There is a playful saying: “A screw hammered with a hammer holds tighter than a nail twisted with a screwdriver.” Many home craftsmen have tried to combine the impact force of a hammer and the torque of a screwdriver.
This usually ended in tool failure. Finally, an impact screwdriver was invented, in which the impact force is correctly converted into torque.
Actually, the principle of operation of an impact screwdriver is similar to the operation of a jumper. The locksmith holds the handle in one hand, and the second strikes with a hammer on the butt.
There are two main types of power screwdrivers that work on the principle of a chisel:
shock.
This is the modified jumper. Only the main purpose, not working as a jackhammer - but still loosening and tightening screws.
Distinctive feature tool - the tip of the screwdriver runs through the entire length, from the working slots to the heel of the handle. At the same time, it is monolithic, no joints or welding joints are allowed. Of course, only high-quality alloy steel is used for the manufacture of such tools.
To realize the full potential of the screwdriver, the tip is shaped like a hexagon. A square or turnkey hexagon may also be present on the heel of the handle. Of course - he is one with the sting.
How to use an impact screwdriver? For greater efficiency it's better to work together. The slotted part is mounted on a screw to be unscrewed (twisted), a key is put on the hexagon, and at the same time with a torque force, frequent short blows are applied to the back.
An assistant should work with a hammer, being careful not to hit the main worker's hand.
Soured screws are given away due to vibration, and are easily unscrewed. However, this type of screwdriver cannot provide a direct conversion of the impact force into torque. Tapping with a hammer on the handle only helps to unscrew or tighten the "heavy" screw.
Important! Many would-be craftsmen use impact screwdrivers as a bolt. It is unacceptable.
Firstly
, - for these purposes there is a specialized tool, more durable and massive. In addition, a real jumper has a hand protection in the form of a rubberized fungus. If the hammer comes off the heel of the impact screwdriver handle, you can seriously injure your hand.
Secondly
, - when using a screwdriver as a percussion tool, it will very soon be hopelessly damaged. And the cost of such equipment is much higher than a simple jumper. 
There is also a simpler version of an impact screwdriver, familiar to you from Soviet times. The monolithic body with two wooden plates provides a reliable transmission of force to large screws. If you could not resist, and used a screwdriver as a chisel, you can always restore the slots with a file.
Shock-swivel.
This rather complex mechanical tool combines two power components: a blow to the end part, in addition to direct impact, is converted into torque.
The principle of operation resembles an impact drill. The splined part, with a sufficiently strong turning force, is affected by vibration from tapping with a hammer.
Important! This screwdriver can be used alone.
This saves time and health. The probability that you will hit your own fingers tends to zero.
The mechanism of the rotary impact screwdriver is located inside the handle.
It is a gimlet with a small angle of twist relative to the axis. Rather, it is a gear with oblique teeth. It is affected by a clip-ratchet. When hitting the heel of the handle, the clip moves forward, and the gear scrolls in the direction selected by the switch.
As a result, two forces are transmitted to the working nozzle - rotating and translational. They operate in sync.
The advantage of the design is the effective use of the impact force, the versatility of the tool. The advantages include less effort with which hammer blows are applied.
The disadvantage is that the design is not monolithic, so the force must be dosed. The mechanical part is subject to wear.
And, of course, the price. Similar devices quite expensive (we are not talking about Chinese and Polish disposable fakes).
What materials are impact screwdriver handles made of?
The handle of the impact screwdriver serves both as a handle and as a housing for the mechanism. In addition to structural strength (it is necessary to hold the mechanical part), the handle also performs the role of protection for the hands of the master.
Steel body-handles.
This tool belongs to the category of professional. The strong steel case is also a clip for the turning mechanism. The absence of extra layers on the handle allows you to place a screwdriver in hard-to-reach places. The one-piece design provides precise force metering and excellent process control.
Such a tool is usually supplied in the form of kits with various nozzles. Anyway, the design is not monolithic, and therefore it can be supplemented with a universal cartridge for standard bits.
Only when buying additional nozzles, you should remember about increased loads, and not save on quality.
Component handles
The case of the screwdriver mechanism is covered with a rubberized sheath. The material can be different - polyurethane, rigid polyethylene. The main thing is to provide shock damping and a strong hold in the hand. In the heel of the handle, a tide is usually made in the form of a fungus. As on a bolt - it gives additional protection hands in case of an inaccurate hit with a hammer.
