Lowes' new screwdriver...

[Stuey]

I went to a Lowes/Kobalt tool-launch event in NYC where they showed off their new power tools. We got to try 'em out, and for the most part, I saw little to complain about. They also had the new mechanics' hand tools to check out, as well as a new type of screwdriver.

The driver is going to be their flagship holiday gifting tool, and unlike the Multi-Drive wrench which I very thoroughly hated, I think the screwdriver is well built and a great design. Basically, there's gearing inside the handle that allows you to tighten or loosen the screw by turning the handle in both directions.

I previewed the new psuedo-ratcheting screwdriver on the blog today if you want more details. I took one home and will be reviewing it sometime next week.

 

[fr0mastaj]

"When reversed, righty-loosey, lefty-loosey!"

Let me be the first to say, BLASPHEMY!!

 

[Stuey]

The tip of the screwdriver still follows righty-tighty, lefty-loosey, but the handle lets you go back and forth.

My father's a lefty, and I'll ask for his opinion to see if he likes it better than regular screwdrivers for high-torque driving.

Seriously, it's a mind-%$*& when you turn the driver to the left and see the screw being turned to the right.

 

[383]

That looks cool, still works like a ratcheting screwdriver if you can't hold it with both hands. I like it.

 

[slipjointed]

If they really wanted to impress me, they should have put in a high gear and a low gear. You'd probably need some kind of a collar to hang on to with the other hand, but I could put up with that.

In high gear, you'd be driving screws in four times faster, then you could switch to low gear to finish it off.

 

[Stuey]

If they really wanted to impress me, they should have put in a high gear and a low gear. You'd probably need some kind of a collar to hang on to with the other hand, but I could put up with that.

In high gear, you'd be driving screws in four times faster, then you could switch to low gear to finish it off.

That's actually what I thought the "double drive" name meant, and was surprised to see how the tool really functioned.

But a multiple ratio changeable gearbox would drive up the cost subtantially. Remember, this is going to be targeted as a winter holiday gift idea, so the price has to remain low. Even so, I think the quality of the tool is pretty decent for the price.

 

[bhclark]

I got Lowe's Kobalt multi-function dog bone for father's day.
Does metric, saw, rounded nuts, etc...plus has a socket driver, flashlight, screwdriver bits.
All for less than $20.

Only problem is the handle gets really dirty

 

[PassnThru]

"When reversed, righty-loosey, lefty-loosey!"

Let me be the first to say, BLASPHEMY!!

I'll bet it weighs the same as a duck - which floats in water - therefore it must be a witch!

Burn I say - burn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[diesel research]

Remind me again, why are we still using manual screw drivers in 2011?

 

[canuckian]

Just a wee bit gimmicky for my taste....but I bet they'll sell a ****-load of em!

 

[balane]

I think if I used this device in person, at least at first, I would get headaches from the massive change in my reality. Watching that bit go in one direction regardless of which way I'm spinning the handle might prove to just be more than my old (Well, getting old.) brain can handle.

Great job writing it up!

 

[robertwhite]

Gotta wonder how much (or how little) torque the gearing will stand up to? I know they are not intended for hard use, but I would imagine a strong hand and a little too much "oomph" and bye-bye center linked gearing.

 

[diesel research]

Just a wee bit gimmicky for my taste....but I bet they'll sell a ****-load of em!

More gimmicky than conventional ratcheting screw drivers?

 

[Stuey]

Just a wee bit gimmicky for my taste....but I bet they'll sell a ****-load of em!

I was afraid it would be too gimmicky, but I like it quite a bit. But yea, these are going to be pushed heavily as a way to get customers into the store. Even so, they're not bad at all.

Ideally there are a few things I'd like changed about the tool, but it's not bad for the money, and if I demoed one of these in-store, I'd probably buy one.

Gotta wonder how much (or how little) torque the gearing will stand up to? I know they are not intended for hard use, but I would imagine a strong hand and a little too much "oomph" and bye-bye center linked gearing.

There were some already near-tight screws at the testing station, and I tried to over-torque one with all my might. Eventually the screw started slipping in the sleeve or wood (some were in nylon anchors, some were not), so I couldn't really test the max torque of the driver.

I think it's actually quite strong, or at least as strong as a ratcheting or even manual screwdriver.

I expressed interest to bust one open, so I was given a second sample in case I couldn't put the disassembled one back together. Will show the guts as soon as I can.

