Is it a gimmick tool

[Macduf]

Didn't get any directions with it. I looked at a video online where they hammered on it. For $2 it was worth the risk, just never heard of it before.

 

[bradley8795]

Nope. Not a gimmick. Yours was much cheaper than mine.

https://store.snapon.com/Impact-Drivers-3-8--Set-Impact-Driver-8-pcs--P631500.aspx

And basically it is a hand held impact driver. Funny because in tech school my instructor always said this is the "ONLY tool you EVER hit with a hammer!" If he only knew. [emoji13]

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Definitely not a gimmick. Those have been sold by just about every automotive tool brand for decades.

 

[G_P]

Not a gimmick at all. Those are great to have when you have a big stubborn screw that needs to come out. The hammering drives the bit hard into the screw so it does not cam out and hits like an impact gun at the same time.

 

[FigureItOut]

Very effective and been around a long time. I just got a Cobra one at a yard sale for $4 yesterday and am looking forward to trying it out.

 

[BFBOB]

Yup, it's for real. Been around for decades - it was the only tool that could remove the Phillips engine screws from my '68 Honda 350. I still have the impact driver, but got rid of the Honda in favor of a BMW waaaay back, after the second engine rebuild in less than 50k miles.

 

[djb2]

These are pretty much required for older motorcycles, with soft aluminum screws that seize into place. The pressure keeps the driver from camming out while shock wave breaks the corrosion and reduces the friction.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Like new and you got all the bits. You did GOOD! You don't need them often, but when you do, nothing else will do.

BTW, a set of quality bits (4 of them) will run you $25.

 

[M6erfan]

Gimmick? No way, I paid way more for mine...

 

[redmondjp]

Yes, these impacts are great for getting door hinge screws off, and also screws on tailgate latches. But you can't skimp out on the bits - buy name-brand impact-rated ones only.

 

[dogdog]

great for brake rotor/disc screws especially on Hondass, those honda steel part love to rust together. It's not the same thing as putting a 1/4 or 3/8 drive #3 or #2 philips bit on an air impact gun.

 

[uart]

On a related note, I just found another old tool that I was wondering about.

It kinda looks something like a drill/driver bit, but it doesn't seem to fit into any drill/drivers I own. I found a whole set of them, but there weren't any instructions. So are these things for real, or is this also some kind of weird gimmick?

Sorry I couldn't resist.

 

[FigureItOut]

On a related note, I just found another old tool that I was wondering about.

It kinda looks something like a drill/driver bit, but it doesn't seem to fit into any drill/drivers I own. I found a whole set of them, but there weren't any instructions. So are these things for real, or is this also some kind of weird gimmick?

Sorry I couldn't resist.

You have to get a drill with a 1.5" chuck for that.

 

[hautpot]

You have to get a drill with a 1.5" chuck for that.

why would you put a chisel or prybar in a drill chuck?

 

[DenisG]

It's also used by dentists for removing problem wisdom teeth.

 

[countryroad82]

Like others have said, if you've worked on vintage motorcycles this is a tool that is an absolute must have. Spent more time I care to think of beating the mortal **** out of those critters....... It's especially fun when you miss a swing and get to play 'Did I Just Break Something Expensive Or Did I Smash My Hand?'

 

[67King]

And here I thought they were only good for removing Porsche brake rotors!

 

[Boilerhouse]

I have a 30 y.o. Craftsman that I use once in a while. It rarely lets me down. Mucked up a couple of the bits though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know a few guys that have them and rarely use them, but when they use them, they're glad they have them.

For $2, you definitely didn't get hurt.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Have a couple of them. Not something I use all the time. However, they're nice. Used them several time on antique tractors.

 

[FigureItOut]

why would you put a chisel or prybar in a drill chuck?

To get a better grip.

 

[slow]

Honda Brake rotors as well, good tool, I paid around $40 for mine, but it was still cheaper than the dealer to do the brake service.

 

[valentine]

Geez , I can't tell you how many times that tool has saved me removing brake rotors from a Honda. Nothing else gets the frozen screws out as well.