The soft handle cannot be part of the mechanism, the load is too great. Therefore, the question of the size of the power unit (and, therefore, the margin of safety) sharply arises. If the mechanical part is left powerful and overall, as in products with a steel handle, the overall dimensions of the screwdriver will not allow working in cramped conditions.
Reducing the size reduces the strength of the tool, but makes it more convenient.
You can always choose the option that meets your needs.
Use of an impact screwdriver.
At first glance, it may seem that the tool serves as a replacement for a screwdriver. These tools cannot perform each other's functions. An impact screwdriver is used either for the final tightening of a screw connection with great effort, or for “breaking off” a soured thread.
Important! For high-quality tightening, and especially thread stripping, there is no need to hit the handle hard with a hammer. Even tapping with short, precise strokes is much more effective.
DIY impact screwdriver
Despite the complexity of the design, such a tool can be made by hand. Of course, it is not required to grind a gear-gimlet on a CNC router. Spare parts are available at any car disassembly. The starter mechanism is ideal for this purpose.
A rotor with windings is cut off from the shaft.
The remaining shaft and sleeve will serve as the basis of the mechanism. On the sleeve we grind a square for interchangeable heads.
From a piece of pipe we make a handle, from a powerful bolt - a shock heel.
After welding the structure together - it turned out finished tool.
Let it not be as presentable as a factory one - but the cost tends to zero. And reliability is beyond doubt.
Having trouble loosening rusty bolts? I suggest you try to make a screwdriver yourself, which will allow you to unscrew almost anything!
Sometimes there are cases when it is necessary to unscrew a heavily rusted bolt or, for example, screws with stripped edges. You can't do it with a normal tool. And here such a simple tool will come to your aid, which you can easily make yourself. I will tell you how to do it using the example of a rotor from a faulty Zaporozhets electric starter.
First of all, we cut off the part of the rotor shaft on which the winding is located (see photo 1), and then, with the rest, remove all unnecessary.
As a result, we get only the shaft and the sleeve (see photo 2).
We put a piece of pipe on the sleeve, which will serve as a handle for us. From the other end, we insert a plug from the trim of a large bolt into the tube, which will not allow the handle to be deformed due to hammer blows and in parallel will limit the shaft travel inside this sleeve (see photo 3).
Then, using electric welding, we weld all the details (see photo 4).
We sharpen the end of the shaft in the shape of a square so that it is possible to put on various heads (for bolts). If it is necessary to unscrew the screw, the corresponding bit must be inserted into the head. The principle of operation of a screwdriver is simple: when a hammer strikes the end of the handle, the shaft begins to turn slightly on the oblique slots inside the handle. This is quite enough for the dried bolt to break off.
Due to the fact that all parts of the electric starter are made of high-quality steel (it is necessary to cut with a grinder), the screwdriver is quite powerful and durable. You should not do strong blows with a hammer on the handle, because the heads of the screws or bolts will break off. And in order for the splines to serve you faithfully for a long time, they must be constantly lubricated.
Note! For the manufacture of this screwdriver, an old starter from almost any passenger car. And the larger, the more powerful your tool will turn out.
Impact screwdriver today is a very popular tool not only in construction, but also for work at home. It will be simply irreplaceable in those situations when it will be necessary to unscrew the firmly "welded" screw. An ordinary screwdriver in this case simply cannot help you in any way, but an impact screwdriver is a completely different matter.
What is this instrument
If you look visually, there are very few similarities with the screwdriver we are used to. This model has a metal case, which makes it more durable and even allows you to withstand strong blows hammer.
A set of impact screwdrivers usually comes with two bits: a flat head and a Phillips head. The connecting part where these nozzles are installed has the shape of a square. In fact, it is very convenient for the reason that you can fix socket heads into it, which will give you the opportunity to work with bolts, self-tapping screws and screws without much effort. This is especially good for the category of people who are constantly engaged in car repairs.
Using an impact screwdriver, you can not only unscrew the fasteners, but also install new ones in their place. It is worth noting that this tool twists the details "for centuries". Believe me, you will not be able to then unscrew the bolt with a regular screwdriver.
The principle of an impact screwdriver: how it works
The principle of operation of the tool is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. When there is a hammer blow on the end, the lower part begins to rotate with such force, which is quite enough for the nozzle to cope with the most durable fasteners.
