Latest addition to my bench!

[HCHTech]

On a lark, I recently purchased this electric screwdriver. It turned out to work really well - fast, controllable, designed for speed - easy to switch forward & reverse, non-detented clutch, separate speed adjustment via dial. The only downside was the cords getting in the way...

So....I bought this monitor mount to use as a tool-jib, loosened up the joints and put it about 3 feet high on the back wall behind my bench.

Lastly, I bought this tool balancer, mounted it to the end of the monitor mount, and for a total investment of about $120, I've got myself an assembly-line-ready electric screwdriver on a swinging jib crane. Overengineered? Sure. But freaking awesome. Go get one!

 

[NYJimbo]

total cost ?

 

[Altster]

Too bad that screwdriver isn't a hex-head bit receiver. There are a lot more common bits for tools like that.

 

[HCHTech]

total cost ?

$38 for the screwdriver, $21 for the monitor mount, $65 for the tool balancer = $124. Everything was Amazon prime.

 

[HCHTech]

Too bad that screwdriver isn't a hex-head bit receiver.

Yeah, I agree. All of the units that would work like this seem to have the 4mm bits. They're not impossible to find, though. Here is a 10-pack of laptop-sized phillips bits for $7.35.

 

[Mainstay]

ok - gotta see the pics

 

[Krynn72]

ok - gotta see the pics

This. Especially since I don't know what a tool balancer is.

 

[Skins]

This. Especially since I don't know what a tool balancer is.

Think of a wire that will hold the tool up out of the way while not in use. Then you can easily grab the tool pull it down and use it. Then pushing it back into the air again for storage.

We have one of these drivers at my work. Long before i arrived there some one had broken it. I attempted to use it on sever occasions but with faulty wires and no time to dig back in I usually reach for this guy. Decent size and good power. With a bit adapter you can use your hex bits already on hand. The tool balancer would be cool to have though.

 

[GTP]

What's wrong with just a small cordless screwdriver that accepts hex bits that you can just put in a drawer out of the way?
I have some extended 200mm bits as well, for getting into those hard to reach spots.

 

[HCHTech]

Here you go:

Anyway, when you are seated at the bench, it hangs in front of you just over your head. You grab it, pull it down to use it, then push it back up when you're done. The tool balancer is spring loaded, adjusted to just offset the weight of the tool, so it doesn't pull much at all.

The thing wrong with the cordless screwdrivers is that the damned batteries are always run down when you need them. If you just setup a charger and have them charge all the time when they are not in use, you wear out the batteries. The electric one is always ready to go, and is faster. I like it anyway - you can use what you want.

 

[Altster]

Here you go:




Anyway, when you are seated at the bench, it hangs in front of you just over your head. You grab it, pull it down to use it, then push it back up when you're done. The tool balancer is spring loaded, adjusted to just offset the weight of the tool, so it doesn't pull much at all.

The thing wrong with the cordless screwdrivers is that the damned batteries are always run down when you need them. If you just setup a charger and have them charge all the time when they are not in use, you wear out the batteries. The electric one is always ready to go, and is faster. I like it anyway - you can use what you want.

Nice setup.

 

[Mainstay]

I just use one of these:

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/64-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-299-1

 

[Krynn72]

I'd like a dedicated screw driver like that, but I am always using multiple benches, so unless I mount it to the ceiling or something its not practical for me.

I use a Dewalt DCF610 Drill/Driver. It has an INCREDIBLE clutch on it. Its torque setting on setting 1 and 2 is weaker than hand turning a slim handle scewdriver, making it perfect for computers. Since its also a drill, it has adjustable speed as well, controlled simply by how much you pull the trigger. Much faster than any of the Driver-only tools I've used (since they only spin at one slow speed). The grip is perfect for my hand, the weight is good, its got the flat battery so it can just stand upright like in the pic. The battery itself is very very good. I can leave it in my tool bag for weeks without use and it still has a day's worth of charge in it when I do need it. And it came with two of them!

I bought some bit holders but they were for the wrong model so I just used JB Weld to secure them.

I also spent a lot of time trying to find high quality PH00 bits that wouldn't get chewed up with use or damage the screws themselves. I found that Wera makes a very good one. I bought a 10 pack on Amazon about 4 years ago, and just switched out the first bit last week, so 8 more to go .
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8QDM1A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Skins]

T

I found that Wera makes a very good one. I bought a 10 pack on Amazon about 4 years ago, and just switched out the first bit last week, so 8 more to go .
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8QDM1A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the tip! I've been searching for some better ones. Nothing seems to stay as "sharp" as I'd like

 

[Your PCMD]

Mine is simpler and cost just $15



I'm getting terrible in my old age. I'm thinking I'm taking after my mother.