Impact screwdriver: operating principle and application

Operating principle of an impact screwdriver

The simplest version of such a screwdriver is made in the form of a special tool with a monolithic core, which begins with a tip and ends with a massive heel in the handle area. This product was in demand back in the days of the Soviet Union.

Modern models are equipped with a hexagon near the tip or on the handle, so they are able to transmit rotational force from the key. To successfully complete the task, it is advisable to use a screwdriver together, since one worker will be able to hold the tip in the screw slot and create torque with a wrench, while the other will strike the back of the handle with a hammer.

True, such a solution has some disadvantages . Among them:

• The need for two partners to work together.
• Lack of conversion of received energy into torque. Hammer blows only unscrew a self-tapping screw or screw, since they are capable of destroying rust and creating a certain vibration. The version of the impact-rotary screwdriver is more advanced, so it can transform the impact force into a rotational movement of the tip, which is very convenient.

In most cases, the term “impact screwdriver” means precisely a modernized solution, since the classic simplest version has long gone out of common use and has ceased to enjoy its former popularity.

In the improved version, the impact-rotating unit is located in the handle, and the sting is fixed on the gear and has characteristic oblique teeth. A clip with counter teeth is used as a handle. Under the influence of hammer blows on the heel of the handle, the clip begins to move along the axis, imparting a rotational movement to the tip through a gear drive.

In this way, a rotation of several degrees occurs, which is quite enough to loosen the protective connection and successfully unscrew the fastener using a conventional tool. As a result, the clip returns to its previous position by means of a spring.

Operating such a screwdriver is not difficult at all. The rotary mechanism is capable of providing a combined translational and rotational force on the screw slot, which is very effective for successfully unscrewing stubborn threaded connections.

Features and principle of operation

The impact screwdriver was popular back in the days of the Soviet Union. At that time, it was made in the simplest form with the presence of a monolithic core. After some time, this device underwent a slight modification, and screwdrivers of this type began to be equipped with a hexagon near the tip, and in some models it was installed on the handle. That is why power screwdrivers have the ability to transmit rotational force from the key. To carry out successful work with the described device, it was necessary to use a double workforce. In simple terms, one master supported the sting and at the same moment created rotation using pliers, and the second made superficial blows with a heavy object.

In the modern world, a name such as an impact screwdriver implies a modified device that can unscrew any bolts. Classic models from the past have lost public interest and are no longer in demand. In current modifications, the impact-rotating unit is located in the handle, the sting is mounted on the gear. The movement of the device begins under the influence of a heavy object. The clip moves along the specified axis, due to which the fasteners shift by a couple of degrees. This distance is enough for the connection to loosen, after which the bolts are unscrewed. The return of the impact unit to its original position occurs due to a special spring located in the structure. Only one manpower is needed to operate this model of power screwdriver.

You should familiarize yourself with the technical specifications of impact screwdrivers. There is no point in talking about the quality of the device and the reliability of the metal used in production. Popular brands will never use low-quality materials to make their products.

An important factor in the design of an impact screwdriver is the presence of reverse. It is this that expands the capabilities of the impact device. It is important to pay attention to the design of the handle. The presence of rubber or polyethylene layers in the body will allow you to hold the unit in your hand. In addition, this is a special safety condition.

Manufacturers use several factors when developing each impact driver model.

• The dimensions of the case do not change, but its use in difficult and crumpled conditions is strictly prohibited.
• Allows you to increase the area of ​​use and increase the level of convenience during operation. But then the reliability of the tool itself may suffer.

When making a choice between one unit or another, you need to understand the features of the upcoming work, with all possible difficulties and nuances, and only after that purchase a power screwdriver. It is worth noting that purchasing one screwdriver is extremely illogical. In this case, tool manufacturers found solutions and began to produce sets with several nozzles of different sizes and tips on the world market.

If you don’t have time to buy a tool, but the work is burning, you can make a homemade screwdriver. When executed correctly, a homemade tool works on par with branded units.

Specifications

If you are going to purchase a screwdriver in a store, be prepared to understand the key technical characteristics and equipment of a particular model.

When reviewing these characteristics, it is not necessary to talk about the build quality and reliability of the material from which the tool is made. Trusted companies never use low-quality steel to produce such products.

You should pay attention to the presence of a reverse, which significantly expands the basic capabilities of the device, allowing you not only to unscrew rusty connections, but also to firmly tighten the screw in the place where it is needed.

