Do-it-yourself impact screwdriver. DIY impact screwdriver: how to make a tool from a starter

Corrosion is one of the most adverse effects to which all metal materials are subject, including fasteners. Often in the process of unscrewing bolts, self-tapping screws or screws, one has to face the fact that these elements simply cannot be displaced. In order not to damage the tool that unscrews the fastener, you need to choose the appropriate approach. An ordinary screwdriver is not able to cope with rusted or stuck connections, so the only option left is to use an impact screwdriver.

Features of the functioning of impact screwdrivers

The tool considered in the material also has such a name as a rotary impact screwdriver. It is a product equipped with a monolithic type core. The main difference between this device and a conventional screwdriver is a reinforced metal case, which is resistant to hammer blows. For the manufacture of impact screwdrivers, only high-quality alloy steel is used.

Before you find out the principle of operation of the tool, you should understand the design features. The sting of the product passes through the entire length of the structure from the working slots to the heel of the handle. The rotation of the sting is carried out by splines, which are set in motion with each blow of the hammer. The impact-swivel mechanism is located in the handle of the product. The sting is connected to a helical gear. The handle in the form of a clip has a similar design of teeth. Hammer blows are applied directly to the heel, located on the back of the device. The tool is used not only for unscrewing oxidized or rusted fasteners, but also for their control screwing.

Structural diagram of a rotary impact screwdriver

The principle of operation of impact-rotary screwdrivers is that when a hammer strikes the handle, the clip moves. Through this movement, a torque is transmitted to the tip through the gear train. With each blow of the hammer on the heel, there is a slight movement of the sting, which is enough to weaken the strength of the connection. After loosening this connection, you can use a regular screwdriver to completely unscrew the hardware element.

The fixture device does not have any complex elements, so it is very convenient for it to unscrew fasteners that cannot be unscrewed with standard tools. Their advantage is not only the gradual movement of the sting when hitting the handle, but also the inability to lick off the cap of the fastener.

Technical parameters of impact screwdriver

Each manufacturer strives to make their product not only of high quality, but also multifunctional. A rotary impact screwdriver, depending on the technical features and configuration, is determined by the following characteristics:

1. Reverse. A good tool will definitely have a reversible design. This function is not always needed, therefore, they are absent on products from the times of the USSR. The presence of a reverse affects the cost of the tool, but is not always justified by the need
2. Manufacturing material. Products from the times of the USSR were made of steel, and in this form they went on sale. Modern models are rarely found without a surface coating, which is polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene. The presence of a coating of a metal base provides not only additional protection for the tool, but also eliminates the possibility of slipping and electric shock when working with electrical devices
3. Lever. The role of the handle in a conventional tool is to apply physical force. In an impact screwdriver, the role of the handle is slightly different - it is an integral part of the impact-rotary mechanism, and is also intended to hold the product during work.

It is interesting! Every home master has encountered a situation where the fastening connection cannot be unscrewed. Usually this situation is familiar to car owners when a rusty door hinge bolt does not unscrew. For such purposes, a special bit is put on the impact screwdriver, with which the corresponding actions are performed.

Rotary impact devices are supplied with several options for interchangeable bits. Moreover, manufacturers complete their tools not only with cross and flat bits, but also with hexagons and an asterisk. Bits with different diameters do not have to be present in the kit with the product, since ordinary bits from standard screwdrivers are suitable for such a screwdriver.

What are percussion instruments for? Everyone can answer this question on their own, as soon as they use the product. These tools are always useful if they are in the arsenal of a home master. If there is an urgent need to use the tool, but have not yet had time to buy it, then for this there is the possibility of making an impact screwdriver with your own hands.

How to make a DIY impact screwdriver

Already, probably, many in their arsenal of tools have a do-it-yourself impact screwdriver. You can do it yourself without much effort. For the manufacture of homemade products, only one part is needed - the mechanism of a car starter.

