SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

Ignoramus16466 wrote:

On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Well, you can, but a battery powered impact driver works a lot better.

Well, you can, but a battery powered impact driver works a lot better.

Good point I missed in my previous post because I was using a drill
and driver for the the deck I just finished. You have to be careful
not to bury the screw, but my impact driver is actually easier to
control than either my corded or battery drill motors, and is less
likely to twist your wrist as you get fatigued. It runs quite a while
on a charge too. All of my cordless are 14.4V Makita's

BTW, and MOST IMPORTANT - an impact driver does qualify as a NEW TOOL.

Basic criteria of your OP

RonB

RonB wrote:
Well, you can, but a battery powered impact driver works a lot better.

Yes, I just bought an impact driver and that would be my tool of choice.
It takes a lot less juice to pound in a screw than with traditional
drivers, so the batteries should last a good bit longer. No need to
pre-drill either as far as power goes, but I probably still would to
minimize splitting.

Good point I missed in my previous post because I was using a drill
and driver for the the deck I just finished. You have to be careful
not to bury the screw, but my impact driver is actually easier to
control than either my corded or battery drill motors, and is less
likely to twist your wrist as you get fatigued. It runs quite a while
on a charge too.

I haven't used mine yet other than to "test" it out and what really
amazed me is I used it on some old, large slotted screws that I had
laying around. I tossed most slotted screws I had because power drivers
don't work well with them, but these were fairly large, so I kept them.
The damned impact driver drove them in with no problem, no cam out
like always happens with slotted screws...

I also have an air screw driver that will twist your arm off if you let
it, but it is too slow for deck use. It was my favorite screw driver for
years, but with the nice small and compact cordless thing-ees of today,
the air driver lives in the bottom drawer...

--
Jack
Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
http://jbstein.com

Pete C. wrote:
Ignoramus16466 wrote:

On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project
requires a new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is
showing its age a bit, or to be more precise, the batteries are
showing their age -- building a deck, I'll definitely drain the
batteries in much less time than it takes to recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills
(e.g. saw one at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to
wondering... almost every cordless drill has a multi-position
clutch to prevent overtightening, or sinking screws too deep. Does
anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Well, you can, but a battery powered impact driver works a lot better.

Agreed. Air tools have their place but building a deck is not necessarily
one of them. I wouldn't use my air drill to build a deck.

--

-Mike-

In article , Ignoramus16466 wrote:
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

It's a small deck, only about 140 square feet.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

Thanks, that's useful to know.

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

Yeah, that's Plan B -- I have a good one already (Makita 1/2" VSR corded), but
it doesn't have a clutch...

You can buy a special chuck with a release for screws, but
if it were me, I would go buy myself a impact driver. I have
a Makita and it will drive a LOT of screws completely through
a decking board.

A corded drill is still the best tool for continuous operations.

If you "really" want a clutched corded drill, these folks
sell one:

http://www.metabo.us/Product-catalog...a9ca94a.0.html

http://www.contractorstoolsupply.com...10-p-1907.html


Doug Miller wrote:


Yeah, that's Plan B -- I have a good one already (Makita 1/2" VSR corded), but
it doesn't have a clutch...

On Sat, 22 May 2010 22:35:34 -0500, Ignoramus16466
wrote:

On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Why? I've done it (well, I used a hammer too). A decent cordless drill will
easily sink any screw you're likely to use in a deck. An Impactor will do it
without stripping the heads. ;-) An extra set of batteries makes things
easier, but I did it with two sets of two, with my older 9.6V Makita as the
drill and a 14.4V PC to sink the screws.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

"Ignoramus16466" wrote in message
...
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.


The 700 sq-ft deck that I couldn't build with a cordless drill* is still looking
just fine after 9 years now.
Art
* 14.4V PC

"Ignoramus16466" wrote in message
...
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project
requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a
bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a
deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g.
saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent
overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a
clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

1. - nonsense RE torque of pneumatic drills - there are more than one type,
some are geared, some are not - the high speed ones don't have a lot of
torque (and at 30,000 RPM, aren't too good as screwdrivers either), but the
ones that are suitably geared down have plenty of torque for drilling in any
wood I've encountered..

