5 Best Torque Wrenches for Scope Mounting

These days, new rifles either come with a pre-drilled scope base or are designed in advance for the appropriate mounting facilities. After all, on some rifles, you also have the option of mounting the scope solely.

If you’re mainly a person who wants to do such stuff yourself, you may be uncertain about which rings, base, or mount would suit your weapon’s scope. Because of this, you need the best torque wrench for mounting the scope.

The great news is that placing the scope on the mounting attachments is not that difficult, because you have the right mounting package to do the entire job for you.
If you’re not certain what kind of device you need for this project, then don’t worry about it anymore, because a special torque wrench is what you need to mount your weapon on your own!

We have chosen five different torque wrenches, especially for you. Continue to read the complete overview of both all the pros and cons of each product, and you can pick the one that suits your weapons!

Wheeler Scope Mounting Kit – the best for versatility!

You should definitely take a closer look at this kit because it may mount any scope with the range from 1 inch to 30 mm. You may arrange the firearm in the correct way.

Check Price

Thanks to this wrench set you may prevent any false alignments and damage. Secure the fasteners easily without deformation of the rifle’s scope.

Surely, this kit is a bit pricey but if you occasionally replace the scopes on your rifles, it can be what you are looking for. One of the greatest things about this wrench set is compatibility with many classic and new types of riflescopes.

Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Wrench – the best for accuracy!

This Wheeler 1/4-inch wrench can be a good choice for those users who don’t need a whole set of tools to mount a rifle scope. The previous set includes this top-notch tool as well, but if you intend to save a few bucks and you don’t actually require all these sockets and adapters, this FAT wrench can be a good choice.

Check Price

It can be adjusted to the lowest settings after each use. Another good option is precision and accuracy.

WEAVER Gunsmithing Wrench – the best for most rifle scopes!

Weaver’s gunsmithing wrench comes with an eclectic array of magnetic bits to screw fasteners from all popular rifle scope mounts, bases, and rings.

Check Price

This instrument can be used for Weaver Bushnell gunsmithing with scope mounting mechanisms. Also, it is suitable for the scopes made by Leupold, Vortex, Ruger, Browning, Nikon, and Warne. Surely, the wrench works best with Weaver ‘s mounting systems. This wrench was built from premium quality materials by the Weaver to ensure longer shelf life.

This Weaver wrench can be a great gunsmithing instrument for the effective installation of a wide variety of scopes. It helps to install scopes and bases, according to the specifications of the manufacturer with continuous screw pressure.

Wheeler 710909 Digital Wrench – the best for durability!

This digital wrench features a large LCD screen allowing you to quickly test values, an audio and visual indication, a plastic storage case, bits. With this portable wireless wrench, you can get a more precise reading that lets you add modified settings to your scope rings, bows, and other nuts.

Check Price

You wouldn’t have to worry about when you’ve reached the required torque since the indicators let you know precisely when that occurs.

Wheeler’s 710909 wrench is definitely one of the most adaptable gunsmithing tools you can choose from and for a bunch of reasons. This wrench is good for those users who like to be sure they have achieved the defined range of torque.

Vortex Optics Wrench Mounting Kit – the best for portability!

This special wrench is meant to work much like a screwdriver. It is well balanced. And it is very easy to grip and control thanks to the rubberized handle.

Check Price

The wrench is super easy to use. The package contains everything you may require for just about every Vortex optic, ring array, or mount.

The bits are a good combination of Standard and Metric measurements, but you may need to include a few bits to fit your weapons’ bases. The case of the wrench is small and lightweight but it enables some flexibility to accommodate certain items. Sadly, it doesn’t include any compartment to store the bits.

The mechanical Vortex wrench kit is a step-up from the standard. The 1 inch-pound measurements have the precision that the user expects to find in an instrument. The tool offers a great readability factor and accuracy.

The Buyer’s Guide

When assembling a rifle scope you have probably faced the problem of tightening its rings? I think that many hunters saw these traces left on the scopes and many of us know what a “creeping” sight these short-drawn rings can be. In this scenario, you won’t do without a special torque wrench for scope mounting. You may also require this kind of instrument for screwing the bolts holding the receiver and the box, requiring the necessary torque range recommended by the manufacturer.

Overall length

Too compact models are not designed to work in a wide range, and it is difficult to apply the required force to them. Large tools are more effective in terms of strong tightening, but because of their size, they do not always fit in areas with limited space. However, large torque wrenches can’t be shortened while the medium-sized tools can be extended with special torque sticks.

Materials

Consider buying a torque wrench made only of high-quality metal. In such a way the tool will be protected from rust and corrosion.

