Impact driver....why?

smiffy · Post by **smiffy** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 7:39 pm

Right apologies first for being a thick t*at,

but can someone please tell me what use an impact driver is for DIY? Then I can go and buy one

Cannyfixit · Post by **Cannyfixit** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 7:46 pm

are we talking manual or electric however they both do the same job

From Wikipedia

An impact driver is a hand tool that delivers a strong, sudden torque after being struck by a hammer. In conjunction with toughened socket sets, they are often used by mechanics to loosen larger bolts and nuts that are frozen or over-torqued in place.

skiking · Post by **skiking** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:07 pm

Go buy one then you will realise how good they are

I'm a DIYer and had heard a lot about them but couldn't understand the fuss. Got given one (Ryobi One+) and soon realised how good they are

. The plus side of them is that it is 'hammering' the screw in as well so its easier in harder wood (altho' sh*t screws will snap) and then go in more secure - try taking one out with a normal screwdriver

.

I've even used it to put drywall screws in

Hitch · Post by **Hitch** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:15 pm

Increased torque, for reduced size compared to a normal cordless drill/driver.

The screw is 'hammered' in a rotary motion, so when the going get tough they just keep going.

Obviously you can fit them in far smaller spaces than a conventional driver.

Far less 'cam out' (when the bit jumps round in the screw) hardly ever does it infact.

Faster, as you can use larger screws with no pilots, no check to mess around with, justa quick release 1/4"hex chuck (unsess your talking square drive models)

Good for doing bolts too, with a socket adaptor.

Good for taking out damaged screws too, or loosening very tight ones.

Whatever you buy, spend anothe £20 on some quality screwdriver bits for it, something like Wera ones.

Teabag · Post by **Teabag** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:21 pm

Its been along time since ive used an impact driver, didnt know they made powered ones lol...
but if I remember correctly an impact driver is sprung loaded and when you hit it, it powers the pushing force and rotation force via the spring into the direction selected... making the power given incredible and usually does the job intended.
Very handy tool. think i still own one not sure...
didnt look b4 posting the post prior to mine is spot on!

smiffy · Post by **smiffy** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:30 pm

That's good enough for me I'll get one soon. Many thanks to you all.

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:09 pm

Here ya go smiffy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcIQr3KMZw

Borderglazer · Post by **Borderglazer** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:30 am

Hi Smiffy,
I was a bit dubious about the merits of an impact driver until i bought a Ryobi one+ 18v one,ive just finished a job in which i had to drive 1700 screws (most of them 5x100mm) into 9x2 joists and i must say what a tool!

i must invest in some impact bits although the bosch titanium ones stood up to the abuse well.

The best buy ive made for a long time.

Joe

smiffy · Post by **smiffy** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:11 pm

Only-Me, thanks for the link to the video. VERY impressed.

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:20 pm

Borderglazer wrote:Hi Smiffy,
I was a bit dubious about the merits of an impact driver until i bought a Ryobi one+ 18v one,ive just finished a job in which i had to drive 1700 screws (most of them 5x100mm) into 9x2 joists and i must say what a tool!

Excellent news

- I have just bought one of those , but not used it yet - Got it lined up for a few loose floorboards with some Spax screws initially. Not much of a test compared to yours, mind

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:46 pm

Just used it to drive in the Spax 4.5 x 60 Flooring Screws.

Excellent Screws - beats the Turbogolds IMO

Exellent Driver - wicked noise

Borderglazer · Post by **Borderglazer** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:28 pm

Told ya! it scared the crap out of me when it first started impacting (?) the screw then i was grinning like a cheshire cat!

Joe

chippymike · Post by **chippymike** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:14 pm

i just got myself a 18v ryobi one plus impact driver, drill driver, 2batteries and charger for £69.99 from B&Q thats the same price as a bare one plus impact driver

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:15 pm

chippymike wrote:i just got myself a 18v ryobi one plus impact driver, drill driver, 2batteries and charger for £69.99 from B&Q thats the same price as a bare one plus impact driver

Super Deal

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:26 pm

Nice deal Mike.