2. with a simple T, you can have a pneumatic drill and a pneumatic
screwdriver

3. pneumatic tools don't get hot when they run, that's a real plus if you
are using them a lot

Bill Noble wrote:


3. pneumatic tools don't get hot when they run, that's a real plus if
you are using them a lot

No kidding - just hold the tool so that your hand is near the exhaust port -
a quick way to realize how cold expanding compressed air can really get...

--

-Mike-

On Sun, 23 May 2010 21:11:15 -0400, "Mike Marlow"
wrote:

Bill Noble wrote:


3. pneumatic tools don't get hot when they run, that's a real plus if
you are using them a lot

No kidding - just hold the tool so that your hand is near the exhaust port -
a quick way to realize how cold expanding compressed air can really get...

The low torque is great when drilling with an pneumatic in thin metal,
at least my wrists think so when it binds.

Mark

On Sat, 22 May 2010 22:35:34 -0500, Ignoramus16466
wrote:

On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

I agree on all of Iggys points about tools, though some of the newest
cordless drills come pretty close to being suitable.

Gunner

--


"First Law of Leftist Debate
The more you present a leftist with factual evidence
that is counter to his preconceived world view and the
more difficult it becomes for him to refute it without
losing face the chance of him calling you a racist, bigot,
homophobe approaches infinity.

This is despite the thread you are in having not mentioned
race or sexual preference in any way that is relevant to
the subject." Grey Ghost

On Sun, 23 May 2010 10:47:22 -0600, Dave Balderstone
wrote:

In article , Gunner Asch
wrote:


I agree on all of Iggys points about tools, though some of the newest
cordless drills come pretty close to being suitable.

I drove over 2000 screws with a cheap off-brand cordless 14.4 v drill
when I built my deck.

I drove 700 or so in the deck then another 2000 in the floor of my house, with
my 14.4V PC. I did have one of the packs rebuilt ($35) after the 2000.

On Sun, 23 May 2010 10:47:22 -0600, Dave Balderstone
wrote:

In article , Gunner Asch
wrote:


I agree on all of Iggys points about tools, though some of the newest
cordless drills come pretty close to being suitable.

I drove over 2000 screws with a cheap off-brand cordless 14.4 v drill
when I built my deck.


Good on you lad!

I managed to drive 10 with a brand new one 4 weeks ago.

Gunner

--


"First Law of Leftist Debate
The more you present a leftist with factual evidence
that is counter to his preconceived world view and the
more difficult it becomes for him to refute it without
losing face the chance of him calling you a racist, bigot,
homophobe approaches infinity.

This is despite the thread you are in having not mentioned
race or sexual preference in any way that is relevant to
the subject." Grey Ghost

Iggy,
I have at least 8 maybe more air drills and at least that many air screw drivers. Most I have bought surplus from Reliable tools
on eBay. It is very necessary to use the air drill that is correct for the job. There are vast speed differences between them,
some of which have wrist breaking torque. The biggest risk is to use a drill that is too fast for the job and burning up the bit.
In wood, this is not a concern. I really like the air drivers much better than electric.
Steve

"Ignoramus16466" wrote in message ...
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

I have built many decks with battery operated drills. Two units comes in
handy with several fast charge batteries for each.

Oh yeah! Those were the drills with the old ni-cad batteries that were 9V
units then.

Torque clutches do **NOT*** set screw depth. Torque sets the torque. When
you hit hard wood spots you will be adjusting the torque setting. When you
hit soft wood spots you will over sink them.
Just get used to the sound of the right screw depth or use a dimpler
attachment.


"Ignoramus16466" wrote in message
...
You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

On May 22, 11:35*pm, Ignoramus16466 ignoramus16...@NOSPAM.
16466.invalid wrote:
...
You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.
....
i

I built these with an old 9.6V Makita:
http://picasaweb.google.com/KB1DAL/F...88504883032706

It will barely drive a #10 x 3" screw without predrilling, but it
drills up to 3/8" holes in dry oak nicely, for the lag screws or
Timberlocks. I needed a corded Milwaukee only for the 1/2" lags that
fasten the cross beams onto the oak log posts.

