Many professionals do not quite favor the tool we are going to talk about today. However, it is one of the primary components of a useful toolbox. Without this, your toolbox is incomplete. Just like saws, impact drivers have a great variety. There are many types of impact drivers for different purposes. Among these, the one that has recently been sidelined is the manual impact drive. Thanks to industrialization, we have forgotten the power of man.
The manual hammer will always be a reminder of this. Automatic, cordless, and electronic drives are easy to use. Due to this, manual tools started decreasing in popularity. Similar to this, the impact drill ( compare with hammer drill ) started getting mechanized. First, a manual impact drill was used extensively. An impact drill is a manual tool. So lets see how to use a manual impact driver.
Contents
How To Use A Manual Impact Driver –Steps By Step Guide
Total Time: 45 Mins
Step 1
Let’s talk about prerequisites before getting into how to use the tool. The essential component is the battery. Make sure that the battery is charged well. You can check the instruction manual to see how long you should ideally charge it. Now you have to enter battery in the impact driver. Remember to modify it off before adding the battery. To enter the battery, you have to the battery into the handle Wait till you hear a click sound. This means that your bit has been attached. However, this is just one step. There is a long procedure until you get to use the drive.
If you are working with an impact driver ( see two good drivers with battery) without batteries , you will have to clean both the bit’s end and the screw top. Then, this needs to be inserted on to the surface. This step is vital to avoid a strong impact on the chuck due to the drill.
Step 2
We have an article about shanks. Refer to that article before going ahead if you do not know about shanks. Once you finished the previous step, insert ¼ inch hex-drive shanks in the battery socket. ‘Battery socket’ and ‘chuck’ can be used interchangeably. You have to estimate then the correct bit that goes into the screw size. This depends on whether you want to lock or loosen the surface. Remember to keep an impact drive in your hand while reading the steps. This will help you understand the procedure better. Another tip is to sanitize the bit’s end before you enter it in the right socket. Usually, the size does not matter, but for smaller bits, a touch holder is used. There are chances that you might have to buy this separately.
A touch holder comes with a magnetic side. This is solely for holding bits firmly. It also comes with a hexagonal shank. We have not covered a hexagonal shank previously. A hexagonal shank usually fits best into a manual driver’s chuck socket.
Once again, the process is different for an impact driver without the battery. You have to find the correct sized bit. The correct bit will fit like a glove over the screw. This bit is needed to loosen or tighten the chuck. It has to be the right fit.
Otherwise, the drive will give shabby results. To insert the bit, you have to apply pressure on the chuck in an upward motion systematically. Now, enter the required bit in and once again, push the socket back down. You should be able to move the drive without the bit being loose. Therefore, check for this step twice before you start working with the drive. An extremely loose chuck can cause accidents, while a very tight chuck will give stringent results.
Step 3
Make sure you double-check the previous step before moving on. Now, to connect the bit into the socket, you have to hold the socket firmly with one hand. Then steadily pull it upwards (with the same hand, obviously). Once the opening is secure, insert the bit with your free hand. Make sure you use your dominant hand for the former step. You need to hold on to the socket firmly, and this is better done with your dominant hand if you have another person to help you, great!
If you are using a battery-less impact driver: This procedure is slightly different. Hold the tool firmly. Then fit it steadily over the screw. This will need to be extracted off from the top of the drive. Since it is a manual drive, everything is expected to be done by hand. There are no push-buttons or controls for this tool. It might seem difficult for now, but once you master the steps, it is an easy tool to use.
Step 4
Once again, remember to cross-check the previous step. After this, make sure that the bit is securely attached to the socket. Once you do this, adjust the switches on the driver according to your need. This gears the impact driver.
For an impact driver without battery: Check if the bit and the screw-top fit perfectly. Like a battery drive, use your non-dominant hand to shit the manual drive with a hammer. Any hammer will work for this step. While you are at it, you have to rotate the driver according to your requirements. The direction of rotation depends on whether you want to tighten or loosen it from the surface. If you’re going to tighten the screw, twist the driver clockwise. If you’re going to loosen the screw, rotate it anti-clockwise.
Step 5
Now put in the speed at which you want to use the drill. We suggest that you go slower at the start.
