Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Three things are necessary in every serious shooter’s range bag: a wrench, a bit set, and a torque limiter. Thankfully, Real Avid has us covered with the Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit. I know, what a mouthful of a name for a product, but it’s as versatile as the name is long. This kit is compact, capable, and has helped me out of a few conundrums at the range in the short six months that I’ve had it.
Table of contents
What It Is Exactly
Before we get too far into why I like it, I’ll break down what Real Avid’s Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit is. From a 60,000-foot perspective, it’s a small, portable, torque wrench and bit set that comes in an eyeglasses-sized case. This combination of tools can handle most any firearm accessory mounting needs in a portable and convenient package.
The Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter can be set from 15 to 65 in-lb in 1 in-lb increments. It’s also my favorite “click-style” overload clutch design that many of you are already familiar with. This means the wrench clicks and spins once the desired torque is reached. No need to watch the alignment of a spinning collar or hope that you hear the click before you over-torque the bolt. I don’t think it’s possible to torque beyond the setting your wrench is on.
The wrench that comes in the Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit is, as you’d guess, called the X3 Driver. This tool is modular, allowing it to be a driver, a ratchet, or a T-handle bit driver. The X3 Driver is configurable in many other ways when you take into account the extension and Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter that can be used in conjunction with it. My favorite way to use the X3 Driver is as a ratchet, which feels fantastic with its solid clicks and 72-tooth count.
And, of course, this kit comes with a 12-piece bit set that will cover the most common fastener types on firearms. This bit set includes Hex, Torx, Phillips, and a flat bit, as well as a 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square adapter plus a 1/2″ socket. The Hex bits that come in the kit are 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, and 1/4″. Torx bits include T10, T15, T20, and T25. And finally, the #2 Phillips and 5mm flat bit are not to be forgotten.
My Experience With the Smart-Torq
The Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit lives in my USPSA range bag. This bag always has three different pistols in it. It also contains holsters, magazines, ammo, tools, spare parts, and more. Because I use this gear hard and often, inevitably, things break. I had to bust out the Smart-Torq adjustable limiter and X3 Driver Kit to swap optics, torque optics plates, change baseplates, and more while at the range. It was always the perfect tool for the job.
I also used this kit at my workbench on many different firearm platforms for various tasks. Here, I found that the 12-piece bit set was slightly lacking in variety. However, a supplemental bit set is all I needed to complete any job with the Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver kit. Because of this, I do recommend you purchase one and use the two kits in conjunction. Since I’ve also added a bit set to my range bag alongside this driver kit.
The Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter is easy to use; simply hold the limiter body and turn the top with the X3 Driver. When you see the indicator in the window at the torque value you desire, click the push-button at the top of the tool. Then use it to torque your fastener. Once the designated torque value is reached, the limiter clicks and spins freely, keeping you from over-torquing and assuring you that the torque value is reached.
Besides being a capable compact torque wrench set, I enjoyed the small details of the kit. A few of my favorites are the c-clip bit retention of the ratchet head, and the magnetic retention of the extensions. This keeps the bit from falling out of the wrench and prevents the extension from falling off at the most inconvenient time. And finally, I love the knurling on each part of the X3 Driver that requires grip. It feels nice to the touch and adds function to its form, but Real Avid didn’t get too overzealous and left the lower portion of the 1/4″ bit driver extension smooth so that it could spin freely in your fingers and not feel uncomfortable.
Specifications and Features
- Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter
- 15-65 in-lbs in 1 in-lb increments.
- Locking, “click-style” overload clutch for precise and repeatable torque settings.
- X3 Driver
- combines a 72-tooth ratcheting driver, T-handle, and screwdriver.
- magnetic/c-clip bit retention
- 12-piece bit set includes hex, Torx®, Phillips® and a flat bit.
- hex: 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, and 1/4″
- Torx: T10, T15, T20, and T25
- Phillips: #2
- flat: 5mm
- 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square adapter and 1/2″ socket included for added versatility.
- Non-slip grip on tools for enhanced comfort and control during use.
- Compact, weather-resistant soft case for secure organization and portability.
- Tools designed for precise tightening of scope rings, mounts, and action screws.
- Engineered for compatibility with common firearms and optics mounting systems.
- High-quality materials ensure durability and consistent performance over time.
- MSRP: $119.99
- Available for purchase before the end of the year
READ MORE HERE: AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench: Get One
Final Thoughts on the Smart-Torq
This driver/torque wrench set is my favorite because of its modularity and versatility. As mentioned, I think it’s best when paired with a more extensive bit set. But the 12 bits that the kit comes with will cover most needs. The Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit costs 9.99 according to Real Avid’s website. Though it’s not yet available for purchase, it should be soon. You can even go to Real Avid’s website, linked here, to sign up to be notified when it is available. I promise a better quality kit at a comparable price will be hard to find, which means the wait will be worth it.
The case that this kit comes in is of very high quality. It is robust, compact, and secure. No matter what, every time I open up the kit, everything is still in its place, where it should be. No more messy kits with bits rolling around all over the place. On top of that, it’s about the same size as a case for sunglasses!
I recommend the Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit to anyone who needs one of these in their range bag or at their workbench. I know I’ll be using this kit a lot in the future!
Learn More about Real Avid’s Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter and X3 Driver Kit here!
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Riley Baxter is a seasoned hunter, outdoorsman, and competitive shooter with deep roots in the backcountry. He has guided professionally for bears, bighorn sheep, and other big game across rugged terrain, bringing firsthand knowledge of what gear actually works in the field. When he’s not chasing game or running drills on the range, Riley is likely in the garage customizing his rifles, pistols, or backcountry kit.
A competitive pistol shooter and lifelong firearms enthusiast, Riley brings both precision and creativity to every piece of equipment he touches. Outside of the gun world, he works as a perfusionist in Montana, a vital role in heart surgery that demands attention to detail, critical thinking, and mental fortitude.
Experience:
– Professional Hunting Guide – Guided for bears, bighorn sheep, and more in some of the West’s toughest country.
– Competitive Shooter – Skilled USPSA pistol shooter with a passion for precision and performance under pressure.
– Custom Builder – Enjoys building and tuning firearms and equipment to meet the exact demands of the hunt or the range.
– Experienced Marksman – Experienced in long-range hunting and precision rifles to meet the demands of the terrain of the West.
– Montana-Based Perfusionist – Medical professional accustomed to making critical decisions in high-stakes environments.
I’m still waiting for a company to come up with a multi head device that can be used as a torque wrench also instead of just a torque ratchet or bit driver. If anyone knows of something like this, please let me know.
It doesn’t seem so difficult to do to make an attachment that will fit in the end of a bit driver utilizing a wrench head… Even if it’s an adjustable wrench head.