I recently needed to remove a fussy T25 drive screw from a SRAM XX1 crank. Despite both the screw and tool looking in good shape, the tool kept camming out of play, rounding edges, and was turning into a terrible situation. I didn’t understand why this was happening but it was time for evasive action. Just as I almost started drilling it out before I decided to try one last gasp. An impact driver. I don’t usually think of using an impact driver for Torx heads but it was worth a shot now.
I had to do a silly construction with extensions with my huge old driver and some extentions. It worked on the first strike and saved me from hell.
Now I’m going to make sure I’m in a better place for next time.
I really needed to up my game for getting into tight places in my bicycle work. My old hand impact driver is a Craftsman #47641 1/2″ square – 5/16″ hex driver. This is identical to the Lisle #30200 driver. The 5/16″ bits just a nuisance as only a diesel truck mechanic would have them.. The tool is huge at 1-5/16″ diameter and about 6″ long. Attaching to it means going through a 1/2″ square drive witch really has no place near a motorcycle or a bicycle.
Don’t get me wrong. This is a great tool and served me well. It’s just out of scale with working on bicycles or firearms and other small work.
This new unit was imported and packaged by Performance Tool #W2503 (V3)(available at Amazon and many auto parts stores) , although it’s originally a Tekiro SD-MI1691. It is 3/4″ diameter and about 5 1/2″ long. It uses standard 1/4″ power bit shanks so there’s no shortage of uses or bit availability.
It’s much more compact and will help for getting into much tighter places than the old. This tool costs less than $2o and is a worthy addition to everyone’s toolbox. Get one!
Back when I was young and had to revive dead old motorcycles to ride, I wouldn’t bother even trying to turn a Phillips screw without first using my impact driver. It became so predictable that I used an impact to loosen almost everything I hadn’t previously loosened. This kept the screw in great shape rather than marred and useless. This is always a good thing to remember. Old shit = impact.
Obviously, this post is exquisitely paired with another on tooling, Hammer Time!