The next important factor is represented by the design of the handle, which is intended to hold the device and the body. If there is a polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene lining on the body, it is much more convenient to hold the screwdriver. If the pad has a “bulge” in the heel part, this has a positive effect on operational safety. In most cases, screwdriver manufacturers follow two paths:

• The dimensions of the case do not change, while the screwdriver remains highly reliable, but cannot be used in extreme and cramped conditions.
• To expand the scope of application and improve ease of use, the dimensions of the metal case are reduced, although the reliability of the tool suffers because of this. When choosing the ideal solution, you should carefully weigh all the features and only then make a purchase.

It is no secret that popular brands produce screwdrivers along with an additional set of attachments, because without these elements the tool is simply ineffective. The screwdriver comes with a holder for standard bits, and the kit also includes several universal bits.

The market for such products is overflowing with attachments for various splines and hexagons. When purchasing these parts, be careful and consider the build quality. This is a very important parameter that determines the reliability of operation and service life of the screwdriver.

Advantages and disadvantages of the tool

Like any tool, such a screwdriver has its advantages and disadvantages . Working with it, experts note a number of key advantages:

• Effective distribution of impact energy.
• Much less need for physical effort. The classic version requires stronger and more intense blows.
• Possibility of operation without the help of a partner.

As for the disadvantages, they are practically absent, however, if the basic rules are not followed during operation, such disadvantages often appear:

• Possibility of damage to the impact-rotating unit. The version of the simplest impact screwdriver is made of a monolithic structure, so its service life exceeds the modernized solution. To prevent unexpected damage, it is enough to avoid too strong impacts on the impact-rotating mechanism.
• Tendency to wear out quickly. Gear teeth and races are very exposed to friction associated with shock loads. With prolonged use, their service life deteriorates significantly.

How to use an impact screwdriver

To make the unscrewing process as simple and high-quality as possible, it is enough to avoid irreparable mistakes and follow a number of separate rules:

1. The fastener is pre-prepared for unscrewing, so it is cleaned of visible rust and wiped with a rag. The joint is then coated with a special chemical, such as WD-40, a highly effective cleaner. Brake fluid and kerosene perform well.
2. Next, you need to fix the tip in the slot, maintaining strictly perpendicular placement relative to the screw head.
3. Then you should hit the end of the handle with a hammer with approximately medium force.
4. The blows are repeated until the screw head begins to move relative to the axis. Try to check the propeller's progress after each blow.
5. Unscrewing is completed using a regular screwdriver.

If the tool is equipped with reverse , many experts recommend setting the tightening mode after each movement of the head, repeating the blows several times, and then unscrewing the hardware again. This is explained by the fact that with this approach, rust elements are removed from the threads particularly well.

To avoid trouble, it is recommended to follow safety precautions:

• It is important to first put on good work gloves or gloves on your hands, which will prevent the handle from accidentally sliding during processing.
• Don't put too much effort into your punches. You can get by with a regular hammer weighing up to 500 grams.
• The strikes should remain light. Do not tilt the hammer, as the hammer can easily slide off the screwdriver, which will cause additional problems.

Useful tips

Quite often there is a need to unscrew heavily rusted fasteners. What to do in 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. A good solution for this is to use an impact screwdriver. Thanks to it, unscrewing rusted parts will not be difficult. It is enough to wet the fasteners with brake fluid so that when dismantling the part can be unscrewed as easily as possible.

However, in some situations this does not help. There is no need to panic. Try lubricating the bolt with brake fluid again and leaving it for a while. The liquid will corrode the stagnant texture and you can do everything without significant effort using a percussion tool.

Differences between a screwdriver and an impact driver

Many people mistakenly think that an impact driver is a good alternative for a screwdriver, but this is deeply misleading. Both devices differ significantly from each other not only in design properties, but also in their operating principle. The screwdriver transmits impact force in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. By the way, this distinguishes it from an impact drill, which is capable of creating shock loads along the axis of rotation. True, a screwdriver only facilitates the process of unscrewing and tightening an already rotating screw.

The functionality of such devices is completely different:

• Impact screwdrivers perform the initial “breaking” of a screw that has become too “stuck” to the connection.
• An impact-type screwdriver reduces the required pressure on the tool when performing the task.

After studying all the features of the tool, be sure to watch the corresponding training videos that will allow you to decide on a specific model from a specific manufacturer. In this case, you will be able to make the right decision and purchase a truly useful and reliable tool that will serve you for a very long time.

Description of the rotary impact tool

The impact screwdriver looks larger than a regular screwdriver. The body is made of powerful steel. The equipment kit includes 2-4 bits of flat and cross formats. The bits are fixed in the device in the same way as in a combined, multifunctional product.

The tool has a built-in switch that controls clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. In most cases, the impact unit does not screw in, but unscrews the bolts. Then the reverse operation of the device is adjusted.

