hand impact driver

[jniolon]

had occasions to need something to back out a severely tight screw...i.e. door hinges, etc... always see people talk about using a hand impact driver with a phillips bit..

these things work ??? recommend a brand ??? worth the money ???

thanks
John

 

[Stuey]

Lisle & KD Tools' models are usually easy to find. For $20-30, it's worth a shot to try. I haven't used one, but I don't recall seeing any complaints.

 

[Davefr]

Yes they work!! The strike firmly seats the bit so it doesn't cam out and gives the screw a slight twist. The impact of the strike also breaks free any rust.

Mine is a cheapie called Vessel that I've had for many years.

It doesn't get used much but when I need it there's is absolutely no substitute and it will save your **** in these situations.

I would get a good one because this is often a tool of "last resort".

 

[KTMGuy]

I've used one before. I have one from Mac (bought a Mac mainly because it was the only tool truck that came around at the time). I've used it on a slotted screw that was rusted to the base of a grinding stand....it worked well.
A buddy of mine has one too and does some work on vintage motorcycles. He swears by them when he has to remove old phillips head or slotted screws.

 

[oldjacks]

These are invaluable tools when working on hydraulic jacks an absolute must have. Craftsman makes one that I don't particularly like as their is no channel in the body of the tool for the driver to follow in. So to me they don't work nearly as well as most others do. I have the SO one only made in 3/8" drive unfortunately and the Craftsman in 1/2" drive. Believe it or not the SO in 3/8" drive actually works better.

 

[ricleh]

The Koken Attack Drivers are very good.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I bought a Performance Tool branded one for 15 bucks from O'reilleys Auto Parts. It works fine for the 3 times I needed it. It was worth a lot more when it didnt strip out the screws on the clutch plate on little Honda motorcycle.

 

[ajchien]

I've got the 1/2 in Craftsman one. Combined with PB Blaster and a big hammer, it's worked well.

 

[Frankstools]

Koken Attack Drivers are the best!

 

[Frankstools]

If you are interested in a Koken Attack Driver, I can sell you a 3/8" or 1/2" for $68.00 plus shipping. Frank

 

[Brad54]

I've got an old Snap-on 3/8-drive impact driver I picked up at a swap meet or pawn shop or somewhere...

I wouldn't be without it. As said, it drives the tip down into the head of the screw, and twists as it's being driven in.

I've used it on incredibly rusty, stubborn fasteners on '50s cars and my '61 Suburban. It's shocking how hard I've wailed on screws and had them not cam-out. Big screws like door fasteners and chassis parts, and very small fasteners like trim screws.

-Brad

 

[littlekillertoad]

When you need it, there's nothing else that will do. I highly recommend getting one.

 

[Older'n dirt]

When you need it, there's nothing else that will do. I highly recommend getting one.

I'll second that. I've only used mine maybe a dozen times in the fifteen + years I've owned it, but it's saved me some serious work every time.

Most recently used to remove phillips head bolts from Chevy door hinges. Worked great after I twisted it to "Remove" position!

 

[Tim Cowan]

I bought mine used about 40 years ago and don't recall the name brand but it still will get the job done without rounding out the point of a Phillips head screw. It is really a time saver and worth having. Getcha One.

 

[davesnothere]

I've got a SO and a KD and they both seem to work equally well for me.
Definately invaluable when you need it.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I've pretty much given up using the hand impact driver. If there is room for an electric or air gun and you can get a straight push on it, I just put a Phillips or straight bit in there and lean hard on it. Light touch on the trigger works better for me than a hand driver.

On some old Studebaker truck door hinges, another guy was hitting them so hard, he was bending the cab sheet metal and still not moving the big Phillips screws. I put the electric impact on them and twisted off the rusted screws even with the hinge. We then could drill them out and get on with the repair.

jack vines

 

[claymont]

Get a decent one, the cheapo chinese one's aren't heat treated properly and usually fail within a few uses. We had a couple of SnapOn sets where I used to work, they were a real labor saver at times.

 

[48548]

I like these they work great.

 

[JayL]

That Koken AN112A cost equivalent of $48 here in the Philippines.

The Koken AN112C with the 6 pcs long bits cost $53.

 

[48548]

I bought 4 when they were being closed out for 25 each.

 

[stopdroplol]

I've got the HF red handle one. I've used it about 20 times and it does the job. Not the best quality though, and if I see a better one at the swap meet I'll definitely snap it up. Otherwise i'm content to wait until it breaks. For only 10 bucks it was worth it especially when you consider the 1/2"-15/16 adapter thing that came with it. That thing is handy to have around.

When you go to use one though. Make sure the thing your hitting can support the impact.

