Everyone who has done plumbing work at least once has encountered the problem of rusted fasteners. This happens especially often when repairing used equipment. Attempts to unscrew a tightly rusted screw with an electric screwdriver or unscrew the nut by hand are often unsuccessful. This often damages both the fastener itself and the tool. For such difficult cases, an impact or impact screwdriver is intended.
Tools in the set
A good set of reversible screwdrivers with removable bits includes the following items:
• Screwdriver (can be of several varieties, different sizes and with different types of handles)
• Bit holder (ordinary screwdriver, can be either with a straight or a T-shaped handle)
• Extensions (allow you to reach fasteners in deep holes or narrow, hard-to-reach places)
• Set of bits with slots for various fasteners
• Socket heads of different sizes, up to 13mm
• Adapters for socket heads
There are ratcheting screwdriver sets available for precision work.
They are easily recognized by the small size of the tools included.
An important element here is a flexible extension cord, without which it will be difficult to disassemble some connections in modern electronics.
Operating principle of an impact screwdriver
A screwdriver is an elementary-class tool that has a long history of existence, is used in various fields of work, and allows you to unscrew screw-type elements without using significant force through manual action.
For many years, locksmiths and professional workers have been using an impact screwdriver, the purpose of which is to unscrew rusty or tightly screwed bolts and screws. In such situations, a traditional device is not used, since breaking off an “ingrown” screw requires a lot of effort, which is not always successful, and the process may result in damage to the tool. An impact screwdriver will help you move the screw from a dead point. This tool differs from the traditional device in its reinforced metal body and the presence of monolithic, durable attachments for different types of reamings at the end of the hardware.
A special feature of the functioning of the mechanism is the reverse process under impact force: the bit of the device rotates slightly under pushing pressure, allowing the fastener to be rotated a few millimeters, which is enough for further unhindered unscrewing with standard tools.
The use of an impact screwdriver is important at the initial stage of unscrewing problematic hardware, as well as at the final stage of screwing in fasteners, to eliminate the possibility of them loosening during operation of the connected device.
How to make a small screwdriver quickly and efficiently
When you don’t have a screwdriver at hand, but have a bit from a screwdriver, you can make a screwdriver yourself. How to make it? In this article I will tell you and show you how to assemble an excellent screwdriver from scrap materials in a few minutes.
The big advantage of such a screwdriver is that without having a long handle, it can get into small or narrow places. It is with its compact shape that it is able to tighten any bolt.
When repairing a car, a problem often arises with unscrewing/twisting both bolts and screws into hard-to-reach places.
I took the bit from my screwdriver and decided to use it instead of a screwdriver. Unfortunately, she was unable to turn it. Fingers slip with any influence on it.
We make a screwdriver with our own hands from what we have!
Necessary elements for our homemade screwdriver:
- Bit - 2 pcs.;
- Large washers - 2 pcs.;
- Bolt with nut - 1 pc.
Assembling the screwdriver is the simplest. Let's get started!
You may have a question: “Why use 2 bits?”
I answer: “This is necessary for fastening. The washers will fit tightly both on the working bit and on the bit that will be in the form of an equalizer side. If we leave only one working bit, then after we tighten the bolt, the washers will adhere more strongly to the side in which there are no parts, and the opposite side will expand. And the kind of fastening we need will not be created.
The following steps should be followed:
Step 2: Glue the parts together
If you have a spare bit(s) and you don’t mind leaving it in this form, then you can fill our structure with glue or epoxy resin. Depending on what someone has at home.
Our little tool is completely ready for its intended purposes. And we ensured that our clubs did not slip. Relying on the ends of the washers, we have a large contact surface and can easily tighten the bolts and screws.
If stronger clamping (tightening) of bolts or screws is required, you can increase the lever of action by simply inserting a metal tool between the washers and tightening it stronger.
Source
Basic rules for working with the tool, what you need to know
Despite the fact that the body is made of durable chrome vanadium alloy, when working with an impact screwdriver you need to know a few rules:
- The operating principle of an impact screwdriver, which is based on simultaneous rotation and impact, must be tightly inserted into the screw head, otherwise the slot will simply curl up, and further removal of the screw will be very problematic.