It is this mechanism that is best suited for the manufacture of such a tool. The process of making a tool with your own hands in the form of step-by-step instructions is described below:

1. From a car starter, only a shaft is needed. You need to remove the rotor part from the shaft, for which you need a grinder

   

   Do-it-yourself impact screwdriver from a car starter: cutting off the rotor winding

2. The shaft and sleeve that remained after the winding was removed will be the basis of the future tool

   

   Necessary elements for the manufacture of tools

3. The tool is almost ready to use. It remains only to make a handle and a heel, for which you need a piece of pipe. A shock heel is made from a large diameter bolt. A bolt head is used as a heel

   

   Additional parts for manufacturing - a piece of pipe and a bolt

4. To combine all these elements, you need to use a welding machine. After welding the pipe and the bolt to the shaft, at the final stage the resulting handle is wrapped with electrical tape

   

   Finished Tool

The percussion instrument is now ready for use. As you can see, making it yourself is not a big deal. The disadvantage of a homemade device is an unpresentable appearance, as well as the lack of a reverse.

How to use the tool and how to use it correctly

Before using the device, it is necessary to pre-treat the mounting connection with brake fluid, thinner or WD-40. These fluids corrode rust, so their use will not only facilitate the unscrewing process, but also speed it up.

After that, a percussion instrument is taken, into which the required type and diameter of the bit is installed. The tool should be positioned exclusively parallel to the leg of the hardware. Light blows are made with a hammer on the end of the device, holding it in one hand, and the second is holding the device by the handle.

To increase the effectiveness of the actions taken, you need to hold the tool firmly. As soon as the fastening of the hardware begins to loosen, the impact on the tool continues until the hardware is unscrewed with a conventional screwdriver.

The efficiency of the work performed also depends on the quality of the tool. Cheap options are aimed only at unscrewing small hardware products, so when choosing, be sure to focus on which fasteners you plan to unscrew.

When working with a tool, it is important to follow the safety rules:

1. Work is done with gloves
2. Using a hammer weighing up to 0.5 kg
3. Blows are applied easily, since this is enough to set the hardware product in motion. If you miss and the blow falls on a finger or hand, the master will receive a minor injury.

Advantages and disadvantages

After analyzing such a tool as an impact screwdriver, it should be noted all its advantages and disadvantages. Based on these criteria, appropriate conclusions can be drawn about the usefulness and necessity of such a device.

When performing plumbing work, a problem often arises such as rust damage to bolts, screws and self-tapping screws. And if you do not take appropriate measures, it can come to the deformation of the 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 corny “stick” to each other. To solve the problem, it is enough to use an impact screwdriver.

The principle of operation of an impact screwdriver

The simplest version of such a screwdriver is made in the form of a special tool with a solid core, which starts with a sting and ends with a massive heel in the handle area. A similar product was in demand back in the days of the Soviet Union.

Modern models are equipped with a hexagon near the sting 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 sting in the slot of the screw and create torque with a wrench, while the other will strike with a hammer on the back of the handle.

However, there are some downsides to this solution.. Among them:

• The need for two partners to work together.
• Lack of conversion of received energy into torque. Hammer blows only unscrew the screw or screw, because they are able to destroy rust and create a certain vibration. The version of the rotary impact 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 exactly the modernized solution, since the classic simplest version has long gone out of common use and has ceased to enjoy its former popularity.

In the improved version, the shock-swivel assembly is located in the handle, and the sting is fixed on the gear and has characteristic oblique teeth. A clip with reciprocal 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 sting through a gear train.

Thus, a rotation of several degrees occurs, which is quite enough to loosen the protective connection and successfully unscrew the fastener using a conventional tool. As a result, the clip returns to its previous position by means of a spring.

It is quite easy to operate such a screwdriver. The swivel mechanism is capable of providing a combined translational and rotational force on the screw slot, which is very effective in successfully loosening stubborn threaded connections.

Specifications

If you are going to buy a screwdriver in a store, be prepared to understand the key specifications and equipment of a particular 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. Proven companies never use low-quality steel for the production of 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 rusted connections, but also to tighten the screw strongly in the place where it is needed.

The next important factor represented by a handle device, which is designed to hold the device and the body. If there is a polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene lining on the case, it is much more convenient to hold a screwdriver. If the lining has a “tide” in the heel, this has a positive effect on the safety of operation. In most cases, screwdriver manufacturers are guided by two paths:

• The body dimensions do not change, while the screwdriver retains high reliability, but cannot be used in extreme and cramped conditions.
• To expand the scope 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 the ideal solution, you should carefully weigh all the features and only then make a purchase.

