Having trouble unscrewing rusted bolts? I suggest you try to make a screwdriver yourself that will allow you to unscrew almost anything!
Sometimes there are times when it is necessary to unscrew a heavily rusted bolt or, for example, screws with torn edges. You can't do this with a regular tool. And now such a simple tool will come to your aid, which you can easily make yourself. I will tell you how to do it using the example of a rotor from a faulty Zaporozhets electric starter.
First of all, we cut off the part of the rotor shaft on which the winding is located (see photo 1), and then, with the remaining part, we remove all excess.
As a result, we only get the shaft and bushing (see photo 2).
We put a piece of pipe on the sleeve, which will serve as a handle. At the other end, we insert a plug into the tube from a piece of a large bolt, which will not allow the handle to deform due to blows with a hammer and at the same time limit the movement of the shaft inside this sleeve (see photo 3).
Then, using electric welding, we weld all the parts (see photo 4).
We sharpen the end of the shaft into a square shape so that it is possible to put on different heads (for bolts). If you need to unscrew a screw, you must insert the appropriate bit into the head. The principle of operation of the screwdriver is simple: when you hit the end of the handle with a hammer, the shaft begins to rotate slightly on the oblique slots inside the handle. This is quite enough for the dried bolt to come loose.
Due to the fact that all parts of the electric starter are made of high-quality steel (need to be cut with a grinder), the screwdriver is quite powerful and durable. You should not hit the handle hard with a hammer, because the heads of the screws or bolts will break off. And in order for the splines to serve you faithfully for a long time, they must be constantly lubricated.
Note! To make this screwdriver, an old starter from almost any passenger car. And the larger it is, the more powerful your instrument will be.
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 occur when unscrewing steel bolts from aluminum parts, because every day corrosive substances bind materials more strongly, and they simply “stick” to each other. To solve the problem, it is enough to apply impact screwdriver.
Operating principle of an impact screwdriver
The simplest version of such a screwdriver is made in the form of a special tool with a monolithic core, which begins with a tip 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 with a hammer on back side handles
True, such a solution has 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 tip 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 fastener using a conventional 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 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 they are not observed during operation basic rules, such shortcomings 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 what a good alternative for a screwdriver is impact screwdriver, however, this is a deep misconception. 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 will be able to make the right decision and purchase a truly useful and reliable tool that 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 a special product. 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 part 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 work, 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, arguing that the upcoming action does not require special effort or skills. 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, simply study the existing instructions and watch video tips.
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 to install and dismantle threaded connections that require additional effort. 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, the mechanic has to hold the handle of the screwdriver 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 the tube from deforming 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, it should be used 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 struck correctly 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 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 when 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's 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 do everything without significant effort using a percussion tool.
Conclusion
As we can see, impact screwdrivers have a fairly simple operating principle. These are useful and necessary tools that should be in every master’s tool kit, 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”
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 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.
This rather complex mechanical tool combines two force components: a blow to the end part, in addition to direct impact, is converted into torque.
The operating principle is similar to an 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 cage moves forward, and the gear rotates in the direction selected by the switch.
As a result, two forces are transmitted to the working nozzle - rotating and translational. They act synchronously.
The advantage of the design is the effective use of impact force and the versatility of the tool. 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. Similar devices 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. The durable steel housing also serves as a housing 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 the mechanical part is left powerful and large, as in products with a steel handle, the overall dimensions of the screwdriver will not allow working 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. An impact screwdriver is used either for final tightening of a screw connection with great force, or for “breaking” soured threads.
Important! For high-quality tightening, and especially breaking 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.
Today, an impact screwdriver is a very popular tool not only in construction, but also for work at home. It will be simply irreplaceable in those situations when you need to unscrew a tightly “welded” screw. An ordinary screwdriver in this case simply cannot help you, but an impact screwdriver is a completely different matter.
What kind of instrument is this
If you look visually, there are very few similarities with the screwdriver we are used to. This model has a metal body, which makes it more durable and can even withstand strong hammer blows.
