An Impact Driver sits in a position between a drill and a hammer tool. An impact driver can deliver sharp bursts of rotational force from its motor that can help to drive screws with a level of speed and control that is beyond that of a regular drill. Many who has used an impact driver to complete a large project will feel a sense of dissatisfaction when using a drill instead; the drill can often cause the bit to slip from the screw or can make the wrist of the person uncomfortably from overuse.
The impact driver can perform several different function. The power of the impact driver is provided not just from its motor and its strength in providing rotational force to the bits that is placed into the screw holes, but also in the impacts that the tool provides. These impacts provide high levels of torque to the screw or bolt that is being driven.
Furthermore, the impact action also prevents the tool from twisting in the persons grip while use the screwdriver. Because of this, the impact driver helps people to more easily perform task like building a deck or furnitures pieces. There are several ways in which an impact driver can be helpful in a workshop or on the job site.
Each use case for the impact driver indicate one of the tool’s many strengths. Before utilizing the tool, it is helpful for the individual to become familiar with these different strength of the tool.
Common Ways to Use an Impact Driver
1. Driving Long Screws and Lag Screws
One of the first way that one should consider using an impact driver is when using a task that requires long screw to be driven into an object. For instance, lag screws can be driven into wooden timbers, or thick construction screws can be driven into hurricane ties to replace the nails. A cordless drill can stall or the bit can become stuck in the wood when using a long screw with a lag or construction screw. The impact driver will continue to drive the screw until it is completely driven into the object.
2. High Torque Fastening
Another consideration for using an impact driver is in the amount of torque that can be provided to the screw being driven. Many individual may be surprised at the power of an impact driver; it can provide more than 1500 inch-pounds of torque. This amount of force can snap the heads of cheap fasteners in half. However, if the impact driver is set to a lower clutch or if the user uses the variable speed trigger wise, these screw heads can be avoided and the screws will not be broken. Framing carpenters were the first to discover the benefits of using impact driver. As a result, most carpenters carry an impact driver with them in place of using a framing nailer. This is because the screws will not come out of the material as the nails can come out of the material when exposed to high wind. Thus, one good impact driver and a supply of screws can replace the use of nail guns in residential construction.
3. Assembling Flat-Pack Furniture
Another way in which an impact driver can be helpful is in the task of assembling flat-pack furniture. For instance, the hex-head bolt on Swedish dressers and bookshelves can be driven into place without the bolts becoming stuck in the furniture. Furthermore, the short bursts of power that the impact driver provides will help to drive the screw into the structure without stripping the wood’s hole. Another benefit of the impact driver’s power is that it can help to assemble furniture that has awkward panel. Furthermore, because the impact driver is compact in size, the tool can reach the area in furniture that would otherwise be inaccessible to a drill. If one keeps a set of hex bits within their pocket, they can easily complete a bedroom suite in the same amount of time that it would have previously taken to assemble one bookcase. However, care must be taken to ensure that the power of the impact driver is reduced when using softer wood like particleboard. Because particleboard can break if excessive force is exerted upon it, care should of been taken when using the impact driver on these type of materials.
4. Releasing Stuck Screws and Bolts
An impact driver is also of great use in the releasing of stuck screw and bolts. The hammering action of the driver can help to break the bond created between the metal screw or bolt and the wood. Thus, old and rusted bolt can be released with minimal effort. Many of the tasks that may take a penetrating oil, a cheater bar, and twenty minutes of effort can be completed in thirty second using an impact driver. This is a function that mechanics are very familiar with. Impact drivers are considered to be an essential piece of toolkits for mechanics of any experience level. Such uses can also be present in the home, as well; deck screw can be removed after fifteen years of placement. Likewise, hardware component of cabinets can be loosened by removing the paint that covers them. Use of the correct bits is important when using an impact driver. Regular screwdriver bits can be twisted to shattering piece due to the hammering action of the impact driver. Therefore, an investment can be made in a good set of bits for the tool, saving the individual from potential frustration.