It's no secret that popular brands produce screwdrivers along with an additional set of nozzles, because without these elements the tool is simply ineffective. The screwdriver comes with a holder for standard bits, and there are also several universal bits in the kit.

The market for such products is full of nozzles for different slots and hexagons. When buying these parts, be careful and consider the build quality. This is a very important parameter that determines the reliability of operation and the service life of a screwdriver.

Advantages and disadvantages of the tool

As with any instrument, this screwdriver has its advantages and disadvantages. Working with it, the masters note a number of key advantages:

• Efficient distribution of impact energy.
• Much less physical effort required. The classic version requires stronger and more intense strokes.
• Ability to operate without the help of a partner.

As for the minuses, they are practically absent, however, if the basic rules are not followed during operation, such shortcomings often appear:

In order for the unscrewing process to be as simple and of high quality as possible, it is enough to avoid irreparable mistakes and follow a number of separate rules:

If the instrument equipped with reverse, many experts recommend setting the twisting mode after each displacement of the head, repeating the blows several times, and then unscrewing the hardware again. This is due to the fact that with this approach, rust elements are removed from the thread in a particularly good way.

Differences between a screwdriver and an impact screwdriver

Many people mistakenly think that an impact screwdriver is a good alternative to a screwdriver, but this is a deep misconception. Both devices differ significantly from each other not only in their design properties, but also in the principle of operation. A screwdriver transmits impact force in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. By the way, this distinguishes it from an impact drill 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 "break" of the screw, which is too "stuck" to the connection.
• An impact type screwdriver reduces the amount of pressure required on the tool to complete 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 make the right decision and get a really useful and reliable tool that will last you a very long time.

To successfully unscrew a rusted fastener, it is enough to process it in time with a rag or a special tool. Then the screwdriver is installed on the head of the hardware, preferably perpendicular to it. At the next stage, several blows with a hammer are made on the end part of the screwdriver. The success of the upcoming event directly depends on the strength of the fixation of the tool in the hand of the worker. To eliminate the possibility of slipping the palm on the handle, it is enough to put on a glove, which will significantly reduce the risk of serious hand injuries.

If the fixture changes direction angle relative to the axis, it is enough to make a few more intense blows, and then change the mode of operation to twisting. In this case, you will effectively get rid of rust and greatly simplify your remaining unscrewing work. If the fastener moves out of place, it can be removed with a conventional screwdriver.

It is possible that after performing the above actions, the hardware will not change its direction and remain in the same position. To solve the problem, it is enough to treat the connecting fasteners with high-quality brake fluid, after 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 resolve 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 work, you should use the following tools:

• Impact screwdriver.
• Hammer.
• Rags.
• brake fluid.

Making an impact screwdriver with your own hands

Many people try to make such a tool with their own hands, arguing that the upcoming action does not require much effort or skill. It is enough to take into account all the subtleties of the instructions and avoid mistakes at the assembly stage.

When making a homemade screwdriver it is necessary to take the rotor from the electric motor and cut off everything from it, leaving only the bushings and the shaft. A piece of steel pipe should be placed on the sleeve, which will be used as a handle. At the opposite end, a nut is inserted into the trim, which will prevent damage to the handle. At the next stage, all parts are interconnected by welding.

Basically, making a high-performance impact screwdriver at home is not as difficult as it might initially seem. If you doubt that you can carry out such an assembly yourself, just study the existing instructions and watch the video tips.

An impact screwdriver is an indispensable tool in those frequent cases when the task is to unscrew a rusted or overtightened screw or self-tapping screw. A conventional screwdriver will not work for unscrewing rusted screws or self-tapping screws, as attempts will either break the screw slot or damage the tool tip. Particular difficulty arises in situations where a steel screw for a screwdriver is screwed into an aluminum part. Under the influence of corrosion, the two materials adhere tightly, as a result of which only an impact screwdriver can cope with the task.

