Craftsman has come out with a new Mach screwdriver that features an offset shaft and convertible T-grip handle. The new Mach series of tools also includes a push/pull swivel-head ratchet and socket set, and a new wrench set.
The offset shaft means that you don’t use this as a screwdriver, you crank the free-spinning handle as you would a speeder handle. The Mach screwdriver has a 1/4″ hex bit holder, and comes with a 10-bit assortment.
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You can flip the shaft from the position shown in the image, to 90°, which converts the Mach screwdriver to a right angle driver capable of greater torque delivery.
I initially wrote that the shaft can be pivoted to create a T-handle configuration, as it does allow for pressure to be exerted directly over a fastener, but it functions more like a right angle, or L-shaped driver. With the way the Mach screwdriver pivots, you get the best of both configurations – greater control and higher torque.
On top of all that, the driver has a retractable screw guide that should make it easy to install or loosen screws without dropping them.
Price: $30, as low as $19.99 when on sale.
ETA: May 2014
Buy Now(via Sears)
Update: In the comments, Fred has pointed out that Klein makes a similar “Rapi-Driv” screwdriver ($13-16 via Amazon) that functions in a similar manner but lacks the Mach’s T-handle mode.
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First Thoughts
I have one of the new Craftsman Mach screwdrivers on the test bench, and gave it a spin – or rather a few cranks. It’s definitely has an unconventional design, and will take a few more uses before I get used to it.
The screwdriver works via a cranking motion, rather than wrist-twisting. It’s not quite shaped the same as a speeder handle, but works in the same manner.
Craftsman says that the driver was built for speed to rapidly advance fasteners, and the driver meets these claims nicely. In brief testing, the Mach screwdriver did work quicker than regular screwdrivers, and even a little quicker than a ratcheting driver.
A downside of the half-speeder shape is how you cannot put a lot of pressure directly over the fastener. But, if you need more pressure, the driver converts to a T/L-handle where you can really bear down on the handle to tighten or break free a fastener.
This is an interesting screwdriver. There are times when I can see the design coming in handy, such as for driving applications that would otherwise leave my hand fatigued and a little sore. The Mach screwdriver allows you to put your arm into the cranking motion, which should allow for greater force transmission than if the shaft was straight. I think that this could potentially reduce the friction and fatigue associated with longer or repetitive manual driving tasks.
The driver is definitely a little gimmicky and will probably be heavily marketed towards Father’s Day gift-giving shoppers, but it’s actually one of the better such products I’ve seen in recent years. I’ll need to test it out a bit more, but thus far I do like the Mach screwdriver. It’s unconventional, but handy.
I don’t think I would buy one at its full price of $30, but on sale it would probably be a nice addition to my portable tool kit or even my main tool box.
Thank you to Craftsman for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for editorial and comparison purposes.
rshadd
You know father’s day is approaching when Sears starts coming out with these gimmicks.
fred
Gimmick or not – Klein makes a similar tool:
http://www.amazon.com/Klein-67100-Interchangeable-Rapi-Driv-Screwdriver/dp/B003FC75YE
Stan
Yet at least with the Klein version model number 67100 is made in the United States Of America though and this actually is quite useful when removing slotted screws from light switches as well.
As for this tool, this looks to be quite gimmicky and $30 is a step price. For that price, I hope the gears are made out of metal instead of plastic.
Stuart
What gears?
Stan
I called Sears today and the associate I spoke to mentioned this product had gears to convert this to the settings you mentioned.
I take it this isn’t the case?
Stuart
Nope, no gears. There are two detents and I’m guessing a spring-loaded pin. It goes from 0° (or rather 180°) to 90° with a smooth motion and passively locks into both positions.
typhoon
Speeder screwdrivers are tremendously useful for wall plate screws, which are really long and machine-threaded (so time-consuming but not super tight).
Allen
I would really hate to be employed by a tool company and in charge of innovation. Can anyone think of anything introduced in the last few years that has caught on ?
Nothing off the top of my head, and it would be visible if it where there.
In my woodworking I might think about this for using with a counter sink if it would fit, try that somebody. Or even to drill small pilot holes.
Stuart
As bad as it sounds, new innovations don’t have to be remarkably fantastic, as long as they sell.
This *could* work as a countersink, but a standard Noga swivel countersink is smaller and easier to use for that purpose. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll find a complete Noga countersink for under $30.
