Thread: Pointed screws no bueno

Close call w/ pointed screw. Happened pulling it out.

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Originally Posted by Marc M

Close call w/ pointed screw. Happened pulling it out.

Actually ... "it" happened putting it in the previous time - all that pulling it out did was finish what putting it in started ... cutting through the insulation.

The point on the screw did not cut into the insulation on the way back out, the point of the screw cut into the insulation on the way in ...

Yea...it was "shocking"..

Now that I think about it I'm probably about due for experiencing this again.

Originally Posted by Eric Barker

Now that I think about it I'm probably about due for experiencing this again.

HAHA...Jinxed !!!

I bet that made a loud bang! Another reason for wearing Depends!

Originally Posted by Marc M

Close call w/ pointed screw. Happened pulling it out.

Was it the point or the length that caused the damage????

I have never understood why manufactures have not taken this into consideration. I know that if the right screws are used and everything is done to "manufacture instructions" this wouldn't happen, but in the real world....

I would think moving the knockouts further from the edge, having a U channel for the screws to go into, not making a 32 space 64 circuit panel, etc... could prevent a very common safety issue.

Originally Posted by Chris McIntyre

I have never understood why manufactures have not taken this into consideration. I know that if the right screws are used and everything is done to "manufacture instructions" this wouldn't happen, but in the real world....

I would think moving the knockouts further from the edge, having a U channel for the screws to go into, not making a 32 space 64 circuit panel, etc... could prevent a very common safety issue.

It would add to the production cost with no benefit to the manufacture's bottom line.
Bean counting at the highest level. Product is designed for professional installation per their instructions. Thus safe.... A penny saved is a penny earned.

Danger existed from the moment the fastener was first being turned. The dead front was not properly bonded wrong threading - minimum threads engaged of the correct type.

The threading, the length, the pointed end, wrong type and size of the improper fastener type posed danger to the conductors, improper bonding, damaging the threaded cabinet face mount and forever endangered the installation, persons and property from the moment it first made contact and the first turn of the improper fastener.

I've started shutting off the main breaker with the owner's permission.
That doesn't solve the bad screw problem but at least it's not live while you are undoing it.

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

Was it the point or the length that caused the damage????

Yea, not sure. It was hard to tell from 20 feet away.
Looking at the screw, th etip has some damage for sure.