I need a cordless screwdriver recommendation

[RAMd®d]

For years, I've used a Craftsman cordless screwdriver that works well, but it's just been for machine screws that go in to a threaded hole, or removing wood screws.

The drive mechanism can be locked so it performs as a manual screwdriver.

This allows some tight screws, machine or wood, to be loosed a couple of turns and then removed 'electrically', and replaced by reversing the process (and driver).

I have a Craftsman drill with clutch that will work on far more difficult task such as installing wood screws for the first time.

I have no need for a $150 electric screwdriver, and the old Craftsman was $30, year ago.

Then there's a right-angle impact driver, so again, no need for me to spend big bucks on an electric screwdriver.

If I were to need a new one, it would be one of the 'folding stick' variety, as it can get closer to a wall than a straight stick type.

It really depends on what kind of load you'll expect the driver to deal with.

I've got a trigger finger x two in my right hand, and some larger diameter 'manual' screwdrivers help, for the stubborn screws.

Once loose, any electric driver should suffice.

Most of the consumer/inexpensive drivers have non-replaceable batteries, though.

[rgG]

Thanks so much for all the recommendations. I will be checking them out today.

I used to have a big ball handled screwdriver with interchangeable bits, but no idea what happened to it. I am pretty sure I got the trigger finger when I spent a whole day assembling a workbench with big castors and a shelf, from Costco, that I am using as a TV stand. That thing has a LOT of screws and many were going into a very thick block of solid wood. Even though the holes were pre-drilled, it was a lot of gripping and turning. I have paid the price for that one.

I didn't even think about there being President's Day sales going on, so that could be a plus.

[Robert M]

rgC,

Lots of answers that seem inappropriate without some clarification from you. What kind of tasks are you planning to use with the cordless screwdriver? A recommendation of an 18v cordless drill is totally inappropriate and overkill if you need a drill/driver for very lightweight tasks.

A very basic cordless screwdriver like this model that uses AA batteries compliments a more powerful cordless drill/driver:



I have a similar one and use it for very lightweight tasks. Swapped the alkaline batteries for NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. It’s dandy for the tasks appropriate for it. Heavier tasks require a more powerful and capable tool that is geared towards them.

There are similar cordless screwdrivers that have Lithium Ion batteries in the, from Tacklife, Black and Decker, and Skil. Search amazon.com for cordless screwdriver and you’ll find them.

For more heavier tasks, you’ll need to use a more capable tool like a 12v, 18v, 20v, etc, cordless drill/driver. The model of choice depends on what you’ll do with it, the size and design and price. I have a Craftsmen 12v set that has been amazingly good for a tremendous number of tasks. More than sufficient for 95% of my jobs. Love the size, shape and design. For heavier stuff, I borrow a nice DeWalt model from my office.

Robert

[Numo]

I have a DeWalt cordless screwdriver that is probably massoverkill for most people, but I bought it on a steep discount. It’s got a lot of torque. One thing I like about it is to change the direction of the bits rotation from clockwise to counterclockwise, you simply rotate the driver itself a little bit to the left or right as you start the screw. There is no manual switch on the body of the screwdriver to check before you begin.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-8-Vol...hoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D25T-G-D25T-25_9_PORTABLE_POWER-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PortablePower_LIA&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D25T-G-D25T-25_9_PORTABLE_POWER-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PortablePower_LIA-71700000044155732-58700004615424082-92700060764889453&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4qbVx6_n7gIVFODICh0hKwTSEAQYASABEgKrWPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[jdc]

I dont own one -- but I would think one that has a rotatable handle would be the best option?

More comfy to hold when you have the space, but more screwdriver shape when you have less room. I do like the option of just being able to press the whole unit to make it start, vs a trigger or button...

My most used tool is a small $5 rotating ratcheting screwdriver I got 10+ years ago. Simple ring near the base determines the direction and holds extra bits in the handle. Makes short work of any screw driver type jobs. Ive never seen another one like it. (I just looked at HD)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER.../205975301

[RAMd®d]

That thing has a LOT of screws and many were going into a very thick block of solid wood. Even though the holes were pre-drilled, it was a lot of gripping and turning.


A typical low-end electric screwdriver possibly/probably wouldn't have worked well in that situation, though a high-end version might.

