Thread: Using a cordless impact wrench to start a mower

If it's happened it will probably be on youtube, or the internet.

Don't forget to get back to us with the result.

Many many moons ago I had a 4 stroke B & S, cantankerous thing it was, just used my electric drill with a socket that fitted the nut, started every time no hassle.
I would use a cordless drill, not a rattle gun, the initial spin up which will probably trigger the impact action until up to speed with impact each time at start will probably do some unwanted damage somewhere. They do same thing with formula 1 race cars except they use air guns

I start my old 2 stroke mower with a battery drill on high speed. Since the recoil start broke i needed a way to start it. It is a bit hard to start at times which is probably why recoil start broke in the first place.

I used to do it all the time on my old mower when the recoil broke but with a battery drill, the impact driver would not do the job

I had a victa 18 years ago which I started with a 240v drill. As above drill not impact driver. The rover will require a bit more torque but should be fine. I'd love to do this with my rover self propelled but B&S in their infinite wisdom decided to make the frame over the recoid starter part of the whole engine cover so unles I take a hacksaw to it...

PS self propelled mowers are wonderful!

Originally Posted by damian

PS self propelled mowers are wonderful!

Agree, I have a Toro SP and a ride on, my line trimmer and blower are 36v. Keeps the whole process simple and easy

Thanks for the replies guys
I do have a Makita 18v cordless (hammer) drill so I shall use that - the kit I bought is a trade spec drill and impact wrench, charger and two 5amp batteries.
I am thinking that if I remove that top cover I may get access to the nut on the end of the crank.
I'll let you know how it goes.

Originally Posted by Pete57

I start my old 2 stroke mower with a battery drill on high speed. Since the recoil start broke i needed a way to start it. It is a bit hard to start at times which is probably why recoil start broke in the first place.

I remember those recoil starters - wind up the handle, give it a thwack and crank over the mower.
They were a bloody good idea that should never have been dis-continued.
(As a 3yr old I learnt to start the mower that way watching dad, mum & dad were not impressed ((neither were the neighbours)) when I started the mower at 5am one day.)

I have several 2strokes and every now and then they decide to play up in the tropics. Got sick of pulling my guts out, so I put it on it's side, Makita 18V cordless drill, one of those 1/4" hex to 1/2" converters with a 23mm socket, drill in reverse, push it onto the bed nut of the blade plate, turn it till it's ready and it mysteriously starts. Gotta have your witts about you though.
Rgds,
Crocy