18 inch pounds is a bit high as a starting point for receptacle screws. Leviton rates them at 10-14 inch lbs. However there is a low range $126 Wiha 28552 0.5Nm - 2.0Nm (5-17 in lbs)
Both of these torque screwdrivers do not have low enough settings to use with Alumiconn connectors. They require 10 and 15 inch pounds to correctly install on number 12 and 10 wires, respectively. I bought a Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench with Inch/Pounds from Amazon for about $45.00 for this purpose. it has a range of 2 - 65 inch pounds.
Awesome recommendation. It looks like it is a very good alternative for these two torque drivers. Have you noticed any major flaws in the Wheeler, and it is good for day-to-day electrical work?
@@MrWzeljunior You probably don't want to use a torque driver for day to day use on copper wire (but you could.) I bought mine for a project pigtailing copper to aluminum wire using certified devices and have not used it much since. It worked well and now stays in its protective case.
Another good comparison video, thanks Bill! I clicked on your link to this article: 2020 NEC Article 110.14(D) Terminal Connection Torque (With Examples): but it didn't work, but i found it by googling it. The correct link is this: th-cam.com/video/ujFzUAwIDps/w-d-xo.html Keep up the good work Bill, i am definitely leaning towards the Wiha kit.
@@SparkyChannel Great comparison video. Wiha wins. Even for live receptacles we need an insulated driver. Sometimes we replace GFIs without shutting the power.
My breaker box was installed about 20 years ago. Would it be advisable to have an electrician inspect the box checking to make sure all the terminals are at the required torque?
I had a 40 year old breaker box in my house. It started to smell of dead mice and one day I happened to see a red dot out of the corner of my eye. I took the box cover off and found one breaker glowing because the hold down screw had snapped. The smell came from the cooking plastic. I would be careful with tightening old installations.
I think that WERA adjustment tool disappears into the 9th dimension the first time that driver hits the floor. How long do you seach through jobsite rubbish piles before you give up?
At least here in Germany there exists also a screwdriver like version from WERA which is also 1000V insulated. But I cannot tell you if you can get it in the US...
Hiii sparky good information but one question how much torque set for sockets and switch a torque in N.M how much the torque numbers for sockets and switch
very good video , thanks again , 272.00 buck is out of reach for an electrician , only been ask ones in 28 years for torque specs on a step down transformer , inspector ask if we added the lugs wheres the spec sheet, Thur it out with the box , fail ,lol, it was a school .
Great video Sparky. It will be interesting to see what happens in the near future regarding availability of new products from other electrically focused manufacturers for terminal torque. Thanks Sparky.
As A Electrical Contractor This is such a pain in the arse I've Been Tightening Down Lugs And Breaker screws With out any issue ever.. Sometimes I Feel If you can't Tighten something properly by Hand it's Problely Time to get out the Game 😂 I Did My Hands Are Shot👍
Yeah but why not have everyone from a first year apprentice to a 25 year master tighten everything down to the exact perfect spec? We have all seen stuff that’s over or under tightened in panels. One click and you know it’s done perfectly. I think I’m going to get one of these screwdrivers.
Hey sparky can you take a look at the Capri tool torque screwdriver? It’s 10-50 in lbs, goes by one inch increments and is adjusted by a knob so no removing bits, only thing is it’s not insulated oh and it has a t-handle for when you need more torque $125 on amazon
Great video! It is necessary to prepare this kind of insulated manual screwdriver. Not long ago, I bought this kind of insulated screwdriver of the renhotecic brand. During normal use, it is very safe. Everyone can prepare one if needed.
I had an electrician friend that did some "hot wiring" work for me (twice). He would make his own insulated tools by wrapping a LOT of electrical tape around the ordinary tools he used. Obviously, he could have used gloves but the insulated tools protect against most accidental shorts.
