Powered driver and methods for reliable repeated securement of threaded connectors to a correct tightness

A driver for reliable repeated securement of threaded fittings to a correct tightness comprising:

• a driver head;
• a rotatable socket at said driver head for engaging the fitting;
• means for rotating said socket associated with said driver head;
• a reaction unit at said driver head movable relative to said socket and engageble with the fitting;
• and
• control means for user input of at least one of a selected socket rotational limitation and a selected operational mode from a plurality of modes including pulse mode and swage mode, and for precision cessation of socket rotation in accord with said user input.

A method for reliable repeatable gauging of correct tightness of threaded fittings that include a nut and a body secured utilizing a powered driver that includes a gear tooth surface associated with a nut engageable socket for nut rotation and movement toward the fitting body during driver operation, said method comprising the steps of:

• maintaining a count of teeth of the gear tooth surface passing a location at the driver during a selected interval of operation of the driver;
• gauging relative location of the socket and fitting body during movement toward the fitting body;
• and
• selectively utilizing said maintained count and said gauging to control driver operation.