Hi Cory, I do get the threads started with my hands, just far enough to hold them. I also try to see if there are a bunch of wires crammed near where the screws enter…I drive the screws in with a Milwaukee driver after they are started. And I also use the magnets. Good luck with everything! Feel free to email if you want to chat about any inspections.
Scott Reed
Premiere Property Inspections, LLC
Licensed in WV and OH
(740) 310-1819
Those magnets are more of a pain in the butt to me then using my own two hands.
I collect then as Chuck does but you can also buy them at Lowes and some hardware stores.
That is a good point Robert. The other day I posted a you tube clip on face book for an inspector asking about an empty control joint. The guy in the clip said the reason for the backer rod was to save caulking.
It did not take long for someone to let me know what the reason for the back rod was for, which I already knew, but had not listened to the whole you tube clip.
I would not trust you tube for anything just for that reason. Anyone can make a movie. So it is not always a good place to learn how to do something right.
I will admit I do not use the magnets on all of the residential panels, but they are a big help on the large commercial and industrial panels. 
Well! Joe…
How do you do it?
Lets say we have those mags on either side of the dead front …
What are you going to do next ?
Not Joe, but, after testing for safety, I would put one magnet on the top area of the dead front and remove all of the screws except the bottom two and the hold the magnet and remove the bottom two. Of course, it would depend on the situation of the panel board if that method changed or if I used a magnet.
And then put your shoulder into it…Huh?
Those mags are worthless on a big dead front…Even the residential ones…Yep!
Sometimes it just take two to remover a big cover…Yep!
I have remover at the minimum a thousand… Uh Huh?
I bought mine from Inspector Outlet and never had a problem holding a dead front by a single magnet.
Maybe when I bought them they were stronger? I don’t know.
I have a set to, but don’t use them.
Where are your hands where you remove that last screw?
Holding the magnet which held the cover.
When you took the last screw off it would have dropped…Yep!
The mags don’t hold the front in place while you remove that last screw…Nope!.
I’d have to see a video of you doing it…
It flippin’ ain’t happening.
I’ve used the magnet for 1,000s of removals, Roy.
But, I believe they went with the sale of my business.
Get better magnets…would be my recommendation. LOL
When you took the last screw off it would have dropped…Yep!
The mags don’t hold the front in place while you remove that last screw…Nope!.
I’d have to see a video of you doing it…
It flippin’ ain’t happening.
Then give us details how you did it?
That is all I’m askin":
I have the best and they can’t help remove a front safely…Nope!
Like I posted above:
I find it hard to believe that a $10 magnet is strong enough to support the weight of a panel cover but if you say so I’ll believe you. 
It was hard to pull the magnets off of the dead front. Like I said, maybe they were better quality back when I bought them. I think they cost more then, too.
Edit: Come to think more about it, I may have gotten them at a show from Paul Abernathy…not sure.
What happened when you backed out that last front screw with the mags in place?
Where were your hands?
If the mags are so good all electricians would have them… They don’t ! Nope!