What is a nutsetter?

A power tool is appreciated for its efficiency and precision in an application. If it is completing tasks quickly and accurately, it’s valuable. Among the many attachments designed to enhance functionality, the nutsetter stands out as an essential tool for fastening and assembling projects. Whether you are a professional mechanic, a DIY enthusiast, or a homeowner tackling home repairs, understanding what a nutsetter is and how it works can significantly improve your workflow.

Understanding The Nutsetters

A nut setter is a machine accessory used to lock metal and self-tapping screws. Nutsetters drive fasteners on the edges without putting pressure on the corners when turning. It reduces fastener corner stripping and damage. It is often attached to a drill or impact driver, transforming it into a high-torque fastening tool. Unlike traditional wrenches or manual tools, nutsetters offer increased speed and ease when working in tight spaces or handling multiple fasteners. 

Why are Nutsetters Used?

Nut setters are inserted into an impression driver or machine, rather than being used as a screwdriver. Usually, nut setters are used for driving lag bolts or lag screws with an impression driver. At Benchmark Abrasives, we provide a range of magnetic nut setters.

A nut driver may be a tool for tightening nuts and bolts. It essentially consists of a socket attached to a shaft and a cylindrical handle and is analogous in appearance and use to a screwdriver. They typically have a hollow shaft to accommodate a shank onto which a nut is threaded. A nut setter is a machine accessory that locks metal and self-tapping screws.

Types of Nutsetter

There are four types of nut setters:

1. Hex nut setters: It is used to drive fasteners using the corners to drive. An excessive amount of pressure on the corners, however, may result in corner stripping. It is also called a standard nut setter.

2. Lobular nut setters: It is used to drive fasteners on the edges without putting pressure on the corners. It reduces corner stripping and damage and provides corner clearance where paint can build up.

3. Impact and torsion nut setters: They are designed to face the acute torque produced by modern cordless drills and impact drivers 

4. Spring-loaded nut setters: Spring-loaded nut setters are designed to combat common problems caused by standard nut setters. The new EAB spring-loaded nut setters have magnetic holders that flex back and forth so that they can easily accommodate a spread of screws/fasteners with different heights of the head. No matter the peak of the screw/fastener you're using, the magnet inside the nut setter will flex back or forward to accommodate it.

Tips for Using Nutsetter

• Be careful not to overtighten your screw/fastener; doing so can strip the threads of the fabric you're screwing into or the top of the screw/fastener itself.
• Preferably, use a variable-speed drill with a variable clutch; this may offer you more control over your fastening operation. If using an impression driver, be particularly careful not to over-tighten
• If you've tried employing a nut setter to tighten a nut on an extended threaded bolt (e.g., a carriage bolt), you'll have discovered that the nut setter isn't deep enough to permit you to screw the nut all the way. To achieve optimal results, use an EAB socket adapter and a standard socket. It allows you to tighten the nut completely due to the greater depth.

When to Use a Nutsetter?

• Assembly lines: For the quick fastening of nuts in manufacturing or assembly processes.
• Automotive repairs: To efficiently tighten or loosen nuts and bolts during repairs.
• Home projects: Ideal for assembling furniture, installing fixtures, or doing general mechanical work.
• Construction sites: For fast, consistent fastening in framing or equipment setup.

Conclusion

A nutsetter is a versatile and time-saving accessory that enhances the capabilities of your power drill or impact driver. By providing quick, secure fastening or removal of nuts and bolts, it streamlines both professional and DIY tasks. Whether you are working on automotive repairs or assembling furniture, understanding the use and types of nutsetters ensures you achieve efficient and reliable results every time.