Quick Tip: Basics of Using a Torque Wrench

In a recent Smyth Busters video, Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant and his colleague Steve Ostrem told us about the importance of following torque settings when working on firearms. Today, Caleb gives us some tips on using a torque wrench. Torque wrenches typically deliver torque in either inch-pounds (in.-lbs.) or foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.). Which one you use depends on the amount of torque you need for the bolt, nut, screw, or other fastener at hand. DO NOT confuse the two! There are 12 in.-lbs. to 1 ft.-lb. If you get the two mixed up and apply the wrong amount of torque, you can seriously break something. With a small torque wrench like the Brownells Magna-Tip® Adjustable Torque Driver, you just "dial up" the amount of torque you need, insert the correct Magna-Tip® bit, and tighten the screw until the wrench clicks. A large "foot-pound" wrench usually involves an adapter between the wrench and the nut being tightened. The adapter can be positioned on the wrench at different angles, and the angle DOES affect the amount of torque that is applied. BUT Caleb explains why the angle is not as mission critical as some folks claim it is. Hint: the recommended torque for a standard AR-15 barrel nut is 35 to 85 in.-lbs. One more point of debate: Should you leave the wrench at a particular torque setting when you store it, or dial the setting down to zero to relieve the tension on the spring inside? Caleb tells us what he does. Another hint: in our earlier Quick Tip video, "Is It OK to Store Magazines Loaded?" we learned that springs wear out from compression / release CYCLES, not sitting compressed for long periods of time. Watch our earlier Smyth Busters video, "Do You Have To Follow Torque Specs?"