 

[canuckian]

More gimmicky than conventional ratcheting screw drivers?

IMHO, yes.

 

[diesel research]

IMHO, yes.

Mrholeshot once excused ratcheting screwdrivers as "more efficient" through less "wasted motion" (or something along those lines) If that were the case, this would be even more efficient.

Of course I will still stick with my guns and proclaim the benefits from cordless impacting sub compact drivers

 

[Stuey]

For all you mountain bikers and road bikers out there, this seems analogous to clipless pedals to me. With clipless pedals, energy from both your down-pedal and up-pedal motions is transmitted to the crank. With regular street pedals, only the down-pedal motion of each leg contributes towards your pedalling efficiency.

With this driver, rotating to the right contributes to the fastener-driving, as does the returning motion as you rotate your hand back to the starting position. For initial driving or final loosening, the effort will be marginally more than when using a regular driver and the same as if using a ratcheting driver, but the output is going to be more productive work.

Can you see why I like it now? Yes, the tool is a bit crude compared to more advanced and professional models, but you have to admit the concept is very neat.

 

[B17E1943]

Sounds pretty good once you get used to the concept - no wasted motion. I can't believe this is the first-ever attempt at a screwdriver that works this way.

 

[KenS]

Remind me again, why are we still using manual screw drivers in 2011?

The same reason we still eat fried chicken with our fingers!

 

[greybeard]

Do you have to hold the collar with your other hand to make the reverse feature work? In other words, do you have to use both hands on the tool to make reverse work?

 

[mrholeshot]

Mrholeshot once excused ratcheting screwdrivers as "more efficient" through less "wasted motion" (or something along those lines) If that were the case, this would be even more efficient.

Of course I will still stick with my guns and proclaim the benefits from cordless impacting sub compact drivers

Actually I hate ratcheting screwdrivers of any kind. I'm faster with just a blade and handle. I don't have to screw around to go the other direction. I wouldnt hit a hog in the *** with that Kobalt peice of ****. You can bet your *** thats exactly what it is. About as much of a gimmick screwdriver I get into is a 9 in1 Klien.

 

[greybeard]

Actually I hate ratcheting screwdrivers of any kind. I'm faster with just a blade and handle. I don't have to screw around to go the other direction. I wouldnt hit a hog in the *** with that Kobalt peice of ****. You can bet your *** thats exactly what it is. About as much of a gimmick screwdriver I get into is a 9 in1 Klien.

Ah, come on, tell us wkhat you REALLY think. lol

 

[Stuey]

Do you have to hold the collar with your other hand to make the reverse feature work? In other words, do you have to use both hands on the tool to make reverse work?

Yes, you have to hold the collar with your second hand to engage the reverse driving mechanism. If you cannot, then the driver works somewhat like a ratcheting mechanism.

Actually I hate ratcheting screwdrivers of any kind. I'm faster with just a blade and handle. I don't have to screw around to go the other direction. I wouldnt hit a hog in the *** with that Kobalt peice of ****. You can bet your *** thats exactly what it is. About as much of a gimmick screwdriver I get into is a 9 in1 Klien.

I thought it was going to be a gimmick, and was soured by last year's multi-driving dogbone wrench. But hands-on, I like it. I don't love it, but I like it enough that I'll probably use it occasionally. But also remember that we're not the primary target audience.

Although I sometimes do it to, it's not very helpful or meaningful to anyone to declare a tool a POS without ever even seeing it person. I'm perhaps even more critical than you are about tools, and a few minutes with it changed my tune.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

stuey how would it compare to a s-o ratcheting screwdriver more torque less torque ????

i agree all dogbone wrenches but 1 **** *** though

 

[Stuey]

stuey how would it compare to a s-o ratcheting screwdriver more torque less torque ????

i agree all dogbone wrenches but 1 **** *** though

I don't have a S-O ratcheting driver to compare it to, but I can make direct comparisons against a Channellock ratcheting driver I reviewed a few weeks ago.

Torque-wise, I can't jam either one, but maybe I'll have more strength after lunch. In any case, I think it should adequately handle any fasteners that one will usually to drive in manually.

