Felo’s Smart screwdriver handle works with their interchangeable hex-shank screwdriver bits to create a portable all-in-one screw-driving solution. The Smart handles have two built-in bit holders – one that allows the screwdriver shanks to be used in the typical inline position, and one at 90° for when you need that extra torque.
These new Smart handles offer the same low/high torque flexibility, but they work a little differently. They only have one bit holder, which can pivot from 0° straight to 90° T-handle positions to switch from low to high torque.
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The Esmart high-voltage Smart sets will not be featuring the new screwdriver handle design.
Buy Now(via German-Hand-Tools)
GHT also carries the new R-Go Ergonic ratchet and socket sets.
Felo Smart Sets(via Amazon) – Unfortunately it might be some until the new SKUs appear here. If anyone has suggestions about who else is carrying these, please let us know!
Model numbers:
- 32094 – 12-blade metric set (also with 3x Pozidrive)
- 50630 – 12-blade inch set (no Pozidrive)
- 50624 – 8-blade pouch set
- 60427 – replacement handle, new design
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jesse
Nice designs, but neither one is new. Probably better quality than the others I have seen though.
Bondhus carries Felo: http://www.bondhus.com/felo_products/index.html. Maybe they will be getting stock early.
Stuart
Yes Bondhus imports and distributes Felo, buy you cannot buy from them directly. Right now German Hand Tools is the only stocking retailer I’ve found.
fred
What about Chadstoolbox for Felo tools ?
fred
I took a look and they do list the set:
http://chadstoolbox.com/search.aspx?find=32094&log=false&category=514
Mike
Interesting the contact address for German hand tools is in Carmichael,CA only a couple miles from where I live wierd. Felo smartset looks nice and I want one now,thanks Stu for sharing.
Stuart
The guy who runs that site started off distributing NWS on the Garage Journal forum. From there I guess he started adding other made-in-Germany brands and the name seemed logical.
JeffD
I can vouch for GHT. I got my first set of NWS pliers from him. Good prices & fast shipping.
Robert
Stuart,
Will this grip accept any standard 1/4 inch power bit or accessory, or are the bits proprietary? I’m assuming it’s magnetized and will work with any bit holder. I wouldn’t want to be locked into their system without the option of integrating it into my 1/4 inch standard system.
Robert
Stuart
You might need a standard powerbit adapter to be able to use insert bits. Taking a look at the “buy now” link, which goes to GHT’s Felo page, there are two Smart screwdriver and ratchet sets with standard bit holders. I presume the adapters are required to use the handles with 1″ bits, and if so any brands’ adapters should suffice.
I’ll try to find out for certain.
James C
If you look closely at the pic of the bit set you can see they have little indents near the tip of the bits. I would guess there’s some kind of ball bearing style lock that holds the bits in the handle. Hopefully it’s magnetic as well so that any bit holder could be used.
Just a guess. I’m interested to know for sure, too.
Stuart
These bits are double sided, so a magnet alone won’t be able to hold them. Since the bits have ball detents I am almost certain that the handle can accept 1/4″ power bit-style bit holders like the Wera Rapidaptor.
Ashkon
Hello,
The Felo smart handle will accept any standard 1/4″ bit as long as it is 2″ or greater in length. It uses a ball bearing detent to hold the bit in. When engaged in the t-handle position it locks in so it will not move on you.
Thanks Ash.
(Moderator Note: Ash is the owner of http://www.german-hand-tools.com/)
Steve R.
Stuart–Another possible source is Chad’s Toolbox. I’ve purchased pliers, etc., from them in the past, and prices are claimed to be the lowest available. They carry all the German makes, so with their buying capability they should have it soon.
Robert
Thanks Stuart,
I hadn’t noticed the specifics of the other sets on the “buy now” link. It looks like the adapter has a standard 1/4 inch power bit shank. You would think that the adapter would be included with most sets. It would make them much more versatile.
My only other concern would be the strength of the magnet in the driver itself. I’m occasionally surprised by the weak magnets that are installed in otherwise high end drivers. Regardless of the adapter, it’s only as strong as it’s weakest magnet.
Robert
Robert
Then again, I’m assuming, aren’t I? Are these bits held in by a friction lock instead of a magnet?
Stuart
It could have both. Ball lock for primary holding, magnet for secondary and for screw-holding.
I don’t see why they would include a standard-style bit holder with their interchangeable-shaft screwdriver sets. If you want to use not-included insert bits with the handle, you probably already have a bit holder on hand anyways.
Robert
That’s a good point Stuart. Although it doesn’t appear available, I was thinking in terms of acquiring just the grip minus the double ended bits in the sets. Most of these sets have a lot more than I’d want.
This would be a slick and versatile handle to integrate into my existing 1/4 inch system. I visualized a small case with just the grip and an included standard 1/4 inch bit holder. You’re right however. I have a number of those in various locations around the house.
Robert
Robert
I stand corrected yet again. I did see the handle available for $11.99 without the other fluff. I’m thinking about that one.
Robert
Steve R.
Stuart–Another supplier of this new T-handle set is Carbide Processors, Inc. As an added bonus, they also carry certain of your beloved Woodpeckers CNC-machined tools, usually at a several dollar discount from what Woodpeckers charges for them.
Stuart
I’ll be sure to check them out, thanks!
Update: Cool, free tool with registration – sounds good to me. I also signed up for the newsletter in case I forget to check back.