Impact screw drivers?

[EddieWalker]

Another nice thing about the driver is the attachments you can get for it other then just for screws. I have the one for 3/8's sockets that I use fairly regularly. The drill tips are nice for pilot holes, or just whenever you need a small hole in something and it's easier to use the much smaller driver then to deal with the drill. I've gotten to the point where I mostly just use my drill for mixing joint compound and drilling big holes.

Eddie

 

[jix]

Being no expert, I asked the tool salesman why my drill kept on slipping the chuck in reverse.
He said I should only use my drill to drive screws in the impact mode because there is a Jacobs taper inside the motor which wears quite badly if big screws are driven without impact. He also said the the screw heads will strip under high torque unless impact is used and the drill batteries will be damaged by the high current used when high torques is required.
Moral: Use the impact driver for driving big screws. Save uneccessary wear and tear on the cordless drill

Hope this helps someone. it helps me
Jix

 

[DFB]

I also have a Rockwell 3rill which is a screwdriver/drill/impact sort of hand tool.

I don't think I have ever seen that tool before...in fact its probably the first I've heard of it

 

[Parkanzky]

I don't think I have ever seen that tool before...in fact its probably the first I've heard of it

This is the hand impact driver that I have:



It's awesome for breaking loose big, crusty screws that you'd otherwise have to drill out.

 

[Coyote machine]

I wonder of ridgid uses the same lifetime warranty policy as they do on their pipe wrenches.

NO. These tools are warranted to the original purchaser ONLY, when registered with Rigid, and the owner receives a registered receipt online and by mail. If not registered, no warranty. Once registered, warranty covers replacement of tool, batteries, charger, etc.

I busted a lower jaw on a pipewrench a few years back. I had purchased stuff at more than one place as well as been given as gifts, and purchased for me at various places of employment. So returning to where I got it was impossible as I didn't know, nor had receipt. So I contacted them directly to claim on their lifetime warranty.

Not the same policy, does not apply. Proof of actual ownership required.

I was educated to the fact that their lifetime warranty didn't imply "my" lifetime or "forever". It ment the "lifetime" of the tool. Which may not be as long as my lifetime, and certainly not forever.

While not new, this wrench wasn't far from it. Almost no wear on the teeth of the lower jaw that was split in half. They wanted me to pay to ship it to them, and warranty would be at their discretion. If warrantable, they would fix and return but the initial shipping was still on me. If they deemed it not a valid warranty claim, I would have to pay to get the busted tool back.

Well within their rights, since you have no proof of purchase, for whatever reason. "No tickie, no shirtie".

After exchanging some nasty emails with pics of the tool, they finally made it right and sent me a new jaw. But certainly not like dealing with any other lifetime tool warranty. Harbor freight, craftsman, kobalt, etc.

The Sears mall 'anchor' store, AND K-mart anchor stores closest to me just closed for good; no wonder, with their return tool, no questions asked policy. Put them right out of business; and their price on mostly crappy tool quality was ridiculous to begin with, to cover all the 'free' tools they gave away.

While not lifetime, I like Milwaukee's 5 year warranty. A tool I bought used was returned, deemed unfixable, and a brand new one with new warranty shipped to me all on their dime.

So your expectation is the manufacturer/tool seller should be on the hook forever for tools you buy used, or without any proof of ownership, for whatever reason?! That seems reasonable to you? No restrictions or proof of having actually purchased to tool?

"Lifetime guarantee means lifetime of the tool"? And they say that with a straight face? That would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic.

That's not the warranty policy; that's what they might tell you if you want a free tool for one you can't prove ownership of, for whatever reason. Refer to no tickie, no shirtie policy as stated, above.

Years ago I bought a Gerber Multiplier at Kmart. One day when I really should have made a trip to get a real wrench I two-handed the Multiplier in an effort to save some time. One jaw snapped off. Next trip to Kmart I stopped at the service desk and the girl asked if she could help me. Handing her the tool, I said "Sure. This has a lifetime warranty. It broke, and I ain't dead yet". She laughed and told me to go get a new one.

Refer to Sears/K-Mart anchor stores closed above, in reference to free tools for everyone, no questions asked....

