looking for a nice cordless electric screwdriver

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QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,874
1,082
126
the LED light on it is a joke, I don't like the grip, was a good deal @ 20 bucks but it ain't cutting it any more. I saw a Hitachi @ Lowes but it was $80. Is there anything that's better then the BlackNDecker, and not overly expensive? I guess I'd pony up for the Hitachi if it's really bad ass *can't find any reviews* Something with a decent light would be sweet, I hate the dim orange junk on my B-N-D

 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,874
1,082
126
Originally posted by: spidey07
spend around 200 bucks or more and get you a good tool.

It realy is worth it. battery life, torque, feel/feedback, etc.

-edit-
I've got this and absolutely love it. great drill, decent price.

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_...4+4233&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp
Click to expand...

Dunno if it's a Cookie thing or what, but that link didn't take me anywhere. I don't need torque, I drive around and fix computers for people. $200 sounds like something I'd need if I did serious work and needed something that could drill too. Seeing something for $200 makes me start to think the Hitachi for $80 might be good. I'll poke around on Home Depot's site and look for the one you were trying to link to though to see what I could get for 2 bills :)

*EDIT* ok link works now, that is a POWER tool, I don't think I could even use something that huge to work on computers, guess I should have thrown in it's for computer work so it should be compact to some degree.

I gotta say that looks pretty insane, can only imagine how quick that'd take out all the screws on on a MB when used properly :)
 
S

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
I see. But hey, there's never too much power. Ever.

I fixed the link. Probably more than what you want but it will do serious work - 1" holes through 4x4s are nothing. I see now that you want a screwdriver, not a drill.
 
T

TheGizmo

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2000
3,627
0
71
i got an el-cheapo $20 companion brand power screwdriver.. does the job quite well IMO
 
ultimatebob

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
126
Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Can't go wrong with a Makita.
Click to expand...

True, True... My corded drill is a Makita, and it's absolutely bullet-proof. Dewalt stuff is good, too.

I'd think that I'd want to use a good ol' fashioned SnapOn manual screwdriver for working on PC's, though. I'd be afraid that I'd strip the screws or overtighten with a cordless electric.
 
fuzzybabybunny

fuzzybabybunny

Moderator<br>Digital & Video Cameras
Moderator
Jan 2, 2006
10,455
35
91
Try looking on eBay for a power screwdriver called the Craftsman/Sears Mini Driver

1. Unlike all the other screwdrivers at stores that only putz at around 180rpm, it's 375rpm.

2. It has almost no torque, but that's what your hand is for. It just gets screws in and out of computers FAST.

3. It's very small (about an inch in diameter) and fits almost anywhere inside a computer.

4. Forward/Reverse is done through a very convenient and quick rocker switch. When it stops turning, it automatically locks itself for tightening screws.

5. Fit it with a magnetic head, and no losing screws ever.

6. Lightweight. Battery is a lithium and includes a charger.

7. There is no light, however, but if I'm working in a dark case I use a headlamp or a keychain light.

There aren't any on eBay right now, but one turns up every couple of weeks or so. They go for about $20-$30. Craftsman stopped making them which was a BIG letdown for computer builders like me.

Do a search just for "mini driver" and filter it by tools. Then just periodically refresh the list. They come in translucent plastic colors like blue and red.

EDIT: They look like this
 
mugs

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Costco has one for $20 I think. Costco doesn't sell low-quality stuff.

BUT, my one complaint about low-priced power screw drivers (which I never use, I just use my cordless drill/driver for everything but that's too heavy for my wife) is that they don't have variable speed switches. The $20-30 ones all seem to have single speed switches, up around $50 I've seen 2 speed switches, and to get a variable speed switch like you'd have on a drill you're up in the $100 range. For that you can get a good cordless drill/driver (only downsides being weight and size).
 
0roo0roo

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
i just use my smaller cordless drill. also have a b&d screwdriver though. i think a led battery indicator would be useful. annnoying not knowing if the damn thing has any charge left. don't see the point in spending too much unless you are into heavy construction and doing hundreds of screws. as for torque, if its too tight, well lock the thing and use your arm to make the first turn. no biggie. no point making screws insanely tight for most things anyways. it just annoys anyone else that has to deal with the screw, stripping heads and all that uglyness
 
Kaido

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
49,986
6,299
136
I have a $99 Dewalt from Home Depot that bends straight. It's not as powerful as, say, an 18-volt XRP, but for most jobs it's perfect. Lightweight, includes charger and spare battery, cheap, bendable for getting into tight spaces. Harder jobs just require more force on your end.
 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,874
1,082
126
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Try looking on eBay for a power screwdriver called the Craftsman/Sears Mini Driver

1. Unlike all the other screwdrivers at stores that only putz at around 180rpm, it's 375rpm.

2. It has almost no torque, but that's what your hand is for. It just gets screws in and out of computers FAST.

3. It's very small (about an inch in diameter) and fits almost anywhere inside a computer.

4. Forward/Reverse is done through a very convenient and quick rocker switch. When it stops turning, it automatically locks itself for tightening screws.

5. Fit it with a magnetic head, and no losing screws ever.

6. Lightweight. Battery is a lithium and includes a charger.

7. There is no light, however, but if I'm working in a dark case I use a headlamp or a keychain light.

There aren't any on eBay right now, but one turns up every couple of weeks or so. They go for about $20-$30. Craftsman stopped making them which was a BIG letdown for computer builders like me.

