Torque and carry optics

[B_RAD]

Got what I feel like is a dumb question but I'm gonna ask.  For those of y'all mounting optics are y'all using torque wrenches to feel the amount of inch pounds per the instructions?

 

I don't have one and feel the cheapy ones from harbor freight aren't going to be accurate enough. 

 

The instructions say to get 25 in lbs but that's like 2 ft lbs and I've already tightened the screws to where I feel is the max before they'd start to strip. 

 

I'm guessing most are doing it by feel as well. 

 

Thoughts?

[BritinUSA]

I did not use a torque wrench, blue loctite on the screws and just tightened them down normally.

[B_RAD]

3 minutes ago, BritinUSA said:

I did not use a torque wrench, blue loctite on the screws and just tightened them down normally.

That's what I did. Gonna watch it for the first couple of outings. 

 

Thanks. 

[GregJ]

Yes.  As a matter of fact I just put my DPP back on and locked it down at 25 in/lbs, after waiting almost 2 weeks for replacement screws from Leupold.  I had one scew break in half, noticed it first day, first drill, at a recent Vogel class.   Arrgh 

 

I am a believer in torque wrenches, use them a lot now and in previous lives.  I got one from Midway, wasnt too expensive.  If there is a Cabela's or Bass Pro near you, they might have one too. 

[B_RAD]

16 minutes ago, GregJ said:

Yes.  As a matter of fact I just put my DPP back on and locked it down at 25 in/lbs, after waiting almost 2 weeks for replacement screws from Leupold.  I had one scew break in half, noticed it first day, first drill, at a recent Vogel class.   Arrgh 

 

I am a believer in torque wrenches, use them a lot now and in previous lives.  I got one from Midway, wasnt too expensive.  If there is a Cabela's or Bass Pro near you, they might have one too. 

Why/how did the first ones break?

[GregJ]

19 hours ago, B_RAD said:

Why/how did the first ones break?

 

No clue. Must have been due to stress. One of the screws snapped in half.  I've had it over a year now I guess, and have put a lot of rounds down range.  Will  look at my gun's log and get a better idea of round count.  I had Leupold send me some extras, and I bought more from the link below - great guy to deal with.  I know you can find M4 screws at most h/w stores, but they do not have the same shape, and I didnt want to risk cracking the case, etc.  

 

I now intend to replace the screws each winter - just in case.

 

http://www.battlewerx.com/leupold-deltapoint-pro-factory-mounting-screws-pair-black-mos-compatible/

 

[Beef15]

I torque my #6 to 16in/lbs.

And use blue loctite.

Torque for repeatablility (dumb Viper battery) and because many tiny fasteners have died at my hands. So far hasn't come loose.

Have a very nice Mac torque screwdriver. 

[dthomas1003]

Vortex's torque screw driver set is very nice and easy to use, I have one. 

[Davidp1911]

I torque at 8# with blue loctite seems to stay but I check regularly

[pskys2]

Remember it is 12 inch pounds = 1 foot pound of torque.

[Broncman]

Wheeler torque wrench screwdriver.