ESD-safe tools are designed to meet and often exceed industry requirements for grounding conductivity and use materials that can dissipate static charges effectively. Equipped with anti-static properties, FG ESD drivers effectively minimize static electricity generation and particle attraction, adhering to IEC 61340-5-1 standards. Our engineering team performed a series of tests to verify that our products adhere to the highest standards of safety and reliability, ensuring optimal performance for our customers.
PRODUCT TECHNICAL SUPPORT FG & FGA ESD TORQUE SCREWDRIVERS
grounding conductivity, helping manufacturers safeguard product yield, reliability, and long-term quality. Challenges of Using ANSI/ESD Methods in Assessing Hand Tools One of the major obstacles in ESD-sensitive environments is the absence of standards for production tools. The most widely referenced test method —ANSI/ESD STM11.13—was designed for soldering irons and does not address the unique form factors, assemblies, and operating conditions of hand and power tools. Unlike stationary soldering irons, most torque screwdrivers involve continuous rotation and multiple contact points. These differences make it difficult to apply existing ESD test procedures in a way that accurately reflects real-world tool use. In practice, manufacturers often adapt soldering iron test methods or rely on general ESD program requirements, but these approaches leave gaps in consistency and reliability. To close this gap, some aerospace and semiconductor customers have even created their own internal acceptance criteria for tools. However, the lack of formal guidance is further complicated by limited transparency from some tool suppliers, who may not disclose detailed resistance specifications or their compliance methods.
Understanding Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) in Manufacturing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is a hidden but costly risk in microelectronics manufacturing. The increasingly small geometries and thin dielectric layers of modern devices have drastically reduced their tolerance to electrostatic events. Discharges well below the human sensitivity threshold—sometimes only tens of volts—can cause irreversible damage. In semiconductor devices, this may include gate oxide rupture, metallization damage, or junction breakdown. Such damage can lead to immediate failure or latent failures that may emerge in the field. Effective ESD control requires the use of properly grounded production tools. Electric screwdrivers and nut drivers, widely used in assembly, are prone to generating static charges and must be designed with a continuous ground path from tool tip to power source. Without this, charges can bypass other ESD control measures and discharge directly into sensitive components. Mountz offers ESD-safe versions of our FG preset and FGA adjustable cam-over torque screwdrivers, featuring a range of models that support torque values from 3 ozf.in to 125 lbf. in (2.1 cN.m to 14.1 N.m). Our ESD-safe tools are engineered to exceed industry requirements for
Traditional resistance measurement methods can sometimes yield inconsistent results when applied to hand tools, due to factors such as limited contact surface area or movement during testing. To address these limitations, RMV Technology employed proprietary instruments and additional specialized methodologies designed to capture accurate performance data and ensure measurement integrity. The testing program was specifically focused on verifying compliance with established ESD resistance criteria, as summarized in the chart below.
At Mountz, we address these gaps by providing clear, verifiable ESD performance data for our tools—helping customers maintain effective static control and protect product quality in their assembly processes. Introduction With no dedicated ESD standard for torque tools, Mountz partnered with RMV Technology Group to develop a rigorous testing program that would provide clear, verifiable data. Working under the guidance of ESD specialist Bob Vermillion, our screwdrivers were evaluated for static control performance across a range of operating conditions.
Methods And Results A series of tests were conducted to verify that Mountz ESD-safe torque screwdrivers adhere to the highest standards of safety and reliability. Testing included both standardized methods and adapted procedures to account for the unique form factor of hand tools. Environmental Conditions All tests conducted by RMV Technology Group were done so at 12% ±3% RH and 50% ±3% RH, with temperature maintained at 73°F ±5°F. Tools were preconditioned for 72 hours prior to testing to ensure stable results. 1. Two-Point Resistance Mapping per ANSI/ESD STM11.13:
Method: ANSI/ESD STM 11.13 specifies that materials with a surface resistance of 1x10⁴ to 1x10¹¹ ohms are considered static dissipative, with compliance typically verified through 2-point probe testing. For torque screwdrivers, this method measures resistance of the ESD coating at localized points along the tool body. It is important to note that due to the unique form factor and functionality of the screwdrivers, traditional 2-Point Probe testing may not fully capture the grounding continuity of the entire tool assembly. Because it samples only isolated spots, results can appear inconsistent or misleading.
