Quality electric screwdriver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 12:05:05 pm
content: Can somebody from expirience suggest me a quality tool, with separate power supply.Like thishttp://www.dealextreme.com/p/professional-electric-screwdriver-with-power-adapter-set-102289but higher quality and easily available tips?

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 12:17:27 pm
content: I would ask the following: What kind of torque range do you need? What kind (if any) of torque control do you need? What kind of switch do you want? (the one you linked to has a small toggle up high - doesn't look convenient).

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 12:29:49 pm
content: Quote from: PetrosA on October 25, 2011, 12:17:27 pmI would be happy with torque setting from 0.5 to 5.0 or 7.0 kgf-cm, i would like it not to use clutch but full off when set torque is reached. The switch should be a push to start but if there is not any other option i will settle with lever trigger function also. The one from the link is crap, its just to better explain about what i meanAltrough i never used pust to start function so i dont know can the screws be damaged easily from the screw bit not seating properly. I like this one, but im not even thinking to go in that price rangehttp://www.expressassembly.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=EA-412P

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 01:10:13 pm
content: Don't bother with one of them old fashioned mechanical screwdrivers get one like Dr Who's, Sonic screwdrivers are the way to go.http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/cubegoodies/8cff/?itm=sonic_screwdriver&rkgid=274778449&cpg=ogty1&source=google_toys_uk&gclid=CJuCw__zg6wCFTQhtAod8QMBKQ

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 03:10:35 pm
content: Quote from: FreeThinker on October 25, 2011, 01:10:13 pmHaha i will rather stay with old screwdrivers

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 04:16:56 pm
content: Dear Hacklordsniper:--Have a look at the item listed below, and tell us what you think.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-Rand-EL0807BC-SS-ESD-Electric-Screwdriver-/300612847800?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45fdec08b8"Business is never so healthy as when, like a chicken, it must do a certain amount of scratching around for what it gets." Henry FordBest RegardsClear Ether

author: Raff
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2011, 11:38:34 pm
content: I had a Panasonic branded cordless screwdriver for many years, I used it daily to assemble and repair computers. I can thoughly recommend them. They are a bit expensive, but like any quality tool, worth it in the end. I have tried heaps of 'el cheapo' 'one hung low' ones in the past, rubbish compared to the Panasonic.Raff

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2011, 06:51:52 am
content: Quote from: SgtRock on October 25, 2011, 04:16:56 pmLooks nice, i allready put a bid on it. Not a 220 VAC but that can be solved. However i dont plan to bid alot on this item since it looks like seriously abused

author: KJ6EAD
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2011, 07:33:09 am
content: I didn't make a comparative study of it but I've used Kolver tools and they seem pretty good.http://www.kolverusa.com/index.php/component/products/SubCategories/15

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2011, 11:07:07 am
content: are you manufacturing? or just normal bench stuff?-sj

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2011, 11:37:37 am
content: Quote from: sonicj on October 26, 2011, 11:07:07 amMix of both, more second that first. The usually drill has becomed too heavy, battery screwdriwer too weak, no torque adjustment

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2011, 01:24:38 am
content: ahhh... well, unless i needed precision torque increments for some reason, i would get this bad boy.DeWalt 12V MAX 1/4" Screwdriver Kitsmall, lightweight, comfortable/balanced/ergonomic feel, variable speed, variable clutch, packs the fury when needed, no wires, nice warranty, parts available for many years. my 2¢ fwiw.-sj

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2011, 03:02:04 am
content: http://www.expressassembly.com/catalog/ElectricScrewdrivers.php

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2011, 05:32:41 am
content: Quote from: sonicj on October 27, 2011, 01:24:38 amQuote from: sonicj on October 27, 2011, 01:24:38 amI allready have something similiar from Bosch. I dont want battery power and its unpractical and causes alot of wrist fatiqueQuote from: Jimmy on October 27, 2011, 03:02:04 amI posted their link on the begining of the post. I like them but im not ready to cash out 500-600 $

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2011, 12:01:35 pm
content: http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2401-22-12-Volt-Li-Ion-Compact/dp/B000WI9CIGExcellent reviews, variable speed

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2011, 12:19:47 pm
content: Nice but i dont want anything battery powered or gun shape

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2011, 12:55:06 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 02, 2011, 12:01:35 pmWow! the power of suggestion. I had no intentions of buying a power screwdriver even though I could really use one for my home business. So I figure I would look to see whats out there just to try to help a fellow forum member. But after looking I could not resist a Home Depot visit this morning. I checked out every brand of pistol driver they had and the Milwaukee was still the winner. So thanks hacklordsniper for costing me $99.00 this morning

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2011, 01:09:57 pm
content: Im glad this thread helped you, however it still did not help me

