NOTE: Alternatively rather than use a vise to locate the square shaft, you could use the frozen nut/bolt/screw head with a suitable adapter. Does the same thing. Cheers Rob
Thanks for the video. I inherited this tool from my father and it was stuck in between loosen and tighten. As soon as I put it in vise and did what you showed, it freed up. I oiled it up and it works great now! Thanks again!
Thanks! I've been fiddling around with one of these to get it to reverse and was about ready to saw the damn thing in half just to see how it works. Very timely and welcome video.
Thank you, just found an Impact driver given to me some yrs ago and trying to see how it works. Your method is very simple, and I like the way you showed to check which way it was set...
I've owned one of these since I started my apprenticeship back in '87, only used it a few times but it has always worked when needed, I had no idea it could change direction OR the fact it could take a socket, I should've read the instructions which are still in the metal case that it came in!! Thanks!!!
Rob, Yeah, I had one of those back in the day when I was working on my Honda motorcycles. At times, it is worth it's weight in gold! Thanks for the video. Have a good one! Dave
Thanks for explaining this....found a brand new one of these just today with all the bits and no instructions. At least now i know how to use it when ever i need it.
Springwood Cottage I'm sure a few people give up on these drivers, because they have a hassle trying to change direction. I recon they are great, but just a tad too short for big western hands like mine - another inch would be better. Rob
Thanks. It's one of those tools I use so rarely that I have time to forget in between. The markings really don't help. Simple answer is, push in, and turn the handle in the direction you want the stuck screw to turn.
Thanks Rob. My case was worst. I recently acquired a Force 5171 1/2" Impact driver set 17pc, which has a collar that is marked R & L. When you turn the collar, you hear a click, but the bit won't change direction. I was about to take the set back to the store as I thought it was faulty, but then I saw your video and everything works as intended now. Thanks for your time.
It's a bit confusing with these units as you don't get any instructions and they just seem to assume we all know how they work. LOL It had me puzzled for a while. Glad to hear it helped. Cheers Rob
Purchased one of these tools new here in Canada(Royal Distributing)only to discover vague instruction on the box(No L and R marks on the tool also LOL).Did what you show here and Voila,Happy Camper,Many thanks.
@pat down posse Needed it today for tightening to adjust roller assembly on 48 yr old sliding patio door which was too low and was riding on track. Was difficult even with this tool; impossible without it. Was only damaging the screw head and not improving the adjustment with just a regular screwdriver.
I literally just put in a return for one of these cause I thought it was broken, trying to change positions with the collar...thank you so much! Still returning it anyways cause the packaging was legitimately broken when I got i but I already have the replacement they sent. Amazon works quick!
Hi Tyrone. It's confusing with the collar and no instructions. It took me a while to figure it out, so I put up the video to help others. Seems we are not alone at being confused ;) Cheers Rob
I've had one of these since the 70's. Its something you have to have working on motorcycles. Getting those phillips heads screws off they torque at the factory. I took mine apart today to clean and grease it. That collar holds in the cup and ball on each side. I had to replace one of the 5/16" steel balls, it had a flat spot on one side and didnt roll very well. Its really not much to it. Dont be afraid to take it apart. Its spring loaded, but nothing is going to fly apart. Its a tough spring but not much movement. Once you get the C clip off, slide off the collar, then put some down pressure on the end to take the spring pressure off the ball and cups on each side, then they will come out.
Thanks - this fooled me. First spent time screwing and unscrewing the collar. Then looked at the marking on the shaft which has a double arrow with R on the Left and L on the right, which I found extra confusing.
The metal sleeve is not a decoration, or to stop your hand. It captures 2 metal ball assemblies underneath it, that allow the tool work. Anyone that"s interested should take it apart, just to see how it works. It's dirt simple to disassemble and reassemble. There are only 5 parts inside (1 spring, 2 balls, and 2 ball holders)(or maybe just two parts, a spring and one pin). Just remove the retaining wire ring that is next to the metal sleeve, that's what keeps the whole thing from coming apart. It's super easy, I can actually remove mine with a toothpick.
G'day mate. Got one of those left over from the motorcycle days. In fact I used it in my last video to get some slot head screws out of a fan housing. Very good tool for motorcycle work and it removes screws that a regular power impact tool will strip the heads on. Thanks for the video.
BTW Rob, some info on the impact driver. The collar that you spoke about, actually does serve a purpose, It retains the two ball bearings which slot in to groves underneath. Not just to keep your finger off the driver area. Thanks for the info, My collar is nylon and cracked or split , which I have wired tight to hold in the ball bearings that ride in the slots to change direction.
