Action screw torque after cleaning/disassembly

[tucked]

Just wondering who's doing things "properly" with a torque screw driver or wrench, and who's doing the "finger tight" option?

[Mitch]

Torque wrench for me

[bigfellascott]

Finger tight for me.

[pomemax]

Torque wrench for me I bought it so I am going to use it.
I have the Wheeler's Firearm Accurizing Torque Wrench. This torque wrench goes from 10 to 65 inch pounds of torque at home at work I have 3 other types .

[Wm.Traynor]

I do both. 55 in lbs for my pillar bedded target rifle. The others are "snugged" following the advice of the venerable John Giles who bedded a 222 Sako for me.

As long as the screws don't loosen those rifles without pillars will be OK. I am aware that a lot of experimenting will go into establishing the meaning of "snugged". It might seem bewildering to the beginner. But just start somewhere is the way to go and vary the tension by feel, every 3 or 5 shots and you will observe the effect.
Of course, pillar bedding involves less frustration for some when combined with the advice of your Experienced gunsmith. But for others, experimenting is good for the soul

[bladeracer]

Just wondering who's doing things "properly" with a torque screw driver or wrench, and who's doing the "finger tight" option?

Both. Depends on the specific rifle. Hand tight is generally good enough.

[Gwion]

Torque wrench for me I bought it so I am going to use it.

Me too. All my rifles get torqued to their own favourite specs.

[Gwion]

Finger tight for me.

What... not even a screw driver!??!

[Gwion]

Everything gets torqued down. It's just a question of whether or not you guess it or use a devise to give you some indication of repeatability.

Even W.M's "experiment by feel/trial and error" method is actually establishing a specific torque setting.

[Bark]

Finger tight for me.

Same.

[Oldbloke]

Firm using a screw driver.

[bladeracer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0SltycCLFA

On topic, MannyCA doing some accuracy testing with different action screw torque.