Been thinking about finally tackling the windows in my old place myself. Watched a bunch of vids, read up on it, and it seems pretty doable. But when it comes to tools, I'm kinda stuck between using my trusty old manual screwdriver or investing in a decent cordless drill. I mean, manual screwdriver is cheap, reliable, and I already have it lying around. But then again, driving screws by hand all day sounds like a recipe for blisters and frustration, haha.
On the other hand, cordless drills seem super convenient and quicker, but I'm not sure if it's worth spending extra cash just for one project. Plus, battery life worries me a bit—nothing worse than running out of juice halfway through a window install, you know?
Anyone done window replacements themselves and have a preference between these two? Curious to hear if the cordless drill really makes that much of a difference or if manual screwdriver is good enough to get by.
"driving screws by hand all day sounds like a recipe for blisters and frustration, haha."
Yeah, you're spot on there. Honestly, cordless drills are a lifesaver for window installs—just grab an extra battery or keep one charging while you work. Your wrists will thank you later... trust me.
Yeah, cordless drills are handy for sure, but honestly, they're not always essential. I replaced a few windows at my place last summer using just a manual screwdriver—mostly because my drill battery was toast and I was too stubborn to buy a new one right away. It wasn't exactly fun, but it wasn't torture either. If you're only doing one or two windows, it's manageable...but yeah, for anything bigger, save yourself the hassle and go cordless.
"It wasn't exactly fun, but it wasn't torture either."
Fair point. I've done window replacements both ways, and while manual screwdrivers are fine for small jobs, the cordless drill's torque control really helps avoid stripping screws or damaging frames—especially if you're working with older wood or delicate materials.
I've done window replacements both ways, and while manual screwdrivers are fine for small jobs, the cordless drill's torque control really helps avoid stripping screws or damaging frames—especial...
Good points made already. One thing I'd add is that cordless drills can actually help with energy efficiency in the long run. When installing windows, getting a snug, even fit is crucial to prevent drafts and air leaks. A drill with adjustable torque settings makes it easier to get screws tightened just right without overtightening or leaving gaps. Manual screwdrivers can do the job, but it's harder to maintain consistent pressure, especially after a few hours of work. Just something else to consider if you're aiming for maximum efficiency and comfort indoors.
Yeah, cordless drill all the way for me too. I tried doing my first window replacement with just a manual screwdriver because I figured, "how hard could it be?" Well... turns out pretty hard after about the 20th screw. My wrist was killing me, and I definitely noticed some screws weren't as snug as they should've been. Ended up borrowing my neighbor's cordless drill halfway through, and man, what a difference. The torque settings really helped me get a consistent fit without overdoing it.
Also, good point about energy efficiency. I didn't even think about that at first, but after finishing the job, I noticed fewer drafts around the window frames compared to the ones I did manually. Could just be me getting better at it, but I think the drill made a big difference in getting everything evenly tightened.
Manual screwdrivers are fine for small stuff, but for something like windows, I'd rather save my wrists and sanity. Plus, any excuse to buy another power tool is a win in my book...