Impact driver wobble bit

miamicuse

I bought the Ridgid drill/driver combo R9600 about 5 months ago. Been using mostly the driver and hardly the drill.

Recently I noticed the driver is making more noise when driving (more than before). If I put in a long bit (say a 3" bit) and turned it on and see it spinning in the air, I can clearly see a "wobble" about 1/4" at the tip.

Same bit, inserted into the drill, and turned it on, no wobble at the tip.

I know a drill with a tightened chuck should be truer then the driver with a quick release mechanism.

I *think* this wobble wasn't there before. I am not 100% sure. I never dropped the tool.

The question is how much wobble is too much?

Is a 1/4" side to side wobble at the tip of a 3" bit TOO MUCH? Or ACCEPTABLE?

Oh, I checked the bit, it's straight. I also tried a few other longer, shorter new, never been used bits, same results. So it's not the bit.

jeffsw6

Sounds like something is loose. It probably won't wobble if you are actually using it to drive in a screw but it might transfer a lot of vibration to your hand. I'd try it on a piece of scrap. If it doesn't feel right, call Ridgid and set up an exchange, IMO.

woodworkbykirk

mis aligned chuck by the sounds of it. its common with impacts.. as for the noise.. i was talking to their rep back in december when i was buying some new drills. he said they have had several of the newest ridgid impact come back defective.. mostly problems with them overheating