Impact Screwdrivers?

[jeepnut24]

Simple question, what is their purpose and potential applications? I realize this is a newb question, but I honestly don't know. I was digging through my Dads tools and found one and I can't seem to remember a time when I would need one...

 

[mrshaun]

rusted bolts and fasteners with loc-tite ( how do you spell that?)
it breaks the fastener free without stripping the head or breaking it.
screws on rotors are a good use for that. keep it you will find a use for it

 

[Eds_tls]

I've used then on bearing retainer screws brake rotor screws.

pretty much the only way to get the brake rotor screws off is with an impact screwdriver

 

[06wt]

or with a drill bit after someone has already murdered the screw b4 u got to it, yes keed the impact driver their good to have

 

[jeepnut24]

I've used then on bearing retainer screws brake rotor screws.

pretty much the only way to get the brake rotor screws off is with an impact screwdriver

I forgot about that application, the last one I did, they came right out without issue.

Why not use a regular impact wrench?

 

[Joelfke]

i needed one for the first time when i had to get the backing plate off a honda steering knuckle so i could press out the wheel bearing. Never used it before but it saved me. I think its one of those things you don't know why you would use it until you do, and then you'll never forget how useful it is

 

[mrshaun]

regular impact does not have downwards pressure. The impact driver hits and turns at the same time keeping the tool attached to the fastener. With an impact you can strip something out instantly due to high speed turning.

 

[jeepnut24]

regular impact does not have downwards pressure. The impact driver hits and turns at the same time keeping the tool attached to the fastener. With an impact you can strip something out instantly due to high speed turning.

Ah, so that is the key, the downward impact... Thanks, that makes sense.

 

[krehmkej]

philips screws on motorcycles. can't get along without it.

 

[ImportTuner]

philips screws on motorcycles. can't get along without it.

+1 .. otherwise you have a rounded philips head ..

 

[Kevin7909]

A very good app for an impact screwdriver ime is when someone uses the wrong size philips on a screw and the screw is rounded enough for a normal screwdriver to not be able to loosen it...the impact usually works if the screw is not totally destroyed.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

must for honda brake rotor. #3 Philips

 

[HarveyM]

If you pull off the bit holder you'll find a regular 3/8" or 1/2" drive for sockets. I haven't needed it recently, but sometime it might come in handy.