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Impact Screwdriver

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by william_cj3b, Apr 1, 2017.

  1. Apr 1, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
    Messages:
    421
    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.

    [​IMG]
     
    Hellion likes this.
  2. Apr 1, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    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?
     
    J walk likes this.
  3. Apr 1, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
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    421
    I have a problem. I have drive right past HF on the way home from work every day :oops:
     
  4. Apr 1, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    Admitting your problem is the first step.

    I never found out what the second one is.
     
    william_cj3b likes this.
  5. Apr 1, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    X2
     
  6. Apr 2, 2017
    piffey263

    piffey263 Active Member

    Medford, OR
    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2008
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    1,214
    I have one, they work great. I bought the Napa version, as my old town didn't have a harbor freight.
     
  7. Apr 2, 2017
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    Might have to pick one up.
     
  8. Apr 3, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,516
    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.
     
  9. Apr 3, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Yep :lol:
     
  10. Apr 3, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Apr 28, 2011
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    what do you want to form a new group . HF anonymous :worry::worry::worry::worry::worry::worry:
    that's like a kid in candy store :D
     
    cookieman likes this.
  11. Oct 14, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2016
    Messages:
    534
    Zombie thread! [​IMG]

    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?
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2019
  12. Oct 14, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    I have both and see no difference other than convenience. Maybe it just depends what drive-size sockets you have the most of.
     
  13. Oct 14, 2019
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    1,088
    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.
     
  14. Oct 14, 2019
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    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.
     
    Focker likes this.
  15. Oct 15, 2019
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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  16. Nov 9, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    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
     
  17. Nov 10, 2019
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
    Messages:
    421
    Jeepster Commandos, too!
     
  18. Nov 13, 2019
    Shootinok

    Shootinok Member

    Oklahoma
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    Oct 25, 2018
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    30
    bigbendhiker likes this.
  19. Nov 13, 2019
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

    U.S.
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    May 26, 2019
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    318
  20. Dec 2, 2019
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
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    Oct 12, 2014
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    417
    That's the one I have had for many years. Motorcycle case screws.
     
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