Thanks for the info George. That's good to know. Wow, a nylon collar - that's pretty crappy. Maybe they don't make em like they used to. Mine is at least 40 years old. Cheers Rob
Manual impact driver's are designed to loosen stuck nuts/screws, bolts etc. Not tighten them. The reason there's a left & right turn on the collar is for left handed screws as well as right handed. Some engine parts I've worked on have a left hand thread so it comes out the opposite way hence the reason the impact driver has left/right on it. Hope it helps
I can looking for that exact answer. Im currently rebuilding a Honda motorbike engine and needed to loosen the screws. Neither me or my dad (who owns it) knew how to change the direction. Thanks
gamingSlasher I can hand turn mine also, although the spring is very strong, and I have big hands. The video shows how the action works, but the vice makes it dead easy to do. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu That's the benefit of using the vise in the video, so you can see it moving in the demonstration. In practice, it's easy to do without the aid of the vise, as long as you push in at the same time as it's turned. If you don't do that then you won't be able to do it without Hulk fingers.
Thak you very much sir.. Ha ha.. Nice one.. Just got one second hand and as it is 30 years ago since I bought my first one.. There i was spinning that collar.. feeling an awful grinding thinking.. ah well it's feked.. but no !
Mentorcase OK, that's good information. I suspected it was a cover or housing for some of the mechanical bits, but didn't know what. Thanks for the heads up. Cheers. Rob
@@Xynudu I opened it by removing the 1.) circle spring clip. 2.) Then pulling the iron ring out. 3.) Wiggle the 2pcs ball bearings and covers out. 4.) the main bit holder drops out and a small spring with it. Very simple construction but expensive Japan tool 50-60usd new Vessel.
I have one... with instructions... and a drawing with arrows showing to turn something left or right. But guess what? It just says to turn right or left to screw or unscrew... What exactly needs to be turned is not detailed. So thanks to you, I know now how to use it, since of course, I thought it was the ring that needed to be turned, not the whole body. Typical instructions from people who know how to use it to people who know it as well and won't read the instructions to begin with.
The impact driver I'm trying to use doesn't seem to work the same way. You can turn it either direction without pushing it in, and it locks into place. But when I try to use it, it won't turn the screw, which is on a car door stricker, so isn't rusted. Is the driver likely broken?
+Jack White Hi Jack. It sounds like it's broken. The driver relies on a cam inside and a couple of steel ball bearings. The balls can break if things get overdone. Cheers Rob.
Thanks. When you hold each end and press them together, they do seem to turn in opposite directions, but only barely. However, I've banged on the screws many times, even hard, and it just won't turn them. And I do hold pressure on the handle in the direction I want the screw to turn.
I've always just held in hand and simultaneously pushed in and turned the handle in the direction desired. Mine wasn't so stiff that it needed a vise to turn.
NOTE: Alternatively rather than use a vise to locate the square shaft, you could use the frozen nut/bolt/screw head with a suitable adapter. Does the same thing. Cheers Rob
It took about 20 videos to find this simple method of changing the impact driver direction. Thanks man.
You're welcome!
Impact screwdriver from Harbor Freight $10. Knowing how to reverse direction, priceless. Thank you.
I feel like such a fool not knowing how to figure out the direction. NOW I know. THank you for the video. It fooled me like a lot of viewers
You are not alone :) Glad to help out. Cheers Rob
Thanks for the video. I inherited this tool from my father and it was stuck in between loosen and tighten. As soon as I put it in vise and did what you showed, it freed up. I oiled it up and it works great now! Thanks again!
Glad it helped. Cheers Rob
Same here, inherited mine but no instructions with it and only 1 bit 😢
Pure genius. Simple and to the point.This tool was driving me crazy.Thankyou.
Glad it helped. Fools most people. Cheers Rob
Thanks! I've been fiddling around with one of these to get it to reverse and was about ready to saw the damn thing in half just to see how it works. Very timely and welcome video.
Cheers mate. I'd been fooled by the collar too!
Me to I was getting pissed!
Very easy to understand , no annoying music , just right 👍🏻
Finally! Thank you! Couldn't find this anywhere and of course didn't have instructions.
You are welcome!
Haha! I spent 15 minutes trying to figure that out. Thanks for being a good person and sharing the info!
Thank you, just found an Impact driver given to me some yrs ago and trying to see how it works. Your method is very simple, and I like the way you showed to check which way it was set...
Glad it helped
Thanks Mate. I was one of people who got fooled. I knew how to do it 35 years ago...
