The other day, Freddie, an electrician I know, asked me if I ever used a torque screwdriver and if I thought it was necessary? He was about to start work on a multi-unit renovation job and would be working around and behind a lot of appliances. Freddie’s question is an important and common query, often asked by electricians who are used to turning a screw so hard their face muscles contort with the effort.
A torque screwdriver will frequently come in handy during an electrician’s daily work, so I recommended that Freddie give it a try. However, I also warned him that it isn’t as simple as just purchasing any torque screwdriver, as these tools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities. I have a number of them in my toolkit, with each one suited to a specific type of fastening work.
I told Freddie that whether you use a torque screwdriver to work on automobiles or boats, satellites or home renovations, you need to carefully evaluate the specific job and then choose the screwdriver that will best help you complete the work safely and accurately.
What to Look For When Choosing a Torque Screwdriver
For professional electricians, precision is of the utmost importance. This means using tools that are not only dependable and accurate but comfortable to operate. Here are the most important qualities I look for when selecting a torque screwdriver:
- Tough But Comfortable: Given the range and volume of fastenings an electrician may perform on a job site, a torque screwdriver needs to provide comfort and ease of use in addition to being durable.
- Ergonomics: Good ergonomics is not just about comfort; it’s also about not injuring yourself when using a tool. I prefer screwdrivers with soft-texture grips. They help prevent fatigue in my hands, which means I’m less likely to slip or make a mistake that could lead to a costly injury. I generally use an adjustable torque screwdriver with an external adjustment torque scale that makes it easy to tweak the torque settings for work on a variety of applications.
- Accuracy: I recommend using a torque screwdriver with an external adjustable torque scale. This allows me to easily adjust the torque setting when I need to work on different applications. Look for a torque screwdriver with a lock that prevents the operator from accidentally changing the screwdriver’s torque.
- Over-tightening: I frequently see situations in which someone using a torque screwdriver accidentally over-tightens the screws. Fortunately, you can prevent such problems; a screwdriver with a cam-over design is engineered to prevent over-tightening. Some screwdrivers also provide a slip sensation that indicates when the desired torque is reached.
- Durability: In the normal course of work, tools become damaged, corrode, or simply break. Most of us would agree that we hate having to purchase the same tools over and over again. Therefore, the external components of a quality torque screwdriver need to stand up to everyday wear and tear and resist corrosion.
While it may be tempting to grab the first decent-looking torque screwdriver you spot, remember that not all torque screwdrivers are created equal. For the sake of safety and efficiency, it’s imperative that you get a quality tool—and one that is well-suited to your particular type of work.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Once you have identified a selection of quality screwdrivers, the next step is choosing the one you need for your specific job. Your choice of screwdriver really depends on the type and volume of the fastening work. For instance, will you be fastening the same types of plates all day long? If so, you’ll want an electric torque screwdriver, as such high-volume work demands power.
These are some of the most common situations you might find yourself in and the ideal type of torque screwdriver for that particular scenario:
- Light Work: A manual torque screwdriver is best suited for jobs that do not require a lot of screw fastening, such as attaching the odd switch or plate. A manual torque screwdriver can have a range of 6.0 In Oz to 120.0 In Lb.
- Medium to Heavy Work: Electric torque screwdrivers are used for light assembly applications, such as electronic and small parts assembly. The range of torque in one of these tools is typically between 0.17 In Lb. to 87.0 In Lb., with speeds in excess of 2000 RPM. As a bonus, electric screwdrivers boost productivity because they provide a faster means of assembly.
- Work in Tight Spaces: Electricians often have to work in small spaces, behind refrigerators, between machine components, and generally anywhere there are power sources or the need for them. In these instances, smaller, cordless torque screwdrivers are often the best choice. While small, these screwdrivers pack the needed power, and there’s no cord to get tangled in.
- Clean-Room Manufacturing: A clean room is an environment that requires low levels of pollutants like dust, vapors, and aerosol particles. Electricians who have worked in these spaces know special tools are required, including clean-room torque screwdrivers.
This type of tool must meet stringent standards of cleanliness. The external components should be made of stainless steel to minimize corrosion, with special seals to prevent contamination. A clean-room torque screwdriver also needs a tamper-proof internal adjustment which can be preset before work begins.
Before you head out to a job, it’s always smart to double-check that you have the correct tools for the situation, and torque screwdrivers are no exception. This way, you can maximize efficiency and ensure safety.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer When Selecting a Torque Screwdriver
As my friend Freddie learned, asking himself, and me, what type of screwdriver would best suit his needs gave him a host of options. With a little digging, he found the torque screwdriver he needed for his renovation job. Now, he understands that a quality torque screwdriver is capable of accurately performing all kinds of fastening tasks, as well as providing comfort and ease of use.
Take a good look at the screwdrivers you regularly use on the job. Are they in good operating condition? Are they corroded? Is it time to purchase a new manual or electric torque screwdriver? If so, there is a torque screwdriver for every fastening task.
A good torque screwdriver is an invaluable addition to any electrician’s toolbox. When you use quality tools, you’ll make fewer mistakes and be more productive. That’s one important way to measure a good day on the job.
