Dewalt’s DCF682N1A 8V inline gyroscopic screwdriver kit is on sale at Home Depot for just $39. That’s a very attractive price, especially considering that the price was $70 a month ago.
Dewalt came out with the DCF681 inline-only gyroscopic screwdriver in March of this year. That model features a deburring reaming bit holder, which is useful for cleaning the edges of electrical conduits and small pipes. This model, DCF682, slightly more compact as it has a regular bit holder.
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The DCF682 was not announced with the DCF681, and Dewalt was tight-lipped when I asked about it. But fast forward a couple of months, and the DCF682 finally become available for the holidays. In November, a reader wrote in saying he saw a DCF682 kit at his local Home Depot for $70. (Thank you Joel for the tip!)
When I reviewed Dewalt’s pivoting handle 8V Max gyroscopic screwdriver, I said that it wasn’t very intuitive to use, at least in the pistol grip orientation. I liked the DCF680, but it was just a little unnatural to use. The DCF680 gyro driver works better in the inline driver mode, but I still favor Black & Decker’s Gyro screwdriver ($30 via Amazon) all around. I am hoping that the ergonomics of the DCF682 at least falls somewhere in between both of these models.
Given my experience with the DCF680, the smaller and more compact DCF682 is probably a great tool. It looks to be offer the best features of the DCF680, namely the gyroscopic speed and direction control, removable battery pack, and battery fuel gauge.
I should emphasize that gyroscopic screwdrivers aren’t for everyone. That’s why this deal post is so long – you really need to understand what this screwdriver is all about before giving it serious consideration.
Gyroscopic screwdrivers don’t have a traditional trigger switch. Instead, you have to press an activation button and then twist the tool in order for the motor and chuck to turn.
The pivoting-handle gyroscopic driver was more comfortable to use in the inline direction, but it still wasn’t quite as natural and effortless as with Black & Decker’s palm-gripped screwdriver. The DCF682 that’s on sale now might have improved ergonomics, but I cannot say for certain as I have not gotten my hands on one for testing yet.
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If you’re even a little bit interested in this driver, you might really want to consider the current deal. For $39, you get the screwdriver, a single 8V Max Li-ion battery, a charger, and a DWAX100 bit set that retails for $10. Just be sure to keep your receipt in case you find yourself hating the gyroscopic controls.
Nate
This model doesn’t have the adjustable clutch settings that the older model had.
Jason hale
This is not the pivoting model and has no clutch as reported by Nate. Not sure how useful it would be? I bought 2 of them before I realized it was a different model. I returned them right away.
Stuart
Good point about the absence of an adjustable clutch. I can see how this would be a deal-breaker for certain jobs.
I thought it was clear that this is the inline-only fixed-handle version; I’m sorry if it wasn’t. If you want the pivoting handle or an adjustable clutch, then you should consider the DCF680 that I reviewed last year. I wasn’t too fond of the pivoting handle, but that seems to be the only way to get the clutch.
Jason hale
I always get myself in trouble when I fail to read. Whoops. I do hope dewalt continues to expand upon this line. I do like the pivoting model just for the pistol grip. I could do with out the gyroscope though. Thanks! Love your sight!
cal
I ended up getting one and I really like it for my electrician bag. I really don’t mind missing the clutch, I just use my wrist angle for a clutch. I was worried the gyro deal would be a deal breaker but I actually like it.
bk
for the sale price, worth a look.
But not for the full price..
I own 2 of the DCF680 versions, love them.
I got tired of stealing one out of one of my tool bags for work on the bench.
so when I saw the DCF682 on sale at HD for 40 bux, I bought it due to the sale price w/o looking closely.
Disappointing compared to the DCF680.
I knew the DCF682 didn’t have the changeable handle.
But didn’t realize it didn’t have the clutch, and didn’t realize it didn’t have the came lighting as the DCF680.
The pro’s of the DCF682.
-Comes with a set of bits.
-the basic gryo and torque seems as good as the DCF680
-Sale price.
The cons of the DCF682
– only one led that casts a shadow on the target (deal breaker).
– only 1 battery.
– no case (wasn’t a deal breaker at the sale price, wanted it for bench work).
– no clutch (big deal breaker for me, for bench work)
For the normal price, 69bux, just better off with the DCF680N2.
For 85-90 bux
-2 batteries.
-good Clutch.
-VERY good light ring. 2leds and very good diffuser.
-bag (who can’t use another tool bag).
I bought yet another DCF680 for the bench work, and threw the DCF682 into one of my tool bags, I’ll use it for small holes for mollies in sheet rock, or small pilot holes in window trim and such.