- To achieve the best result, it is necessary to “prepare” the screw to be removed - moisten it with automobile brake fluid or kerosene; these liquids penetrate deep into the joint and make it possible to remove the screw with less effort.
- When working with an impact screwdriver, you do not need to apply excessive force; it is enough to have a standard hammer of 300 or 500 grams.
- You need to strike lightly, but firmly, without tilting the hammer and the butt of the screwdriver to the side, the blow should be hard.
- After each blow, it is recommended to check the screw for movement; as a rule, one or two blows are enough for the screw to give way.
- During operation, the screwdriver must be held tightly in your hand, and under no circumstances should it be allowed to rotate or change its angle.
Using an Impact Screwdriver
And since when working with an impact screwdriver, as well as when working with any tool, you must follow safety rules, it is recommended to carry out all work wearing protective gloves.
They most likely will not save you from being hit with a hammer if you miss the screwdriver, but it will definitely be more convenient to hold the tool.
Thus, the use of such a special tool as an impact screwdriver can significantly reduce the time and effort when removing difficult-to-release screw connections.
In fact, this is a very convenient and necessary tool in the workshop arsenal.
You can watch the video on how to use an impact screwdriver:
Noticed a mistake? Select it and press Ctrl+Enter to let us know.
Greetings! In this video I will tell you and show you in practice how to use an impact screwdriver. That is, its use in practice, in order to carefully unscrew soured bolts and at the same time preserve their condition. As a rule, we need such a tool for unscrewing bolts with a head: for a cross (plus), for a flat screwdriver (minus), for asterisks and hexagons
Due to the fact that such bolts should be unscrewed carefully - so as not to damage (lick) the edges, otherwise. You will have to suffer quite a lot to unscrew such a bolt. And for these purposes, an impact screwdriver is ideal.
Because she loyally unscrews and breaks the bolts into motion. But you will learn about all this in the video itself!
And for these purposes, an impact screwdriver is ideal. Because she loyally unscrews and breaks the bolts into motion. But you will learn about all this in the video itself!
Link to this video:
In the process of carrying out plumbing work, each person may encounter a problem in the form of rusted fasteners. You can try to unscrew them using a regular screwdriver, but this may not always work. There is a possibility of tearing off the splines or, worst of all, damaging the tip of the tool.
The most difficult job involves removing steel bolts from metal bases. Rust is a strong connector between these two elements, making it extremely difficult to separate them. But with an impact screwdriver, this problem turns into a small nuisance that anyone can handle.
Rules for using the tool
An impact screwdriver is not an essential tool, so for many consumers the question of how to properly use the device to unscrew problem bolts is more than relevant. A user manual is included with the toolkit, if it is certified and belongs to the category of quality products from reliable manufacturers; however, inexpensive screwdrivers may not be supplied with such regulations. It is possible to figure out on your own how to use an impact screwdriver using the method of experiments and calculations, however, such tests can cause the tool to break if used incorrectly, or damage the working surface when trying to unscrew the hardware, which is also not always acceptable for the work performer. Operation of the product requires strict adherence to the manufacturer’s regulations, which will allow you to effectively cope with the task.
It is not difficult to use an impact-turning screwdriver in practice, since the tool has a vectorial purpose to reduce human effort when it is necessary to remove rusted screw hardware and make the unscrewing process as easy as possible.
To achieve the desired result, you should follow the following basic rules:
- Before proceeding with the actual removal of screw hardware, it is worth preparing the working surface. The process involves removing dirt and obvious rust from the surface of the hardware and the area around it.
- Treat the loose hardware with a chemical that helps remove rusty deposits. For this purpose, professionals recommend using WD-40 cleaner; however, kerosene, gasoline or brake fluid also does a good job.
- Next, you should start working directly with an impact screwdriver, having prepared the tool for use, and a regular hammer of medium size.