Instructions for use

To successfully unscrew a rusted fastener, it is enough to treat it with a rag or a special product in time. Then the screwdriver is installed on the head of the hardware, preferably perpendicular to it. At the next stage, several blows are made with a hammer on the end of the screwdriver. The success of the upcoming event directly depends on the strength of the tool in the worker’s hand. To eliminate the possibility of your palm sliding along the handle, it is enough to wear a glove, which will significantly reduce the risk of serious hand injuries.

If the fastener changes its direction angle relative to the axis, it is enough to make a few more intense blows, and then change the operating mode to tightening. In this case, you will effectively get rid of rust and significantly simplify the remaining work of unscrewing. If the fastener moves out of place, it can be removed using a regular screwdriver.

It is possible that after performing the above actions, the hardware will not change its direction and will remain in the same position. To solve the problem, simply treat the connecting fasteners with high-quality brake fluid, waiting about 30 minutes. Under the influence of such a “bath”, the upcoming dismantling will be as successful as possible, even if the fasteners are very rusty.

If this does not solve the issue, you will have to break out the fasteners. In this case, it is advisable to use a strong hammer and carefully follow the dismantling instructions.

To carry out dismantling work, you should use the following tools:

• Impact screwdriver.
• With a hammer.
• With a rag.
• Brake fluid.

Features of the work

The principle of using an impact screwdriver.

In order to make the unscrewing process easier, rusty fasteners should be wiped in advance with a rag soaked in brake fluid. Afterwards, the screwdriver should be installed on the head of the hardware; if possible, this should be done strictly perpendicularly. Then the end of the tool should be hit with a hammer. How successfully the work will be carried out, in this case, depends on how firmly the tool is held in the hand. You can prevent the possibility of your palm sliding along the handle of the tool by wearing a glove; this, among other things, will protect your hand from possible injuries.

After the fastener has rotated a little around its axis, it is necessary to make a few more blows with a hammer, and then switch the tool to the twisting mode, applying a few more blows. This will remove rust from the threads, which will make further work on unscrewing easier. After the fastener is moved from its place, it can be removed using a regular screwdriver.

Converting hammer impact energy into torque.

In some cases, even after all the work described above, the hardware cannot be affected, and it must be treated again with brake fluid, leaving it in this state for a period limited to 30 minutes. Such a “bath” should facilitate faster dismantling of even the most firmly reinforced fasteners. If after this it was not possible to remove it, the fasteners will have to be broken out. To carry out the work more efficiently, it is also necessary to choose the right hammer; such recommendations are given in the instructions from the screwdriver manufacturer.

Tools and materials for work:

• impact screwdriver;
• hammer;
• rags;
• brake fluid.

Some craftsmen make screwdrivers on their own, for this you will need a rotor from an electric motor, from which everything must be cut off so that the bushing and shaft remain. A piece of steel pipe should be placed on the sleeve, which will become the handle. A nut must be inserted into the scrap from the opposite end, which will not allow the handle to break. After all the parts are welded.

Making your own impact screwdriver

Many people try to make such a tool with their own hands, claiming that the upcoming action does not require special effort or skill. It is enough to take into account all the details of the instructions and avoid mistakes at the assembly stage.

When making a homemade screwdriver, you need to take the rotor from the electric motor and cut everything off it, leaving only the bushings and shaft. A piece of steel pipe should be placed on the sleeve to be used as a handle. At the opposite end, a nut is inserted into the scrap, which will prevent damage to the handle. At the next stage, all parts are connected to each other by welding.

Basically, making a high-performance impact driver at home is not as difficult as it may initially seem. If you doubt that you can carry out such an assembly yourself, simply study the existing instructions and watch video tips.

Homemade drums

Many people wonder whether it is possible to make an impact screwdriver with your own hands. You can, but you should think carefully before doing this. The hammer or push screwdriver is made of special alloy steel. It should be impact-resistant, but it should not be fragile. Mechanical processing of such steel at home is hardly possible; this requires a special tool. To transmit the shock impulse to the turning mechanism, the mating parts must have a certain curvature. They can only be turned on a milling machine.

Some designs use bevel gears for the torque transmission function. Replaceable attachments require a self-centering chuck or something similar. Alas, all these details cannot be done at home “on your knees”. You can make some kind of homemade impact screwdriver using softer materials. But in this case, there is a high probability that after several blows to such a device it will become unusable and go to waste.

Without special materials and skills, you can probably only make a handle for a screwdriver with your own hands. Some models have a standard plastic handle. It often cracks, and craftsmen replace it with wood of their own making.

This tool is an indispensable assistant for a repairman. They can unscrew not only screws, screws and self-tapping screws. By securing a hex adapter in the chuck, you can use heads of various sizes as a socket to loosen the nuts.

Originally posted 2018-04-18 12:21:40.