-Valentine

 

[My Old Tools]

Yup, it's for real. Been around for decades - it was the only tool that could remove the Phillips engine screws from my '68 Honda 350. I still have the impact driver, but got rid of the Honda in favor of a BMW waaaay back, after the second engine rebuild in less than 50k miles.

I was going to say they were standard issue for Honda screws.

 

[CobraRed]

Honda Brake rotors as well, good tool, I paid around $40 for mine, but it was still cheaper than the dealer to do the brake service.

This.

They work well the few times you need them. Nice to have around.

 

[george4]

These are pretty much required for older motorcycles, with soft aluminum screws that seize into place. The pressure keeps the driver from camming out while shock wave breaks the corrosion and reduces the friction.

That is why I got mine about 30 years ago.

 

[gungatim]

I've had several over the years, first one I got when I was 12 because I didn't have air yet...btw, some guys don't realize the adapter for the bits comes off, and you can use it with a 3/8" drive socket...can't tell you how many guys I've shown that to who never knew...

 

[uart]

I've had one for over 30 years. Like others above, I only use it occasionally but it's a very handy tool to have. It's basically the original impact wrench/driver, predating all the powered ones we use today.

BTW MacDuf. To use it you first set the direction, typically by pressing the head inward and rotating it either left or right until it clicks into place. To test it just place the head (without a bit inserted) up against the edge of a workbench or similar and push hard on the body to force it in. You should notice that as you push it inwards the head rotates slightly (probably only 1/8th turn or less) as you go. Once you've tested it and verified it's turning the correct direction, to use it on a fastener you push it on firmly smack it several times with a hammer. Very effective at loosening seized up screws.

 

[GTO]

Yup, it's for real. Been around for decades - it was the only tool that could remove the Phillips engine screws from my '68 Honda 350. I still have the impact driver, but got rid of the Honda in favor of a BMW waaaay back, after the second engine rebuild in less than 50k miles.

+1
Very helpful,I've been using mine for 40 years

 

[Farmall 1066]

I have the exact same no-name one as the OP. Wailed hell out of it over the years, and got me out of a few jams.
Had no real need, but upgraded to a Snap-On a few years ago when one came up on auction cheap.
A little valve lapping compound on the screw head, and it's coming loose or breaking off!

 

[JonDick13926]

No. I bought one from Proto (probably one of the best values on one of these) and use it at least weekly. The more Hondas that come in for brakes, the more often it gets used. Definitely worth it.

 

[Murphy4570]

That tool will save your ***. I mostly use mine on rotor retention screws.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the exact same no-name one as the OP. Wailed hell out of it over the years, and got me out of a few jams.
Had no real need, but upgraded to a Snap-On a few years ago when one came up on auction cheap.
A little valve lapping compound on the screw head, and it's coming loose or breaking off!

I have an older Craftsman one. It works OK. I've used the SnapOn one...and it just feels much heavier, more solid, and like it twists more. Next time they're on promo...

 

[CJM8515]

Make sure if you are working on any japanese/import stuff you buy JIS bits. THEY ARE NOT PHILLIPS!!

 

[sha]

I got my first impact hammer set in a tool pile from a garage sale. I thought the same thing: gimmick tool? I didn't exactly grow up using one.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Still have mine from when I was a dirt bike mechanic in the early/mid 70's.

Probably haven't used it since, tho.

Bought it new, but don't remember what I paid.

 

[Flivver250]

Bought mine from Snappy 35 years ago. Used a lot.

 

[Macduf]

Appreciate the input from everybody , its in the keeper pile now.

 

[chris_1001]

I've had one for 25 years, maybe more. Just did a brake job and never thought to use it on the retention screws. Stripped one out trying to get it out. Wish I read this or thought of that!!! Next time!!!

Prob use it once in all the time I had mine. Thanks for the tips!

 

[unslow1]

If you are going to work on a motorcycle grab that and a 10mm. You will need both repeatedly.