using torque wrench for installing a scope

Good day
I'm wondering if anyone here uses a torque wrench to tighten down scopes. The reason I ask is a friend of mine had a guy we know come to him to install his second new scope because he didn't want to wrech another one. When asked what he did with the first one he said he overtightened it and wrecked it.
So I put a new scope on one of my Contenders and go the range and my scope comes loose. I guess I was scared to overtighten it. LOL Anyways just wondering if you guys used a torque wrench or just winged it so to speak.
Mike

By the way, thanks for all the replys.

I've alo posted this on Specialty Pistols

yes I do always. but to wreck one the rings would have to be out of alignment. or they tried to shim it with paper or cardboard. I have seen that one before also. Best thing I have found is the signature rings from burris. seem to hold up well to recoil and they have poly inserts as to not mark the scope and if needed the have offset ones to raise/lower one end of the scope if you run out of internal adjustment.

Good rings and bases always help. not a place to cheap out on if you can help it

Thanks for the reply
I've never wrecked one either but now I was wondering how much torque is too much and if getting a mini torque wrench was overkill.
Mike

My torque wrench is my arm, and I've never had a scope come loose in the rings or bases come loose from a receiver. A torque wrench is money better spent elsewhere, IMO. Blue locktite will do woneders.

Torque wrench and locktite. I tore up one scope not doing anymore.

i'd prefer common sense over a lil torque wrench....lol. it is hard to over come my "too much" instinct though. snug each screw a lil at a time n i've had only one problem....cheap, junk set of rings.

I use the torque wrench too.

It’s once again unanimous, we have a wonderful spilt and a wealth of knowledge. LOL

Isn't that the truth. LOL
Oh well, that's what I like about these forums, You can get alot of different opinions and ideas and then make up your mind about what to do with that information. You're usually ahead because you have alot more than you started out with, otherwise a guy wouldn't post a question in the first place. Now does that make sense or am I just babling?LOL
Mike

ssp..,

I use a torque driver ( fat handled screwdriver device ) set to 12-14 inch pounds with the appropriate bit. It works great and prevents damage to screws, rings, scopes.

http://www.ohiopowertool.com/P-1626-wright-5-40-in-lbs-torque-screwdriver-2464.aspx

Get a look!

Doc

I prefer the wrong size screw driver and a trip to ace hardware to get new ones.

I have an exact elbow torque wrench. HAsn't let me down in 30+ years of mounting scopes. Never damaged one yet!

usually people over tighten when not using one. it really was a surprise to me how little is actually required to hold optics in place IF the rings are in alignment. the FAT wrench is not that expensive and works on everything from base and ring screws to action screws (another place consistent torque is critical) always always always return to the zero setting just like any other torque wrench or the readings will become inaccurate in time.

I don't use a torque wrench but I do lap my rings and use a feeler gauge to make sure I am tightening them down evenly. Blue lock tight, fingernail polish (the wife's, I don't play for that team) or what ever else I can come up with on the screws to keep them for backing out and I've never had a problem.

I use a snap on torque screwdriver and a snap on 1/4" torque wrench and I always use loctite. I also use a manson scope ring reamer when necessary. I also use at least three rings on anything hard recoiling to stop scope deflection which is one of the major causes of scope failure.