Dewalt launched a new cordless screwdriver, DWHT66719, with “FlexDrive” control that allows for button-free “slide-to-drive” tightening or loosening.
The new Dewalt FlexDrive Control cordless screwdriver features a built-in 2Ah Li-ion battery and is recharged via USB-C in 60 minutes with a 15W or greater charger or power source.
It delivers up to 44 in-lbs of max torque, and has a manual lock mode that can handle up to 124 in-lbs of hand power.
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The no-load speed is 360 RPM.
To be honest, I’m not quite sure how it works. The images show a 360° FlexDrive control collar, and so it seems a twist of one’s fingertips kick it into action.
Dewalt says this is a “slide-to-drive” function. So maybe you rotate the collar into position for direction, and then slide it forward.
You should be able to activate the motor using different hand grips, going by the “360° control” description.
There is a 4-LED worklight at the front.
At the rear, behind the battery fuel gauge and USB-C charging port (which is covered by a protective flap), is a 6-stage torque adjustment dial.
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The cordless screwdriver comes with a charging cable (you’ll need your own power source), and 12 screwdriver bits (PH1, PH2, PH3, Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″, Torx T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, Square SQ1, SQ2).
Price: $89.99
Use coupon code TOOLGUYD for $10 off $79+ orders (one use per customer, resets every 30 days).
Discussion
The form factor seems appealing to me, and the FlexDrive control function like something I’d have to try before I judge.
I liked the original Black & Decker Gyro, and also all forms of Dewalt gyroscopic drivers. Despite my initial optimism, I was not fond of the Craftsman gyroscopic screwdriver, due to its chunky handle, long shaft, and always-on overly bright worklight.
I predict the $90 price being a contentious point in the comments section. I also think some readers are going to express displeasure about the built-in battery, which I’d argue contributes to a more compact handle shape.
USB-C charging is nice, although I’d say this is expected to be the norm these days.
Also See the Dewalt 8V Gyroscopic Drivers
If you’re looking for something different, Dewalt has two different 8V Max cordless screwdrivers with gyroscopic speed controls.
fred
Manufacturers have been making this style of driver since the NiCad battery days. I was gifted one from B&D in 1999 and tried it several times but never liked the form factor. That’s just me – since they obviously still make and sell this style and folks buy them. The B&D one had a removable (versapak) battery and a separate charger. To my way of thinking that’s a better combination than the fixed battery – but as Stuart points out it a fixed battery does make the handle shape more compact. In any event I still prefer the pistol grip style and will continue to use my Milwaukee 2401-20
Nathan
The non removable battery is my bigger issue. Price doesn’t surprise me. Also does any one driver in this class put that much torque.
I like the torque control. I did like the gyro drivers but never bought one
Rascally
Exactly! If you can’t swap out the battery, it’s out of service! I need to swap battery and keep working!
Jared
I know built-in batteries drive some people nuts, but in some contexts it’s an advantage. In a tool like this I’d much rather not have to manage a separate battery and charger.
My Dremel cordless screwdriver is at least 5 years old at this point. Still works fine. If it failed, I would indeed just buy a new one. It would surprise me if it didn’t keep going for at least 5 more years, maybe much longer.
Wasteful? Perhaps. But how much simpler is the tool when it doesn’t have to be designed around a removable battery?
Steven B
At $90, that’s tough to swallow, especially for something meant to be used this frequently. This is marketed as a professional tool for tradesmen.
IMHO, at that price, it should have a user-servicable battery. I am not sure the status of this. It doesn’t need a hot swap, but I should be able to easily change it myself…like order a replacement and easily change it.
Stuart
Safety agencies don’t want end users messing around with loose Li-ion cells; it’s not going to be user-serviceable.
Jared
It’s not that I can’t imagine a scenario were a replaceable battery works out better. It’s that I can also imagine it being worse.
Yes, its $90. But it might also last you 15-20 years. I don’ t think that would be shocking. I’ve still got some ni-cd tools from at least that long ago that work – though their performance is so much worse than my modern stuff I don’t know why I still have them around.
Keep in mind a replacement battery pack isn’t free. The one for the 8v gyro driver is $45, for example. When I googled it, it seems a bit tricky to find too.
The gyro driver isn’t going to fit in your pocket. The charger isn’t small (certainly a lot bulkier than a USB-c cable). The handle is thicker, the tool is heavier…
I’m not saying built-in batteries are always better, but sometimes they make sense.
Bonnie
Also plenty of tools just don’t have the draw/expected use-case to be a problem. Hell, I’ve got a Dremel Stylus with an integrated battery that’s probably 15 years old at this point. Still works great.
Mahkie
We should start seeing more LFP chemistry in power tools soon that will give the batteries a life greater than the tool.
