Loctite makes anti seize in aerosol cans. Not necessarily less messy but certainly less tedious if all bolts are prepped on the ground and carried up in a bucket for assembly.
Roy Rakobitsch NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer® NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer® Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue Wind/PV Design Engineer Windsine LLC 631-514-4166 www.windsine.org On Jun 29, 2015 12:32 PM, "Ray Walters" <r...@solarray.com> wrote: > Anti seize also comes in larger cans with a brush, but it still can get > messy. > Also on the torque issue, I found just using the T handle hex wrench from > the manufacturer (we use S Flex) gets the torque where it should be, and > even a gorilla can't over torque it too far. > Old fashioned, but we have less heavy tools to carry on the roof, and no > over torque issues. With lubed threads, the T handle wrench can twirl, > which is almost as fast as using a power tool. > > R.Ray Walters > CTO, Solarray, Inc > Nabcep Certified PV Installer, > Licensed Master Electrician > Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760 > > On 6/29/2015 11:12 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote: > > Kurt, > Less messy, yes; less tedious, maybe: anti-seize also comes in a > semi-solid stick form, like a large lip balm tube with a cap and a twist > dial on the bottom to raise the level of the anti-seize as it's used. One > quick rub on the threads per bolt. Purchased through Fastenal. > Allan > > *Allan Sindelar* > al...@sindelarsolar.com > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional > NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional > New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician > Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. > *505 780-2738 <505%20780-2738> cell* > > > On 6/29/2015 11:05 AM, Kurt Johnsen wrote: > > Esteemed Wrenches, > Does anyone know of a less tedious and messy way to lube the bolts than > squeeze tube anti-seize? > > My 2 cents; I believe that the torque specs for an engineered assembly are > put in there for a reason. Ignoring them puts the installer on the hook for > any failures. Aside from being the right thing to do, using torque wrenches > helps avoid assuming unnecessary financial risk which my thin margins > cannot afford. > > Kurt Johnsen > > On Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 5:27 PM, Ray Walters <r...@solarray.com> wrote: > >> Besides your note that cordless impact drivers can over torque the >> clamps, also they spin the bolts too fast which can lead to spalling of the >> SS hardware. >> We now hand torque those connects. Finally, most torque specs are for >> lubricated bolts. We use anti-seize on the threads before torquing. >> Using a cordless impact driver and no lube can cause not only module >> damage but also clamp damage, and end up with clamps not actually securing >> the modules, because the bolts spalled out before fully clamping. >> >> R.Ray Walters >> CTO, Solarray, Inc >> Nabcep Certified PV Installer, >> Licensed Master Electrician >> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760 >> >> On 6/28/2015 3:06 PM, Benn Kilburn wrote: >> >> Chris, >> It sounds (to me) that you are describing the bonding "tooth" dug >> through the aluminum frame and into the glass? or at least compressed the >> frame enough to break the glass? If that is the case then i'm betting that >> the clamp bolt was way over-torqued. >> >> You need to check the recommended tightening torque for the module and >> for the racking system you are using. For example, what we are using these >> days, Kinetic, the tightening torque for mid and end clamps is 12 ft-lb and >> here are some recommended clamping torques from some different module >> mfgrs.... >> Conergy 8 NM - 6 ft-lb >> Hanwha 5 NM - 3.7 ft-lb >> JA Solar 18-24 NM - 13-18 ft-lb >> These likely vary based on the construction of the module frame. >> I've also found that some module mfgrs do not list recommended tightening >> torques in their install manuals, so best to use discretion. >> >> We had a module break after clamping it down. The crew described it as >> 'putting the module in place, clamping it down and turning around to grab >> the next module and hearing a 'crack' followed by the crackling glass sound >> (if you have ever heard a module break, the crackling sound can last for a >> few minutes). The break pattern in the glass seemed to focus on a >> particular mid clamp. I used a torque wrench, set at around 10 ft-lb and >> checked all the mid-clamp bolts, increasing the torque setting by a few >> ft-lb each time until it finally turned a bolt instead of clicking. I >> found that most of the bolts were close to 30 ft-lb and the one that >> appeared to break the glass was about 34 ft-lb. >> Suffice to say, we were getting carried away with tightening using >> cordless impact drivers. >> At that point i and the rest of the crew started using the torque >> wrench as we were going along until we had a better feel for what was the >> proper torque. (i've done this before, but it is something that needs to >> be self "re-calibrated" often. >> >> >> *Benn Kilburn * >> CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc >> 6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7 >> P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com >> [image: email] <b...@skyfireenergy.com> [image: facebook] >> <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: twitter] >> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: linkedin] >> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5> >> [image: google] <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/> >> >> [image: SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal] >> >> On Thu, Jun 25, 2015 at 5:11 PM, Chris Worcester < >> ch...@solarwindworks.com> wrote: >> >>> Hi Jason, >>> >>> Have you or others been using the new UniRac SM mid and end clamps with >>> the integrated bonding yet? My concern is the “Stainless steel Midclamp >>> points, 2 per module, pierce module frame anodization to bond module to >>> module through clamp.” >>> >>> We had an MSI Alpha + self-bonding midclamp shatter the glass on an LG >>> 280 last fall, as the factory set point was sticking out too far, so as it >>> was being tightened down, on top of the module the point dug through the >>> module’s top frame hitting the glass, shattering it. >>> >>> I do wonder if there are any issues with this “point” on the UniRac >>> midclamps potential for doing the same damage? >>> >>> >>> >>> Chris Worcester >>> >>> Solar Wind Works >>> >>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer >>> >>> Office 530-582-4503 >>> >>> Cell 530-448-9692 >>> >>> Fax 530-582-4603 >>> >>> www.solarwindworks.com >>> >>> ch...