On 7/13/2010 10:39 AM, Bob F wrote:
Steve B wrote:
wrote in message
...
Nonny wrote:
Harbor Freight sells one of those "tools you put in your toolbox and
only get out rarely when all else has failed." It's called an impact
screwdriver. They've been around forever, and the one I just got
cost less than what I paid for one 55 years ago.

What they are is a very heavy solid steel handle with a coarse
pitched screw thread inside, so to speak. Inside the threaded area
is a mated shaft with reversing toggle, and on the end of the shaft
is a hex holder for various screwdriver bits. The tool is a heavy
duty version of the Yankee drill we all remember. They have a
socket wrench-type of shaft and apparently can also be used on
bolts, but I've never tried that, since I have a pneumatic wrench
that works well. Their best application is in loosening frozen
screws, where an inward application of force and twisting motion is
needed. To use the impact screwdriver, you place the appropriate bit in the
holder and hold the screwdriver firmly while tapping on it with a
hammer. The impact forces the bit into the screw, helping to
prevent the head from stripping, while the coarse threads make the
bit twist just a tad. Usually, that's enough to break loose a
frozen screw if you're lucky, and you then follow up with a regular
screwdriver to finish the job.

The first one I had I bought as a teen to work on my motorcycle's
engine and had it for around 40 years. During that 40 years, I
probably had to use it a dozen times at the most. However, each and
every time it saved the day for me. The one Harbor Freight sells
appears to be a clone of my old one and I suspect it'll serve the
purpose longer than I'll ever need. Nonny


Put a screwdriver bit in your impact drill. Same thing.

--
LSMFT

Wrong.

Agree. Anyone who can say that doesn't have a clue what an impact driver does.



second that. One is totally different than the other.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email