But there are a few reasons why it doesn't match up to pro-grade ratcheting drivers. Mostly, I feel that ergomomics are slightly off in terms of balance and grip. You can fill the handle with spare bits, and while this would improve the balance, it would also add to the weight. While the grip shape is close to that of the Megapro/Channellock driver, it's a little harder and more slippery. While my hand hasn't slipped off thus far, it just doesn't feel as comfortable, although it's possible for this to all be in my head.

I'm not sure when they'll hit stores, maybe sometime in October, but I'll be interested to see what others think about them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I'm not sure when they'll hit stores, maybe sometime in October, but I'll be interested to see what others think about them.

I;m curious to try one out Stuey, but it seems like a "solution in search of a problem" type of tool to me.

For those that do not like ratcheting screwdrivers or feel their need unnecessary , then you need to be part of a profession where you are paid by the hour or have lean mfg TAKT times applied to tasks.

If doing repetitive fastener removal or assembly, they work great at cutting down job times.

If you don't like them folks, don't use them, but a wise and efficient worker and even an employer will applaud and welcome them.

 

[Stuey]

I;m curious to try one out Stuey, but it seems like a "solution in search of a problem" type of tool to me.

I definitely cannot argue with that. But, it's definitely in a higher league than many of the others I've seen in recent years. It looks to me like a well thought out and finished product. A lot of guys will be getting one of these for Christmas or Hannukah and even Father's Day this year, and I don't think most of them will be disappointed.

With tools like this, half of the challenge is coming up with a new or improved design, the other half is coming up with an appealing design at a price that will make it fly off shelves.

I'm just happy that I finally had a chance to chat with some of the Lowes and Kobalt team members about the multi-drive wrench from last year. Sure it can fit 68 fastener types/sizes, but how many DIYers are ever going to come across spline, 12pt hex, square, or e-torx fasteners? Seriously. Yep, I'm still not over this.

Some guys at the event did like the multi-drive wrench, others didn't quite know what to make of it.

 

[Plombob]

I'll bet it weighs the same as a duck - which floats in water - therefore it must be a witch!

Burn I say - burn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LMAO

Remind me again, why are we still using manual screw drivers in 2011?

How else will we get beer bottles or paint cans open? How will we pry things open? Sheesh!

 

[Danglerb]

The same reason we still eat fried chicken with our fingers!

Wow, if only we had power fried chicken eating tools.

OTOH my English friend eats fried chicken with a knife and fork.

 

[diesel research]

How else will we get beer bottles or paint cans open? How will we pry things open? Sheesh!

I use a bic or an old workbench if I have a pesky pop top. A folded dollar bill can work in a pinch as well, along with the fact my truck bumper has plenty of convenient trim mounting holes that work. A quick palm tap and you have a cold drink ready to go. Not as effective if the bottle is clear.

For the rest, I have another nifty device.

For those pesky fastener things, there is this nifty invention.

 

[dwm]

I'd call it a gimmick, and given my experience with Kobalt ratcheting screwdrivers of the past (the one in my emergency car kit failed the second time I used it, the one in my kitchen drawer had the bits galvanically bond to the handle so the entire bit carriage had to be ripped out with pliers), I wouldn't count on it being reliable.

I don't see it being any faster than a normal ratcheting driver with good knurling on the shaft. I actually imagine it being slower. When I'm driving a long screw with the Snap-On or Gearwrench, my second hand is spinning the knurled shaft while my first hand is rewinding the ratchet. I wind up with continuous motion until the screw is snug, and it's speedy because the knurled shaft is thin; I can spin it very quickly between fingers and thumb, multiple full rotations before I need to reposition that hand. Once the screw is snug, I need leverage, and I don't think I'm going to get much holding onto a small sleeve that isn't rotating in the direction of the primary handle. And when you've driven enough screws with a quality ratcheting screwdriver, your ratchet rewinding action becomes lightning-quick and hence isn't a time-consumer. I'd bet on a quality ratcheting driver with a decent knurled shaft being faster than you'll ever train both of your hands in order to use a one-off tool like the Kobalt. I could be proven wrong, but someone would have to buy the Kobalt driver for me since I wouldn't spend my own money on it (nor would I want anyone I like to spend money on one for me unless they have money to burn). To me it actually smells worse than the dogbone, not better.

To me, the knurled shaft on the Snap-On (and also the Gearwrench) is the real differentiator versus others. It's damn near perfect on the Snap-On, which is probably why it hasn't changed in decades. On the stubby the knurling can be used one-handed even if your hands are small, which is great for starting screws in confined greasy quarters.