Brief instruction:
- In order to simplify your task a little, before starting work, you can slightly lubricate the fasteners with rags previously moistened with brake fluid.
- Next, we take our screwdriver and set it perpendicular to the head of the hardware.
- We take a hammer in our hands and hit the end of the tool with all our might.
After the fastener begins to rotate around its axis, make a few more blows with a hammer. This is necessary in order for the screwdriver to switch back to the "twist" mode. As you can see, it's not that hard to figure out how to use an impact screwdriver.
We make an impact screwdriver with our own hands
Oddly enough, to make this very useful tool can be done at home without much effort. The main thing is to figure out how an impact screwdriver works, then the work will go much easier.
Let's get to work:
- Prepare a rotor taken from an electric motor (small). Everything must be cut off from it in such a way that only the shaft and sleeve remain.
- We take the sleeve and select a piece metal pipe, which is the right size to put on it. This will be our handle.
- WITH reverse side you will need to insert a nut that is larger in size. This will give the handle strength and not break when hit hard with a hammer.
- All parts are welded together.
- We sharpen the end of the shaft well so that it acquires a square shape.
Our homemade tool ready. It only takes a little effort, and trust me, an impact screwdriver will turn out just as good as any store-bought model.
Advantages
- It has a reinforced body made of steel.
- Largely larger than a conventional screwdriver.
- Has a twist switch. This is very convenient if you need to tighten a bolt or unscrew a rusty part.
- Using an impact screwdriver is absolutely safe for humans. It cannot hurt you and cause other damage to you.
- It is possible to change nozzles, depending on the case. With only one tool at home, you will always have both a cross-shaped nozzle and a flat one at hand.
- You can make it at home without much effort, and this is a significant cost savings.
- Can be used not only in construction work but also car-related repairs.
There are times when you need to unscrew heavily rusted fasteners. What to do in this situation, because household tools perform poorly in this task. All you need is an impact screwdriver. It is hard to believe that she is able to unscrew the outdated part.
Moisten the bolt with a little brake fluid and see how easily the part comes off. Of course, it happens that this does not help either. You should not despair. Moisten again with the liquid you use for brake system car and leave for a few hours. After that, you can use an impact screwdriver to do the desired work.
The tool can be purchased at the store or made at home. In any case, in addition to the body, you will need additional nozzles. This will save you from unnecessary tools. Imagine how nice it is when instead of ten screwdrivers in a box there is only one - impact, and nozzles are attached to it, which will help you in any construction situation.
What are impact screwdrivers?
Main types:
- Tool in the form of a simple beard. It is very easy to use it. Most great advantage such models is that they are very cheap and absolutely everyone can afford it.
- Like a regular screwdriver. If you put two screwdrivers side by side - impact and standard, then you will not be able to find visual differences. However, our tool is equipped with a special mechanism inside, thanks to which it is possible to deal with difficult situations during construction and renovation. However, if we talk about the cost of such models, they are quite expensive.
- Handmade impact screwdriver. The best and economical option. If you have a little time and desire, then with the help of simple details you can make a very useful tool for the household with your own hands.
Summarize
As you can see, an impact screwdriver has a very simple principle of operation. This is a useful and necessary tool in the arsenal of any mechanic, which will easily help unscrew even the most obsolete bolts. Having made it with your own hands, you will work with pleasure. Be sure that you will get it no worse than models from specialized stores.
» Impact screwdriver and the invaluable use of the tool
Corrosion is one of the most unfavorable effects that all metal materials, including fasteners, are subject to. Often in the process of unscrewing bolts, self-tapping screws or screws, one has to face the fact that these elements simply cannot be displaced. In order not to damage the tool that unscrews fastener need to choose the appropriate approach. An ordinary screwdriver is not able to cope with rusted or stuck connections, so the only option left is to use an impact screwdriver.
Features of the functioning of impact screwdrivers
The tool considered in the material also has such a name as a rotary impact screwdriver. It is a product equipped with a monolithic type core. The main difference this device from a conventional screwdriver is a reinforced metal case, which is resistant to hammer blows. For the manufacture of impact screwdrivers, only high-quality alloy steel is used.
Before you find out the principle of operation of the tool, you should understand design features. The sting of the product passes through the entire length of the structure from the working slots to the heel of the handle. The rotation of the sting is carried out by splines, which are set in motion with each blow of the hammer. The impact-swivel mechanism is located in the handle of the product. The sting is connected to a helical gear. The handle in the form of a clip has a similar design of teeth. 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 their control screwing.
