Any suggestions on a cordless screwdriver?

[ConroeTech]

This may seem to be a lame question or it might have even been discussed in a previous thread but I'm gonna put it out there any way. One thing that I seem to always find myself searching for in the shop is my screwdriver. I have hundreds of them but no matter how hard i try, they always come up missing. Lately I have had a real bad habit of setting one down while I'm talking to a customer and then I never see it again. I have been looking for a good reliable cordless screwdriver that isn't too big, is comfortable in my hand and has a good long battery life. I would like for it to have an adjustable torque and be strong enough to handle the basic shop use and it needs to have a variety of bits with a quick exchange mechanism. I was wondering what some of you guys use in your shops. I would like to get a few of these to mount at each bench so as not to lose them, but i just can't seem to find one that is worth a damn. I don't really want to spend more than 40 or 50 bucks if possible. Any idea's?

 

[trapped]

I have a Hitachi DB 3DL that I really like. Seems like it has all the features you are looking for.

 

[RichmondTech]

I think that will be a more expensive tool for you to misplace.

I haven't had much luck with cordless screwdrivers as they seem to be too bulky when working inside of desktops or too heavy to be comfortable using them on computers.

I think it comes down to just having a process of putting your tools away when you're not using them. At closing time we don't just turn out the lights at the shop. We have things like counting the money in the cash box, making sure customer computers are locked up, tools are all put away and accounted for, etc. It may seem trivial, but getting yourself into a routine like that helps prevent things like missing tools.

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

I can't see the advantage in using a cordless screwdriver on a PC. Usually a few turns of a manual one is all I need

 

[MobileTechie]

I'd quite like one for opening up laptop cases with scores of screws. Might speed it up. But it would need to fit precision screwdriver pieces.

 

[Martyn]

Can't see any real benefit tbh. A nice screwdriver with the spinning top makes it so easy.

 

[MobileTechie]

You're probably right.

What I really need in a screwdriver is a strong magnet. My best driver is starting to lose its magnetism. I have a magnetiser for other drivers but I find it doesn't last.

Anyone know of the best, most magnetic drivers for laptop work?

 

[Martyn]

I've just got a magnetiser block I run the driver through occasionally. I've also got a telescopic magnet that pulls the problematic screws out.

 

[Cornerstone Technologies]

I'd quite like one for opening up laptop cases with scores of screws. Might speed it up. But it would need to fit precision screwdriver pieces.

I have one and it does speed up the disassembly process slightly. While I still prefer a standard screwdriver, it is nice to switch to when my hands start to get stiff. Arthritis is a bitch.

To the OP, if you are losing that many screw drivers, you might look into implementing a 5S system or some sort of organizational method that prevents needless waste and cost. While its just me in the shop, I use elements of 5S to be better organized.

 

[ConroeTech]

Thanks for the replies. we do go through and try to account for things like many of you, the trouble is, many get left behind at on-site jobs or just misplaced during the routine of things. While we don't have the time to implement some of the "checklist" ideas, it seems better for me and I don't mind the investment if it will help speed things up. We service everything computer and so it might be a power supply or an optical drive that we are repairing. The thought of having one universal tool to handle the wide range of tasks, sounds like a blessing. It's a real bitch when you have to make a quick jump from replacing an optical drive to removing the pcb from a HDD . Big difference in both screws & size. Having a tool like that handy in our shop would be priceless. We have tried a few but just haven't found that right one yet. I just threw out the Black & Deader model. Go figure.
Keep the ideas comin'. Really appreciate it. Hope you make a fortune this year for the holidays. I know I'm not.
BTW, we have seen a decrease in sales this year by about %35. Are you guys taking a beating too?

 

[sreaganmedia]

I have a powered micro screwdriver from Lowe's. It's their brand (I think its a kobalt). Its nothing fancy but it does the job, especially for laptops and its under $20.