Using a screwdriver vs. a power drill/driver...

I really enjoy using my drill/driver. It has saved me a lot of time and saved my hands from using a standard or phillips screwdriver. There are times however when it is not a good idea to use a power driver. Some finished wood or hardboard furniture, the type you assemble at home, should not be assembled using a power driver, unless you can adjust the torque so that it will not split the wood. Many of the makers of such furniture will void the warranty if they suspect you used this method to assemble the product and thereby ruined it. On solid wood you can easily make use of these tools. Be mindful however, that if you are screwing the screw at a very high rate the screw may travel further than required and perhaps ruining the board. So be patient, let the power of the screwgun do the job. Don't add too much pressure once the screw has caught. I always recommend drilling a pilot hole slightly smaller in diameter than the screw you are going to use. You will find that doing this really makes the job easier and cleaner. Remember when drilling, also let the power of the drill do the job. Adding extra pressure only causes the drill to heat up and the bit has a greater chance of breaking, which can cause injury. When not sure if a cabinet or whatever you are assembling is wood or particle board, use the old fashin screwdriver, it will take a little more work and time, but chances of ruining the item are reduced. As a side note: when using particle board I always like to apply a bead of wood glue to all the joints, this seems to make the finished product a little more sturdy.

So, enjoy using your cordless drill/driver, and take all precautions and your projects will look great.