Battery Screwdrivers, Like em? What Brand?

[Renegade1LI]

I was not sure if I needed one but I bought the dewalt DCF680 gyroscope screwdriver kit. Comes with 2 batteries, charger and bag, well it will definitely takes some getting used to but I think it will be used a lot. Takes a little getting used to the gyroscopic action, almost intuitive when you start using it, like a zero turn. It takes a little coordination, twist left to loosen and squeeze the trigger, same to tighten, just turn in the direction you want to go.

Can be used straight or a pistol grip for a little more leverage. It's not a high torque tool but for removing and installing small fasteners fast with good control.Really bought it for installing and removing receptacles, probably is intended use, need to use it a bit and see if it was worth it.

 

[ecotec]

I just use a regular cordless M12 for plugs and switches.

 

[nh_yota]

I've never found cordless screwdrivers to be particularly useful - they're just one more thing that needs to be charged and will require a new battery at some point. If I need to deal with a lot of screws I put a bit in my cordless drill or impact driver. But then again I'm not in the trades dealing with screws all day long...

 

[JradM]

Anyone tried the Vessel cordless screwdriver? I really like the ballgrip-handled screwdrivers so that one makes me curious.



I own a Dewalt 12v (drill style) cordless screwdriver and a Dremel 4v. They have their uses, but I probably don't NEED either.

 

[dnschmidt]

The Milwaukee one that's an update on the Panasonic one they sold for 25 years. Never met an appliance repair man that didn't have one of the classic Panasonic/AEG/Milwaukee ones. The revised version is 4 volts and Lithium Ion battery powered rather than NiCd and that's a major bonus. Small, light, maneuverable and has a hinge that breaks in the middle if you need more torque. Observe: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/2101-20

 

[Augus7us]

I'm going to try out that vessel. That looks perfect for working on electronics.

 

[honcho]

If you work on equipment with a lot of small fasteners that have to be removed/installed power screwdrivers are a Godsend! The old B&D versapack screwdrivers were popular with Army radio repair guys in the 90s. So much so the soldiers would buy them with their own money. Having a clutch is nice to reduce the risk of damaging the threads or fastener head.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Comparing to the megapro automotive driver it is not much bigger, still love the megapro, great cordless driver,lol.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the M12, it's a gutless, slow piece of ****. As far as I'm concerned, the Makita 7.2v impacting inline is the gold standard. I'm on my 2nd. The first was a PITA to get used to since it had no variable speed (0 or 2300 rpm) and no brake, but I still wore it out. Those issues have been taken care of with the new model, along with a more user friendly rotating switch.


EDIT: I just noticed that I stated the junker is an M12. It's an M4.

Makita USA - Product Details -TD022DSE

7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

www.makitatools.com

 

[Bubba Fett]

Anyone tried the Vessel cordless screwdriver? I really like the ballgrip-handled screwdrivers so that one makes me curious.



I own a Dewalt 12v (drill style) cordless screwdriver and a Dremel 4v. They have their uses, but I probably don't NEED either.

I generally hate cordless drivers, since they are heavy and bulky, and also lack torque when you need it. But this actually looks interesting for electronics, etc.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

No use to me as a mechanic really. I just use a 1/4 hex impact driver and put a Phillips or whatever bit in it if I need it. And team red only lol. I’ve been known to destroy a couple air boxes and dashes on accident with said tool lol.

 

[j3rf]

I have the hard to find Craftsman 4V Gyroscopic Cordless Screwdriver I use for working on PCs. It is fantastic. Gyro works really well, depending on how far I twist it depends on how fast or slow it goes. No clutch on it though.

4V Cordless Screwdriver | CRAFTSMAN

Ever need to get into those hard-to-reach places? The 4V Cordless Screwdriver feels like a manual screwdriver when it comes to size and feel, but features gyroscopic action, sensing the motion of your wrist to change directions and speed. It has the power to drive up to 325 screws on a single...

www.craftsman.com

 

[NoahG]

I have the M12, it's a gutless, slow piece of ****. As far as I'm concerned, the Makita 7.2v impacting inline is the gold standard. I'm on my 2nd. The first was a PITA to get used to since it had no variable speed (0 or 2300 rpm) and no brake, but I still wore it out. Those issues have been taken care of with the new model, along with a more user friendly rotating switch.