 

[JayL]

I bought 4 when they were being closed out for 25 each.

Excellent price paid.

 

[GDA]

Ever hear of those infamous stories about rusted and stuck brake rotor retaining screws/bolts that get all knarled and have to be drilled out.... this tool removes that headache from occurring.

Get one. You will use it for all kinds of things once its in the toolbox.

 

[Kirbot]

I've got the HF red handle one. I've used it about 20 times and it does the job. Not the best quality though, and if I see a better one at the swap meet I'll definitely snap it up. Otherwise i'm content to wait until it breaks. For only 10 bucks it was worth it especially when you consider the 1/2"-15/16 adapter thing that came with it. That thing is handy to have around.

When you go to use one though. Make sure the thing your hitting can support the impact.

I have one of them too.
It works just fine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-37530.html
I think I only paid $5 or $6 for mine.
The rubber grip is actually kind of nice.

 

[Monte]

How much torque does the Koken impact driver have ?


ps:

 

[Kurn]

One of the best tools ever invented. I prefer to use mine in a first attack rather than a last resort.

 

[GDA]

One of the best tools ever invented. I prefer to use mine in a first attack rather than a last resort.

^ Agree. I use this approach all the time.

 

[superautobacs]

How much torque does the Koken impact driver have ?


ps:

I'm curious too, about the Ko-ken.

Speaking of the Wera: I've realized that they offer different torque ratings. What would be the reason for choosing the lowest torque over the highest? ....and why do they have to cost sooo much?

 

[MattT]

I have the SO one only made in 3/8" drive unfortunately and the Craftsman in 1/2" drive. Believe it or not the SO in 3/8" drive actually works better.

SO are still making the 1/2" PIT160. I've never actually seen one so it might just be a PIT120 with a 1/2" anvil. It's actually a bit cheaper than the 3/8"

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=416&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

How much torque does the Koken impact driver have ?

Can't recall ever seeing a rated output for a hand impact. Does Wera give an output figure for theirs?

All I know about the PIT120 is it has "enough" torque

 

[ricleh]

How much torque does the Koken impact driver have ?

I would imagine that it has to be related to the mass and velocity of the hammer that is hitting it.

 

[sumner52000]

Ever hear of those infamous stories about rusted and stuck brake rotor retaining screws/bolts that get all knarled and have to be drilled out.... this tool removes that headache from occurring.

This is where i have used mine the most.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I bought one from Autozone, its the greatneck brand. it works great. I like it better than my craftsman because the craftsman doesnt spring back to the starting position. With the greatneck, you can just go from one screw to the next.
With the craftsman, you need to adjust it again so that it will twist.

 

[MAD]

I have a Craftsman Hand impact which has worked fine for me. It is a re-branded Lisle.

 

[airbuff101]

I wore one completely out as a Motorcycle mechanic in the 70's-80's, but it took 10 years.
Buy a decent quality one as good ones are not terribly expensive.
Best to get 3/8"dr. as some cheapies are often 1/2"dr. and that makes it clumsy.
Couple tips:
Clean the screw head and I typically will use a couple hammer taps on the SD socket to fully seat before plugging on the Impact Driver.
Before you whack it, put twisting force on the tool in direction of rotation or the bounce will break bits.
Rob

 

[Jaralaccs]

Snap on has a screwdriver bit holder that goes into an air hammer
that sucker will get any screw out, and then some

 

[marcusicp]

Snap on has a screwdriver bit holder that goes into an air hammer
that sucker will get any screw out, and then some

Link? I have been looking for one and couldn't find it on the Snap-On site.

 

[ricleh]

Link? I have been looking for one and couldn't find it on the Snap-On site.

Do a google search for "aircraft screw knocker". I'm pretty sure that is what he is referring to.

 

[reinhardt]

invaluable tool! works great for getting screws out of deck plates in engine room of navy ships. flathead stainless screws into carbon steel angle iron cribbing. salt water environment. you think squids use antisieze? (answer is no...) hand impact driver and 3 pound maul works every time.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I have a Craftsman Hand impact which has worked fine for me. It is a re-branded Lisle.

I know that to some people this matters and to others it's not an issue, but I saw the Craftsman model in store tonight while I was at Sears and it is not US-made, at least not anymore. Had the "Made in US from global components" verbiage on the back. I was kind of disappointed.

Not trying to stir the pot, just putting it out there in case anyone is looking for a US-made version. I thought this one was, so I assume others will appreciate knowing that it isn't.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have one that is probably 50+ years old with no name on it but man on man when you have to take door hinges off of a 40+ year old IH it is worth its weight in gold. I don't know how I would get those big phillips heads out without one.