Like many others, I got this torque screwdriver to properly install Alumiconn connectors. I'm an electrical contractor and just started offering aluminum remediation to my customers using Aluminconn connectors but needed to torque them correctly.
Since this screwdriver had good reviews and was priced reasonably I figured I'd give it a try.
The screwdriver body seems to be constructed well - setting the torque levels is very straightforward and I don't quite get the complaints from others about it being difficult to adjust to the right level.
When torque-ing screws down, I've noticed that with this screwdriver it's good to let the screwdriver click twice as sometimes between the first and second "clicks" a good amount of screw-turn is noticed, while other times no movement is noticed. It's a basic torque screwdriver, not a refined tool. I'd rather have this level of tool that I can be a little more careless about, than a super expensive and delicate tool that breaks when looked at.
Two negatives - one the shaft is extremely long. I've never been a long screwdriver fan, so I don't care for the length of this screwdriver's shaft - see product description and know how far your hand will be away from the screw you're trying to torque. For some applications this may be a benefit, but for installing the small Alumiconn connectors, it's definitely overboard. Two - the socket head and tips are loose. While on the job the tips and socket head would wobble and sometimes fall off. In a pinch, I pulled off the socket head, put a small amount of electrical tape and pushed the socket head back on. I did the same thing for the screwdriver tip (even smaller amount of tape though) and pushed it back on. No more wobbly head and the tips stay on unless I pull them off on purpose. While my fix works, I would expect the included tips and socket head to be a bit more secure.
All in all, it works, and you get what you pay for. If I get another whole house aluminum remediation job, I'm going to order a better quality torque screwdriver (such as the "CDI Torque 401SM Micro Adjustable Torque Screwdriver, Torque Range 5 to 40-Inch Pounds by Snap-on") and give this one to my helper.
| Manufacturer | Ridgerock Tools Inc. |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 10573B |
| Item Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Item model number | 10573B |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Head Style | Fixed Square |
| Measurement System | Inch, Metric |
| Included Components | Torque Screwdriver |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
