Torquing screwdriver?


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Old 12-14-19, 05:49 PM
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Torquing screwdriver?

I did some minor work on some circuits and tightened the lugs as much as I could. An electrician came in for another item and rechecked then and tightened some more?
how tight is too tight - it seemed like he might have even squashed the conductor?

So, on that note what is a good torquing screwdriver to get?
 

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12-15-19, 07:07 AM
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Here's a case of common sense. They need to firm enough that it takes an effort to loosen the screws on a receptacle. But no so tight that you deform the wire or break the casing of the plug.
 
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Old 12-14-19, 06:54 PM
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I use this one:

1/4 in. Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench (10-150 in.-lb.)TEKTON TRQ21101

for the large terms i use a 50-ft lb 3/8” drive
 
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Old 12-14-19, 07:09 PM
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If you do it without how tight is tight?
I'm presuming you shouldn't flatten the conductor ?
 
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Old 12-14-19, 08:13 PM
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Tighter than u might guess. Specs come with the panels.
 
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Old 12-14-19, 09:07 PM
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The conductor should not be flattened. That is way too tight.
 
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Old 12-15-19, 06:59 AM
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I think the 2020 code has some aggressive language regarding the mandatory use of calibrated torque devices. Our kitchen was the subject of a remodel. lots of poorly fastened receptacles. When you can simply move the wired receptacle and see the side screws rotate, its too loose.
 
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Old 12-15-19, 07:07 AM
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Here's a case of common sense. They need to firm enough that it takes an effort to loosen the screws on a receptacle. But no so tight that you deform the wire or break the casing of the plug.
 
cwbuff, marksr voted this post useful.
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Old 12-15-19, 07:21 AM
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The items i reference above i find more suitable for a panel, not really great for a switch or recept u have in the hand. For the small, loose devices, i would select a rotary preset handle with interchangeable bits. The square drive bit is pretty good for keeping the bit engaged so it wont find itself into your palm. You will find the 20-30 in-lb range popular for #10 screws.

https://www.amazon.com/Olsa-Tools-Sc...42393108&psc=1
 
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Old 12-16-19, 07:44 AM
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Old 12-23-19, 10:16 AM
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The panel I have, the screws only accept a square bit.
Whereas most torque wrenches come with the square 1/4 receiver not the hex.
Are there bits I can buy with a square receiver and #8 on the front?
 
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Old 12-23-19, 11:16 AM
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would not a standard 1/4 inch 6 point socket in whatever drive you need work they do make them as a bit driver socket but the only real difference is the magnet to hold the bit.
 
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Old 12-23-19, 01:08 PM
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Dunno. The lugs in the panel look round to me. Square d panel.
Cant fit a hex socket on that.
Edit: do you mean an adapter?
 
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Old 12-23-19, 02:10 PM
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You need a 1/4” square to 1/4” hex adapter. Mine says Autocraft on the side.
 
 

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