Tightening locknuts with hammer and screwdriver-dog rough or not?

[Mike Johnson]

I have a set of ring spanners with slots cut into them to allow fitting over cables for just the sort of problems above.

 

[nicebutdim]

I have a set of ring spanners with slots cut into them to allow fitting over cables for just the sort of problems above.

You still need to room to turn those spanners a small distance.

 

[Mike Johnson]

You still need to room to turn those spanners a small distance.

That's why I use a ring spanner they are capable of multiple position fitting onto the nut and turning a small distance serration by serration unlike an open ended spanner, or use a Wera Joker combination ratchet spanner, 30deg turn should be capable enough.

 

[Moley]

You should try working on a marshalling kiosk on a large transformer. On some of them there's no wa to get a spanner of any kind in. The designers had no thoughts on maintenance :-(

 

[Dustydazzler]

I wonder if glands should be held in place with a grub scew system and as long as the installer makes sure the screw is facing towards you it would be a 10 second job to release the screw and pop off the gland ?

 

[nicebutdim]

That's why I use a ring spanner they are capable of multiple position fitting onto the nut and turning a small distance serration by serration unlike an open ended spanner, or use a Wera Joker combination ratchet spanner, 30deg turn should be capable enough.

I get the point you're making, but sometimes there isn't sufficient space.

I don't like chisels being used on a lock ring, but understand that occasionally there is no other option.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I often find I have to use a chisel and hammer to tighten locknuts. I see no harm in it, and often nothing else will work in the space available. Reading the comments here, some people seem very much against it. Could anyone explain what harm might come as a result of using this technique?

 

[DPG]

I often find I have to use a chisel and hammer to tighten locknuts. I see no harm in it, and often nothing else will work in the space available. Reading the comments here, some people seem very much against it. Could anyone explain what harm might come as a result of using this technique?

Damaging the flat sides of the nut, making it difficult for a proper spanner to fit on. Depending how heavy-handed you are of course!

 

[nicebutdim]

I often find I have to use a chisel and hammer to tighten locknuts. I see no harm in it, and often nothing else will work in the space available. Reading the comments here, some people seem very much against it. Could anyone explain what harm might come as a result of using this technique?

It's a necessary evil, but not one that should be used if an alternative exists (IMO).

 

[Mike Johnson]

Just a thought, if you can't get the proper tool in to do the job is the enclosure or work just carried out fit for purpose.

 

[nicebutdim]

Just a thought, if you can't get the proper tool in to do the job is the enclosure or work just carried out fit for purpose.

A very good customer needs a supply taken from a perfectly good, but badly glanded board. Do you a). refuse the job because you're going to have to chisel a locknut, or b). do the job and live with the fact you had to chisel a locknut in a job which is otherwise perfectly satisfactory?

This customer may account for hundreds of thousands of pounds of your annual turnover and not everything in life is box fresh or perfect.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Okay, so no real worries then. I'm not concerned about being unable to get a spanner on the nut after using the chisel, as I've already established that a spanner isn't up to the job. It's a practical solution to a practical problem and I'm surprised that so many here feel so strongly against it.

 

[Eric12]

Sometimes its easier to install the gland without any cable attached to it first. then you can tighten the gland while holding the lock nut; then install the cable. Just stating the obvious as sure you guys know that already

 

[pc1966]

It's a practical solution to a practical problem and I'm surprised that so many here feel so strongly against it.

I think the concern is it becoming the taught "first option" instead of the last resort if access, or previous damage, means you really have little other options.

 

[davesparks]

Sometimes its easier to install the gland without any cable attached to it first. then you can tighten the gland while holding the lock nut; then install the cable. Just stating the obvious as sure you guys know that already

Isn't that the normal way of doing it?