Do a search just for "mini driver" and filter it by tools. Then just periodically refresh the list. They come in translucent plastic colors like blue and red.

EDIT: They look like this
Click to expand...

I will keep my eye peeled for that thanks, this Hitachi one is looking pretty nice though. can run 300 or 600 RPM! I might strip the hell outta some screws by over-tightening like ultimatebob said, but 600rpm would be like a Nascar pitcrew when I'm putting a new system together :)

as for Harbor Freight, uhhh I bought my heat gun there, but their tools are horrible quality, I went for the "good deal" Black N Decker and what I got was pretty crummy.
 
Kaido

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
49,986
6,299
136
Originally posted by: QueBert
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Try looking on eBay for a power screwdriver called the Craftsman/Sears Mini Driver

1. Unlike all the other screwdrivers at stores that only putz at around 180rpm, it's 375rpm.

2. It has almost no torque, but that's what your hand is for. It just gets screws in and out of computers FAST.

3. It's very small (about an inch in diameter) and fits almost anywhere inside a computer.

4. Forward/Reverse is done through a very convenient and quick rocker switch. When it stops turning, it automatically locks itself for tightening screws.

5. Fit it with a magnetic head, and no losing screws ever.

6. Lightweight. Battery is a lithium and includes a charger.

7. There is no light, however, but if I'm working in a dark case I use a headlamp or a keychain light.

There aren't any on eBay right now, but one turns up every couple of weeks or so. They go for about $20-$30. Craftsman stopped making them which was a BIG letdown for computer builders like me.

Do a search just for "mini driver" and filter it by tools. Then just periodically refresh the list. They come in translucent plastic colors like blue and red.

EDIT: They look like this
Click to expand...

I will keep my eye peeled for that thanks, this Hitachi one is looking pretty nice though. can run 300 or 600 RPM! I might strip the hell outta some screws by over-tightening like ultimatebob said, but 600rpm would be like a Nascar pitcrew when I'm putting a new system together :)

as for Harbor Freight, uhhh I bought my heat gun there, but their tools are horrible quality, I went for the "good deal" Black N Decker and what I got was pretty crummy.
Click to expand...

That is what my Dewalt looks like. I finally found a link:

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=106-061

Includes bendable drill, case, 2 batteries, charge, and 2 bits. I whole-heartedly recommend this model, it's fantastic for light-duty applications.
 
DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Try looking on eBay for a power screwdriver called the Craftsman/Sears Mini Driver

1. Unlike all the other screwdrivers at stores that only putz at around 180rpm, it's 375rpm.

2. It has almost no torque, but that's what your hand is for. It just gets screws in and out of computers FAST.

3. It's very small (about an inch in diameter) and fits almost anywhere inside a computer.

4. Forward/Reverse is done through a very convenient and quick rocker switch. When it stops turning, it automatically locks itself for tightening screws.

5. Fit it with a magnetic head, and no losing screws ever.

6. Lightweight. Battery is a lithium and includes a charger.

7. There is no light, however, but if I'm working in a dark case I use a headlamp or a keychain light.

There aren't any on eBay right now, but one turns up every couple of weeks or so. They go for about $20-$30. Craftsman stopped making them which was a BIG letdown for computer builders like me.

Do a search just for "mini driver" and filter it by tools. Then just periodically refresh the list. They come in translucent plastic colors like blue and red.

EDIT: They look like this
Click to expand...

Great reply! I was going to suggest the same one. There's a big difference between a quality cordless screwdriver and a cordless drill. If you could only have one or the other, a cordless drill is a lot more versatile. But, unless the only thing you're doing is putting up wallboard or driving anchors into concrete, the smaller models with lower torque are much nicer to use (for example, as you suggested - working on a computer case)

However, you WILL drop screws with a magnetic head - if you're using a non-magnetic screw (brass or stainless) - for that, I always use a little piece of tape. Hold the screw to the driver, puncture the tape (masking seems to work best) with the screw and wrap the tape on the driver bit. With practice, you can quickly screw the screw in 3/4's of the way, pull up on the driver to have the screw rip through the rest of the tape, then reseat the driver and put the screw in the rest of the way.
 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,874
1,082
126
Originally posted by: drnickriviera
This is what you need

Seems lots of contractors like them.

Also have this but haven't heard anthing about it.
Click to expand...

nice looking, but with the drill design I don't think it would be good for getting inside computers, my B-N-D is straight and it can be almost too big to fit in some spaces when I'm working on a box. I dunno I'd have to see one of those Bosch's close up, maybe it would would be perfect.
 
E

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
Why do you need a power tool to remove computer screws?

Just get a good magnetic tipped manual screwdriver.
 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,874
1,082
126
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
Why do you need a power tool to remove computer screws?

Just get a good magnetic tipped manual screwdriver.
Click to expand...

don't *need* one, but, there are days where I'm taking 10 pc's apart and putting them back together. Been doing this for years, maybe how I'm positioning my hand/body is messed up. But lately my wrist has been getting more and sore, I especially notice it when I encounter a really tight screw. Sometimes just twisting the screw drive is enough to make me have to stop and rest a few second. Gotta be symptoms of carpel tunnel. Figured a good cordless screwdriver would all but cut out the tension I'm experiencing in my hands/wrists. I really don't know what else to do :(

 
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