Plenty of people found the video useful. You are not alone. Cheers Rob
So helpful ! Got a 2nd hand old jobbie - and got fooled by that collar.. Old King Craft one. THanks for sharing knowledge
You're welcome.
Brilliant, cheers! I was gifted one of these without instructions and the collar had me going as well.
Much needed video for an amateur like myself, thank you sir! Subbed
It fools a lot of people. Cheers Rob
I've owned one of these since I started my apprenticeship back in '87, only used it a few times but it has always worked when needed, I had no idea it could change direction OR the fact it could take a socket, I should've read the instructions which are still in the metal case that it came in!! Thanks!!!
Most of these came without instructions. You must be one of the lucky ones :) Handy tool. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu I can send a pic of the instructions if you want them, may be of interest to others as well…
Hi Stephen. I'd be interested to see that. My email address is gloaming_agnet@hotmail.com
Rob,
Yeah, I had one of those back in the day when I was working on my Honda motorcycles. At times, it is worth it's weight in gold! Thanks for the video.
Have a good one!
Dave
Thank you very much. You have explained one of life's great mysteries!😆Much appreciated.
Fantastic. Your previous video convinced me to get an impact driver, and now I'm back to find out how to use one!
Best straight forward video!! Thanks from Canada
Thanks mate, I was given one of these 30 years ago and I've never worked out how to use it!
Glad I could help!
Simple but all I was looking for! Great job mate!
Glad it helped!
Thanks mate. Got one of these today and couldn’t figure this bit out. Cheers.
Glad it helped. Cheers Rob
Thank you thank you thank you. Broke a bit not grasping the L/R. I'm eternally grateful.
You're welcome!
Thanks for explaining this....found a brand new one of these just today with all the bits and no instructions. At least now i know how to use it when ever i need it.
Amazing! I have never thought to use a vice, always struggling against a wall or bench top, the vice method so much better. Thank you
Springwood Cottage I'm sure a few people give up on these drivers, because they have a hassle trying to change direction.
I recon they are great, but just a tad too short for big western hands like mine - another inch would be better. Rob
xynudu That's what she said M8
Thanks. It's one of those tools I use so rarely that I have time to forget in between. The markings really don't help. Simple answer is, push in, and turn the handle in the direction you want the stuck screw to turn.
It's amazing how many people have trouble with this super useful gadget. Very poorly marked and that ring thing adds to the confusion :) Cheers Rob
Thank you! I figured the cheap $9 harbor freight driver I have was just lacking a reverse option…nope. It worked just like you said! Thank you!
Glad it helped Michael. Lot's of people get caught out with this gadget. Cheers Rob
Thanks for the video. Just picked up half a dozen of these things at a auction. Had no idea what they were... 😅
They still sell for good money and people in the know want them. Very handy tool at times. Cheers Rob
Thanks Rob. My case was worst. I recently acquired a Force 5171 1/2" Impact driver set 17pc, which has a collar that is marked R & L. When you turn the collar, you hear a click, but the bit won't change direction. I was about to take the set back to the store as I thought it was faulty, but then I saw your video and everything works as intended now. Thanks for your time.
It's a bit confusing with these units as you don't get any instructions and they just seem to assume we all know how they work. LOL It had me puzzled for a while.
Glad to hear it helped.
Cheers Rob
Thanks heaps straight forward and useful. Rob, we'll have to start calling you Joe the gadget man.
My pleasure. It's surprising how popular this video is. Must be a lot of confused people out there :) Cheers Rob
Thank you.
These were essential in 1960’s Asian motorcycle repair.
Purchased one of these tools new here in Canada(Royal Distributing)only to discover vague instruction on the box(No L and R marks on the tool also LOL).Did what you show here and Voila,Happy Camper,Many thanks.
Glad to hear it helped. Cheers Rob
You'll never need it to tighten....So keep it to loosen...
Sometimes it helps to drive things a little tighter to get it moving then loosen.
@pat down posse Needed it today for tightening to adjust roller assembly on 48 yr old sliding patio door which was too low and was riding on track. Was difficult even with this tool; impossible without it. Was only damaging the screw head and not improving the adjustment with just a regular screwdriver.
I literally just put in a return for one of these cause I thought it was broken, trying to change positions with the collar...thank you so much! Still returning it anyways cause the packaging was legitimately broken when I got i but I already have the replacement they sent. Amazon works quick!
