Hi guys, hoping you can recommend a cordless screwdriver. I read the other thread about the M12 2401. Is this light weight enough that you won’t get hand fatigue if putting together a bunch of cabinets? I have a Dewalt drill but it is too heavy and bulky for me for continued use. I have a black and decker pivot screwdriver but it does not have enough power. The BD is good for small jobs but not for big jobs. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your responses.
Cordless screwdriver for women
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plinker
Well-known member
I used a Bosch PS20 drill driver to build cabinets several years ago, fairly light & compact unit. 400 RPM, so not real fast/slow. Best tool for the job size wise.
The Milwaukee 2406 may be slightly better then the 2401 as it's two speed. I have had occasion to use the hex shank drill bits, but IMO, a regular chuck type drill for drilling is better as you would have two tools & dont have to switch out bits constantly.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Drill-Drivers/2406-20
The Milwaukee 2406 may be slightly better then the 2401 as it's two speed. I have had occasion to use the hex shank drill bits, but IMO, a regular chuck type drill for drilling is better as you would have two tools & dont have to switch out bits constantly.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Drill-Drivers/2406-20
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
M12 is about as light as I would imagine the industry is going to produce. An impact driver may be a better option, depending on how much power you need, and what kind of fastener you are driving into whatever material.
At a certain point, you may simply need to change your expectations. If you're a very petite woman, in general the industry will not be building tools for your hand size and physique. The "average" man in the US is 5'10, 200lb?
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2553-20
The compact line of tools may help, as it will center the weight better over the center line of your hand. I would imagine going with brushless compact tools would be your best bet for minimizing weight/size while keeping usable power.
At a certain point, you may simply need to change your expectations. If you're a very petite woman, in general the industry will not be building tools for your hand size and physique. The "average" man in the US is 5'10, 200lb?
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2553-20
The compact line of tools may help, as it will center the weight better over the center line of your hand. I would imagine going with brushless compact tools would be your best bet for minimizing weight/size while keeping usable power.
Thank you plinker. This looks great. Thanks for the link so I know what exactly to purchase.
These will be cabinets that I have to assemble that already have the holes drilled into them, so it is just a matter of attaching alll the screws.
These will be cabinets that I have to assemble that already have the holes drilled into them, so it is just a matter of attaching alll the screws.
I would consider the Dewalt DCF601B. It's more-or-less the same as the other hex chuck clutched screwdrivers, but the grip is much more comfortable. The Milwaukee and Bosch have the battery inside the grip, which makes for a large uncomfortable bulge at the bottom of the grip. They're especially bad if you have smaller hands.
Lowes has a kit with charger and two batteries for $99.
Lowes has a kit with charger and two batteries for $99.
Thanks 2ndgear. Yes I understand what you are saying. I just did not know if the M12 was lightweight . As I mentioned above prior to your post I will be assembling cabinets that have predrilled holes. I am going to see if the big box stores have these in stock instead of ordering online. Thank you for the information
I was just looking at this one also on Amazon. That is what others have stated that the grip is very comfortable. I will see if the Lowe’s near me has this one in stock. Is there a special set of bits that I need to purchase with this set?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Lightweight is all relative. Screwing together cabinets with pre-drilled should require very low power output, as-in anything modern should easily perform this. M12 isn't lightweight per-say, but the 12 volt lines are universally lighter than the "big brother" 18/20/40 volt stuff.
Best place is the store, try everything they've got. Based on your intended usage, you're main qualification is just ergonomics.
You'll want to get 1/4" hex power bits. They're a little longer than the short insert bits, and they have a notch near the back to lock into the quick change chuck.
This is the set I use with my screwdriver, but you can find smaller kits for less money:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NATCKJ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This is the set I use with my screwdriver, but you can find smaller kits for less money:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NATCKJ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Farmall450
Well-known member
I agree. I think this is more reasonable than the 8v DeWalt or competitor "screwdriver"
FigureItOut
Well-known member
I picked one of those up and played with it at Lowe's the other day. They had the block of wood and bin of screws there so you could try it out. I'll admit, the thing tempted me to get into a third 12V platform. It's damn comfortable, very compact and light, and seemed to have very reasonable power, perhaps more than my Bosch PS22, which I love.
