Screw RDA Run-Down Adapters – FAQ & User Guide
The Mountz Screw RDA Run-Down Adapters are designed to simulate the rundown characteristics of a threaded fastening application when testing and verifying torque-controlled tools. Used with compatible Mountz torque analyzers and sensors, Screw RDA adapters help create a more realistic testing condition by allowing the fastener to run down before final torque is achieved. They are commonly used for power tool testing, torque verification, calibration, and quality control applications.
Quick Answer
Screw RDA Run-Down Adapters simulate an actual screw fastening application during torque testing. When used with compatible Mountz torque analyzers and sensors, they help create more realistic testing conditions and improve the repeatability of torque verification and calibration activities.
Who This Is For
- Quality engineers
- Manufacturing engineers
- Process engineers
- Calibration technicians
- Metrology laboratories
- Production teams
- Companies implementing torque verification programs
- Facilities performing in-house tool testing and calibration
When Should You Use This?
Use a Screw RDA Run-Down Adapter when:
- Testing torque-controlled power tools
- Verifying fastening tool performance
- Performing calibration activities
- Simulating a threaded screw application
- Conducting quality control inspections
- Establishing repeatable torque testing procedures
When Should You NOT Use This?
A Screw RDA Run-Down Adapter may not be necessary when:
- Tool testing is not being performed
- A simulated screw fastening application is not required
- Torque verification is not part of the process
- The adapter is not compatible with the torque range being tested
How Screw RDA Run-Down Adapters Work
A Screw RDA adapter is installed between the torque tool and a compatible torque sensor during testing.
The adapter uses a threaded fastener arrangement that allows the tool to run down before reaching final torque. This helps simulate the characteristics of an actual fastening application rather than applying torque directly into a rigid testing setup.
Result:
- More representative torque testing
- Improved repeatability
- Better simulation of real-world fastening conditions
- Consistent torque verification results
Core Features
- Simulates threaded screw fastening applications
- Provides repeatable testing conditions
- Compatible with Mountz torque analyzers and sensors
- Supports torque verification programs
- Suitable for calibration and testing applications
- Designed for power tool testing
- Helps create realistic rundown conditions
Configuration Options
Sensor Compatibility
Screw RDA adapters are designed for use with compatible Mountz torque sensors and analyzers.
Application Flexibility
Screw RDA adapters can be used for:
- Power tool testing
- Torque verification
- Calibration activities
- Quality control inspections
- Production testing programs
Understanding Screw Run-Down Adapters
What Is a Screw RDA?
A Screw RDA is a run-down adapter that uses a threaded screw mechanism to simulate the rundown characteristics of an actual fastening application.
Instead of immediately reaching peak torque, the tool drives the screw through the adapter before final torque is achieved.
Why Use a Screw RDA?
Many power tools perform differently in an actual assembly joint than they do when tested against a hard stationary surface.
A Screw RDA helps provide a more representative testing condition by allowing the tool to experience a rundown cycle similar to an actual fastening application.
What Makes the Screw RDA Different?
The Screw RDA combines the following features to support testing and calibration applications:
- Threaded rundown simulation
- Repeatable testing conditions
- Compatibility with Mountz torque analyzers
- Compatibility with Mountz torque sensors
- Support for torque verification programs
Screw RDA vs. Standard Run-Down Adapters
Screw RDA
A Screw RDA uses a threaded fastener arrangement to simulate the rundown characteristics of a screw fastening application.
Common uses include:
- Power tool testing
- Torque verification
- Calibration activities
- Production testing
Standard Run-Down Adapters
Standard run-down adapters create resistance to simulate a fastening joint but may not replicate the actual screw rundown process.
The appropriate adapter depends on the fastening application being tested.
Screw RDA Models
The Screw RDA Series consists of run-down adapters designed to simulate a hard-joint threaded fastening application when testing power-driven torque control tools. Installed inline between the tool and a compatible torque sensor, each adapter allows the tool to run down before reaching final torque, providing more consistent and representative torque readings than rigid testing methods.
How Screw RDA Models Are SpecifiedEach Screw RDA model is designed for a specific torque range and input drive size.
When selecting a model, choose the adapter whose operating torque range matches the torque output of the tool being tested.
Each adapter is intended for clockwise operation only. After each run-down, the adapter should be completely backed up before the next test.
