Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!

[billyblade]

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]

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

 

[Andy78]

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]

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]

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]

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]

cordless screwdriver. like :

 

[Andy78]

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]

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

 

[Pete999]

cordless screwdriver. like :
View attachment 50097

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

 

[telectrix]

usefull for running them up, then manually tighten to correct setting. whether by experience or using a torque driver. personal choice really. also find usefull when fitting longish 3.5's in sockets.

 

[Strima]

I have used electric screwdrivers in the past for running fixings in but never tightening up.

I use impact drivers a lot for fixings but can't even start to think about the damage they could cause protective devices, is it worth the risk?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I have recently had the misfortune to have to undo MCBs that have been tightened up with an impact driver.
Was not impressed.
Schneider/Merlin Gerin board, max torque 3.5 Nm.

 

[Tony Reidy]

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

The manufacturers instructions usually state not to use power tools

 

[Intoelectrics]

I have recently had the misfortune to have to undo MCBs that have been tightened up with an impact driver.
Was not impressed.
Schneider/Merlin Gerin board, max torque 3.5 Nm.

Personally I prefer to use a torque adjustable electric screw driver, much like what Tel uses.
I have occasionally used an impact drill for whizzing the terminal screws up, but not to tighten them. If you are gentle the impactor will whizz them up without any damage provided you stop short of them rattling. This can take a bit of experience and feel, its the idiots who decide to go the full hog that causes the trouble!