Also, the tool must firmly fit your hand. Some instruments are equipped with metal handles. When your hands are dry and clean, there are no particular problems. However, if your hands are dirty in oil and other fluids you may want to have the tool with an anti-slip handle cover. The best solution is plastic or rubberized pads on a metal handle, as well as anatomically shaped handles.

How to prolong the shelf life of wrenches?

• try to avoid the dropouts;
• never use it as a hammer or for other purposes except measuring the torque range;
• also, you can’t use it as a normal screwdriver (a large handle length sometimes provokes car mechanics to use it to break off inherent bolts and nuts;);
• store the tool in a special case or toolbox (which protects it against dust and humidity) and, if it is possible, in a room with a constant temperature level, for example, in a workshop or basement;
• do not exceed the torque range ​​set for a particular model;
• tighten the nuts and mount the scopes smoothly with increasing force, without sharp jerking;

Experienced users advise twisting the wrenches of this type in two or three approaches (this is especially true for those tools which click sound is not very obvious or when working with expensive parts). For example, if the required force should be in the range of 80 to 90 Nm, then the indicator should be set to 60Nm, then to 70 Nm, and then to 80-85 Nm.

If the torque wrench has been out of work for a long time, then it is recommended to “test” it from the minimum to the maximum range and vice versa a couple of times before using it.

What torque wrenches are great for scope mounting?

Since many parts of the rifle are made of aluminum alloys, and red-hot bolts, often, without controlling the tightening torque, you can simply break the thread. Manufacturers indicate the right moment in the instructions and you should follow them when using a torque wrench. For example, the brand Wheeler recommends 15 inches for the top ring screws and 68 inches for the basic ring screws.

I encourage you to choose a simple but ingenious torque wrench. At the same time, it should be accurate and reliable for frequent use. It is of the lever type and changing your shoulder, you get the necessary effort. When this moment is reached, its grip simply breaks, and your screw is then tightened to the desired level. While changing nozzles, you can twist nuts or screws with any heads thanks to the properly picked tool. Why do I recommend buying the instrument with a range of 15 to 72 inches? Everything is quite simple.

Torque Wrenches for Scope Mounting FAQ

How much torque should a scope mount have?

Manufacturers propose torque values for scope screw tightening to maintain maximum flexibility and efficiency. Only when using the right equipment – a torque driver to install optics – will prescribed values be guaranteed. In the industry, there are several producers of such instruments (Vortex, Wheeler, Weaver, Nightforce, etc.). They have an adjustable scale that is displayed in inches/pounds. The Newton meter is the European unit for calculating torque (Nm).

The recommended torque values for fitting screws of specific assemblies for installing optics in inch-pounds and Nm:

• For installing the rings on a Weaver/Picatinny rail on the action, 14-25 inch-pounds are enough;
• For installing a Weaver/Picatinny rail on the action, 15-55 inch-pounds are enough;
• For tightening screws on a ring and installing rings on a riflescope’s tube, apply the torque of 15-25 inch-pounds, regardless of the diameter of the ring (from 25.4 mm to 34 mm, etc.);

For a more accurate torque setting, refer to the instructions that came with the mounts, or apply the amounts mentioned below:

• Ring cap screws have to be set to 16 inch-pounds;
• Base screws have to be set to 30 inch-pounds;

Do you require a torque wrench to mount a scope?

Applying the torque on the screws incorrectly will result in significant harm to a new scope. A less extreme result will be thread stripping in a scope ring. Alternatively, cut off a pin, which may be difficult to extract.

Many specialists believe that installing a riflescope is a job better left to a professional gunsmith or armorer. If you are determined to complete the mission yourself, you can use the finest torque wrench you can afford that is made for scope mounting. Torque wrenches are essential for mounting scopes. They are appropriate, effective, and purpose-built for the job.

What type of torque wrench is most accurate for a scope?

Gunsmiths may use a variety of torque settings to install base screws, guard screws, scope rings, and wind-age screws. For torque variations on weapons, a +/- 2 inch-pounds (for the torque of 40 inch-pounds) and 40 – 65 range is (+/- 5%) generally considered accurate.

For example, you should use these brands of torque wrenches for a scope:

• Wheeler;
• Vortex Optics;

How far back should a scope be mounted?

It’s normally safer to mount the scope as low as practicable on the weapon, without the target bell reaching the muzzle and with enough clearance at the eyepiece for unrestricted bolt action. Seek recommendations from a professional weapons store owner. Most bases and rings are screwed together with socket heads or Torx wrenches.

Many specialists propose that the distance between the bottom of the target and the top of the barrel be no less than 1/8th of an inch.