In addition, for a high-torque electric screwdriver, I think a rotating handle/pistol grip style would have an advantage.

I have a ratchet screwdriver that's handy, but most still don't have the leverage needed to ease the pain of driving a lot of screws into wood.

It's the tightening of the grip that causes trigger finger, and a ratchet mechanism probably would not prevent that.

Ball drivers add a lot of mechanical advantage and often are ratchet drivers as well, but may not work close to walls.

Though it doesn't have a pistol grip, that 8V DeWalt Ammo mentioned look pretty spiffy.

Lots of torque on a tough screw means the driver will want to rotate instead of the bit, without enough grip strength.

But with the short duration and rest breaks as needed, it might work well.

$80 isn't all that much, and maybe an employee discount?


Short of surgery, I'm stuck with two trigger fingers.

Sometimes it's worse than others.

It doesn't impinge on operating a trigger, though.

I have a foam ball that's a little larger and a lot softer than a tennis ball, and squeezing it for a bit seems to less the effect.

It's been about five to six years when I got it (them?) and it still creeps me out when I can't extend the two or even one finger, so that ball seems to help.

[rgG]

RAMd®d wrote:

Short of surgery, I'm stuck with two trigger fingers.

Sometimes it's worse than others.

It doesn't impinge on operating a trigger, though.

I have a foam ball that's a little larger and a lot softer than a tennis ball, and squeezing it for a bit seems to less the effect.

It's been about five to six years when I got it (them?) and it still creeps me out when I can't extend the two or even one finger, so that ball seems to help.

Yeah, my trigger finger is usually manageable, if I take it easy on myself, but when I get involved in a project, I don't think about overdoing it till the hand starts talking to me. It is definitely the tight gripping that gets it aggravated.

After thinking about it for a while, I think I may opt for a 12v cordless drill/driver combo as that would be what I need for 90% of my stuff and that way I won't have to drag out the corded drill unless it is something special. The 12v are generally lighter, and I just read a thing where Norm, of ToH, said the 12v is fine for most jobs and is the way to go for most DIYers.
When we had the other house and big yard, I could see going for the 18 or 20v, as I could have used it on more tools, but my needs have dropped off a lot after we moved into the townhouse with virtually no yard, so light weight is more important than power, now.
There are a lot of options but DeWalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee look like they may have some good sets with the drill/driver and batteries.
Now to get a good deal on one.

[RAMd®d]

I think I may opt for a 12v cordless drill/driver combo as that would be what I need for 90% of my stuff and that way I won't have to drag out the corded drill unless it is something special. The 12v are generally lighter, and I just read a thing where Norm, of ToH, said the 12v is fine for most jobs and is the way to go for most DIYers.


I got a couple of Craftsman Nextec tools that I really like, especially the drill.

Compact, well made, and very serviceable.

But since the line was discontinued, a few other tools are now unavailable new, and batteries are super expensive.

I don't think I'll see the like from any other manufacturer, and that line would handle 99.95% of my around the house needs.

There a fair amount of RYOBI kit in my place, but it all feels big and bulky for simple, mundane DIY.

They don't have a 3/8" drill I like, and the Nextec fills that gap handily.

[Robert M]

RAM,

That's what I have as my go-to set. I standardized on the 12v Nextex tools based on size, design, quality, accessories and price. They are amazingly capable for the vast majority of the tasks tackled by the average homeowner. I started with the dril and impact driver. As Sears and other places put components and accessories for the 12v Nextec set on sale, I grabbed them. I have a nearly complete set now along with a couple of extra batteries and chargers. Very happy with them.

Robert

[rgG]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-12-Volt-M...ed/3185363

This one is apparently being dropped by Lowes and HD. I am not sure if it is being discontinued or maybe updated by Bosch, but it looks like it should be good for my needs. It is marked down at Lowes to $89 and comes with two batteries and a charger. I like that is a 3/8", which I think is what my other one is. It is very lightweight, 2.14lbs, which is a BIG plus.
They supposedly have them in stock at my local Lowes. HD shows them as discontinued, so no stock.
Amazon has them for $99, but I reported the lower price at Lowes, so we will see if they drop their price.

My corded drill is a heavy old Ryobi, before they were that bright green.