Model Selection Guide
Need to test very low torque precision screwdrivers?
Choose:
- Screw RDA-M2Q
- Screw RDA-M3Q
These models feature 1/4" male square outputs and are intended for very low torque testing applications.
Need low torque testing with a hex-drive interface?
Choose:
- Screw RDA-M2
- Screw RDA-M3
These models provide torque capacities up to 10 lbf.in and utilize a 17 mm male hex output.
Need medium torque power tool testing?
Choose:
- Screw RDA-M4
- Screw RDA-M6
These adapters support testing from 10–100 lbf.in for a wide variety of production fastening tools.
Need higher torque production testing?
Choose:
- Screw RDA-M8
- Screw RDA-M12
These models provide capacities up to 300 lbf.in and are intended for higher torque power-driven fastening applications.
Need a run-down adapter for EZ-TorQ torque analyzers?
Choose any Screw RDA model.
The Screw RDA Series is designed for use with Mountz EZ-TorQ torque analyzers and compatible torque sensors to simulate hard-joint screw fastening applications.
Screw RDA Models
| Model | Item Number | Torque Range (lbf.in) | Torque Range (cN·m) | Input Drive | Output Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screw RDA-M2Q | 070837 | 0.3–3 | 3.4–33.9 | 1.5 mm Hex | 1/4" Male Square |
| Screw RDA-M3Q | 070838 | 0.5–5 | 5.6–56.5 | 2.5 mm Hex | 1/4" Male Square |
| Screw RDA-M2 | 070820 | 1–4 | 11.3–45.2 | 1.5 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
| Screw RDA-M3 | 070821 | 4–10 | 45.2–113 | 2.5 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
| Screw RDA-M4 | 070822 | 10–50 | 113–565 | 3 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
| Screw RDA-M6 | 070823 | 10–100 | 113–1130 | 5 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
| Screw RDA-M8 | 070824 | 15–150 | 169.5–1695 | 6 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
| Screw RDA-M12 | 070825 | 30–300 | 339–3390 | 10 mm Hex | 17 mm Male Hex |
Which Screw RDA Model Should I Select?
Start with these questions:
- What torque range will be tested?
- Which Mountz torque analyzer or sensor is being used?
- What input drive size is required?
- Is the application testing a low-, medium-, or high-torque power tool?
- Is a hard-joint rundown simulation required?
- Will the adapter be used for production verification or calibration?
- Does the output drive need to be 1/4" male square or 17 mm male hex?
The answers to these questions will help determine the appropriate Screw RDA model for the application.
Setup & Adjustment
To use a Screw RDA Run-Down Adapter:
- Connect the adapter inline between a compatible Mountz torque sensor and the torque tool.
- Verify all mechanical connections before testing.
- Select the appropriate Screw RDA model based on the tool's torque range.
- Operate the tool in the clockwise direction only.
- After each run-down, completely back up the adapter before performing the next test.
- Review torque results using the connected Mountz torque analyzer.
Following these steps helps provide consistent, repeatable hard-joint simulation for torque verification and calibration activities.
Applications
Screw RDA adapters are commonly used in:
- Manufacturing environments
- Calibration laboratories
- Quality control departments
- Production testing stations
- Tool verification programs
Calibration & Quality Programs
Screw RDA adapters support:
- Torque verification
- Calibration activities
- Tool performance testing
- Quality control initiatives
- Measurement validation programs
Using a Screw RDA can help improve consistency and repeatability during testing activities.
Integration & Advanced Features
- Compatible with Mountz torque analyzers
- Compatible with Mountz torque sensors
- Supports threaded rundown simulation
- Suitable for calibration and verification activities
- Designed for quality control and testing environments
- Available in multiple configurations
Media & Supporting Content

Related Articles / Content
- Mountz Torque Measurement Catalog
- Mountz Torque Analyzers & Sensors Bang Sheet
- Mountz Torque Analyzers & Sensors Service Card
- Webinar: How to Improve Quality with a Torque Verification Process
- Webinar: How to Improve Torque Control with In-Process Monitoring
Need Help?
- Contact Applications Engineering for setup guidance
- Speak with Sales for product selection
- Call us:
- North America:(408) 850-9978
- International: +44 1428 741756