I purchased this back in April, 2023 so I've had about 15 months of casual home and auto use with it. I've used this tool for numerous home, hobby and automotive projects in that time and I've been thinking that this is arguably the single best tool investment I've ever made dollar-for-dollar. It's great for low torque applications where the use of small 1/4 drive bits is necessary. The live circuit sensor is a nice addition when replacing power outlets. It has two small LED lights that are bright enough to see what your doing, but I wouldn't double it as a flashlight. I also love the fact that the battery is captive and doesn't require a separate purchase. The USB charging is convenient and I prefer this method of recharging a small power tool, rather than having to invest in a dedicated battery and charger. If you have Milwaukee power tools, or other red-themed power tools, the color is a very close match (slightly darker compared to my Milwaukee impact wrenches). This is possibly the best tool that anyone who uses screwdrivers a lot can buy, dollar-for-dollar. There are numerous 1/4" bits, bit holders and bit extensions you can buy to extend this electric screwdriver's uses. I'd recommend this to any homeowner. Some projects I've used this for and continue to use to this day: 1. Light home renovations (outlets, outlet covers, door hinges, door handles, door strike plates) 2. Automotive (screws for panels, splash guards, trims) 3. Firearm assembly 4. Fixing various items featuring screws with low installation torque. PROS: 1. Compact design 2. SIGNIFICANTLY reduces time required to remove/install screws 3. Very competitive price 4. Long battery life 5. Magnetic bit holder securely holds bits CONS: 1. Speed is not adjustable 2. LED lights should be slightly brighter Read more
This was a replacement for an old BD electric screwdriver. It is great. Way more power, has a task light, easy to use, the circuit sensor is a really great feature. Couldn't be happier. Read more
Lot of Choices! - But This Is The Design You Want (Read this review first before buying any other)! When deciding on all the different trigger placements vs Gyro, and/or clutch options for these cordless drivers (I am both a Contractor and Homeowner) I have used many styles and this is the model that you want! (I use all 'Dewalt' tools drills, drivers, nailers - but I give this model the #1 spot for the cordless screwdriver! (just don't expect much torque or for driving long wood screws!): This model has all the needed features for a rechargeable screwdriver: Locking bit holder: It has a 'locking ' bit holder which is a 'must have' for both 1/4" hex shaft extensions (to keep from falling out) and for ALL 'drilling' because you wouldn't be able to remove the drill bit from the hole after drilling without a locking-style bit holder (think about it - you cannot 'pull' a drill bit back towards you as the drill bit would just fall out the holder unless it is a 'locking' style holder!) Best trigger: This model has the best trigger style: The rotating-trigger is way more intuitive than a pull-trigger style as you don't have to think about which way a rotation slide-lever goes (left, right?) And it also doesn't require any forward pressure to activate it like the Dremel one does, and it doesn't turn automatically like the new Craftsman Gyro (which is very cool but has neither magnetic nor locking-bit holder so the Craftsman is a no go), and perhaps most important feature of all is that this model acts as a regular screwdriver in its resting state which allows you to turn the screw manually to get just the right torque needed or to break a screw free (many cordless drivers do not allow this and they will clutch-out when using manually, or you have to 'lock' or center their slide-lever, etc). Which brings me to what I thought would be a deal breaker; "the lack of torque wheel" which would adjust the amount of power to the fastener (see next section): No clutch-dial needed: The good news is that I believe this is actually better without a torque adjuster dial, as you always have to 'experiment' with those settings anyway (levels 1-8, etc) and still end up constantly fiddling with the setting levels, whereas with this model you can adjust the felt- torque yourself just by the adjusting the amount of pressure that you hold the tool! What I do is simply hold the tool firm (as a normal screwdriver) whenever I'm driving or removing screws, but then I release some hand pressure on the tool when finally setting the screw as needed for a perfect set every time! You can actually feel the amount of torque pressure needed just like a normal screwdriver! (those other clutch models make you rely on the clutch setting). This model you can actually feel it, so no clutch is needed, and no more having to fiddle-find the right torque level setting - and now you'll have full torque always available). Best size and feel: This model is really the perfect size (not big or bulky like the others) and this tool really fills the gap between your compact impact drill/driver (Dewalt) and your screwdriver, it is perfect for electrical outlets (which I find my compact Dewalt impact driver too big and awkward for that small work). Also great for appliances and even small enough for electronic devices if needed. The dual LEDs are a must and works better than the single LED models in getting light where you need it. The grip and feel is perfect (rubberized texture) and it looks like my Milwaukee red tools. Also, because this model doesn't pivot - it is way more solidly built, has all metal gears (see a take apart video on YouTube and it shows all metal gears and pinions inside - looks like its built like a tank). Smart features: I use the 'voltage sensor' a lot more now that its included (I already have a Klein in my pouch), I'll also just use the front Led light as a quick flashlight sometimes (just touch the trigger wheel to turn on and stays on for a few seconds without using the screwdriver which is just enough time for a quick light up when needed. Final thoughts: This tool is perfect for the tool pouch, tool drawer for quick jobs (removing screws, electrical and HVAC work and whenever your drill/driver/impact is overkill). Just don't expect much torque or for driving wood screws! (If you need it wood screws or for repeated work then you'll need the Dewalt 8V screwdriver) Speed: The rpm is plenty fast at 230 rpm (as most cordless screwdrivers are slower speed at 180 rpm) this model is higher speed which is great. Remember however that you will sacrifice torque for speed, so this higher speed comes at a reduction in torque, again this is not a torque driver and will not drive wood screws much without a pilot hole. The only way to counter that would be if Skil made this a 6-8 volt battery motor, otherwise the higher RPM means it has less gear reduction which equals less torque! If you need more rpm for drilling, there are a couple new Ryobi's that are 200/600 rpm (2-speed gear) but are much larger and are double the price at $49. Again, this Skil model is more of a screwdriver replacement to reduce time/strain/tediousness of replacing screws and it does a darn good job of it! If you just need a good pivoting rechargeable cordless driver with more torque you can also get a harbor freight 4V screwdriver ($14 - $19) which works fantastic and I actually use it as my daily driver! To Skil: This 1/4" cordless screwdriver is great everyday screwdriver use, but it would be perfect if it just had more torque, maybe a 6-8V Pro model with removable battery! Or if not, maybe add a 2-speed gear switch to 2x double the torque gear reduction when driving wood screws. A twist-pivoting option would also be great (for those tight places) but not at the expense of any build quality as you have now with this solid stick model. To sum it up, I have had very good luck with Skil products lately and I can't say the same with other makes or models that I've tried. This also really works well with those small 'right-angle' adapter for tight places! Hope this helps! Read more
