Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!

Marti · Jun 19, 2019

Noticed one of the old hands doing this recently; using an impact driver (rattler) to to tighten the slotted PZ2 screws in a newly installed board. Never occurred to me that you could but when I (very discreetly) checked them with a conventional screw driver they were all spot on.

Does / has anyone else done this or am I the last one one the bus,'cos it certainly saved some time? Can you actually buy a slotted PZ2 head for an impact and how'd you line up the slot - normally done by feel before you actually apply any torque.

I'll get me ticket now

ruston · Jun 19, 2019

I would never put that kind of impact on an device or the board. I am in the back seat with you.

Zdb · Jun 19, 2019

Marti said:
Can you actually buy a slotted PZ2 head for an impact

I just use the slotted PZ2 interchangeable blade from my wera set in the drill.

Marti · Jun 19, 2019

None of my searches have given up a slotted PZ2 impact bit and a standard PZ2 will chew up pretty quickly leaving the next guy or gal to sort the mashed heads

ruston · Jun 19, 2019

yes you can get them . I think The sheds do them . I have used them in a Milwaukee impact driver on large roofing joists .

westward10 · Jun 19, 2019

It is a plus/minus head or PZ/S.

Andy78 · Jun 19, 2019

I'm not a fan or user of impact drivers although I know a lot of sparkies nowadays use them for fixings and drilling.
It's definitely not the right tool to tighten terminals for sure.

I have however used a small battery driver (non impact) on a very low clutch setting to just to wind breaker terminals in, and that does save a bit of time on a large DB. I have always done the tightening of terminals with a hand tool after this though.

snowhead · Jun 19, 2019

PZ/1 and PZ/2 available

WERA PZ/SL Plus Minus 70mm Length PZ1/S Or PZ2/S Modulo Screwdriver Tough Bit | eBay

Wera Professional Plus Minus 70mm Length Tough 855/4 Screwdriver Bit, Available In PZ1/S Or PZ2/S. Wera Series 4 855/4 PZ/S Special Design Bit, Plus/Minus. Wera Bits are designed for the most demanding applications in trade and industry.

www.ebay.co.uk

Not that I'd personally use them.

Wilko · Jun 19, 2019

Not a chance. Something needing 2.5 Nm torque and a machine capable of more then 100Nm placed on it? What could possibly go wrong? Maybe I’ve misunderstood?

Phil Thompson · Jun 19, 2019

Wiha make them SL/PZ2

Strima · Jun 19, 2019

And how will the MCB/RCBO/RCD handle the vibrations caused by using this method?

buzzlightyear · Jun 19, 2019

Using a impact driver what next ,you could pick up a torgue driver from a garage.

Marti · Jun 20, 2019

It's the old expression about an open mind and what you let in

Personally I was one of the last to get an impact. They are too powerful for many of the tasks we perform.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

magnoliafan89 · Jun 20, 2019

So many times ive come to boards where they've rattled them in. Far too tight almost round out the screws on the Neutral and earth bar when trying to unscrew them. Im not a fan of it

Charlie_ · Jun 20, 2019

[ElectriciansForums.net] Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!

billyblade · Jun 20, 2019

I work for a power tool accessory manufacturer. My boss asked me if we needed to produce a Plus/Minus impact driver bit as he noticed that that was one of the ones not in our range.

I said "No"

Pete999 · Jun 20, 2019

Butchery that's what it is Butchery, an impact driver for terminations, use a hammer and chisel instead, dreadful practice.

Andy78 · Jun 20, 2019

Pete999 said:
Butchery that's what it is Butchery, an impact driver for terminations, use a hammer and chisel instead, dreadful practice.

You wouldn't approve of a lump hammer and large flat screwdriver to tighten a large SWA gland nut then ?

Asking for a friend.

Pete999 · Jun 20, 2019

Andy78 said:
You wouldn't approve of a lump hammer and large flat screwdriver to tighten a large SWA gland nut then ?

Asking for a friend.

Yes, but that's a different situation Andy (and Friend)

Wilko · Jun 20, 2019

No to the impact driver, but I am interested in a weak willed wizzy winder to help with my poor aching joints. Any suggestions welcomed

.

Pete999 · Jun 20, 2019

Wilko said:
No to the impact driver, but I am interested in a weak willed wizzy winder to help with my poor aching joints. Any suggestions welcomed .

Being retired I have no idea what a "weak willed wizzy winder "please Wilko, enlighten me.

telectrix · Jun 20, 2019

cordless screwdriver. like :

Andy78 · Jun 20, 2019

The Bosch Go 3.6V driver seems to a be a popular one. Not got one myself though. Have to get them online as they are not UK release.

telectrix · Jun 20, 2019

have to admit i have a ryobi one. on the + side though it has variable torque settings.

Pete999 · Jun 20, 2019

telectrix said:
cordless screwdriver. like :
View attachment 50097

Ah right Tel cheers, I have one handy bit of kit but not for completing terminations.

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