5 Easy Steps How to Use an Impact Driver

First of all, why should you use an impact driver? You might think that if you own a hand drill or drill press that there is no need for an impact driver. However, that is not the case. An impact driver is suited to a specific set of tasks and is extremely versatile. If you’re thinking about upgrading your tool arsenal after buying a standard hand drill, an impact driver is probably the most essential next tool to get. Impact drivers are fantastic at screwing in planks at high speed, putting decks together, screwing plywood down, and much more. Essentially they’re ideal for a job where you need to drive a screw/bolt into some kind of wood.

If you haven’t seen an impact driver up close before, at first glance you might think that it’s just a drill. The difference in appearance is quite subtle and can be deceiving. One key difference is in how you load the bit.

A drill uses a chuck that essentially locks down onto the drill bit and is hand tightened. Where as an impact driver uses quick change collet locking mechanism, that holds onto hex shank driver bits. You can’t use a drill bit with an impact driver, unless you convert the drill bits with a hex shaft.

they’re designed primarily to be used with screws and bolts. They offer much more torque than a regular hand drill, which makes the work much more comfortable for your wrists and arms and can get jobs done where a normal handheld drill would stall. Another important benefit is that an impact driver is much less prone to stripping out screws.

Impact drivers are pretty self explanatory to use, however there are somethings you you aught to keep in mind so that you don’t have to learn them the hard way. So here are the basic steps you need to carry out in order to use an impact driver properly.

Step 1.

Make sure the battery is charged, most of the time the battery will be charged when you unbox it from the store. If the battery is not charged make sure the first time you charge it you leave it on charge for the maximum time. Ensure that the impact driver is switched off, and then insert the battery. This is usually done by sliding it into a slot that is built into the handle.

Step 2.

The next step is to insert the bit that you will be using. For safety reasons always check that the shank end of the bit is free from debris and is not damaged. One other thing to note is that you often need a bit holder if you’re using a particularly short bit. To insert the bit simply slot it in until it reaches the back of the chuck.

Step 3.

Now you need to set up the tool for whatever job you’re doing. First set the rotation for forwards, or reverse if you’re removing rather than inserting something. Then you’ll also need to select a speed, or gear – which setting you choose will depend on how much torque you need for your job.

Step 4.

Now that it’s all setup it’s time to switch it on. Once it’s switched on, to use it, squeeze the trigger. it may take a while for you to get the hang of using it if it’s your first time, so it’s a good idea to put in some practice to get the feel for it before you go straight into working on the job. Adjust the speed/gear as necessary.

Step 5.

Once you’re done with using your impact driver, switch it off and put it aside for a minute to let it cool down. Depending on how long you used it for you may need to recharge the battery in preparation for your next use.

To remove the battery normally there is a switch which unlocks a latch allowing it to simply slide out. To remove the bit simply grab onto the chuck and pull it, it should slide right out – a much more simple process than removing a bit from a hand drill. At this point you may want to give it a clean, in order to keep it in good shape, after that put it away in your garage or workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Ok to Use an Impact Driver as a Drill?

The impact driver specifications will vary depending on the type of drilling you are doing. However, for general use an impact driver may be suitable if it has a starting and max speed of around 600 RPM and torque ratings between 2 and 4 Nm.

When Should You Not Use an Impact Driver?

It’s hard to know where to start! However, here are a few that may be of interest to you:

1. Photography – Photography is a great hobby because it can be done indoors or outdoors, and it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.

2. Crafts – Crafting is a great hobby because it can be done alone or with others, and there are a variety of crafts available that are both fun and functional.

3. Gardening – Gardening is a great hobby because it can be done solo or in collaboration with others, and it provides both tangible and intangible benefits for the gardener.

4. Sewing – Sewing is a great hobby because it can be used for personal or professional purposes, and there are endless possibilities for how to use sewing machines and other equipment.

Do You Really Need an Impact Driver?

Impact drivers are a popular choice among homeowners because they’re affordable and versatile. They can be used to drive screws in various types of materials, including wood, masonry, plastic, and metal. Additionally, impact drivers are good for driving nails in long pieces of lumber or trim boards because the tool’s blunt end won’t damage the surface you’re securing it to.

One downside of impact Drivers is that they don’t work as well as other types of drivers when driving through tight spaces or into hard-to-reach spots. If your objective is to install new cabinets or doors with precision and accuracy, then an Impact Driver may not be the best option for you. That said, most homeowners find that their impacts do the job just fine!

Can I Use My Impact Driver as a Screwdriver?

Impact drivers are designed for drilling and driving screws. While this may be the primary use of an impact driver, it is not limited to this purpose. In fact, using an Impact Driver as a screwdriver can provide many benefits that you would not get with a standard screwdriver.

For example, Impact Drivers have wider heads that allow them to fit into tighter spaces than regular screwdrivers. This makes them ideal for tasks like removing stubborn screws from tight spots or fixing flat tires on your car. They also have longer shafts that make them easier to control when making wide turns or hitting hard surfaces.

In addition, Impact Drivers deliver more power per stroke than standard drivers which means they can handle tougher jobs faster and more efficiently. And if you’re dealing with delicate materials where even the slightest nudge might cause damage, then an impact driver is definitely the tool for the job!

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