What Can You Do to Avoid Fastener Overdriving?

In the previous post, we discussed how overdriving fasteners can affect the overall shear capacity. We learned several factors responsible for it. However, whenever there is a problem there has to be a solution. Likewise, there is a solution to avoid overdriving from happening. Are you interested in knowing what steps need to be taken or how you can prevent overdriving and maintain shear capacity? If yes, then please read the following post as it discusses various things to consider while driving fasteners and avoid overdriving.

What Are the Things to Consider for Preventing Fastener Overdriving?

The following are certain things which you just cannot afford to ignore if you want to drive bolts, without overriding them.

1. Drill Pilot Holes: Pilot holes are basically holes that are drilled into the material creating a slot for driving fasteners. These holes have a small diameter and prevent the fasteners from overdriving or snapping in half. This helps lessen shear capacity reduction by a significant amount.
2. Determine the Proper Driver’s Slip Clutch Setting: Slip clutch is an adjustable collar, which is used to control the torque transferred to the bolt’s head for driving it. It is important to adjust the driver’s slip clutch setting so that it matches the amount of torque required for driving the fastener. Failure in setting the correct amount of torque can result in overdriving. The slip clutch setting for softwood is different than that required for hardwoods or metals. A little torque is required in the case of softwoods, whereas for metals you are required to have a higher torque setting.
3. Go for Self-Centering Bits: When you are drilling slots for driving the fasteners it can get difficult for a person to be able to drill a slot within a millimeter precision. Remember, if the slot is not drilled properly and the hole is misaligned from the center, it can lead to driving the fastener in the wrong direction. To prevent this from happening, it is highly advisable to use self-centering bits, which deliver greater precision for drilling slots. Thus, it helps to prevent overdriving as well as maintain shear capacity.
4. Keep Practicing: It is hard to achieve perfection on the first attempt. You will have to keep practicing the process of driving a fastener. Only after repeating the process for quite a number of times will you master the skill and be able to drive bolts without overdriving them.

Now you know the effects and issues of overdriving as well as how to prevent them. Usually, when you leave the job of driving bolts to the experts the potential chances and risks of overdriving are reduced by a significant amount. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the experts. Hong Kong Screws Inc. is one such expert that has vast experience manufacturing different types of fasteners. The professionals there can help you with more information on the topic.