Two requests – my old B&D cordless screwdriver has finally died – won’t hold a charge. Due to arthritis, I need a replacement. I only do projects 2-3 times a year. Taking all the screws out/in of 20 grills for hot air heating/ac system by hand was a real struggle this past week. Any suggestions that won’t break the bank???
Secondly, am stripping basic old curved 2-1/2 inch door casings on 4 kitchen doors, but it is the center curved portion that, even with all my hand tools, I can’t seem to find a tip that has the same curvature to get all the remover and paint off easily. Does such a curved tool exist? I have a selection of the Allway tips, but they are too curvey.
Thanks for any suggestions! By the way, a couple of years ago I inquired about why I was getting such cold air coming down my stairs from the second floor (1952 colonial.) I thought it was from the windows – well had blower door test and lo and behold we found that the risers where they meet the tread had shrunken and was sucking cold air up from the basement. I just never thought to put my head under the tread lip 🙂 My caulking gun did the trick, but oh my aching back…..just thought I would pass this along.
Doris
Replies
can't seem to find a tip that has the same curvature to get all the remover and paint off easily
Pop taught me this trick back in 1952 or so for remover scraping - make a plaster mold of the casing,, then section it so you have a flat profile to campar to. Take any old saw blade and grind to match - perfect scraper..
Frankly, for a screwdriver I'd prefer a light cordless drill, especially if I had arthritis. The drill is easier to hold against the torque, and easier to apply pressure to to prevent bit slippage.
Thanks everyone for great suggestions!! You are the best! I just knew you all would solve my problems. My hands thank you!
It will sound like heresy here, but.....
Consider the Sears Craftsmen 19.2 volt stuff. Yes, I know it is not a Milwakee or even a Makita, but I have found these tools to be an excellent value for the average home owner. I think you can buy a drill and small circular saw for less that $100. There is also a wide range of other tools that all take the same battery. I believe the Home Ghetto Ryobi tools are identical to the Sears product as well.
Not the best, but probably more than adequate.
Good luck.
I had a Sears/Ryobi drill that gave me about 10 years of good service. Of course, that was before they went and added tailfins to the Sears drills -- the newer ones I've seen aren't as good (though probably perfectly serviiceable).
I'll have a look at the Sears Craftsmen.....I have a very old craftsmen drill that still works beautifully. Also have a small Makita circular saw that also has stood the test of time. As we all know, the quality of certain brands have changed over time. Nice to know you consider the Craftsmen still worthy. But will look at the Ryobi too. Thanks again to everyone!
This forum is frequented by building professionals, is it not? Why, then, such fractured advice?
The custom-made scraper is the best approach. Stiff-blade putty knife taken to a bench grinder, and shaped to match the contours. Otherwise, oscillating tools like the Fein multi-master (or the cheap clones) can be quite useful.
Screwdriver? Drill? Pshaw! I haven't used mine forever. Instead, a small IMPACT DRIVER, like the one made by Bosch, is the ticket. Fits easily in the hand, has NO torque felt by your wrist.
The Bosch 12v Impact driver is good, as is the Makita 12v. I think Milwaukee has one too. There aer lits of new Lithium Ion 10.8 to 12v drills and impact drivers available now. The Makita set comes with a drill and Impact driver in a case, the only thing with these tools is they have smaller battery eject buttons. Go look at them in a good hardware store and make sure you can woork the battery on and off with your hands. I like my Makita, but it can be a real bear to get the battery off.
cordlesss drill/driver
Someone above suggested 19.2 volt Craftsman. I don't have any arguement with the brand, but I think you will find it too heavy if arthritis is an issue.
Yeah, what the OP really needs is a cheapie drill with a decent low gear. Of course, that may be an oxymoron, but he doesn't need a giant battery with a long run time.