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How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Spetsnazos

Private
Minuteman
Mar 9, 2011
20
0
39
The instructions say 6 N*m for the torque setting on the bolts from the AICS stock, however, since the bolt goes fairly deep into the stock itself, I can't reach it with a typical allen key socket. I have a few allen keys that I used to tighten the bolt but I can't figure a way to get it to 6 N*m. I am pretty sure my hand feel for 6 N*m is pretty good and I wonder how critical it is...

any tips?

here is a pic
AICS%20Install%20033.jpg
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Take the skins off and you can get right to those bolts. I tightened them with a torque wrench to 65 in lb. The screws that hold the skins on are metric if memory serves me.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take the skins off and you can get right to those bolts. I tightened them with a torque wrench to 65 in lb. The screws that hold the skins on are metric if memory serves me. </div></div>

Ah that makes sense. Thanks! I actually need another torque wrench because mine doesnt go down to 6N*m, the lowest I have is 10N*m and last time I checked it wasnt accurate at those low values.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

You can also go to the hardware store and pick up a set of 6" long allen wrenches on 1/4" ratchet heads if you don't want to take the skins off
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punkpigpen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it the same torque of 65lb to torque the skins in too? </div></div>

I don't know the exact torque for those, but that seems like a lot for those small screws. I would think about 15-20 in lbs would be adequate. I always just do it to feel for the skins. Snug, but not too tight.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

65 inch/lbs. is nothing. I would not go less. The new AX AICS has 100 in/lbs. torque value.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punkpigpen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it the same torque of 65lb to torque the skins in too? </div></div>

i would guarantee that the torque spec for the skin bolts isn't anywhere near 65 in lbs. i don't know the exact spec since i do them by feel.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">65 inch/lbs. is nothing. I would not go less. The new AX AICS has 100 in/lbs. torque value. </div></div>

the recommended spec for the aics is 53 in lbs. i haven't had any need to go more than that.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Snap On Tools make a long 3/16" Allen key (about 6" long) that attaches to a 3/8" drive. You won't need to remove the skins if you buy one (check their website, I ordered mine online).

The screws that hold the skins are spec'd to about 3 or 4 inch-pounds. I don't think it's critical, so tighten by hand and feel.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Hi all
The actual torque for the skins to spec. is 0.8Nm/7lbf-in
Action retaining screw are 6.0Nm/53lbf-in.
Hope that helps.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

If you have a 3/16" socket, just cut the short end off a 3/16" Allen and insert into the socket, squared away. Or just buy a purpose built long shaft 3/16"
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">65 inch/lbs. is nothing. I would not go less. The new AX AICS has 100 in/lbs. torque value. </div></div>

I am not sure where you got this information, however, I will stress now that this is completely incorrect and the torque requirements for the AICS systems across the board including the AX AICS's will be 6.0Nm/53 inch lb. for the action retaining screws.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punkpigpen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it the same torque of 65lb to torque the skins in too? </div></div>


NOT 65LBS....you will strip the crap out of your bolts and stock.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bonneville</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi all
The actual torque for the skins to spec. is 0.8Nm/7lbf-in
Action retaining screw are 6.0Nm/53lbf-in.
Hope that helps. </div></div>
No wonder my skins came off in the tub!
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Thats a pain the take the skins off just for that! Get this patent pending AI tool I came up with down at the pawn shop...Go over to the crap tool section and find a decent looking hex wrech of the longer variety then find a decent 1/4 drive 3/16 socket...I showed the guy at the counter that I would like to purchase these items and he felt it wasnt worth enough to even charge me for them plus they are both snap-on tools but it didnt really matter but OK Ill take it!...So I took my bounty home and placed the nice factory rounded head of the long end of the hex wrench into my chassis to choose a length then cut it off with a dremel tool. I set the rifle in the corner and inserted the now 3/16 hex rod into chassis mounting bolt, mixed up some JB weld and kneaded into both socket and fresh cut rod end, then mated them BUT! since there is just the slightest play between socket and rod and its not the best scenario to torque with crazy long stupid crooked bowed out extensions(You will wont get proper torque for settings but I think you are allowed a u-joint but no more than 45 degrees and every angle you are off 90 changes torque value a small percentage) I placed my little 1/4 driver on so the weight of the handle cause the teeth in to socket to heel toe up. I let it cure in the corner, in the rifle over night and its straight as an arrow and stays in my Borka tools SRA kit...worth every bit of free ninety free and works great for me

