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-   -   Looking for a better way of tightening breaker's screw (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=336186)

  • Mar 31, 2009, 08:59 AM
    abcsalem
    1 Attachment(s)
    Looking for a better way of tightening breaker's screw
    I was installing a Siemens GFCI breaker in my main panel yesterday and had trouble
    Torquing it's HOT side screw. The screw type was the one with a slot on top, and
    A square grove in the middle (please see the attached picture). The specified torque
    Was 25 lbs-in. I used a flat head screw driver bit, and it just doesn't seem to grab the
    Screw firmly enough to torque it properly. Later, I noticed that a square bit #2 fits
    In the grove of that screw, but I was afraid of stripping the grove, since I haven't
    Used that types of bit on a breaker before. To complicate this even further, there is
    Just enough room to insert the screw driver bit in the area to tighten the bit in the
    Dark with only a flash light marginally lighting the area (for safety I shutoff main power).
    I like to add that, this breaker was around $40 with tax, so it is a very expensive
    Breaker to damage its screw.

    Here are my questions:
    1.Is there a special bit for this type of screw?
    2.What tool or technique would you recommend?
    3.Is there a place I can just buy screws for breakers, in case they are damaged?

    Thanks in advance
    -Ab
  • Mar 31, 2009, 09:11 AM
    KISS

    Use the square bit. You can sometimes find longer ones,

    You can purchase torque scredrivers (expensive)

    A conventional torque wrench will work with an extenson and a bit socket.

    I have, on occaision ground the socket down so it would fir in tight places.

    You can also try a bit driver with a socket at the end.

    Here is a link for #1 and $2 bits up to 6" long:

    Square Drive Power Bits - Rockler Woodworking Tools

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