Impact Driver Reversed

[fishfarm]

Well, I did a search and didn't see anyone else with this problem, so I guess it's just me.

I was having a terrible time loosening some screws, even with the impact driver (Harbor Freight). Cut deep slots with the angle grinder and still would not break free. I don't remember what prompted me, but I decided to check the rotation of the driver by pushing it against a hard surface and watching which way it turned. Sure enough, it had reversed to the tightening direction. Changed it back and out they came.

On the Harbor Freight model, the direction is changed by pushing in and a 1/4 turn left or right. I recall at some point the driver had hung up when I was using it. That's when it must have reversed. I will check the rotation first before using it in the future.

 

[Katarat]

Youre not getting the best quality bits either with Harbor Freight Chinese stuff. I always push the driver down on a hard surface first to see which way its turning

 

[DanTheMan]

My impact driver I bought from JC Whitney in the '60's. It reverses the same way. I haven't broken a bit yet, but I have one Phillips head almost worn out.

 

[fishfarm]

Youre not getting the best quality bits either with Harbor Freight Chinese stuff. I always push the driver down on a hard surface first to see which way its turning

You are certainly correct on the quality of the bits. It's only about a month old, and I can see some deforming in the phillips bit already. I hope I can find some better quality bits that will fit it.

 

[cowboyup3371]

I haven't had a problem with my HF driver but yea, the bit from that kit wore down within the first day I used it. Went back to Sears and bought their bits.

 

[bluewool]

I have snapped Snap On impact driver bits. Not from the wrong direction, just from force against an immovable object. Could be a symptom of not using the EXACT bit. They replace them. Sears and Canadian Tire bits snap too. I consider them all consumables(but at least they're warrantied.)

 

[Hornswaggle]

that's an easy mistake to make. best part is the screws came out once you figured what was wrong!

 

[wkmpt]

I have a HF impact wrench. The wrench is great. The bits are, um, garbage. Twisted the shyte out of the short phillips bit on one of the soft aluminum angled-head screws on the rail of a set of VM carbs. It's not usable now and that was the first time I used after I peeled the shrink wrap off of the kit.

 

[Guest]

You are certainly correct on the quality of the bits. It's only about a month old, and I can see some deforming in the phillips bit already. I hope I can find some better quality bits that will fit it.

stop a snap-on truck and buy the common bits you use, that is what I did, cost about 5 bucks for the bits but have had them for years

 

[SVSooke]

Bits are a standard size on most of them.Every one I've had or seen changed direction the same way.Got to get bits for mine to