- When working with an impact screwdriver, you must begin by fixing its tip in the slotted head of the hardware, maintaining the perpendicularity of the position of the tool relative to the axis of rotation of the element being unscrewed.
- Strike the end part of the handle with a hammer. The impact force should be of medium intensity to avoid breakage or damage to the slot. At the same time, you need to monitor the hardware so as not to miss the moment when it starts to rotate.
- As soon as the screw moves from its dead point, put the tool down. Continue unscrewing the hardware using a standard type screwdriver.
When operating products equipped with a reverse motion, professionals advise adjusting the tightening mode of the fastener after the first shift of the screw head. The procedure will allow you to tighten the element after several light blows with a hammer, which will facilitate more effective removal of rust over the entire surface of the hardware. After this procedure, unscrewing the screw will be much easier.
When studying the regulations on how to operate an impact screwdriver, do not forget about safety precautions. It is necessary to work in protective gloves, in order to avoid the handle slipping in your hands, and do not make too intense blows, so as not to provoke the bit to slip off the screw head, which can result in injury to the worker.
Impact screwdriver bits
Advantages and disadvantages of the tool
Like any tool, such a screwdriver has its advantages and disadvantages . Working with it, experts note a number of key advantages:
- Effective distribution of impact energy.
- Much less need for physical effort. The classic version requires stronger and more intense blows.
- Possibility of operation without the help of a partner.
As for the disadvantages, they are practically absent, however, if the basic rules are not followed during operation, such disadvantages often appear:
- Possibility of damage to the impact-rotating unit. The version of the simplest impact screwdriver is made of a monolithic structure, so its service life exceeds the modernized solution. To prevent unexpected damage, it is enough to avoid too strong impacts on the impact-rotating mechanism.
- Tendency to wear out quickly. Gear teeth and races are very exposed to friction associated with shock loads. With prolonged use, their service life deteriorates significantly.
Kernel
Screwdriver shafts can vary in length, diameter, shape and strength. The strength characteristics of a rod are characterized by its hardness. According to GOST, it should be in the range of 47-52 HRC. If the hardness is lower, the rod may bend, if higher, it may crack. It is possible to ensure satisfactory hardness by using high-alloy chrome-vanadium steel, in which case “CR-V” or “chrome-vanadium” may be written on the rod. But such an inscription does not always guarantee quality, because it is not difficult for unscrupulous manufacturers to apply it. Conversely, famous manufacturers do not always write what, in their opinion, goes without saying. To ensure corrosion resistance, various protective coatings are sometimes applied to the rods. Sometimes the rods are covered with rubber or plastic, this makes the work of electricians easier, but it makes the rod thicker than the tip, so it is not always possible to reach the head of the fastener, which is deeply recessed into the part.
The length of the rod is usually 100-200 mm. For working in tight spaces, screwdrivers with a short shaft and a shortened handle are produced. If the fastener is located in a hard-to-reach place, it is more advisable to use a screwdriver with a long shaft and take a telescopic screwdriver with an adjustable extension of the shaft.
The diameter of the rod depends on the size of the tip and the loads for which the tool is designed. The cross-section of the rod can be not only round, but also hexagonal or square. This shape allows you to grip the rod with a wrench and provide more torque.
We must not forget that the rod must not only be durable, it must be securely fixed in the handle. This factor cannot be controlled visually, so unscrupulous manufacturers often pay insufficient attention to fixing the rod, and over time it begins to rotate. You can safely throw away such a screwdriver, because it will not be possible to revive it.
Sometimes the shaft of a screwdriver extends through the entire handle and ends at a heel that can be struck with a hammer. This screwdriver will come in handy if you need to unscrew a screw with a painted slot.
Impact screwdriver - how to use this “device” correctly and is it possible to make it yourself
Today, the Force impact screwdriver is very popular among builders—you can learn how to use it from the article. It is indispensable in cases where you need to unscrew a “welded” self-tapping screw or screw. An ordinary screwdriver is not intended for such “extreme” work, since its tip will quickly be damaged and it will become unusable.
