Can impact bits be used with impact wrenches?

[BikeRider]

I recently bought this Craftsman bit set from Sears that includes a bunch of impact bits meant to be used with impact drills and drivers (along with various non-impact bits):

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-100pc-speed-lok-set/p-00947625000P

I'm wondering if I can use the impact bits in this set on this Craftsman 1/2" battery-powered 300 ft-lb impact wrench that I bought last year:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-189-8221-heavy-duty-impact-wrench-kit/p-00945195000P

Using this 1/2" square to 1/4" hex adapter or one like it:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Inch-S...c-Socket-Adapter-Drill-Chuck-New/253944821911

I realize that it "can" be made to work, in a purely mechanical sense. What I'm really asking is if this is a good idea given the torque that the wrench can put out, and if it's likely to snap the bits or strip the fastener head if I'm not careful in feathering the trigger?

I know that this bit set and the driver/drills it's designed to work with natively aren't really meant for automotive uses, rather more for carpentry and such. But since I already had the wrench (a really good one btw) for auto use and the bit set was on sale plus I had coupons and points to redeem, I picked it up, and am just wondering if this is a good idea for the occasional non-auto application.

 

[rlitman]

Don't do it. It will snap bits and break fasteners like crazy no matter how careful your trigger finger is.

 

[BikeRider]

Don't do it. It will snap bits and break fasteners like crazy no matter how careful your trigger finger is.

That's what I thought, just making sure. It explains why the set comes with multiple counts of most bit sizes, as they're expected to break eventually, even with lower torque and easier to modulate impact drills and wrenches. I might eventually get one of those although I don't really need one now.

However, I assume that I can probably still use these bits with my 1/2" manual impact driver, the kind you hit with a hammer. It only came with flat head and phillips bits but there may be an occasional need to loosen torx or allen fasteners, which is partly why I bought the set and adapter.

 

[rlitman]

...However, I assume that I can probably still use these bits with my 1/2" manual impact driver, the kind you hit with a hammer. It only came with flat head and phillips bits but there may be an occasional need to loosen torx or allen fasteners, which is partly why I bought the set and adapter.

Absolutely yes. It would be great with that.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Those bits are intended for screws. You'll be stripping and snapping screws and bits like not tomorrow.

 

[BikeRider]

Those bits are intended for screws. You'll be stripping and snapping screws and bits like not tomorrow.

Oh I realize that, this is primarily for heavy-duty wood work, e.g. decks, framing, posts, etc., not auto applications or putting together an IKEA unit. I was just wondering if my impact wrench with 1/4" hex shank adapter would eat the bits and/or screws alive if I tried to use it for that, compared to an impact drill or driver. I bet it does work, but not at all optimally.

However I might end up using them with my manual impact driver. I'm going to try to restore a 27 year old car that's been sitting around for several years and I suspect that it's got a lot of rusted connectors, and I know that some are Torx. At worst I'll break a few bits and realize that I need a different solution. The non-impact bits will also come in handy someday.

 

[yrly]

These would be better for the hand impact thing. Thanks for pointing it out though, I didn’t know Sears still had these bits and I have some points to blow.

 

[BikeRider]

These would be better for the hand impact thing. Thanks for pointing it out though, I didn’t know Sears still had these bits and I have some points to blow.

Sears has been crazy with the cashback points and freecash. It's like they're going out of business or something. Oh wait... But yeah, some great deals to be had. I just picked up a set of three adjustable pry bars for $12 and a locking adjustable wrench for around the same.

 

[yrly]

Sears has been crazy with the cashback points and freecash. It's like they're going out of business or something. Oh wait... But yeah, some great deals to be had. I just picked up a set of three adjustable pry bars for $12 and a locking adjustable wrench for around the same.

I bought the heavy duty mechanics set that was posted here a while ago so I’ve got the $15 a week going now for 10 weeks.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

If you don't have a 12v or 18v impact, put that adapter on and go to town. You'll see real quick what the limitations are...you're not going to hurt the tool; maybe some bits and screws.big deal..You can always buy an impact if needed or wanted.

With that said, an impact will be lighter.

 

[kctyphoon]

Yes, it will work.
No, its not ideal.

Its like using a sledge hammer in place of a hammer..

With some trial and error I’m sure you can find the limitations. I’m sure you will break some some screws in the process too. An impact driver is a much better idea. Sometimes bigger isnt always better.

 

[csi123]

I do this. It eats bits. Who cares, they're cheap and expendable. Worth it to me if it gets the job done.

Snapping a screw head when you want to loosen it is definitely not "gets the job done".

 

[Sine Swept]

Good for lag screws though

 

[BikeRider]

I think I'll stick to proper uses for the impact wrench and use the adapter and bits with the manual impact. Eventually, if I need one, I'll get an impact driver/drill. They're not that expensive. I already have a power driver for basic needs. I don't really work much with wood anyway.

