Are magnetized screwdrivers safe?

[mojorising1]

Topic.

Total noob question, I know, but this is my first build. I m working on the m board, processor, and case right now.

Thanks for any help.

[Ob1]

just use a standard screwdriver thats not magnetic and be on the safe side. i've never needed a magnetic screwdriver to build pc's, even when i was a noob at the craft.

[Panama Red]

I'll promote the opposite opinion. I prefer a magnetic screwdriver when installing the mobo screws, drive screws, etc. I use one with interchanging bits to insure I use the right bit for the fasteners. The magnetic nature has never caused any problem for me.

[mojorising1]

Thanks so much.

[mojorising1]

Thanks so much. Now where did I put the thing?

[TwoRails]

Originally Posted by Panama Red I'll promote the opposite opinion. I prefer a magnetic screwdriver when installing the mobo screws, drive screws, etc. I use one with interchanging bits to insure I use the right bit for the fasteners. The magnetic nature has never caused any problem for me.

Same here: been using them for a whole lot of years on builds and haven't had a lick of problems with it: Their strength is actually fairly weak.

[Alaron]

I use a magnetic screw driver too, no problems. They come in handy when you drop little screws in cramped corners.

[kram 2.0]

The magnet of any ordinary magnetic screwdriver is generally nowhere near strong enough to do damage if used properly. I recommend you go for a magnetic screwdriver is possible.

kram

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Panama Red I prefer a magnetic screwdriver when installing the mobo screws, drive screws, etc. I use one with interchanging bits to insure I use the right bit for the fasteners. The magnetic nature has never caused any problem for me.

Another builder that uses a small magnetic screwdriver when building. No problems as far as I can tell.

Cricket

[blue60007]

Same here. Now I wouldn't go around rolling the screwdriver across the circuit boards, I doubt it's strong enough to do any damage.

[secrecyguy]

When I used to be into computers, I never useed magnetic screwdriver.

But if you do use it, I recommend not use it next to the hard drive.

Just don't put speakers next to your computer case.

Several years ago, I used to know someone who had speakers with powerful magnets in them. He put it next to the computer case and he end up having lots of problems with his hard drive.

We found out that it was the magnets in his speaker system.

[newbuilder14]

I use magnetized screw drivers and have never encountered any problems - even with hard drives.

[fleeingpepper]

I have only built one computer so far. Was cautious so I didn't use magnetic screwdrivers. Well, I've used magnetic screwdrivers twice; once putting in the hdd (DEER cases have bad mounting mechanisms), and when I was putting in my graphics card and I dropped a screw between the AGP slot and something else. Whatever it was, it was a very tight fit.

[rspassey]

Save yourself the hassle of possibly losing a screw and use a magnetized driver. Never had any problems here.

[hagatha]

I've used magnetic screwdrivers before when building... But I'm a true believer in using the right tool for the job. Check out the link below for a screwdriver that is not magnetic and able to control where the screw goes. The whole tool is plastic coated and is VERY light, I'd be more concerned with dropping a tool onto a sensitive piece of electronics. If your gona do it... do it right! Try a google search for "Screw holding screwdrivers"

http://www.wihatools.com/394serie.htm

Lee

[TwoRails]

I wouldn't necessarily call that the "right" tool... Screwdrivers that mechanically hold onto the screw do have their place, and I've used them a "ga-zillion" times, but can also be more hassle than they are worth for simple jobs like screwing together a build. I'll use a mechanical screw holder (they do not have to be a screwdriver, BTW) when I don't want to drop a screw into something, like an engine, where you can't retrieve the screw, but my first and only choice for builds will continue to be a magnetic screwdriver. That makes it the right tool for me.

[blue60007]

Just use whatever you've got handy...it's not that big of a deal what you use. I wouldn't go out and buy extra tools just to screw in a dozen screws...

[Cricket]

Wow, didn't know talking about something as simple as a screwdriver would turn into such a long discussion.

Cricket

[Trent Steel]

Just don't use a hammer, that is not the right tool.

There should be no problem with using a magnetic screwdriver, I prefer to use the fine sets that have a free spinning end to do any fine work, and computers fall into that category for me. I would not use the larger multibit drivers as others have stated, scratching the circuit board is your biggest worry, magnets are not.

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by Cricket Wow, didn't know talking about something as simple as a screwdriver would turn into such a long discussion. Cricket

My thoughts exactly...that's why I mentioned it's not really that big of a deal, as long as it gets the job done.
(EDIT: It appears most posts are just "yeah, magnetized screwdrivers have always worked for me" )

[mojorising1]

Oops. I think I meant to say "magnetic" screwdriver. Sorry guys and gals.