 

[IslandTractor]

So your expectation is the manufacturer/tool seller should be on the hook forever for tools you buy used, or without any proof of ownership, for whatever reason?! That seems reasonable to you? No restrictions or proof of having actually purchased to tool?



That's not the warranty policy; that's what they might tell you if you want a free tool for one you can't prove ownership of, for whatever reason. Refer to no tickie, no shirtie policy as stated, above.



Refer to Sears/K-Mart anchor stores closed above, in reference to free tools for everyone, no questions asked....

If a tool has been in production for fifty years I can see that they might want proof of purchase. However, virtually no power tool or even hand tool has been in continuous production that long. The tool companies make changes that easily allow them to determine if a tool is five, ten or twenty five years old when it is returned for service. Selling a tool with a "lifetime" guarantee" should not be a game. Lifetime = lifetime. If you are well enough to walk into the store with the broken tool, it should be replaced, no question.

 

[Coyote machine]

I wonder of ridgid uses the same lifetime warranty policy as they do on their pipe wrenches.

I busted a lower jaw on a pipewrench a few years back. I had purchased stuff at more than one place as well as been given as gifts, and purchased for me at various places of employment. So returning to where I got it was impossible as I didn't know, nor had receipt. So I contacted them directly to claim on their lifetime warranty.

I was educated to the fact that their lifetime warranty didn't imply "my" lifetime or "forever". It ment the "lifetime" of the tool. Which may not be as long as my lifetime, and certainly not forever.

While not new, this wrench wasn't far from it. Almost no wear on the teeth of the lower jaw that was split in half. They wanted me to pay to ship it to them, and warranty would be at their discretion. If warrantable, they would fix and return but the initial shipping was still on me. If they deemed it not a valid warranty claim, I would have to pay to get the busted tool back.

After exchanging some nasty emails with pics of the tool, they finally made it right and sent me a new jaw. But certainly not like dealing with any other lifetime tool warranty. Harbor freight, craftsman, kobalt, etc.

While not lifetime, I like Milwaukee's 5 year warranty. A tool I bought used was returned, deemed unfixable, and a brand new one with new warranty shipped to me all on their dime.

"Lifetime guarantee means lifetime of the tool"? And they say that with a straight face? That would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic.

If a tool has been in production for fifty years I can see that they might want proof of purchase. However, virtually no power tool or even hand tool has been in continuous production that long. The tool companies make changes that easily allow them to determine if a tool is five, ten or twenty five years old when it is returned for service. Selling a tool with a "lifetime" guarantee" should not be a game. Lifetime = lifetime. If you are well enough to walk into the store with the broken tool, it should be replaced, no question.

Everything should be that easy, it's not. Almost anything with a warranty of any kind has fine print clauses, meant to limit who, what when and how one can make a claim on the warranty.
That's just the way it is, not saying it's right, just the way business is done and structured. It's no game either, in fact it's designed to keep the manufacturer in business by eliminating, for the most part, false claims by yard sale tool collectors and used tool buyers. And we're talking impact drivers, their batteries and chargers, not every hand tool ever made.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Use impact rated screw driver tips and socket adapters.

 

[IslandTractor]

Everything should be that easy, it's not. Almost anything with a warranty of any kind has fine print clauses, meant to limit who, what when and how one can make a claim on the warranty.
That's just the way it is, not saying it's right, just the way business is done and structured. It's no game either, in fact it's designed to keep the manufacturer in business by eliminating, for the most part, false claims by yard sale tool collectors and used tool buyers. And we're talking impact drivers, their batteries and chargers, not every hand tool ever made.

What you are saying is that companies use "lifetime warranties" as a marketing device and that they cover themselves with fine print to avoid having to pay out when a customer returns. I appreciate that is exactly what "lifetime" warranties are all about but because that is such a dishonest marketing technique, I think customers should create as much hassle as they can for companies that try to weasel out of repairs/replacements. Slimy marketing practices deserve to be called out.

