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Stuck screw? The manual impact screwdriver is no problem.

If you live near the Rust Belt and work in a car, you will encounter an annoying screw that is fixed in a component with the best thread locker ever-Rust. Now, there are several ways to accomplish this job: You can try to use a traditional screwdriver, peel off the screw head, then open the drill bit and knock the screw head off the fastener. This is not the best method, but sometimes it is necessary. You can also turn on the flashlight to make things hot and hope to get rid of the rust. This is not always effective due to the location of the fasteners. The third is your first choice: take an impact screwdriver to free your components from the oppression of rust.

These tools provide some impact maintenance to help prevent fasteners from loosening due to corrosion. When you hit the impact driver, it will also twist the bit in the direction you want...usually left-handed. This twisting motion combined with your hammering is usually enough to loosen the screw without causing any serious damage. Most manual impact drivers also come with a three-eighth or half-inch anvil to hold the adapter, which also means you can place a sleeve on these and try to loosen the jammed hex screw. This is not what most people really use it for, but anything to get the job done.

Now, you might think that your battery-powered 1/4-inch impact driver can unscrew any screws you might encounter. But considering the nature of the twisting action of a manual impact driver while being hammered, you will begin to understand why a manual impact is less likely to slip out of the screw head and peel off the fastener. Add a bit of valve grinding compound to the drill bit to increase grip and you are ready for success. Oh yes, you never need to recharge the battery.

When I encountered a stuck screw and my Wera driver couldn't loosen it, I reached for this. The Lisle impact screwdriver may not be the best, and its drill bit may not be as durable as the tool truck, but a few times a year I really need an impact screwdriver-my Lisle finished it. The box says it's made in the U.S.

Koken Attack Driver is probably the best impact driver in the game, and its price reflects this. This Japanese-made tool is about three times more expensive than the nearby Lisle. Although it may be better to use, it is up to you if you think you need the best feel that money can buy.

The Craftsman is also imported, but cheaper than Lisle or Koken. Coupled with the convenience of a craftsman warranty, this impact screwdriver may be right for you.  

Okay, so this is not exactly a manual impact drive. However, if you have an air hammer at home, it may be your best choice. Instead of using a hammer to manually add some percussion, the tool uses the hammering action of a pneumatic tool to help shake things. You need to manually guide the fastener to the left or right, but this is easier than swinging a hammer.

Like most tools, there are many items in the manual impact drive game. Of course, this means you can spend as much or as little as your budget allows. Personally, I have used budget impact drivers from 40 years ago (thanks to my dad!), relatively new drivers from Snap-On, and some in between. For my own box, I chose Lyle. All of them were successfully hit by the hammer several times and helped me to complete the work without resorting to more destructive methods.

You won't need one of them every day (if you are not working in a store), but when you do, it is best to have one on hand.