This is the new Craftsman 4V Slide Screwdriver, featuring a 6-but Twist and Go cartridge.
Pull back on the slide button before you want to change a bit. Rotate the bit cartridge manually to select the desired bit, push the slide button forward, and you’re ready to go.
The Craftsman Slide screwdriver has a rocker trigger switch, for forward and reverse selection, similar to my son’s new Bob the Builder Drill. Its motor is single-speed, so aside from setting the direction, the switch only provides for on/off control. No-load speed of 180 RPM.
It can deliver 30.9 in-lbs of torque, which is about the norm for a 3.6V or 4V Max cordless screwdriver.
There are a few similar cordless drivers already on the market:
- Worx QBit
- Worx Semi-Automatic (USA Version)
- Worx XTD Extended Reach Driver
- Skil 360 Quick Select
- Kobalt 24-in-1 Auto-Loading Driver
- Bosch Auto-Loading Screwdriver (Similar to Skil, UK Version)
The Craftsman 4V Slide screwdriver comes with a selection of bits, plus (2) 3-inch extension bit holders (why two?), and (2) Phillips wobble bits that can reach into corners and tight spaces.
I don’t recall seeing anything like this before – Phillips screwdriver bits that swivel inside of standard-looking bit holders.
It looks like the bit cartridge is removable, at least partially, for bit loading and changeouts. The tool also has an LED worklight and soft rubbery handle grip.
The 4V 1.5Ah Li-ion battery is built into the tool, and charges in 3-5 hours via a wall charger. I wish that micro USB was the norm for tools like this, but from other product images it looks like charging is done via a barrel jack.
Price: $35
Buy Now(via Sears)
This looks to be a good homeowner or casual DIYer option, and the wobble bits intrigue me. After a quick search, it looks like Snap-on also offers wobble bits, at $8+ each. They’re available in Phillips and Torx sizes.
I think I would prefer for a trigger switch and forward/reverse button, but a trigger probably doesn’t make much sense for a single speed tool. Maybe a variable speed motor, trigger switch, and independent direction selection switch would have added too much to the cost.
The Craftsman Slide cordless screwdriver is currently $35, but it’ll probably go on sale around the holiday season.