Electric screwdriver for lugs

rocker261

Junior Member
I am looking to get a small electric (battery) screwdriver to use on the lugs when replacing heads. I have never used one before, so wondering what recommendations everyone has for what to get. Does variable speed matter?

Looking at these four:
- https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Q...n-1-4-in-Cordless-Screwdriver-HP44L/205975772

- https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...Battery-1Ah-1-Hour-Charger-DCF682N1/205926188

- https://www.lowes.com/pd/BLACK-DECKER-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Screwdriver/50419272

- https://www.lowes.com/pd/Skil-iXO-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Screwdriver/50188077
 
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I have a Black & Decker very similar to the Ryobi and I like it. It doesn’t need to be variable speed. In fact, I like slow, but I’m sure luv nuts can handle high speeds, I just don’t think it’s necessary. I mainly use it to take heads off quickly, but when installing new heads, I only use it up to where the tension rod comes in contact with the rim. It’s all drum key after that.

What I should do is get two like the DeWalt pictured with two drill bits so I can do two lugs at a time.
 
I used mine to get the rim close but once it touched the rim, I stopped and used the Evans Torque wrench. 4 volts won't do much damage. I would not spend 69.00 on one unless you want it for other household goods.
 
Variable speed is a plus, and also torque settings so you don't accidentally screw down a rod too tightly. This one will do the job and also looks cool! http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1758...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I used to use one on tour, and between keeping the battery charged, and having to retrieve and replace the tool, and the fact that once a week it saved only minutes vs the drum key, I eventually stopped using it. I suppose if you were going to replace heads frequently - like, daily for some reason - there would be a more significant time savings.

Bermuda
 
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I use one when changing heads, not for tuning... When I go into the studio taking off the tops and bottoms i find it saves me lot of time. the more heads, the more time.

I'll use it for putting them on, but stop before the lug touches the rim. I just go slower putting em on.

I am not picky, I use a small drill / screwdriver with an evans drillbit drumkey and it works great
 
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I used mine to get the rim close but once it touched the rim, I stopped and used the Evans Torque wrench. 4 volts won't do much damage. I would not spend 69.00 on one unless you want it for other household goods.
I got an Evan's Torque wrench for a birthday present a while back and just started using it. Great little tool! Do you log your settings for certain tunings or just use it to get even tension?
 
Cordless drill FTW. It stays in my studio. Electric screwdrivers are too limited. You can use a drill elsewhere. I do have drills and drumkey bits in my van too, if I need a head change before I load in. I'll stand there and swap heads right at my van door. I normally don't use my drill to tighten the new head down. Sometimes. You have to be careful. I use an impact driver because it's the lightest drill I have. I would break a lug in a heartbeat with it if I'm not careful.

I usually use 2 keys to tighten heads down. That's a timesaver too, and it's the most even way I know for one person to tension a head.
 
I do the same as Larry. Cordless variable speed drill. Quick and easy and I can use it for more than just changing heads. I use it to take the screws out, will hand start the screws so I don't cross thread then turn them down with the drill to just before they touch the rim. From there it's all drum key work.

I love my Makita!
 
No batteries. Very fast.
 

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small Ryobi 9 volt drill from Home Depot. $30 if I remember. Best tool for head changes. BTW....the electric screwdriver (although a bit out of date) is/was the greatest invention ever for those of us who get tired twisting manual screwdrivers on other projects.
 
I've been very happy with this B&D, using an Evans tension-rod bit ... runs on AA batteries and is surprisingly torquey for the entry-level that it is ...

https://www.blackanddecker.com/en-u...tools/screwdrivers/cordless-screwdriver/as6ng

I've also used it to drills holes and drive drywall screws (into pre-drilled holes) ... I've also used it when working on my motorcycle when I'm away from AC power or a shop ...

I'd love to get a real-deal cordless drill/driver etc but my experience is that Murphy's Law will prevail- I'll forget to put them on the charger, and then when I need them, the batteries will be flat .... so I'm good with the AA batteries on my B&D

Chris
 
This:
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-2-Tool-12-Volt-Max-Cordless-Combo-Kit/3265405#

Two tools, two batteries, a charger, and a carrying case. The screwgun has adjustable torque settings down to 1lb. Both tools have flashlights. They are built like tanks, have 3/8" quick change chuck's, are very light, and are really small. $150 for the whole package is an incredible deal.

The Impact Driver is a monster. I wouldn't recommend using it for drums. You can, however, build just about anything with it.
 
Milwaukee + Gibraltar = quick bass hoop removal

q4xqhk5l.jpg
 
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