Broken bit in impact driver

[Nosferatu]

Today I was running some screws into a deck with my Bosch impact driver and the phillips bit broke off in the driver. This does not have a traditional chuck, but a 1/4" hex bit holder as shown in this pic:

The bit is sheared off below the surface, so I can't get anything on it. The only thing I can think of is to try to drill the center out on the drill press, but that seems risky.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[DanCo]

Have you tried a slim headed magnet on the broken end, while pulling the lock collar?

 

[mrb]

if you pull back the chuck, can you wiggle the bit around or is it jammed in there? If its not jammed, superglue something to the face of it so you can pull it out.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Hey, I put a store in the mall in Lynwood, WA... a couple years back, anyhow, I have the same bosch impactor, and break bits daily. I got one out that was broke off down under the face of the release, after picking at it for some time with a rather strong magnet. Its worth a try...

 

[Nosferatu]

Well, duh, why didn't I think of the magnet thing!

I'll give it a whirl tomorrow. The superglue idea may work as well!

Thanks!

 

[d33pt]

you can probably pull the chuck release and tap it right out. it shouldn't be stuck in there that tight.

 

[Nosferatu]

you can probably pull the chuck release and tap it right out. it shouldn't be stuck in there that tight.

It's torqued in pretty well, I tried that at first.

 

[MrMark]

Nice tool. What kind of bits are you using that break?

 

[Stuey]

Yikes!

+1 for the unlock chuck and try a magnet technique.

If that doesn't work, you're in for some work.

 

[Nosferatu]

Nice tool. What kind of bits are you using that break?

They were just some Bosch branded Phillips bits I picked up at Lowes. Must have had a bad one.

 

[MrMark]

They were just some Bosch branded Phillips bits I picked up at Lowes. Must have had a bad one.

I have the 14.4 impactor. That thing may just be so strong that you need something like the Wera bitorsion bits. Those are the ones I have found to be the strongest.

If you can't get it out with the magnet, I would try to tap the bit with a small punch and then tap the chuck with a brass hammer with the chuck pulled down. Watch your fingers.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Make sure you use impact capable bits, I had a problem using Irwin bits because they would round over/get peened into the chuck on both my Makita and Milwaukee Impact drvers. The problem went away when I changed over to DeWalt Impact Ready bits.

TheGrooveking

 

[tpwalsh]

Definitely impact bits. I use my impact driver to zip on/off lug nuts. I've twisted a pair of adapters before finding the impact rated ones. Since then I've had no issues at all.

 

[Nosferatu]

No dice on the superglue & magnet methods

 

[folgers]

If you still have the part that broke off... I think I'd try to put it back in the chuck same way it came out, then clamp it in a vice and run the impact backwards a few licks while pressing hard on it. Maybe that would unwedge the shank left in the chuck. Good luck

 

[gc11090]

Try an easy out, but not exactly how they say to do it. Drill your hole, then take an adjustable wrench on the square part on top of the easy out, and push down in the hole while turning the wrench. It should lock up into the bit, then just release the chuck and gently pull out. If that is a no go, try to jb weld something to it, and let it sit overnight to totally harden, and pull out.

 

[mrb]

hm here's an idea I would try on someone else's impact driver before my own

got a mig welder?

could you stick a piece of rubber tubing into the chuck (to keep the welding wire from contacting the chuck) and hit the insert with the mig (wire extended out of the gun and through the tubing you inserted in the chuck) then cut the wire and use it to pull the insert out? Maybe hit the insert with a punch first to knock it free if its jammed in the chuck.

 

[Rocklim]

Use the Hard Disc Magnet which is stronger magnet sure will take it out . Remember next time use Wera , Dewalt ( Impact Ready ) or Milwaukee Shockwave screwdriver bit

 

[Bruce M]

If the corners of the hex faces are crushed into the walls of the hex socket then that will need to be released before the magnet will work.

Try using a small punch or similar and tap with a hammer anti-clockwise to shock the bit loose. After that the magnet should work.

good luck.

 

[Nosferatu]

Well, I managed to drill & tap it and threaded a screw into it and pulled it right out.

I also bought a set of impact rated bits today. Chalk this up to a lesson learned!

 

[DanCo]

glad it worked out

 

[nelagremlap]

I broke a bit that had a quarter inch socket adapter off yesterday. I read the posts here. After pulling back the sleeve and tapping the driver, I tried a magnet, taking apart the driver (no access), and a strong needle. Finally, I was able to get it out by pulling back the sleeve and prying on the edges of the broken part with a thin piece of metal. The piece of metal is less than 1/8" wide, quite thin (1/32" or less) and it bent a little as I was working on it. It was a piece kind of like a flattened bike spoke.... I don't know where I picked it up. I'm often picking up weird stuff like that.... I'm grateful for the ideas here, and plan to get an impact bit adapter for future use!