Magnetic Screwdriver Question

[Playmaker]

I am starting to install parts for my new system and only have a mangnetic screwdriver until I can go to work and get a regular one. I know it will harm the HD, so I won't use it with that. But can I use a magnetic screwdriver to install the PSU, floppy, and CD-RW drive?

 

[Viper GTS]

I have a magnet on the side of my case, right next to my HD. Your screwdriver isn't going to hurt anything.

Viper GTS

 

[Helznicht]

heheh,

You can use it for everything... Mag screwdrivers are pretty weak. Probally couldnt even mess with data on a floppy disk (touching it even).

Mag Screwdivers make life MUCH easier IMO.

 

[TheHorta]

Unless you have an immensely powerful magnet, say an electromagnet, it's unlikely that you could damage much of anything in your system, including your hard drive.

A few years back, my brother-in-law and I performed an experiment where we "magnetized" an already magnetic Phillip's head screwdriver to give it near super-magnetic properties. We stuck it to every component inside of an older 486 system, the CPU, RAM, hard drive, chipset, video board, sound - everything! We even over-did it and let it sit on certain components for a while.

The bottom line: nothing was effected. I'm not saying to throw caution to the wind, but I'd be more concerned about electrostatic discharge, which can do more damage than the puny magnet on your screwdriver ever will.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

I agree. I have used a magnetic screwdriver to build a whole system before with no adverse side effects. It is very handy when you need to keep those screws on the end...

 

[tornadobox]

we always magnify our screwdrivers here at work (i work in the computer hardware division of an IS department). Nothing has ever gone wrong for us using them.