Without battery: Continue hitting the impact driver. Again, while doing this, you have to twist it in the direction you want. Keep doing this until you are delighted with the final product.
Step 6
We know that most tools come with an added advantage of lights. To your luck, this is true even for the manual impact drive. Therefore, if you are working in an alley or dungeon, make sure you turn on the lights. Always keep in mind that putting the LED lights on will consume twice as much battery. Put the light on, and when you push the clutch to start your hammer. Putting the light on will help you see if the brightness is satisfactory.
Without battery: Usually, nonbattery tools might not have the LED light component. In such cases, you can use the headlamp. These are readily available. If you do not know what a headlamp is, search for ‘mining headlamps.’ Once again, if you have another person to hold the lamp for you, it is excellent.
Step 7
The previous step was just an additional tip. To get back to using the drive, you have to press the button at the front tightly. Do this slowly. You will notice that the bit will start rotating in the direction it is set for. There will be another button in front of the drive, below the power button. This is to increase and reduce the tempo of the rotation. We suggest always to set the speed slow if it is your first time. It will give you reasonable control over the drive.
Without battery: This step is the same as for a battery-run drive.
Step 8
Now, for turning it off, you have to slow the speed gently and hit the power button. After you are done using it, make sure you keep it aside on a flat surface or a wooden table. The device may be hot for some time. Therefore avoid touching the bit. Let the device cool down for at least half an hour before you begin removing the bit. The battery, because it could be hot due to the warmth, could still rotate.
Step 9
Now, once the impact driver cools down, you can easily remove the bit from the socket. Follow the same steps you did for inserting the chuck. Just a quick revision: you hold on to the drive with your dominant hand and push it up. Then you can easily extract the bit with your vacant hand.
Things You Will Need To Use A Manual Impact Driver
1. Safety Goggles
You have to protect your eyes from any debris and unexpected strikes. Wear eye protection to reduce the risk of serious injury from flying debris. Special eye protection gear is available online. These are not only specific for an impact drill. Safety Google can be used while working with multiple tools. If you think that manual impact drivers are safe, you are wrong. They cause a high amount of impact and vibration. These drivers require close supervision. There are high chances that you might injure your eyes.
2. Safety Gloves
To guard your hands against a hammer blow. These gloves are not regular thin gloves. These are thick gloves designed to protect from tools impact. Make sure you do not proceed unless you have the essential safety gear.
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. So wear ear protection when impact drilling. The sound can be noisy. Sometimes, it is so bad that the sound of an impact driver rings in your ears for days. These are bad signs. To prevent this, make sure you invest in a pair of good noise-canceling headphones. Test these out at a store before purchasing it.
4. A Face Mask
We are sure you have an abundant supply of face masks at home now. This is important not only to protect you from COVID-19 but to protect your lungs. Make sure to wear a dust mask if the operation involves a lot of dust. Any dirt can tease sinuses.
5. Battery Pack Knowledge
This is not a material component. You should read up on the battery information of the tool you are using. Battery packs can be dangerous if not handled properly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery care and charging instructions.
6. Hammer
This makes it easier to use force to lock or loosen nuts, bolts, and screws.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to get a full safety net gear online?
Yes. That is possible. However, we recommend that you purchase all the safety gear from stores. You need to check for the right goggle, gloves, and headphone size. You cannot compromise on safety with online delivery service. You get pre-packaged safety gear in stores.
2. Should I buy an impact driver with or without batteries?
This depends solely on your needs and preference. If you read the steps, there are more precautions to be taken with battery impact drivers. You have to keep many things in mind while using these. Battery impact drivers are the powered form. With an optimal battery, this impact driver will be easy to use. Therefore if you are a beginner, a non-battery operated impact driver will be best for you.
3. Should I wear protective gear even if I am working at home?
Absolutely. Manual impact drivers are exhausting. At the start, they can drain the life out of you. They require a lot of pressure, energy, and power. Some sites will tell you that it is okay to skip the safety gear if you work at home. Our site cares for your safety. Precaution is better than cure, right?
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, a manual impact driver can drain the life out of you if you don’t know how to use a manual impact driver. It is a great tool but requires strong will and skill to use it. Make sure that you use the right impact driver for the correct type of task. Lastly, take care of yourself and the device while using it. (Preferably, in the same order).
Leave a Reply