For several years my favorite cordless screwdriver has been a brace and bit with a magnetic bit holder.
I used to have a DeWalt cordless drill, but the batteries died. Rather than buy a new drill which would also end up in the landfill, I bought an old brace and bit and installed the magnetic bit holder from my dead DeWalt. I love it.
Pros:
- The batteries never wear out.
- The torque and control are both incredible.
- The bit is much less likely to slip.
- It’s an excellent way for kids to drive large screws.
Cons:
- The brace usually requires two hands. Sometimes I can use my stomach instead of my second hand, but generally I need both hands on the brace.
- Near a wall, I have to use the ratchet mechanism in the brace because I can’t turn a handle completely. This slows me down a little, but I don’t mind.
- The brace is slower than a cordless drill for many screws. For a couple of screws it is probably faster because I don’t have to make sure the batteries are charged, etc. For many, I pull out my faithful corded drill.
Lee Valley sells a bit holder specifically for a brace. I own one, but don’t use it. The standard 1/4" hex bit holder works fine and includes a sleeve to slide down and steady the screw.
Everything doesn’t require a motor. Give the brace and bit a try.
