Nut drivers that actually work

[Jason280]

I've been putting up a lot of metal roofing and siding panels with my latest builds, and I have yet to find a 1/4" magnetic nut driver that doesn't flat out ****. I picked up two DeWalt and two Kobalt magnetic nut drivers the last time I was at Lowe's, and I haven't been impressed with either. The DeWalt isn't deep enough, and doesn't hold the head of the screw securely enough, meaning the screws will "roll out" with even the slightest off center pressure. The Kobalts are deeper and hold better, but I've already lost the magnets in one (in under 75 screws).

Any suggestions on a nut driver that actually excels at driving metal roofing screws?

 

[archirelic]

I've had success using Milwaukee's impact rated magnetic nut drivers.

Conversely, I've also had immense success simply using a socket on a socket adapter, never worried about needing a magnet in this case b/c the socket is deep enough to seat the head.

 

[Jason280]

I've had success using Milwaukee's impact rated magnetic nut drivers.

I've found these on eBay, but I have no way of telling if they are deep enough. Surely they are deep enough to completely encompass the screw head, but I know the DeWalts aren't manufactured this way. They're fine as long as you are perfectly level, but a PITA if you are trying to reach the top of a sheet and are off balanced.

 

[humpdawg]

Have you tried Malco nut drivers?

 

[Jason280]

Never heard of them, who normally carries Malco products?

 

[danielhp89]

Love my Milwaukee shock wave set. They are a little deeper than normal magnetic nut drivers.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Malco is sold at the HVAC supply houses. They make some very interesting specialty tools. I've had decent luck with Lutz bits but mine don't get used every day.

 

[BeaverPuncher]

The ones in the ridgid impact set are pretty nice . Not that this is a large amount but last weekend I replaced and punched back in 250 of the 5/16 and didnt even notice them.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm assuming by magnetic "Nutdriver" you mean a magnetic hex bit driver? A Nut driver is like a screwdriver with a socket end...

 

[CWP1616L]

any suggestions on a nut driver that actually excels at driving metal roofing screws?

APEX. Download their catalog.

http://www.apexpowertools.com/brands/fastening/index.cfm

 

[larry_g]

I found that when building my building that judicious use of a punch would drive the magnet a bit deeper and the screw head would hold much better.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Jason280]

I found that when building my building that judicious use of a punch would drive the magnet a bit deeper and the screw head would hold much better.

Good suggestion, I'll have to give it a try!

 

[upndown]

Conversely, I've also had immense success simply using a socket on a socket adapter, never worried about needing a magnet in this case b/c the socket is deep enough to seat the head.[/QUOTE]

+1.. Used the same adapter in my Ryobi 18v impact for years now, installing and servicing doors! I always used craftsman deep wall sockets (USA) they wear you get new ones!

 

[Basskiller]

I've used Malco daily for years while doing commercial refrigeration work. I have no complaints with them. Klein also makes some good ones.
http://www.toolbarn.com/malco-msh.html