What is an impact screwdriver? ↑
The video shows a cordless impact rotary screwdriver
In appearance, this instrument is not very similar to its ordinary “brother”. Its body is more durable and is made of metal, since it must withstand hammer blows without harm.
As a rule, this tool comes with two attachments - one for a Phillips screwdriver, and the other for a flat-head screwdriver. The connecting part into which these attachments are inserted has a square shape, which means that socket heads can also be secured in it, allowing you to work not only with screws and self-tapping screws, but also with bolts and nuts.
This is especially important for those who repair cars, where fasteners are known to often “stick” to parts. The screwdriver body is made with the addition of chrome vanadium alloy, giving it greater strength
The tool is sold both separately and with a large set of various accessories.
The screwdriver body is made with the addition of chrome vanadium alloy, which gives it greater strength. The tool is sold both separately and with a large set of various components.
The nozzles must be just as durable and not “collapse” after the first blow, so when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the metal from which they are made. The most durable attachments are made from an alloy of nickel, chromium and molybdenum
The most durable attachments are made from an alloy of nickel, chromium and molybdenum.
An impact rotating screwdriver can not only unscrew old fasteners, but also install new ones in their place. It also screws in “forever” - the fasteners fixed with it can only be dismantled with it.
Operating principle ↑
Cordless screwdriver - on video
First, let's look at the operating principle of this tool. When you hit the end with a hammer, the lower part of the tool and the attachment are rotated with a force sufficient for even the most firmly seated fastener to begin to rotate.
To simplify the work, rusty fasteners must first be wiped with a rag soaked in brake fluid. Then the screwdriver is installed on the head of the hardware (if possible, strictly perpendicular).
After this, you need to hit the end of the tool with a hammer. The success of the work here largely depends on how firmly the screwdriver is fixed in the hand.
When the fastener rotates around its axis a few degrees, you need to hit it with a hammer two or three more times and switch the screwdriver to the tightening mode and apply several blows again. This will help “shake off” rust from the fastener threads and make further unscrewing easier.
Once the fastener has moved out of place, it can be unscrewed with a regular screwdriver. If the hardware still does not want to give in, you need to moisten it again with brake fluid and wait about half an hour. After such a “bath”, even the most “harmful” fasteners should give in.
However, there may be exceptions - in this case you will simply have to break it out.
Selecting a hammer for working with an impact screwdriver should be based on the recommendations of the screwdriver manufacturer.
How to make an impact screwdriver with your own hands? ↑
You can make this useful tool yourself. To do this, you will need a rotor from any small electric motor, from which you need to cut everything off so that only the bushing and shaft remain.
A suitable piece of metal pipe is placed on the sleeve, which will serve as a handle. From the opposite end, a large nut is inserted into the piece of pipe, which will prevent the handle from breaking under the blow of a hammer.
Then all attached parts are welded together.
The end of the shaft must be sharpened into a square shape, just like a commercial screwdriver. A homemade instrument will turn out no worse.
In addition, the larger the rotor, the more powerful the screwdriver will be, which means that for successful work you will need to put in a little effort.
The force of the hammer hitting a homemade tool needs to be regulated, since with a powerful impact the slots on the fasteners can be torn off.
Instructions for use
To successfully unscrew a rusted fastener, it is enough to treat it with a rag or a special product in time. Then the screwdriver is installed on the head of the hardware, preferably perpendicular to it. At the next stage, several blows are made with a hammer on the end of the screwdriver. The success of the upcoming event directly depends on the strength of the tool in the worker’s hand. To eliminate the possibility of your palm sliding along the handle, it is enough to wear a glove, which will significantly reduce the risk of serious hand injuries. If the fastener changes its direction angle relative to the axis, it is enough to make a few more intense blows, and then change the operating mode to tightening. In this case, you will effectively get rid of rust and significantly simplify the remaining work of unscrewing. If the fastener moves out of place, it can be removed using a regular screwdriver.
