I’ve got $250 to spend on Fix It sticks. Looking for recommendations on what to get. I’m thinking the Rifle and Optics toolkit, with an extra extension and a magnetic parts pad. Do folks prefer the all in one or individual torque limiters? I shoot bolt guns in chassis for PRS and stocks for hunting if it matters.
fix it sticks recomendations?
- Thread starter mpwolf
- Start date
I love spending other people's money, my list would probably look like this:
Rifle and Optics Tool Kit with AIO torque limiter - I don't have an experience with the individual torque limiters but I like my AIO and it's pretty easy to use covering a pretty wide torque band vs. four individual limiters.
I'd probably skip the extension and get the appropriate long bits for the action screws. I have the long 3/16" bits for my AX chassis and I love them.
I'd probably get the molded magnetic tray vs. the magnetic patch because the trays give that extra assurance nothing gets lost when working off an uneven surface.
Coin Slot Battery Tool - Who carries change anymore? This would be handy for taking off battery caps, making adjustments on hunting style capped turrets, etc...
Remington 700 Bolt Opener - This is handy if your rifles have R700 type bolts, I have this tool and it works very well to break down the bolt.
Beyond that, maybe the mini-AIO for lower torque values, and maybe the Medium Carrying Case to have room for expansion.
My cart comes to $253.50 before tax and shipping so pretty close.
Rifle and Optics Tool Kit with AIO torque limiter - I don't have an experience with the individual torque limiters but I like my AIO and it's pretty easy to use covering a pretty wide torque band vs. four individual limiters.
I'd probably skip the extension and get the appropriate long bits for the action screws. I have the long 3/16" bits for my AX chassis and I love them.
I'd probably get the molded magnetic tray vs. the magnetic patch because the trays give that extra assurance nothing gets lost when working off an uneven surface.
Coin Slot Battery Tool - Who carries change anymore? This would be handy for taking off battery caps, making adjustments on hunting style capped turrets, etc...
Remington 700 Bolt Opener - This is handy if your rifles have R700 type bolts, I have this tool and it works very well to break down the bolt.
Beyond that, maybe the mini-AIO for lower torque values, and maybe the Medium Carrying Case to have room for expansion.
My cart comes to $253.50 before tax and shipping so pretty close.
I actually have gone both ways on the torque limiters. I currently prefer the individual limiters as I can feel the limit rather than count on my eye sight to check proper torque. The all in one has it’s place though, if I was putting together a small field use kit, where size matters, the all in one would be there. I have one in my range bag with a set of bits, a couple Allen wrench’s an extension and a ratchet.
I started with the All in One but moved to the individual limiters. I love them!
+1 on the individual limiters. However, I had to replace one. It seemed like the 65 in-lb wasn't "clicking" when it should. I happened to have an all-in-one torque driver and compared the torque.
Sure enough the individual limiter was bad. I contacted fix-it-sticks and they sent me another one free of charge!
I had a new 25 snap a screw on the first use. Same thing sent it back got a replacement.
That's a good kit to start with. I have both the AIO and individual torque limiters. I use the individual when I can and the AIO for the occasional oddball.
I just placed an order last week for some glock tools, bench block and the magnetic patch tray.
Used "30mag" for 10% off. It was supposed to be 30% off but the code expired.
The inidvidual limters are brilliant for 20/25lbs on scope caps. I'm not a fan of the 65in/limiter myself, it's big and chonky and not as responsive when it hits the limit....But...maybe I should test it agains a proper torque wrench to see if theres an issue?
FWIW for newbies who haven't seen thses in person, the smaller limiters light/small and are very packable. The larger ones are a bit more like throwing lead fishing weights into your range bag...
IMHO you need to be judicious with them for travel kits...
If you plan on using the TLs at home on the bench, I would go with the single units, cause they're brilliant. The AIO limiter, I'm not a huge fan of mainly due to stack-height, but it probably makes a better travel/range kit lots of larger ones.
I think that's why you see alot of guys keeping multiple types and having kits.
^^^^
This is true, I have a organizer at my bench at home with its own torque drivers, bits, levels, and other tools and I carry the AIO and bits in a field kit that lives in my pack.
This is true, I have a organizer at my bench at home with its own torque drivers, bits, levels, and other tools and I carry the AIO and bits in a field kit that lives in my pack.
