ZDNET’s main insights
- The first is the Makita Impact XPS Mag Boost, and this has been an absolute game-changer for managing those challenging, hard-to-reach screw-driving tasks.
- The Wera Screw Gripper Attachments are made to fit over the shafts of insulated screwdrivers, and these attachments also function exceptionally well on longer screwdriver bits.
- Both gadgets are incredibly affordable, with the Makita available for as low as $5.
Picture this: You’re contorted into a confined, uncomfortable space — possibly underneath a dining table or crammed into the cupboard below your sink. It’s dim and uneasy, and there’s an odd smell emanating from somewhere. In one hand, you clutch a screwdriver; in the opposite, several screws. A flashlight is gripped in your teeth, providing a faint light that scarcely illuminates your work area.
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Your mission? To fasten some screws that are inconveniently just out of reach, stretching your patience. Scenes like this epitomize the tricky (and often humorous) nature of undertaking DIY projects in far from ideal situations.
In this confined space, it’s easy to rely on the magnets built into contemporary screwdrivers and bits, which, under normal situations, hold in place adequately. However, when conditions are less than ideal — like the cupboard under the sink — these magnets frequently underperform. This truly tests your DIY grit, and having the appropriate tools can determine whether you complete a task or throw your tools out the window.
1. Makita Impact XPS Mag Boost
Two accessories I find indispensably helpful in such scenarios. The first is the Makita Impact XPS Mag Boost, and this has been an absolute game-changer for managing those challenging, hard-to-reach screw-driving tasks.
This tool features a magnetic collar fitted with two robust rare earth magnets. This innovative gadget fits snugly over the shaft of a bit, significantly boosting its magnetic strength. The best part is that it can be easily slipped on and off as required.
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Unlike traditional magnetized driver bits, which offer basic retention, the Impact XPS Mag Boost secures fasteners much more firmly. This increased magnetic power ensures that screws remain attached to the bit, minimizing the frustration of dropping or misaligning screws, especially in awkward or confined work areas.
2. Wera Screw Gripper Attachments
Magnetic tools such as the Makita Impact XPS Mag Boost won’t always be effective when dealing with non-magnetic materials like stainless steel. This is when my second essential tool proves invaluable. The Wera Screw Gripper Attachments are made to fit over the shafts of insulated screwdrivers, and these attachments also function exceptionally well on longer screwdriver bits.
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The Wera Screw Grippers use mechanical clasping instead of relying on magnetism. These clasps grip the fastener, providing a firm hold regardless of the material’s magnetic nature. This makes them especially valuable for managing stainless steel screws, which are immune to magnetic effects.
Regarding screwdriver bits, I suggest acquiring a set of long bits like this Milwaukee power bit 5-pack, as they not only work better with the screw grippers but also make accessing those hard-to-reach places simpler.
And in case you’re curious, the electric screwdriver I’m utilizing here is the superb HOTO screwdriver set, a tool that has provided me with over a year of flawless performance.