Expert Live Q&A: Battery tools

Welcome to the Battery Tools question and answer session. 

Taking viewer questions in this session is James Julian, our Wireless Tool Marketing Specialist at Atlas Copco. In this session, we’re talking about the wide range of battery tool options available from Atlas Copco. James begins the Q&A with a brief history of battery tools and explains that this tool group consists of our SB line, BCP/BCV Cordless Screwdrivers/Nutrunners, Tensor STB/SB/SRB Cordless Nutrunners, and the TBP Battery Pulse tools. Within this tool range lies a few Low Reaction Tool (LRT) options, such as the TBP and Tensor SRB. James also explains that going forward, battery-powered tools from Atlas Copco will be developed to no longer require a controller for programming, which means that programming can be done right out of the box. 

When asked about feedback regarding the TBP Cordless Pulse tool, James says that though it’s only been launched for about a year now, reception and feedback has been quite positive. James explains that he’s seen customers using the TBP tool in applications he and our engineers never even considered, which is very encouraging. A question comes in about what makes the TBP and SRB low reaction tools unique from other battery-powered tools, and it is explained that these tools have hydraulic pulse units that dampen reaction forces, vibration, and noise level, improving ergonomics and productivity. Another question is asked about what the benefits are to using wireless tools as opposed to electric/pneumatic tooling options. James says that they save valuable floor space in cramped areas and line charging for moving stations is made much simpler.  

When asked about wireless connection types of battery tools, James describes the two available: WiFi and Bluetooth. He is later asked which connection is better, and James says that it all depends on the customer’s IT department. In general, Bluetooth is easier to use and set up, but it lacks security and scalability. IT departments often prefer WiFi connection for better security in their plant. Either way, all battery tools come with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. A viewer then asks whether accuracy is lost with pulse tightening. James explains that it is indeed inevitable that some accuracy will be lost. Our TBP tools have 10% accuracy, SRB tools are about 7.5% accurate, and direct-drive tools are about 5% accurate. When asked about accessories for LRT tools, James says that standard accessories can be used.

A viewer then asks a question about the SRB HA tool, which is currently in the launch process. James explains that it’s a high torque handheld tool that has a torque capability of 1300Nm-4000Nm. We then move into the topic of battery tool lifecycles. James says that the number of tightenings that can be done before needing maintenance depends on the joints, but it’s usually anywhere from 500-1000 tightenings on average. A reaction bar must be used for this tool. The Q&A ends with a viewer asking whether a right-angle battery tool can have an open-ended head, and James says that it’s possible, and we have standard options available in the catalog. Special orders can be made by contacting your Atlas Copco representative.