Impact Driver Question

[Mart]

I just got an Impact Driver from Halfords to try and get a stubborn screw out before I drill it. The driver came with no instructions and has 2 settings for L and R on the shaft. I’m fairly sure that relates to right hand or left hand thread of the screw.

Having never used one before, if the screw is right hand thread, do I set it to R to remove? And would setting it to L tighten it up? Or the other way around?

Cheers,
Mart

 

[cupra.al]

try it out your soon know when you try it as it wont be undoing and neither will it be tightening as you have to twist it as you hit it in the direction you want it to go if that makes sense.

 

[m0rk]

Standard right hand thread would tighten if you turn it right

So to remove, you would set it to L for left

 

[Mart]

Cheers guys, much appreciated.
M.

 

[Slimy]

Those markings will be rubbed off eventually, so get used to giving it a quick spin whilst off the nut to determine which way it goes. Impact drivers don't spin terribly quick so you can see which way it goes.

 

[Muttley]

With my ancient device, the direction is set by twisting the bit holder. I engage the screw head then turn the impact driver in the direction I want to use it, usually anticlockwise to loosen a stuck screw. If it's set in the wrong direction, turning the shaft switches it over, with a feeling like a cam-action switch or a spring-loaded ball bearing in a pit.

This also means that if you don't switch it over, the first blow of the hammer will do it for you

I can't tell from the Halfords illustration if it works the same way.

To use, put the right bit in the holder, engage the screw head, then apply a little turning force in the direction you want to go. Now hit the other end with a hammer. The force of the blow is converted into torque on the bit holder, while at the same time the bit is driven into closer engagement with the screw head, reducing the tendency to cam out to a minimum. Mine has a heavy spring in the shaft which helps to cushion the blow, making it more comfortable to use.

The ability to impact-drive in both directions of rotation is useful for undoing the very occasional stuck screw that is threaded the other way. I'd never use an impact driver for tightening screws and can't think of any occasion where it would be appropriate.