I'd call the Kobalt just another gimmicky tool to sell to holiday shoppers who don't use tools. Not only is GJ not that audience, but I don't think anyone here would buy one for someone else.

 

[rickairmedic]

I think the idea would have worked better if the righty tighty lefty tighty deal had been a second switch like the ratcheting switch . I cant think of the last time I used a screwdriver with both hands if I needed that much torque it was time for the battery impact .

Rick

 

[Outlander]

Remind me again, why are we still using manual screw drivers in 2011?

How else will I open a can of paint? I do still find myself grabbing screw drivers for a ton of stuff...but nothing beats a cordless when you have to drive more than one!

 

[robertwhite]

This thread got my little pea sized brain thinking and I pose this question...........Is there or has there been a ratcheting type screwdriver with an "overdrive" gear system?

Say a basic 2:1 ratchet wherein for every twist of the handle generates twice the motion of the actual twist. (don't know if I explained that right). In this ratchet, all motion would be either righty/tighty lefty loosey, and you would not have to hold a collar to get the back/forth tightening motion of the current one.

I for one can't hold a collar with my off hand as I have no use of that thumb at present time, so the new system if I understand it correctly won't do a thing for me. (and I'm sure others)

 

[The Motts]

This thread got my little pea sized brain thinking and I pose this question...........Is there or has there been a ratcheting type screwdriver with an "overdrive" gear system?

Sears sells one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947479000P?mv=rr

 

[diesel research]

How else will I open a can of paint? I do still find myself grabbing screw drivers for a ton of stuff...but nothing beats a cordless when you have to drive more than one!

I already answered that question. I posed the question/dilemma to the board about a month ago. I have been keeping track. I work in a OTR fleet shop where torx, roberson, phillips, and flat are typically used. Hex too. Not once have I reached for my snappy drivers in the past month that I have been keeping track, nor several months before that.

As a matter of fact, the only time anyone else has asked to borrow them is to pry stuff. That little 8" prybar has solved that problem, but it is hard to break others old habits. I simply won't lend them out. They will soon be coming home, since they have proved to largely be a waste of space. I would venture to say a few might even be brand new after 1-2 years.

1 particular set of T10 screws has me reach for hand tools, but even then, I am not reaching for any type of handled driver resembling a screw driver.

 

[Stuey]

I'd call the Kobalt just another gimmicky tool to sell to holiday shoppers who don't use tools. Not only is GJ not that audience, but I don't think anyone here would buy one for someone else.

That was my first inclination as well. But, then I tried it out, and I can see it being handy. I'm already set in my ways, though. This really is meant for those with 200 fewer screwdrivers than I have.

 

[Stuey]

Minor heads-up.

I'm giving away a Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver or Lowes $25 gift card via the blog. I assume you guys will be more interested in the gift card, but if one of you wins and opts for the screwdriver, it can be our little secret.

 

[lowbucktruck]

An overdrive ratcheting screwdriver would be handy... but for that type of work, I tend to reach for a cordless drill with a clutch. Unless that pesky fastener is hiding in a really tight space. Have a stubby ratchet screwdriver that I keep around for just that problem. Now if someone were to mount a fiber-optic camera on it, now we are talking about a whole new class of hand tool! Then I don't need to crane my neck trying to see the darn fastener in a spot I can't even get my hand into.

I like the concept of a ratcheting screwdriver with interchangeable bits (and I've bought and tried out several) for working in tight spaces on T10 torx fasteners. The only one from Kobalt that I have ever liked and still use is this one (and I bought their entire screwdriver kit)... the 13-in-1 model 60233. One reason... it has a metal handle with rubber grips and some heft to the tool:
"13-in-1 Multi Bit Ratchet Screwdriver

* ergonomic and heavy duty aluminum handle with comfortable TPR grip
* 12pc CRV steel bits and 1pc magnetic extension bar stored in handle
* high-torque 3-position ratchet
* exceeds ANSI specifications"

http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/sto...i Bit Ratchet Screwdriver&CAWELAID=1024209107

So I might try the new Kobalt double-drive out. Will see.

 

[Stuey]

I've got a few of those 13 in 1 ratcheting drivers, and they're okay. Great for the money, though. I picked up one more as part of a multi-pack, and it was 10 bucks or so for the driver, a mini driver, and utility knife.