5. Drilling Large Holes in Tough Materials
Another use of the tool is in the drilling of large hole in tough materials. By using the hammer mode of the impact driver, the drill bit can easily cut through brick, concrete, and thick hardwood wood. This percussion action prevents the bit from overheating during use of the tool. This use of the impact driver is of benefit for task like installing heavy shelves or televisions on the wall. The impact action allows you to use a masonry bit at lower RPMs, which is beneficial when completing task like installing tile or building block walls. Electricians use an impact driver to fish in old plaster and lath. The burst action of the tool allows the bit to move through the plaster without catching, preventing the electrician from losing control of the tool.
6. Installing Decking and Outdoor Fasteners
Driving deck screws and outdoor fastener is one of the most popular way for a homeowner to use an impact driver. When installing deck boards, the screws have to be flush or slightly countersunk into the wood without splitting the boards or stripping the screw head. An impact driver can perform this task easily. The rapid impacts of the impact driver seat the screw head flush into the decking boards, even the pressure-treated variety. This avoids the mushrooming of the screw head that can happen when using a regular drill on decking material. The result is a much more even looking deck. With composite decking, use care when operating an impact driver. The composite material can be brittle and may lead to cracking of the boards when driven with an impact driver too aggressive. Before installing on the deck, test the material to see how much power the impact driver should use.
7. Installing Cabinetry and Trim
Installing cabinetry and trim uses the precision that the impact driver allows for those who learn how to use the tool’s trigger. Installing interior cabinetry allows for the driving of finish or brad nails that will pull the wood piece together without damaging the wood. Crown molding installers use the impact driver to secure the molding to the ceiling. The impact driver will pull the molding tight to the ceiling even if the framing is not even. This eliminates gap that may have otherwise been made in the ceiling that would require caulking. Another handy use for the impact driver is in tight corner around windows and interior doors. The compact size of the tool allows the installer to work in these tight corners where a full-sized drill would not fit.
8. Heavy Equipment Maintenance
In addition to farm work, many impact driver can be used for heavy equipment maintenance. Many model come with a quick-change chuck that will accept both screwdriver bits and socket adapter. This makes the impact driver suitable for use as a portable impact wrench for mechanics who need to remove lug nut or bolt on heavy equipment. As the batteries for these tool have improved, many mechanics now use cordless impact drivers instead of air tool for many of their tasks. The main limitation to using an impact driver is the runtime of the tool during large project. To combat this limitation, have a second battery for charging while using the tool. The newest batteries with high-capacity batteries have largely eliminated the problem of limited runtime of impact driver.
9. Automotive Interior Work
Using an impact driver for interior automotive work is one of the more specialized use for this tool. Interior component use small screw that strip easily with over-application of torque. An impact driver will drive these screw without applying continuous pressure on the screw head. This is why audio installer use an impact driver to mount amplifier and subwoofers. The screw on these component must be tight but not cracked.
10. RV and Boat Maintenance
Another niche use for an impact driver is in the maintenance of RVs and boat. Fiberglass and thin metal component on these vehicle cannot stand much pressure. Using an impact driver to install or remove component will allow the worker to avoid damaging these component.
11. Stage Assembly for Performing Arts
A final niche use for an impact driver is in the performing arts. Road crew for concerts use impact driver to quickly assemble and disassemble the stage for the performing artist. Even though raw power is not needed for most of the component they work on, the high speed and reliability of an impact driver are the most important feature. The relatively quiet operation of an impact driver also allows the crew to work in the performance venue without making too much noise.
Each of the use for an impact driver have a common theme. The impact driver’s design replace the steady pressure of a drill bit with rapid percussion action. This small change in design allow for the tool to work in ways that would otherwise be difficult with other tool. When you begin to look for way to use an impact driver, you will find several use of this tool in your home and other work area. While an impact driver will not replace every other tool in your toolbox, there are numerous task that an impact driver will outperform other tool in your toolbox. An impact driver will make your wrist feel better, your project will look better, and you will complete your task at a faster rate of speed. The impact driver will make you realize all of the task you used to perform without it.
