Decent hand impact driver?

[Tonyuk]

Morning All,

Just after a bit of advice here,

I'm looking to get a new manual impact driver to replace my current one which seems to be very weak. Its old and some cheaper off brand so i think its just past its best. I've been looking online at a few options and seen some that might be good and was just wondering if anyone had some experience of them to say if they're decent or not? I deal with seized brake rotor and drum screws most days so its a tool i don't mind spending a bit of money on, the options i've seen are;

A Williams 3/8;

HEREhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Williams-BHMD-30-8-Inch-Impact-Driver/dp/B001DNXFS2/ref=sr_1_32?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1518087489&sr=1-32&keywords=Impact+driver&refinements=p_n_is-global-store-asin%3A11259240031#customerReviews

A Klein 3/8 with an adaptor and some bits;

HERE

And a Gedore 1/2";

HERE

Ideally it would be a 3/8" drive since that's the size of the bits i have at the moment, but buying a few adaptors isn't really a problem for a 1/2" drive version.

Any info or other suggestions is appreciated.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Ive used a Lisle since forever ago. I know it doesn't look the best but it works about as well as any other one out there.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

There are so much better tools out there now. I still have one, but I never use it.

 

[Dave455]

I currently have a KoKen - best I've ever used.

Probably a little more money, but worth it!

 

[gregpack]

I've got a proto made in USA- I don't know who actually makes it. I've only used it a couple of times s I can't comment on its effectiveness.

Have you seen the vessel impacta screwdrivers?

 

[CR888]

KOKEN attack! Buy once, cry once.

 

[Tonyuk]

There are so much better tools out there now. I still have one, but I never use it.

I haven't found a better tool to free them unfortunately other than an air hammer with a screw remover bit, bit of a pain to get the air hose and tool set up for a few screws unless its really needed.

I've looked into the koken, is it the below one that your all meaning?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KOKEN-QUALITY-TOOLS-1-2-DRIVE-IMPACT-ATTACK-SCREW-DRIVER-AG112A/381646343936?epid=1971263665&hash=item58dbe50f00:g:1tkAAOSwBw5XQxWy

 

[ocloc24]

Yeah it's definitely still a very necessary tool, if a screw is really stuck a cordless impact driver will most likely strip it out. You're on the other side of the pond, I can think of 3 or 4 good brands that make a great impact driver but they're all US. I have heard great things about the Koken though, that may be easier for you to get as well

 

[ryan20021982]

I am in the market also and have been looking at this one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-J7099A-3-8-Inch-Heavy-Duty-Black-Oxide-Drive-Hand-Impact-Driver-Set-13pc/401299103936?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

[dutchgray]

I haven't found a better tool to free them unfortunately other than an air hammer with a screw remover bit, bit of a pain to get the air hose and tool set up for a few screws unless its really needed.

I've looked into the koken, is it the below one that your all meaning?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KOKEN-QUALITY-TOOLS-1-2-DRIVE-IMPACT-ATTACK-SCREW-DRIVER-AG112A/381646343936?epid=1971263665&hash=item58dbe50f00:g:1tkAAOSwBw5XQxWy

That's the one, they make a 3/8" drive version of it. I bought the one that came with more bits, but its the same tool, works well the few times I have used it.

 

[driftpin]

Anyone working on motorcycles, especially old ones, will need a decent hand impact driver to do work. Matter of fact, owning an old crock and not-having a hand impact driver, is like trying to eat an ice cream cone without the cone. You can do it, but it's so-much easier to use one, quicker, and less-frustrating. A bit of heat, some penetrating oil, a ball pein hammer and a hand impact driver will probably solve nearly-all your issues, and if that won't do it, you're probably going to have a drill and easy-out session, or a trip to the machine shop.

I think I have acquired four over the years, but the one I bought with my first new motorcycle, a 1/2" made in Japan model, is still the first one I reach-for, unless I'm at another location, and don't have it there. There's something very satisfying about grabbing a forty-five year old tool, and vanquishing yet-another stubborn fastener.

In my experience, using a hand-impact driver works far-better than a powered tool, which usually just butchers the phillips head, since on old bikes, that's probably what you're going to be trying to remove.