Last year I helped a contractor with a volunteer deck project. He used
an 18V DeWalt to drive the Timberlocks.

jsw

On Sun, 23 May 2010 04:38:50 -0700 (PDT), Jim Wilkins
wrote:

It will barely drive a #10 x 3" screw without predrilling,

Predrilling


--


"First Law of Leftist Debate
The more you present a leftist with factual evidence
that is counter to his preconceived world view and the
more difficult it becomes for him to refute it without
losing face the chance of him calling you a racist, bigot,
homophobe approaches infinity.

This is despite the thread you are in having not mentioned
race or sexual preference in any way that is relevant to
the subject." Grey Ghost

On May 24, 4:22*am, Gunner Asch wrote:
On Sun, 23 May 2010 04:38:50 -0700 (PDT), Jim Wilkins
wrote:

It will barely drive a #10 x 3" screw without predrilling,

Predrilling

Yep. I use a lot of oak for framing temporary sheds like in the
photos. If I don't predrill the lag screws break off when I remove
them later. I salvaged the oak beams from pallets for kitchen counter
sheets and use them for rafters. The wood is almost as hard as 1980's
Chinese cast iron.

jsw

"Ignoramus16466" wrote in message
...
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project
requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a
bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a
deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g.
saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent
overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a
clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i

Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws if
you don't stop on time!).

RogerN

On 2010-05-23, RogerN wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws if
you don't stop on time!).

Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i

On 5/23/10 3:06 PM, Ignoramus32683 wrote:
On 2010-05-23, wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws if
you don't stop on time!).

Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i

The newer ones last pretty long.
I'm guessing cheap my 18v Ni-Cad B&D's last about 3X as long as my old
12v Dewalts did. The new Lithium Ions probably double that.

But like we've been saying, three batteries and a quick-charger makes it
a moot point.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Sun, 23 May 2010 15:57:39 -0500, the renowned -MIKE-
wrote:

On 5/23/10 3:06 PM, Ignoramus32683 wrote:
On 2010-05-23, wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws if
you don't stop on time!).

Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i

The newer ones last pretty long.
I'm guessing cheap my 18v Ni-Cad B&D's last about 3X as long as my old
12v Dewalts did. The new Lithium Ions probably double that.

But like we've been saying, three batteries and a quick-charger makes it
a moot point.

If you are not in good physical shape, two batteries might be more
than enough. ;-)


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

"Ignoramus32683" wrote in message
...
On 2010-05-23, RogerN wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if
it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws
if
you don't stop on time!).

Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i

OK, that makes sense, maybe that's why I bought 2 drills, 6 batteries and 4
chargers. :-) Too bad my energy level doesn't keep up!

Actually I saw DeWalt had a lot of cordless tools available for their 18V
XPR and I bought various sets to have all my cordless tools battery and
charger compatible, the 2nd xrp drill came in a kit with 2 batteries, a
charger, and an impact driver.

RogerN

On 2010-05-23, RogerN wrote:

"Ignoramus32683" wrote in message
...
On 2010-05-23, RogerN wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if
it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws
if
you don't stop on time!).

Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i

OK, that makes sense, maybe that's why I bought 2 drills, 6 batteries and 4
chargers. :-) Too bad my energy level doesn't keep up!

Actually I saw DeWalt had a lot of cordless tools available for their 18V
XPR and I bought various sets to have all my cordless tools battery and
charger compatible, the 2nd xrp drill came in a kit with 2 batteries, a
charger, and an impact driver.

Dewalt 18XRP is the drill that I have, I love it and use it a lot. I
have two batteries for it, but for continuous use I get out my electric
drill.

i

My response to that is in many cases the batteries last longer than the
human.

For indoor flooring double-upping a screw gun made for the job while
standing up is in order. I have done rooms with battery drills and it's
rough on the back, knees and wrists. Due the the inaccuracy of screw
placement the above device is typically not usable.

Use the excuse to get a second battery drill, use both (four batteries) and
wear the old one out. It may be good for the old ni-cad to get a good
cycling too.


"Ignoramus32683" wrote in message
...
Roger, my answer to you (and others) was that batteries do not last
when the job is to just drive a screw after screw.

Apparently, others' experience may be different, and, if so, I will
retract my comment about cordless drills.

i


On 2010-05-23, RogerN wrote:
Just curious, why can't you build a deck with a battery powered drill? I
twisted lag bolts in two with my Dewalt 18V XRP but I can't remember if it
was with the drill or the impact (the impact is bad about breaking screws
if
you don't stop on time!).