Impact screwdrivers, which are produced by production, differ from each other in technical features and equipment. The main difference between an impact screwdriver and an ordinary tool is the presence of a reinforced metal case. Moreover, this body is several times larger than the design of a standard tool. According to the technical characteristics of the products in question, they differ:

• The presence of a reverse. A good screwdriver will certainly be equipped with the ability not only to break the connection, but also to tighten it. Screwdrivers from the times of the USSR do not have such a 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.
• Body material. Often, tools are presented in a steel case, and more expensive models cover the structure with polyurethane, rubber or polyethylene.

The scope of these tools is quite wide. These tools will be indispensable not only in household use, but also in various workshops, especially where car repairs are carried out. The swivel screwdriver allows you to use it not only for unscrewing rusted screws, but also for screwing them in securely.

The main characteristics of the tool are presented above, but it is important to mention the varieties of screwdriver tips. Impact rotary screwdrivers are almost always equipped with interchangeable 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 just as easy to use as usual.

How the tool works

The principle of operation of an impact screwdriver is based on the impact on the body of the tool while turning the bit in the right direction. To do this, the body is made of high-quality steel, which can easily withstand hammer blows. When strikes are made on the handle with a hammer, the clip with the bat moves to the side, thereby displacing the “sticky” screw from its place. The angle of rotation of the clip when making strikes is insignificant, but this is enough for the screw to be “torn off”. The screw is tightened in the same way.

The tool in question is intended solely for "breaking" or tightening screws. After the fastener is "torn off", you should use the usual tool.

To increase the efficiency of unscrewing the fastener, it is important to select the nozzle as accurately as possible. Due to the double action on the fastener (straight along the axis, and turning to the side) when making blows, the self-tapping screw, screw or bolt is unscrewed.

How to use the tool

Although the tool is the easiest to use, it is important to know some important rules when working with it:

• An impact screwdriver provides the most accurate selection of the appropriate nozzle for the fastener. If the nozzle is not selected exactly, this will lead to the folding of the slot of the fastener.
• Although a screwdriver is an effective tool for unscrewing rusted and stuck fasteners, it is important to facilitate its work and prepare the screw to be removed. To do this, it is necessary to treat the screw part with brake fluid or WD-40 grease. After processing the connection, you should wait 5-10 minutes, and then proceed to action. Sometimes, after treatment with such lubricants, it is possible to unscrew the fasteners even with a conventional 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, with the other hand, you should strike with a hammer on the butt. 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 strokes, check for shifts. If there is no shift, then pay attention to whether the slot of the fastener is licked.

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 details:

• Rotor from an electric motor. All you need is a shaft and a 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 sleeve remain. A piece of steel tube must be put on the shaft, which will play the role of the tool handle.
• On the reverse side of the pipe, put on a nut, which will be hit with a hammer.
• The resulting parts must 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 scheme for manufacturing. Such a roll of homemade products not only makes life easier, but also allows you to significantly save money. To be able to apply various nozzles to your homemade tool, you will need to sharpen the end part of the sleeve for an adapter or the necessary nozzles.

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, it is required 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 workmanship.

There is a playful saying: “A screw hammered with a hammer holds tighter than a nail twisted 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, an 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 jumper. The locksmith holds the handle in one hand, and the second strikes with a hammer on the butt.

There are two main types of power screwdrivers that work on the principle of a chisel:

shock.
This is the modified jumper. Only the main purpose, not working as a jackhammer - but still loosening and tightening screws.

A distinctive feature of the tool is that the tip of the screwdriver runs through the entire length, from the working slots to the heel of the handle. At the same time, it is monolithic, no joints or welding joints are allowed. Of course, only high-quality alloy steel is used for the manufacture of such tools.

To realize the full potential of the screwdriver, the tip is shaped like a hexagon. A square or turnkey hexagon may also be present 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 slotted part is mounted on a screw to be unscrewed (twisted), a key is put on the hexagon, and at the same time with a torsional force, frequent short blows are applied to the back.

An assistant should work with a hammer, being careful not to hit the main worker's hand.

Soured screws are given away due to vibration, and are easily unscrewed. However, this type of screwdriver cannot provide a direct conversion of the impact force into torque. Tapping with a hammer on the handle only helps to unscrew or tighten the "heavy" screw.

