Jovial Monk wrote on Apr 18^th, 2022 at 11:02pm:


Oh, as you have found, it is harder to undo screws than put them in.

Sometimes they can be loosened by hitting the top with a hammer. Not too hard, just to jar them.
Spray it with penetrating oil, let it soak in for a while.
If you think it is getting too hard to undo them, you'll be right. Stop or the head will be stripped.

If they are in old wood, can you chisel out a bit around the head, then put vise grips onto the now exposed head ?

It's a hard job. Don't rush it.

Good luck

Jovial Monk wrote on Apr 19^th, 2022 at 8:14pm:


Phew, yes, electric drills are much better than manual screwdrivers. That is a relief.

Some screw bits look VERY similar but are quite different.
A posidrive is quite different to a normal phillips head, but look almost identical. There are markings on the posidrive screws, else I would not know.

The Torx bits look VERY similar to allen key heads.
With the right torx or allen key, there will be zero looseness.
Try a torx one if unsure. Often I try both sorts till one fits exactly.

You did well to get those old ones out.

I've used the 12V Makita drill/driver and impact driver quite a bit now.
I have an identical 18V Makita drill driver so can compare them.

The 18V range has 50% more torque and is 50% heavier.
For construction work, suspension on cars, mining or farming the 12V probably just won't do it.
Even with a 4AH battery on the 12V range it just will be struggling too much to be fair to it.
The brushless 18V are much more suited to heavy duty work

A guy I know bought a cheap 5 set 18V lithium set from Aldis.
He buys really good deals, is always looking. For what he paid for it, can't lose.

For the home handyman stuff I do, the 12V drill/impact driver set is ideal.
I'm sure you could get a cheaper set ($185 for these 2, charger and 2 batteries).
These are VERY nice.

One tool I will get once established in Tassy is a reciprocating saw. Easy to use, safer than a chain saw, keep trees in shape no problem.

Applewood is a great wood for smoking food. Peach and apricot give a nice light sweet smoke flavor.

If I recall correctly Makita have two different standards for their tools. The blue ones are for the home handyman and the green ones are aimed at tradies. 
I have a battery powered drill that has lasted me for around 20 years. Not bad for the cheap handyman version.

Sigh - was going to have a BIG Makita day today.

Did the M. Whippersnippering, the mowing and compost tumbler process, the M. leaf blowing.
Stopped, had lunch.
Was on the plan to do some Makita woodworking but that did not eventuate.

Tomorrows fun awaits.