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Impact Driver How-To Guides

Practical, step-by-step technique guides. Each one lists the bit, speed setting and method that gets the job done without stripped heads or split wood.

12 guides in this section

How to Use an Impact DriverLearn to use an impact driver correctly: loading bits, choosing speed modes, driving screws and bolts, avoiding stripped heads and staying safe.
How to Put a Bit in an Impact DriverInsert and remove bits in any impact driver: pull-back and push-in collets, short insert bits vs power bits, and what to do when a bit is stuck.
How to Use a Manual Impact DriverStep-by-step: set direction, seat the bit, strike correctly and avoid damage when using a manual impact driver on rusted or seized screws.
How to Drive Lag Bolts With an Impact DriverDrive lag bolts cleanly with an impact driver: pilot hole sizes, socket adapters, speed settings and how to avoid snapped heads or split wood.
How to Drive Deck ScrewsSet deck screws flush every time: bit choice, speed setting, pre-drilling near ends, spacing and fixes for mushroomed or stripped screw heads.
How to Remove a Stripped ScrewSeven proven ways to remove a stripped screw, from rubber bands and extractors to manual impact drivers, in order from easiest to last resort.
How to Install Tapcon Concrete ScrewsDrill with a hammer drill, drive with an impact driver: Tapcon hole sizes, depth, cleaning the hole and the speed setting that prevents snapping.
How to Stop Stripping ScrewsStripped screws usually come from the wrong bit, too much speed or poor alignment. Here are the fixes that stop cam-out and snapped heads.
Using an Impact Driver for Furniture AssemblyFlat-pack furniture and impact drivers can mix if you use the lowest speed and finish by hand. Settings, bits and mistakes that ruin particleboard.
Hanging Drywall With an Impact DriverYou can hang drywall with an impact driver using a dimpler bit and light trigger control. Technique, bits and when a drywall screw gun is better.
Using an Impact Driver for Car WorkWhere an impact driver helps on cars: trim, interior, small bolts and brackets. Adapters, sockets, torque limits and jobs to leave to other tools.
How to Loosen a Seized BoltFree seized bolts safely: penetrating oil, shock, heat, leverage and impact tools, in the right order, plus how to avoid snapping the bolt.

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