Stuart
We won’t.
LFP is better suited for storage density, rather than power delivery.
Nathan
Hot swap batteries are certainly useful for that.
I find myself against sealed batteries with USB-C charging more for the long term limitations (can’t replace the sealed battery) with the day-to day charging considerations second.
This is a big issue in the flashlight community. The ‘answer’ has tended to be either a single big cell (26650) or bundled smaller cells (triple 18650). I’d like to see that in a device so large, but maybe the motor and clutch takes up too much room.
My issue is that without a holster that can charge it when you’re not using it, you’re likely to run out if you’re using it repeatedly during the day. Dedicated wired charging once a day is acceptable, but there should be a way to charge it in between uses so it can last the whole day. OLight’s Baton is a decent example.
Mike
I couldn’t agree more, not being able to swap a battery is a deal breaker. I have a bunch of the 8v gyro models and being able to swap batteries is an absolute must. In this new model f the battery dies during an install you basically have no tool to use. Built in batteries in tools is an obsolete design. 👎🏽
Rascally
I’ve used the DCF682 since late 2017. I use it multiple times daily. It’s simple wrist motion control is perfect, with no forward/reverse switch needed. I have spare batteries to switch out when needed. It won’t over torque fasteners. I bought a second one to have at home. I thought eventually I’d need to replace it from wear. But it’s like that Bunny that just keeps going and going! Highly recommend it!
carl
I really like the twist control ones, I have two of the pivoting drivers and they’re great tools.
If this is much more compact, and the controls are good, I could be tempted if it goes on sale.
eddiesky
I like my gyro-dewalt for when I have a lot of IKEA furniture to assemble. But lately have used my Atomic driver more and more… its just so freaking lightweight.
Goodie
A relative has the Dewalt gyro driver. I like that one more than I thought I would.
Jared
I’m trying to imagine, if it works like you suggest Stuart, if that would be easy and ergonomic or awkward. I can’t make up my mind.
With the Dremel/Bosch push to go screwdrivers, it’s very intuitive and you keep a full grip on the screwdriver. It works well most of the time, though I use the button occasionally on small screws (you have to push a bit too hard to activate it when driving small screws) and I sometimes wish it had speed control (the clutch mitigates that though).
This Dewalt screwdriver seems similar, except I assume you pinch the collar and push that forward instead of the whole handle.
I’m wondering though, if that wouldn’t compromise your grip. E.g. as it tightens, holding just the collar wouldn’t give you as much control. I guess you could push the collar forward and then grab the handle with the rest of your hand?
It doesn’t look like this has speed control or a clutch, which might narrow its application. Without a clutch, I wouldn’t trust my reflexes to save small screws using the Dremel screwdriver.
Curtis Cressman
Stuart, the Dewalt 8V Gyroscopic Drivers (DCF682N1 and DCF680N2) are discontinued. At least they are in Canada. Sadly. They were a popular item with the gyroscopic function pretty unique. I understand the DWHT66719 to be its replacement. I look forward to trying it out.
Stuart
I don’t know anything about that; they’re still available for sale, at least at US retailers. I checked 3 retailers, and both models are in stock at their regular prices.
Availability has been choppy at times, making it seem like they were discontinued when they weren’t.
Curtis Cressman
Interesting! Well they are discontinued in Canada. Our DeWalt rep can confirm that .
MattW.
In the usa I can buy the non pivoting handle version in store at loves any time of the week. Many places sell the pivoting handle version online or order to store here. Your right lately on you tube theirs a renascence of people getting it now and loving them. I got 6 of them for under 40 dollars each a previous prime day and gifted them. Not one person was disappointed. They are still actively available here.
Rick
For what it’s worth, Lowe’s currently have the 8V Gyroscopic Screwdriver (DCF682N1) + battery + charger on clearance for $62.32.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Dewalt are discontinuing it, but it strongly suggests that Lowe’s won’t be selling it any more.
Stuart
My zip code has it for $89.
Steve
Patiently waiting for Milwaukee to revamp the M4 line or revamp the driver with a red lithium usb cell.
Fowler
The Metabo DB3DL2 is a great alternative to the current iteration of the M4 screwdriver. I’ve never used the Milwaukee, so maybe it’s way better, but spec-wise they’re virtually identical and you can often get the HPT with two batteries for $60
Nathan
Given the shared TTI umbrella, I wonder if Ryobi’s 4v is being allowed to grow unimpeded by internal competition from Milwaukee.
I can see an argument made for the 4v product line to be untouched for another year or two while Milwaukee rolls out it’s new 18v and 2x18v lineup. At that point Ryobi will have probably saturated it’s market and make people hungrier for a Milwakuee version when they see the usefulness of low powered tools in the hands of their house-spouse/kids/etc.