 

[GManBart]

At work we have the 18V DeWalt hammer drills and impact drivers. I was so impressed I bought the newer 20V version of each and LOVE them. The impact driver gets used a ton, and has way more power than I ever expected. My neighbor was trying to remove 12" long 1/2" diameter hex cap screws holding down the boards on his bridge....couldn't get them to budge with his corded large hammer drill. My 20V impact driver got most of them out, and the ones that wouldn't budge we used a long breaker bar to start them....his hammer drill still wouldn't move them, but my impact driver would.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I don't think I have ever seen that tool before...in fact its probably the first I've heard of it

I've had and used one of those hand drivers since the 70's, they work pretty good on stuck screws... Mines got me out of a few jams over the years and IS worth having around.

SR

 

[LD1]

Everything should be that easy, it's not. Almost anything with a warranty of any kind has fine print clauses, meant to limit who, what when and how one can make a claim on the warranty.
That's just the way it is, not saying it's right, just the way business is done and structured. It's no game either, in fact it's designed to keep the manufacturer in business by eliminating, for the most part, false claims by yard sale tool collectors and used tool buyers. And we're talking impact drivers, their batteries and chargers, not every hand tool ever made.

Lots of tools are given as gifts every year. I would bet for the average joe homeowner, they get more tools via gifts at the holidays than they buy for themselves. That should not void a warranty. In the case of the gifting, I am sure the receiver can still register the tool. However I have never seen that for hand tools.

As to the milwuakee that I got repaired under warranty, I would not have been upset if they denied the claim. Infact I contacted them about the issue I was having to see if they could help me diagnose the issue correctly and to purchase a replacement part if it was something simple like a trigger. They insisted that I send it back so they could fix it under warranty. I was upfront about how I got the tool. That is what surprised me about them.

 

[DFB]

Boy seems to be a little confusion on what a Rockwell 3Rill is...but it sure isn't a hand impact driver! I have a couple of those in my tool box and I'll bet any old school wrench has, but happily I can't even remember the last time I used one

So just for curious like me this is what the 3Rill is







Looks like a decent tool and has good reviews...interesting multuifunction tool

Rockwell RK2515K2 LithiumTech 3RILL 12-Volt 3-in-1 Impact Driver - Power Impact Drivers - Amazon.com

No one mentioned it but I also have a Rockwell 3rill which is a screwdriver/drill/impact sort of hand tool. Again it was one of those tools I would never have bought for myself, but was a gift from the wife. The darn thing is pretty handy for smaller jobs. It is so small and lightweight with its little lithium battery pack that slips into the grip. On its impact setting it will drive some decent size screws, not like my 18V Ryobi but still a great experience. It is also very useful for assembly and dis-assembly of any kind of smaller machinery, with its impact function as long as you take its size and capability's into consideration. I usually grab the 3rill for most household projects. Up to 800 inch pounds or down to as low as 3 inch pounds with the adjustable clutch. All in all a very useful tool.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Impacts typically have the ability to generate more torque than a drill. (sink bigger screws or lags).

They can do this without breaking your wrist or yanking the drill out of your hand like a conventional drill. So thats a +1

They are typically a LOT easier on batteries than a drill. So you can sink more screws per charge +1

They are alot less likely to strip out the heads. Especially phillips screws due to the impacting +1

Impact drivers are usually lighter. +1

All in all a impact driver is made for sinking screws. A drill is made for drilling. I have a few M18 Fuel milwaukee's. Those impacts are 3-speed.

I guess that would be because mass of the tool resists the quick axial camout impulse generated by each impact. Never used one so I can only base it on imagination.
larry

 

[motownbrowne]

Just finished changing the calipers on my F250. Used a breaker bar to loosen the 1&1/16" lug nuts, then the Dewalt 20v (18v really) to remove them. Eight on each wheel, so definitely a time saver. When the time came to put the wheels back on, I threaded them on by hand a turn or two then screwed them on with the dewalt. Obviously I torqued them by hand, but I was pretty surprised to find that none of the 16 needed more than a turn by hand. That's pretty good torque from a little driver.