Important! Many would-be craftsmen use impact screwdrivers as a bolt. It is unacceptable.

First of all, - for these purposes there is a specialized tool, more durable and massive. In addition, a real jumper has a hand protection in the form of a rubberized fungus. If the hammer comes off the heel of the impact screwdriver handle, you can seriously injure your hand.

Secondly, - when using a screwdriver as a percussion tool, it will very soon be hopelessly damaged. And the cost of such equipment is much higher than a simple jumper.

In order to make an impact screwdriver from a starter with your own hands, you will need:
* Angle grinder, cutting wheel, goggles, gloves
* Bench vice
* Faulty car starter
* Old wrench with a tetrahedron
* Metal pipe with a diameter equal to the diameter of the bendix
* Metal lathe, through cutter
* Pair of small springs
* Metal washer
* Welding machine, welding mask, leggings
* Drilling machine, metal drill with a diameter of 5 mm
* Tap with M6 thread
* Kern
* Bolt M6
* Boring cutter
* Small hammer
* Masking tape
* Can of hammer paint

Step one.
The first step is to disassemble the faulty starter from the car, only two parts are needed from it,
this is the anchor of the electric motor and the bendix, on which the principle of unscrewing will be based. You can buy a non-working starter at a metal reception, for which they will ask for a penny in comparison with buying a factory version of an impact screwdriver.

From the anchor itself, you need to remove the rod, this can be done using a press or a powerful locksmith vice. Also, the anchor can be knocked out with hammer blows, but in this case there is a risk of deforming it, so I do not recommend this method. So, we clamp the anchor in a vise and squeeze out the stem, after it has completely come out, we proceed to the next step.

Step two.
Now from the bendix you need a part with slots, it can be sawn off using an angle grinder with a cutting disc installed, and then finished on a lathe to the desired size. When working with an angle grinder, be careful, hold the power tool firmly in your hands, and do not forget about goggles and gloves. The splined part will later be put on the shaft and, from the impact, will transmit rotation to it.

Step three.
In order to be able to install various heads on this screwdriver, you need to cut off the tetrahedral part from the wrench using an angle grinder.

The basis of the screwdriver was a round metal blank, in which a step was made for installing the splined part from the bendix using a lathe and a boring cutter.

If you do not have a lathe, then the base can be made from a pipe of a suitable diameter, preferably with a wall thickness of at least 2 mm. This is what the assembled instrument will look like.

Step four.
To fix the stem, we clamp the base in a vice and, using a drilling machine, drill a hole with a diameter of 5 mm for the bolt.

Next, we clamp the part in a vise on a workbench and, using a tap, cut the thread for the M6 ​​bolt, in the process of threading we add a special lubricant that will reduce the wear of the tap.

After that, we check how the bolt is screwed by hand.

On the rod itself, you need to do milling, since there is no milling machine, we tighten the part in a vice and use an angle grinder to make a small groove that will prevent the rod from falling out freely.

Step five.
It's time for welding. We install the slotted part in the base and fix it in a vice, then using a welding machine we weld the parts together. When working with a welding machine, use personal protective equipment, a welding mask and leggings.

After that, we tap the seam to remove the slag formed during the welding process.

We give the parts to cool a little, then we clamp it into a three-jaw chuck of a lathe and remove traces of welding with a through cutter.

As a result, such a basis is obtained.

Step six.
We clamp the rod with a tetrahedron put on it in a vice and, using a welding machine, weld them to each other, then tap the slag with a hammer and remove the irregularities of the weld on a lathe.

As it turned out, during the testing process, it was revealed that the shaft, when struck by a hammer, wedged a little at the base, the springs in this case could not push it back. This problem was solved by installing an additional thick washer, which was welded end-to-end with the splines, and then machined on a lathe.

We collect all the details in a single design, then proceed to its painting.

With the help of a can of hammer paint, we transform our home-made tool, glue the tetrahedron and the slotted part with masking tape in advance.

After the paint dries, we get such a very nice impact screwdriver, it remains only to install a ball with a spring to fix the nozzles, and change the usual bolt to a bolt with a countersunk cap.