More cool tools? "Impacta" screwdriver!

[LoudMusic]

This is a neat idea, and I've now seen two YT videos where the guys really like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8QxPvDBJzE

Seems like it could be priceless in a marine environment where screws are notorious for corroding into their position.

Looks like there are a few models to choose from.

[a64pilot]

It appears to just be a pretty impact driver.
Yes they are useful, often very useful

[newhaul]

I keep 2 on my boat now days. Every Harley owner has one on his bike. Almost a required tool. I have one from harbor freight. The good part it can also use 1/2 drive sockets.
https://www.harborfreight.com/impact...ase-37530.html
don't look as fancy as the one in the video but has its own locking case.

[Suijin]

I have an impact driver set. It is often the tool of last resort that will free stuff that nothing else will and I consider it a core tool that I would not be without.

That impacta tool looks to be a hybrid. Can't really see it's usefulness other than the longer tool length, which is usually a drawback with impact tools but might help in some tight situations. Can't see it generating the hard impact force of a dedicated short thick beefy impact tool.

[HopCar]

Looks like it could be used as a regular screw driver as well as an impact tool. Won't replace a regular impact wrench as it won't work on anything but Phillips head screws.

[sazarac]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

This is a neat idea, and I've now seen two YT videos where the guys really like it.

Seems like it could be priceless in a marine environment where screws are notorious for corroding into their position.

Looks like there are a few models to choose from.

That type has been around for at least 50 years. There are much better ones out there in any decent tool store.

[roverhi]

Impact drivers are nice to have especially for getting SS fasteners out of aluminum masts. Unfortunately I'm a klutz and hit something other than the head of the impact driver with hammer especially when doing boat yoga repairs. Have gone to battery powered impact driver to save my fingers. Like the Milwaukee 12v tools as they have a bunch of different tools that will run off the set of batteries and charger. Once you have that first set of batteries only need to buy the bare tool to meet other job requirements. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...hoCWgoQAvD_BwE

[zengirl]

Originally Posted by sazarac

That type has been around for at least 50 years. There are much better ones out there in any decent tool store.

And what are the better ones?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by zengirl

And what are the better ones?

How about:
Toledo Professional Impact Driver Set - 301095 - Supercheap Auto

or
Sykes Impact Driver Set - 15 Pc - 040101 - Supercheap Auto

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by StuM

How about:
Toledo Professional Impact Driver Set - 301095 - Supercheap Auto

or
Sykes Impact Driver Set - 15 Pc - 040101 - Supercheap Auto

dang those ain't cheap.

[a64pilot]

I’ve had my el cheapo impact for at least 20 years, and have used it enough so that the head of it has been beaten a little flat.
I normally always buy good, expensive tools, but the el cheapo impact has been a winner so far.

[darylat8750]

When my son left home I put my impact driver that I had from the '60s in his "to go" box. Next time I needed one I bought an el cheapo impact driver that was so bad it wouldn't loosen a screw I knew it should have. I took it back and got the next better one (about $25 a long time ago) and it worked fine. This is not a place to go too cheap. I too would not be without one.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by newhaul

dang those ain't cheap.

We were talking about "better ones". You can get "equivalent ones" a lot cheaper.
From the same store:

ToolPro Impact Screwdriver Set - 7 Piece - Supercheap Auto

and lots of different bits for a few bucks more:
TOOLPRO 50MM IMPACT DRIVER BIT SET - 10 PIECE - Supercheap Auto

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by StuM

We were talking about "better ones". You can get "equivalent ones" a lot cheaper.
From the same store:

ToolPro Impact Screwdriver Set - 7 Piece - Supercheap Auto

and lots of different bits for a few bucks more:
TOOLPRO 50MM IMPACT DRIVER BIT SET - 10 PIECE - Supercheap Auto

I have been using my elcheapo harbor freight one ( paid 5 bucks for it) for over 10 years on the boat. An occasional squirt of liquid wrench to keep it working good.

[SaltyMetals]

OK, so far this thread has related to US only. As far as the UK is concerned i got mine in Halfords. Not too expensive and Halfords is known for giving good prices. Like the others on this thread i would not wish to be without it on the boat. Essential.
Andrew
"Genial Bee"