Hi Tyrone. It's confusing with the collar and no instructions. It took me a while to figure it out, so I put up the video to help others. Seems we are not alone at being confused ;) Cheers Rob
Excellent and very helpful tutorial! Thank-you very much!
Thx mate a good presentation, it really helped me out it was driving me crazy how to change the direction as my Directions were Long Gone!
Hi Mark. I'm not sure if they even supplied instructions. Lots of people have been stumped over this. Cheers Rob
I've had one of these since the 70's. Its something you have to have working on motorcycles. Getting those phillips heads screws off they torque at the factory. I took mine apart today to clean and grease it. That collar holds in the cup and ball on each side. I had to replace one of the 5/16" steel balls, it had a flat spot on one side and didnt roll very well. Its really not much to it. Dont be afraid to take it apart. Its spring loaded, but nothing is going to fly apart. Its a tough spring but not much movement. Once you get the C clip off, slide off the collar, then put some down pressure on the end to take the spring pressure off the ball and cups on each side, then they will come out.
Thanks for the information. Mine is about the same age as yours. I bought it new. I'm pretty sure there were no instructions. Cheers Rob
Thanks - this fooled me. First spent time screwing and unscrewing the collar. Then looked at the marking on the shaft which has a double arrow with R on the Left and L on the right, which I found extra confusing.
I’m just glad I wasn’t the only person scratching my head 🤣
You are definitely not alone :) Catches out most people from what I've seen. Cheers Rob
Thank you, I have had one of these but never knew how to use it correctly
Brilliant my friend, thank you. This thing works a trick I just wasn’t sure which way to make it reverse
Glad it helped Bill. It's a bit unclear what to do. Cheers Rob
The metal sleeve is not a decoration, or to stop your hand. It captures 2 metal ball assemblies underneath it, that allow the tool work. Anyone that"s interested should take it apart, just to see how it works. It's dirt simple to disassemble and reassemble. There are only 5 parts inside (1 spring, 2 balls, and 2 ball holders)(or maybe just two parts, a spring and one pin). Just remove the retaining wire ring that is next to the metal sleeve, that's what keeps the whole thing from coming apart. It's super easy, I can actually remove mine with a toothpick.
Thanks for the information Bob. Cheers Rob
G'day mate. Got one of those left over from the motorcycle days. In fact I used it in my last video to get some slot head screws out of a fan housing. Very good tool for motorcycle work and it removes screws that a regular power impact tool will strip the heads on. Thanks for the video.
cerberus Yes, great tool. You can judge the impact nicely, and get brutal if necessary :) Cheers Rob.
Hi Rob
Yeah, often small things fools people !
Thanks, this was very helpful. I just got a new 1/4" impact driver and it didn't come with instructions. Cheers from Pennsylvania, USA.
Glad it helped
BTW Rob, some info on the impact driver. The collar that you spoke about, actually does serve a purpose, It retains the two ball bearings which slot in to groves underneath. Not just to keep your finger off the driver area. Thanks for the info, My collar is nylon and cracked or split , which I have wired tight to hold in the ball bearings that ride in the slots to change direction.
Thanks for the info George.
That's good to know. Wow, a nylon collar - that's pretty crappy.
Maybe they don't make em like they used to.
Mine is at least 40 years old.
Cheers Rob
Excellent. Answered my question in 2 min.
Great. Thanks for the feedback.
Manual impact driver's are designed to loosen stuck nuts/screws, bolts etc. Not tighten them. The reason there's a left & right turn on the collar is for left handed screws as well as right handed. Some engine parts I've worked on have a left hand thread so it comes out the opposite way hence the reason the impact driver has left/right on it. Hope it helps
Thanks for the info Fred. Cheers Rob
Great video. Simple $hit always gets me.
Thank you for the information I did what you demonstrated and it worked for me.
Glad it helped.
Many thanks for this useful information.
Thanks for your time. Cheers!
Excellent tutorial. Thanks and it works!
I can looking for that exact answer. Im currently rebuilding a Honda motorbike engine and needed to loosen the screws. Neither me or my dad (who owns it) knew how to change the direction. Thanks
Thank you sir! Mine came without instructions and I would have never figured this one out...
You are welcome Andre ! I don't think any come with instructions. Cheers Rob
Took me a while to figure it out also. Although on mine I dont need a vice. Handturning it is easy enough.
gamingSlasher I can hand turn mine also, although the spring is very strong, and I have big hands. The video shows how the action works, but the vice makes it dead easy to do. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu That's the benefit of using the vise in the video, so you can see it moving in the demonstration. In practice, it's easy to do without the aid of the vise, as long as you push in at the same time as it's turned. If you don't do that then you won't be able to do it without Hulk fingers.