 

[k0ua]

Boy seems to be a little confusion on what a Rockwell 3Rill is...but it sure isn't a hand impact driver! I have a couple of those in my tool box and I'll bet any old school wrench has, but happily I can't even remember the last time I used one

So just for curious like me this is what the 3Rill is

View attachment 410168





Looks like a decent tool and has good reviews...interesting multuifunction tool

Rockwell RK2515K2 LithiumTech 3RILL 12-Volt 3-in-1 Impact Driver - Power Impact Drivers - Amazon.com

Yep that is what mine looks like.:thumbsup:

I guess the fun started by me calling it a hand tool. Meaning it is a tool you use in your hand. Some people must think that means it is not a powered tool I guess?. For sure it is not a crew served weapon! Nor is it belt fed. But it is a pretty good little hand driver, hand drill, and hand impact. Normally used in one hand, Don't need 2, don't need your knee to hold it up like a big impact.. etc etc.

 

[IslandTractor]

Boy seems to be a little confusion on what a Rockwell 3Rill is...but it sure isn't a hand impact driver! I have a couple of those in my tool box and I'll bet any old school wrench has, but happily I can't even remember the last time I used one

So just for curious like me this is what the 3Rill is

View attachment 410168





Looks like a decent tool and has good reviews...interesting multuifunction tool

Rockwell RK2515K2 LithiumTech 3RILL 12-Volt 3-in-1 Impact Driver - Power Impact Drivers - Amazon.com

I own some Rockwell stuff but not this. Rockwell, I think, is a marketing company not a manufacturer. How are these screwdriver/drill/impact battery powered tools different than the similar ones made by Makita or Bosch?

 

[thirdroc17]

On the offtopic of lifetime warranties. 40 years ago, I bought a Craftsman, flex head, 3/8 ratchet. A few years later, I broke it. It was replaced, free of charge, with a new one. Not exactly the same, as they had made changes. No receipt was required, just take it in and exchange it. I also managed to break the second one. Again I took it in and got......... another brand new one. Once more, a slightly different version, no receipt needed. That was last summer, 40 years after the original purchase. No questions asked, no paperwork, nothing, just carry in the broken tool, carry out a new one. So I have to say, some lifetime warranties are indeed a lifetime.

Now even though I seem to be able to break ratchets readily, I can't push on a drill hard enough to drive over a 3" drywall screw with a phillips head, but with an impact driver, a 4" phillips head screw will zip right in. Sure, the square and torx drive wont' strip as easily, but when the only screw of the correct size on the shelf it a phillips drive, a phillips drive is what you get.

Said it before, say it again, drills are for drilling, drivers are for driving.

 

[timswi]

At work we have the 18V DeWalt hammer drills and impact drivers. I was so impressed I bought the newer 20V version of each and LOVE them. The impact driver gets used a ton, and has way more power than I ever expected. My neighbor was trying to remove 12" long 1/2" diameter hex cap screws holding down the boards on his bridge....couldn't get them to budge with his corded large hammer drill. My 20V impact driver got most of them out, and the ones that wouldn't budge we used a long breaker bar to start them....his hammer drill still wouldn't move them, but my impact driver would.

Couldn't agree more..My Dewalt 20v LI kit is one of my best investments..The batteries seem to hold a charge pert near forever. Kit was close to $600 but well worth it once I got over that.

 

[DFB]

I own some Rockwell stuff but not this. Rockwell, I think, is a marketing company not a manufacturer. How are these screwdriver/drill/impact battery powered tools different than the similar ones made by Makita or Bosch?

Well it sure isn't the Aerospace Rockwell Industries I made electronic components for back in the 80's an 90's...at least not any more

A little online research leads me to understand that Rockwell was originally Delta a true American company but the name been so passed around it kind was lost in the shuffle. B&D had it for a while but is now owned by a Chinese Company and of course the manufacturing is over there right along with other brands.

Some banter on this forum says Rockwell USA is now headquartered in South Carolina and some engineering people from some of the other tool companies changed over with the new ownership


https://www.rockwelltools.com/en-US/Default.aspx

But with the "seen on TV marketing" kind of tacky hey! :shocked:


Global marketing to America is like change a few knobs and make it a different color and we will call it a new brand. So much stuff is so similar today because only a few holding companies own most all the trademarked names its like the future is going be only one item..in your choice of color :laughing:

My grandmother always said "you can have any flavor ice cream you want as long as its vanilla" I think she was ahead of her time she should have been in marketing