cordless drivers

[John Dirks Jr]

Has anyone tried one of these and if so, how well does it work for removing and installing panel screws?

Black & Decker BDCS40G 4-Volt Max Gyro Screwdriver - Amazon.com

[John Kogel]

Hi John. I've used my little Ryobi with a lithium 4 volt battery for 6 years now, and it is still spinning screws. I wish I could find another for spare. The ratchet feature is worn now so it is loosing some torque. I get out a standard screwdriver for the really tough screws, but for 95% of them, 4 volts is good.
It will seem slow if you've been using a 12 - 18 volt.
On the up side, there is less chance of drilling insulation with a slow-spinning screw.

[Gunnar Alquist]

Has anyone tried one of these and if so, how well does it work for removing and installing panel screws?
Black & Decker BDCS40G 4-Volt Max Gyro Screwdriver - Amazon.com

Hi John, I've been using the Skil version for a few years now. Looks like the B&D is essentially the same. Doesn't work on the tough screws and if you don't align the self-tapping type correctly, it won't drive them. On rare occasion, I pull out my Bosch impact driver, which will loosen pretty much any screw. The LED on the Skil is nicely placed to throw a shadow directly on the screw I'm trying to remove, so it's pretty useless. I suspect the B&D is similarly designed.
I still miss my Yankee screwdriver, but the Skil works fine and when I lose it, I won't be as cranky as if I lost my nice Bosch.

SKIL 2354-01 iXO 4-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Palm-Sized Cordless Screwdriver - Amazon.com

[John Dirks Jr]

I love this little guy but its getting worn out after several years of use.

I like the forward / reverse rocker trigger. I'm not as fond of the ones that have a separate switch to change direction.

P1030853.JPG

[Jerry Peck]

I used a Skill version of the one shown in the link for about 10 years before it gave out, then went to a Black & Decker version like the one in the link (except an older version, mine is now about 15 years old - I still use it now and then): Black & Decker Tools | 3.6V Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver 9074CTN A

Three things I like about this are:
- the long shape is easy to hold, carry, and store as it is about the same size (diameter) of a screwdriver handle
- there is one button, press and slide to the right to install/tighten, press and slide to the left to remove/loosen ... one switch does it all
- when the battery runs down or you just need a regular screwdriver ... the mechanism locks and you can use it as a regular screwdriver, works locked in either direction

[John Dirks Jr]

That BD model does not appear to be Li. Hows the battery life?

[Jerry Peck]

That BD model does not appear to be Li. Hows the battery life?

I went out to look at it and it is actually like this one: Black & Decker Tools | 3.6V 3 Position Rechargeable Screwdriver 9078

I could not find anything on it about the batteries, however, the batteries are wrapped up inside and look like Li batteries.

Never had a problem with battery life.

Added with edit: I checked the online manual ( http://servicenet.blackanddecker.com...57-00,9078.pdf ) and it says the batteries are nickel-cadmium.

[Jack Feldmann]

I upgraded my old driver/drills last year to Porter Cable 20V. To keep all the batteries the same (work shop and work vehicle). I've been trying to lighten my tool belt, so I keep seldom used tools in the car and go get them when I need them.

[Marc M]

I upgraded my old driver/drills last year to Porter Cable 20V. To keep all the batteries the same (work shop and work vehicle). I've been trying to lighten my tool belt, so I keep seldom used tools in the car and go get them when I need them.

Here's mine..

- - - Updated - - -

I upgraded my old driver/drills last year to Porter Cable 20V. To keep all the batteries the same (work shop and work vehicle). I've been trying to lighten my tool belt, so I keep seldom used tools in the car and go get them when I need them.

Here's mine..

[Markus Keller]

festool cxs

[John Dirks Jr]

It's been a while since I started this thread but I wanted to let you know what I settled on. It was the Black & Decker LI3100. I like it because the forward - reverse switch is on the top so there's never any interference when in use. It has a light that automatically comes on when you pull the trigger. You can set the forward - reverse switch in the middle if you want and get light only without motor running. It's compact, comfortable, enough power and good battery life. I've been using it for a few months now and I'm happy. I probably ought to buy another in case it gets dis-continued.

Black & Decker LI3100 Compact Lithium-Ion Driver with Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver - Power Tool Combo Packs - Amazon.com

[Rick Cantrell]

Thanks for the follow up John.

[Peter Bennett]

I use the cheap harbor freight one for $7. Charge lasts about 20 days. If you lose, drop it or just plain breaks, you can get another. Has enough torque to do the job, even has an led!