Power drivers...

[Alto Mare]

Just opened this reel up and here is what I found:




I have no doubts this happened with a powered screwdriver, those just can't be trusted.
You guys do as you wish,I'm sticking with a manual screwdriver.

Sal

[Keta]

It takes a light touch.  With my bad hands I run them in loose and then tighten them by hand. 

[handi2]

Sal my hands hurt each morning after non stop assembly. I use the Milwaukee M5 with the clutch all the way down. Its only hand tight because Ive been using it for 4 years now. With the clutch all the way down on my new one it is to tight for carefull assembly.

[Reel 224]

For you guys with arthritic hands you may want to try this tool. 080-000-513WB
Magna-Tip Ratchet Handle

Mfr Part: WRST4 From www.brownells.com

Joe

[Keta]

Here is a better link and photo Joe.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-handles/magna-tip-ratchet-handle-sku080000513-26298-51857.aspx?sku=080000513

[Midway Tommy]

I'm with you, Sal! Non-vintage reels will have minimal collectible value down the line if the screw heads are all buggered, threads stripped or plates and/or bodies all scratched & scraped, but then I'm into old reel collecting.    I'd be a pretty irritated client, though, if my fairly new reel came back all buggered up.     

[Alto Mare]

Sal my hands hurt each morning after non stop assembly. I use the Milwaukee M5 with the clutch all the way down. Its only hand tight because Ive been using it for 4 years now. With the clutch all the way down on my new one it is to tight for carefull assembly.

I would understand in your case Keith.
This isn't about knowing how to use a power drive, I've been using power tools for over 40 years.
I've tried different ones, all to me have the lowest torque settings too high for these reels.
I was doing as Lee mentioned, stopping before it gets tight and proceed with a handheld screwdriver, that got old quick.
I will proceed doing mine by hand, for you guys that depend on power drivers... be careful.

Sal

[Keta]

for you guys that depend on power drivers... be careful.

Sal

Yup.

When I was a powerhouse mechanic I would give the wiremen hell about using power screwdrivers until I was told that carpel tunnel was a issue for them.  I still gave them hell about carrying their tools in a purse though.

[foakes]

Good advice, Sal --

And you are absolutely right about the damage a power driver can do.

Over the years, I have and continue to use both a power driver and manual drivers -- each has its place.

For me, it boils down to the reel -- is it a valuable collector -- or a charter winch on a cattle barge?

If I am doing a dozen reels for a Charter operation -- Penn GTIs, LBs, Jigs, etc. -- I can disassemble a reel completely, separate it into solutions for the ultrasonic -- clean it for 9 minutes -- rinse and dry -- reassemble in 25 minutes.  Plus be working on the next disassemble while the first one is being cleaned.  With a power driver, full disassembly down to the last small part takes 5 minutes, max...

I never use a power driver on a new build such as a Quick, ABU, Mitchell, International, Pro-Gear, Accurate, Avet, Cortez Build, and anything that a scratch may diminish the value of.

On small newer spinners -- I never use the power driver -- since the screws are typically cheap zinc phillips.

My best power driver is a Milwaukee M12 -- had it for 8 years of constant use on reels as well as any carpenter, electrician, or handyman use -- bulletproof...I keep it on the lowest clutch setting, and can hold and activate the clutch with my fingers.  Variable from 0-500 RPMs.

Even with the power driver, I finish up the final assembly, testing of functions, and torquing screws before bagging with a manual driver -- because I know where the screw should snug up by feel -- like most of us.

Like most of us, I have hundreds of screwdrivers -- and one of my favorites is this Craftsman ratchet driver that I bought nearly 30 years ago.  I can keep constant and steady pressure on the screw -- without moving it from the slotting.  Forward, reverse, or manual setting in the middle.

And like most of us -- I know how to handle a power driver -- all of the speeds, clutching -- pressure needed -- feathering the trigger -- small bursts instead of full out speed -- the feel for the screw and material it is going into -- using it as a leveraged manual screwdriver to break the bond initially, then just easing the screw out with steady pressure -- knowing when to back off -- and probably a dozen other things that are just natural as we know our tools well.

However, a manual driver is still my go to driver for the majority of my work with the exception of mass production of reels for charters --

Just my opnions...

Best Always,

Fred

[Reel 224]

Here is an excellent tool also. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/wrenches/general-wrenches/magna-tip-adjustable-torque-wrench-prod84011.aspx

Joe

[foakes]

Nice, Joe --

Best,

Fred

[thorhammer]

Sal you didn't take that apart to get me a plate did you??!!

[oc1]

Another problem with power drivers is you loose so much sensitivity.  A plain old screw driver is telegraphing information to your fingers about the condition of the threads as you turn it.
-steve

[Alto Mare]

Sal you didn't take that apart to get me a plate did you??!!

If I wasn't able to, I would have told you I couldn't do it. I'll be ok, I have a couple of dozen laying around somewhere .


Funny Fred , I've had that same craftsman screwdriver for over 30 years.  I remember it because it was a gift  from my wife along with some other craftsman tools on our first annyversary.
I'm guessing she wanted to make sure I didn't have any excuses  not to go to work .
If I remember correctly, mine came as a set of two, one was the push drill with bits in the handle. I can't find that one.

Sal

[Midway Tommy]

Sal you didn't take that apart to get me a plate did you??!!

If I wasn't able to, I would have told you I couldn't do it. I'll be ok, I have a couple of dozen laying around somewhere .


Funny Fred , I've had that same craftsman screwdriver for over 30 years.  I remember it because it was a gift  from my wife along with some other craftsman tools on our first annyversary.
I'm guessing she wanted to make sure I didn't have any excuses  not to go to work .
If I remember correctly, mine came as a set of two, one was the push drill with bits in the handle. I can't find that one.

Sal

Man you're bringing back memories now, Sal, and bad ones, too! I remember using a Yankee screw driver https://www.google.com/search?q=yankee+screwdriver&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS583US583&espv=2&biw=1229&bih=587&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjVr7Pgjc_RAhVs1oMKHVNFAuoQ_AUICCgD for hanging doors, etc., back in the day. Talk about pinched fingers, blood blisters and swearing!  The first "God Send" was Phillips screw heads, but there was still a few choice words thrown around now and then. Smiles finally came with the advent of the variable speed drill. I still have my original 2 Craftsmans from around 1970ish. Still, though, they would slip off the screw head every now and then.