DIY impact screwdriver made from a pipe. Convenient and practical impact screwdriver from a car starter. What is an impact screwdriver
An impact screwdriver is a fairly popular tool that is used not only by professional builders, but also by amateur craftsmen for home projects. It is indispensable for unscrewing tightly “welded” screws.
Regular screwdrivers are useless in such cases, but impact screwdrivers allow you to combine the force of a hammer and torque in one tool. So how can you make your own impact driver using a car starter?
What is an impact screwdriver
There are practically no visual similarities between an impact screwdriver and a standard one. This tool is a shock-rotating mechanism that allows you to convert impact force into torque. It is used for installation and dismantling threaded connections for which additional efforts are required. Using a regular screwdriver for these purposes will lead to breakage of the tool or damage to the element being dismantled.
In its operating principle, an impact screwdriver is similar to a bolt. During the work process, the mechanic has to hold the screwdriver handle with one hand, while with the other he hits its end with a hammer.
Operating principle
According to its principle, the operation of the tool is quite simple and there are no difficulties when using it. After hitting the end surface with a hammer, the element rotates on the bottom of the screwdriver. This rotating force is quite enough to dismantle strong fasteners.
To simplify the work process, you can pre-lubricate the fasteners with brake fluid. After this, you need to install the tool at a right angle to the head of the hardware and use a hammer to strike the end of the screwdriver. After noticeable rotation of the fasteners, you can continue unscrewing using a regular screwdriver.
Even a person with no experience can operate this type of tool. However, to make an impact screwdriver you need an idea of how it works and the availability of the appropriate parts from which it will be made.
Video “Homemade impact screwdriver”
DIY impact screwdriver from starter
To create this simple tool at home, you can use a faulty electric starter from a car, which is not difficult to find today.
First of all, we need to cut off the part of the rotor shaft where the winding mount is located.
We remove unnecessary elements from the remaining part so that only the shaft and bushing remain, which we will use as the main mechanism.
We can use a small piece of pipe as a handle, into which we must place a sleeve on one side. On the other hand, we need to insert a plug, which will also serve as a striking heel. We use a large bolt as it; it will prevent deformation of the tube during impacts and will limit the displacement of the shaft inside our bushing.
The next step is welding all the parts.
Finally, the end of the shaft must be sharpened square for possible change of different attachments. So, to unscrew a screw or nut, it will be enough to insert the necessary bit and dismantle the fastener. If you need to unscrew a screw, you must insert the appropriate bit into the head.
It is worth noting that the electric starter is made of high-quality steel, so you will have to use a grinder to cut it. But thanks to its strength and carbide, the tool will be quite powerful and durable, and in some respects it will surpass even factory products. Periodic lubrication of the splines will help increase the service life of such a tool. However, you should use it carefully, without applying strong blows, so as not to tear off the heads of the screws or bolts.
Of course, the resulting product will be less presentable than a factory screwdriver, but its cost will be minimal and in terms of reliability it will be in no way inferior to its factory counterpart.
Advantages of a homemade tool
- The screwdriver is equipped with a reinforced body made of high-strength steel.
- Different large sizes compared to factory screwdrivers;
- Operation of the tool is safe for humans when correct application blows with a hammer. If you follow the safety rules, it is impossible to get injured with a screwdriver;
- There is the possibility of changing attachments, based on the type of work being carried out;
- Easily made at home without significant physical and financial costs;
- Multifunctionality. Can be used for various tasks both in the field of construction, automotive, and any other craft.
Quite often there is a need to unscrew heavily rusted fasteners. What to do in situations where 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. For this a good decision will 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 use percussion instrument you can do everything without significant effort.
Conclusion
As we can see, impact screwdrivers have enough simple principle actions. These are useful and necessary tools, which should be in the tool kit of every master, so that if necessary, you can always unscrew rusted bolts. which will easily help you unscrew even the oldest bolts. If you decide to make an impact screwdriver with your own hands, you can be completely confident in the quality of the finished product, which is in no way inferior to specialized factory models.
Video “Making an impact screwdriver in a home workshop”
The impact screwdriver is an indispensable tool in those frequent cases when the task is to unscrew a rusted or tightly tightened screw or self-tapping screw. A regular screwdriver will not work for unscrewing rusted screws or self-tapping screws, as attempts will either break the screw slot or damage the tip of the tool. Particular difficulty arises in situations where a steel screw for a screwdriver is screwed into an aluminum part. Under the influence of corrosion, a tight adhesion of the two materials occurs, as a result of which only an impact screwdriver can cope with the task.
