Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!

Marti

Marti

-
Arms
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 ;)
 
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
 
yes you can get them . I think The sheds do them . I have used them in a Milwaukee impact driver on large roofing joists .
 
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.
 
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.
 
50096
 
Butchery that's what it is Butchery, an impact driver for terminations, use a hammer and chisel instead, dreadful practice.
 
Pete999 said:
Butchery that's what it is Butchery, an impact driver for terminations, use a hammer and chisel instead, dreadful practice.
Click to expand...
You wouldn't approve of a lump hammer and large flat screwdriver to tighten a large SWA gland nut then ? ;)

Asking for a friend.
 
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 :) .
Click to expand...
Being retired I have no idea what a "weak willed wizzy winder "please Wilko, enlighten me.
 
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.

bosch_go_smart_electric_screwdriver_3.6v__zp3050990711006_1_.jpg
 
have to admit i have a ryobi one. on the + side though it has variable torque settings.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Marti said:
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 ;)
Click to expand...
The manufacturers instructions usually state not to use power tools
 
spinlondon said:
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.
Click to expand...
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!
 
My impact driver has 3 settings. On the lowest one, it simply screws stuff in, slowly...but quicker than by hand, on the other two it uses impact to drive the screws. I have shattered PZ impact bits a few times and once the fragment of the bit lodged in my eyelid...a close call, and now I always wear safety glasses.
 
and i thought you wore an eye patch.
 
Obviously, my motley crew always say "Eye, Cap'n!" cos saying "eye, eye Cap'n" would be taking the pi**
 
Marti said:
I (very discreetly) checked them with a conventional screw driver they were all spot on.
Click to expand...
How do you check torque settings with a conventional screwdriver to know they are 'spot on'?

I have a 12v impact which is far too powerful for mcb terminal screws so dread to think what damage a 18/22/24....volt impact drill could do.
 
The truth is, an impact driver is a stupid way of tightening accessory screws.
There...said it...
It's dumb and totally irresponsible.
Impact drivers are designed for a purpose, and it's not tightening delicate stuff, it's battering big screws into thick material. Take a 150mm long, 6mm screw, and drive it into a 2x4...perfect!
I'm not even putting my tin hat on, so do your worst!
 
What's a gyroscopic screwdriver? (he asked, assuming he was about to receive a stupid answer)
 
zolee said:
I am using DeWalt 7.2V gyroscopic screwdriver. Max torque 4 Nm. 15 different torque settings. I absolutely love it!
Click to expand...
but can it make the tea, not just stir it?
 

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Marti

Marti

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Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!
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