An impact screwdriver set usually comes with two bits: a flathead and a Phillips. The connecting part where these nozzles are installed has the shape of a square. In fact, this is very convenient for the reason that you can attach socket heads to it, which will give you the opportunity to work with bolts, self-tapping screws and screws without much effort. This is especially good for that category of people who constantly repair cars.
Using an impact screwdriver, you can not only unscrew the fasteners, but also install new ones in their place. It is worth noting that this tool screws in parts “for centuries.” Believe me, you will not be able to unscrew the bolt with a regular screwdriver.
Impact screwdriver principle: how it works
The principle of operation of the tool is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. When a hammer hits the butt, bottom part begins to rotate with such force, which is quite enough for the nozzle to cope with the most durable fasteners.
Brief instructions:
- In order to make your task a little easier, before starting work, you can slightly lubricate the fasteners with a rag pre-moistened with brake fluid.
- Next, take our screwdriver and install it perpendicular to the head of the hardware.
- We take a hammer in our hands and hit the end of the tool with all our might.
After the fastener begins to rotate around its axis, give it a few more blows with a hammer. This is necessary so that the screwdriver switches back to the “twisting” mode. As you can see, it's not that hard to figure out how to use an impact screwdriver.
Making your own impact screwdriver
Oddly enough, making this one is quite useful tool can be done at home without much effort. The main thing is to understand how an impact screwdriver works, then the work will go much easier.
Let's get started:
- Prepare a rotor taken from an electric motor (small). Everything needs to be cut off from it so that only the shaft and bushing remain.
- Take the bushing and select a piece metal pipe, which is the right size to put on her. This will be our handle.
- WITH reverse side you will need to insert a larger nut. This will give the handle strength and not break under a strong blow with a hammer.
- We weld all the parts together.
- We sharpen the end of the shaft thoroughly so that it takes on a square shape.
Our homemade instrument ready. You just need to put in a little effort, and believe me, the impact screwdriver will turn out no worse than any store-bought model.
Advantages
- Has a reinforced body made of steel.
- Significantly larger than a regular screwdriver.
- Has a torsion switch. This is very convenient if you need to tightly tighten a bolt or unscrew a rusty part.
- Using an impact screwdriver is absolutely safe for humans. It cannot hurt you or cause you any other damage.
- It is possible to change attachments, depending on the case. With only one tool at home, you will always have both a cross-shaped and a flat attachment at hand.
- You can make it at home without much effort, and this is a significant cost savings.
- Can be used not only in construction work, but also repairs related to the car.
There are times when you need to unscrew heavily rusted fasteners. What to do in this situation, because household tools do not cope well with this task. All you need is an impact driver. It's hard to believe that she is able to unscrew an outdated part.
Wet the bolt with a small amount of brake fluid and see how easily the part comes off. Of course, it happens that this doesn’t help either. There is no need to despair. Moisten again with the fluid you use for the car's brake system and leave for several hours. After that, you can use an impact screwdriver to do the necessary work.
The tool can be purchased at the store or made at home. In any case, in addition to the body, you will need additional attachments. This will save you from unnecessary tools. Imagine how nice it is when instead of ten screwdrivers in a drawer there is only one - an impact driver, and it comes with attachments that will help you in any construction situation.
What types of impact screwdrivers are there?
Main types:
- A tool in the form of a simple beard. It is very easy to use. The biggest advantage of such models is that they are very cheap and absolutely everyone can afford them.
- In the form of a regular screwdriver. If you put two screwdrivers side by side - an impact screwdriver and a standard one - you will not be able to find any visual differences. However, our tool is equipped with a special mechanism inside, thanks to which you can handle difficult situations during construction and renovation. However, if we talk about the cost of such models, they are quite expensive.
- DIY impact screwdriver. The best and economical option. If you have a little time and desire, then with the help of simple parts you can make a very useful tool for the household with your own hands.
Let's sum it up
As you have already seen, an impact screwdriver has a very simple principle of operation. It's useful and the right tool in the arsenal of any mechanic who can easily help unscrew even the most outdated bolts. Having made it yourself, you will work with pleasure. Be sure that you will get it no worse than models from specialized stores.