I too went for the Rifle and Optics Tool Kit with torque limiters which I far prefer to all-in-ones torque drivers.
I did buy an extension and find it helpful. I also have ordered some individual limiters to specs for scope turret caps (eh...4 in/lbs...like that).
Rifle & Optics Toolkit With Individual Torque Limiters | Fix It Sticks
Carry Fix It Sticks' Rifle and Optics Toolkit with Individual Torque Limiters and you can precisely tighten scope rings, mounts and much more.
store.fixitsticks.com
As for magnetic pad or tray....I use a small magnetic parts tray like this....very inexpensive.
I have some of the limiters and both AIO. The limiters are very nice and supposedly more accurate. The AIO though cover any torque setting. Look at what you want to torque if buying a set and make sure your getting the limiters you would use. I have added a few limiters and some other pieces. but the AIO work well too. They are a great product.
I too went for the Rifle and Optics Tool Kit with torque limiters which I far prefer to all-in-ones torque drivers.
I did buy an extension and find it helpful. I also have ordered some individual limiters to specs for scope turret caps (eh...4 in/lbs...like that).
Rifle & Optics Toolkit With Individual Torque Limiters | Fix It Sticks
Carry Fix It Sticks' Rifle and Optics Toolkit with Individual Torque Limiters and you can precisely tighten scope rings, mounts and much more.
As for magnetic pad or tray....I use a small magnetic parts tray like this....very inexpensive.
View attachment 8591141
What do you find yourself using the extension for? I haven't really seen the need to go longer than what I can get with a bit and the t-handle for anything gun related.
I have one of those trays that I keep forgetting I even own lol. Lately I've been using one of these US General silicone trays from Harbor Freight.
I use the extension on the handle of my T ratchet when I tighten action bolts (60 in/lb), I need the leverage.
One of the torx bits broke in my set so I replaced all of them with bits made of better steel. I bought their magnetic tray and sewed some velcro to it and to the outside of the cover of the Rifle and Optics kit case. I have used the Fixit stuff at home but it's mainly for field repairs or tuning.
Sometimes windage turret screws as the scope or chassis get in the way otherwise. Not too often but very helpful when needed. I also bought their 3/16" action screw extended bit with the rounded head (not sure what you call that) which I’ve found to be absolutely needed by my chassis. I did buy a long 3/16" bit with squared off hex head but founded I needed to accommodate a bit off an off angle (particularly w my OG JAE).
FIX IT STICKS EXTENDED ACTION BITS | Brownells
Check out FIX IT STICKS EXTENDED ACTION BITS | Brownells available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.
www.brownells.com
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I've got the 3/16" long bits for my AI AX chassis, they work great, I have one in my field kit and one in my bench kit.Sometimes windage turret screws as the scope or chassis get in the way otherwise. Not too often but very helpful when needed. I also bought their 5/32 action screw extended bit with the rounded head (not sure what you call that) which I’ve found to be absolutely needed by my chassis. I did buy a long 5/32 bit with squared off hex head but founded I needed to accommodate a bit off an off angle (particularly w my OG JAE).
FIX IT STICKS EXTENDED ACTION BITS | Brownells
Check out FIX IT STICKS EXTENDED ACTION BITS | Brownells available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.
I have The Works kit with a couple extra bits added to it, an upgraded ratcheting T-handle, and an all-in-one limiter that is always with my shooting gear. Then I created a 2nd kit with a standard T handle, an all-in-one limiter, and only the bits I need to work on my main hunting rifle that stays with that rifle - either in the case or my hunting pack.
I was able to get the Long range competition kit w/ the ITL, back in October for $185 from red hawk rifles, and I really like it. Look into that kit because it has a lot of pieces that I find useful.
lol...I'm an idiot...yeah, 3/16th and not 5/32. If I get any older I won't be able to find my ass using both hands. sigh
May you have many more birthday parties. You can have the cake look like an ass...
I used to but as my working man hands aged I found it cumbersome. Love the concept but I felt the results more subjective than I wanted.
As others have said I like the individual limiters on the bench, but have the two AiO's in my range bag. The long arm bits are handy but I don't like the ball end versions like Fix it sells. Ball ends are more versatile but also much more likely to strip a tight bolt, especially since a lot of gun/chassis hex bolts have shallow heads as it is. Sooner or later you run into a chassis/stock you need them on. I've also had a couple individual limiters I felt were out of wack and were replaced, including in 18in/lbs that about 25in/lbs.
