Wheeler Engineering
Wheeler Engineering is a Farmingdale, New York manufacturer of precision gunsmithing and armorer tools — most widely known for the Wheeler Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit and their FAT (Firearms Accurizing Torque) Wrench, which together have standardized scope mounting torque values across the rifle building community. Wheeler tools are used by professional gunsmiths and home armorers who want repeatable, precise results when mounting scopes, building AR-15s, and performing firearm maintenance.
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Wheeler FAT Wrench: Torque Accuracy for Scope Mounting
The Wheeler FAT (Firearms Accurizing Torque) Wrench is the most widely recommended torque wrench for scope mounting — it provides a click-stop torque setting in inch-pounds specifically calibrated for the 15–65 inch-pound range used for optic mounting screws. Scope mounting screws torqued to spec neither back out from recoil nor strip from over-tightening. The FAT Wrench comes with multiple bits and has become the standard recommendation whenever a precision rifle shooter asks how to properly mount a scope.
Wheeler Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit
The Wheeler Deluxe Scope Mounting Kit combines the FAT Wrench with a lapping bar, alignment bars, and ring alignment tool — everything needed to properly mount, lap, and align scope rings for maximum accuracy. Lapping ring faces ensures full contact between the ring and scope tube, reducing stress on the scope body and improving zero retention. For precision rifle builders who want their scope mounted correctly once rather than troubleshot repeatedly, the Wheeler kit is the professional standard at an accessible price.
Wheeler AR Armorer Tools
Wheeler produces a comprehensive AR-15 armorer kit including their Professional Armorer’s Block (a polymer vise block that holds the AR-15 lower securely during assembly), a pivot pin installation tool, and magazine well vise block. These purpose-designed tools make AR-15 assembly and disassembly significantly faster and safer than improvised alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wheeler
What torque should I use to mount a scope?
Wheeler recommends 15–18 inch-pounds for scope ring cap screws and 15–65 inch-pounds for rail mounting screws depending on the rail specification. Always check the scope and ring manufacturer’s torque specifications first — the FAT Wrench covers the full range of standard scope mounting torque values.
Do I need to lap scope rings?
Lapping is not strictly required but improves ring-to-scope contact, reducing stress on the scope tube and improving zero retention under heavy recoil. For budget rings and light-recoiling calibers, lapping is optional. For premium scopes on hard-recoiling rifles, lapping is worth the time investment.
See Also: Rifle Scopes • Scope Rings & Mounts • Real Avid • AR-15 Parts • Reloading Supplies