For cabinets a right angle driver might come in handy too:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2467-20
Once you get a few batteries the bare tools usually aren't too much more $ (plus you're on garage journal, where the answer to "Should I get this tool or this tool?" is "Yes"). Where weight and access are considerations, the 'regular' tools are better than brushless ("Fuel" in Milwaukee lingo) because they're smaller and lighter. Going to a box store and trying out the display models is a good idea - see how they feel!
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2467-20
Once you get a few batteries the bare tools usually aren't too much more $ (plus you're on garage journal, where the answer to "Should I get this tool or this tool?" is "Yes"). Where weight and access are considerations, the 'regular' tools are better than brushless ("Fuel" in Milwaukee lingo) because they're smaller and lighter. Going to a box store and trying out the display models is a good idea - see how they feel!
another suggestion since you are doing cabinets would be the bosch FLEXICLICK as it can be used with a standard drill chuck, right angle, straight hex and offset hex driver. it has the same handle profile as the m12 and is about as light weight. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-Flex...-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/1000329709
barnettnce
Member
I am using Tacklife SDP50DC screwdriver. It's a really fantastic set and easy to use. So, you can try it. But my suggestion, you use Stalwart Pivoting Screwdriver. It has a 3.6 Volt Lithium battery.
Thank you Spacey, that kit looks fantastic! I am going to purchase that. I love that the bits are a little longer rather than trying to center the small ones. I have a kit from Dewalt but they are not as long as these are.
That is an awesome kit also! I am going to check that one out. So many different uses and I love all the attachments!
The newer DeWalt 12v tools may be worth a look. They are in the same class as the M12 tools but the battery is under the grip vs going into it. The difference is a slimmer handle. If your coming from an older NiCad battery drill I suspect you will be pleased with the newer compact drills from all the different brands.
Thanks Citation, I will check out the newer models as well..
HondaCBMan
Well-known member
This is my recommendation as well. I recently picked up some of these new Dewalt 12V Xtreme tools and have been pleased with them. Super comfortable to hold. IMO they have better ergos than the Milwaukee.
FWIW they are only $99 at Lowes with two batteries, charger, and a bag.
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Be aware that the bits fit really tight in the case. I keep a piece of 3/32" steel rod in the hinge to use as a pry tool. Otherwise you'll be cursing the thing every time you want to get a bit out.
Only thing I don't like about the set.
todd_fuller
Well-known member
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- Jul 9, 2013
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Festool CXS is the most ergonomic/refined drill/driver out there. (and the price reflects it)
You'll be happy to find out that Milwaukee is about to intro the 2505 which is a clone of the CXS. I'm patiently awaiting my shipping confirmation in the coming week or so.
Thanks for the heads up on that. It sounds like the ones that are in my Dewalt set. I have a few choice superlatives for that case also! Great idea regarding the pry tool. Thanks so much for your responses!
For cabinet assembly, the Bosch Flexi-click and the soon to be released Milwaukee installation tool mentioned above would be high on my list. I have the CXS mentioned above and it is fantastic for sneaking into tight spots and it has more power than you would expect for a lightweight drill. The control from the trigger is fantastic if you need to apply a delicate touch to a screw to prevent damage (so far I've yet to find another drill manufacturer that grasps this concept). The downsides are of course price, proprietary battery that is compatible with no other tool, and the centrotec chuck (it has a standard jacobs chuck) which draws you into a line of centrotec accessories that are stupid expensive but really make the drill lighter. Also, not shown in the pic above is the right angle accessory that comes in the full set. I used it recently attaching framing on a deck where space was limited, even for a typical right angle drill.
Edit: One more thing, the CXS also comes with a very functional belt hook, which is something I can't say for many "portable" drill/drivers.
I'll admit my bias here, but I've also owned a Bosch PS21 and 31 and have a current gen Milwaukee M12 hammer drill (as well as an assortment of larger 18V drills). For your typical household tasks or any cabinet construction or cabinet hardware, the CXS is the first drill I reach for. If I need something with more guts, then I'll get it.
Edit: One more thing, the CXS also comes with a very functional belt hook, which is something I can't say for many "portable" drill/drivers.
I'll admit my bias here, but I've also owned a Bosch PS21 and 31 and have a current gen Milwaukee M12 hammer drill (as well as an assortment of larger 18V drills). For your typical household tasks or any cabinet construction or cabinet hardware, the CXS is the first drill I reach for. If I need something with more guts, then I'll get it.