Robert
Stuart,
I’m trying to visualize the advantage of a “T” handle configuration with an offset shaft. How do you obtain the leverage associated with a T handle in that orientation? Although the offset isn’t terribly far from the main axis, the primary leverage of a T handle relies on the symmetry between the center axis and the center of the T handle.
This seems as though it would be awkward at best. How can you utilize the normal advantages of a T handle that is offset from the center axis? I’m not saying it isn’t valid. Having not used it, I’m just trying to mentally put it together. What is your experience with the T handle configuration?
Stuart
When folded, the handle and shaft don’t quite form a T-shaped configuration. It becomes a sort of L-handle and T-handle hybrid. It’s similar to a T-handle in how you can put pressure nearly directly above a fastener, but similar to an L-handle driver in how you have to swing the handle around the shaft.
The T-handle configuration is not ideal for rapid spinning. I would only use it for final tightening or initial loosening.
The way the pivot is designed, the shaft is offset inwards so that it’s between the end and center of the handle. If the shaft wasn’t offset, the driver would adhere to a strictly L-shaped configuration.
firefly
I have seen this set up before, not just craftsman. It’s not a bad idea, but I don’t see much use for it. I mean is there anything that this would give me over a regular screwdriver and a power impact?
matt
well it wont break switch and out let plates for one..
and two its lighter and quite possibly easier to use then either of the tools you mention for a standard screw that comes with most wall plates..
Impacts cordless screw drivers have never really been that awesome for standard/slotted style screws…
firefly
It was my fault that I didn’t make myself clear.
For general use/portability I don’t see how this could win a regular screwdriver.
For speed I don’t see how this thing can win a power screw driver.
For power I don’t see how this can win an power impact driver.
For speed with control, I don’t see how this thing can win a power screwdriver with clutch.
Most of all, all the above that I mentioned is already in every one toolbox already.
matt
I think you maybe either need to use, or watch someone use a speeder type driver..
The Klien version is very popular with electricians for a reason.. It will do everything you challenge better for outlet covers..
Its not something anyone would really need if they dont put on lots of outlet covers.. Or something similar with a short low torque screw..
Its like the Yankee screw driver thing.. Most that have not seen one in use dismiss its value in today’s world. But they do work pretty well in practice..
SteveR
I suspect it’s difficult for those of us who are not engineers to see the advantages and disadvantages of this tool design. Given that this is based on the design for a speeder, I doubt that many readers have used one of those to tighten down bolts. I’ve seen electricians use this screwdriver design, as there usually isn’t a torque spec to meet. It also saves them time removing/replacing screws in areas too restrictive for a drill-driver to fit into.
Is there any chance of your posting a video soon to demonstrate its use? Or has Sears made one to promote its release?
Stan
I own a vintage New Britain era USA made Husky 1/2 inch speeder and I’ve not only used this to tighten/loosen bolts, but I’ve also used this to remove/install screws as well with a adapter.
So I guess I am one of the few readers to use this type of tool, albeit this probably isn’t a tool your average person would use that often.
By no means is this item small though. But this was made in era where tools weren’t meant to be ultra light weight or made for whatever demographic this modern contraption is geared to.
river1
These (the non T handled version)have been around since at least 1994. I watched the electrician who installed the fixtures in my house that was built in 94. I asked about the “unusual ” driver and he said it saved him alot of time when installing lots of fixtures.
later jim
fred
I think that Klein introduced a fixed-flat-blade driver (#670-6) first (I bought one in 1998 when I was remodeling):
http://www.amazon.com/Klein-670-6-16-Inch-Cabinet-Screwdriver/dp/B000BO9T3Y/
Then, some years later they brought out the #67100 – multi-tip driver.
Mark b
I think Kobalt and Craftsman use the same idiot engineers to come up with this crap. They are both doing a great job of pumping out junk in the past year
Robert
Thanks for the clarification Stuart. I’ve been away from the computer for a few days and wasn’t able to respond.
Robert
Ken
What do you think of the mach screwdriver with a hex bit to 1/4″ square drive adapter VS a native 1/4″ drive speeder wrench?
The speeder is on sale for not much more than an adapter bit right now but the Mach screwdrive has an rubber/plactic handle that would be more ergonomic and may not get that metal smell on my hands like the speeder will.
Obviously the speeder will provide more torque but generally wouldn’t a speeder/mach driver be used after breaking larger fasteners?