If you're going to be driving several hundered or a thousand deck screws,
IMHO a goo quality corded screwgun would be the tool of choice.


--
Often wrong, never in doubt.

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

Ignoramus16466 wrote:
On 2010-05-23, Doug Miller wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project
requires a new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is
showing its age a bit, or to be more precise, the batteries are
showing their age -- building a deck, I'll definitely drain the
batteries in much less time than it takes to recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills
(e.g. saw one at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to
wondering... almost every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch
to prevent overtightening, or sinking screws too deep. Does anybody
make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Sure you can. Why do you say that?



Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

Agreed - wrong tool for the job.



I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).


VSR drill (corded) is certainly a great choice. A decent cordless with 2
batteries is another good choice.

--

-Mike-

On 5/22/2010 8:35 PM, Ignoramus16466 wrote:
On 2010-05-23, Doug wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

Air drills do not have the torque. (in my experience).

I do have some compressed air screwdrivers, however. (all name brands,
used)

If it was up to me, I would use a decent variable speed electric
drill, but I would love to sell you a pneumatic screwdriver (straight
or gun shaped).

i
My 18v DeWalt drove all the Torx head screws in my Trex deck. Works
fine. Unfortunately I am going to have to do it again as the Trex is
decomposing. They replaced all the Trex in my buddies deck, but do not
supply the screws. And I had about $230 in stainless deck screws in my
deck.

We have a few hundred square feet of deck to do and always figured we would
go the Trex route.

Lately I have been reading a lot of bad stuff about these brands with
molding and rot. Apparently the answer is to use a mold prevention wash a
few times a year on the maintenance free surface....LOL



"Califbill" wrote in message My 18v DeWalt drove
all the Torx head screws in my Trex deck. Works
fine. Unfortunately I am going to have to do it again as the Trex is
decomposing. They replaced all the Trex in my buddies deck, but do not
supply the screws. And I had about $230 in stainless deck screws in my
deck.

Wondered about the wood components in it. I have some Veranda on my
weather station. Hope it stands up to weather.

Seems to be a lot of plastic in it. Saw had long stringers on it.

They might have cut back on plastic from R&D to save money and now find
the facts.

Thanks Guys - great info.

Martin

Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/

On 5/26/2010 7:00 AM, Josepi wrote:
We have a few hundred square feet of deck to do and always figured we would
go the Trex route.

Lately I have been reading a lot of bad stuff about these brands with
molding and rot. Apparently the answer is to use a mold prevention wash a
few times a year on the maintenance free surface....LOL



wrote in message My 18v DeWalt drove
all the Torx head screws in my Trex deck. Works
fine. Unfortunately I am going to have to do it again as the Trex is
decomposing. They replaced all the Trex in my buddies deck, but do not
supply the screws. And I had about $230 in stainless deck screws in my
deck.

On 5/23/10 11:44 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
In articleSt6dnZ31HNkbP2XWnZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@giganews. com,
wrote:

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

I'll have to be careful stepping out the garden door onto my 16 x 12
cedar deck that doesn't exist, then.

What utter nonsense...


Yeah, I think someone hasn't kept up with technology. :-)

I have cheap (what I consider to be disposable) B&D 18volters that would
do the job just fine. Like another guys posted, all you need is 3
batteries per drill, which is the minimum for me, anyway.

I never go to a site without a corded electric, as a back-up, but that
cord is a PITA. And whoever wants to trade an AC cord for an air hose is
adding bricks to their cart, imo.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Sun, 23 May 2010 11:52:32 -0500, -MIKE- wrote:

On 5/23/10 11:44 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
In articleSt6dnZ31HNkbP2XWnZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@giganews. com,
wrote:

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

I'll have to be careful stepping out the garden door onto my 16 x 12
cedar deck that doesn't exist, then.

What utter nonsense...


Yeah, I think someone hasn't kept up with technology. :-)

For 15 years?

I have cheap (what I consider to be disposable) B&D 18volters that would
do the job just fine. Like another guys posted, all you need is 3
batteries per drill, which is the minimum for me, anyway.