@@SparkyChannel Not sure how they find out videos relating to the topic, but they are at least aware of your channel. We were talking about crimping terminations and torquing last class
Crescent actually makes 1,000V insulated drive adapters on both 1/4” hex and 3/8” square drive allowing you to use non-insulated tools to torque energized equipment. I personally like using 2 on each end of an extension which can be taped or shrink wrapped to prevent shorts, while the insulated adapters allow you to stay safe from the energized connectors you’re torquing. While an insulated torque wrench may be preferred they’re quite expensive and not all employers/agencies can afford them. The insulated adapters work, and our agency sent them out to get tested, I believe to 7,200 volts, though it may have been less, it was the same voltage they test class 0 gloves at, which eludes me at the moment, and they passed without issue. I believe they run between maybe $15-20 and are available online and at the “blue” big box hardware store. I personally like the Wiha but DO NOT misplace the torque adjuster as a replacement will set you back quite a bit. The 18-62 in/lb is the way to go as while the 10-50 in/lb may be a lot cheaper it isn’t enough for what you need as 60 in/lb comes up quite a bit, at least for me. You can effectively use the Wera with the crescent adapter on energized equipment but the loose adjustment key is a pain; a co-worker that uses it just leaves the adjuster in his bag as it can get easily lost.
I have the Wiha and at 45 inlbs the driver bits twist like nobodys business and on a seimans breaker using the #2 square and the large flathead I could not get the screws to torque because the bits cammed out and the screw heads deformed. My conclusion is the Wiha just isn't up to 45inlbs.
Wera VDE Torque screwdriver is priced similarly but has much smaller torque range. I'm a big fan of Wera, but for this i'm going with Wiha. It's pricey, but these are some high quality tools. Bad calibrated torque tool is as good as one without torque indication.
All this time I've torquing the snot out electrical connections per your fine example & now this!! There are videos where your hand shakes because of the high torque you are applying. You are giving it ur all!! Levity aside, I like Wiha best but I don't like the 2 step process for changing the setting--remove the bit & insert the tool. I've been looking at other brands & I like Armeg w/ the tool insertion thru the back of the handle(1 step) but, like others, it's not available in Imperial & I'm not about to spend time doing conversions. I wonder if Wiha can eliminate the bit holder & use longer bits & use the freed up space in the handle to accommodate setting changes & store the tool there. I know easier said than done. Here hoping Wiha Torque screwdriver 2.0!!
@@Nick-bh1fy, hey man, I know, but the tools are available everywhere, consider it this way, by incorporating the metric system (which is profoundly easier to scale up or down to any size) he will also be receiving views from every other country in the world. I'm English, we invented imperial metrics, I'm also scientifically educated, and hands down there is no comparison in the utility between the two systems. I know it's not easy to think in a new system, but at least a couple of figures in the corner of the screen now again to help others accurately relate to the info. This is obviously more work for the creator, they have to figure it out once, but that saves every other viewer having to figure it out too, so work x number of viewers. Anyway, apologies for coming across as rude if I did, I was in dire need of a torque screwdriver and needed the info. =)
nanogeekpro2 all good, I’m Canadian so we use metric here and it’s a lot more easier to scale drawings and use metric to get the most accurate measurements
Wiha 28792 Insulated Torque Screwdriver Set, 18 to 62 in-lb: Amazon: amzn.to/36liLou
Wera 05074712001 Kraftform 7447 Hexagon Torque Screwdriver, 1/4" Head, 25.0-55.0"/lbs Variable Torque Adjustment Range: Amazon: amzn.to/2Flio1f
Playlist: Electrical Wiring by Sparky Channel: th-cam.com/play/PLSD43kAzjUITARtRyFqvVhmqwNm34Ck5k.html
Playlist: EMT Bending by Sparky Channel: th-cam.com/play/PLSD43kAzjUIT9C0yzPTkqULBCmJXX_goh.html
Playlist: 2023 NEC Video Playlist by Sparky Channel: th-cam.com/play/PLSD43kAzjUISg0qOUMomYe8GH6a_C2xBv.html
Recently got a set of Wera insulated screwdrivers. Best screwdrivers I ever used, hands down. I use them on everything, not just electrical work.
Excellent!
Is this just Scotty Kilmer with his voice slightly changed
18 inch pounds is a bit high as a starting point for receptacle screws. Leviton rates them at 10-14 inch lbs. However there is a low range $126 Wiha 28552 0.5Nm - 2.0Nm (5-17 in lbs)
Both of these torque screwdrivers do not have low enough settings to use with Alumiconn connectors. They require 10 and 15 inch pounds to correctly install on number 12 and 10 wires, respectively.
