Wheeler FAT Wrench - Customer Service & Quality

[@computer_carnivore]

That’s great. The real issue is most folks don’t have access to calibration equipment. They will never know (if) their wrench is out of spec.

[@Joe-hz1nw]

Wheeler stuff is what it is. They don’t act as if it’s professional grade. It works as advertised for a reasonable price. Can’t complain about that

[@nobodynoone2500]

Yup, but that makes the service that much more important.

[@joearledge1]

I agree, they are good enough for 90% of normal applications and priced to match. I've never delt with their customer service, but if this is standard for them, then that makes me excited to buy their products.

[@tarbo187]

Just wanted to thank you for the fireing pin retaining pin video ! I was getting ready to ship back a new BCM BCG until I watched your video ! Thanks again 👍

[@coltonowens2742]

Damn, gonna keep buying wheeler stuff. Talk about great customer service!

[@EarthAltar]

I love mine. If you're patient you can catch them on sale for around $47.00. If I remember correctly you're supposed to return them to zero after use to keep them "calibrated".

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

Thats what I do for all "clicky" type torque wrenches.

[@gregphillips9670]

Yes, any click style torque tool should be stored at the lowest setting.

[@j.bridges2921]

KZbin doesn't recommend your videos in my feed anymore - Subscriber

[@natejackson4791]

That's customer service right there.

[@rdsii64]

The question is is that how they role, or did they do him a solid because he has a platform. I hope this is how they treat all their customers but one never knows.

[@NoWr2Run]

@@rdsii64 EXACTLY, Do they do that for everybody ?

[@1bornsurvivor]

I think that it is wonderful that Wheeler is standing behind their products like that. That makes me want to buy more of their products.

[@robertfoote3255]

Nice to hear about their customer service. It is a "added value" when selecting tools for your business.... 🤠

[@jesscobb2279]

I love my Wheeler tools. Some stuff can be a little brittle sometimes, but over all I have always been satisfied with their products.

[@davekreitzer4358]

Thanks for sharing Chad , Wheeler seems to be one of the few companies that stand behind their products , not very common now days 😕

[@Dmoore37]

I’ve been using them for 10 years. Solid value!

[@michaelthacker6121]

That makes me really appreciate and wanna buy more wheeler stuff! They really did stand behing there products! Way to go wheeler!

[@davehardtke1712]

I use that one also. Definitely a must have tool and worth the money. Seems well made and no issues. Thanks for sharing the video & what you do 👊

[@Glockenstein0869]

Excellent wrench. I have had mine for 5-6 years.

[@seraph1926]

Oh good I just started amassing their tools and I really like them

[@ftn5546]

I've had good luck with the Vortex 10-50 in-lb torque driver. It came with a certification card and I verified it as correct on receipt. It was made in Taiwan.

[@justinjones9042]

I was going to get one but now I definitely feel comfortable about purchasing one now.

[@michaelpratt3142]

Pretty awesome...I wouldn't expect that for every customer to be honest...still cool.

[@txarms]

I’ve got a third gen that completely crapped the bed and locked up. Switched over to a Husky digital in.lb. Torque wrench I’ve been happy with so far. I miss the click…but it’s kind of nice to see a live readout of exactly what I’m putting into it too.

[@lowandslow3939]

I have the digital version of their Fat Wrench and I love it. I also have several tool set made by them. Good stuff at reasonable prices.

[@onpsxmember]

Bought a wera adjustable within a small range mostly for rds mounting, for something seriously delicate a fixed value version is my go to. Those can be checked as a service each year, but I'd go the same route you did calibrating yourself working with torque tools all the time.

[@lazor222]

The FAT wrench, roll pin punch master set, specialized bolt catch roll pin punch & starter, and also their pretty comprehensive little 55pc sae/metric hex and torx bit driver kit have all treated me very well.

[@BloodyRim]

I like Wheeler products, but I can't use cheaper Torx or hex bits anymore. Use Wiha or Wera and never worry about snapping off and having it stuck in the bolt. Cheap bits can also be a pain since they don't fit as well, and can cause the bolt to strip. Usually don't have to worry about that until you get down to the T6 size. Not really applicable for gun parts but I run into it a lot with my pocket knives

[@lazor222]

@@BloodyRim oh I know all about Whia and Wera! I have plenty of drivers and products from both. I also like and have some of the USA made options like klein, ideal, tekton, and mayhew/channellock but that wheeler set is actually pretty good. It's no skip sizes all the way down to the smallest you could ever want, and they have held up for me so far. The driver handles it comes with aren't great but they aren't bad. I got mine on sale at midway a few years ago and am glad I did, it stays with my firearm specific tool setup. BTW if you really want the best for small hex look into MIP. They are marketed towards the rc hobby which usually is full of junk tools but MIP really are the best of the best, with a price to match lol. Wiha and Wera are good but not MIP good. They will last your lifetime, limited sizes that they make though.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@lazor222 something like 75% of the Tekton line is made in Taiwan. Only a small amount of their stuff in made in N. America.

