Thread: Impact Wrench

Hi John,
I have a few of the 1/2 inch cheap ones and they do the job, and have done for years. You can pick the up at super cheap etc for around $30-$40 on sale.
There are some expensive one's for up around $300,and if you are using it every day like a tyre service they would pay off, but for a home shop the cheap one's will last.
For a 5mm allen key that's really tight I would use a impact driver. They also take a 1/2 inch socket so you could put the same bit on it. You will probably better results because it is less likely to jump out and strip the head.

Dave

Do you want to buy an impact wrench or only buying it because you need it for this job??

If you only need it for this job have you considered a hand impact screwdriver thingie..

H/D IMPACT SCREWDRIVER Impact Screw Driver Set Bits NEW - eBay Other, Tools, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 13-Aug-10 21:32:13 AEST)

Is this your Bridgeport clone?

One thing you could try. Memory is going, either use a pin punch that fits inside the hex and hit down on it or use a pin punch a little smaller than the head(or the biggest you have) and hit down on the c/s head. Try the big one first. This seems to work on c/s heads. (Of course if you'd rather not be hitting your mill or you want a shiny new tool dont let me stop you) Go gently with a impact gun on a 5mm key.
Stuart

Stuart,
The mill is a Kondia FV-1, a Bridgeport clone.
I will go carefully, whatever I do.

My first inspection shows that the X-axis ball screw was lubricated with a black grease via a short hose extension with nipples.
I will contact the ball screw supplier to get a specification for the grease.
The oil reservoir for the way oil was empty, and the handbook has some suggestions for the oil.

.RC.,
Although this particular requirement has prompted the investigation, a general purpose impact tool could be useful in the future.
I assume (!) the difference between an air impact wrench and and an air impact screw driver is simply the pistol grip handle, and perhaps the torque rating.

Happy machining,
John.

Originally Posted by electrosteam

Stuart,

I assume (!) the difference between an air impact wrench and and an air impact screw driver is simply the pistol grip handle, and perhaps the torque rating.

Happy machining,
John.

The one I linked to you hit with a hammer, does not use air... This has the advantage that you are less likely to strip screwdriver heads as it turns as you hit, thereby pushing the tool bit into the screw head as you hit...

I have one, they are a handy bit of gear...In saying that I also have a 1/2" rattle gun as well...

.RC.
I have put one of those hammer impact drivers on my list.
Thanks,
John.

As I said in my post above, you can take off the screw driver part and it has an end to fit a 1/2 inch socket. There are cheap one's of these as well, some of the better one's have a soft grip handle.
These impact drivers work left or right by pushing down the head and turning in the direction needed. When using them, you turn them it with a bit of pressure, then give it a whack with a hammer and it will turn about 1/8 of a turn each hit.

They are a handy thing to have around, I bought the one I have now when I was about 13 to work on my motor bikes, The Philip's head screws in the alloy motor cases would not come out any other way without striping them.

Dave

Dave,
Got an impact driver at the Toolbox in Penrith, $19.
Also got a 1/2 inch to 5 mm adapter at Spiller.

Tried my trusty Sidchrome (1970 model) 1/2 inch socket extension and handle with the 5 mm adapter, the M8 fixings came out sweet as you like.

The impact driver will go on the shelf and wait for its time in the sun.

Happy machining,
John.

Good to here they came out without any trouble.

If you have never used one before have a practice on something before a real job. There is a knack to getting the most out of them with the twisting motion while hitting it with the hammer.
Another type of screw that is impossible to loosen with out one is the door strikers on car pillars. They are done up with some type of impact gun at the factory.

Dave