I bought a Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench with Inch/Pounds from Amazon for about $45.00 for this purpose. it has a range of 2 - 65 inch pounds.
Awesome recommendation. It looks like it is a very good alternative for these two torque drivers. Have you noticed any major flaws in the Wheeler, and it is good for day-to-day electrical work?
@@MrWzeljunior You probably don't want to use a torque driver for day to day use on copper wire (but you could.) I bought mine for a project pigtailing copper to aluminum wire using certified devices and have not used it much since. It worked well and now stays in its protective case.
THANK YOU FOR THE INFO Sparky 👍🏼✌🏼✊
No problem, thanks! 👍
He could give you the blueprint and your still not going to get it lol
Thank you for the comparison and the demonstration. Much appreciated. If and when I win the lottery, I will go with the Wiha.
Seems like with the Wera, you fasten it with a regular screwdriver and only use the Wera at the end. Just like you use torque wrenches in cars.
Thank you. This was just the review I was looking for: an honest and intelligent professional looking at the pros and cons.
Thanks!
Another good comparison video, thanks Bill! I clicked on your link to this article: 2020 NEC Article 110.14(D) Terminal Connection Torque (With Examples): but it didn't work, but i found it by googling it. The correct link is this: th-cam.com/video/ujFzUAwIDps/w-d-xo.html Keep up the good work Bill, i am definitely leaning towards the Wiha kit.
Thanks!
Uninsulated is a deal breaker for me . No way id risk being near a panel with uninsulated tools.
I totally agree!
They have an VDE insulated one
@@SparkyChannel Great comparison video. Wiha wins. Even for live receptacles we need an insulated driver. Sometimes we replace GFIs without shutting the power.
Lowe’s has the wiha on clearance for $99. Jan/2021
Holy shmokes, what a deal! I just checked in Jan 2022 and it's still on sale, although only at $198 but it's still a nice save! 👍🏻👍🏻
My breaker box was installed about 20 years ago. Would it be advisable to have an electrician inspect the box checking to make sure all the terminals are at the required torque?
Yes, I think that's a good idea.
I had a 40 year old breaker box in my house. It started to smell of dead mice and one day I happened to see a red dot out of the corner of my eye. I took the box cover off and found one breaker glowing because the hold down screw had snapped. The smell came from the cooking plastic. I would be careful with tightening old installations.
Until I watched two videos today on electrical torque screwdrivers, I have never seen an electrician use a torque screwdriver. Things change.
Yes sir, they sure do.
I think that WERA adjustment tool disappears into the 9th dimension the first time that driver hits the floor. How long do you seach through jobsite rubbish piles before you give up?
It is kind of camouflaged isn't it?
Was this change in the code precipitated by real world failures caused by screws not properly torqued?
If you have ever used a thermal camera on a panel you will see why they put it into the code. Improperly torqued lugs/screws burn wire consistently.
@@mimike2640 Thanks for the answer.
Do you think its good practice to wriggle the cable around after first torquing the terminal, then torque it up again? I always do this to be sure.
That sounds like a good idea. Kind of like a double check.
At least here in Germany there exists also a screwdriver like version from WERA which is also 1000V insulated. But I cannot tell you if you can get it in the US...
Hiii sparky good information but one question how much torque set for sockets and switch a torque in N.M how much the torque numbers for sockets and switch
If not specified otherwise by the manufacturer (good manufacturers like ABB, Schneider etc. will specify):
M3 0,5 ÷ 0,56 Nm
M3* 0,8 ÷ 0,9 Nm
M3,5 1,0 ÷ 1,1 Nm
M4 1,4 ÷ 1,5 Nm
M5 2,7 ÷ 3,0 Nm
M6 5,4 ÷ 6,0 Nm ;
M8 14,0 ÷ 16,0 Nm ;
M10 23,0 ÷ 26,0 Nm ;
M12 36,0 ÷ 40,0 Nm ;
M16 54,0 ÷ 60,0 Nm ;
very good video , thanks again , 272.00 buck is out of reach for an electrician , only been ask ones in 28 years for torque specs on a step down transformer , inspector ask if we added the lugs wheres the spec sheet, Thur it out with the box , fail ,lol, it was a school .