 

[DFB]

Will those 1/4" bits fit your manual impact driver?

My hand impact tool does take larger bits

 

[rlitman]

Will those 1/4" bits fit your manual impact driver?

My hand impact tool does take larger bits

I have a 1/2" drive hand impact tool that has a 5/16" hex bit adapter, and another smaller one that is 3/8" drive with a 1/4" hex bit adapter.

 

[DFB]

I have a 1/2" drive hand impact tool that has a 5/16" hex bit adapter, and another smaller one that is 3/8" drive with a 1/4" hex bit adapter.

Thanks can't say I recall having ever seen one that took 1/4" shank bits before.

But then of course I haven't even looked at one in years with current cordless impact tools all around me

 

[2manytools]

I recently bought this Craftsman bit set from Sears that includes a bunch of impact bits meant to be used with impact drills and drivers (along with various non-impact bits):

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-100pc-speed-lok-set/p-00947625000P

I'm wondering if I can use the impact bits in this set on this Craftsman 1/2" battery-powered 300 ft-lb impact wrench that I bought last year:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-189-8221-heavy-duty-impact-wrench-kit/p-00945195000P

Using this 1/2" square to 1/4" hex adapter or one like it:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Inch-S...c-Socket-Adapter-Drill-Chuck-New/253944821911

I realize that it "can" be made to work, in a purely mechanical sense. What I'm really asking is if this is a good idea given the torque that the wrench can put out, and if it's likely to snap the bits or strip the fastener head if I'm not careful in feathering the trigger?

I know that this bit set and the driver/drills it's designed to work with natively aren't really meant for automotive uses, rather more for carpentry and such. But since I already had the wrench (a really good one btw) for auto use and the bit set was on sale plus I had coupons and points to redeem, I picked it up, and am just wondering if this is a good idea for the occasional non-auto application.

Seeing as the impact is only 300 ft/lbs, it is no where near the power some 1/2" have. The biggest downside is the finessing of a large heavy tool with a small bit & fastener. Now you get Milwaukee M12 stubby wrench, that's a different story. I have the M12 stubby 3/8" wrench, along with a 3/8" -> 1/4" hex adapter, so I an get away with carrying one tool with me.

If you are trying to get out of getting just an impact driver for the long haul, I wouldn't suggest it. You will be much more pleased having a dedicated 1/4" impact.

If you do want an adapter, your eBay link will work, but I personally would get another brand. That looks a bit rickety to me with it being able to separate. Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Irwin make them, that are all one piece & lock in the bit. Woot.com had Irwin's on sale for $10 shipped last week, and may still be on there.

 

[yrly]

Just get one of these two depending on what they carry in your area, if you’re lucky they may even still have USA made ones because it’s not the fastest seller.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-imp...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-imp...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[BikeRider]

Just get one of these two depending on what they carry in your area, if you’re lucky they may even still have USA made ones because it’s not the fastest seller.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-imp...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-imp...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

That's actually the one that I have and was referring to above.

Will those 1/4" bits fit your manual impact driver?

My hand impact tool does take larger bits

As I explained above I bought a 1/2" square to 1/4" hex bit adapter to be able to use 1/4" hex bits with the manual impact driver. It comes with a 1/2" square to 5/16" hex adapter, but instead of investing in other types of 5/16" bits, e.g. Torx, Allen, I got this adapter to use with much easier to find and cheaper to own standard 1/4" hex bits.

 

[BikeRider]

Seeing as the impact is only 300 ft/lbs, it is no where near the power some 1/2" have. The biggest downside is the finessing of a large heavy tool with a small bit & fastener. Now you get Milwaukee M12 stubby wrench, that's a different story. I have the M12 stubby 3/8" wrench, along with a 3/8" -> 1/4" hex adapter, so I an get away with carrying one tool with me.

If you are trying to get out of getting just an impact driver for the long haul, I wouldn't suggest it. You will be much more pleased having a dedicated 1/4" impact.

If you do want an adapter, your eBay link will work, but I personally would get another brand. That looks a bit rickety to me with it being able to separate. Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Irwin make them, that are all one piece & lock in the bit. Woot.com had Irwin's on sale for $10 shipped last week, and may still be on there.

I doubt that I'll use the 1/2" impact to drive screws or drill holes often, if ever. It's clearly not optimal for such applications. I was just wondering if it could work. I might use it in a pinch, but it's clearly not the way to go. I'll probably experiment on scrap pieces of wood at some point (wearing a decent set of goggles) to see how bad or serviceable it is. But if I ever have a serious need for for an impact driver, I'll get one. The 1/2" is a bit of a brute, even if it's lower-end for a 1/2" impact.