4 Best Torque Wrenches For Gunsmithing, Scope Mounts & Accessories

Here are the best torque wrench for gunsmithing and scope mounting. While most people who are new to firearm maintenance overlook these tools, but I highly recommend using them to properly set up your firearms instead of hand torquing screws just by eyeballing it.

Getting a good one to keep in your rifle case to go wherever you need it!

Check them out here:

Top Torque Wrenches For Guns

Instead of overpaying someone at Bass Pro Shop to mount your scope you should do it yourself with a good quality digital firearm accurizing torque wrench or a manual scope mounting kit.

Wheeler FAT Wrench

People love the Wheeler FAT Wrench for scope mounts and scope rings.

It has a maximum torque range up to 65 In-lbs, which gives a wide range of torque value for a lot of applications.

Such as rail pieces, one-piece scope mount, grip, iron sights, and other parts

REAL AVID SMART TORQ

REAL AVID Smart TORQ features a 1 in lb per click increment adjuster, so the user doesn't have to eye ball or guess when sitting the torque value when installing firearm optics by reading the small torque scale.

See full review here

Fix It Sticks

The Fix It Sticks All-in-one kit is small, lightweight, versatile and extremely handy for various applications.

The best part in the package is the torque limiter adapter. This thing can gauge the amount of in-lb torque the user is applying, and it can added on most compatible size socket. 

See full review here

List of Popular Gun Parts Require In-Lb Torque

• SCAR16/17 Barrel Retention Screws - 63 Inch-Pound/Each
• Sig MCX Barrel Retention Screws - 60 Inch-Pound/Each
• Sig MPX Barrel Screw Torque - 40 Inch-Pound
• Handguard Rail Section - 12-15 Inch-Pound
• M-LOK (Metal) - 35 Inch-Pound
• M-LOK (Polymer) - 15 Inch-Pound
• Gun barrel assemblies, generally around 70-80 Ft-Lbs
• Castle nuts, 40 Ft-Lbs
• Flash hider, 30 Ft-Lbs

Foot Pound Torque Wrench

WARNING! Torque In-lbs and Ft-lbs are two different unit values!

Foot Lbs torque value is typically used on heavy duty parts such as cars, mounting structures, and in this case, a gun barrel.

Be sure to look up the torque value before applying the torque to prevent damage.

Next, you need an all-purpose wrench such as the TEKTON 24335 Drive Click Torque wrench for Foot pound torque.

Attach this to an extension piece to torque a specific gun part.

Common FAQ

What to Look for In A Gunsmith Torque Wrench Set

These are the most important things to look for:

• Torque range up to 25 In-lbs or 40 In-lbs is common torque range for ring mounted optics and accessories mounted on the Picatinny rail
• Digital readout or manual are both ok.
• It allows you to use a large variety of bits such as Allen, Torx, flathead…etc
• The wrench makes an audible sound when the torque value is reached to signal the user to stop torquing to prevent damage.
• Easy to read value indicator.
• Look for a firearm wrench that measures in In-Lbs, and NOT Ft-Lbs because most gun parts do not need Ft-lbs torque. Ft-Lbs wrench is usually used for heavy-duty things such as car wheel bolts. You only need an Ft-Lb wrench when tightening items such as barrel nuts, Castle nuts and flash hider.

Digital VS. Manual Torque Wrench

The difference between digital and manual torque wrench is precise number readout.

The digital torque wrench can give you exact value

The manual torque wrenches require the user to adjust the torque setting to a ballpark number.

Why Torque To Exact Specification On Gun Parts?

Using screws is common when assembling a rifle, and having a firearm torque wrench set can make a big difference. This type of tool helps to tighten parts to the exact tightness needed, preventing them from coming loose.

When you shoot a gun, there is a lot of recoil and vibration that can cause screws to loosen over time. That's why torque wrenches are used in many industries, including aerospace and automobile manufacturing, to safely and precisely install parts.

For rifles, using a torque wrench is especially important for long range scopes and other precision accessories. So, if you want to make sure your rifle stays in top condition, investing in a firearm torque wrench set is a must-have.

Scope Mounting

Get This Complete Real Avid Tool Set Here

These are the most important things to look for:

• Torque range up to 25 In-lbs or 40 In-lbs is common torque range for ring mounted optics and accessories mounted on the Picatinny rail
• Digital readout or manual are both ok.
• It allows you to use a large variety of bits such as Allen, Torx, flathead…etc
• The wrench makes an audible sound when the torque value is reached to signal the user to stop torquing to prevent damage.
• Easy to read value indicator.
• Look for a firearm wrench that measures in In-Lbs, and NOT Ft-Lbs because most gun parts do not need Ft-lbs torque. Ft-Lbs wrench is usually used for heavy-duty things such as car wheel bolts. You only need an Ft-Lb wrench when tightening items such as barrel nuts, Castle nuts and flash hider.

Scope Mounting

Installing rifle optic on and off the rifle affects accuracy. No matter how expensive scope you have, make sure the mount holds the scope tight to prevent loss of zero.

Parts Accessories

Sometimes hand tight is all you needed for non precision accessories such as QD mount, foregrips...etc

Read More: Please check out this article about how recoil forces could affect accuracy here 

Common Gun Parts Torque Setting Guidelines

I recommend the Wheeler wrench since the whole package comes with various bits for mounting a scope and other accessories.

• Scope Base To Rifle Torque Setting  22 - 25 Inch-Pound
• Scope Mount to Rail   45 - 65 Inch-Pound
• Scope Ring  19 - 25 Inch-Pound
• Rifle Stock and Bedding  50 - 65 Inch-Pound

Check out the complete guide for most scope rings and mounts here

How To Use Torque Wrench Properly

• Torque wrench calibration should be done periodically for maintaining accuracy.
• DO NOT drop or bang it on things or else it can become inaccurate.
• Store it in its box to protect it.
• Never use it to loosen a bolt or screw.  Use it only for tightening and only when you need an accurate torque setting. 
• When you’re done using the wrench, make sure to dial down the value back to zero to relieve the tension on the spring so it wouldn’t wear out over time.