Impact Driver Recommended?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
To be clear, I think the OP was talking about the hand held impact driver...the kind you hit with a hammer. Not an impact wrench. Haven't found much use for an impact wrench. Yet!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
Always thought of a hand impact driver as a "must have" as back in the day, they were. Still have one I use to use regularly. Now, not so much but like someone else said - when you need it, it's there.
FWIW, they can be quite useful and better than an air tool because you can be very gentle with it, applying strikes just light enough to break a bolt free. Learn how to use one and you'll be amazed at how easily you can remove a stubborn bolt w/o buggering the head.
FWIW, they can be quite useful and better than an air tool because you can be very gentle with it, applying strikes just light enough to break a bolt free. Learn how to use one and you'll be amazed at how easily you can remove a stubborn bolt w/o buggering the head.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,466
Likes: 57,024
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Big difference between an Impact Driver ( one that is used with a hammer ) and an Impact Gun/Driver that is electrically powered. Yes, a hand operated Impact Driver ( that you strike with a hammer ) is a valuable asset to any tool box. I'll bet a number of old riders here were weened on some the Jap scooters. An Impact Driver was a NECESSITY when working on them.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
I recently had my bike down to the frame and didn't need an impact for any of it. The swingarm pivot nut was a little rough at first, but a 36" pipe as leverage made short work of that. Absolutely shouldn't need one for a derby cover
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,887
From: Newcastle, OK
I've had an impact driver for over 40 years. Hardly ever used, but when I need it, it's there. Craftsman, Mac, Snapon are all good choices. You may never use on derby covers ( I did on a Sporty) but you may be surprised where you might need it. I would seriously add to your kit....maybe not priority, but a need in my opinion.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 1,754
From: New Bern NC
As far as the derby cover, the impact driver is absolutely required for over tightened torx fasteners and is sometimes the difference between removing them or stripping the heads off.
Just my opinion
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,705
Likes: 18,484
From: Displaced Texan
Amen. Worked in a small Honda shop back in the day. It was a must have, not a nice to have.