Structural diagram of a rotary impact screwdriver
The principle of operation of impact-rotary screwdrivers is that when a hammer strikes the handle, the clip moves. Through this movement, a torque is transmitted to the tip through the gear train. With each blow of the hammer on the heel, there is a slight movement of the sting, which is enough to weaken the strength of the connection. After loosening this connection, you can use a regular screwdriver to completely unscrew the hardware element.
The fixture device has no 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 hitting the handle, but also the inability to lick off the cap of the fastener.
The design of the device of the times of the USSR
Technical parameters of impact screwdriver
Each manufacturer strives to make their product not only of high quality, but also multifunctional. Impact screwdriver, depending on technical features and configuration, is determined by the following characteristics:
- Reverse. good tool must have a reversible design. This function is not always needed, therefore, they are absent on products from the times of the USSR. The presence of a reverse affects the cost of the tool, but is not always justified by the need
- Manufacturing material. Products from the times of the USSR were made of steel, and in this form they went on sale. Modern models rarely found without a surface coating, which is polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene. The presence of a coating of a metal base provides not only additional protection for the tool, but also eliminates the possibility of slipping and damage. electric shock when working with electrical devices
- Lever. The role of the handle in conventional instrument is to exert physical force. In an impact screwdriver, the role of the handle is slightly different - it is integral part shock-rotary mechanism, and is also intended to hold the product during work
This is interesting! Every home master has encountered a situation where the fastening connection cannot be unscrewed. Usually this situation is familiar to car owners when rusty bolt fastening of canopies of doors is not unscrewed. For such purposes, impact screwdriver a special bit is put on, with which the corresponding actions are performed.
Bolt removal tool
Rotary impact devices are supplied with several options for interchangeable bits. Moreover, manufacturers complete their tools not only with cross and flat bits, but also with hexagons and an asterisk. Bits with different diameters do not have to be present in the kit 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 on their own, as soon as they use the product. These tools will always come in handy if they are in the arsenal of home master. If there is an urgent need to use the 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.
How to make a DIY impact screwdriver
Already, probably, many in their arsenal of tools have a do-it-yourself impact screwdriver. You can do it yourself without much effort. For the manufacture of homemade products, only one part is needed - the mechanism of a car starter.
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 step by step instructions described below:
The percussion instrument is now ready for use. As you can see, doing it yourself is not great work. disadvantage homemade device is an unpresentable appearance, as well as the lack of a reverse.
How to use the tool and how to use it correctly
Before using the device, it is necessary to pre-treat the mounting connection with brake fluid, thinner or WD-40. These fluids corrode rust, so their use will not only facilitate the unscrewing process, but also speed it up.
After that, a percussion instrument is taken, into which it is installed required type and bit diameter. 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 the second is holding the device by the handle.
Instrument operation
To increase the effectiveness of the actions taken, you need to hold the tool firmly. As soon as the fastening of the hardware begins to loosen, the impact on the tool continues until the hardware is unscrewed with a conventional screwdriver.
The efficiency 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 done with gloves
- Using a hammer weighing up to 0.5 kg
- Blows are applied easily, since this is enough to set the hardware product in motion. If you miss and the blow falls on a finger or hand, the master will receive a minor injury.
Advantages and disadvantages
After analyzing such a tool as an impact screwdriver, it should be noted all its advantages and disadvantages. Based on these criteria, appropriate conclusions can be drawn about the usefulness and necessity of such a device.
Impact screwdriver - the best assistant auto mechanic
Impact device benefits include:
- Instead of a butt physical strength in the form of turning the handle of a screwdriver, the impact energy is used, which is ten times more effective than a conventional product
- High unscrewing speed of fasteners
- No need to drill a hardware product that cannot be unscrewed
Among the disadvantages of an impact screwdriver, the following factors can be noted:
- Despite the fact that the tool is designed to make shock actions on it, this contributes to a reduction in its service life. The harder you hit with a hammer, the more likely it is that the reciprocating mechanism will break.
- Wear. Depending on the quality of the steel used for the production of the device in question, the service life will differ.
If you plan to purchase an impact screwdriver, which will certainly not lie idle, then you need to know that the cost of a medium-quality set is from 3,000 rubles. The instrument in question is also sold separately without bits, and in this case its cost is from 1000 rubles. In the video below, you can see the design of the Chinese impact screwdriver, as well as the features of the tool.
