Opinions on using a cordless drill to raise and lower jacks?

[kjrjr]

What is the consensus on this? What is the minimum size drill to do the job? I am using my 14.4 volt, but only to lower them to the ground or raise them back up. I then use the supplied crank to torque it down. I also use the crank to loosen the jack from the ground and then use the drill to raise it. I'd like to get a more powerful drill and use it for everything but I don't want to burn it up. Any thoughts?

[Dee4j]

I use my drill all the time....Love it

[wavery]

What is the consensus on this? What is the minimum size drill to do the job? I am using my 14.4 volt, but only to lower them to the ground or raise them back up. I then use the supplied crank to torque it down. I also use the crank to loosen the jack from the ground and then use the drill to raise it. I'd like to get a more powerful drill and use it for everything but I don't want to burn it up. Any thoughts?

There is no need to put any more "Torque" than your 14.4V drill will give the "Stabilizers" (they are not "Jacks"). Level your camper before putting them down, then just put the stabilizers on the ground firm enough to prevent movement of the camper floor. Putting any more torque than that can do more harm than good .

[tlhdoc]

It is fine to use a drill.  I use mine if I take it with me.  The drill you have should work, but I also do the final cranking by hand.  I need to "feel" the final cranking of the jacks.  

[PattieAM]

I have a Socket Jenie, and, in pricing the cordless drills with sufficient power to utilize it, I was sick.  Ended up getting a heavy duty electric drill, which I use for cranking up the top (most of the way), then manually crank the last few turns as I too have to 'feel' the crank.  As far as the stabilizers, I do them manually as there is no stress to that, and I have to feel them 'snug' to the ground.

[dthurk]

I use a Black and Decker Firestorm cordless drill, 18v.  I works just fine for raising and lowering.  It cost about $70 to $80 for the drill and has plenty of power to do the job and variable torque settings that will help prevent damage to the drill and camper from over-torquing.  I rarely use the hand crank anymore.

Whatever method you use, make sure to keep the threaded rod on the scissor stabilizer clean and well lubricated.  I use a spray can of grease (Liquid Wrench brand?) that keeps them working easily.

[campdaddy]

Yep, use my cordless 18v Ryobi drill almost exclusively. Here's a trick I came up with when I started using the drill. I cranked one stabilizer down to the torque I wanted by hand. Then I took the drill and started with the clutch on the lowest setting and  turned it up until the stab just started to tighten more - setting 15. Now I just set it at 14 let the drill's clutch take care of the torque.  I use the drill on low speed and keep the stab's screw greased real well. Simple, fast, effective.

[oreo57]

I use this Makita drill all the time and it work great for the top and stabilizers.