[@lazor222]

@@theKashConnoisseur you are correct that a lot of their items are Taiwanese made, but you can't discount that over 20% (which is a large portion) of their line is made in the USA by either them or other USA manufacturers (like Wilde Tool, Trusty Cook, etc). The drivers specifically I was talking about are 100% made in the USA by Tekton in Michigan. It's also worth noting that Taiwan =/= China, as I'm sure you realize. 10 years ago the bulk majority of Tekton products were Chinese manufactured, and they have made a huge effort to get rid of all those items and no longer support Chinese manufacturing. They are putting forth effort to make as much as they possibly can in the USA, pretty much the exact opposite of every other tool brand that was once a well loved American company that has now been offshored. They have also made a huge push to have the best and most hassle free warranty service and support. This might sound like an ad for them but they really are a great company to support. I have some of their Taiwanese pliers, sockets, and wrenchs and quite frankly they are flawless. I have quite a bit of their USA items too and they've all been great.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@lazor222 Taiwan is controlled by China these days, as I'm sure you know. It's just a bit misleading to declare that Tekton is American made when most of their stuff is made overseas.

[@toshmiller5571]

Thanks Chad!

[@OFFICIALUND]

1) What to do if we don't have calibration equipment? 2) How often do you have to have your calibration equipment recalibrated?

[@ETHRON1]

Worked on alot of guns over the years...never have used one...I do have the full-size inch pound torque wrench, only use it on specific things... My rule of thumb on 15-20 IPs is tighten to snug then a quarter to half turn past usually gets it there...

[@nandrews8412]

I just seen the 4th gen at Academy sports. It looks like all it has is a fancy new graphics design on all black body.

[@multicammando]

I'll be buying more wheeler stuff. Love my wheeler tourqe wrench

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thank you

[@trainshot17]

I’ve had mine for over 10 years but I only use it a few times a year and reset it back to 0 when finished. Screws have never backed out and I have never broke a screw. I like the Fat Wrench better than my Fix-It-Sticks torque limiter.

[@luispadilla8405]

Nice to absorb that knowledge

[@bidenisatraitor7633]

I will purchase one baded on your experience with them. Great customer service!

[@aarondavis5632]

It would be amazing if you made video play list categorized by manufacturer!!!

[@ShooterB1]

The line on the gauge setting is thick. A youtuber that test tools said to use the bottom of the line for correct measurement. Have you noticed this? Wheeler doesn't say anything in the instructions.

[@shanescott3168]

I'd like to see how you test the wrenches with your gauge.

[@zeedaysurvival1975]

I have one use it all the time. Well worth it.

[@Megadellicantera]

There are places that can repair and calibrate and certify torque wrenches. Some jobs require you to get your torque measuring devices calibrated yearly.

[@bruehlt]

Love my Wheeler's - good stuff for the price!

[@deluth4638]

I was really hoping you were going to test the new ones on camera for accuracy out of the box.

[@toddheimann8020]

I have & use the Borka. I've always been curious about the actual accuracy of it. Two inch lbs is impressive for the money.

[@TheOtherFagola]

Glad they stand by their product. Digital torque screws are painfully expensive. I see Imadas go for 1-2k.

[@dpaelliott]

I have one and love it

[@charlesgillette2925]

Excellent

[@hopewilliams6705]

That is cool but it makes you wonder if they would do that for a regular Joe without a channel.

[@aowi7280]

I would be interested in seeing how accurate the new ones are out of the box.

[@NoWr2Run]

YES, Not sure why he didn't include that in the vid.

[@torranceparsons5216]

He said they normally within 2lbs +/- which is likely within spec. 4% at 65in/lbs is +/- 2.6in/lbs. NASA uses Snap-On torque wrenches @4% variances on mechanical and 3% on digital so I'm sure 4% on a FAT wrench is more then acceptable for guns

[@NoWr2Run]

@@torranceparsons5216 I know he said " NORMALLY " but shit has really gone downhill since the pandemic.

[@mikehunter5046]

Is there an item number for the latest version of fat wrench? I’ve had mine for years I’m sure it’s a little out of spec. Great video!

[@xmk-zc9eb]

Very cool. Bought a wheeler a year ago…wonder if it’s spec?!? 🤙

[@Mjdeben]

I recently bought the third gen and was always worried because i have no way to calibrate or check it.

[@NateDizity1420]

Borka torque drive is my go to but I have a Wheeler G3 as back up

[@ETHRON1]

On a different note...this is the first notice I've gotten in awhile...youtube at it again.

