If you’ve never used a hammer, screwdriver or sledgehammer before, then the task of using an impact driver might seem intimidating and foreign. You don’t have to worry though because there are some simple guidelines that will help you take care of your impact driver. First off, you want to make sure you understand what it is and how it works. 

An impact driver is simply a tool for driving fasteners with a hammer. It’s also known as a power driver. These tools can be found in the home improvement sections of hardware stores. They’re usually powered by electricity and can range anywhere from 20 watts up to 200 watts depending on the model. The higher wattage impacts are typically reserved for professional use where speed matters most. At the lower wattages, these tools are still plenty strong enough to drive screws into wood, metal or plastic when used properly. 

The biggest advantage of using an impact driver over a regular hammer is that it has a bit more torque which means it’ll hold its position better and won’t slip out of your hand. This makes it easier to work with long fasteners like metal roofing pins. 

But despite this increased strength and stability, impact drivers aren’t the fastest way to drive screws. That’s why many people choose to use them with a ratcheting handle. These handles allow you to drive multiple fasteners without having to constantly change the grip on the tool. So let’s get started! 

First things first, you should always start out by making sure that the handle is locked down tight. If it isn’t, you run the risk of damaging the tool. Also, if you’ve never used one before, you’ll need to make sure the shaft is free from obstructions. There shouldn’t be any debris like nails or small pieces of wood lodged in the end of the shaft. 

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to load the screw. To do this, just put the head of the screw at least halfway onto the shaft of the impact driver. Then slowly twist the shaft clockwise until the head begins to spin. Do this slowly because too much pressure will cause the head to break off the shaft. Once you stop twisting, give the shaft another quarter turn and repeat the process. When finished, you should have a nice steady rotation going. 

Next, you should make sure that you place the screw so that the center axis of the shaft is perpendicular to the surface you’re working. This ensures that the screw stays straight and doesn’t wobble around. Once you feel the tip of the screw spinning, it’s time to hit the nail. Start at about 2 inches away and follow through until the head breaks off. You can continue to add strokes as needed until the screw is fully driven. 

When done, pull the screw out and inspect it for any debris left behind. Then clean the area around the hole with some denatured alcohol to prevent rust. 

You’re now all set to go back out and finish the project. However, before you do remember to take the handle apart again and check the shaft for any debris that may have gotten stuck inside. 

So now that you know how to use an impact driver, you probably have a few questions. For example, how often should I replace the bits? What kind of batteries would I use? And how hard should I strike the nail? Let’s answer these questions together. 

Since the purpose of an impact driver is to drive fasteners, you’ll need to keep track of how many times you’ve driven each screw. So the best thing to do is buy a record sheet that lists each size and type of fastener you plan to use. As for the battery life, most models come with two AA batteries that last for approximately 3 hours of continuous usage. If you plan to drive screws frequently, you should look for something with a rechargeable battery pack. 

For the striking force, you should try to aim for somewhere between 80% and 90% of the maximum amount of energy you can expect from the tool. Most people find that they can get away with striking the nail once every second or so but that varies based on the situation. 

First of all the person need to collect the answer to the question like What is an Impact Driver? – Impact Driver Guide. Then only he will be able to select the best option. There are different features of the various impact drivers. They can analyze the options and go for the best one. Detail analysis of the drivers will help in the selection.

So there you have it. How to use an impact driver. Now that you know how to use an impact driver you’ll have no problem finishing those projects you’ve been meaning to do. But don’t forget to take care of your tools. It’s important to keep them clean and oiled to ensure their longevity and reliability. Check out our article on how to maintain your impact driver for more tips.