[dspiffy]

Over the years I've run into a number of panels where the screws are stripped, and if they still hold the cover on, they dont hold it tight.

Now in the current building there are 3 Square D QO panels with stripped screws. I think the stock screws are 10-32 washer head, if memory serves.

Typically I will try to find self tapping sheet metal screws the same length and next size up, but it is very difficult to find a wide enough head.

How do you guys normally remedy this issue?

 

[Next72969]

Duct tape

 

[ponyboy]

If I was really worried about it I'd just re tap the holes. You can't do any better than that

 

[jza]

Leave the cover off. Ventilation and ease of access, the next guy will thank you.

 

[FrunkSlammer]

I put in a big ass wood screw and go home.

ACTUAL SIZE​

 

[TOOL_5150]

Use those little black clips. I forgot what they are called...


They are called "clip nuts" Duh... :brows:

 

[sparky402]

Ground screws

 

[drumnut08]

Over the years I've run into a number of panels where the screws are stripped, and if they still hold the cover on, they dont hold it tight. Now in the current building there are 3 Square D QO panels with stripped screws. I think the stock screws are 10-32 washer head, if memory serves. Typically I will try to find self tapping sheet metal screws the same length and next size up, but it is very difficult to find a wide enough head. How do you guys normally remedy this issue?

. I'll generally tap them out to the next size machine screw that I always have handy ( 1/4"-20 ) , in this case . If I use a self taper , I'll cut the drill point off the end . Something about sending a screw with a still bit tip into a love panel , never Sits well with me .

 

[brian john]

We carry a variety of items

Drill taps
Self Tapping 1/4-20
Self tapping 10/32
Self tapping 12/24

Either carry washers for the screw or order them with the washer head

 

[oldtimer]

. I'll generally tap them out to the next size machine screw that I always have handy ( 1/4"-20 ) , in this case . If I use a self taper , I'll cut the drill point off the end . Something about sending a screw with a still bit tip into a love panel , never Sits well with me .

Freudian Slip ?

See post #8

 

[someonespecial]

. I'll generally tap them out to the next size machine screw that I always have handy ( 1/4"-20 ) , in this case . If I use a self taper , I'll cut the drill point off the end . Something about sending a screw with a still bit tip into a love panel , never Sits well with me .

 

[Magnettica]

You could also use some fender washers and if you want to get fancy use finishing washers. However, you could also save some of the parts out of older panels that you might have changed out. I save a lot of old stuff like panel screws, neutral bars, maybe some bonding screws, etc. I have a whole bucket of that crap.

 

[Jlarson]

I go at it with the DTAP and the 1/4-20 button heads.

 

[drumnut08]

Freudian Slip ? See post #8

. Oops , lol !

 

[sparky970]

Google rivet nuts. These work great.

 

[erics37]

I like the screws that come with the Eaton BR panels, they've got really coarse threads and a blunt tip (not pointy). I have a container of them so if I come across a panel missing some screws I just slam some of those in there. It'll make its own threads and is bigger than a 10-32.

This works for loadcenters at least; if it's a panelboard I'll replace them with something close to what's already in there.

 

[chewy]

Our switchboard manufacturers mostly use M4 screws with T30 heads, impossible to strip.

 

[Spunk#7]

How about #10 Tek screws? If that doesn't work try #12!

 

[sparky402]

I was missing a couple screws in a panel that i didnt realize until inspection and the inspector told me the screws i put in it betfer be the same brand as the panel.

 

[CraigV]

I was missing a couple screws in a panel that i didnt realize until inspection and the inspector told me the screws i put in it betfer be the same brand as the panel.

Well, I suppose using either different screws, or clip nuts, would violate the panel's listing.


I observe that the increase in stripped panel screws correlates directly with the increase in the use of impact drivers. Correlation isn't causation, so this is strictly anecdotal.:laughing: