2 pole breaker ties

[hurk27]

The ones from Square D are not a good design , if the breakers can move apart they can pop out if the breakers are not between other breakers and the hole in the handles are worn, the panel covers that have the thin metal strips between each breaker has to be removed, they are just a barrel with two tapered pins sticking out each end, the ones for Homeline have a longer barrel and can't be used with QO's which has a shorter barrel.

Many of the handles don't have the holes all the way through and the pins tend to push the breakers apart putting pressure on the handles makeing them hard to switch unless you drill the holes deeper in the handle.
The plastic ones can just break off, heres what they look like:

 

[ActionDave]

I love those SqD handle ties for the same reason you are criticizing them.

 

[kwired]

The ones from Square D are not a good design , if the breakers can move apart they can pop out if the breakers are not between other breakers and the hole in the handles are worn, the panel covers that have the thin metal strips between each breaker has to be removed, they are just a barrel with two tapered pins sticking out each end, the ones for Homeline have a longer barrel and can't be used with QO's which has a shorter barrel.

Many of the handles don't have the holes all the way through and the pins tend to push the breakers apart putting pressure on the handles makeing them hard to switch unless you drill the holes deeper in the handle.
The plastic ones can just break off, heres what they look like:

I have never had any of the problems you mentioned. Homeline is different sized because the homeline breaker is a different frame size. Have never seen the non metallic version either.

The metal piece in the cover that needs removed is only in older panels. It needs removed anytime you have multipole units and kind of was a PITA.

 

[sandsnow]

Handle ties for SQ D type EDB breakers are roll pins long enough to hit two or three handles. Not much difference between that and say a #6 screw. That roll pin will cost you $12.

For handle ties a simple test for identified would be if you turn one breaker off, do the other ones turn off? Also does the tie stand up to repeated use or does it fall off when you touch it?

In deference to the majority of inspectors in our area I ask for factory handle ties, but it does seem a little silly.