Swapping to a torque screwdriver saved my wrist on a 50-panel job last month

I used to just muscle every terminal screw in by hand on commercial panels. After tightening about 40 breakers on a Square D 42-space panel, my wrist was killing me and I kept stripping brass screws. Picked up a Wiha torque screwdriver for like 60 bucks and set it to 20 in-lbs. The difference in consistency and speed was crazy, no more backing out to re-tighten. Has anyone else made the switch and found a specific brand they like?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_thea1mo ago

Honestly thought torque screwdrivers were kinda overkill for electrical work until I borrowed a coworker's on a big panel day. My whole mindset switched after doing about 30 breakers without any hand fatigue or stripped screws. The Wiha one he had felt solid and the click was super satisfying, no more guessing if I was overtightening. Still use my regular driver for small stuff but for anything over 10 terminals now I grab the torque one every time.

iris9271mo ago

Ugh, I feel this. I did a 42-space panel by hand once and my forearm was cramping for two days after. The torque driver is such a game changer for avoiding stripped screws and wrist pain.

jade5171mo ago

Yeah I still dream about that 42-space pain. Totally feel you there.