Thank you I needed to know that
Thanks for the info, I just bought one and was trying to figure that out. 😜
Another mystery solved. Thanks mate
Happy to help.
Yes, to know the right movement of the driver, just push it onto hard surface, and see where it rotates. Just that simple. 👍👍👍
Exactly!
wtf just this simple ? messing with the ring got me no where , finally mystery solved !!!
Ha Ha. You are not alone. This has fooled many an owner. Popular video. Cheers Rob
Appreciate the help.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
I usually just stick the bit in and turn the handle in the direction I want it to go... never failed yet...LOL
***** I have done that, but it's a pain when it jumps out and tears the cheesy Phillips head screws. Rob
Thanks mate. Might never need to tighten anything with it but you never know when you come across a left hand thread.
Thak you very much sir.. Ha ha.. Nice one.. Just got one second hand and as it is 30 years ago since I bought my first one.. There i was spinning that collar.. feeling an awful grinding thinking.. ah well it's feked.. but no !
Appreciate the info, I wasn't sure either. Directions of course are long lost
Thank you! Would've never thought of it!
That collar actually holds the ball bearings in place against the central shaft.
Mentorcase OK, that's good information. I suspected it was a cover or housing for some of the mechanical bits, but didn't know what. Thanks for the heads up. Cheers. Rob
Spot on advice!
Thanks sir I am from India.
Welcome aboard.
I was totally confused by the collar! I bought a new one off Amazon but it didn't come with instructions!
Yes, it is confusing. I have never seen any instructions with them. Cheers Rob
Clear and direct. Thank you.
Thanks mate, very informative video 👍
No problem 👍
Thanks SO much! I have the vintage instructions, but it still didn't make sense.
Glad I could help! I've had lots of viewers confused by these things. Handy tool. Cheers Rob
Thanks again.Very cool tool.
I thought the collar should be removed to change something inside of the tool to revert spin... Thank you!
Thank you,
Saved me a lot of bother, thanks.
How to disassemble and regrease it ? Any teardown guide ?
Not that I have ever seen. It's unlikely to ever need re-greasing, given the amount of use and movement involved. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu I opened it by removing the 1.) circle spring clip. 2.) Then pulling the iron ring out. 3.) Wiggle the 2pcs ball bearings and covers out. 4.) the main bit holder drops out and a small spring with it. Very simple construction but expensive Japan tool 50-60usd new Vessel.
Thanks!
Thanks much, most helpful!
Glad it helped!
I have one... with instructions... and a drawing with arrows showing to turn something left or right. But guess what? It just says to turn right or left to screw or unscrew... What exactly needs to be turned is not detailed. So thanks to you, I know now how to use it, since of course, I thought it was the ring that needed to be turned, not the whole body.
Typical instructions from people who know how to use it to people who know it as well and won't read the instructions to begin with.
The impact driver I'm trying to use doesn't seem to work the same way. You can turn it either direction without pushing it in, and it locks into place. But when I try to use it, it won't turn the screw, which is on a car door stricker, so isn't rusted. Is the driver likely broken?
+Jack White
Hi Jack.
It sounds like it's broken. The driver relies on a cam inside and a couple of steel ball bearings.
The balls can break if things get overdone.
Cheers Rob.
Thanks. When you hold each end and press them together, they do seem to turn in opposite directions, but only barely. However, I've banged on the screws many times, even hard, and it just won't turn them. And I do hold pressure on the handle in the direction I want the screw to turn.
@@jbw9999
That guy is just breaking your balls, Jack.
Those balls aren't broken.
I don't need the vise to turn it, I use the adapter end and rotate that on the end with my hand.
now thats something i didnt know.
Thank You -- so simple and I didnt know--duh
You’re welcome 😊 Lots of people get fooled by this tool. Cheers Rob
Yes, the collar fooled me too.
Thank you SO MUCH!!
Glad it helped!
Great man.
Thanks - this helped me
Bought one, great tool
I've always just held in hand and simultaneously pushed in and turned the handle in the direction desired. Mine wasn't so stiff that it needed a vise to turn.
Mine may have a stronger return spring in it - made in Japan.
@@Xynudu you could also just put it on the screw you're working with and push in and turn the handle in the same direction you want to go.
Thanks that was great
Glad to help. Amazing how many people get fooled by these things. Cheers Rob
Thanks for that 🤗
No problem 😊
Aussie know how
Thank you!!
Life saver
THANKS A LOT !!!!!!
You're welcome!