The battery cap tool is nice, a lot of their little tools are cute, and if you had to have a compact field kit are probably fine but I find them way too finicky/small for regular use, and for me if I have that big of an issue with a rifle at the range, I just pull out another one So I don't mess with things like the pin punches and all the speciality tools etc. Their bits are not horrible, but not great either.
IMO skip the ratcheting handle, thought it would be great, and it's just more hassle than it's worth. Didn't like the scope jack, several of my setups it would not work on.
The battery cap tool is nice, a lot of their little tools are cute, and if you had to have a compact field kit are probably fine but I find them way too finicky/small for regular use, and for me if I have that big of an issue with a rifle at the range, I just pull out another one
So I don't mess with things like the pin punches and all the speciality tools etc. Their bits are not horrible, but not great either. IMO skip the ratcheting handle, thought it would be great, and it's just more hassle than it's worth. Didn't like the scope jack, several of my setups it would not work on.
Oh, I agree about ball ends but a 3/16" long straight bit was too big to turn in the hole in the trigger guard on my JAE. Can't remember if I had to use the ball end on the Vision also?? At least the ball head has a round and thin shank and I can get at the action screws.
Cheers
Agreed, I've actually opened up more than one chassis/skin to allow better access to the action screws. Most recently an MDT Field stock that uses captured rear action screw. Which seems puzzling for multiple reasons. First that the front action screw isn't captured so if you wanted to keep people from losing screws you only did it with half of them, second if you want to bed the action in the chassis (and mine flexed enough tightening the action screws it definitely warrants it) they are a nightmare. Seems like a poor design when you make it that hard to get at a commonly used fastener, but I suppose at the $ we spend on rigs companies figure buying some special bits are not a big deal
That was on my list to buy but over time I came to the same conclusion. The basic T-handle with the spinner-grip is superior. Less is more.
I love captured action screws but there needs to be a way to un-capture them. If you damage or cross-thread one, how do you replace it?Agreed, I've actually opened up more than one chassis/skin to allow better access to the action screws. Most recently an MDT Field stock that uses captured rear action screw. Which seems puzzling for multiple reasons. First that the front action screw isn't captured so if you wanted to keep people from losing screws you only did it with half of them, second if you want to bed the action in the chassis (and mine flexed enough tightening the action screws it definitely warrants it) they are a nightmare. Seems like a poor design when you make it that hard to get at a commonly used fastener, but I suppose at the $ we spend on rigs companies figure buying some special bits are not a big deal
I am on the other side of this one. I love the Ratchet, it is a must for my kits.
The ratchet I think for me came down to two things. First it seemed like often I was inadvertently flipping the little ratchet lever. Second when I wanted to remove fasteners quickly that had almost no tension on them, as most smaller gun fasteners do it was faster to just use the spinner grip. I guess if I ran into more fasteners that needed more oomph like sticky/gummy loctite etc. screws the ratchet would probably work nicer. That said optics are the vast majority of my use case for these, so there's a lot of "spinning" of little fasteners. Not that I don't use them on actions screws etc. but it's much less often.
Now what I would like to see, is their ratcheting handle with the quick release extension, that had a middle "locked" position and the ability to lock on the spinner extension. Then you could have both worlds, lock it out with the spinner if you want, or use it with the ratchet for screws that don't just "spin" easy.
I would say the one downside to the AiO is they are larger in diameter than the individuals, so you may run into areas that are hard to get into esp. with the larger range one. I've had that issue with some scope ring setups but normally the smaller one fits most places. To combat that I'd suggest getting 2" bits, which I actually think is a good idea in any kit, they are just more versatile.
Where I lived previously I used to know a guy whose business did torque wrench calibration, it would be fun to take a bunch of them over there and just see how good they are. I remember long ago when the Borka used to sell an adjustable screwdriver torque wrench but they had calibrated it and included offset info. So many interesting torque wrenches now that are getting smaller with better range, mostly in the cycling world and quite a few come with calibration the downside is most are in NM and often without enough graduations to be useful for our needs. Some seem expensive but not when you add up what a few of the fix it stick individual ones cost.
Now what I would like to see, is their ratcheting handle with the quick release extension, that had a middle "locked" position and the ability to lock on the spinner extension. Then you could have both worlds, lock it out with the spinner if you want, or use it with the ratchet for screws that don't just "spin" easy.