Chris
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

I like taking the skins off when I'm messing with the action. If you are threading a deep blind hole, like the one on an AICS 700 and you gorilla it in there you can risk cross threading your action.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SuppressorJunkie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thats a pain the take the skins off just for that! Get this patent pending AI tool I came up with down at the pawn shop...Go over to the crap tool section and find a decent looking hex wrech of the longer variety then find a decent 1/4 drive 3/16 socket...I showed the guy at the counter that I would like to purchase these items and he felt it wasnt worth enough to even charge me for them plus they are both snap-on tools but it didnt really matter but OK Ill take it!...So I took my bounty home and placed the nice factory rounded head of the long end of the hex wrench into my chassis to choose a length then cut it off with a dremel tool. I set the rifle in the corner and inserted the now 3/16 hex rod into chassis mounting bolt, mixed up some JB weld and kneaded into both socket and fresh cut rod end, then mated them BUT! since there is just the slightest play between socket and rod and its not the best scenario to torque with crazy long stupid crooked bowed out extensions(You will wont get proper torque for settings but I think you are allowed a u-joint but no more than 45 degrees and every angle you are off 90 changes torque value a small percentage) I placed my little 1/4 driver on so the weight of the handle cause the teeth in to socket to heel toe up. I let it cure in the corner, in the rifle over night and its straight as an arrow and stays in my Borka tools SRA kit...worth every bit of free ninety free and works great for me

Chris </div></div>

I have an AI and and a custom Rem 700 in an AICS. The side panels or "skins" or whatever you want to call them are easy and not a pita to remove whatsoever, maybe its just me. For the sake of a few seconds, I dont think its necessary to buy an extra tool. If you gots the cash to dish out, fill your boots.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

I guess you didn't follow on the free nintey free part...I didn't pay anything for it and 2 bolts are easier and faster to torque than 6
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Am I reading this right, you JB Welded lengths of hex that are cut just shy of the skins directly tot he action screws?

When I've had AICS's I just used the same thing I use for my other rifles, a 3/16" T handle hex wrench. I do hand snug, then 1/4 turn more.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

I dont understand why people dont cough up the money for a decent tool from the get go. If you're exercising the "buy once, cry once" with your rifles, then you should do the same for your tools.

I looked at the "borka tool" but i felt it was cheap, and i want a torque wrench that I wont have to replace down the road... ever.

So I coughed up the 250 for a Tohnichi, and now I'm happy.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Funny you say that without owning the Borka.
I own a $250 Proto torque screwdriver and I'm happy as hell with the quality of the Borka kit, Enough that it comes with me and the Proto stays home.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

Years ago, I purchased an AICS and the official torque then was 65 in lbs--as stated by and done by the rep. So, I guess it's changed now?
This is for the action screws. For the skins, use the 2.5mm -and the short end with two fingers in absence of a torque wrench which I don't know the spec on.

Mark
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

sobrbiker883 Yeah with a quarter inch socket on it the attach to the torque driver...Alderleet it was done very well and I wouldnt get anything "better" if I would have bought it straght from snap-on...BTW I have a borka tools wrench and a snap-on screw driver style torque wrench...I dont mind spending money on the best when the best is needed...My little homemade job works great I just cant see myself ever wanting to remove my skins to torque my action to the required 53in lbs...
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont understand why people dont cough up the money for a decent tool from the get go. If you're exercising the "buy once, cry once" with your rifles, then you should do the same for your tools.

I looked at the "borka tool" but i felt it was cheap, and i want a torque wrench that I wont have to replace down the road... ever.

So I coughed up the 250 for a Tohnichi, and now I'm happy. </div></div>

Quick question - did you purchase Tohnichi which shows torque readings on the round dial indicator?
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont understand why people dont cough up the money for a decent tool from the get go. If you're exercising the "buy once, cry once" with your rifles, then you should do the same for your tools.

I looked at the "borka tool" but i felt it was cheap, and i want a torque wrench that I wont have to replace down the road... ever.

So I coughed up the 250 for a Tohnichi, and now I'm happy.</div></div>
Borka is the best thing since slced bread ! Not only do I own one but I know of 4 other regular shooters at my range all using them with outstanding results. It seems like their popping up more and more as other shooters are exposed to them. I'm totally for the buy once, cry once philosophy but I dont see it in this case regardless of how much money you have to blow. Truth is it's just a great tool in a convenient size.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I looked at the "borka tool" but i felt it was cheap, and i want a torque wrench that I wont have to replace down the road... ever.</div></div>

Funny, I have a rolling tool chest full of tools that I use rebuilding car, truck and sportbike engines. In it I have at least three different torque wrenches. When I am working on my rifles 90% of the time imam using a Borka Driver. The SRA kit makes it very easy to have everything in one spot and to take it afield. Add to that the fact that the witness marks I put on my fasteners line up just fine no matter if I am using the Borka or a standard torque wrench.

I agree to use the proper tool for the job. If I was doing high volume gunsmithing then I would choose something other than a Borka Driver. When it's time for me to run our armorers inspections, the Borka Driver is what I bring.
 
Re: How do you torque down AICS stock bolts?

This video is made by one of the SH members, AtOne.
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