{"id":118712,"date":"2019-11-30T15:39:01","date_gmt":"2019-11-30T20:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=118712"},"modified":"2019-11-30T15:39:01","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T07:12:05","slug":"fix-it-sticks-the-tools-you-didnt-know-you-needed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/fix-it-sticks-the-tools-you-didnt-know-you-needed\/","title":{"rendered":"Fix-It-Sticks: The tools you didn’t know you needed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Fix-It-Sticks:
The right tool for the job, no matter where you are.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some purchases can be really hard to justify until you\u2019ve actually used the product, Fix-It-Sticks<\/a> is one of those.  While at first glance it looks like an ordinary tool kit, albeit a relatively expensive one, it helps to look at it from the standpoint of a cost\/benefit analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with what it is.  It is a tool kit comprised of a number of pieces.  The centerpiece to the set is the T-Way Wrench, a T handled driver.  It is set up to accept 1\/4\u201d hex bits.  Additionally, it has a small magnet inside each open end of the driver, ensuring your bit doesn\u2019t fall out, even if inverted.   And since every side of the T handle can be used, you can get more leverage depending on where your bit is.  And lastly, there is a small collar that spins freely.  This is so that you can hold onto that section, maintaining pressure on your screw, while spinning the top of the T handle.  It is really handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
The addition of a 1\/2″ socket allows for the easy installation of some muzzle devices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the kit you have, you will have any number of small bits.  Ranging from Torx Bits to Hex bits to your screwdriver bits, both Standard and Philips Head.  All the bits are 1\/4\u201d and made of steel with a chrome-plated finish.  Some kits also include a 1\/2\u201d socket with 1\/4\u201d adapter.  Best of all, they are standardized to 1\/4\u201d, allowing you to build out or replace your bits as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All that sounds pretty vanilla so far though.  The real magic is in the Torque Limiters, the centerpiece.  Fix-It-Sticks kits come with a variety of Torque Limiters made for them by Sloky.  They are offered in a whole number of values from 4 inch-pounds up to 80-inch pounds.  The kits usually are set up with your most common ones, such as 15, 25, 45, and 60-inch lbs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
If a scope base requires 25 inch lbs. give it 25 inch lbs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of the torque limiters is allowing you to achieve correct torque every time.  Simply insert the desired torque limiter into the T-Way Wrench.  Put the bit into the torque limiter.  Next turn the screw until you have reached the proper torque value, at which point the bit will stop turning and the torque limiter will continue while making a clicking sound.  *Be aware that your higher torque values, such as 60-inch lbs. and up, will not click.  They will just continue turning without turning the screw.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now while that sounds really simple on its face, and it in fact is, the value can\u2019t be understated.  Torque values for equipment, whether it is action screws, scope mounts or anything else, isn\u2019t made arbitrarily.  They are designed for what will work best.  And not only that but what will also keep said equipment from being damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
Since the T-Way Wrench and Torque Limiters accept any 1\/4″ bits, you can use them with aftermarket bits, if you need something longer for example.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Take scope rings for example.  If they are overtightened you can actually damage the scope tube.  That can be a very expensive mistake depending on your optic.  On the flip side, if your rings are too loose, you will never have a good zero.  This will lead to all kinds of problems while out shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are some torque limiters made mainly for the workbench, Fix-It-Sticks really shine in the field.  Between the form factor, ease of carrying and weight, there is no reason not to have them on hand.  Many range days and hunts have been ruined by not having access to the right tools.  Yes, I said \u201cright tools.\u201d  As much as I love multi-tools like Leathermen, they are the wrong tool for every job, but great when they are the only thing available.  Conversely, Fix-It-Sticks provide the right tool for the job in any location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
Fix-It-Sticks make short work of swapping out optics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shooting is about consistency.  Whether we are talking about ammunition that has the same weight projectiles, loaded with the same grains of powder, or we are talking about a consistent trigger pull.  Consistency is king.  Fix-It-Sticks take a variable out of the equation, giving you consistent torque every time.  Whether you are mounting a scope or putting your action back into a stock after cleaning, these tools allow you the opportunity to do it consistently, to spec, regardless of where you are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
Fix-It-Sticks offers a tool for just about everything.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While I\u2019ve spoken to the torque limiters, the centerpiece of Fix-It-Sticks, they offer a lot more depending on your application.  Everything from a Sight Adjustment Tool, 1911 Bushing Tool, Carbon Scraper, Non-Marring Punch and even cleaning rods.  If it is related to firearms, they probably have an adapter for it.  Not to mention incredibly handy add ons, like their magnetic patch that affixes to the outside of some of their cases via velcro.  When you remove small screws you can place them on the magnetic patch, keeping you from losing anything, especially while making repairs in the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fix-It-Sticks:
The magnetic patch has saved me more than once. Helping me from misplacing small screws while doing repairs in the field. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When I initially mentioned looking at a set of Fix-It-Sticks from a cost\/benefit viewpoint, think of this. How much is it worth to not strip out a screw using the wrong tool? Or over-tightening scope rings to the point of damage? Or what about ruining a hunt because something came loose and you didn’t have the means to fix it? See what I mean now? Once you have a set of Fix-It-Sticks, you will genuinely question how you have made it so long without them.  They provide you with the right tool for the job no matter where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n

You can find Fix-It-Stick sets directly through their website<\/a> as well as other resellers.<\/p>\n\n\n

You can see my video review of the Fix-It-Sticks below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n