Results: Surface Resistivity: 10⁵ – 10⁸ Ω (within dissipative range). Note: Variability is caused by limited contact area, tool movement, and non-flat surfaces (e.g., alligator clips do not provide stable fastening). 2. Handle-to-Tip: Method: While the 2-Point Probe test evaluates the coating’s resistance at localized areas, the handle-to-bit test evaluates the complete resistance path. This approach simulates the actual discharge path during use—when an operator grips the tool and contacts a fastener— verifying continuous static dissipation from the user’s hand to the workpiece. Conductive bits and grounded ESD gloves (<1×10⁷ Ω) were used to simulate operator handling in an EPA environment. RMV Results: Resistance: 10⁷–10⁸ Ω, well below compliance limits.
Interpretation: Demonstrates continuous conductivity from operator grip to fastener, confirming effective static dissipation under use conditions. 3. Electrostatic Decay (MIL-STD-3010C, Method 4046): Method: Electrostatic decay testing measures a tool’s ability to dissipate charge efficiently. Tools are charged to ±1 kV and monitored for decay to ±1.0 volt when placed in contact with a grounded plate. Compliance requires dissipation within 2 seconds to prove the product will not retain a charge that could transfer to sensitive devices. RMV Results: • +1kV to +1.0V: 0.004 second average • -1kV to -1.0V: 0.003 second average Interpretation: Fast decay times demonstrate effective charge dissipation, ensuring minimal ESD risk.
FG-Size B models: FG-40i ESD FG-125si ESD
FG-Size A models: FG-8i ESD FG-20i ESD
FG-Mini models: FG-25z ESD FG-50z ESD
4. Field Induced Model (FIM) Discharge: Methods: FIM discharge testing ensures tools do not expose workpieces to ESD events. The test simulates an operator fastening a circuit card: the screwdriver is lifted by its handle from a charge plate set to ±1.0 kV and then brought into contact with a grounded metal plate while monitoring for discharge. A compliant tool dissipates its charge before contact, eliminating the risk of an ESD event at the workpiece.
RMV Results: No ESD events were observed across five screwdriver types. Interpretation : Screwdrivers dissipate charge prior to contact, preventing hazardous discharges to sensitive assemblies.
GROUNDED DISCHARGE CIRCULAR PLATE
SCREWDRIVER ON CHARGE PLATE
SCREWDRIVER
MV/V
Grounded Screwdriver to Charge Plate
3250
NA
NA
FGA-ESD @ 50% RH
0
1000V
0V
FGA-ESD-HVG @ 50% RH
0
1000V
0V
FG-Size B @50%RH FG-40i ESD & FG-125i ESD FG-Size A @50%RH FG-8i ESD & FG-40i ESD FG-Mini @50%RH FG-25z ESD & FG-50z ESD
0
1000V
0V
0
1000V
0V
0
1000V
0V
ABOUT MOUNTZ Mountz, The Torque Tool Specialists ® , has been a leader in the torque tool industry for more than 60 years. Engineered in the Silicon Valley and serving the globe, Mountz focuses on delivering high-quality torque products, services, and solutions to ensure customers can always proceed with confidence. We are committed to forging a safer world through precision and accuracy, and by
SILICON VALLEY HEADQUARTERS AND SERVICE CENTER 1080 N. 11th St., San Jose, CA 95112 408-292-2214 / M–F 6am–5pm PST ALABAMA DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE CENTER 19051 Underwood Road, Foley, AL 36535
INTERNATIONAL For inquiries outside of the USA, Canada, and Mexico, please contact: international@mountztorque.com Phone: +44 1428 741756
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