I would say the one downside to the AiO is they are larger in diameter than the individuals, so you may run into areas that are hard to get into esp. with the larger range one. I've had that issue with some scope ring setups but normally the smaller one fits most places. To combat that I'd suggest getting 2" bits, which I actually think is a good idea in any kit, they are just more versatile.
Where I lived previously I used to know a guy whose business did torque wrench calibration, it would be fun to take a bunch of them over there and just see how good they are. I remember long ago when the Borka used to sell an adjustable screwdriver torque wrench but they had calibrated it and included offset info. So many interesting torque wrenches now that are getting smaller with better range, mostly in the cycling world and quite a few come with calibration the downside is most are in NM and often without enough graduations to be useful for our needs. Some seem expensive but not when you add up what a few of the fix it stick individual ones cost.
I really like this on the bench, worthless in the field.
A little more than your budget, but is a quality piece.
CDI Torque 751LDIN Dial Indicating Torque Wrench, 1/4" Drive, Dual Scale, 0" to 75" Lbs
A little more than your budget, but is a quality piece.
wrt to ratchet in my fix-it-sticks kit (which I do not have), if I find the need for greater force (like loosening the cross bolts on ARC rings that were set to 65 in/lbs) I just put the fix-it-sticks torque limiter (and of course bit) into a regular 1/4" ratchet drive (or even a 1/2" drive with a 1/2-1/4" adapter).
We are many and varied and favor different things...but for me, I didn't/don't see the need for a fix-it-stick ratcheting handle. But perhaps I'm missing out on something.
We are many and varied and favor different things...but for me, I didn't/don't see the need for a fix-it-stick ratcheting handle. But perhaps I'm missing out on something.
Well, that’s one of the beauties of the tee handle. Turn it sideways and you’ve got a tremendous amount of leverage.
All the bits don’t fall out of the organizer when the thing is tossed into a range bag? Or does the top press down and keep everything together?
Oh wait…you aren’t using the gray fixit organizer, are you? It’s just for scale, it appears, and you’re using the black foam bullet holder thing instead to capture the bits. Smart!
Yeah individual is the way to go. I have the all in one for my SRS kit but it just feels awkward to use.
Ok, update: This post reminded me that I dislike the all in one so just purchased this for my SRS.
Fix It Sticks 80 Inch lbs Torque Limiter with 5mm Bit Desert Tech Rifles | eBay
Fix It Sticks 80 Inch lbs Torque Limiter with 5mm Bit Desert Tech Rifles. Torque Limiter prevents over-tightening of fasteners When Inch Lbs is reached: Limiter "spins" preventing further torque from being applied. Features Accepts any standard 1/4" bit Fits into any standard 1/4" driver +/- 6%...
www.ebay.com
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I’ll chime in. I like the individual torque things. I also own the bigger AIO and I find it fussy, especially if I’m using it at the range in winter when it’s 10°F.
I too passed on the fixit bag. I use this one:
www.maxpedition.com
$35. It’s two for one (of equal value). It has slots for small wrenches, some (edit: shorter & slimmer type) full-size screwdrivers if you put them in diagonally; it has interior zippers, it’s great.
Not my pics…
And for bit storage, this thing rocks. It holds (and releases) bits even when it’s -20°F but never dumps them. $2.75
Plus Harry Epstein fucking ROCKS. Check out all their USA tool brands. Obv nothing to do with Jeffrey…
For the individual fixit torque things, this sort of organizer is nice.
A whopping $1.12
www.wihatools.com
I used something similar that I got for free.
I too passed on the fixit bag. I use this one:
Beefy Pocket Organizer (Buy 1 Get 1 Free Pocket Organizer. Mix and Match in Multiples of 2. All Sales Final.)
MAXPEDITION,Military, CCW, EDC, Tactical, Everyday Carry, Outdoors, Nature, Hiking, Camping, Bushcraft, Police
www.maxpedition.com
Not my pics…
And for bit storage, this thing rocks. It holds (and releases) bits even when it’s -20°F but never dumps them. $2.75
Plus Harry Epstein fucking ROCKS. Check out all their USA tool brands. Obv nothing to do with Jeffrey…
For the individual fixit torque things, this sort of organizer is nice.
A whopping $1.12
10 Piece Black Holder for 1/4 Bits
www.wihatools.com
I used something similar that I got for free.
