How useful is a Hand Impact Driver

[cadfaeltex]

I saw Ed China use one of these in an episode of Wheeler Dealers and it looks like something I could have used a time or two on my car.

This is what I'm talking about: http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-W...Bit-Socket-Sets

So anybody use one? Do they work well? Is it worth it?

 

[NHGUY]

For larger phillips or slotted screws/bolts there really isnt any other choice.I am no fan of them,but they do work.Old cars used to use phillips screws in the door hinges,and it would work to break them loose.

 

[typ901]

I agree with NHGUY; useful but not a fan either. I used successfully in the past as well. Sears one is cheaper

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-impact-driver/p-00947641000P

 

[fsdork]

I once bought a cheap one to remove the screws holding the rotors onto the hubs of my civic. Although it got the screws out, the bit twisted in the process, so I returned it.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
For larger phillips or slotted screws/bolts there really isnt any other choice.I am no fan of them,but they do work.Old cars used to use phillips screws in the door hinges,and it would work to break them loose.

+1 - back in the early days of working on Honda ATCs (3 wheelers), these tools were the only thing that would break the phillips screws loose that Honda in their infinite wisdom chose to use as fasteners. Also not a huge fan, BUT they do "get the job done" for a small amount of $$.

 

[ctrcbob]

Being an old time motercyclest (sp), I used an impact driver all the time. Place the head on the screw, hold tight, then give the driver a good whack, and voila, the screw is loose.

I still have it buried somewhere in my shed.

 

[cadfaeltex]

So it sounds like it would be useful to me as my Jag is 18 years old and filled with screws that won't budge.

What got me thinking of this was my AT drain plug that wouldn't budge though I'm not sure I would be brave enough to try it on that still.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[GhostFlame]

Guys I have an electric impact wrench, http://www.harborfreight.com/12-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html best $50 I ever spent on a tool. Now I think they are like $70. It's no substitute for air powered tools but, for lugs, rusted bolts, screws it is a life saver.

I bought one of those hand impact wrenches and took the impact screw driver bit-- rigged it up in my little electric impact tool and presto. I removed about 6 rusted phillips screws from a vintage motocycle frame I am restoring. Like I said this tool is a life saver.

Disclaimer, I don't use it to tighten nuts bolts or screws... there is no torque setting to keep you from busting a nut or overtorqueing. And do not use your regular sockets or screw bits get the high carbon ones from sears or some other place. where your googles cause when stuff flies its like it is shot out of a gun

 

[HTSS_TR]

I bought Powerbuilt 648002 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Driver Kit from Amazon for $12. It's made in Taiwan, not China, it seems to be good quality.

 

[artificialist]

I learned about a hand impact driver back in 2006, while I was in auto class. Soon after, I bought one for myself. This device is the best thing to use when removing a stuck Phillips screw.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: GhostFlame
Guys I have an electric impact wrench, http://www.harborfreight.com/12-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html best $50 I ever spent on a tool. Now I think they are like $70. It's no substitute for air powered tools but, for lugs, rusted bolts, screws it is a life saver.

I bought one of those hand impact wrenches and took the impact screw driver bit-- rigged it up in my little electric impact tool and presto. I removed about 6 rusted phillips screws from a vintage motocycle frame I am restoring. Like I said this tool is a life saver.

Disclaimer, I don't use it to tighten nuts bolts or screws... there is no torque setting to keep you from busting a nut or overtorqueing. And do not use your regular sockets or screw bits get the high carbon ones from sears or some other place. where your googles cause when stuff flies its like it is shot out of a gun

When get a chance, can you show how you rigged it? I got the hand impact driver and few impact wrenches

 

[expat]

I bought one way back in the mid 70's*, sometimes, it's the only thing that will do the job!

Used with a BF Hammer, it will either remove the screw or break it.

* Mine was made in Japan, that's where cheap stuff was made back then.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The 50's and 60's were the time made in Japan was cheap, by early to mid 70's they were producing fairly high quality products.

 

[FXjohn]

I don't see why anyone wouldn't be a big fan of them. the stupid phillips screws themselves are what I'm not fond of.

 

[Rick in PA]

Originally Posted By: expat
...Used with a BF Hammer, it will either remove the screw or break it....


Yup, I haven't used mine in a while, but... It's one of those things in the back of the tool box, you pull it out every once in a great while. My BFH is a 2 pound ball peen, it's what you need to operate a hand impact driver.