What power tool do you use for PC assembly?

[sam_86314]

I have a cheap 12V Black & Decker drill that I use. Great for quickly (un)doing case and CPU cooler screws.

Beware that even when using the clutch on a drill, it's still pretty easy to strip out case screws. I usually slow down right before the screw is all the way in and then stop once I hit any resistance.

 

[Shrek]

I use some cheap screw drivers.

I got myself a nice forged screwdriver with narrow handle so I don't over-torque.

 

[Solaris17]

Just a screwdriver that fits good.

On a serious note this. Too many times have I seen people use the incorrect head size. The screws are rarely steel now, and alu bends easily. Getting the right head or bit is important imo.

I always use a normal screw driver, I have thought about getting an electric one though for case screws specifically. Havent bit the bullet yet.

 

[neatfeatguy]

Just regular, magnetic tipped screw driver. Keeps the screws from falling off and falling into the ether. I do have a PC tool kit that holds a bunch of other stuff that I've never really needed to use.

In fact, I think I've used some of these tools more often for other odd jobs here and there over the years more than I've used these tools for building/taking apart computers. I think the most used thing in this kit is the small compartment container to hold screws as I take things apart.

 

[Shrek]

Anyone have an opinion on what is the best tool to make a screwdriver magnetic?

I also got cutters with tungsten carbide inserts, that should last longer than myself.

 

[AUTOEXEC.BAT]

Too many times have I seen people use the incorrect head size.

This....
Using to big, or too small size... Switching Philips and Pozidrive

 

[FoulOnWhite]

Anyone have an opinion on what is the best tool to make a screwdriver magnetic?

I also got cutters with tungsten carbide inserts, that should last longer than myself.

Wrap some wire 7" long around it tight, connect wire to a 12v dc transformer for 20 or 30 seconds.

 

[rethcirE]

Prefer to feel the torque I am applying rather than rely on a tool when it comes to small screws and nuts.

However for disassembly, I often reach for the Miniware ES15. Used it a ton on laptops, and assembling 3D prints.

https://www.amazon.com/MINIWARE-Screwdriver-Precision-Rechargeable-Electronics/dp/B09MVM9PTW

 

[GerKNG]

my ifixit kit for GPUs and M.2 screws and my bosch ratchet screwdriver for assembly.

 

[neatfeatguy]

Anyone have an opinion on what is the best tool to make a screwdriver magnetic?

I also got cutters with tungsten carbide inserts, that should last longer than myself.

I learned all I need to know about making a piece of iron magnetic from MacGyver when I was a kid and watched the show.

 

[R-T-B]

You dont need a €15 screwdriver..

Don't let W1zzard see you saying this, he'll try to sell you a set of Wihas...

 

[freeagent]

I use the Thermalright screwdriver that came with my Le Grand Macho RT

I magnetized a pair of cheapo screwdrivers for the M.2 screws

 

[Macro Device]

MAKE SCREWS LOOSE AGAIN!
KILL EVERY MILLIMETER OF THE WARES NO MATTER WHAT THE HELL MILLIMETER IS!

Jokes aside, I don't need anything but a regular screwdriver.

 

[Courier 6]

No power tools, just manual

 

[Toothless]

The power of hatred and caffeine. I guess the really nice screwdriver from Scythe works too.

 

[ir_cow]

"Impact driver" LOL. if you are using anything but your hand strength, you are doing it wrong.

 

[Regeneration]

Wow almost 90 percent just use a regular one.

Do you guys aware that there's an invention called power tool, and with that invention all this "screwing and unscrewing" business becomes much easier and faster.

There are some cheap ones on Amazon that work great.

 

[Courier 6]

Power tools make people soft and weak

 

[INSTG8R]

I mean I have the EK Torque screwdriver, cost me a fortune in the end with customs and shipping, I barely use it...I have a long insulated Phillips screwdriver I "borrowed" from my first job like 18 years ago. I "charged it up" with a rare earth magnet. It's my "main tool" My favourite is a screwdriver I brought with me from Canada that is like those pens with multi colours inside except it's loaded with bits. You kinda cock it like a shotgun and rotate it to change bits. It has the "stubby" Phillips so good for shallow screws and less likely to strip also magnetic.

Power tools make people soft and weak

I mean I have terrible arthritis in my hands and arms and really SHOULD be using power tools. It really doesn't take to much screwing before something cramps up...

 

[damric]

I voted drill before I read the O.P.

For regular screws I use a mini-ratchet screwdriver. I also have a nice set of precision bits for the tiny stuff.

But yeah for the fun stuff I use drills, angle grinders, rivet guns, hacksaws, or whatever it takes to complete the build.

This reminds me I need a new ratchet driver since mine is falling apart. It's probably
favorite tool in my whole workshop.

 

[Ruru]

A cheap screwdriver has done the job for me. Though I've been thinking of getting a better toolset with a good selection of screwdriver bits etc.

 

[R-T-B]

Do you guys aware that there's an invention called power tool, and with that invention all this "screwing and unscrewing" business becomes much easier and faster.

Sounds like witchcraft.

 

[Frick]

Cross threading is only a problem if righty tighty turns into righty loosey

So I recently helped build a computer for my brother, in a Fractal Design Focus G. It's not the cheapest case around, at least not here. I've built a lot of computers in a lot of cheap cases but I was shocked at how horrible the metal was. There were some problems so I had to disasemble it a few times (and he did it once), and at least two of the holes was stripped, when carefully using hand tools. I've had €30 cases with much better metal than this case.

On a serious note this. Too many times have I seen people use the incorrect head size. The screws are rarely steel now, and alu bends easily. Getting the right head or bit is important imo

At work my coworker keeps using torx bits for hex socket screws. It's quite annoying, but I've given up on him. There's also the classic "I prefer slot screws because I can just use a knife".

Anyone have an opinion on what is the best tool to make a screwdriver magnetic

Magnet from a hard drive. I have those stuck to various places on my workbench.

I also got cutters with tungsten carbide inserts, that should last longer than myself.

Lend it to a carpenter and he can ruin it in 5 minutes. There's a reason electricians never ever let anyone else use their tools.

 

[sepheronx]

Hammer Drill

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Nice screwdriver set with magnetic tips and a ifixit kit.