Stuart
As far as I’ve seen, that’s not a real source of hesitation. If there was sufficient demand, they’d make it happen.
Doresoom
Milwaukee filed a patent last year for a Redlithium USB line of compact tools: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023130135A1/en
Trevor
I’d buy a Milwaukee version.
Rog
$90?!
There, I said. ;-P
Kingsley
I’d they had put a replaceable battery with usb-c changing I’d buy one. No replaceable battery, no deal.
This sort of product should be banned as it will end up being chucked away in a few year time.
Aaron+S
I really like this form factor of driver and I pick one up whenever I can find them on sale for less than $15 with USB charging.
so… hopefully this fails and Lowe’s clearances them out in a couple months, I’ll grab a few
Chris
If you’re going to use an electric screwdriver, just get a pistol grip one. Especially if it uses batteries of a platform you already use. Milwaukee m12 batteries for example. I love my little m12 screwdriver. More control than an impact and more power than a pen style cordless screwdriver.
Unless you’re just using it for like outlet covers or really tight places, then I could see using a screwdriver like this.
MattW.
At that point for outlets vessel usb 3 speed does the job really well for half the size. The other nice thing is you don’t have to flip a switch to turn it into manual rotation.
JR Ramos
I can’t decide if this is any better than existing drivers. Built-in battery is a plus for techs on the go, maybe, but you’re always facing the potential of running out of juice and not being able to swap packs. Not to mention the e-waste and plastic waste. I’d want to see the battery and connection method first to see if it can be found and replaced but most people won’t be able to do that (and many built-in devices these days really can’t be replaced at home even for those with electronics skills…destructive removal and/or unable to spot weld in a fixture or however it’s configured).
That pull-on switch seems like it’s best for living in a drawer or home toolbox. For backing out screws that may be stripped or nearly so, sometimes you need a really light touch so they don’t press themselves right back in, and I wonder if this style of switch keeps it controllable enough to handle something like that.
Short length is nice but it’s still not going to get into the spaces that breakaway models can. Nose seems too bulky but the body diameter is good.
I think I’d be more inclined to pick up the Metabo, Panasonic, or Milwaukee breakaway models with removable battery packs. That or the Bosch Go push drive (I guess the Dremel is the exact same model?). Doesn’t get used much, but I still have a fully functioning old Milwaukee 6539 from the 90s…half the speed and torque as what is standard today but it’s still strong and quite handy at times, limited by dinosaur ni-cd though. Those were made by Panasonic in Japan, really well done.
These powered hand drivers have saved me a few times but generally pistol-grip whatever or a normal screwdriver gets all of my business. Very few times where an extended bit in a pistol-grip driver can’t do the job instead of these narrow pokey powered drivers, but the break-away handles are more versatile in many ways (and easier than a right angle adapter in the drill unless you really need that minimal bulk/height).
CA
I always get a kick out the advertising photos. An electrician on a jobsite…….rough in jobsite……using a battery powered screwdriver to install a switch. Any of you other tradesmen ever seen that?
CA
I should have clarified. Anyone ever seen an electrician installing switches or outlets in the rough in stage? Anyone ever seen anyone using an electric screw driver like this on a job site? Ever?
CA
To quote Office Space. “I believe they’d get their ass kicked if they did anything like that”.
Ben
I use the Dewalt Gyroscopic Screwdriver for this exact purpose all the time. I’ve installed thousands of devices with it and I think it’s probably my favorite electrical finishing tool of ever. I’ve had mine banging around my tool bag for a couple years and it still feels brand new. Now that I’m used to it the thought of screwing all those 6-32 device screws in by hand makes me shudder. That picture of the switch being installed pre-drywall is hilarious though. I’d love to see it after the mudders blunder over it.
Jim Felt
Yep. Kinda all the time. But only in actual trade workplace oblivious ad agency commissioned photo shoots. With models not tradespeople.
JoeM
Personally, I see the 680 Gyro from DeWALT as the superior product. One ring sets the torque setting, the rest is purely gyroscopic control, regardless of straight or pistol grip. I own one, so perhaps this is bias on my part, but I don’t care. They hit it out of the park with the Gyro series. To this day, every maker I see online, or craftsman of some sort or another, ends up pulling one from the tools for one job or another. It has been such a perfect solution to everyone’s needs, that it truly confuses me why it would ever need replacing. Reissuing? A Type-2 or higher number, where they’ve tweaked anything from a small brushless motor in it, right on up to new grip styling, or perhaps a ring-LED instead of the three-LED setup the line currently has. None of these are 100% necessary, but those are the worst-case-scenarios I can think of, for making anything better than the DCF 680 or its siblings in the 8VMax Line. Is it perfect? Well, every tool innovation can be improved upon somehow or another. I can see the 680 getting either a longer reach adapter added, or a brushless motor edition, perhaps one with thermal vents? Nothing drastic has to be done with this line. It’s awesome for basically any case.
