ARES 10027 – 1/2-Inch Drive Heavy Duty Hex Grip Impact Driver – 1/4-Inch & 5/16-Inch Bit Chucks – S2 Bits – Slotted 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 Inch Bits – Phillips PH1, PH2, & PH3 Bits - T20, T25 Bits

The product did extract an extremely stripped JIS countersunk screw from a brake fluid reservoir, on which a Philips screwdriver was used (extensively as you can see). We had tried:An actual JIS screwdriver; hammering it counterclockwise with a center punch; supergluing a nut onto it; JB welding a nut onto it; screw extractor, but it was kinda teardrop shaped and ended up drilling more of a hole.Almost out of ideas, I bought this and the Philips head bits did not work. However with some decent hammering force it did create a Philips plus-shaped indent on the inside of the (now) cone shaped hole. This provided “grip” for the medium screw extractor bit and gently tapped until it came out, but it did take about ten minutes of both light and heavy hammering.Beware the mechanism for reversing the rotation direction involves pushing the spring loaded bit all the way in and rotating, which happens naturally as you hammer it down. It is easy to accidentally put it in forward mode. In my opinion I encounter so few left handed threads that I think this device should not have a “reverse” mode and would prevent that problem. Just be sure to keep a light counterclockwise torque on the screwdriver as you hammer and be careful not to bottom out the travel; if you do, verify its rotation before trying again.

High quality tool. Very effective at loosening 60 year old rusted machine screws.

I bought this to remove those annoying rusted Philips screws that retain rotors to the hub. I was pleasantly surprised it removed the rusted screws with a few smacks. These screws were not treated with heat or penetrating oil. Usually I strip them, then drill them out but not any more. If you have such rotors this is well worth the money and a huge time savor.Update: I have had a string of brake rotor replacements and this removes the Philips retention screws with absolute ease. I live in Wisconsin and everything I work on is rusted. No heat, no penetrating oil. Just a 2 smacks with a hammer and the screws brake loose. If you work with such rotors this is an absolute time saver and totally work the money.

If you used a hand impact driver, you know what to expect. This one is scaled to 1/4" hex drive, and comes with not just screwdriver bits, but a couple that are like small screw extractors. Tap gently, and the screw extractor bits will slowly dig into a larger screw or small bolt (drill a pilot hole first) and should remove it. Do not hit too hard, or you can break the bit (don't ask how I know). Bit breakage was all me going ape on the tool right away, and not starting off gently, letting the tool do the work. I managed to get the broken piece out, and used the other extractor bit, going more gently, and it got the job done. Lesson learned on my part. Save the heavy hitting for the full diameter bits like the ones included, or even your own impact rated bits. I haven't actually removed a screw with other bits, but I checked, and they fit just fine.

Only use it once and it worked like a champ. Not sure if I'll ever need it again but if I do it's good to have it. Worth every penny.

I needed this to remove two screen doors at a condo on the beach. The six Phillips screws were self-tapping, and the installer did not use never-seize : with the salty air, they were in there but good.Happily, this removed them, after a fashion.• I'm glad I bought this, with its wide head. More than once I would have banged my hand, and off to the hospital.• The instructions came via a pdf to my email. That was helpful, but more to save them money I suppose.• The instructions left a bit to be desired. The way it loosens or tightens was not entirely clear. But if you can't figure it out, you shouldn't be using tools.• Four PH2 bits broke, both the short and the long, on two sets. OK, the screws were in there tight, and the screw slots were sort of gummed up (cleaned as best able), but I had to order an additional set to get out all six screws. That's not a tool defect, so no points lost for that. I have ordered additional PH1 (not supplied by Ares) and PH2 impact bits.• The bit hex size is 5/16". I discovered that's a hassle -- almost all are bits 1/4". Amazon has some 5/16", but they are in sets of 8, in various types (like this one comes with). I could not find 5/16" PH2 pack of eight. So I ordered a 1/2" square-to-1/4" hex adapter. Sort of defeats the purpose of 5/16"? Again, that's not a tool issue, so no stars off : just be aware of it.All in all, it appears to be a decent tool, after a few hours use. More later if required.

I am constantly impressed with every aspect of this thing. The bits have not scratched under extremely heavy usage, and are the perfect size. My one complaint is that when I'm wailing on it sometimes the toggle for which direction the screwdriver is pushing will switch - but that's mostly user error.

Made it through three of the four rotor screws I needed to remove to do my rear brakes today. So, even if you have a small job, the tool seems to work well enough, but buy extra bits.