What Is an Impact Screwdriver?
An impact screwdriver is a term broadly used for a range of electrically powered screwdrivers. It often refers to power tools, including impact drivers, electric drill drivers, and electric screwdrivers.
It also denotes manual screwdrivers with a large, easy-to-grip urethane cushion designed to minimize fatigue.
Professional-grade models, capable of both drilling and screw tightening, offer adjustable impact levels, either staged or continuous.
Uses of Impact Screwdrivers
Impact screwdrivers are versatile and suitable for tasks ranging from DIY projects to installing fixtures, drilling screw-holes, and mounting various building materials.
Common uses include assembling shelves, installing brackets, handrails, dog houses, interior materials for homes, and securing simple roofing and exterior materials like sheds.
In industrial settings, they are essential for assembling a wide range of products. For instance, they are used in attaching accessories to automobiles, assembling exteriors of electronic organs and synthesizers, and detailing electric guitars and basses, including mounting pickguards.
Principle of Impact Screwdrivers
Impact screwdrivers excel in drilling and fastening screws in hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings, where manual positioning is challenging. They are also effective in strongly impacting screws into tough surfaces.
The tool combines a screwdriver with a hammer mechanism. The hammer’s impact can be smoothly adjusted using the trigger or set to specific levels via a switch.
While driving screws into soft materials like wood or PVC doesn’t require much force, fastening metal screws into harder materials does. The adjustable electric output is a key feature of these impact drivers.
Other notable characteristics include both corded and rechargeable types, with versatility enhanced by the specifications of the bit, drill, and socket tips.
Recently, cordless models have gained popularity for their lightweight and portability. The standardization of various tips, such as bits (slide sleep), allows compatibility with any main body product.