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555
Well-known member
My Wife has a Black and Decker cordless drill/driver. She bought it about 15 years ago and it has been a workhorse. The handle adjusts 90 degrees and it will last a couple of hours before needing a recharge. The entire kit was about $30. Unfortunately, B&D no longer makes it and the current similar offering appears to be a poor copy.
live311
Well-known member
You may also want to consider the Makita LXT Sub-Compact line. These are readily available at Big Orange and are often on display so you can handle them before buying.
https://www.homedepot.com/collectio...s-Collection/Family-308735228?omsid=207051121
There are more options out there than some of the ham-fisted apes here would have you believe
https://www.homedepot.com/collectio...s-Collection/Family-308735228?omsid=207051121
There are more options out there than some of the ham-fisted apes here would have you believe
I prefer the Hitachi WH10DFL impact driver. It's very light and well-balanced. I have carpal tunnel and I can use it all day without issue. They also make it in a right-angle configuration, he model WH10DCL. It's not as strong, but it's nice for tight areas. I have them both, along with almost all the Hitachi 10.8v tools. I personally have never had an issue with any of them.
We also had a whole pile of Hitachi WH10DFL drivers where I used to work. Half of the team were women, and they liked them too.
We also had a whole pile of Hitachi WH10DFL drivers where I used to work. Half of the team were women, and they liked them too.
strutaeng
Well-known member
I bought the Bosch 12V drill/impact set about 6 years ago with the hard plastic case and also included another hard case organizer. It was a while ago, but something like $180?
It is a great set. The impact is awesome and so is the drill. Unfortunately, the impact was left outside in the rain and died, but I still have the drill.
I drywalled my entire house with this set, in addition to building an entire kitchen cabinet set! Battery life is excellent. It's my go-to drill, even though I have a DeWalt 20V drill & impact.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-2-To...ger-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/4736769
The only negative I can think of is it doesn't have belt clip. You would love it.
It is a great set. The impact is awesome and so is the drill. Unfortunately, the impact was left outside in the rain and died, but I still have the drill.
I drywalled my entire house with this set, in addition to building an entire kitchen cabinet set! Battery life is excellent. It's my go-to drill, even though I have a DeWalt 20V drill & impact.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-2-To...ger-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/4736769
The only negative I can think of is it doesn't have belt clip. You would love it.
bwringer
Well-known member
You may also want to consider the Makita LXT Sub-Compact line. These are readily available at Big Orange and are often on display so you can handle them before buying.
https://www.homedepot.com/collectio...s-Collection/Family-308735228?omsid=207051121
There are more options out there than some of the ham-fisted apes here would have you believe
Yep, Makita pays a lot of attention to ergonomics and these are powerful yet wonderfully light, slim, and easy to handle.
Lots of great options in this thread!
Men and women use the Bosch 12v drivers all day at my work repairing laptops and other computer equipment. Very easy to control the variable speed with the trigger and the torque control protects you from damaging anything. I would recommend a driver like this over an impact for light duty work as impacts can be very noisy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BEE12U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BEE12U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Toolfool
Well-known member
Saw my electrician using one of these ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD5G3UC/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ) doing trim-out. I picked one up and keep it around the house instead of the bigger pistol grip drivers I use every day. Comes in very handy, even for the wife.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Not to fight the typical GJ way, but isn't a $300 recommendation a bit crazy for a DIYer hanging a set of cabinets
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have an M12 impact driver. Lightweight (do NOT get the extended run battery if weight is an issue) and still plenty of power.
I also have a B&D cordless screwdriver very similar to the pivot. It always had plenty of torque, although it was not fast (it had enough torque it could almost hurt your wrist when the screw stopped).
I also have a B&D cordless screwdriver very similar to the pivot. It always had plenty of torque, although it was not fast (it had enough torque it could almost hurt your wrist when the screw stopped).
Not to fight the typical GJ way, but isn't a $300 recommendation a bit crazy for a DIYer hanging a set of cabinets
The other GJ way is to say I can buy 10 drills at the local pawn shop, take my cousin on a date and have money leftover for a used pair of boots for that kinda coin!
But seriously, she didn’t mention budget, so I gave my top three for the task and provided my reasons and preferences. And she did say this was for assembling cabinets (not hanging, which requires less finesse and more oomph). Even if it wasn’t in budget, it gives her another option to look at and compare against the other options.