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that's nearly identical too the set up I have. I put a bag together for both the AIAX and the SRS. I have Seekonk and Borka. As long as it slips at the right weight im happy.I’ll chime in. I like the individual torque things. I also own the bigger AIO and I find it fussy, especially if I’m using it at the range in winter when it’s 10°F.
I too passed on the fixit bag. I use this one:
$35. It’s two for one (of equal value). It has slots for small wrenches, some full-size screwdrivers; it has interior zippers, it’s great.Beefy Pocket Organizer (Buy 1 Get 1 Free Pocket Organizer. Mix and Match in Multiples of 2. All Sales Final.)
MAXPEDITION,Military, CCW, EDC, Tactical, Everyday Carry, Outdoors, Nature, Hiking, Camping, Bushcraft, Police
View attachment 8673816
View attachment 8673814
View attachment 8673815
Not my pics…
And for bit storage, this thing rocks. It holds (and releases) bits even when it’s -20°F but never dumps them. $2.75
View attachment 8673817
Plus Harry Epstein fucking ROCKS. Check out all their USA tool brands. Obv nothing to do with Jeffrey…
For the individual fixit torque things, this sort of organizer is nice.
View attachment 8673820
A whopping $1.12
10 Piece Black Holder for 1/4 Bits
I used something similar that I got for free.
I have been thinking about upgrading to Fix it Sticks for a while, but my Wheeler torque driver has not let me down yet. I'm sure the Fix it Sticks are more precise.
The wheeler is great for scopes, mounts, anything under 40inch lb. But if you need to go to 65 inch lb, like on a AI barrel, or 80 inch lb like on an SRS barrel, then no go. It's different use case. If you don't have a switch barrel rifle then wheeler is fine.
I got tired of taking tools in and out of my range bag and occasionally forgetting to put in the correct ones.
I was at a NODS class and was having issues with an arm, dropped my Allen wrench in the grass never to be seen again.
One of the instructors had a set of Fix it sticks and helped me out.
Got home and ordered "the works", I think that is what it is called.
It now lives in my range bag and only in my range bag.
Got tired of being at the range and having the wrong tools with me.
I was at a NODS class and was having issues with an arm, dropped my Allen wrench in the grass never to be seen again.
One of the instructors had a set of Fix it sticks and helped me out.
Got home and ordered "the works", I think that is what it is called.
It now lives in my range bag and only in my range bag.
Got tired of being at the range and having the wrong tools with me.
I know right? I wound up buying two sets of the critical stuff. One for home, and one for the range bag. So much easier.
For bit holders I ended up trying some of these recently and have been impressed so far and they come in a few different sizes. Bit's don't fall out of them, they have different colors, and bits don't get stuck in them. Probably because they are a more compliant material. A lot of the harder plastic ones you almost need another bit to try push it out, or a plier to pull them out.
Funny part is, originally fix it sticks were the "compact" solution to needing a torque wrench, but now most of us have amassed range tool kits that make kits with larger torque screwdrivers like Wheeler etc. look small
These days I just have the two fix-it-stick limiters/handle, a Wiha bit set (https://www.wihatools.com/products/slotted-phillips-torx-hex-bit-xlselector-31pc-set) and then I throw a few odds/ends bits into a bit holder above, and then a couple small hex Wera screwdrivers I use on various optics. If I can't sort it out with that at the range, I just pull a different gun out of the truck
Funny part is, originally fix it sticks were the "compact" solution to needing a torque wrench, but now most of us have amassed range tool kits that make kits with larger torque screwdrivers like Wheeler etc. look small
These days I just have the two fix-it-stick limiters/handle, a Wiha bit set (https://www.wihatools.com/products/slotted-phillips-torx-hex-bit-xlselector-31pc-set) and then I throw a few odds/ends bits into a bit holder above, and then a couple small hex Wera screwdrivers I use on various optics. If I can't sort it out with that at the range, I just pull a different gun out of the truck
Hey Carbon, correct, using just foam bullet holder it works great. It comes with two foam holders, using one as a spare in case holes wear out. The gray Fix-It Organizer fits inside as well allowing case to be zipped closed. Bits remain secured with or without Organizer placed inside case. Still use original Fix nylon case for as needed selected bits for compact travel. Bullet Case allows easy view of all bits when needed.
