One of the drawbacks of owning and maintaining precision rifle systems is that they require precision tools if you are to keep that accuracy. Installing a scope base to the receiver, attaching rings to a scope, or even removing and replacing the action in the stock or chassis requires a method to accurately measure the torque you are applying to the fastener. For many years my method of choice was a Craftsman “click type” micrometer torque wrench. From time to time I also work on cars and motorcycles, so a torque wrench of this type is in regular use. However they are large, somewhat heavy and not something you really want to lug about.
Last year when I packed up my tools to perform the armorer’s inspections on our department owned Remington 700’s, I had a pretty large box of tools. I had a ratchet, sockets, hex and torque bits, a handle for the bits, in/lb torque wrench, reducers to use the bits with the torque wrench, etc. Minimizing this load without reducing precision or capability interested me greatly.
Several months ago I came across a post about a new type of torque driver. It had a funny little name and looked more like something you see in a dentist’s office than a tool. I looked a little deeper and saw something very interesting.
I ordered up a Borka Tools MG3 Kit. This kit includes the driver, a ratchet handle, several adapters and a variety of bits that will accommodate a wide variety of tasks.
The driver itself consists of a flat piece of metal attached to a gray plastic handle. The flat has hex holes cut into it with numbers etched into it. The numbers correspond to the inch/pound rating of the setting. To use the tool you select the bit you need for your fastener from the selection provided OR from your own driver set. Place the bit into the holder. Then slip the holder into the driver at your desired torque rating. Slide the handle onto the holder and you are ready to go. Since our driver is the 12 setting model you have to make sure that you have the number facing the fastener for standard right hand threads.
The pieces included in the kit are extremely high quality. The Mountz ratchet handle and slip lock bit holder makes for quick removal and replacement of fasteners. Our kit also included a ½” socket for many brands of scope rings.
The true test of a tool is in its use. With four rifles stacked before me and the Borka Tools MG3 SRA (Sniper Rifle Accessory) Kit as my only way to install and remove fasteners I jumped in with both feet. I was able to quickly locate the bits I needed in the organized holder and snap them into the slip lock and ratchet handle. Disassembling and assembling the torque driver for each different setting was a little tedious. It was not a problem for four rifles, but would become extremely tiresome in a production environment.
Where the Borka Tools driver shines is when you roll it up in its little pouch and stick it into your ruck. If you were so inclined you could even place the needed bits and torque driver in a stock pack ON your rifle. That is one compact tool. Now when I am going to do armorer’s inspections I can stick my toolkit in my back pocket.
If you are building rifles on a daily basis, you will want a standard torque wrench. If you are like me and need to be able to tear down and repair rifles in a field environment, at a match, or during inspections then the Borka Driver is the tool you need.
The only other tool that comes close to the Borka Tools driver is the Wheeler Fat Wrench. I have used one several times and feel the Borka Driver is the better choice. Not only is the Borka Driver more compact, but it's easier to know you are on the same setting every time.
Borka Tools has several different kits available. They vary from a six setting driver in a variety of torque ranges to the twelve setting military model (15-72 in/lbs) and SRA kit. You are sure to find a version to cover your needs.