EDIT: I just noticed that I stated the junker is an M12. It's an M4.

Makita USA - Product Details -TD022DSE

7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

www.makitatools.com

Oooo, look at that thing! I want one!

 

[RTM]

I have the Milwaukee 6546-1 2.4v screwdriver, good for slow speed low torque boring as heck jobs like light switch or outlet plates. Has a clutch, I hit it removing stuff occasionally, but rarely while driving, as I use the impact or drill as a driver for serious work.

Replaceable batteries, so you can keep working if you plan ahead and get them on the charger.

Bonus, it will function as a regular screwdriver with a chunky handle, up to a reasonable level of torque if you hold the button down while twisting.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Here’s an update on the dewalt, once you get used to the gyroscopic action it’s a handy tool. I think the fact that there’s no switching forward to reverse is great, saves a step, so far I really like it. Good control, speed is variable and it fits my hand, will give it a work out this week end.

 

[Augus7us]

My vessel arrived today. Packaging is nice and it looks well made, but I haven't had a chance to open it yet.

 

[GeoBruin]

My vessel arrived today. Packaging is nice and it looks well made, but I haven't had a chance to open it yet.

Looking forward to that review.

 

[WWheeler]

I LUV my Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver. Easily one of my most used cordless tools. I've had it for about 2 years I think but it still amazes me how intuitive it is to use. It's like magic.

A buddy used mine once and immediately went to get one of his own but came home with a Craftsman version and says it's OK but he regrets getting it instead.

 

[mike93lx]

I LUV my Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver. Easily one of my most used cordless tools. I've had it for about 2 years I think but it still amazes me how intuitive it is to use. It's like magic.

A buddy used mine once and immediately went to get one of his own but came home with a Craftsman version and says it's OK but he regrets getting it instead.

What application do you use the Dewalt for?

 

[Bockscar]

I use this one all the time....I keep thinking about getting the Dewalt gyroscope that looks about the same but with a larger and replaceable battery....but the price always stops me....the B&D is a nice tool for the money

 

[WWheeler]

What application do you use the Dewalt for?

Yesterday I replaced all the interior doorknobs in the house with it.

I rewired the entire house over the past few months, going from a 1950s era 60 amp service with non-grounded outlets to a 200 amp and I used it a lot for that. (edit: my friend who borrowed it and bought a craftsman like it is an electrician who pulled the permits and inspections and guided me through everything I needed to do).

And so on. If I need a screwdriver it's my go-to. I keep it in the house in my office closet with a small toolbox so I don't have to go out to the garage for it.

 

[TobeyA]

I have a Skill cordless screwdriver that's at least 15 years old. Still works, but battery life is getting pretty bad.
I keep it in the house for little jobs; it's not a garage tool. Like taking apart toys to try and break them better, or changing the cheap GFCI outlets that came with the house as they fail.

 

[flippin]

I have the cordless dremel pistol grip driver and love it. I use it for everything but I mostly purchased it for servicing hundreds of fishing reels. It's really too bad they have discontinued this awesome tool. At the time it was the only cordless driver with variable speed which is essential for delicate work. To contribute to my delight it uses lithium batteries and a charging stand which keeps the tool close at hand always ready to work. I was able to order Moody USA precision Philips "0" and "00" tips which makes this setup the bomb!

Everytime one comes up for sale on Kijiji (Canadian Craigs List) I always grab it.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have the DeWalt gyro 8V. It took a little learning curve, but I can say its one of my most used tools.

 

[GeoBruin]

I picked up the Baur from Harbor freight more to test whether I would actually use one than anything else. It turns out I reach for it a lot. I might pick up the dewalt one day and move the Bauer to my kitchen "drawer of many things".

 

[Renegade1LI]

It gets used a lot, now my wife wants one, she keeps borrowing mine.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I got a skil USB rechargeable one that shape of a normal screwdriver. It isn't very strong, but comes in handy.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Love my Milwaukee. Surprisingly torquey for what it is. Great for small stuff:
light switches and receptacles
working on laptops and desktops
small appliance work

I find myself reaching for it more often than I would have thought.

 

[scooby074]

I like the looks of the Vessel for electrical etc. Not sure if the high torque or high speed version would be better.