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Use a drill as a ratchet?; has anyone ever...
Topic Started: Dec 1 2012, 04:38 PM (3,547 Views)
Horn


I know this is a weird question, but has anyone used a drill as a ratchet while working on vehicles?

I know there are electric cordless ratchets, but they are pricey.

I need a drill and have been wanting to get some ez-outs/screw extractors anyway

So, I was thinking of picking up this drill Craftsman drill.

I know that it won't have a bunch of torque, but I would break nuts and bolts loose with a regular ratchet before I use the drill. One problem would be the size of the ratchet.

Would it make sense for any of that or is it just dumb and should I use a speed wrench instead?
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68custom


It is not an impact but, if you loosen the fasteners first and use low speed it may do well. I have had good luck with cheap craftsman drills. even used them regularly as an electrician. no were near the panache of a makita or milwakee though.
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Scoobs
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:D

I have a nice Nikita cordless impact drill, i use it when i do roofing, but i have been known time to time use it on the car. Only on bolts i know arent like headbolt tight lol.
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Coche Blanco
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Drill no, impact drill, yes.
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Horn


I know the difference between an impact and drill.

I know i would have to break the bolts loose first.

I was planning on buying an impact soon. I kinda need a drill though.

You cant really use an impact like an electric or air ratchet can you?
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Coche Blanco
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Horn12007
Dec 1 2012, 07:04 PM
You cant really use an impact like an electric or air ratchet can you?
Rephrase this. I'll answer but I can't understand it
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Horn


CB, I'm looking for something to tighten and loosen bolts.

I guess an impact would do the trick if I'm careful with tightening. I'm just scared of tightening with an impact around aluminum. Thats why I was thinking of using a drill....

Every time I have used an impact, it was only to take bolts/nuts off. I have used air ratchets for both taking bolts off and putting them back on.

****I have never used a cordless impact, only pneumatic impacts.
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rmcelwee
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A quick tip - I welded a lug nut on the end of a scissor jack and use my cordless drill with a socket on it to raise the car. It will lift it in seconds.
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Horn


rmcelwee
Dec 1 2012, 08:07 PM
A quick tip - I welded a lug nut on the end of a scissor jack and use my cordless drill with a socket on it to raise the car. It will lift it in seconds.
Have you ever used the drill to tighten bolts?

Thanks for the tip.
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Coche Blanco
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Horn12007
Dec 1 2012, 07:58 PM
CB, I'm looking for something to tighten and loosen bolts.

I guess an impact would do the trick if I'm careful with tightening. I'm just scared of tightening with an impact around aluminum. Thats why I was thinking of using a drill....

Every time I have used an impact, it was only to take bolts/nuts off. I have used air ratchets for both taking bolts off and putting them back on.

****I have never used a cordless impact, only pneumatic impacts.
Impact drivers are much different than impact wrenches, google both terms and you'll see.
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iamgeo
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I'm not sure why you would think it is a weird question.

socket bits for drills

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HelterSkelter
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#1 Pizza Driver

you can use the drill to quickly unloosen or tighten a bolt, but you will have to finish tightening it by hand, the drill won't have enough torque.
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Coche Blanco
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You can do like i did, and nearly kill yourself with a NiCad battery...lol
Edited by Coche Blanco, Dec 1 2012, 08:55 PM.
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Horn


Coche thanks for mentioning the impact driver. I was thinking it was only for wood.

The impact action doesn't mess you up when you are backing off bolts does it?

I'm actually thinking the impact driver might be what i need. trying to do some research now...
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Coche Blanco
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Horn12007
Dec 1 2012, 09:22 PM
Coche thanks for mentioning the impact driver. I was thinking it was only for wood.

The impact action doesn't mess you up when you are backing off bolts does it?

I'm actually thinking the impact driver might be what i need. trying to do some research now...
No, it goes both ways. :deal (At least the DeWalt one I use does)
Edited by Coche Blanco, Dec 1 2012, 09:24 PM.
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