Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 01, 2004 05:01pm | #1

   If you want a machine that will only drive screws, then an impact driver is the way to go.

   Oherwise any of the various drill/drivers will work -- as long as they have variable speed and torque settings (which most of them do).

1. 
   IainEdwards | Sep 01, 2004 05:31pm | #2

   Thanks for your comments.........what I'm trying to get at here could best be described as a sensitivity in use. Sure most all drivers have variable torque control, the problem I'm finding is that most of what I've seen - worthy one and all - pretty much bury a no.6 screw on the lowest setting, and sure I could take my finger off the trigger but heck why bother with torque control in that case

    I really need something with a very low initial setting such that I can sink multiple iddy biddy screws with totally consistent performance closest I've got so far is a metabo unit but that's switch on switch off with no speed variability and to my mind not that comfy in use.

   cheers Iain

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 01, 2004 05:46pm | #3

   Well, I use an impact driver for hinge and drawer glide screws. I like the Impact driver partially becasue you can stop it (the driven screw) on a dime -- unlike conventional drill/drivers? But small brass screws might be a problem -- I just don't know.

   I wonder if one of those small scale cylindrical (that are hinged) cordless drivers might work for you? I am pretty sure Milwaukee carries one (which they picked up from the old AEG line they bought several years back).

   If you don't know what I mean, put up another post here, and I will try to find a link for you. There are at least 2 or 3 manufacturers of this type of driver.

1. 
   IainEdwards | Sep 01, 2004 06:13pm | #4

   Truly thanks for your attention to this, re the cylindrical types mentioned, to be honest not a lover of them in my experience they lack the speed control and feel a tad on the flimsy side.....I'm more inclined toward the 'traditional' cordless drill. As suggested in my initial post Fein abs12 has got my eye at the moment feels good and well built and I guess I'm after some good honest subjective opinions regarding that and similar types.

   all the best Iain

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 02, 2004 12:13am | #7

   I have not seen any Fein cordless tools, so I looked up the abs 12 you mentioned. I notice it does have variable speed (in two ranges) and a clutch system -- everything you need in a cordless drill to drive screws.

   I just don't know about using an impact driver to set brass screws -- which are notoriously weak in the shank. An impact driver will keep turning the screw until you release the trigger. Hence, I would guess it would be too easy to twist off the shank if you cannot determine exactly when to stop.

   However, if you have access to the Makita line-up in Scotland, you could look into their12v series of impact drivers -- which I have tried myself, and think are among the best of this breed (even though I own a Panasonic). I would not, though, buy one unless they will let you try it out on one of your brass screws.

   I will say, that for most screws, once you try one of these impact drivers, you will never want to use anything else.

   Edited 9/1/2004 5:14 pm ET by nikkiwood

   Edited 9/1/2004 5:15 pm ET by nikkiwood

2. 
   mudman | Sep 01, 2004 06:43pm | #5

   Iain,

    I agree with Nikkiwood. impact drivers are the way to go. I use them on small solid brass screws and 3/8" lags! They are less likely to strip the head even though they have a lot more torque than any of the monster 18v. drill/ drivers. I must say though for the smallest short brass screws I use an old fasioned high quality screwdriver.

   You can also use the impact driver to drill pilot holes. It wont start impacting until you use a bit over 1/8". Then it will snap the bit. Impact drivers do not have a clutch, and I was sceptical about this, but after a short time I can drive sheet metal screws in light gauge sheet metal without stripping the screw, thats hard to do with a regular drill/ driver. Go to a big box and ask to try one out in the store, I think that youll be impressed.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
1. 
   IainEdwards | Sep 01, 2004 07:15pm | #6

   Mike thanks......Hey I'm pretty open to a solution here but the name impact driver kind suggests strength as opposed subtlety anyways I'll go check one out.

   all the best Iain

1. 
   jazzdogg | Sep 02, 2004 07:24am | #10

   Iain,

   I own the 15.6V Panasonic impact driver and highy recommend it.  It has a slide switch that allows you to switch back and forth between a drill/driver mode, and impact mode. In the drill/driver mode, you have a multi-position clutch.

   The drive mechanism is a triple threat, which starts with a beefy half-inch square drive to which you can attach 1/2" sockets. There is also a 1/4" hex drive that attaches directly to the square drive. You can insert hex-shank driver bits directly into the hex drive. Remove the hex drive and attach a keyless drill chuck. Panasonic doesn't recommend using the impact mode in conjunction with the drill chuck.