I never go to a site without a corded electric, as a back-up, but that
cord is a PITA. And whoever wants to trade an AC cord for an air hose is
adding bricks to their cart, imo.

Dragging an air hose beats swinging a hammer, though.

On 5/23/10 3:03 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote:
adding bricks to their cart, imo.

Dragging an air hose beats swinging a hammer, though.

Who swings a hammer? :-)
A gas framing nailer is faster, lighter, and more convenient than any of
those.

FWIW, last deck I did, I was much faster laying down the decking with my
22 oz Estwing and galvanized spirals than with a drill and screws.

I can definitely see where I could be faster with one of those screw
self-feeders with the long extension and the depth stop driver. But I'm
one of those "one tap to set, 2-3 swings to drive it home" hammer guys,
so I can get a pretty fast rhythm going.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Sun, 23 May 2010 15:53:03 -0500, -MIKE- wrote:

On 5/23/10 3:03 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote:
adding bricks to their cart, imo.

Dragging an air hose beats swinging a hammer, though.

Who swings a hammer? :-)
A gas framing nailer is faster, lighter, and more convenient than any of
those.

Never used one. I generally don't move much once set up, so there isn't much
dragging anyway. The big advantage of an air nailer for me is no smiles in
awkward-to-nail places. My thumbs feel better after, too. ;-)

FWIW, last deck I did, I was much faster laying down the decking with my
22 oz Estwing and galvanized spirals than with a drill and screws.

Sure, but I've seen even ring-shank nails pop. Stainless screws are the only
way to fly.

I can definitely see where I could be faster with one of those screw
self-feeders with the long extension and the depth stop driver. But I'm
one of those "one tap to set, 2-3 swings to drive it home" hammer guys,
so I can get a pretty fast rhythm going.

Saving time isn't high on my list. ;-) Saving aggravation later, is.

On 5/23/2010 3:53 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
On 5/23/10 3:03 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote:
adding bricks to their cart, imo.

Dragging an air hose beats swinging a hammer, though.

Who swings a hammer? :-)
A gas framing nailer is faster, lighter, and more convenient than any of
those.

FWIW, last deck I did, I was much faster laying down the decking with my
22 oz Estwing and galvanized spirals than with a drill and screws.

I can definitely see where I could be faster with one of those screw
self-feeders with the long extension and the depth stop driver. But I'm
one of those "one tap to set, 2-3 swings to drive it home" hammer guys,
so I can get a pretty fast rhythm going.

What the heck do you know about rhythm? :-)

--
"Even if your wife is happy but you're unhappy, you're still happier
than you'd be if you were happy and your wife was unhappy." - Red Green
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/

Most pro framers, I have seen do not use compressed air, they swing a
hammer. Try carrying a nailgun up into a framed roof rafter assembly while
hanging on to the last truss member you hammered in to get at the next
piece. A hammer and puch full of nails makes an easier climb and the nials
are removable for a few eeks until they rust or set into the wood.


wrote in message
...
On Sun, 23 May 2010 11:52:32 -0500, -MIKE- wrote:

On 5/23/10 11:44 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
In articleSt6dnZ31HNkbP2XWnZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@giganews. com,
wrote:

You cannot build a deck with a battery powered drill.

I'll have to be careful stepping out the garden door onto my 16 x 12
cedar deck that doesn't exist, then.

What utter nonsense...


Yeah, I think someone hasn't kept up with technology. :-)

For 15 years?

I have cheap (what I consider to be disposable) B&D 18volters that would
do the job just fine. Like another guys posted, all you need is 3
batteries per drill, which is the minimum for me, anyway.

I never go to a site without a corded electric, as a back-up, but that
cord is a PITA. And whoever wants to trade an AC cord for an air hose is
adding bricks to their cart, imo.

Dragging an air hose beats swinging a hammer, though.

Josepi wrote:
Most pro framers, I have seen do not use compressed air, they swing a
hammer. Try carrying a nailgun up into a framed roof rafter assembly
while hanging on to the last truss member you hammered in to get at
the next piece. A hammer and puch full of nails makes an easier climb
and the nials are removable for a few eeks until they rust or set
into the wood.


It's a mix. The hammer still has its place but to say that most pro framers
aren't using nailers is, well... bull. You need to look more closely.

--

-Mike-