mar 17, 2018

I have three Craftsman torque wrenches and a Wheeler at Fat Wrench screw driver. Use them quite often, especially when any aluminum, monel or brass is involved. Steel I have a decent feel for.

MichiganScott · Mar 17, 2018

I've got a Wheeler FAT rench that I use when working on rifles and scope mounts, but I have never used it on pistols or revolvers. Generally speaking, if you hold a screwdriver with your fingertips only you will be doing good to exceed 15 in-lbs.

Bushytale · Mar 18, 2018

as MichiganScott said, only use the torque driver for scope mounts/rings and rifle stock bolts. No need for handguns.

bigggbbruce · Mar 18, 2018

I have been a professional mechanic since I was 18, always used a torque wrench to assemble motors, gear cases and other assemblies that are under high heat or high torque loads.

Side plate on a revolver doesn't fit this criteria.

Muss Muggins · Mar 18, 2018

We never discussed torque at the week long revolver armorer's class I attended at the factory . . .

Cal44 said:
I'm thinking of getting a torque screwdriver so I can torque down things like side plate screws and cylinder release screws to factory spec.

Can anyone recommend one?

It would be nice if it came with a few bits as I already have a set of Brownell gun smith screwdrivers (the full driver) and don't really want to buy a set of screwdriver bits separately (although that's an option).

Also, where can you get a list of factory torque specs.

ken158 · Mar 18, 2018

Muss Muggins said:
We never discussed torque at the week long revolver armorer's class I attended at the factory . . .

I spent 2 weeks at the factory school and torque specs were never mentioned. Watched assembly people making guns from boxes of parts and never saw a torque tool used.

Muss Muggins · Mar 18, 2018

ken158 said:
I spent 2 weeks at the factory school and torque specs were never mentioned. Watched assembly people making guns from boxes of parts and never saw a torque tool used.

Was that back when you made three handguns from scratch and got to keep/buy one?

cmj8591 · Mar 19, 2018

Muss Muggins said:
Was that back when you made three handguns from scratch and got to keep/buy one?

That was a great time. The guys who taught those classes were really pros at their jobs. I always took advantage of the factory tours that went along with the classes and recerts and never saw a torque wrench of any type in use by the fitters. I remember going once just after they transitioned to pneumatic screw drivers in the fitting dept. As I recall, the main reason for it was tunnel carpal problems for the fitters.

I went when you built the three revolvers. At the end of the build, we stamped a triangle on the inside of the grip frame to denote that the gun was built at the Academy. Anyone ever run into a model 64 with that stamp?

Torque Screwdrivers

Cal44

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chief38

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andy52

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chief38

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deadin

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joe44va

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MichiganScott

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Bushytale

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bigggbbruce

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Muss Muggins

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ken158

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