OK, thanks.
Thank you for the video! Very informative! I had a question and was wondering if you can help me. What size are the Service Entrance cables?
In the example they are 2/0. (two naught) pronounced “two not” is a larger wire and will carry the 200 amps by code.
9:48 watch just him, left hand vde
Quick! :)
Great video Sparky. It will be interesting to see what happens in the near future regarding availability of new products from other electrically focused manufacturers for terminal torque. Thanks Sparky.
Yes, it will. I feel that these are 2 of the best right now but I'm expecting other big companies to get involved as well.
As A Electrical Contractor This is such a pain in the arse I've Been Tightening Down Lugs And Breaker screws With out any issue ever.. Sometimes I Feel If you can't Tighten something properly by Hand it's Problely Time to get out the Game 😂 I Did My Hands Are Shot👍
I understand. Thanks Jon!
Yeah but why not have everyone from a first year apprentice to a 25 year master tighten everything down to the exact perfect spec? We have all seen stuff that’s over or under tightened in panels. One click and you know it’s done perfectly. I think I’m going to get one of these screwdrivers.
18 is too much. Especially if you run stranded without a ferrule.
Thanks!
I guess it's Wiha... $300 and I only have to cry once.
I hear that!
Wiha is ok but bits fugly. Get the Haupa Vario TQ. th-cam.com/video/p4M0_b_cN8k/w-d-xo.html
I ocassionally need to add or change a breaker and looked into the WIHA. It's $305 today as of January 2023!!
How is your 37ft/lb rated torque wrench going to handle 275 ft/lb for 200amp 3/0 wire?
Hey sparky can you take a look at the Capri tool torque screwdriver? It’s 10-50 in lbs, goes by one inch increments and is adjusted by a knob so no removing bits, only thing is it’s not insulated oh and it has a t-handle for when you need more torque $125 on amazon
Great video! It is necessary to prepare this kind of insulated manual screwdriver. Not long ago, I bought this kind of insulated screwdriver of the renhotecic brand. During normal use, it is very safe. Everyone can prepare one if needed.
wera can do better, they are just being cheap, probably didn't think it would be popular.
ℹ️
I had an electrician friend that did some "hot wiring" work for me (twice). He would make his own insulated tools by wrapping a LOT of electrical tape around the ordinary tools he used. Obviously, he could have used gloves but the insulated tools protect against most accidental shorts.
difference in torque between short and long bits? enough to make a difference?
Very nice tools my friends you guys have variety of tools I wish I could get it to buy
Today I learned torquing screwdrivers or a thing.
They showed us this video in our electrician school, great job Bill!
Excellent! What electrician school do you attend?
@@SparkyChannel NAECA
@@ftShinanigan That would be Northern Arizona Electrical Contractors Association? Do you guys need any other videos?
@@SparkyChannel Not sure how they find out videos relating to the topic, but they are at least aware of your channel. We were talking about crimping terminations and torquing last class
And yes, it's a trade school started by the major contractors in Flagstaff
Link to 2020 nec 110.114(d) is broken or video removed
What about the receptacles i belueve there rated for 14 lbs
=) your comments make me smile, american english as it is)
Crescent actually makes 1,000V insulated drive adapters on both 1/4” hex and 3/8” square drive allowing you to use non-insulated tools to torque energized equipment. I personally like using 2 on each end of an extension which can be taped or shrink wrapped to prevent shorts, while the insulated adapters allow you to stay safe from the energized connectors you’re torquing. While an insulated torque wrench may be preferred they’re quite expensive and not all employers/agencies can afford them. The insulated adapters work, and our agency sent them out to get tested, I believe to 7,200 volts, though it may have been less, it was the same voltage they test class 0 gloves at, which eludes me at the moment, and they passed without issue. I believe they run between maybe $15-20 and are available online and at the “blue” big box hardware store.
