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-   -   Torquing breakers, switches, panels, and others (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=258890)

  • Sep 10, 2008, 09:25 AM
    abcsalem
    Torquing breakers, switches, panels, and others
    I read an excellent advice in this forum from an expert member on torquing
    Sub-panel, etc. before equipment goes live. Torquing by hand without a
    Torquing tool can potentially damage the nuts and/or bolts.

    I am familiar with torquing tools for automobiles use, and own
    Two of them. Those torquing tools seems to be on a heavy side
    (i.e. higher torque), and they are marked with ft. lbs.
    Electrical parts such as breakers are low torque and
    Are listed as in. lbs. There is a website that can calculate
    Between ft. lbs. and in. lbs. or we can calculate it ourselves,
    So that's not a big problem. The problem is finding a lower
    Torque tool to cover all electrical work. Sounds to me, I
    Have to buy two torque tools for this, just like I did
    For the car. This can be very expensive. Torquing tools aren't cheap,
    But in my opinions they are worth it.

    Like the professional electricians, I've been tightening all my breakers, and
    Switches by hand. This seems to be pretty fast, and worked out OK so far,
    But I have a fear of over tightening them which can break the nuts/bolts
    Or under tightening them which can cause an ARC.

    Question: Which torquing tools are good for electrical work,
    And where would one buy it from? Do I need to buy two different
    Ones, just like I suggested above?

    Thanks in advance
  • Sep 10, 2008, 10:41 AM
    KISS
    As you said they are nor cheap. Here is an electrician's kit. https://www.kleinconnection.com/weba...--Torque-Tools

    The car inch-lb kit might be able to be used, There are adapters to get from 3/8 drive to screwdriver bits.

    Tools may be avialable with insulation such that if they slip, they won't cause problems.

    Depending on what you do, you can buy the tools on an as needed basis.

    The torque screwdriver for small breakers.

    Then you might be able to use your automotive tool with 3/8 square to hex drive sockets for meter connections, etc. Buy the buy the bits as needed.
  • Sep 10, 2008, 05:19 PM
    shader
    Try this link Torque Control Adjustable Screwdrivers 0.5 to 70 In-Lbs From Wiha"]Torque Control Adjustable Screwdrivers 0.5 to 70 In-Lbs From Wiha[/URL]
    I use the #28506 model with the adaptor for 1/4" bits. 10-50 inch. lbs. Works great on breakers and main lugs. If you need more torque, a 25-250 inch lbs. micro torque wrench (Sears, HD, etc) with various adaptors and bits will work also.
  • Sep 19, 2008, 09:30 AM
    abcsalem
    Thank you to all for your feedback,
    Klein Tools are very nice, but they can be very expensive. I own several
    Of their tools.
    Wiha Quality Tools sounds cheaper.
    Thanks again

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