looking for a lightweight power drill

Up until now, I've taken apart all my computers by hand. I tried to use a power drill that I have to unscrew the myriad screw inside desktops and servers but found that it was too heavy and bulky. First, my hand got tired quickly. Second, I had a hard time reaching into corners etc.

Doing it by hand is kind of a pain too. So I am looking for a lightweight power drill that would be close in size and weight to a large screwdriver while having enough battery power to last for a reasonably long time. Actually, I probably don't need a battery-operated one, I can plug it into an AC outlet too, although one with a battery would be more versatile.

Also I would be willing to pay more for a reliable unit instead of getting a cheap piece of junk that will break after 20 screws.



Any recommendations? Thanks!

Originally Posted by ilyaz

Up until now, I've taken apart all my computers by hand. I tried to use a power drill that I have to unscrew the myriad screw inside desktops and servers but found that it was too heavy and bulky. First, my hand got tired quickly. Second, I had a hard time reaching into corners etc.

...

Any recommendations? Thanks!

It's not clear if what you've already tried was a battery powered cordless drill or a plug-in tool. I've been taking computers apart for decades -- literally -- and I've used cordless drills to do it. Those cordless screwdrivers don't have enough battery to last for long. If the weight of the battery is getting you down, a $30 Dewalt corded drill with a screwdriver bit will be a little lighter and a lot more powerful, and should last for a long, long time with reasonable care. In the end, though, you're going to have to use a regular screwdriver for some of the fasteners because they're hard to reach. Make sure you get a long Philips bit -- they have some that are about 6-8 inches long at Lowes for under $10.

Originally Posted by ggariepy

It's not clear if what you've already tried was a battery powered cordless drill or a plug-in tool. I've been taking computers apart for decades -- literally -- and I've used cordless drills to do it. Those cordless screwdrivers don't have enough battery to last for long. If the weight of the battery is getting you down, a $30 Dewalt corded drill with a screwdriver bit will be a little lighter and a lot more powerful, and should last for a long, long time with reasonable care. In the end, though, you're going to have to use a regular screwdriver for some of the fasteners because they're hard to reach. Make sure you get a long Philips bit -- they have some that are about 6-8 inches long at Lowes for under $10.

I've tried both. In order to reach better what I think I need -- ideally -- is some type of bit "extender" (not sure what the exact term is), i.e. a long adapter that I can use to plug all the different bits I have. Just a Philips would be good but not enough: right now for example I am going through a bunch of HP desktops that all have hex screws.

Also, I think, corded or cordless, if a drill has a typical pistol shape, it will be tiring to use for long periods of time. What I think I am looking for is a pencil-/screwdriver-shaped ones (like this) but which would be corded.

Originally Posted by ilyaz

I've tried both. In order to reach better what I think I need -- ideally -- is some type of bit "extender" (not sure what the exact term is), i.e. a long adapter that I can use to plug all the different bits I have. Just a Philips would be good but not enough: right now for example I am going through a bunch of HP desktops that all have hex screws.

1/4" hex extension is what you're after.

Here are a few electric screwdrivers. I would look on ebay for a used one before I put down $450+.

Electric Screwdriver | FlexibleAssembly.com

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Here are a few electric screwdrivers. I would look on ebay for a used one before I put down $450+.

Electric Screwdriver | FlexibleAssembly.com

I did a quick search on ebay and found some DC screwdrivers (e.g. this) which are much cheaper than AC ones. Do you think it has enough power for your typical screw?

Originally Posted by ilyaz

I did a quick search on ebay and found some DC screwdrivers (e.g. this) which are much cheaper than AC ones. Do you think it has enough power for your typical screw?

Can't tell for sure, but I don't think that's 1/4" hex. So those bits will only work with that screwdriver, and any hex bits you have can't be used with that.

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

This is what I use to get motherboards out. Easy to reach the screws, plus it has a magnetic tip.

6 in. #2 Phillips Shockwave Driver Bit-48-32-4802 at The Home Depot

Also great for getting into deep recesses on some TV's. Can't do that with an extension.

Those are the best! I just misplaced mine the other day...it's buried someplace in the junk in the garage, and I may have to run out and buy another one I miss it so!

I REALLY need to work on better organization in the garage. Stuff goes flying all over when I use the Jack The Scrapper method of disassembly, my tools end up all over the place, and I wind up not being able to find a darn thing. We took 5 TVs apart last night and it looks like the place got hit with a bomb.

SKIL 2260-01 18-Volt 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver Kit - Amazon.com

That's what I use.

my cordless weighs about 6lb so I had the same problem with a sore hand after a while.
I found alternating between cordless and just a screwdriver helped a bit.
but for little things I got this one..

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

I bought this one from Kmart on closeout, and after using it for a while now, it definitely will outlast the Black&Decker that I had been using. I do breakdowns for about 4-5 hours at a time and the battery will easily last the whole time. It has an adjustable clutch and can be adjusted from a straight to a pistol style.

Do you happen to have its model number?

There is a sthl at wally world for like 20-30