Pocket Screw Torque

sorethumbs

How do you know when enough is enough when torquing pocket screws? What clutch setting are you using on your driver? I do it by "feel" but I'm thinking I might be over torqing some and maybe under on others. I'm always tinkering the cluch on my driver, but I usually end up on settings 8 or 9 on my Bosch compact tough 18V.

Trim40

I do mine by feel also. I would have to write a list of wood species/clutch settings to remember eveything.

woodworkbykirk

if im using softwood, i do the majority of the install witha drill but then torque it by hand

if in hardwood ill use the impact driver for maybe 2 clicks as with drywall

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Inner10

Everytime I try to use the clutch it turns into a freeking schmozzle, impact drivers are easyer to control espicially if they are multi-speed. If its really delicate and prone to stripping I use the cordless screwdriver or the old fashion hand-jobby.

Double-A

We use glue on everything we use a pocket screw joint on, so pull the joint tight and stop there. The screws are dang near useless once the glue sets up. As for using a specific torque setting, I use a 10V Bosch impact driver and let it rattle a time or two for solid woods, but run them with the 10V angle driver for MDF. That stuff is easy to over torque.

The biggest problem I have is hitting the hole. Maybe I'm getting too old to screw around anymore. I gave up nailing things years ago.

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D.Foster

I usually stop once i get good glue squeeze out

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72chevy4x4

even w/ dewalt drill/drivers, a 6 on one isn't a 6 on the other. I'll usually use a light setting like 4, then go back and hand tighten :-)

Leo G

It really depends on the wood you are using and if youare using a fine or coarse thread. I have the makita compact 18v and I have many settings that I use ans a normal. When going plywood to plywood for assembling carcasses I will set it on 8, when putting in hardware I set it on 6. When doing poplar FF's I usually use 8. On soft maple 12. You know you are using too much clutch when you spin the screw in the wood. At that point back it off

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Jason Whipple

I can't use any of those clutches or even an impact on them, I have to feel it and that can't happen when my drill is rattling around.

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WarnerConstInc.

Mine goes from 1 to 20 with 2 different levels.

Low setting seems to be about a 8 most times, drive in clutch engages, drill shuts off.

I usually feel it out or practice on 2 scraps first.

Leo G

Festool?

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Jason Whipple

Now you know that's a silly question!

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Leo G

That is the one thing I didn't like about the Festool drill. The clutch deactivates the motor. I use the clutch to my advantage. I can set it slightly light and use it like a impact drill to get the screw just so. Usually when driving screws into sides of cabinets where the density of the plywood varies enough to be wary.

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WarnerConstInc.

That was one thing I didn't think I would like. I am not much of a clutch setter on any drill. I like that it does cut out when you engage the clutch, saves a bunch of wear and tear.

I dont use the clutch settings too often but, when I have the need and get it set right it usually performs perfectly.

Those drills run at such a low speed with constant power you dont really even need to set the clutch on them. If you ever get the chance to put on through its paces for a day you will like it. I can loan you mine Leo, that way I can get another one while it is gone!!

Leo G

I use one quite a bit when I am installing with one of my buddies. I still like the Makita better. I use the clutch a lot, a real lot. And I am use to having the clutch ratchet and still provide a bit of torque. I started out with DeWalt and traded over to Makita when I needed more batteries. I wanted the Li-Ion system. I am very happy the way the clutch works on my tool.

When ever you feel the need, you can drop the Festool off at my shop in CT.

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WarnerConstInc.

Understand exactley what you are saying.

The right angle and eccentric chucks are pretty handy though!!

My official back up is an older 12v makita with the NiMh batteries, drill and impact driver. Which has fallen from 3 different barn roofs.

Leo G

Well, that is one thing it has going for it, the attachments. The right angle is no biggee, I have two different attachments for my drill to do that. But the offset chuck is neat. Good for installing cabinets.

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Blackcloud

i gave up on clutch drills, and only use them for drilling now. I perfer the impact for driving screws now, i find them much more controllable

WarnerConstInc.

And deafening loud as well.

Leo G

Yer a funny guy Warner, Deafeningly loud LOL. Turn down your hearing aid, you got it up too loud again.

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