power screwdriver

jamesperrett

I did a fairly big DIY project a couple of years ago and found that the cheap Homebase cordless drill worked fine as a screwdriver. I think it cost around a tenner. Only problem was that you had to remember to charge it up again after each session but a full charge would be enough for 3-4 hours of fixing plasterboard. The other problem is that the battery died shortly after the project was finished whereas the battery on my more expensive Wickes cordless drill still works fine after something like 10 years.

nickcc

Regarding the OP's comment re flat pack units. Most flat pack instructions advise against using power screwdrivers as it's usually chipboard.

Ectophile

I just have a cheap Wickes own-brand one. It works fine for me just screwing bits of wood together. It was good enough to use boarding out my loft. By the time the battery was flat, it was time for a break anyway.

You wouldn't need any fancy impact drivers or such like just on wood.

Another handy gadget to have is a ratchet screwdriver. It's much less effort than a normal one, and doesn't need recharging.

andrewf75

Thanks all, I suspected they were probably a bit rubbish
Its just that already having a decent mains drill it kind of seems like overkill to buy another drill. Maybe a ratchet screwdriver is all I really need to add
Thanks

Chrishazle

I bought a 10.8V Metabo cordless combi drill set (with 2 batteries, charger and case) from FFX about a year ago to complement the Metabo 18V I bought 2 years ago. Absolutely made up with the little one and hardly use the big one now! Adjustable clutch so you don't overtorque screws yet plenty of power when you need it. Excellent battery life, and being LiIon the spare holds charge in the case, and a battery lasts longer than the spare takes to recharge! OK, it was about £100, but I reckon it's well worth the money. Be aware Metabo do 2 versions, the drill driver and the combi drill - I'd recommend the combi for the odd occasion you want the hammer drill (it has a selector, screwdriver/drill/hammer drill) as well as the torque selector.

stator

For building flat pack furniture you definitely want a low power screwdriver. Over tightening could easily mess it up
I'd use any old cheap cordless thing as long as it has a lithium battery. Just because lithium batteries stay charged in your cupboard for longer. If it has an ni-mh or ni-cd battery you'll get it out the cupboard and it'll be completely discharged when you need it for an odd job.