Fix it Sticks or Wheeler FAT wrench?

[btb1983]

Looking for a torque wrench so I can start doing some of my own work. Fix it Stick or Wheeler FAT wrench or something else?

 

[cmert]

I have used both and prefer the fix it sticks. The FAT wrench is a more traditional style of torque driver with the "break" at the set torque but the fix it sticks are way more convenient in both use and storage. The biggest down side to the fix it sticks would be that if you're looking for an exact poundage for the torque setting that isn't a preset mark on the tool then you kind of have to guess. But really with how thick the indicator is on the FAT wrench you're kind of guessing there too...

 

[hereinaz]

Fix it sticks are more calibrated.

There is a “universal” fix it stick that you basically tighten and you can see the torque go up, can’t remember what it’s called but that is what I use. It is much smaller and more handy.

 

[BLJ]

Fix it sticks are more calibrated.

There is a “universal” fix it stick that you basically tighten and you can see the torque go up, can’t remember what it’s called but that is what I use. It is much smaller and more handy.

“More calibrated??” Thanks.

 

[KChunter71]

I have both. Fix it sticks rock, if I had to choose one.

 

[hereinaz]

“More calibrated??” Thanks.

You can buy the specific torque values with the fixed value fix-it stick limiters. They are preset ane checked.

If the FAT or others adjustable versions aren’t damaged by bad storage/misuse they will get you close enough based on the dial.

I had Borka as well. That’s another solid company.

 

[B23]

I have a conventional style in.lb torque wrench as well as the original, not the newer digital, Fat Wrench and when I've checked one with the other they consistently compare very equally to one another.

Wheeler has a new digital version Fat Wrench, curious, do any of you have the new digital version or used one and if so what are your thoughts compared to the older version? I've used a 1/2in drive SnapOn digital torque quite a bit and those things are sweet but I can't really compare one of those to a Fat Wrench either.

 

[WyldGoose]

I’ve got the Non-digital 2023 edition FAT wrench…works great, no complaints.

 

[Quicksilver]

Snap on 1/4” drive torque wrench, I may be biased though

 

[waspocrew]

Have both, prefer the fix it sticks. Easy to toss in the range bag. The FAT is nice for those odd torque values like 18 in/lbs for rings, etc.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve used a fat wrench for like 10 years with no issues at all. Fix it sticks are probably better though.

 

[BLJ]

You can buy the specific torque values with the fixed value fix-it stick limiters. They are preset ane checked.

If the FAT or others adjustable versions aren’t damaged by bad storage/misuse they will get you close enough based on the dial.

I had Borka as well. That’s another solid company.

Do they come with a certificate for calibration?

 

[UnckleBob]

I have a Fat Wrench and Fix it Stix.

The Fat Wrench, imo, is easier to use by a good margin vs the Fix It Stix with the "universal" torque adapter.

But, a small Fix It Stix kit in my range bag (or in my gun bag when I hunt) for use in the field. In that role, it really works like a champ.

 

[hereinaz]

I always torque a little over the values on my rifles. The Drop Tests (c) seem to show that a little high is better. A little less is certainly not better.

 

[farmermail]

Do they come with a certificate for calibration?

Ok, that was a great movie quote pull. Well played.

 

[The Harbor Master]

Not professional enough to comment on the accuracy of one vs the other, but I can say I've had a fat wrench for awhile and they're very easy to use, I've had no issues. If I set it for 65in lbs, is it 65? 67? 62? Not positive, but nothing has come loose yet *shrug*

 

[Marbles]

I had Borka as well. That’s another solid company.

I have a Borka and really like it.

I try to avoid torque tools that get damaged it not set to zero for storage. Not had a FAT wrench, but at the price I doubt it is a split beam.

 

[horpensky]

No experience with the Fix It sticks, but used a Wheeler FAT wrench for the first time today to mount UM rings to my new Tikka. Found the lead up to the breaking point when you reach the torque limit to be a little... "vague"? Was expecting a sharp clean click, but sort of like trigger creep, there seemed to be some empty travel before it clicked. Ergonomically also not the best as I found it a little cumbersome to turn. I imagine the Fix It sticks would be easier.

But in the end it seemed to work fine, and it even came with a calibration certificate!

 

[BLJ]

Ok, that was a great movie quote pull. Well played.

Wasn’t intentional but glad to help.
What movie?

 

[swavescatter]

I have universal Fix it sticks and the new Wheeler. I prefer the Wheeler for scope mounting due to repeatability with scope ring caps. My guess is that you want even torque on these and eyeballing with the universal Fix it sticks is probably less consistent.

No experience with the click style Fix it sticks, but Wheeler is still more flexible on that front. I have the Wheeler for home and Fix it sticks for the range toolbox/hunting pack.