[@jonleone777]

How do we test them to ensure they are accurate.

[@Jordan-ql6tm]

I switched to the Fit-it Stick torque wrenchs after watching far too many complaint videos on the Wheelers, which i havent had an issue with my Wheeler yet but figured it was a good excuse to buy the Fit-it kit id been eyeing anyway 😂. Do you have any personal experience with the quality and calibration of the Fit-it torques my friend? Note you're one of the few who've actually busted out a calibration tool rather than just sharing loads of damaged screws as proof of the tools failure lol good work brother

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

The Fix It Sticks that I have used and checked have been quite accurate. As with anything my experience does not mean people won't have issues with Fix it Sticks of FAT Wrenches.

[@patrickcarafa]

nice

[@C_oprator89]

Still got my gen 1 and loving it. I just know its dead on accurate because if its not I'm in deep doo doo haha

[@NormanPOlt]

All yours seem to be the mechanical version(s?): have you ever tried their digital ones?

[@ts440s]

Can you explain the white mark vs the top of the bar I have a different brand and it dosent explain the white bar line vs the top so difficult to know where the set mark is thanks.

[@jonnydroo]

Would you be able to review KAKs bcg's, specifcally the K-SPEC Enhanced AR15 BCG with their downward vents. Would love to know your thoughts on that system over others.

[@solhays]

I can't seem to find a solid answer about this. What part of the line do you use when setting your torque value? Are you using the top of the line or the center? Also, if you are using the top of the line, would using the center resolve some of the tolerance issue? Like -2 or -3 would actually be 0 at the center. Thank you Chad!

[@REDRIDER101]

I got a proto, all metal, had it calibrated and it should continue last forever.

[@catfishsiegel30]

Had them since first came out love . Wheeler has great service just a little slow

[@jefftabor595]

Now I know they are good.

[@freemenownrifles8814]

Thoughts on that red fix it stick torque head??? #GetOnGab

[@ETC_Rohaly_USCG]

Always been a fan of the FAT wrench. But have been ifffy on their accuracy

[@jesscobb2279]

Bro. How long until the Ruger build video?

[@tyleradkins7294]

Never had any experience with the wheeler brand. How do they compare to the fix it sticks torque limiters?

[@chiefro7]

Where does one get a wrench calibrated or go about getting calibration equipment?

[@brianjames8600]

I was curious Chad. What do you use as appropriate torque on the grip screw? I heard a reputable source of 35in lbs. and then the Colt LE6940 Manual says 65in lbs. which seams kind of excessive….

[@thedownwardmachine]

I feel like the indicator line is about as wide as the error you see. Didn’t know they were only good for seven years. How do you torque spec your torque spec device? 🤯

[@toddparsons2980]

👍

[@socalmoney]

Electronic Torque Tester is the drip.

[@RikkiTikkiTavi290]

I have a BCG/gas question if you're willing to help out. Is there any reason to NOT use a very gas efficient BCG in an over-gassed AR? Problems that can occur as a result? Trying to figure out if its a good idea to swap BCGs on my new rifle which has a larger gasport and comes with a slightly inefficient BCG.

[@Felenari]

Do you have any reccomendations for barrel nut torque wrenches? My 1/2in got run over recently.

[@youtubesnamingpolicysucks]

I have both the 3rd gen F.A.T. and Vortex Optics wrenches. I like them both, the 4th gen F.A.T is black with yellow accents.

[@despereit4959]

I broke three of them within two months, the third one broke after it's first use at 45 inlbs. How did they break? They seized up completely, after using what would be equal to 200+ inlbs they came lose, but would be so out of spec they where unusable. Switched to another brand I wont mention as to not seem bias. Not using Wheeler again even if I got paid to do so.

[@LilYeshua]

How many cycles have you put each wrench through? I don't hardly use mine plus I reset mine back to 0 inch pounds after every use

[@chrissutton3043]

Given the way their scale is, 2inlbs is really good. Its always seemed kinda low resolution to me.

[@paulblackburn2929]

what are your thoughts about their digital fat wrench?

[@campusdan]

Have you been able to test any wheeler digital in lb torque wrenches?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Yes, the ones I have tested are usually within 2IN#

[@richardmarkinco1475]

I’ve found it hard to delineate what setting I’m on. For me, it’s hard to see with such a fat indicator.

[@Wubzy66]

I was under the impression you should not use these for reversing stuff out?

[@seadog4330]

How often is that calibration equipment calibrated?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

The Calibration Meter gets recertified annually. I check the wrenches before each class I teach.