The eye relief at this stage will range from 2.75 inches to nearly 5 inches, based on the brand and specific scope. The eye relief varies with magnification; certain scopes have a steady gap independent of magnification, whereas others get a little shorter as magnification increases.

What happens if you over-tighten scope rings?

Overtightening the rings on some mounts can trigger the side focus/parallax change on some scopes to stop working properly.

Overtightening the ring cap screws (the screws that hold the top half of the ring to the bottom half of the cap) will distort the scope tube – particularly 1-inch tubes – resulting in irregular movement of the device.

Normally, Ring screws can be adjusted to 15 inch-pounds using a sufficient torque driver. Do not overdo 18 inch-pounds! Rings don’t have to be “farm-handed”.  If the rings have wide holes on the edges, they have to be lapped.

What is the torque for Vortex scope rings?

It depends on the model of Vortex scope rings. Check the official website before applying a torque wrench/driver. For example, Vortex Tactical 30-mm ring medium has such torque specifications:

• For ring screws – 15-18 inch-pounds;
• For base clamp hex nuts – 35-45 inch-pounds; 

How many inches do you require to tighten a scope ring?

Some consumers argue that the 18-inch-pound range is appropriate for scope rings. Consider applying 20 inch-pounds (maximum) on the 8/40 ring screws and 15 inch-pounds (maximum) on the base screws to better connect the base to the weapon. Still follow the manufacturer’s directions. For the mounting (clamping) screws on the dovetail, for example, BKL suggests 35 inch-pounds.

Keep in mind that ring orientation and trueness are often important. If your rings are real, you may overtighten without causing tube harm, but if they aren’t, it doesn’t take anything to crunch a tube or, at the very least, leave some hard ring marks.

How should you apply a torque wrench for scope mounting?

Applying a torque wrench requires pressure control in order to sustain or change the rotational power. Precision and consistency would be needed when operating on your weapon with torque wrenches. However, don’t disregard these protection tips when using advanced equipment for gunsmithing activities.

Apply a torque wrench for scope mounting carefully: 

1) Read the manual. Until mounting every power torque wrench, inspect the calibration map and read the manual. Typically, the calibration certificate design aids in the mechanical application of torque wrenches. These gunsmith torque wrenches, on the other hand, should be calibrated regularly;

2) Never loosen screws with gunsmith torque wrenches. Instead, a conventional wrench loosens screws more effectively than a torque wrench. The tools are used to tighten screws and set specific torque values;

3) Use masking tape to protect the surface areas surrounding screw heads. Masking tapes keep all areas clear of scratches and wounds when tightening.

4) When using tiny or little parts, do not use high torque settings over an extended period of time. High torque pressure will usually snap screwdriver parts or destroy the wrench’s internal structures. Often, never adjust the torque setting of your screwdriver when the bit is spinning.

How to tighten the scope’s mounting screws without the rotation of the scope?

It is preferable to apply the torque evenly back and forth until it is snug so that it will not shift. Each screw can be tightened gradually and evenly all over. Think of Warne Maxima rings – the scope will not move during tightening because of how they interact with the screws in the upper middle. They just need to be flexible to be the ultimate rings.

Any users say that you could apply 2 Allen wrenches on both scope sides at the same time. Squeeze and then tighten.

You may also try Burris scope rings. After mounting the rings to the rail, apply a wrench to secure the mounting screws/bolts. The scope could then be placed in the bottom rings. Insert the scope into the rings. Put the scope in the rings after determining the primary position of the scope. Then carefully position the top rings. You may employ the cross-bolt process.

Tighten to the utmost snug fit. The scope has to move at this stage, but it should be close enough that it does not alter the position. After that, adjust the amount and eye relief. Then, tighten the scope. Test the scope once more.

Tighten with the small end of an Allen wrench standing upright if you don’t have a scope torque wrench. Fasten with medium pressure to avoid stripping.

Useful Video: Best Precision Rifle Torque Wrench – Fat Wrench

Top 3 best torque wrenches for scope mounting

• Wheeler is a professional 10-piece kit of the tools with a lapping bar handle each;
• Wheeler F.A.T. Wrench is a single instrument with a range of 10 inches to 65 inches;
• Weaver Gunsmithing has a very accurate and convenient magnetized tip for added security of bits;

Final thoughts

If you require torque wrenches for scope mounting, test the above-mentioned instruments. All of them can be great and last for many years. Just make sure you buy an authentic wrench to measure the torque range accurately. Stick to the wrenches that have carrying cases if you intend to keep the instrument in a toolbox with other tools.