 

[kb1982]

I am in the market also and have been looking at this one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-J709...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

I have that exact one. Works pretty well. I had it in my car one night at work, and it got put into heavy use one night. It was used to remove close to 60 bolts that production line employees managed to start stripping out the torx bits on after running the bolt half way in. Turned out the supplier painted inside the threaded holes

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

I agree with driftpin, for breaking down vintage motorcycles there is nothing better. I have this one...



Koken AG112H

 

[bcradio]

The air hammer tool is all I use now. I like it so much better than a hand impact driver.


It does have the downside of a slightly longer setup time with getting the air hose out though.

 

[Trey T]

First brand comes to mind is Lisle. I own a HF one but i've seen many people recommend them. I believe they're priced very competitively, pretty low.

 

[MShaw]

I have a 3/8" drive Snap on that I have had for over 50 years. Still works great.

 

[Wamsutta]

That's one of those tools you have to trust that it works because you can't actually see it turning the screw. It comes down to which brand do you trust to make a hand impact driver that actually works.

 

[four.cycle]

I posted this a couple days ago in the "ebay hot deal" thread:

impact driver

PROTO J7099A 13-pc impact driver set w/plastic box
listed as used (see photos)
$22.00 + $13.65 shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stanley-Pr...9A-Excellent-Condition-Hard-Case/372215887726

still available 02/08/18 13:23 PST

 

[ATW]

I was needing one last year and came across this from Bahco 7823:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-7823-Impact-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B00TSXL1A8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9C2MTWVSA1VQYZ0CNZFN

Hadn't really associated Bahco with impact drivers, there weren't many reviews but took the plunge and very happy with it. Made in Taiwan, solidly built and few times I've needed it just worked.

 

[mbshop]

Mine was a lisle from the 70s. Worked just fine my whole career. So I think any good brand name will do.
if the bolts are to be replaced, just use a large punch and hit the head hard a few times first. Always makes things go smoother.

 

[driftpin]

Having trouble posting pics from my tablet, so these will follow from my phone.

Three hand impact drivers, two are 3/8" & one is 1/2" (the Craftsman #47634, made in the USA). The other dark-patina'ed one is a KD & looks like the model is 20 0, yes, that's what appears to be on the barrel. The silver one has no names or numbers I can find, just a R and L on the movable barrel. It also has the stiffest spring by-far.

 

[Dave455]

I haven't found a better tool to free them unfortunately other than an air hammer with a screw remover bit, bit of a pain to get the air hose and tool set up for a few screws unless its really needed.

I've looked into the koken, is it the below one that your all meaning?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KOKEN-QUALITY-TOOLS-1-2-DRIVE-IMPACT-ATTACK-SCREW-DRIVER-AG112A/381646343936?epid=1971263665&hash=item58dbe50f00:g:1tkAAOSwBw5XQxWy

Yes, that's the one!

I have the version without the rubber handle, but it's basically the same tool!

 

[Tonyuk]

Thanks for the info all, i've went with this proto set from US Amazon;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002C5ONG8/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Not bad for £40 delivered, made in the USA i believe.

Picked up this Williams 3/8 ratchet also since i hear they're owned by snap on;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001DNRPH4/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[Htscheg]

I havr 2, one is an older craftsman, its in my home box and was my dad’s still works as advertised after 30+ years, and I have a newer Matco that i needed that day! Works as advertised also!! A must have for working in motorcycles.

 

[Mr_B]

Gedore do a really nice set and it phosphate finish which way better than chrome on these.
draper expert has a 12 bit set on which striking top also phosphate and that only around £20, is 1/2 drive though .
Old kyoto Tools (KTC Japan) are pretty good, can pick these up in lightly used condition silly cheap at sale meets, junk stores etc .

 

[Mr_B]

that stanley proto looks good choice and it oxide finished, comes with good selection bits etc and sensible money too .

 

[6PTsocket]

I have owned a no name Chinese import for many years and never had much luck with it. I just assumed they were just not very useful. Maybe I would have a different opinion if I had bought a better tool. I don't think I ever got a phillips flat head screw out of a disk brake hub with it.

