Recommendations for a electric screwdriver?

[AndyD2k]

Need to replace my current screwdriver as I have problems getting into tighter spots due to it's build. Figured I'd go with something automatic but not sure what's good. Just want something for lite use but with a good set of bits (including torq)

 

[MrBond]

I'd buy bits seperatly so you get a set with what you want.

We have one of these screwdrivers at work and it's pretty nice. I'm not sure what they cost, but it's a handy little screwdriver.

http://www.ryobitools.com/powertools/tool/hp40lk1/

The only thing I don't really like is the battery is not removable. You may be able to open it up and replace it the hard way but I'd like something that popped out and could be replaced when it finally dies.

Popular Mechanics reviewed these little LiOn screwdrivers - I'll see if I can find it online.

Edit: here ya go:

http://www.popularmechanics.co...nal/tools/4217781.html

 

[thumper01]

I'd echo MrBond's recommendation on the bits: Buy them separately.

That Ryobi looks nice. Very similar design to the one I have which is the Bosch Pocket Driver. The Bosch is very nice, but is probably 3 times the cost of the Ryobi. Main advantages of the Bosch over the Ryobi are: removable batteries, 3 year warranty (2 year battery) and more power.

 

[imported_Imp]

Those look cool. I'm still more comfortable with manual/hand drivers though; is there much risk of over-torquing with electric screw drivers?

 

[Howard]

Not B&D, hopefully. The clutch takes care of any overtorquing.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: thumper01
I'd echo MrBond's recommendation on the bits: Buy them separately.

That Ryobi looks nice. Very similar design to the one I have which is the Bosch Pocket Driver. The Bosch is very nice, but is probably 3 times the cost of the Ryobi. Main advantages of the Bosch over the Ryobi are: removable batteries, 3 year warranty (2 year battery) and more power.

I second the Bosch Pocket Driver.

The Ryobi torque out put is only half of the Bosch.

 

[JoeKing]

I use the crap out of this one, picked it up for $20 during a sale

I actually use this more than my dewalt.

 

[AndyD2k]

Hmm. The Bosch looks nice but thats more than what I spend. I do apologize but I should have mentioned that I was looking to spend no more than $40.

What JoeKing recommends seems to be the best fit for me. The only problem I can think of is that there are no speed settings on it. Should I not be concerned about wearing out a screw?

You guys mentioned that I should be buy a bit set separately..what set do you recommend?

 

[Throckmorton]

You want to use an electric screwdriver to get into tighter spots? They're bigger

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

Originally posted by: thumper01
I'd echo MrBond's recommendation on the bits: Buy them separately.

That Ryobi looks nice. Very similar design to the one I have which is the Bosch Pocket Driver. The Bosch is very nice, but is probably 3 times the cost of the Ryobi. Main advantages of the Bosch over the Ryobi are: removable batteries, 3 year warranty (2 year battery) and more power.

I second the Bosch Pocket Driver.

The Ryobi torque out put is only half of the Bosch.

I have the Bosch, but would not have gotten it without a few GCs I had. It's great, and small. I use it for small jobs, including installing a wall mount for my LCD. It definitely does not have power for larger jobs.

I also use a flex shaft for weird angles, or long reaches, where not much torque is needed. If you need more torque, right angle adapters work well.

 

[CaptnKirk]

3 parts orange juice, one part Absolut Pepper Vodka . . stir and drop in a D cell.

 

[thumper01]

Originally posted by: AndyD2k
Hmm. The Bosch looks nice but thats more than what I spend. I do apologize but I should have mentioned that I was looking to spend no more than $40.

What JoeKing recommends seems to be the best fit for me. The only problem I can think of is that there are no speed settings on it. Should I not be concerned about wearing out a screw?

You guys mentioned that I should be buy a bit set separately..what set do you recommend?

Once you get the feel for it, a single speed device will work fine. Variable speed is nicer/easier, but you will pay extra for the convenience.

For low power use, you don't have to spend a lot of money on bit sets. I have tried DeWalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman and Hitachi and there were no significant differences in quality between the sets. The B&D set had 40+ pieces, cost around $10 and has lasted me for over 10 years. Just look around at Amazon, Sears, Lowes or Home Depot and you should be able to find a reasonably priced set that has the bits you want.