Got Myself a Cordless Driver

[bilinvic]

When I first got into into RC's, I started with inexpensive Integy hex drivers. They worked, but left a lot to be desired; they easily rounded off and the tips would snap. Then I after reading about MIP tools being the best, I sprung for the MIP 1.5, 2.0 & 2.5mm hex drivers. To date they still have sharp hex edges and work incredibly well, they insert into hex bolts perfectly and definitely prevent stripped hardware.

I do lot's of bench wrenching and my wrists are starting to feel the pain after long sessions, so I thought I would treat myself to some new tools.

I picked up a Milwaukee M12 Cordless 1/4" Hex Screwdriver Kit (2401-22). This comes with two batteries and a charger. I like the fact that the torque is adjustable, because I would rather use my MIP drivers to give the final torque by hand.

Since I knew the MIP hand drivers were the superior tool, I ordered up a set of MIP Speed Tip Hex Driver Wrench Insert sets to use on the cordless driver.

This tool fits the hand really nice, isn't heavy and is doing it's job perfectly as expected. There have been times that I have dreaded working on my RCs because of the large number of screws to get whatever particular job needed to be completed; i.e., maintenance. Now, I look forward to wrenching even more now that I can save my wrists from any additional discomfort. I should have done this much sooner!

[Bmxreeves]

I thought about getting one, but doesn't it torque the nuts and bolts to tight and break them?


__________________________
1.9 Ibex tuber - The Merica ibex.

[Natedog]

Nice, Milwaukee and MIP tools have always been great for me too. I have a DeWalt 12 volt cordless drill and driver set that works great, but is a little bigger and heavier than this. Mine works great for RC and most around the house stuff, but yours looks better for compact, lightweight screw driving.

DCK211S2
12V MAX* Cordless Li-Ion Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit
DCK211S2 12V MAX* Cordless Li-Ion Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit | DEWALT Tools

I'm going to check out the Milwaukee you linked, thanks!

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by bilinvic

...I like the fact that the torque is adjustable, because I would rather use my MIP drivers to give the final torque by hand.

Since I knew the MIP hand drivers were the superior tool, I ordered up a set of MIP Speed Tip Hex Driver Wrench Insert sets to use on the cordless driver...

Originally Posted by Bmxreeves

I thought about getting one, but doesn't it torque the nuts and bolts to tight and break them?

Originally Posted by bilinvic

...I would rather use my MIP drivers to give the final torque by hand...

Always final tightening and torque by hand. Never screw in or out too quickly or you can overheat, melt and strip out plastic.

[Rjohn929]

I have similar Ridgid and Makita versions of the same design except impacting and the MIP drivers. They are wrist and forearm savers! The most used tools I own. They work even better on the chassis screws in my Tekno stuff. They tend to stick and the impacting pops them right out.

[CamaroTom]

Nice make sure you get a 7mm nut driver bit also for quick tire changes.

[bilinvic]

Originally Posted by Bmxreeves

I thought about getting one, but doesn't it torque the nuts and bolts to tight and break them?

It would if you let it...that's why the torque is turned down low and final tightening is done by hand only. Like Natedog mentions, you cannot go full speed with the screws because the friction will melt plastic....and that's not a good thing.

[bilinvic]

Originally Posted by CamaroTom

Nice make sure you get a 7mm nut driver bit also for quick tire changes.

Got it already...certainly makes life easier!

[84yoda]

The day I picked up a 12v cordless drill for my rc's, was the best day ever. Makes life so much easier and like you said, helps with the wrists and makes you actually look forward to working on them.

[BarHarborBasher]

I love my 12v set !! I also just wanted to through out a little trick that I do.. I cut up a spare set of alen wrenches and use them in my drill.. Whenever they show the slightest wear I grind of a 1/16th ...new once again !! They last forever!!!

[K.O.M.]

Nice pick up! I'm having tool envy at the moment, as I've been wanting to start a cordless power tool system based on the Milwaukee 12v platform.

I personally use a Ryobi TEK4 4.8v lithium ion driver which at the lowest setting will allow you to install switch plates without cracking them, and that is where I leave it for R/C nuts,bolts and screws, and I haven't stripped one yet even after being absent minded and letting a few drive all the way to the clutch release.

Milwaukee also has a 4 volt system that probably would be better suited for a purely r/c or electronics assembly tool.

[Natedog]

Ryobi looks interesting too:

4V LITHIUM-ION SCREWDRIVER
MODEL: #HP54L | HOME DEPOT SKU #: 1001059349
Battery: 4 Volt
RPM: 200/600 (No Load Speed)
Chuck Type: 1/4 in. Hex
Tool Weight: 0.836 lbs
https://www.ryobitools.com/power-too...ts/details/764

Milwaukee looks like better ergonomics and balance.

[bilinvic]

I had that model in my hand, although it's probably decent for RCs, it really didn't compare to the Milwaukee. Plus I can use the Milwaukee for other jobs around the home.

[Chiphead]

This little guy has been my favorite. It is gyro activated; twist your wrist and it will spin that direction, the more you twist the faster it goes. I love it for the speed control. Been using it regularly with the MIPs drivers for over a year. So far, so good.



http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-B.../dp/B008R5259Y

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Chiphead

This little guy has been my favorite. It is gyro activated; twist your wrist and it will spin that direction, the more you twist the faster it goes. I love it for the speed control. Been using it regularly with the MIPs drivers for over a year. So far, so good.



Amazon.com: Black & Decker BDCS40G 4-Volt MAX Gyro Screwdriver: Home Improvement

I have the DeWalt version of that. For some jobs I love the gyro activation but for other jobs, not-so-much. Usually though the times I don't like it are when I'm doing house chores. Usually it's awesome for RC stuff because of the speed control you get.

[CODYBOY]

I have the DeWalt and love it!

[eric113]

Originally Posted by Natedog

Ryobi looks interesting too:

4V LITHIUM-ION SCREWDRIVER
MODEL: #HP54L | HOME DEPOT SKU #: 1001059349
Battery: 4 Volt
RPM: 200/600 (No Load Speed)
Chuck Type: 1/4 in. Hex
Tool Weight: 0.836 lbs
https://www.ryobitools.com/power-too...ts/details/764

Milwaukee looks like better ergonomics and balance.

The new Ryobi Tek 4 does not have adjustable torque settings.

[JatoTheRipper]

I like my Craftsman with it's 24 position clutch.
Sears.com


If I need something bigger I have my drill. I don't want to hold a drill or impact when working on RC cars especially when trying to get in tight places.

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

I like my Craftsman with it's 24 position clutch.
Sears.com


If I need something bigger I have my drill. I don't want to hold a drill or impact when working on RC cars especially when trying to get in tight places.

Have you had that very long, the reason I ask is I had one like that and the batteries went bad in just over a year. I must say I did use it a lot!

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

Have you had that very long, the reason I ask is I had one like that and the batteries went bad in just over a year. I must say I did use it a lot!

I've had my first one for a little over 5 years. It really won't hold a charge anymore, but other than that it works fine. The battery worked well for at least 3 years so I'd say you got a dud. I got my second one this past Christmas and it works fine.

I did find a cheap replacement LiPo online at some point, but now I can't find it. If you open yours you may be able to get numbers off of it the battery that you can find online. I'm not sure if Craftsman sells replacements, but you should have contacted them about it dying after just a year. That is too short of a time.