Impact screwdrivers that are produced differ from each other technical features and complete set. The main difference between an impact screwdriver and an ordinary tool is the presence of a reinforced metal body. Moreover, this body is several times larger than the design of a standard instrument. The technical characteristics of the products in question differ:
- Presence of reverse. A good screwdriver will definitely be equipped with the ability to not only break the connection, but also tighten it. Screwdrivers from the USSR do not have this function, so this is typical for advanced modern models.
- Handle design. The handle is not only a handle, but also the body of the tool.
- Case material. Often, tools are presented in a steel case, and more expensive models cover the structure with polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene.
The scope of application of these tools is quite wide. These tools will be indispensable not only in home use, but also in various workshops, especially where car repairs are carried out. The twist screwdriver allows you to use it not only for unscrewing rusted screws, but also for screwing them securely.
The main characteristics of the tool are presented above, but it is important to mention the types of screwdriver tips. Impact rotary screwdrivers are almost always equipped with replaceable bits. Each set most often consists of a screwdriver and four different bits (two Phillips and two flat). The use of these tools is so effective that every self-respecting craftsman must have such a power screwdriver. In addition, it is as easy to use as a regular one.
How the tool works
The principle of operation of an impact screwdriver is based on the impact of impacts on the body of the tool while simultaneously turning the bit in the desired direction. For this purpose, the body is made of high-quality steel, which can easily withstand hammer blows. When the handle is struck with a hammer, the holder with the bat moves to the side, thereby displacing the “stuck” screw. The angle of rotation of the clip when making impacts is insignificant, but this is enough for the screw to be “broken off”. The screw is tightened in the same way.
The tool in question is intended solely for “breaking” or tightening screws. After fastener will be “ripped off”, you should use a regular tool.
To increase the efficiency of unscrewing the fastener, it is important to select the nozzle as accurately as possible. Thanks to the double impact on the fastening element (straight along the axis, and rotating to the side) when striking, the self-tapping screw, screw or bolt is unscrewed.
How to use the tool
Although the tool is the simplest to use, when working with it it is important to know some important rules:
- The impact screwdriver provides the most accurate selection of the appropriate attachment for the fastener. If the nozzle is not selected accurately, this will lead to the folding of the slot of the fastening element.
- Although a screwdriver is an effective tool for unscrewing rusted and stuck fasteners, it is important to make its work easier and prepare the screw to be removed. To do this, you need to treat the screw part with brake fluid or WD-40 lubricant. After processing the connection, you should wait 5-10 minutes, and then proceed with action. Sometimes, after treatment with such lubricants, you can even unscrew the fasteners using a regular screwdriver.
- We insert the screwdriver into the slot of the fastener strictly at a right angle, without distortions, and hold it with one hand.
- Next, use the other hand to strike the end with a hammer. It is important to use a hammer weighing 300-500 grams.
- The blows must be light and hard, otherwise the effectiveness will be zero.
- After 2-3 blows, you should check for shifts. If there is no shift, then pay attention to whether the slot of the fastener is being licked off.
Is it possible to do it yourself
You can make an impact screwdriver with your own hands, since structurally it does not present any particular difficulties. If from the above material you understand how the tool works, then you can start making it. To do this you will need the following parts:
- Rotor from an electric motor. All you need is a shaft and bushing. It is best to use the rotor from the starter by removing the winding from it, as shown in the photo below.
- After removing the winding, only the shaft and bushing will remain. You need to put a piece on the shaft steel tube, which will play the role of the tool handle.
- WITH reverse side The pipe should be fitted with a nut, which will be struck with a hammer.
- The resulting parts need to be welded together, resulting in the following tool.
As you can see, making an impact screwdriver with your own hands is not at all difficult, especially if you have a manufacturing diagram available. Homemade products like this not only make life easier, but also allow you to significantly save money. To be able to apply to your homemade instrument different attachments, you will need to sharpen the end part of the sleeve for the adapter or the necessary attachments.
In conclusion, it remains to be noted that the resulting device is quite reliable and even almost eternal, since the starter parts are made of hardened high-quality steel. Periodically you need to check the lubrication of the splines on your homemade product. The price of the most inexpensive impact screwdriver is about 500 rubles. When choosing, carefully look at the completeness and quality of workmanship.
When performing plumbing work, a problem that often arises is that bolts, screws and self-tapping screws become damaged by rust. And if appropriate measures are not taken, things may lead to deformation metal structure. The most difficult situations arise when unscrewing steel bolts from aluminum parts, because every day corrosive substances hold the materials together more strongly, and they simply “stick” to each other. To solve the problem, just use an impact screwdriver.