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[becker_atc]

Proto kit from grainier is what work bought me I use it often enough to say it's a solid tool. Need get some spare bits then I won't be scared to get rougher with it. Mainly use it on 1/4-20 flathead screws that's on explosion proof switch boxes. They get seized up and sometimes this is what I use to twist them off with then I drill them out


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[6PTsocket]

Proto kit from grainier is what work bought me I use it often enough to say it's a solid tool. Need get some spare bits then I won't be scared to get rougher with it. Mainly use it on 1/4-20 flathead screws that's on explosion proof switch boxes. They get seized up and sometimes this is what I use to twist them off with then I drill them out


Sent via message in a bottle

Confused. If you are able to crack them loose with the impact driver, why do you have to drill them? I thought drilling was the next thing to try if the impact driver failed.

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[ryan20021982]

Confused. If you are able to crack them loose with the impact driver, why do you have to drill them? I thought drilling was the next thing to try if the impact driver failed.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Pretty sure he meant he takes them out the rest of the way with a drill, not drill them out with a drill bit.

 

[MoonRise]

Lisle 1/2" drive unit.

Have a Harbor Freight hand impact driver. It sort of worked, sometimes. Had to take it apart and lube the guts well when it 'stopped' working.

Since I got the Lisle, I haven't even had to use it (other than trying it out a few times). The screws must be afraid of it, they all have come out.

 

[maico]

Most quality tool companies make them so they do work.
At one end you have the very expensive German made Stahlwille
https://www.heamar.co.uk/stahlwille...-4060-kn-impact-driver-set-4018754261710.html

To the more realistically priced Japanese made Vessel set that I have
https://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Vessel/Impact_Screwdrivers.html

The Hazet driver is a re-badged Koken attack
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00VV7NSRS/

Comprehensive Wera set, German company made in the Czech Republic
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0156CJJFI/?tag=atomicindustr-21

I don't think it matters if you have a 1/2" or 3/8th impact drive square as you can get 1/2" bit holders in 1/4 or 5/16 bit size.

If you are working on older Japanese motorcycles with JIS screws buy a Japanese bit set, they fit better and don't cam out.

 

[M6erfan]

If you are working on older Japanese motorcycles with JIS screws buy a Japanese bit set, they fit better and don't cam out.

Or just buy a Koken or Vessel and get the JIS bits with the impact...

 

[ryan20021982]

Just ordered the Proto I linked to above for $40 on eBay, will be nice to have a good hand impact and some bits to use in the Milwaukee impact also when I can go that way.

 

[Hiball]

IME the actual Hand impact is a small part of the equation, I have 3 tear down benches, they are outfitted with a old Buffalo (import), KD and a Snap on that came with box full of bits. I can't tell a nickels worth of difference between them, I would invest my money with quality bits, that's the weakest link.

 

[knobby]

Anyone working on motorcycles, especially old ones, will need a decent hand impact driver to do work. Matter of fact, owning an old crock and not-having a hand impact driver, is like trying to eat an ice cream cone without the cone. You can do it, but it's so-much easier to use one, quicker, and less-frustrating. A bit of heat, some penetrating oil, a ball pein hammer and a hand impact driver will probably solve nearly-all your issues, and if that won't do it, you're probably going to have a drill and easy-out session, or a trip to the machine shop.

I think I have acquired four over the years, but the one I bought with my first new motorcycle, a 1/2" made in Japan model, is still the first one I reach-for, unless I'm at another location, and don't have it there. There's something very satisfying about grabbing a forty-five year old tool, and vanquishing yet-another stubborn fastener.

In my experience, using a hand-impact driver works far-better than a powered tool, which usually just butchers the phillips head, since on old bikes, that's probably what you're going to be trying to remove.

There is a good chance that the no name Japanese driver is made by koken as they were sold as house brand by discount auto parts joints and such back in the 70's when Japanese tools were thought of as cheap junk.

 

[bochnak]

I bought a nice Vessel 2500 on ebay for like $12. I bought it since it comes with JIS bits.