decent impact screwdriver?

[subarub4]

I was looking at the OTC one on Amazon but I was wondering how do you end up freeing a stuck screw? do you twist at the same time you deliver the blow?

 

[iroc409]

If it's like my Craftsman, just give it a few whacks--no twisting. Then I use a regular screwdriver to remove the screw. It doesn't move it much, just breaks it free.

 

[monster1]

I was looking at the OTC one on Amazon but I was wondering how do you end up freeing a stuck screw? do you twist at the same time you deliver the blow?

The mechanism twists as it compresses from the blows. The one at home depot is decent with lifetime warranty.

 

[subarub4]

The mechanism twists as it compresses from the blows. The one at home depot is decent with lifetime warranty.

does not seem to be offered in stores.

 

[2oolhound]

You can get them with 1/2" or 3/8" square drives to fit all your sockets and square drive bits. Of late there are some new ones that are only hex drive for hex bits only although I suppose you could fit a hex to 1/4" or 3/8" adapter to them. One nice thing about the latter type is they are very small and thin so great for small light screws etc. (although at this point you likely have enough strength and weight to bust it loose with out one)

It's worth having one of each.

 

[subarub4]

Yeah I've never used one before but from what others say it's useful to have in the tool bag.

 

[Duarte]

I ordered the Lisle 3/8" recently, good reviews. Haven't received it yet..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYDRG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kc-steve]

Definitely worth having in a toolbox. I picked a couple up at garage sales. I have used them once breaking flat-headed screws loose on an old Walker floor jack during dis-assembly. Without them I would have surely buggered up the screws. I might not have even broke them loose at all without them.

Be careful though, some will give your hands blood blisters if you are not careful.

Steve

 

[roachcoach]

I've had good luck with my proto kit. Mfg. # J7099A

 

[subarub4]

Definitely worth having in a toolbox. I picked a couple up at garage sales. I have used them once breaking flat-headed screws loose on an old Walker floor jack during dis-assembly. Without them I would have surely buggered up the screws. I might not have even broke them loose at all without them.

Be careful though, some will give your hands blood blisters if you are not careful.

Steve

I just got a blood blister last week by a 3 lb hammer hurts bad when it's like 20 F outside.

I ordered the Lisle 3/8" recently, good reviews. Haven't received it yet..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYDRG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the one I was looking at, no case however

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HT8I9O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mech-tech]

My experience is that the bits that come with the cheaper ones just don't hold up. Ya gotta go buy impact ready bits that are decent and will take the abuse.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I bought one a year or two ago after reading a thread here. Ironically I just used it over the weekend for the first time--and now this thread.

It worked GREAT for breaking loose four flathead screws that were rusted in pretty good. One good whack and they were loose. I had no idea it could be done so easily and without stripping the heads. I was amazed--and grateful for the knowledge learned here.

 

[Danglerb]

When needed they are lifesavers.

You twist them in the direction you want that fastener to turn, but the twisting force comes from whacking the end with a hammer and a internal cam action that splits the force between twist and down.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

If I run into a tight screw, I'll grab mine, but I very rarely have to hit it...I just give a firm twist and they usually come out...Once in a while I'll give it a hit with a hammer, but most times not...

 

[Farmall450]

I have a Napa US new old stock one, it's the same as Lisle.

 

[thecj3man]

I bought one when I purchased my first Triumph motorcycle. It saved me many times on that old bike.

 

[pendragon1998]

Who makes the Craftsman version? I love these things. Just loosened stuck screw in my tub drain with one the other day.

 

[WVBrady]

When needed they are lifesavers.

You twist them in the direction you want that fastener to turn, but the twisting force comes from whacking the end with a hammer and a internal cam action that splits the force between twist and down.

When you hit them, the part in your hands twists one way (clockwise) and the tip the other (counterclockwise). That's why they can be hard on your hands, and the reason that some of them have rough surfaces, so you can hold onto them better. If I think about it beforehand, I wear gloves. Some people say that they work much better if you put pressure on them counterclockwise before striking, probably to better brace against the reactive twist.

 

[WVBrady]

I bought one when I purchased my first Triumph motorcycle. It saved me many times on that old bike.

I bought first one in a motorcycle shop. I think it was because of differential metal corrosion between the steel screws and the aluminum housings. Once you broke the corrision bond, they came out easily.

 

[92integra]

what about different bits that would fit the napa or c man or lisle style i list these because all the bits are the same size i look at the large snap on sets and wonder if ill run into something that's going to need a torx bit or something along those lines and would like to get some more bits just to cover my A$$. and i usually only use the impact driver on like honda rotors that don't come loose after the 2 hammer trick

 

[davethorik]

I have a K-D USA 3/8 drive impact. I am not sure why it seems all motorcycle oems like to use fasteners made of pot metal but they sure do.

 

[Dave455]

Ko Ken make the best and most durable Impact Driver I've ever used! Reasonably priced too!