How to use an impact screwdriver correctly

Corrosion is one of the most unfavorable consequences to which all metal materials, including fasteners, are susceptible. Often in the process of unscrewing bolts, screws or screws, you have to face the fact that these elements simply cannot be moved from their place. In order not to damage the tool used to unscrew the fastener, you need to choose the appropriate approach. A regular screwdriver is not able to deal with rusted or stuck joints, so the only option left is to use an impact screwdriver.

Features of the functioning of impact screwdrivers

The tool discussed in the material also has a name such as an impact screwdriver. It is a product equipped with a monolithic core. The main difference between this device and a regular screwdriver is the reinforced metal body, which is resistant to hammer blows. Only high-quality alloy steel is used to manufacture impact screwdrivers.

Before you find out the principle of operation of the tool, you should understand the design features. The tip of the product runs through the entire length of the structure from the working slots to the heel of the handle. The rotation of the tip is carried out due to the splines, which are set in motion with each blow of the hammer. The impact-rotating mechanism is located in the handle of the product. The tip is connected to a helical gear. The handle in the form of a clip has teeth of a similar design. The hammer blows are applied directly to the heel, located on the back of the device. The tool is used not only for unscrewing oxidized or rusted fasteners, but also for checking their screwing.

Design diagram of an impact screwdriver

This is interesting! Modern impact screwdrivers have a hexagon-shaped leg instead of a tip. Replaceable bits are installed in this leg, which allows you to expand the capabilities of the tool.

The operating principle of impact-type screwdrivers is that when you hit the handle with a hammer, the clip moves. Through this movement, torque is transmitted to the sting through a gear train. Each time the hammer strikes the heel, the tip moves slightly, just enough to weaken the joint force. After loosening this connection, you can use a regular screwdriver to completely unscrew the hardware element.

The device does not have any complex elements, so it is very convenient to unscrew fasteners that cannot be unscrewed with standard tools. Their advantage is not only the gradual movement of the sting when striking the handle, but also the inability to lick off the head of the fastener.

This is interesting! The tip moves not only in one direction, but also in both directions, for which a reversible mechanism is used. The presence of reverse depends on the model of the instrument, and is reflected in its cost.

The design of the device from the times of the USSR

Distinctive feature

This model differs from an ordinary hand-held device only in its reinforced body, which is made of metal with an admixture of chrome vanadium alloy and is thick. It is several times larger than a traditional instrument. Thanks to the switching of torque, the product is called reversible.

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The screwdriver comes with 2 to 4 bits. They have a cross and a flat tip. The attachments are installed according to the same principle that is used when working with simple screwdrivers.

The most important distinguishing feature is the sting:

it runs the entire length, starting from the slots and to the end of the handle;
made from a single piece of metal;
made of high quality steel.

When producing the tip, the use of joints and welding joints is unacceptable. This part of the screwdriver has the shape of a hexagon, and on the heel of the handle of the device there may be a square or hexagonal figure for a key.

When choosing nozzles, first of all you need to pay attention to what metal they are made of. The most durable alloys are:

The manufacturer includes Russian-language instructions for the hand tool.

Technical Parameters of Impact Screwdriver

Each manufacturer strives to make their product not only high-quality, but also multifunctional. The impact-rotary screwdriver, depending on the technical features and configuration, is determined by the following characteristics:

Reverse. A good tool will definitely have a reversible design. This function is not always needed, which is why they are absent on products from the USSR era. The presence of reverse affects the cost of the tool, but is not always justified by necessity
Material of manufacture. Products from the times of the USSR were made of steel, and in this form they went on sale. Modern models are rarely found without a surface coating, which is polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene. The presence of a coating on the metal base not only provides additional protection for the tool, but also eliminates the possibility of slipping and electric shock when working with electrical devices.
Lever. The role of the handle in a conventional tool is to apply physical force. In an impact screwdriver, the role of the handle is slightly different - it is an integral part of the impact-rotating mechanism, and is also intended to hold the product during work

This is interesting! Every home craftsman has encountered a situation where a fastening connection cannot be unscrewed. Typically, this situation is familiar to car owners when the rusty bolt securing the door canopies cannot be unscrewed. For such purposes, a special bit is put on the impact screwdriver, which performs the corresponding actions.

Bolt removal tool

Impact rotary devices are supplied with several options for replacement bits. Moreover, manufacturers equip their tools not only with Phillips and flat bits, but also with hexagons and an asterisk. Bits with different diameters do not have to be included in the set with the product, since ordinary bits from standard screwdrivers are suitable for such a screwdriver.

What are percussion instruments for? Everyone can answer this question independently as soon as they use the product. These tools will always come in handy if a home craftsman has them in his arsenal. If there is an urgent need to use a tool, but have not yet had time to buy it, then for this there is the possibility of making an impact screwdriver with your own hands.

Comparative characteristics of impact screwdrivers from different manufacturers

Topex impact screwdrivers are ideal for household needs.

Impact tools from the FORCE brand can be used not only by private users, but also by professionals who need an effective screwdriver every day. The most common model of this brand is FORCE 5064. It is of high quality and can withstand significant loads. These include working with a screwdriver in heavy industrial environments, service stations, etc. The tool is ready to serve for a long period, and during operation it is very effective.