Operating principle of an impact screwdriver
The simplest version of such a screwdriver is made in the form special tool with a monolithic core, which begins with the sting 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 using wrench, and the other will strike the back of the handle with a hammer.
True, for such a decision there are 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 a modernized solution, since the classic simplest option has long gone out of general use and 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 fastening element using ordinary 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. Swivel 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.
Specifications
If you are going to buy a screwdriver in a store, be prepared to understand the key technical characteristics and the configuration of a specific 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 a handle device, 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 perfect solution You should carefully weigh all the features and only then make a purchase.
It's no secret that popular trademarks Screwdrivers are produced together 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 instrument, This 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:
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:
If the tool equipped with reverse, many experts recommend setting the tightening mode after each displacement 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.
Differences between a screwdriver and an impact driver
Many people mistakenly think that an impact screwdriver 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 can do the right decision and acquire a truly useful and reliable tool, which will serve you for a very long time.
To successfully unscrew a rusty fastening element, it is enough to treat it in time with a rag or special means. 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 fasteners change direction angle relative to the axis, it is enough to make a few more intense blows, and then change the operating mode to twisting. 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 works you should use the following tools:
- Impact screwdriver.
- With a hammer.
- With a rag.
- Brake fluid.
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 should be placed on the sleeve steel pipe, which will 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, just study existing instructions and watch video tips.
There is a humorous saying: “A screw driven in with a hammer holds tighter than a nail driven in with a screwdriver.” Many home craftsmen have tried to combine the impact force of a hammer and the torque of a screwdriver.
This usually ended in tool failure. Finally, the impact screwdriver was invented, in which the impact force is correctly converted into torque.
Actually, the principle of operation of an impact screwdriver is similar to the operation of a bolt. The mechanic holds the handle in one hand and strikes the end with a hammer with the other.
There are two main types of power screwdrivers that work on the chisel principle:
Percussion.
This is a modified bolt. Only the main purpose, not working as a jackhammer - but still loosening and tightening screws.
Distinctive feature tool - the tip of the screwdriver passes through the entire length, from the working slots to the heel of the handle. Moreover, it is monolithic; no joints or welding joints are allowed. Of course, only high-quality alloy steel is used to manufacture such tools.
To realize the full potential of the screwdriver, the tip is shaped like a hexagon. There may also be a square or hex key on the heel of the handle. Of course - he is one with the sting.
How to use an impact screwdriver? For greater efficiency, it is better to work together. The splined part is installed on a screw that can be unscrewed (tightened), a key is put on the hexagon, and at the same time frequent short blows are applied to the rear part with a twisting force.
An assistant should use the hammer, being careful not to hit the hand of the main worker.
Soured screws recoil due to vibration and are easily unscrewed. However, this type of screwdriver cannot provide a direct conversion of impact force into torque. Tapping the handle with a hammer only helps to unscrew or tighten a “heavy” screw.
Important! Many would-be craftsmen use impact screwdrivers as bolts. This is unacceptable.
Firstly, - for these purposes there is a specialized tool, more durable and massive. In addition, a real bolt has hand protection in the form of a rubberized fungus. If the hammer comes off the heel of the impact driver handle, you can seriously injure your hand.
Secondly, – when using a screwdriver as an impact tool, it will very soon be hopelessly damaged. And the cost of such equipment is much higher than a simple bolt.
There is a humorous saying: “A screw driven in with a hammer holds tighter than a nail driven in with a screwdriver.” Many home craftsmen have tried to combine the impact force of a hammer and the torque of a screwdriver.
This usually ended in tool failure. Finally, the impact screwdriver was invented, in which the impact force is correctly converted into torque.
Actually, the principle of operation of an impact screwdriver is similar to the operation of a bolt. The mechanic holds the handle in one hand and strikes the end with a hammer with the other.
There are two main types of power screwdrivers that work on the chisel principle:
Percussion.
This is a modified bolt. Only the main purpose, not working as a jackhammer - but still loosening and tightening screws.
A distinctive feature of the tool is that the screwdriver blade extends across the entire length, from the working slots to the heel of the handle. Moreover, it is monolithic; no joints or welding joints are allowed. Of course, only high-quality alloy steel is used to manufacture such tools.
To realize the full potential of the screwdriver, the tip is shaped like a hexagon. There may also be a square or hex key on the heel of the handle. Of course - he is one with the sting.
How to use an impact screwdriver? For greater efficiency, it is better to work together. The splined part is installed on a screw that can be unscrewed (tightened), a key is put on the hexagon, and at the same time frequent short blows are applied to the rear part with a twisting force.
