Impact Screwdriver

Every now and then Harbor Freight has something that turns out to be really useful. I picked up this impact screwdriver to remove the screws in the Jeepster door hinges. I've had a set of 'screw knockers' for a long time (they work with a pneumatic impact hammer) but I like this better. Works good on 9" brake drum screws and rusted bolts.

The hex bit adapter is 1/2" square drive. I used it to loosen the exhaust manifold nuts on my F-head. Worked on all but one. Hint - drill out the center of a couple of nuts and stack them inside the the socket so that the shock of the hammer strike hits the nut at the same time that the driver applys rotating force.

 

Fantastic tool. Saved my bacon many times. Also available for ⅜" drive.

Indispensible for Phillips heads - like in motorcycle engine covers, or corroded woodworking screws.
Hint - Grind a little off the phillips tip, so it doesn't bottom out.

For under $15 delivered, how can you NOT have one?

 

I have a problem. I have drive right past HF on the way home from work every day

 

Admitting your problem is the first step.

I never found out what the second one is.

 

I have one, they work great. I bought the Napa version, as my old town didn't have a harbor freight.

 

Might have to pick one up.

 

I have 2 impact drives with 3/8" square socket drive. What a great tool.... that I always forget I own until after I just busted/rounded/snapped a fastener.

 

what do you want to form a new group . HF anonymous
that's like a kid in candy store

 

Zombie thread!

Looking to buy one of these, not necessarily the HF version.

Is there any better benefit to having the 1/2" drive over the 3/8"? Why are they typically offered in two drive sizes?

 

I have both and see no difference other than convenience. Maybe it just depends what drive-size sockets you have the most of.

 

I've had one since I was a kid, purchased for this specific purpose. I think I used it on some jeep windshield hinges a couple of years back. Minnesota rust on vehicles can get quite bad.

 

The Harbor Freight bits are too brittle and shatter. Learned this the hard way. Went to SnapOn and Cornwell and never broke a bit afterward.

 

I bought my generic hand impact driver around 1974 to get case screws out of my old Hondas. I still have it today, with a very mushroomed head. Its about the only thing to get the door hinges off old Willys Wagons and FCs.
-Donny

 

Jeepster Commandos, too!

 

I have this one Impact Screwdriver Sets | Tekton
Really happy with it.

 

I bought a Tekton torque wrench about a month ago. This: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FMPKAD0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've used it several times and have been pleased with it. Plus I like the fact it comes with a case. Kinda wish I had bought the 1/2" drive version.

 

That's the one I have had for many years. Motorcycle case screws.