EDC torque drivers add another level of security and protection to work on delicate and torque sensitive components and projects. If you ever need to work in the field on drones, electronics, RC models or modern bikes then you most likely need an EDC torque driver to ensure correct tensions, reduce the risk of stripping threads, distortion or, if under torqued, with components coming apart when you least want it!
What are the use cases for EDC torque drivers?
Torque wrenches (like the definitely-not-EDC example shown above!), are essential for all types of precision engineering. This is also true for EDC projects. Standard non-EDC torque wrenches are not generally very accurate at the low torque settings required for delicate EDC work, and they’re too big to fit in your EDC gear pouch, so the obvious solution is a custom designed, precision engineered, EDC torque driver.
If you ever work with small and micro fasteners, and especially any mixed material fastening with metal screws being driven into plastic, soft metals or wood then an EDC torque driver reduces the risk of damage caused by over zealous fastening. We’ve all done it, tweaking that screw or bolt one more turn just to make sure, and then being rewarded with the sudden drop in tension that comes from a stripped thread.
What are 5 common project types that benefit from EDC torque drivers?
- Drone maintenance
- Electronic & electrical repair, assembly and maintenance
- RC model building, repair and maintenance
- Bike maintenance, repair and accessory fastening
- Furniture assembly, especially for plastics & engineered woods
Not enough torque can be as bad as too much torque
If we under tension screws and bolts because we’re worried about damaging the threads, and don’t apply enough torque for secure assembly this causes more problems. This is a common issue with bikes, especially if you are driving steel allen bolts and screws into aluminum or even carbon frames, plastic and aluminum components and accessories. Not enough torque and things tend to come adrift, too much torque and you can end up with a difficult or expensive repair.
Why are EDC torque drivers great for flat pack furniture assembly?
Flat pack, ready-to-assemble furniture is a universal feature of modern life, it would be hard to find anyone who has not experienced the joy of getting it right, or the frustration of getting it wrong. The problem with furniture assembly, apart from the confusing instruction manuals, is the wide range of fasteners and materials that are used in flat pack, ready-to-assemble furniture kits. Your EDC ratchet wrench speeds up the job, but do you need an EDC torque driver as well?
What are 3 ways EDC torque drivers help mixed material assembly?
- Reduces the risk of metal fasteners damaging plastic components
- Ensures enough torque for secure assembly
- Enables correct torque for different fastener sizes & applications
Furniture kits consist of chipboard, MDF, plywood, steel rails, brackets and reinforcements, and all types of bolts and screws, sometimes all found together in the same kit, and all subject to slippage, failure or breaking if not tightened to the correct torque. Of course all these different materials require different torque settings to get the best, secure, damage free fit, which is why an EDC torque driver is so useful for this type of project.
How do EDC torque drivers improve drone & RC model maintenance?
Drones and RC models have moulded plastic or composite shells and structural components to reduce weight. Many chassis attachment points for motors, PCBs and other components have metal washers and brackets that are fastened with metal screws or bolts in a variety of formats. The small size of these screws and the fact they are either fixed into plastic or into brass bushings makes using the correct torque very important to avoid damaging the thread or bushing.
Why are EDC torque drivers good for Drone & RC model maintenance?
- Correct torque reduces likelihood of vibration loosening fasteners
- Steel screws & bolts can damage brass or plastic bushings and holes
- Very small screws and bolts are easily damaged by excessive torque
RC models and drones are subject to high levels of vibration during operation, which makes it vitally important that fasteners are tightened to the manufacturers designed torque specifications to avoid screws and bolts working loose, with potentially catastrophic results. So it’s not enough to just be very gentle when tightening fasteners in RC models and drones, you need enough torque to ensure a secure connection, which is is easy with an EDC torque driver.
EDC torque drivers are also great for bike projects
Although there are a limited range of fasteners you normally expect to find on a bike, they vary a lot in their torque requirements, from small derailleur adjustment screws and locking nuts to seat post clamps and brake components. Some bike parts are very sensitive to tightening torque and compression, like carbon fiber seat rails, where it is essential not to use too much torque to avoid crushing the carbon fiber structure. Too little torque and your seat won’t stay put, so exact torque control is essential.
Maintain your PC or Mac with an EDC torque driver
EDC torque drivers come into their own when working on your PC or Mac, especially laptops and macbooks, which have a plethora of tiny, torque-sensitive screws and may have brass bushings and studs supporting PCBs as well as stainless steel machine screws set into aluminum casings. Not only can you strip threads with excessive torque, but it’s also easy to damage the very small precision screws used for electronics, especially Torx, star and security profiles.
We’ve added 711 EDC Torque Drivers to the 711L EDC Gear Collection
Having said how useful EDC torque drivers can be, it shouldn’t be a surprise that alongside our iconic EDC gear, like the 711L Lollipop EDC Bit Driver, EDC Y Driver and EDC ratchet wrenches, we have developed a robust, accurate, inline 711L EDC Torque Driver that complements our existing range of EDC tools and bits. Now available on Amazon, and being followed up with an innovative Y-Driver version in the near future – watch this space!
