Learn how to use a manual/handheld impact driver to remove screws on your Traeger grill.
What Is an Impact Driver?
A hand, or manual, impact driver is a tool that can be used to remove any screw, but is incredibly helpful when trying to loosen stuck, tight, and even rusted screws and nuts.
How Do Impact Drivers Work?
Manual impact drivers are designed so that, when struck by a mallet or hammer from one end, it produces a quick and powerful rotational and downward torque that helps the screw or nut break free without risk of stripping the hardware.
When to Use an Impact Driver on a Traeger Grill
On Traeger grills, manual impact drivers can be used to remove any screw. They are most effective when used on screws that have not yet stripped; however, they are also highly effective to help remove stripped screws too.
Using an Impact Driver to Remove the Hopper Service Panel on Touchscreen Timberline & Ironwood Grills
Owners of touchscreen Timberline and Ironwood grills manufactured before February 2023 should always use an impact driver when removing their hopper service panel for the first time.
- Your grill's manufacturer date can be found in its serial number.
If you need to remove your Timberline or Ironwood's service panel for troubleshooting purposes or to replace a part, call us at 1-800-TRAEGER, and we'll send you an impact driver along with new screws.
How to Use a Manual Impact Driver to Remove Screws on a Traeger Grill
TOOLS NEEDED:
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Impact driver
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#2 Phillips Bit (included with driver)
- 3/8" Wrench (if removing the P.A.L rail)
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Hammer or Mallet
While the instructions below are specific to removing the hopper access panel on touchscreen Timberline and Ironwood grills, the concept is the same when using the impact driver to remove any difficult-to-remove screws from a Traeger grill.
- If using the impact driver to help remove the screws on the hopper service panel of a touchscreen Timberline or Ironwood grill, first remove the P.A.L. rail using a 3/8" wrench.
- Push down on the end of the driver and twist left to make sure it’s set to “R.”
- Position the impact driver into the screw, just like you would with a screwdriver.
- Hit the back of the impact with a hammer or mallet. This will loosen the screw.
- Repeat as needed (it may take a few times to loosen the screw).
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Once the stripped screw is loosened, unscrew the screw using either the impact driver or a Phillips screwdriver.
- If the screw is still tight or is starting to strip, repeat steps 3 and 4.