Computers & Magnetic Tip Screwdrivers

[sennister]

Back when I was in school for networking we had an A+ class. I remember asking the instructor on the effects of using a magnetic screwdriver when working on a computer. He (with 20+ years experience in the industry) said he uses them and never has had a problem. I personally don’t use them just to minimize the risk, but what are your opinions on this? Anyone ever have any problems?

[Sowulo]

Originally posted by sennister:
<STRONG>Anyone ever have any problems?</STRONG>

None.

[ShadowKing]

Use Em all the time.

The magnetic field generated by the screwdriver could only hurt one component in your PC anyway: the Hard Drive.

It however is sheilded by a metal case. You could probably hurt it with a speaker magnet... But not much else...

(Though I must admit, I've never tried <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">)

[Geek #1]

Personally I've never had a problem using a magnetic screwdriver.

Although you can hold one in front of a monitor screen and get a weird effect.

[Garak]

i've never personally had a problem with magnectic screwys, but there was this one time i dropped a screwdriver on my mobo, never worked the same since <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[Mad Machinist]

No problems at all...I just always power down before going near a computer with a screwdriver.

[Seoirse]

Never had a problem either....

[Evan5599]

Been using them for years without a single problem

[King Grover]

no problems here either

[WesFlash]

Just don't get into the habit of touching components with it and you won't transfer an static charge to them and be safe too.
Personally, I'd make sure the tip is inches away from any component when using one, even to get a screw. I'd soone turn the computer off and shake the screw out of the case than risk messing up the components with ESD or a magnetic field. Maybe I'm just playing it safe. I used to teach students to work on computers and you would be amazed how something so simple as a magnetic screwdriver can be used to wreak so much havoc in a computer system. Maybe that's why we played with the magnetic tools and left the students to use the safer ones, including the non metal screwdrivers.

[Stalemate]

I agree with WesFlash on this.

Don't stab sensitive components like the CPU or onboard chips (sound/video, etc.) and you should be fine.

Never had a problem so far.

[Daemon]

I use them all the time for 18 years, I just touch the screw only and nothing else <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Major Kong]

As I have told my son and nephew - "Magnetic Tip Screwdrivers are alright, but if you ever open up the computer case again while eating freaking jelly doughnuts I turn the both of ya into mules!" <IMG SRC="smilies/mad.gif" border="0"> (Actually happened) <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Auric]

I use them sometimes too, the magnetic field is barely strong enuf to keep the screw on let alone damage anything, besides with a steady hand you can do it without touching anything delicate anyway <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Snommis69]

I use a mechanical screw starter from snap-on. If you want to check it out, go to snapon.com and search for part no. CSSC9. It has a plastic shank and does phillips and flat tip screws without magnets (for you paranoid types). I have, however, never had a problem with magnetic type screw starters. Most quality screwdrivers are slightly magnetized, anyway. (Snap-On, Craftsman, ect.)