An assistant should use the hammer, being careful not to hit the hand of the main worker.
Soured screws recoil due to vibration and are easily unscrewed. However, this type of screwdriver cannot provide a direct conversion of impact force into torque. Tapping the handle with a hammer only helps to unscrew or tighten a “heavy” screw.
Important! Many would-be craftsmen use impact screwdrivers as bolts. This is unacceptable.
Firstly
, - for these purposes there is a specialized tool, more durable and massive. In addition, a real bolt has hand protection in the form of a rubberized fungus. If the hammer comes off the heel of the impact driver handle, you can seriously injure your hand.
Secondly
, – when using a screwdriver as an impact tool, it will very soon be hopelessly damaged. And the cost of such equipment is much higher than a simple bolt. 
There is also a simpler version of the impact screwdriver, familiar to you from Soviet times. Monolithic body with two wooden overlays Ensures reliable power transmission to large screws. If you couldn’t resist and used a screwdriver as a chisel, you can always restore the splines using a file.
Impact-rotary.
In this rather complicated mechanical tool two force components are combined: an impact on the end part, in addition to direct impact, is converted into torque.
The operating principle resembles impact drill. The spline part, with a sufficiently strong turning force, is affected by vibration from tapping with a hammer.
Important! This screwdriver can be used alone.
This saves time and health. The likelihood that you will hit your own fingers tends to zero.
The impact rotary screwdriver mechanism is located inside the handle.
It is a gimlet with a small angle of twist relative to the axis. Rather, it is a gear with oblique teeth. It is acted upon by a ratchet clip. When striking the heel of the handle, the clip moves forward and the gear rotates in the direction selected by the switch.
As a result, on working attachment two forces are transmitted - rotating and translational. They act synchronously.
Design advantage - efficient use impact forces, tool versatility. The advantages include less force with which hammer blows are applied.
The disadvantage is that the structure is not monolithic, so the effort must be measured. The mechanical part is subject to wear.
And of course – the price. Such devices are quite expensive (we are not talking about Chinese and Polish disposable fakes).
What materials are impact screwdriver handles made from?
The handle of an impact driver serves both as a handle and as a housing for the mechanism. In addition to structural strength (it is necessary to hold the mechanical part), the handle also serves as protection for the master’s hands.
Steel body handles.
This tool is classified as professional. Lasting steel body at the same time it serves as a clip for the rotation mechanism. The absence of extra layers on the handle allows you to place the screwdriver in hard to reach places. The one-piece design provides precise force dosing and excellent process control.
Such tools are usually supplied in the form of sets with various attachments. All the same, the design is not monolithic, and therefore it can be supplemented with a universal cartridge for standard bits.
Only when purchasing additional attachments should you remember the increased loads and not skimp on quality.
Component handles
The body of the screwdriver mechanism is covered with a rubberized shell. The material can be different - polyurethane, rigid polyethylene. The main thing is to ensure shock damping and a firm grip in the hand. In the heel part of the handle, a ridge in the form of a fungus is usually made. As with a bolt, this provides additional protection for the hand in case of an inaccurate hit with a hammer.
The soft handle cannot be part of the mechanism, the load is too great. Therefore, the issue of the size of the power unit (and therefore the safety margin) arises acutely. If mechanical part leave it powerful and dimensional, as in products with a steel handle - the overall dimensions of the screwdriver will not allow you to work in cramped conditions.
Reducing the size reduces the strength of the tool, but makes it more convenient.
You can always choose an option that meets your needs.
Using an impact screwdriver.
At first glance, it may seem that the tool serves as a replacement for a screwdriver. These tools cannot perform each other's functions. The impact screwdriver is used either for final tightening screw connection with great force, or to “break” the soured thread.
Important! For high-quality tightening, and especially to break the thread, there is no need to hit the handle hard with a hammer. Even tapping with short, precise strokes is much more effective.
DIY impact screwdriver
Despite the complexity of the design, such a tool can be made with your own hands. Of course, there is no need to machine a gimlet gear on a CNC router. Spare parts are available at any car dismantling center. The starter mechanism is ideal for this purpose.
The rotor with windings is cut off from the shaft.
The remaining shaft and bushing will serve as the basis of the mechanism. We grind a square on the sleeve for replacement heads.
We make a handle from a piece of pipe, and a striking heel from a powerful bolt.
After welding the structure together, the finished tool was obtained.
It may not be as presentable as a factory one, but the cost tends to zero. And the reliability is beyond doubt.