   As Nikkiwood said, in the impact mode it provides tremendous control. Another big plus is that it will remove screws better than any standard drill/driver - even those with damaged heads - in impact mode.

   The batteries are stout and recharge very quickly. I recently spent an entire day, in impact mode, attaching corrugated steel siding to a barn and never had to swap out batteries.

   If you're looking for the ultimate in subtlety when installing delicate #4 brass screws, I'd suggest you buy a few manual screwdrivers with really comfortable handles and textured tips to improve grip. When I drive brass screws, I always drive a steel screw in each hole first to ease the way and reduce the chance of ruining a brass screw or, worse, breaking off the head with the shank still in the work.

   Good luck,-Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

3. 
   GHR | Sep 02, 2004 12:17am | #8

   Get a torque screw driver and mount it in your electric drill chuck.

4. 
   Len | Sep 02, 2004 06:55am | #9

   Ian,

   I still use an old fashioned yankee screwdriver. I've never stripped a head or broken a brass screw. The hand is the best for feeling the right amount of torque. I also put a little beeswax on the screw before driving it.

   I always get comments like old timer at work when I break it out. Mostly from guys that are way older than me, but they always say it with a smile and a wink.

   Be well.

   Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 06, 2004 06:58am | #16

   RE: YANKEE SCREWDRIVER

   I remember using one of these devices before cordless tools were available. As I recall, I was able to use it for drilling pilot holes, as well as driving screws. And it worked very well.

   It was made by Stanley, right? I haven't seen them in woodworking catalogs for years -- do you know if they are still available?

1. 
   Len | Sep 06, 2004 09:05am | #17

   nikkiwood,

   Yes, Stanley still makes them, but they aren't as nice as they used to be. I saw a modern version at OSH. The handles are plastic rather than wood. I've seen them now and then at the local hardware store.

   The good ones are still made in the UK. Garret Wade carries them

   The yankee push drill is what I think your refering to

   http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=100233&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iProductID=100233

   The yankee screwdriver is what I was talking about

   http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=103531&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iProductID=103531

   I found most of mine at old tool swap meets and I inherited a couple of them as well. I never paid more than $15 dollars for any of them. They needed a little TLC.

   Here is another modern version that works with hex driver bits.

   http://www.lara.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?keywords=ez-yk

   Enjoy.

   Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...

   Edited 9/6/2004 2:21 am ET by Len

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 06, 2004 07:34pm | #18

   Len,

   Thanks for info; it was the push drill I was remembering, which I see was not intended for driving screws.

5. 
   CRAIGCONEY_M | Sep 02, 2004 08:38am | #11

   I've used my impact on #6 brass screws.  You could always run in  a steel screw to tap the hole before the brass screw;  If youre worried about breaking the screw, use a hand screw driver. 

   I've also used the Milwaukee and AEG barrel type drivers which have a clutch setting and are much better than the varieties at the box stores. 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/2/2004 1:39 am ET by craig

1. 
   IainEdwards | Sep 02, 2004 11:49am | #12

   Guys

   thanks for your comments and advice....Sure if I was just putting the odd screw in you're dead right nothing better than a good cabinet screw driver, but I make a lot of cabs and when I'm setting the doors which have to be just so, there's a distinct advantage toward a gentle, consistent, easily controllable power tool ...... I'll give the tool shop a call grab some hardwood and go and have a go with a couple of their drill drivers...all the best Iain

   PS nikki I live in the north of England

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 02, 2004 04:55pm | #13

   <<<PS nikki I live in the north of England>>>

   OOPs................ Sorry, I confused you with someone else. But you know how it is with Americans, they are easily confused on all matters geographic................ then again, we get confused about a lot of political things too.......................

1. 
   IainEdwards | Sep 02, 2004 05:13pm | #14

   hey no probs.....take care

6. 
   lwj2 | Sep 06, 2004 12:09am | #15

   If you want to take the low tech route, consider using a 1/4 inch socket rachet with an extension and bit holder.

   For larger sized screws, an old fashioned brace works well.

   I've used both. Great for jobs without power supply, never worry about the batteries going dead.

   I might also suggest using Robertson (square drive head) screws.

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA