IRWIN Tools Launches Phase II of Impact Performance Series
30 July 2014 - 7:00PM
Business Wire
Brand Now Offers the Broadest Line of Impact
Accessories in the Market
With more than 90 percent of tradesmen using impact drivers on a
daily or weekly basis1, IRWIN® Tools is introducing the second
phase of its Impact Performance Series™ portfolio of impact
driver accessories, completing the widest range of drilling,
driving and extracting accessories available in the market. While
some accessories currently marketed for use in impact drivers are
only compatible with impact power tools, IRWIN’s impact accessories
are engineered specifically for use in impact tools. Featuring
Double-Ended Power Bits, a Tapcon® Installation
System, BOLT-GRIP® and SCREW-GRIP™ Extractors, IRWIN’s
line of innovative new tools are enabling tradesmen to do more with
their impact drivers than ever before.
“The second phase of the Impact Performance Series expands our
initial offering which was originally focused on the fastener drive
category only. IRWIN’s expansion into impact designed double-ended
power bits, drilling, extracting, and adapters and extensions
categories provides the right impact accessory for nearly all
impact driver applications. By eliminating the need for multiple
tools and transition time, our accessories allow tradesmen to work
more efficiently and productively on their jobs,” said Jon
Schlosser, director of marketing, IRWIN.
With nearly 80 percent of users fastening with their impact
drivers, IRWIN’s Double-Ended Power Bits offer an improved
driving functionality and the convenience of having two tips in one
bit, eliminating the time spent searching for a replacement bit
between applications. These bits feature IRWIN’s exclusive
DoubleLok Technology™ which securely locks both ends of the
bit into impact drivers and quick-change chucks. The bits’
precision tip geometry fits fasteners more precisely, reducing
stripping and cam-out and providing longer bit life. IRWIN’s single
and double-ended power bits are also compatible with the new
Magnetic Screw-Hold Attachment, designed exclusively for the
IRWIN Impact line. With a rare earth magnet that is four times more
powerful than a standard magnet, the low profile collar connects
securely to hold fasteners so there is less slipping and
wobbling.
This launch also introduces IRWIN’s Tapcon® Installation
System2. Compatible with standard drill/drivers, but
especially designed for use with impact drivers, this system
combines a bit and drill/drive sleeve to make Tapcon installation
faster and easier. The one-piece construction bit features a
built-in hex collar stop for drilling the perfect hole depth for
both Tapcon and other masonry screws, allowing users to drill
precise pilot holes every time. Designed with three different
lengths, these bits match up with all standard Tapcon screw
diameters and lengths and the Drill/Drive Installation Sleeve makes
the installation process easier. The sleeve slides over and locks
on to the drill bit’s hex collar and accepts standard or impact ¼”
hex shank fastener drive bits for driving screws and completing the
job. The drive sleeve is dually compatible with all IRWIN Tapcon
bits, as well as standard SDS hex drive bits.
The IRWIN BOLT-GRIP® Impact Performance Series Extractors
feature patented reverse spiral flutes, engineered to provide
maximum gripping power to remove broken, damaged, or rusted nuts,
bolts, and screws. Manufactured with high carbon steel for improved
durability, the extractors have a universal lobular design that
fits all types of fasteners. While built specifically for impact
tools, these extractors are easily adaptable to work with rotary
drills and drivers. Storage for the BOLT-GRIP Extractors are
available in a Rail Set, with rare earth magnets for
secure attachment to work and storage surfaces and a non-mar foam
backing to protect against scratches and dents; a Pro Set
Case or a Drawer Set, both made of durable molded ABS
resin and featuring a compact design for convenient storage in
drawers and tool cabinets.
The new SCREW-GRIP™ Impact Performance Series Extractors
with DoubleLok Technology, which enables both ends of the bit to
lock into impact drivers and quick-change chucks, are designed to
easily remove damaged screws and small bolts with a single bit in
three steps: drill, flip bit, and extract. The drill end is
designed to start fast with minimal walking and the tip of the
extractor end is serrated for increased torque to remove even the
toughest screws and smaller bolts. Made from M2 high-speed steel,
these extractors are extra-hardened for longer life with impact
drivers.
The launch also includes a redesign of the phase one fastener
drive program. All Impact Performance Series Single-Ended Power
Bits and Insert Bits now feature precision tip geometry
which fits fasteners more precisely, providing longer bit life and
reduced stripping and cam-out. Additional fastener driving impact
accessories available in IRWIN’s Impact Performance Series are
Bit Holders, Magnetic Nutsetters and Deep Well
Sockets. In addition to Tapcon installation, in the impact
drilling category, IRWIN offers Masonry Bits and Metal
Bits. TURBOMAX® Drill Bits, part of the metal bit
offering, have an exclusive tip that minimizes walking and delivers
ten times faster starts than 118 degree point drill bits. The
Impact Performance Series also offers a full line of Adapters and
Extensions, so accessories can be used with any type of drill or
driver. The Adapters and Extension range includes Quick-Change
Extensions, Square to Hex Quick-Change Adapters, Keyless Chuck
Adapters, Hex to Square Socket Adapters, Square Drive Socket
Extensions, Socket Reducers and a Right Angle Drill/Drive
Tool.
The IRWIN Impact Performance Series is now available at home
centers, hardware stores, and construction and industrial tool
suppliers throughout the U.S. and Canada. They can be purchased as
singles, in bulk, or as sets. The suggested retail prices for
Impact accessories range from $1.99 to $22.99. Multiple set
configurations are available, with prices ranging from $6.99 to
$199.99.
About IRWIN Tools
IRWIN Tools manufactures and distributes a broad line of hand
tools and power tool accessories under the IRWIN® brand including
VISE-GRIP® pliers and wrenches, MARATHON® saw blades, QUICK-GRIP®
clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® wood drilling bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking
tools, UNIBIT® step drill bits, MARPLES® fine woodworking tools,
and HANSON® taps and dies. IRWIN Tools is a part of Newell
Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands. For more
information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com. IRWIN
invites the nation to celebrate National Tradesmen Day, on
Sept. 19, 2014.
1 “Impact Driver & Accessory Usage Study,” TNS, December
2013.
2 Tapcon® is a registered trademark of Illinois Tool Works,
Inc.
Media:For IRWIN ToolsKerry Channon,
212-520-2471kerry.channon@BBH-USA.com