Torque Scew drivers

[jmsbrush]

How many of you guys are using torque screw drivers?
How many realize that they are violating the code if they are not using them?
110.3(b)

 

[bphgravity]

A subject near and dear to my heart.

I have always been a proponent of proper termination torquing and even submitted a couple of proposal to get more definitive language in the NEC requiring it.

It's good to keep us reminded of the importance of this issue.

 

[76nemo]

Service entrance to main, and that's about it.

 

[nolabama]

i do not - those that do please tell what brand/kind of torque screwdriver you use pro's cons

 

[electricalperson]

i use the klein torque screwdriver. i dont use it on normal devices that much. i use it mainly in panels and breakers and other service equipment. i use a torque wrench more.

 

[mdshunk]

How many of you guys are using torque screw drivers?
How many realize that they are violating the code if they are not using them?
110.3(b)

Does owning one and thinking about using it one day count?

 

[jmsbrush]

Does owning one and thinking about using it one day count?

lol Marc you never cease to amaze me lol.

 

[peter]

A torque screwdriver costs around $150. An ordinary,good quality, screwdriver costs around $5.
~Peter

 

[Cow]

Does owning one and thinking about using it one day count?

Does thinking about owning one and thinking about using it one day count?

:grin:

 

[peter d]

A torque screwdriver costs around $150. An ordinary,good quality, screwdriver costs around $5.
~Peter

I saw a screwdriver at HD for $0.82. Oddly enough, it did not have the torque feature on it.

 

[bphgravity]

Keep in mind you can't retorque already torqued terminations. I use to be guilty of this. Back when I was contracting, I would torque and retorque every termination I came across, even those I wasn't specifically working on.

As it turns, the only way to properly torque an existing termination is to remake the termination and then torque.

Fortunately, I learned this (on this board as a matter of fact) before I was an inspector. I have heard stories of inspectors coming behind contractors and "retorquing" the terminations already torqued. Bad move....

 

[360Youth]

I do not use one, mainly for cost purposes, but, like others, I consider it often. Not so much for code consideraations, but for the fear and rememberance of broken brackets over the years from over torquing. Doesn't happen much, but it sticks with you when it does.

I saw a screwdriver at HD for $0.82. Oddly enough, it did not have the torque feature on it.

I saw a set the other day in the dollar store and thought about it due to my propensity for losing the crazy things.

 

[ptonsparky]

I have one and use it on occasion. I don't worry about it as much since finding out that one mfg uses a Dewalt cordless to make the connections on their buss fingers. The engineer could not tell me what I should torgue mine to and all I have are Milwaukees.

Torque wrenches we use all the time.

 

[SEO]

We use one regularly. If you look at circuit breakers you'll notice that the torque listings vary a great deal from one manufacturer to another. Could be 20" lbs to 40" lbs aprox numbers. If you get the chance to buy, borrow or rent one give yourself a test. Set up several different circuit breakers of different torque settings and tighten one with a standard screwdriver and do the same thing with a torque screwdriver. I think that you'll be surprised. Some screws on coils are between 2-3" lbs .

 

[iwire]

I think that you'll be surprised.

Surprised?

For me a better description would be concerned. I have a real hard time trusting the very low torque specifications.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Surprised?

For me a better description would be concerned. I have a real hard time trusting the very low torque specifications.

I concur. But now the question becomes, do I over torque because of my concerns? Do I know best? Sometimes I believe a hands on person may have the better "feel", but where do you draw the line?

 

[iwire]

I concur. But now the question becomes, do I over torque because of my concerns? Do I know best? Sometimes I believe a hands on person may have the better "feel", but where do you draw the line?

I understand and agree with all of that.

All I will admit to is that I do not use a torque screwdriver for devices or branch circuit breakers.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I understand and agree with all of that.

All I will admit to is that I do not use a torque screwdriver for devices or branch circuit breakers.

I will admit to the same.

 

[jmsbrush]

Guys there are some real good comment being said here, now with that being said the reason I asked.

In one of my educational dvds it states that problems can occur if the connection is to loose or its too tight. The too tight, I'm not really sure why. I can see the being too loose more of a problem.
If a problem were to arise and someone died and you were in court.
If the code expert asked. Did you use a torque screwdriver on all of your connections. If we were too state no ,then we would be liable for not following the code per 110.3 b.

 

[ptonsparky]

As we are also liable for going 37 in a 35 mph zone, etc, etc.