Using an impact driver - rattler - to tighten MCBs!

[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!

 

[pirate]

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.

 

[telectrix]

and i thought you wore an eye patch.

 

[pirate]

T'was my good eye it hit!

 

[pirate]

Obviously, my motley crew always say "Eye, Cap'n!" cos saying "eye, eye Cap'n" would be taking the pi**

 

[casperLennon]

I have a Bosch go and I think it’s brilliant.

 

[DefyG]

I (very discreetly) checked them with a conventional screw driver they were all spot on.

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.

 

[pirate]

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!

 

[zolee]

I am using DeWalt 7.2V gyroscopic screwdriver. Max torque 4 Nm. 15 different torque settings. I absolutely love it!

 

[DPG]

What's a gyroscopic screwdriver? (he asked, assuming he was about to receive a stupid answer)

 

[telectrix]

I am using DeWalt 7.2V gyroscopic screwdriver. Max torque 4 Nm. 15 different torque settings. I absolutely love it!

but can it make the tea, not just stir it?