That said… I’m starting to see the 8V Max family being listed as “Discontinued by Manufacturer” at all my favourite retailers. And that somewhat upsets me. Because, I believe it uses the Lithium 18680(?) cells in a pair in the battery packs. There is plenty of room for more advanced Pouch Cells, or higher-amperage 17000 series Lithium cells (the exact number currently escapes me. I’m sorry.) to keep producing the 8V Max batteries to maintain this line for many years to come, right along side their 12V Max/XT and 20V Max/XR bigger siblings. I can also attest that even the standard 8V Max original battery lasts in the 8V Max Worklight/Flashlight for a borderline-insane long period of time, where I only ever have to fear they discontinued making the batteries that this little flashlight takes. This lineup did not get enough attention or love from DeWALT’s side as it deserved, and I don’t think I can do what I typically do for general maintenance of my other tools, and a lot of projects, without the Gyro and 8V Max lineup. This new one? Isn’t going to cut it. The switch to USB-powered everything is just going to overload how many USB ports and power hubs I own, they aren’t going to make the work any easier or more efficient than the 8V Max series did.
I’m all for innovation, I invent things as a hobby myself, examining a niche and trying to solve a problem. That is incredibly fun. But when your innovation is at the cost of efficiency and ideal operation, that is a major step backwards.
As to the price, it actually seems reasonable to me. They’re just bringing it out, they may throw in some sort of accessory kit for it, perhaps some promotions in the near future. Setting it just below $100 USD for a “Brand New Product In The Lineup” seems reasonable. On the grounds that it’s relatively typical for the brand. I’m gonna harp on the fact that I have a fully functional DCF 680 and DCL 023 Flashlight that run off the 8V Max battery, never having needed to replace said batteries with newly-bought ones in the nearly 10 years I’ve owned them, thus negating any chance I could ever need, or justify, buying the new one. But I won’t argue this as typical DeWALT pricing practice for this new product. I have my Gyro and its sibling light, and I’m quite content with them. The batteries are affordable, if they can be found since the announcement they were being discontinued, and so I don’t forsee any problems going forward. Just wish they’d either update the 8V Max lineup, or at least the batteries, so that we don’t lose these basically ideal tools.
P.S. The 681 and 682 that came after the original, were directly designed to be Electrician tools, and I believe the 681 initially shipped with a PEX reamer attachment? Which also still sells separately, and fits the entire 680 family. More attachments, perhaps a right-angle or other tight-fit attachment that fits with the family’s LEDs and gyro-function, might extend the life of this system even further? It wouldn’t take much. More styles of flashlight would be nice, but not necessary, considering the 023’s versatility and durability. I may be talking simply to hope they don’t force me to lose one of my favourite DeWALT products I’ve ever owned.
dave
i’d like to see a review comparing this and the bosch go screwdriver: https://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/products/bosch-go-06019H2170
Jared
The same screwdriver is available in Dremel branding, just FYI.
AC
I’ll say it. The Vessel electric ball grip is my favorite, most used tool. Very close to traditional screwdriver form factor and with a magnetic holder over the bit, it’s just so good
Vic Anthony
I used the swivel version every single day as a maintenance technician. That’s my number one tool in my whole toolbox. I can’t imagine being without it. If they are discontinuing it I need to go ahead and buy another one.
Darren Railey
The Vessel electric screwdriver is the best in the market. Smaller and more affordable. Do yourself a favor and just get the vessel.
David
TTC just tested cordless screwdrivers. It would have been interesting to see this one also.
Bob
The non-removable battery is a non-starter. My preference would be a simple, single 18650 cell that you can get for free. It shouldn’t have a larger diameter than my 18650 driven flashlights.
The $90 price tag for a screwdriver also prevents me from ever owning one. on principle.
I do like the switch, which seems to be like my old “Hammerhead” brand screwdriver.
JR Ramos
Unfortunately, beyond flashlights the devices that use loose li-ion cells are going the way of the dinosaur (and most of the mainstream flashlights are moving toward protected and/or inaccessible cells). We can thank foolish vapers and Samsung for this mostly, but it’ll be rare to see these easy designs from now on.
There are cheap drivers just like this available now, though, but with an 18650 the torque and voltage maintenance is pretty low…better for electronics and such, which is what most of them are marketed toward no matter how fat they are. 21700 would be better and you can enjoy more capacity with better voltage maintenance in use over 18650, and the housing doesn’t have to be that much larger (in flashlights there are some that are so close to the same tube outer diameter so only a little length is gained).