I personally like the Wiha but DO NOT misplace the torque adjuster as a replacement will set you back quite a bit. The 18-62 in/lb is the way to go as while the 10-50 in/lb may be a lot cheaper it isn’t enough for what you need as 60 in/lb comes up quite a bit, at least for me.
You can effectively use the Wera with the crescent adapter on energized equipment but the loose adjustment key is a pain; a co-worker that uses it just leaves the adjuster in his bag as it can get easily lost.
What do you torque to 60 in/lbs?
With more companies on the market now, you should do a new torque screwdriver comparison video. I seen some for just $30!
I'll check it out. Only quality tools on this channel though.
Too bad that handle wasn’t Angel adjustable
ayos na naman to sir.
ka abang abang LTO Battery
If wera had a ratchet mechanism would have been perfect for pannel building.
That would be a good idea.
Hey sparky, will the wiha driver accept standard 1/4 inch bits???
No, this one doesn't use 1/4"
Doesn't matter which you get they both are great tools :) german made
Yep!
How much are they in America
Wiha
Wera
Nice with ferrules..
Great Job My Friend 😉👍🏽⚡️
Thanks!
Thanks for posting. I really should look into this.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Roger!
NEC is totally out of control and has been for some time!
OK, thanks!
I have the Wiha and at 45 inlbs the driver bits twist like nobodys business and on a seimans breaker using the #2 square and the large flathead I could not get the screws to torque because the bits cammed out and the screw heads deformed. My conclusion is the Wiha just isn't up to 45inlbs.
Sorry to hear it. Siemens breakers are usually 25 lb-in. torque. Is yours really 45 lb-in?
@@SparkyChannel 2 pole 50 with #6 is. Try that with your Wiha. Not easy.
@@skytrooper506 I see. Yes, 45 lb-in can be challenging with the Wiha.
I do not own one yet. please review other brands also. I want to buy the best one. Does Klein make one yet ?
Yes but it's an older model and very expensive.
I really like the Wiha but the price is hurting my feelings.
I understand.
Wera VDE Torque screwdriver is priced similarly but has much smaller torque range. I'm a big fan of Wera, but for this i'm going with Wiha. It's pricey, but these are some high quality tools. Bad calibrated torque tool is as good as one without torque indication.
u awesome TY very much!!
You're welcome!
Great demo
brilliant choice Wiha Yeehaa
Wiha Yeehaa!⚡️
YES.....👍........👺😷
¡Gracias!
And if I over-torque with my regular ol' not-100-dollar driver (while in my sandals)?
@Schwalbe262 😉
Hey sparky can you donate a wiha set
All this time I've torquing the snot out electrical connections per your fine example & now this!! There are videos where your hand shakes because of the high torque you are applying. You are giving it ur all!!
Levity aside, I like Wiha best but I don't like the 2 step process for changing the setting--remove the bit & insert the tool. I've been looking at other brands & I like Armeg w/ the tool insertion thru the back of the handle(1 step) but, like others, it's not available in Imperial & I'm not about to spend time doing conversions. I wonder if Wiha can eliminate the bit holder & use longer bits & use the freed up space in the handle to accommodate setting changes & store the tool there. I know easier said than done. Here hoping Wiha Torque screwdriver 2.0!!
Sounds good to me, thanks!
Jesus bro, use metric!
I mean he is American
They don't use metric in America...
@@Nick-bh1fy, hey man, I know, but the tools are available everywhere, consider it this way, by incorporating the metric system (which is profoundly easier to scale up or down to any size) he will also be receiving views from every other country in the world. I'm English, we invented imperial metrics, I'm also scientifically educated, and hands down there is no comparison in the utility between the two systems.
I know it's not easy to think in a new system, but at least a couple of figures in the corner of the screen now again to help others accurately relate to the info.
This is obviously more work for the creator, they have to figure it out once, but that saves every other viewer having to figure it out too, so work x number of viewers.
Anyway, apologies for coming across as rude if I did, I was in dire need of a torque screwdriver and needed the info. =)
nanogeekpro2 all good, I’m Canadian so we use metric here and it’s a lot more easier to scale drawings and use metric to get the most accurate measurements
Why?