If you want to purchase a quality product, you may prefer one that is produced within the walls of the KRAFTOOL plant. The German manufacturer guarantees quality and safety. However, before purchasing, you need to be prepared for the fact that screwdrivers from this company will have a slightly higher cost, but they cope with the installation and dismantling of threaded connections, in addition, they are superior to many analogues. In the kit you can find hardened impact bits made of chrome vanadium steel; for a long period they will cope with unscrewing stuck fasteners. The set includes 4 bits with a diameter of 36 mm, as well as 2 bits with a diameter of 75 mm.

Design of an impact screwdriver: 1 - nozzle, 2 - head, 3 - handle.

TOPEX percussion instruments are produced in Poland. If you are a home craftsman and need a screwdriver for private use, a product of the named brand will be just right, whereas for professionals, a tool of this level will not be enough.

How to make an impact screwdriver with your own hands

Many people probably already have a homemade impact screwdriver in their arsenal of tools. You can do it yourself without much effort. To make a homemade product you will need only one part - the car starter mechanism.

It is this mechanism that is best suited for the manufacture of such a tool. The process of making a tool with your own hands in the form of step-by-step instructions is described below:

From a car starter you only need a shaft.
You need to remove the rotor part from the shaft, for which you will need a grinder Do-it-yourself impact screwdriver from a car starter: cutting off the rotor winding
The shaft and bushing that remain after removing the winding will form the basis of the future tool.
Necessary elements for making the tool.
The tool is almost ready to use.
All that remains is to make the handle and heel, for which you will need a piece of pipe. An impact heel is made from a large diameter bolt. The head of the bolt is used as a heel. Additional parts for manufacturing are a piece of pipe and a bolt.
To combine all these elements, you need to use a welding machine. After welding the pipe and bolt to the shaft, at the final stage the resulting handle is wrapped with electrical tape

Ready tool

The percussion instrument is now ready for use. As you can see, making it with your own hands is not difficult. The disadvantage of a homemade device is its unpresentable appearance, as well as the lack of reverse.

Using the tool and how to use it correctly

Before using the device, it is necessary to pre-treat the fastening joint with brake fluid, solvent or WD-40. These liquids corrode rust, so their use will not only make the unscrewing process easier, but also speed it up.

After this, a percussion instrument is taken, into which a bit of the required type and diameter is installed. The tool should be positioned exclusively parallel to the leg of the hardware. Light blows are made with a hammer on the end of the device, holding it in one hand, and holding the device by the handle with the other.

Operation of the device

To increase the effectiveness of your actions, you need to hold the tool tightly. As soon as the fastening of the hardware begins to loosen, continue striking the tool until the hardware is unscrewed with a regular screwdriver.

This is interesting! If the tool in question does not have an effective effect, you should treat the hardware connection with brake fluid and leave it for 20-30 minutes. After this, the unscrewing procedure with an impact screwdriver must be repeated.

The effectiveness of the work performed also depends on the quality of the tool. Cheap options are aimed only at unscrewing small hardware products, so when choosing, be sure to focus on which fasteners you plan to unscrew.

When working with a tool, it is important to follow the safety rules:

Work is performed with gloves
Using a hammer weighing up to 0.5 kg
The blows are applied easily, as this is enough to set the hardware product in motion. If you miss and the blow lands on a finger or hand, the master will receive a minor injury

Advantages and disadvantages

Having analyzed a tool such as an impact screwdriver, you should note all its advantages and disadvantages. Based on these criteria, appropriate conclusions can be drawn about the benefits and necessity of such a device.

An impact screwdriver is the best assistant for a car mechanic.

The advantages of impact devices include:

Instead of applying physical force in the form of turning the handle of a screwdriver, impact energy is used, which is tens of times more effective than a conventional product
High speed of unscrewing fasteners
No need to drill out hardware that cannot be unscrewed

This is interesting! It is impossible to unscrew a rusty screw using a screwdriver or drill, since the torque reserve of these tools is not enough to set a strong connection in motion.

Among the disadvantages of an impact screwdriver, the following factors can be noted:

Although the tool is designed to be impacted, this will shorten its service life. The harder the hammer hits, the higher the likelihood of breaking the reciprocating mechanism.
Wear. Depending on the quality of steel used for the production of the device in question, the service life will differ

If you are planning to purchase an impact screwdriver that will definitely not lie idle, then you need to know that the cost of an average quality set starts from 3,000 rubles. The tool in question is also sold separately without bits, and its cost in this case starts from 1000 rubles. In the video below you can familiarize yourself with the design of a Chinese impact screwdriver, as well as the operating features of the tool.

The most popular manufacturers

Force brand products are used by both home craftsmen and experienced professionals. The most common model from this manufacturer is the Force 5064. This is a high-quality and very reliable tool that can easily withstand significant loads, which is why it is often used in service stations and in production.

Read also: Top screwdrivers price quality

Another manufacturer that has already proven itself to be excellent is the Kraftool company. But its products are characterized by a rather high cost.

Polish tools from the Topex brand are perfect for household use, as they are affordable and of acceptable quality. The CrV steel alloy, which is particularly durable, protects the tool from mechanical damage, extending the service life of the product. The magnetic tip, which has undergone a hardening procedure, greatly facilitates the use of the breaker tool. This type of impact screwdriver is used mainly in everyday life, but they have also proven themselves in production.

Jonnesway brand products are considered the most versatile, so they are suitable for both industry and everyday use. Many note that this tool is characterized by an optimal ratio of quality and cost. The screwdriver is very durable and has excellent performance parameters. Professionals often choose this manufacturer, as it fully lives up to its price and expectations.