fmihm
06-14-2011, 08:37 PM
I've become quite a fan of (rotary) impact drivers. I have the Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Drive and Drill Kit. I'm VERY PLEASED with the tools and their lithium ion batteries. The batteries last a long time on a charge, and lithium ion batteries, unlike ni-cads, do very little self-discharge. (The charger that comes with the tools charges a battery in just fifteen minutes.)
One very pleasant impact driver discovery is the Torx-drive screw head. It's great! It doesn't cam-out like Phillips heads and is an absolutely positive drive. I can drive, remove, drive, remove, etc., and the screw heads stay in good condition. I find that there are lots of screw sizes and types available in Torx-drive at my local hardware stores and lumber yards.
An amazing hardware store is McMaster-Carr Supply Company. They have about half a million products in their catalog -- seems like enough, doesn't it! For a Wiki article on the store, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster-Carr
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster-Carr)The link I use for the store is:
http://www.mcmaster.com/ (http://www.mcmaster.com/)#
Here's a search for Torx screws:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#torx-screws/=b4eurg
(http://www.mcmaster.com/#torx-screws/=b4eurg)Did you know that the Phillips screw was designed to cam-out!!!
"Phillips screws came with more advanced automation processes specifically because they cause the screw driver to cam out, so that a machine or assembly line factory worker could not over-tighten them. With a straight screw you can over-tighten and shear off the heads. The cam out quality is preferred for applications like drywall and hinges." You might find this article on the various kinds of screw drives of interest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozidriv#Pozidriv
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozidriv#Pozidriv)I like the KR Tools 71111 Pro Series 34-Piece Power Bit Set. I've bought it for just $5 at a local store. For a description, see:
http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/54-394-screwdriver-bit-sets/power-bit-set-119306.aspx
(http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/54-394-screwdriver-bit-sets/power-bit-set-119306.aspx)Note that the description isn't quite accurate. There are actually thirty-one Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, hex, and straight bits, plus a 1/4" hex extension (with a stronger than average magnet!).
The set lists for $15, but Aubuchon Hardware's (link above) price with shipping is: 1 -- $8.94, 2 -- $12.93, and 3 -- $15.92. Worth buying, even if just for the silicone bit holders. They are a good way to store your 1/4" hex shank bits and drills. They are suitable both for shop and on-the-job bit storage. I'm glad to have discovered the set!
HTH.
One very pleasant impact driver discovery is the Torx-drive screw head. It's great! It doesn't cam-out like Phillips heads and is an absolutely positive drive. I can drive, remove, drive, remove, etc., and the screw heads stay in good condition. I find that there are lots of screw sizes and types available in Torx-drive at my local hardware stores and lumber yards.
An amazing hardware store is McMaster-Carr Supply Company. They have about half a million products in their catalog -- seems like enough, doesn't it! For a Wiki article on the store, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster-Carr
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster-Carr)The link I use for the store is:
http://www.mcmaster.com/ (http://www.mcmaster.com/)#
Here's a search for Torx screws:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#torx-screws/=b4eurg
(http://www.mcmaster.com/#torx-screws/=b4eurg)Did you know that the Phillips screw was designed to cam-out!!!
"Phillips screws came with more advanced automation processes specifically because they cause the screw driver to cam out, so that a machine or assembly line factory worker could not over-tighten them. With a straight screw you can over-tighten and shear off the heads. The cam out quality is preferred for applications like drywall and hinges." You might find this article on the various kinds of screw drives of interest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozidriv#Pozidriv
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozidriv#Pozidriv)I like the KR Tools 71111 Pro Series 34-Piece Power Bit Set. I've bought it for just $5 at a local store. For a description, see:
http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/54-394-screwdriver-bit-sets/power-bit-set-119306.aspx
(http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/54-394-screwdriver-bit-sets/power-bit-set-119306.aspx)Note that the description isn't quite accurate. There are actually thirty-one Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, hex, and straight bits, plus a 1/4" hex extension (with a stronger than average magnet!).
The set lists for $15, but Aubuchon Hardware's (link above) price with shipping is: 1 -- $8.94, 2 -- $12.93, and 3 -- $15.92. Worth buying, even if just for the silicone bit holders. They are a good way to store your 1/4" hex shank bits and drills. They are suitable both for shop and on-the-job bit storage. I'm glad to have discovered the set!
HTH.