Speaker baffle attachment method

[bnwitt]

So I've built quite a few Blackface style combo cabinets over the years and one of the things I still struggle with is a good way to attach the speaker baffle board to the cabinet.  Because the board is attached with screws through the back of the front cleats, one has to do this screwing from inside after the board is finished and covered with grill cloth.  My current method is to predrill the front cleats from the front of the cabinet and to then mount the finished baffle board with a strip of tolex under the bottom of the board for proper spacing before I install the rear cabinet cleats which get in the way of this process if they are already installed. It is really difficult to install the screws thought the cleats since they are so close to the inside surface of the cabinet and even with my Makita DA391D right angle drill which has 7/8" of an inch from the front edge which contacts the cabinet wall to the center of the chuck, I have a problem getting squared on the screws up against the cabinet wall since the cleat is only 3/4" wide overall and the centered screw hole is therefore 3/8" off the cabinet wall.  So at the moment I am marking the back of the baffle board through the predrilled cleat screw holes and then predrilling the baffle board to the proper depth to the minor diameter of the screws.  After this I am using a long shaft square drive or Phillips screwdriver to hand install the screws.

All of that being said, does anyone know a better way or know of an angle drill (air or electric) which has a 3/8" distance from head surface to chuck center which could properly align inside the cabinet to drive these self tapping wood screws?
Barry

[sluckey]

Get a flexible drive extension.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Screwdriver-Extension-Magnetic-Jelbo/dp/B06XW8Y821/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1503934001&sr=8-5&keywords=flexible+drive+extension

[bnwitt]

Thanks Steve.  I'll try that.  I also found the Tight-Fit Hex Bit:

https://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-Attachment-Accessory-Extension-00110/dp/B0039Q1FH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503935949&sr=8-1&keywords=tight+fit+hex+bit
But it's a bit pricey.

and a Milwaukee adapter:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-4-in-Hex-Offset-Drive-Adapter-48-32-2100/100097677

a bit cheaper

[sluckey]

90° adapters are nice but I bet you'll get more use from a flex shaft. The end that holds the driver bit has a collar around it that doesn't turn with the bit. Makes it easy to hold the bit on the screw head with one hand. Maybe buy one of each.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-11-in-Flexible-Shaft-Bit-Holder-A10FB1G/205193137?keyword=flexible+shaft+extension

I've had a 6" flex extension since the 80s when these driver bits were first becoming popular. I don't use it often but when I need it in a tight place where I can't get a 'straight-on' shot at the screw head it sure saves the day. Doing what you're doing is a perfect example. Heck, I may just pickup that Ryobi extension next time I visit HD!

[bnwitt]

And that is exactly what I did.  I just went and purchased the Ryobi 11" flex extension and a Dewalt angle adapter:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Right-Angle-Drill-Adapter-DWARA50/203867866

Hopefully between the two my life will be easier.  Thanks again.

[Sonny ReVerb]

For us cheap SOB's:

https://www.harborfreight.com/flexible-shaft-hex-bit-driver-attachment-7-pc-68514.html

[sluckey]

I just went and purchased the Ryobi 11" flex extension and a Dewalt angle adapter

Which do you prefer for installing the baffles?

[bnwitt]

After trying both the 11" extension is the easiest to use.  Just like you said Steve.

Dang Sonny!  now you tell me.  Probably the same manufacturer too.

[Sonny ReVerb]

The reviews aren't very good on the HF version. I haven't used it yet, but the shaft is pretty stiff (usually a good thing  , but here, not so much). Also, the shaft isn't sleeved, so it turns with the bit. You have to hold the silver part near the bit holder when in use. The Ryobi is probably better made and easier to use if you have a few extra bucks.