Accessory range expands

The Makita ‘Mag Boost’ simply slides over a  ¼in hex drive screwdriver bit, that is at least 50mm long, to increase the magnetism of the bit making it easier to pick up the screws and hold them onto the bit at any angle whilst moving the screw into place.

Simple but clever, it can even be added to a non-magnetic hand screwdriver for instant magnetic support. ‘Mag Boost’ is also available in sets complete with ranges of Impact Gold bits developed for use with impact drivers.

Other new products include a socket that will spin the threaded rod up to three times faster than manual operation to tighten or loosen quickly. The design combines three hardened steel self-locking cams within a socket driven by an impact driver. The cams grip the threaded rod as the socket is rotated by the impact driver. This reduces the operation time and cuts fatigue.

A shock driver is used to apply hammer power to unscrew a seized or damaged screw. The shock driver’s bit is placed in the screw cross cut and a hammer blow on top of the shock driver rotates the screw just a few degrees to start its removal. Traditionally a heavy, bulky product, the new Makita shock driver is similar in size and weight to a normal screwdriver but has clever engineering inside where a hammer impact on the solid top is converted into turning torque by springs and cam action that will turn the screw 12°. The mechanism can be seen through the clear handle. It comes in in four lengths – from 125 to 150mm.

Impact wrench power increases regularly and Makita’s latest range of ½ inch square drive sockets are made from high grade chrome molybdenum high-impact steel for maximum wall strength, maximum torque delivery and durability. Available from 8 to 32mm, all are coated in rust-resisting black phosphate.