@solarwindworks.com >>> >>> >>> >>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On >>> Behalf Of *Jason Szumlanski >>> *Sent:* Thursday, June 25, 2015 1:13 PM >>> *To:* RE-wrenches >>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack >>> >>> >>> >>> That decision was based on our distribution network offering better >>> pricing on Unirac, and engineers being comfortable with it. Now with the >>> integrated grounding from Unirac, I can't see moving away from it again >>> barring a significant cost benefit. It also stacks and stocks easier than >>> the Ironridge rails. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM, Dana Brandt <d...@ecotechenergy.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jason, >>> >>> We've used Unirac for years but have been contemplating Ironridge. I'm >>> curious what your experience was and why you went back to Unirac? >>> >>> Anyone else have input on best racking systems for flush-mounted >>> residential systems on comp roof? >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> >>> Dana >>> >>> Dana Brandt >>> Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC >>> www.ecotechenergy.com >>> d...@ecotechenergy.com >>> 360.318.7646 >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski <ja...@fafcosolar.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> By Snap N Rack, you mean Sun Run... >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> http://cleantechnica.com/2014/02/05/sunrun-acquires-rec-solars-residential-business-aee-solar-snapnrack-means/ >>> >>> >>> >>> I'm curious if these vertical integrators will still make their acquired >>> brands available to small dealers through distribution. When SolarCity >>> snatched up Zep, I had concerns about being able to service or add onto >>> existing Zep systems we installed. That's definitely a concern going >>> forward, and reason to perhaps stick with the most compatible racking >>> solutions available. We used IronRidge for a while, which is largely >>> compatible with Unirac, but now we're back on the Unirac bandwagon. >>> >>> >>> >>> Interesting times... >>> >>> >>> >>> Jason Szumlanski >>> >>> Fafco Solar >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:45 PM, Max Balchowsky <m...@seesolar.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> We have been using Snap N' Rack for a while, Have lots of installs in >>> Hawaii - so far no problems, I like the convenience of the design for >>> snapping in the slider nut in mid rail, and also the ability to install the >>> panels flush with the end of the rails…. >>> >>> >>> >>> Max Balchowsky >>> Design Engineer >>> SEE Systems >>> 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217 >>> Newport Beach, Ca. 92660 >>> 760-403-6810 >>> >>> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation" >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> *From:* Allen Frishman <amfr...@aeonsolar.com> >>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >>> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 5, 2014 6:17 AM >>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack >>> >>> >>> >>> I am curious about the mid clamps on the snapnrack. The flange that >>> rests on top of the solar panel frame is so small ~ 3/16". Anyone >>> experience any problems with these failing in a big storm? With solar >>> panel frames not being square it is nice to have a little extra to grab - I >>> am always curious as to why these clips are made with such a small area to >>> hold the panels down. >>> >>> >>> >>> All feedback on these clips is appreciated. >>> >>> *Al Frishman* >>> AeonSolar >>> >>> *(917) 699-6641 <%28917%29%20699-6641> - cell* >>> *(888) 460-2867 <%28888%29%20460-2867>* >>> *www.aeonsolar.com <http://www.aeonsolar.com/>* >>> >>> >>> >>> On Jun 1, 2013, at 10:41 AM, Max Balchowsky wrote: >>> >>> >>> >>> Have installed last three systems (35Kw)with snap n rack. >>> >>> love it.... >>> >>> >>> >>> Max Balchowsky >>> Design Engineer >>> SEE Systems >>> 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217 >>> Newport Beach, Ca. 92660 >>> 760-403-6810 >>> >>> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation" >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> *From:* Solarguy <nt...@1scom.net> >>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >>> *Sent:* Friday, May 31, 2013 10:11 PM >>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack >>> >>> >>> >>> The only complaint with the Snapnrack rails is the thin wall can easily >>> be distorted. This will allow the nut to drop out of its groove. Love the >>> universal end clamps but have learned to assemble every one to check for >>> proper fit before getting on the roof. >>> >>> Jim Duncan >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto: >>> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake >>> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM >>> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack >>> >>> >>> >>> Hello Wrenches, >>> >>> >>> >>> How would you rate the SnapNrack mounting systems against Unirac and >>> other mounting systems? >>> >>> >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> >>> >>> Drake >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> >>> List sponsored by Home Power magazine >>> >>> >>> >>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> >>> >>> Change email address & settings: >>> >>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >>> >>> >>> >>> List-Archive: >>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >>> >>> >>> >>> List rules & etiquette: >>> >>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >>> >>> >>> >>> Check out participant bios: >>> >>> www.members.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> List sponsored by Home Power magazine >>> >>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> Change email address & settings: >>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >>> >>> List-Archive: >>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >>> >>> List rules & etiquette: >>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >>> >>> Check out participant bios: >>> www.members.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> >>> Preferences >>> >>> § >>> >>> 1 >>> >>> 2 >>> >>> 3 >>> >>> 4 >>> >>> 5 >>> >>> 6 >>> >>> 7 >>> >>> 8 >>> >>> 9 >>> >>> 0 >>> >>> - >>> >>> = >>> >>> Backspace >>> >>> Tab >>> >>> q >>> >>> w >>> >>> e >>> >>> r >>> >>> t >>> >>> y >>> >>> u >>> >>> i >>> >>> o >>> >>> p >>> >>> [ >>> >>> ] >>> >>> Return >>> >>> capslock >>> >>> a >>> >>> s >>> >> > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ...
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