Power screwdrivers

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Z

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
I'm looking for a decent cordless screwdriver that I can use instead of busting out my drill from storage. This will be used for everyday around the house jobs such as screwing computer cases, driving drywall screws or assembling furniture etc. I compiled a small list of the ones that I found that might work. It would be nice to have a screwdriver with an adjustable torque which would be helpful but not absolutely necessary.
Any recommendations? The coleman screwdriver seems pretty awesome since it uses capacitors instead of lithium ion/NiCad batteries and hence charges up in 90s. It's a bit larger than what I'd like but people seem to like it according to the reviews.

Makita DF030DW - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DN6K3O/...SIN=B001DN6K3O

DeWalt DW920K2 - http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW920K2...6862848&sr=1-3

Hitachi HB3DL - http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-DB3DL-...6862848&sr=1-4

Milwaukee 6539-6 - http://www.improvementdirect.com/mi...h-battery-and-charger/p92785?source=amz_92785

Coleman Flashcell - http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-5-4V-F...862848&sr=1-10

Bosch PS10-2 - http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Recond..._ob_hi_title_0
 
Z

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
QueBert said:
I have this one


http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS20-2A-...6865361&sr=1-1

I love it, charges fast as hell and works beautifully. I bought an extender bit holder for it. Working on PC's with it is overkill. But man oh man it makes shit so easy. Only thing I don't like is I wish the case it came with was hard plastic instead of being soft.
Click to expand...

Do you feel that using a gun type handle that it's awkward to sometimes use it in confined spaces?
 
brblx

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
zoiks said:
I was more interested in having just a screwdriver that has a hexagon type socket although having a chuck might help with drill bits.
Click to expand...

bad terminology on my part. it has the standard quick-change hex socket. what i'm talking about is whether the entire rotating portion of the tool locks when not being propelled by the motor. this allowed you to hand torque things rather than relying on a weak electrical motor.
 
Miramonti

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
28,653
100
106
zoiks said:
Do you feel that using a gun type handle that it's awkward to sometimes use it in confined spaces?
Click to expand...

Long bits usually take care of that. I don't know if these you've linked (except the first one) carry the torque that a power driver (gun style) have. I'm assuming they don't, and that's where the gun handle is effective and appreciated, and what makes the power driver so versatile and useful.
 
mugs

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Be sure to get one with a variable speed trigger. Some of those have variable speed triggers, some don't say. They're all pretty expensive so I'd hope they have variable speed triggers. Cheaper (~$30) power screwdrivers usually just have a one or two speed trigger which sucks for driving screws.

I didn't want to spend $100 on a cordless screwdriver to get a variable speed trigger, so I bought a 9.6v DeWalt cordless drill on clearance for $50. It's small and light like a cordless screwdriver, and it has a variable speed trigger and torque settings.
 
C

Crucial

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,026
0
71
I use the Milwaukee brand you linked to. I use it for building/repairing computers and it works great. The clutch works perfectly for driving screws just tight enough and it has 2 speeds. The chuck does lock when not powered so if I have a particularly tight screw I can just turn it by hand.
 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,983
1,179
126
zoiks said:
Do you feel that using a gun type handle that it's awkward to sometimes use it in confined spaces?
Click to expand...

At first yes, but then I bought the bit holder so I can get into almost any space, I love how it slides down over the screw to keep it from falling. That makes working in a tight spot so much easier.

not same brand, but this is what I'm talking about

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-784810-...ef=pd_sim_hi_7

I think the gun/regular screw driver handle is just a preference thing though. Maybe it's all in my head, but the gun style seems more comfortable to use for longer periods for me. I was looking at the regular Bosch one you posted. I was also looking at the Hitachi, I'm sure both are awesome. I use mine for all kinds of things, not sure what the torq's like on the regular powered screw drivers, but I doubt it's as powerful. I use mine for all kinds of jobs, it does a pretty good job driving screws into wood. But, I haven't yet had to use it in a confined space where even with the bit holder I couldn't get to where I needed. If I came across that I would think even with a regular screw driver it might still be too tight to get in.

*EDIT*

I just looked at the Bosch link I posted, not the one I have. I have the 10.8v model, which is smaller/lighter. Basically same thing just not as powerful.
 
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vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
I'd go with a compact drill for the variable speed like Mugs mentioned. Plus it doubles as a drill.
 
thescreensavers

thescreensavers

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2005
9,916
2
81
I have a stupid black and Decker, which has a pop off top so you can put a Philips or torx bit, but its to big, I need to buy there crap. For get that lol
 
Z

Zargon

Lifer
Nov 3, 2009
12,218
2
76
go LION.

lighter, longer battery life.

