An impact driver's anvil can wear on both sides--from inside the drill housing where the hammer mechanism strikes it or from the outside where it meets your bits. If this happens, you'll want to replace the anvil. Luckily, replacing the anvil is a relatively quick repair.

Visit our Makita impact driver parts page to find parts for your Makita driver. 

You can also browse our list of impact driver parts if you're using a non-Makita model. 

Removing the Anvil

1. Remove the chuck assembly

Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the retaining ring from the chuck assembly.

Then remove the flat washer, spring, ball bearings, and chuck.

Check out our article on removing the chuck from a Makita impact driver for more information on this process. 

2. Remove the drill housing

Remove the rubber piece from the driver's head.

Remove the plastic housing from the driver's head. You will need to slide a flat-head screwdriver underneath the housing to release a few tabs.

Remove the screws that secure the drill housing. 

Remove the screws that secure the drill's back cap. 

3. Separate the transmission and motor

Slide the transmission away from the motor. 

4. Open the transmission housing

Place the transmission into a vice so that the vice secures the hex-shaped area on the bottom. Then use a wrench to separate the transmission, which uses a reverse thread.

5. Remove the gears

With the transmission separated, you can slide the gears away to gain access to the anvil. 

6. Remove the anvil

Use a screwdriver to push the anvil up and out of the housing.

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Installing the Anvil

1. Slide the anvil back into place

Drop the new anvil back into place. 

2. Replace the gears

Now you can put the gears back into the housing. 

3. Tighten the transmission housing

Thread the two pieces of transmission housing together, then place the housing assembly into the vice and tighten it down. Remember to use a reverse thread.

4. Place the transmission into the drill housing

Before you re-install the transmission, make sure the notch on the housing is face down, towards the drill's handle. Then slide it back onto the motor.  

5. Seat the bearing into the transmission

Now you need to seat a small bearing into the transmission. Tap on the end of the motor until it is seated inside the transmission. 

6. Align the motor and transmission

Line up the tabs and notches so the transmission and motor are nestled in the drill body. 

7. Replace the drill housings

Replace the plastic collar and rubber piece on the nose of the drill. 

Secure the drill housing and the back cover.

8. Reinstall the chuck

Place the ball bearings in the anvil.

Add the spring, flat washer, and chuck.

Then secure the chuck with the retaining ring to finalize the repair.

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Conclusion

And that's how you can replace the anvil on your impact driver. This repair can keep your tool working like new without the high cost of replacing your driver or taking it to a repair shop. In addition, learning how to remove the chuck can be helpful if you ever have a bit break off in your driver. 

Remember to check out or list of power tool parts to find parts for all your power tool repair needs. 

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