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2011, 03:10:28 pm
content: Dear Hacklordsniper"--From some of the responses you are getting, it appears that you failed to make clear that, your goal is to assemble electronic projects, and not to hang drywall. I get these kinds of responses also. If you wanted a doorbell, they would tell you "Just have them knock".--For a hilarious example of the "you should do what I want to do, instead of what you want to do" syndrome, from this blog, check out the link below:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=3425.0--P.S. Let us know if you find anything that meets your specs, and which you can easily find bits for. I might buy one myself."There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery." Enrico Fermi 1901 1954Best RegardsClear Ether

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 07:13:06 am
content: Hello, you made a good point.Im searching for industrial screwdriver for assembling products and use it for personal projects and various teardows. I think i will go with express assembly, im little disapointed that i will have to spend a 600 $ on it. I will go for the brushless model and lever start. I start to think "push to start" system is only useful on production enviroment for assembly and if you always use the same bit and exactly one type of screw

author: quantumfall
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 10:21:38 am
content: This is a bit off the wall.If you are not wanting to spend big money on a ready made solution, how about hack a cheaper commercial pistol shaped driver.The handle usually contains the motor controller so remove the controller and handle mount on a bungee or similar to relieve the holding strain. The gearbox and motors are pretty strong and reliable even on budget drivers.Hack a controller, with a variable averaging current consumption detection to latch off the power as a torque control.Add a momentary action start switch.This just off the top of my head and would need some work but I would think it could be cheap and cost effective.Probably would not meet heath and safety requirements in the UK if used in industry but thats a different question.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 11:05:16 am
content: Before i buy a new one im still looking at ebay for used ones. Alot of great screwderivers appear (some without power supply, some with) but at very good price. However all of them look so beaten up, abused and poor. Im just waiting to maybe "catch" something.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 06:25:09 pm
content: Quote from: quantumfall on November 04, 2011, 10:21:38 amI was thinking along the same lines. But one problem is the diameter of the motor/gearbox is rather large compared to the typical power screwdriver making the ergonomics less than Ideal. The electroniconly(no clutch) torque control I think needs to be fairly sophisticated to account for the inertia of the motor armature and gearbox continuing to dissipate their inertial energy after all current is removed especially at the 1000 rpm typical driver speed. Think about a screw into a nut at 1000 rpm. It has virtually no drag torque until the head of the screw hits the nut face. Even if you de-energized the motor at the exact instant the screw seated against the nut the inertia of the motor/gearbox would have to be dissipated. My hunch is that even the models that turn off after reaching the set torque have a clutch for this reason.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 06:41:18 pm
content: I often look at this device:http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-500-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B002XZLTQOI think one day I might get it, even if it doesn't meet the requirements of this thread.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 07:00:17 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on November 04, 2011, 06:41:18 pm100 rpm is the speed of this driver. if you had a 0-80 screw 1/4" long it would take 12 seconds to remove it. I think you might fall asleep waiting for the screw to come out. That is way slower than you normally spin a screwdriver by hand. Even the 500 rpm of the Milwaukee driver I mentioned earlier in this post is almost too slow. I think you would be very disappointed.

author: quantumfall
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 07:59:17 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 04, 2011, 06:25:09 pmYes good point, you need a clutch then.

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2011, 11:23:25 pm
content: Dear Hacklordsniper:--I agree with robrenz that a clutch would be a good thing to have. But it seems to me that most lever operated screwdrivers have variable speed and need not be going full tilt at all times. After all, even with a clutch, there is rotational momentum to consider. That is why people often ease up on the RPMs when the screw is almost home. I also think that most of the good ones have clutches. I think eBay is a good source for, if nothing else, information. The question about obtaining extra bits is still pending. Let us know what you find out."I were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion."William Shakespeare 1564 1616Best RegardsClear Ether

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2011, 12:46:59 am
content: Quote from: quantumfall on November 04, 2011, 07:59:17 pmI was not considering dynamic braking or even full servo control in my previous statement about the inertial tightening. Even so with full servo control and an emergency stop of armature the inertial energy would have to be dissipated by accelerating the screwdriver housing (resisted by your hand). I did see an abstract of an article of a purely electronic torque control so it is doable.Hacklordsniper here is some pretty good educational info on what you are looking for.http://www.mountztorque.com/learning-center

author: quantumfall
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2011, 10:26:11 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 05, 2011, 12:46:59 amYes I see, you can have many ways to achieve a set torque, Its far more complicated than the basic hack I was thinking about to save money thoughI suppose if you wanted you could have an electric driver with a whole profile of speed and breaking, even counting the turns of the chuck/bit to have a variable custom speed torque at all parts of the driving process.You might be able to use a simple tighten to end of thread and a small drop of thread locking compound dipped on the start of the screw, depending on the application. or a final tighten with a torque wrench /driver.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2011, 10:38:19 am
content: I can second the pro Panasonic cordless screwdriver, they make some of the best in the business.http://www.justtools.com.au/prod4339.htmNot cheap though.Dave.