It is possible that after performing the above actions, the hardware will not change its direction and will remain in the same position. To solve the problem, simply treat the connecting fasteners with high-quality brake fluid, waiting about 30 minutes. Under the influence of such a “bath”, the upcoming dismantling will be as successful as possible, even if the fasteners are very rusty.
If this does not solve the issue, you will have to break out the fasteners. In this case, it is advisable to use a strong hammer and carefully follow the dismantling instructions.
To carry out dismantling work, you should use the following tools:
- Impact screwdriver.
- With a hammer.
- With a rag.
- Brake fluid.
Specifications
If you are going to purchase a screwdriver in a store, be prepared to understand the key technical characteristics and equipment of a particular model.
When reviewing these characteristics, it is not necessary to talk about the build quality and reliability of the material from which the tool is made. Trusted companies never use low-quality steel to produce such products.
You should pay attention to the presence of a reverse, which significantly expands the basic capabilities of the device, allowing you not only to unscrew rusty connections, but also to firmly tighten the screw in the place where it is needed. The next important factor is represented by the design of the handle, which is intended to hold the device and the body
If there is a polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene lining on the body, it is much more convenient to hold the screwdriver. If the pad has a “bulge” in the heel part, this has a positive effect on operational safety. In most cases, screwdriver manufacturers follow two paths:
The next important factor is represented by the design of the handle, which is intended to hold the device and the body. If there is a polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene lining on the body, it is much more convenient to hold the screwdriver. If the pad has a “bulge” in the heel part, this has a positive effect on operational safety. In most cases, screwdriver manufacturers follow two paths:
- The dimensions of the case do not change, while the screwdriver remains highly reliable, but cannot be used in extreme and cramped conditions.
- To expand the scope of application and improve ease of use, the dimensions of the metal case are reduced, although the reliability of the tool suffers because of this. When choosing the ideal solution, you should carefully weigh all the features and only then make a purchase.
It is no secret that popular brands produce screwdrivers along with an additional set of attachments, because without these elements the tool is simply ineffective. The screwdriver comes with a holder for standard bits, and the kit also includes several universal bits.
The market for such products is overflowing with attachments for various splines and hexagons. When purchasing these parts, be careful and consider the build quality. This is a very important parameter that determines the reliability of operation and service life of the screwdriver.
Marking
To ensure that a screwdriver fits a particular fastener, you need to pay attention to its markings.
In accordance with state standard requirements, it encodes not only the type of slot, but also the length of the rod and the number of the fastener.
For example, the marking РН3×150mm indicates that the tool has a cross slot (РН).
This slot is suitable for fasteners with a diameter corresponding to number 3 (5-7mm), and the length of the rod is 150mm.
Often the marking also contains information about the material from which the tool is made.
Thus, the abbreviation CrMo indicates that the working part is made of chromium-molybdenum alloy.
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.
Read also: DIY tipper lift
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
The manufacturer includes Russian-language instructions for the hand tool.
Special screwdrivers types
Unlike traditional Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, the scope of which is very, very wide, tools with a specific tip shape are suitable exclusively for working with certain types of fastener splines.
For example, to repair an iPhone you need a special Pentalobe screwdriver.
Models 4, 4S, 5 and 5S use so-called “five-point anti-vandal screws”.
Their slot shape resembles a star with rounded tops.
In the repair of miniature devices, electronics of mobile phones, players, game consoles, special high-precision screwdrivers are used.
Their tips are sharpened in full accordance with the shape of the slot of small screws.
Special watch screwdrivers occupy a special place among the tools.
They are designed to work with even the smallest watch movements.
An extremely small tip, capable of magnetizing bolts, ensures maximum ease of use.
These screwdrivers are made specifically for precision work.
Among special screwdrivers, universal tools occupy a special place.
They consist of a set of tips (bits) and a handle with a lock.
This way you can use one tool with attachments for most fastener splines.
Another type of special tool is indicator screwdrivers.
They are poorly suited for working with fasteners, and their main function is to determine phase and zero in AC networks.
Advanced models have electronic filling.
They allow you to determine the positive and negative poles of direct current.
