Electric Screwdrivers

[JeepnMike]

I know some of you guys are using electrics vs. the good old manual method. I just tore my TB03 apart and between that car and my DB01, it seems like I am taking 40 screws out daily. I love the tinkering part of this hobby, but the amount of crews sometimes takes the fun out of it a little. Do you guys have any recommendations for a good and strong electric screwdriver?

One thing that confuses me about these a little is that they have the standard "chuck" for your typical Phillips and flathead inserts, I don't know that I have ever seen 2-3mm hex inserts for these. I am sure they exist, I just haven't seen them and we all know they have to be really freaking strong because they take abuse.

Any advice is appreciated

[Psylence]

I use a 9.6v hitachi impact driver. I also have a full complement of bits; philips, hex, torx, etc.

At least, I was using it until I discovered that Tamiya uses mostly JIS head screws which strip out pretty easily if you use a philips head in them. Still searching for JIS bits that fit into a standard 1/4 drive or whatever...

[Theibault]

I use a DeWalt DW920 7.2v cordless screwdriver. I love the unit and I purchased some AE metric bits for it too. The clutch is amazing as it can go as gently as a child trying to drive a screw to gorilla strength. I usually leave it at the 3 setting which I find perfect as it allows me to drive screws almost all the way even into soft plastic then hand tighten the screws.

[dyahipfakta]

Get a 12 v dewalt take it apart and put the motor in something else. They are monsters lol of course you will be back to doing it manually after that .

[speedy_w_beans]

I try to avoid electric screwdrivers just because spinning a screw at a high speed causes it to heat up, sometimes softening the plastic in the hole. Manually removing and inserting screws with a good ratcheting screwdriver works for me.

[Theibault]

I try to avoid electric screwdrivers just because spinning a screw at a high speed causes it to heat up, sometimes softening the plastic in the hole. Manually removing and inserting screws with a good ratcheting screwdriver works for me.

It only spins as hard as you push the trigger. I go slow in for that very reason.

[beefmuffin]

i use one of these jobbers ... low torque, but small and saves my hand muscles from lots of precision screwdriving, which cramps me up like nobody's business. it isn't great for bigger screw, but i don't have much problem using the bigger ratcheting screwdrivers... i especially like the "stubby" ratcheting ones. nice and fat, and short to fit in tight spots.

[waterbok]

for disassembly I use a bosch ixo, depending on the car I assemble by hand (so I can feel if I hit the 'old thread') or use the ixo with a torque adapter.

[Psylence]

It only spins as hard as you push the trigger. I go slow in for that very reason.

I used to get crap at work from the older guys as I would use a Makita impact driver to put together our electronics. Always saying I was gonna break something, strip something... never happened. It's all about the control

I've also ended up with claw-hand from trying to work with too tiny screws for too long of a period. Ugh!

[beefmuffin]

I used to get **** at work from the older guys as I would use a Makita impact driver to put together our electronics. Always saying I was gonna break something, strip something... never happened. It's all about the control

I've also ended up with claw-hand from trying to work with too tiny screws for too long of a period. Ugh!

what kind of electronics do you work on?

[Psylence]

what kind of electronics do you work on?

Traffic counting and monitoring equipment.. *very* exciting

[beefmuffin]

those the pneumatic tube thingies i drive over all the time?

is that for rating billboards? like ratings on tv?

[dualdigger]

I use a 3.6volt Canadian Tire screwdriver, works great. But you can get the small handheld power screwdrivers from many dif. manufacturers. I use integy hex bits in it just the same as phillips bits. I agree these things can break stuff but its no worry to me I've been a mechanic for years and understand this. You won't go back once you get one.

[Psylence]

those the pneumatic tube thingies i drive over all the time?

is that for rating billboards? like ratings on tv?

Tubes, radar, loops, cameras, bluetooth... Good chance those black tubes are connected to something I've had my hands in/on haha

It's for DOT information purposes. Volumes, classes, speeds, all that fun stuff... and yes police also use them so they know *when* to set up a speed trap. Don't hate me!

[beefmuffin]

nah i think it's interesting. besides i know all the fuzz hiding places and slow down a little at least enough so that if i do get pulled over it's not the kind of pulled over that involves being arrested.

[MAD RACER]

I have used a electric screwdriver for the past 12yrs .

I'm on my 4th one know & my latest Hitachi is the best by far & most expensive. Came with 2 Li Po batteries and has very fine clutch settings so i never over tighten my screws in my Tamiya's & fits in my toolbox

Ofna make a great little metric & imperial long shank Allen key sets that I use along with my normal screw tips.

[JeepnMike]

Thanks for the all of the replies guys! I decided to try a cheaper Black And Decker version to see if I really liked the electric tool approach vs. the manual method. I did buy some high end industrial bits so I won't have to worry about them stripping. The hardware store around the corner from my house (literally) also stocks a huge assortment of hex stainless screws so I am always going there and stocking up. I just actually bought all of the screw to replace all of the "upper" screws on my TB03 when I put it back together when all of the parts show up next week. I am excited to give the new screwdriver a go. I am just going to watch it close to when things start to get tight and probably do the last "snug" by hand.

If I like this route, I will definitely upgrade to a higher end electric screwdriver, a few good ones mentioned here. I also got a PM for a Tamiya brand too, worth a look!!

Thanks again!

[mtbkym01]

My 4.8v lithium black and decker is awesome, it has an adjustable clutch and doesn't miss a beat, brilliant little driver for around $50aud

[ddaenen1]

I am gradually replacing all the screws on my cars with hex-heads and always use manual tools. The especially the plastic parts need a "feel" when tightening for which i do not want to rely on power-tools.

[JeepnMike]

Trine, I replied to your email but it keeps bouncing. I just wanted to thank you for the suggestion you emailed!!

Thanks!!

[Tamiya1/10]

My belated reply... I would use electric screw driver or drill to remove screws and reinstall screws only to about 80% with the remaining 20 % +/- by hand to prevent stripping the plastic.