I know guys that do pro cabinet installs the milwaukee that looks like the makita you posted
 
E

Elbryn

Golden Member
Sep 30, 2000
1,213
0
0
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...-Homedepot.com

lion combo kit from home depot. other stuff is gravy on top if you can use them though i think the only benefits are really the flashlight and getting 2 batteries. the snips i dont see much use for and the headphones.. eh. the thing with charging usb devices, might be kinda useful if going camping or whatnot.
 
AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
Of those listed by the OP, I would go with either the Makita or Bosch, maybe even the Milwaukee, but the others are garbage. The Snap On would be a good choice also.
 
S

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
15,488
5
81
I got the Bosch PS-20. I got them about 1.5 years ago when you got a free one with rebate when you bought one, so I have about 4. One of them has an impact feature (PS-40 maybe) that works well, so I would recommend that if you can find one you like with that feature.

I really like them for most stuff. Never used one inside a PC or anything so I can't comment on using it in a limited space.

Also keep and eye on http://www.tooliday.com I have seen a couple of the small drivers go through there. HA, just checked my link and the Bosch is listed today.

QueBert said:
I just looked at the Bosch link I posted, not the one I have. I have the 10.8v model, which is smaller/lighter. Basically same thing just not as powerful.
Click to expand...

Its exactly the same thing. Bosch was first to market with these smaller drivers and list them at 10.8V, which I believe is the continuous rating. When the other manufacturers hit market they all listed them as 12V which is max voltage. Bosch had to redo the whole line and re-label to keep up with the competition. All the Bosch 10.8V batteries and chargers and tools are completely interchangeable with the Bosch 12V stuff.
 
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pontifex

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
i have a black and decker one that is straight, buit has a hinge to make it more like a "gun" type.
 
ahenkel

ahenkel

Diamond Member
Jan 11, 2009
5,357
3
81
I have the Milwaukee and the Dewalt.

the Milwaukee is durable, charges quickly, has a stupid long battery life. Its not that powerful though I use it for electronic repairs because its low power and torque.

The Dewalt is a lot more powerful I've used it to drive wood screws. Its got a good battery life too. I tend not to use it for delicate tasks though as its torque can be a little rough.
 
L

Lvis

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,747
0
76
QueBert said:
I have this one


http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS20-2A-...6865361&sr=1-1

I love it, charges fast as hell and works beautifully. I bought an extender bit holder for it. Working on PC's with it is overkill. But man oh man it makes shit so easy. Only thing I don't like is I wish the case it came with was hard plastic instead of being soft.
Click to expand...

I use these at work daily. Very nice. If you need to drill too, just get some hex head bits. Ours are over two years old and still work like new.
 
QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,983
1,179
126
Lvis said:
I use these at work daily. Very nice. If you need to drill too, just get some hex head bits. Ours are over two years old and still work like new.
Click to expand...

I love mine, I work on PC's daily, and doing a MB swap with this as opposed to a manual screw driver is night and day. It's like I'm a Nascar Pit crew how fast I can get all the screws out. I don't drill much with it at all, for PC work the battery lasts for freaking ever. The Makita OP linked to is 1,300rpms on full speed. I think mines 400. 1,300 might be overkill for doing MB swaps but MAN that would be even quicker :D

I recommend staying away from the Black N Deckers. I had a couple, I suppose they're good for the price. But they're pretty crummy for any semi serious job.
 
brblx

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
the bosch looks nice.

i'm not sure why variable speed is needed. the idea is that it speeds up the work but without being too fast to handle easily. i use my snapon gun for any screwing job (giggity) unless i need to drive long screws into wood or something, at which point i would pull out a full-size drill or impact driver.
 
I

iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
6,240
1
0
I don't own a pocket driver, but do own a Bosch 10.8V impact driver, 14.4 Makita impact driver ++ drill, 18V Makita impact driver ++ hammer drill, a 3/8" Makita angle drill, and another 1/2 dozen various drills.

My favorite drill for driving screw is the little 10.8V Bosch impact driver that can get in 99% of the place that I needed to get in (Makita angle drill chuck ++ head only 2 1/2" wide take up the rest of the tight places that I can't get in with the Bosch).

All of my impact drivers can drive 3" #12 screws with ease with out pre drill pilot hole (higher voltage ones are faster)

The 10.8V can do 4" #12 screws with a bit of work with no pre drill pilot hole, but the higher voltage ones are way faster.

Longer than 4" #12 screws are best leave to the 14.4V & 18V.

14.4V have quite a bit of difficulty sinking 1.5" lag bolt into aged wood with out pilot hole, but it will do it, while the 18V have a slightly easer time with lag bolt up to 2.5" in aged wood with no pilot.

Sorry for the rant. I would go with a 10.8~12V impact or a pocket driver, be it Makita, Milwaukee, or Bosch.
 
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