They show the network voltage and are used to search for hidden wiring in wall panels.
Dielectric screwdrivers
These are special tools for working with electrical networks and power equipment, the voltage of which does not exceed 1000V.
The handle of such screwdrivers is made of polycarbonate or polyethylene with a polyformaldehyde coating, which ensures safety.
Reversible screwdrivers
This is another type of special tool.
Designed for tightening or unscrewing fasteners without removing the tip from them.
Impact screwdriver and small bits
ALEXEYASB
18-12-2012 13:12
Great big help. This is the situation. It is necessary to disassemble the IZH-43KN, the screws do not turn, I boiled it, poured WD-40, heated it but they do not turn and that’s it. I bought an impact screwdriver with 4 large bits, which I was able to unscrew, but there were still small screws that the large slot did not fit into.
The slot was reduced a little with a grinder, but there is no point in reducing it any further, in case larger ones appear later. So the question in general is this: I want to find an adapter from a large bit to a small one, or an adapter with 4-sided bits for small bits or small bits for an impact response. I visited all the stores in the area, there are only small bits or just impact screwdrivers in the stores, everyone shrugs, there is also some kind of silence on the Internet.
Can anyone give me a tip on where to look or maybe there are other devices?
bemi
18-12-2012 16:49
M.b., buy an L-shaped hexagon of the required number, cut off the straight part and grind one end to a standard square.
Adapters from a square to a small bit are everywhere.
Also, maybe it will help. It was possible to remove very tight screws with a screwdriver (with high torque).
It seems that with a hand with a good lever-knob the force is greater, but it doesn’t work. And Shurik - please. And it’s easier to hit with a shurik, you press on the bat exactly along the axis of rotation, the bit won’t slip. But drums are certainly better.
ALEXEYASB
12/19/2012 09:38quote:Originally posted by bemi: Adapters from a square to a small bit are everywhere.
Operating principle of an impact screwdriver
The simplest version of such a screwdriver is made in the form of a special tool with a monolithic core, which begins with a tip and ends with a massive heel in the handle area. This product was in demand back in the days of the Soviet Union.
Modern models are equipped with a hexagon near the tip or on the handle, so they are able to transmit rotational force from the key. To successfully complete the task, it is advisable to use a screwdriver together, since one worker will be able to hold the tip in the screw slot and create torque with a wrench, while the other will strike the back of the handle with a hammer.
True, such a solution has some disadvantages. Among them:
- The need for two partners to work together.
- Lack of conversion of received energy into torque. Hammer blows only unscrew a self-tapping screw or screw, since they are capable of destroying rust and creating a certain vibration. The version of the impact-rotary screwdriver is more advanced, so it can transform the impact force into a rotational movement of the tip, which is very convenient.
In most cases, the term “impact screwdriver” means precisely a modernized solution, since the classic simplest version has long gone out of common use and has ceased to enjoy its former popularity.
In the improved version, the impact-rotating unit is located in the handle, and the sting is fixed on the gear and has characteristic oblique teeth. A clip with counter teeth is used as a handle. Under the influence of hammer blows on the heel of the handle, the clip begins to move along the axis, imparting a rotational movement to the tip through a gear drive.
In this way, a rotation of several degrees occurs, which is quite enough to loosen the protective connection and successfully unscrew the fastener using a conventional tool. As a result, the clip returns to its previous position by means of a spring.
Operating such a screwdriver is not difficult at all. The rotary mechanism is capable of providing a combined translational and rotational force on the screw slot, which is very effective for successfully unscrewing stubborn threaded connections.
Principle of operation
According to its principle, the operation of the tool is quite simple and there are no difficulties when using it. After hitting the end surface with a hammer, the element rotates on the bottom of the screwdriver. This rotating force is quite enough to dismantle strong fasteners.
To simplify the work process, you can pre-lubricate the fasteners with brake fluid. After this, you need to install the tool at a right angle to the head of the hardware and use a hammer to strike the end of the screwdriver. After noticeable rotation of the fasteners, you can continue unscrewing using a regular screwdriver.