An impact screwdriver is a fairly popular tool that is used not only by professional builders, but also by amateur craftsmen for household chores. It is indispensable for unscrewing firmly "welded" screws.
Ordinary screwdrivers are useless in such cases, and impact drivers allow you to combine hammer strength and torque in one tool. So how do you make your own impact screwdriver using a car starter?
What is an impact screwdriver
There are practically no visual similarities between an impact screwdriver and a standard one. This tool is a shock-turning mechanism that allows you to convert the force of impact into torque. It is used for assembly and disassembly threaded connections for which additional efforts are required. Using a conventional screwdriver for these purposes will break the tool or damage the element to be dismantled.
According to its principle of operation, an impact screwdriver resembles a bolt. In the process of work, the locksmith has to hold the handle of the screwdriver with one hand, while with the other he hits with a hammer on its end part.
Principle of operation
By 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 on the bottom of the screwdriver rotates. This rotating force is enough to dismantle strong fasteners.
To simplify the workflow, you can pre-lubricate the fasteners with brake fluid. After that, you need to install the tool at a right angle to the head of the hardware and use a hammer to strike at the end of the screwdriver. After turning the fastener noticeably, you can continue unwinding with a conventional screwdriver.
Even a person with no experience can work with this type of tool. However, in order to make an impact screwdriver, you need an idea of how it works and the availability of the appropriate parts from which it will be made.
Video "Homemade impact screwdriver"
Do-it-yourself impact screwdriver from a starter
To create this simple tool at home, a faulty electric starter from a car is suitable, which is not difficult to find today.
First of all, we need to cut off the part of the rotor shaft where the winding mount is located.
We remove unnecessary elements from the rest so that only the shaft and sleeve remain, which we will use as the main mechanism.
As a handle, you can use a small fragment of the pipe, in which we must place the sleeve on one side. And on the other hand, we need to insert a plug, which will also be a shock heel. We use a large bolt as it, it will prevent the tube from deforming during impacts and will limit the displacement of the shaft inside our sleeve.
The next step is to weld all the details.
Finally, at the end of the shaft, it is necessary to make a square sharpening for the possible change of various nozzles. So to unscrew the screw or nut, it will be enough to insert the desired bit and dismantle the fastener. If it is necessary to unscrew the screw, the corresponding bit must be inserted into the head.
It is worth noting that the electric starter is made of high-quality types of steel, so you will have to use a grinder to cut it. But due to its strength and hard alloy, the tool will be quite powerful and durable, and in some respects it will surpass even factory products. Periodic lubrication of the splines will help increase the service life of such a tool. However, it should be used carefully, without applying strong blows, so as not to break the heads on the screws or bolts.
Of course, the resulting product will be less presentable than a factory screwdriver, but its cost will be minimal and in terms of reliability it will not be inferior to the factory counterpart.
Advantages of a homemade tool
- The screwdriver is equipped with a reinforced case made of high-strength steel.
- Is different large sizes compared to factory screwdrivers;
- The operation of the tool is safe for humans when correct application hammer blows. Observing the safety rules, it is impossible to get injured and injured with a screwdriver;
- There is the possibility of changing nozzles, based on what type of work is being carried out;
- It is easily made at home without significant physical and financial costs;
- Multifunctionality. It can be used for various tasks in the field of construction, automotive, and any other craft.
Quite often there is a need to unscrew heavily rusted fasteners. What to do in such situations when a standard household tool cannot cope with the task? What to do in this situation, because household tools do not cope well with this task. For this good decision will use an impact screwdriver. Thanks to it, unscrewing rusted parts will not be difficult. It is enough to moisten the fasteners with brake fluid so that the part can be unscrewed as easily as possible during dismantling.
However, in some situations this does not help. There is no need to panic. Try lubricating the bolt again with brake fluid and leave it for a while. The liquid will corrode the stagnant texture and with the help of a percussion tool you can do everything without significant effort.
Conclusion
As we can see, impact screwdrivers have enough simple principle actions. These are useful and the right tools, which should be in the tool kit of every master, so that if necessary, you can always unscrew rusted bolts. which will easily help to unscrew even the most obsolete bolts. If you decide to make an impact screwdriver with your own hands, then you can be completely sure of the quality of the finished product, which is in no way inferior to specialized factory models.
Video "We make an impact screwdriver in a home workshop"