[@seadog4330]

Thanks, Chad. Old habit, I'm (retired) from an ASCLD/LAB ISO Crime Lab. I enjoy your great presentations. Wishing you all the best. @@SchooloftheAmericanRifle

[@joeharrell6755]

Curious if u have exp w/Fixit Sticks vs Wheeler. I bought the Wheeler 89 piece driver set, and tools seem solid, but case is INFURIATINGLY CHEAP! Top cover comes off, n iza real sonofabitch to get back on.

[@MrMoonPanda]

Great now we're never gonna hear the end of it on reddit now.....

[@gungaragetactical]

Who can we send our WHeeler fat wrenches to for calibration?

[@AA-fg3wj]

I would like to have mine tested. I believe mine is off.

[@theunofficialresults231]

Fix-it-sticks for me.

[@BrassAngels]

Glad they stepped up. I reached out over 2 bits on my 3rd gen snapping the tips off & have yet to receive any correspondence. That was 6+ months ago. Where can the calibration rig be acquired?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

In the past, Wheeler didn't stand behind the bits when my students or I broke them. Brownells has a great warranty on MagnaTip Bits.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

​@@SchooloftheAmericanRifleI kinda wonder if they'd stand behind the wrench as a whole for your average Joe. Kinda different when it's someone with a platform. Who has also obviously already spent quite a bit of $ with them.

[@trainshot17]

I had a few bits missing from a set and Wheeler sent me out two of each bit size. I guess I got lucky with their customer service.

[@huntingupland]

What’s your opinion of SDI?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

I have not been a student so I can't opine. Many of my students have been SDI Graduates, and they felt my 2 day classes were more information and at a lower cost than SDI's AR Program. Again, that's not MY opinion, just sharing what my SDI Alumni have shared with me. I believe in education so if you can afford it, consider it.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

I'll just chime in as someone who attended a gunsmithing program (PTC in Greenwood, SC. I was told by the instructor that Colorado had a good school but I cant verify that) I can't say wether SDI is good, but I can say that there's no proper way to learn gunsmithing that doesn't involve guns and equipment. Unless SDI is sending people guns, or making students buy their own, theres no way to get good at servicing, say, a S&W Model 10 without disassembling and it and watching how parts interact. Its hard to teach someone to thread and chamber a barrel blank without a barrel blank, bolt/receiver, lathe, tools, and gauges. Its very hard to teach someone bluing without bluing tanks. Its very hard to teach someone stock making and bedding without a bench and woodworking tools. I'm not sure what the program entails, but a gunsmith that cant set barrels, refinish stocks, polish and blue, or generally gun a lathe isnt really a gunsmith, they're an armourer. Dont get me wrong, being an armourer is fine and plenty of people make a good living doing it, but it's a different line of work.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

​@@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballzsounds kinda like todays M 'mechanics'..... glorified parts changers. I can do that much myself. thanks anyway 🙄

[@mve9924]

Mine has been going strong with normal gun nut use for 5 yrs...no way to "test" them other than comparing to a HD 1/4 TW

[@Mr556man]

Wheeler used to be quality gunsmithing tools. Now, it is all made in China and hit or miss. Their bits are soft and will snap after only a few uses. The fat wrench and the reticle leveling kit are about the only Wheeler products worth spending your money on.

[@Elladoderechodelcerebro]

Hi im from Puerto Rico And I'm interested in taking the courses of ar 15, do you have a number that I can call to coordinate?

[@ethancox5476]

Kinda makes me paranoid about my Gen 3 fat wrench 😅

[@skullofserpent5727]

+

[@bangersandmags6729]

Mine is definitely off. I was mounting an optic mount and had it at 40in lbs(15in lbs under manufacturer specs)and it snapped the mount in half.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Guess better the mount than the optic. What brand mount? Could it have been a defect in the mount?

[@bangersandmags6729]

@@matthewbeaver5026 I'm not sure. I think the 55in lbs was a mistake on their part. Their general instructions say 30in lbs, not 55. Waiting to hear back from them.

[@chuckfinley3152]

Always unscrew them after use

[@johngaltman]

I love my fat wrench... Torque everything on a gun that you will depend on to it's proper spec...

[@bendennis8773]

So I should buy one and not go by feel. With the amount I use them it should last a lifetime

[@GasOperatedDad]

I use to go by feel, until I got sick of my optic mounts working loose after a few range trips. In the back of my mind I was always concerned about over-torquing steel screws into aluminum optic mounts, or direct to aluminum receivers and malform them, and my "feel" was almost always under torqued. After I started using the Torque wrench to manufacturer specs that problem went away. I use it for action screws as well.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

The Fix-It Sticks are an option as well. I like it, but I have zero experience with the Wheeler Fat Wrench so I can't compare the experience.

[@chrisfisher3900]

Their digital version is garbage. Regular is just fine

[@ErickChurch-gz4jn]

Very cool bro.

[@BUY_YT_Views_858]

Your creativity knows no bounds. Loving the innovative approach to your content!