Bit Stuck In Impact Driver – Removal Guide

Have you ever been working on a task that requires using the impact driver, then suddenly a tool bit gets stuck inside the tool?

Those who have used an impact driver before know how troublesome these devices can be.

I’m sure everyone at one point has run into this situation. So how do you take the bit out without destroying the tool and getting injured in the meantime?

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure that the bits don’t get stuck in your impact drivers.

Bit Models That Usually Get Stuck in Impact Driver:

Different types of drill bits are used in impact drivers to serve other functions. However, some drill bits get stuck, and there is a specific method to get them out from the impact driver.

But first, let me introduce you to some drill bits which are often used.

Masonry Bits

Masonry bits are designed to bore into masonry materials very quickly and easily, causing less stress to the material as it bore through it.

Masonry bits can be used on a wide variety of materials, from concrete blocks to bricks. These types of bits are stuck often in impact drivers if they are used over and over.

Hex Bits

These are yet another type of bits that commonly get stuck in impact drivers. Hex bits are short drill bits with hexagonal shafts, which fit into the drill’s chuck.

The hexagonal shafts give you more control than straight shanks, making them ideal for drilling small holes.

Small Bit

Small drill bits are bits with a diameter of less than one inch. Small drill bits are for drilling small holes in small pieces of metal.

Small drill bits are handy when you need to dig a perfectly positioned hole in small metal pieces which otherwise would not fit a standard screwdriver bit.

This type of drill bit is also used to make holes in wood and wood holes, and it often gets stuck and gets stuck often in impact drivers.

River Bits

River bits are the highest quality twist drill bits made in the USA. The River bit is designed to drill holes in wood or metal.

This river bit features a sharp cutting tip that removes waste material faster than standard drill bits. More specifically, it is used to make clean holes in sheets of metals.

Installer Bits

Installer Drill Bits are high-performance drill bits used by professional remodelers, contractors, and others for drilling holes in tile, stone, glass, and drilling holes for outlets, switches, plumbing, etc. (mostly professionals use them).

Screwdriver Bits

Screwdriver bits are the standard “flat head” types used for driving/installing screws with a screwdriver.

This is as opposed to crosshead or hex bits which are used in a power driver, drill, or some other type of tool (mostly used for driving screws).

How to Remove the Bit From the Impact Driver?

Removing a stuck bit from an impact driver is not a piece of cake. However, some methods given below will perfectly guide you on treating different types of bits stuck in impact drivers.

You need to follow the steps in sequence.

Method 1: Use Pliers

Things you’ll need:

• Pairs of pliers
• Friends help

First and Last Step: Call any of your friends. Ask them to hold the chuck or collet of the impact driver firmly.

You take the pairs of pliers and, with the help of a small force, pull the stuck bit outside from the driver.

This method works well if a small bit or hex bit is stuck in the impact driver. If this tactic fails, proceed to the following method:

Method 2: Use Zip Tie

If you are using some cheap bits, the bits may get stuck inside the impact driver, and you feel difficulty in pulling it out.

This tactic is usually used if your bit got broken while doing your job or using screwdriver bits.

Things you’ll need:

• Zip ties
• 12 gauge electrical wire
• Pair of pliers

Step One: Pull the collet or chuck from its position and hold it with the help of a 12 gauge wire or a zip tie.

You can use any of the following according to your feasibility. Simply pull the part and wrap the wire around its surrounding.

Step Two: By pulling out the chuck, the front part will loosen. Once the front part gets loose, use the pair of pliers and firmly pull out the stubborn stuck bit from the impact driver.

Step Three: If the bit doesn’t come out, use self-locking pliers instead of simple pliers and use your entire force to pull out the bits. Once the bit comes out.

Cut the zip tie or the wire, and you are good.

Method 3: Use Vice Grips

Some masonry bits are very stubborn, and it is tough to pull them out from the impact driver because such bits are used to make holes in hard surfaces like concrete, walls, bricks, etc.

Things you’ll need:

• Friend’s help
• Hammer
• Vice and vice grips
• Channel locks

Step One: Put the impact driver or the tool in which the bit is stuck inside the vice and hold the bit with the help of vice grips.

Push the collar back and with the use of 1/4th socket, pull the bits out with vice grips back and forth.

Step Two: By doing this, it’s pretty possible the bit gets loose and gets out of its position.

Method 4: Zip Tie and Pliers

Things you’ll need:

• Zip ties
• Pair of pliers or vice grips
• Hammer

Step One: Hold the collar forward with the help of zip ties in a release position. Keep in mind to keep the driver in the reverse direction.

Step Two: Hold the collar firmly, exert the force as much as possible, and pull out the bit from the collar. You may take help with the hammer.

Apply gentle pressure on the impact driver from the reverse direction.

Method 5: Use WD40 Spray

WD40 spray is a lubricating spray and helps in loosening almost everything.

Things you’ll need:

• WD40 spray
• Zip ties
• Pair of pliers

Step One: Hold the collar of the impact driver out with the help of zip ties.

Step Two: Add the lubricating spray on the stuck bit and move it to and fro with the help of a pair of pliers.

Once the stuck bit gets loose, it will automatically come out of its position.

The Takeaway

Tough-to-remove fastener bits are a common problem in many power tools. It can cause annoying downtime, not to mention the risk of destroying the tool or getting injured if you’re not careful.

Sometimes, you may even get tempted to use a hammer in an attempt to force the bit free, but this could result in breaking the tip of the bit and even damaging the tool.

Use any of the above methods to remove any stuck bit from your impact driver. If you know any other useful ways to remove a bit stuck in impact drive or have any questions, please share with us in the comment section below.