Magnetic Screwdrivers

[jimithing]

I'm looking to purchase a set of precision screwdrivers for my tech tool box. I totally dig the idea of magnetic tips, especially for tiny laptop screws. But if I risk damaging components/data, I'll forgo the convenience. So I ask you: to magnetize or not to magnetize?

 

[jimithing]

By the way, Steve over at Podnutz.com uses the magnetic tips, so I guess that's +1 for magnetize.

 

[ITMAN]

The "magnetic" tip is not that magnetic, just enough to pickup a dropped screw / hold it on the tip

Ive been using them for over 9 years - never a problem!

 

[jimithing]

That's what I want to hear ITMAN!

 

[ITMAN]

No problem!

 

[iisjman07]

I personally use magnetic, but you could always buy normal screwdrivers and magnetize them later

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Magnetize. I just use magnetizers and attach magnets to my small phillips screwdriver when doing laptops. Haven't damaged anything but I am cautious not to use too powerful of magnets and keep them away from HDs and RAM. If you don't use magnets for laptop repairs you'll be go nuts fishing for dropped screws and finding replacement ones.

 

[skdmaster]

A while back at Sears I believe I found a small magnet block in the tools section that you slide a screwdriver through the center to magnetize it and can slide it across the outside of it to de-magnetize it on the fly.

 

[angry_geek]

In the early days (pre-1993 or so), it was always advised not to use magnetic tips because the shielding on components was virtually non-existent. EPROM chips could be toasted by looking at them funny. I remember my dad having a fit because the microwave in his office fried one of his motherboards on an old 286.

This isn't an issue anymore. Magnetic is the only way to go.

 

[TechGirl86]

In the early days (pre-1993 or so), it was always advised not to use magnetic tips because the shielding on components was virtually non-existent. EPROM chips could be toasted by looking at them funny. I remember my dad having a fit because the microwave in his office fried one of his motherboards on an old 286.

This isn't an issue anymore. Magnetic is the only way to go.

Wow, what a story! I love hearing more about older computers and about how far we've come. Back to the topic I love my little magnetic screwdrivers for laptops, my finger and hands are tiny enough to not worry about it with desktops, but they are a must for laptops. I always get slipped up on the screws with a laptop, especially putting drives back in.

 

[SOHO-NZ]

+1 for magnetic.

It's easy to magnetise any ferrous object. Just stroke it with a powerful magnet a few times. Which way you hold the magnet (north / south) doesn't matter, as long as you hold it the same way throughout.

 

[jimithing]

Alright I'm sold.

Earlier today I purchased a really nice precision screwdriver with 16 bits and an ergo-friendly handle. Along with that, I picked up a screwdriver magnetizer/demagnetizer for $3. Works great, and if for some reason I find myself disassembling something extremely sensitive, I can reverse the magnetization.

I already have a Rosewell technicians tool kit that includes a ratcheting screwdriver set, but this new one doesn't ratchet (which I prefer) and is of far superior quality.

Thanks for all the prompt replies; your input/experience is absolutely priceless.

 

[dk99]

I have been using them for a long time never had a problem

 

[meanderer]

compared to losing a screw and totally not able to find it ever again (a laptop screw, not desktop ones that are easily replaceable)

I once picked up a hard drive with a magnetic pickup, it still works afterward.

There used to be a time when floppy disks are common and storing these disks near a TV will lose data. They are around anymore, so it is much safer to carry magnetized items around.

 

[Martyn]

I just use one of these, absolutely perfect for the job along with a magnetiser/demagnetiser. It's got a few interchangeable bits including Torx bits. I love it.