Perfect targa bolt spinner
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Perfect targa bolt spinner
I saw this Sears impact driver on sale and it it makes the perfect targa bolt driver. It has 700 in-lbs of torque which is more (maybe double) than most 18V drills so it really snugs them up tight - just about what you'd get muscling them with the ratchet wrench. Far better than the little Skil driver I was using that required me to first crack the bolts with the wrench on loosing or giving the final few turns while tightening. It also fits perfectly in the glove box. Very impressed! Check out the YouTube videos on the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver performance - I'd like to have a second one in my shop. (PS, I don't work for Sears!)
Safety Car
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From: Fredonia WI
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Where did you find the long T40 bit for the driver?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
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From: Jacksonville FL
But its not cool like the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver with 700 ft/lbs of torque.
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess.
I have a 1/4" ratchet, a long T40 bit and coupling that I bought from Ecklers for $20 that could have been obtained from Harbor Freight for $4. Same quality tool too
But I digress. I do like this set up as opposed to the GM version that does not separate. I can use the T40 part like a screwdriver initially to start everything, then torque it down with the ratchet
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess.
I have a 1/4" ratchet, a long T40 bit and coupling that I bought from Ecklers for $20 that could have been obtained from Harbor Freight for $4. Same quality tool too
But I digress. I do like this set up as opposed to the GM version that does not separate. I can use the T40 part like a screwdriver initially to start everything, then torque it down with the ratchet
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
But its not cool like the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver with 700 ft/lbs of torque.
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess.
I have a 1/4" ratchet, a long T40 bit and coupling that I bought from Ecklers for $20 that could have been obtained from Harbor Freight for $4. Same quality tool too But I digress. I do like this set up as opposed to the GM version that does not separate. I can use the T40 part like a screwdriver initially to start everything, then torque it down with the ratchet
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess.
I have a 1/4" ratchet, a long T40 bit and coupling that I bought from Ecklers for $20 that could have been obtained from Harbor Freight for $4. Same quality tool too
But I digress. I do like this set up as opposed to the GM version that does not separate. I can use the T40 part like a screwdriver initially to start everything, then torque it down with the ratchetCorvette Stories
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
But its not cool like the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver with 700 ft/lbs of torque.
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess...
(Insert Tim Allen) Aaarrruuuuu, Aaaarrruuuu!
Good find. You would hafta make sure that your correctly aligned everything and hold steady, it sounds like the wrench is powerful enough to strip out a torx and then you would have a mess...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
I understand the concern, but I can't see it stripping out the bolt. When I tighten it, I can still break it loose it by hand with the small ratchet wrench, and there's no way you'd be able to strip it with the amount of torque you could exert with that small wrench handle. I'll keep using it and come crying back if I strip it, but I'm extremely doubtful.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Right, it is. As a test, I took a 1/4-20 bolt with slotted head and tried to strip the threads with the nut in a vise. The way this impact driver works, it'll keep hitting on the ratchet till it hits the maximum torque. I got it to completely deform the slotted end of the bolt but it did not strip the treads - maybe eventually it would if I'd used a hex head. It easily stripped the threads of the next size smaller. The point is, you've got to continue to hold power on it as it slowly torques tighter and tighter. After this test I have no concern of stripping out the larger diameter targa top bolts, especially since I'm not going to continue to let it rip after they're tight.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
I would never use anything powered for the roof too easy to buger up those threads. As a matter of fact I always use a manual screw driver when working interior parts. They can crack and break easily.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
How much trouble will it be to change the anchor nuts!
save the power tool for lug nuts, give the rest TLC
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Montgomery, Alabama
2017 C6 of Year Finalist
I also prefer to use manual tools. I am not in a rush nor too lazy to use the them. Why risk damage.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I don't see the risk.
I've used a powered screwdriver for 25 years on my targa. There is no way bolts can strip. If the targa is on, the bolts are lined up
I've used a powered screwdriver for 25 years on my targa. There is no way bolts can strip. If the targa is on, the bolts are lined up
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 49
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From: Fresno TX
Instead of a ratchet, dont they sell bolts attached with handles at the end? Anyone know where I can buy these? I know i've seen it on a youtube video. (hmm, maybe i should have asked that person.) Anyone know where I can buy that? I own a '96 Vette.
Team Owner
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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I've been using my Bosch electric one since 2005.