The Flipout Tantrum is a new compact cordless screwdriver that is up for funding on Kickstarter. It features an adjustable head with what looks to be an unprecedented degree of freedom.
The entire head component can be rotated and pivoted, and then you can pivot the bit holder as well. Two buttons lock everything in place and are pressed when you need to adjust the pivot angles.
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Features
- 80 in-lbs max torque
- 160 RPM
- forward/reverse switch
- squeeze trigger
- adjustable torque
- magnetic bit holder
- powered by 7.2V li-ion battery (removable)
- ~30-minute charging time
- low profile design
- 12.8 oz weight, 1.2″ width
Product Page(via Kickstarter)
A $130 pledge will get you a limited edition Tantrum screwdriver, which is said to have an estimated MSRP of $199.
The kit comes with the screwdriver itself, 2x li-ion battery packs, a charger, bit assortment, LED light attachment, and a soft carrying case. It will be available in two colors – black/gunmetal, and dark grey/blue.
If the project does not reach its funding threshold, your credit card will not be charged.
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First Impression and Concerns
The screwdriver looks like a very well thought out design, and its compound head reminds me of a Manfrotto double-ball joint that allows for unlimited adjustability.
I think that installers might find the design incredibly useful, as well as any users looking for a super-compact cordless driver.
Surprisingly, I cannot think of any significant concerns at the moment. What I am mainly hesitant about is the torque-limiting clutch, which can only be adjusted by using a coin or screwdriver. There is no knob, dial or other easy-toggle device.
It also remains unclear whether the batteries can be replaced or refurbished in a few years’ time. That shouldn’t stop anyone from pledging or ordering one, as it’s just something I always think about when considering battery-powered tools from new companies.
$130 seems somewhat high to me, and the $199 estimated retail price even more so, but it’s not exactly outlandish for a 7.2V cordless tool that comes with two li-ion battery packs.
I don’t really see this tool becoming an industry game-changer, but do think it has the potential to be a strong seller with installers and technicians.
http://youtu.be/2rOgloefZbQ
This project’s Kickstarter funding period ends on Thursday, July 25, 2013.
Dennis
So if this guy had a Bosch PS10 Driver when he was installing speakers, or one of the countless 90 degree adapters, he would have stayed in engineering school? I do love my PS10, it’s the thing that’s kept me from going completely Milwaukee M12. OK, OK this new driver has one additional articulating joint. However to me it seems like the two joints are too close together to garner any significant benefit. I do like the compact design. However the price tag seems almost twice as high as the Bosch, for very similar mechanical specs. And if my Bosch “12V” battery craps out I can go to Home Depot or Lowe’s down the street and pick up a new one that day.
Stuart
I’m not sure if the joints are too close together for benefit – I’m more worried about how certain angles might make it difficult to apply enough driving pressure on fasteners.
Comparing this to Bosch’s pivoting 12V drill and driver isn’t entirely fair, as the “Tantrum” is at most half the size.
Michael Quinlan
I bought a PS10 a few years ago and returned it. Compared to my DeWalt 7.2V screwdriver, the handle on the PS10 was way too FAT. I’m only now getting into Milwaukee M12 stuff because of the reduced handle size on the Fuel models.
But I agree that the “Tantrum” is way overpriced, and that availability of replacement batteries/chargers (or tool repair) is also a potential issue.
Chuchundra
Bleh. The video is ultra heavy on the marketing speak and production values and fairly light on the practical utility of the tool, especially with respect to similar tools on the market.
And really, do they expect a lot of people to spend two hundred bucks for something like this? It’s way overpriced, even at the Kickstarter level.
James C
I wonder if this thing essentially uses two 18650 batteries in a holder for the battery pack. Now that would be smart and allow for user replacement.
Stuart
They are probably 14650’s, which is the size Dewalt also uses in their new gyroscopic driver.
Charge capacity for the Flipout driver is 900mah, otherwise the tool would have to be an inch or two longer.
Or it could be a proprietary pack, in which case replacement batteries might require that the company still be around in 5 years.
James C
Oh wow, I didn’t realize how small it is. I’m guessing you’re right.
Steve R.
I applaud the initiative and thought that went into the Tantrum , but I agree with your statement in the final paragraph; the market will be mostly techs and installers. For those of us who don’t have $130 to pledge (let alone the retail price of $200 if it goes to market), try this:
Go on amazon.com or drive over to the local Harbor Freight. Purchase a 1/4″-drive finger ratchet for between $3.50 and $6.00. Harbor Freight was the first place I saw one of these (they also make 3/8″- and 1/2″-drive versions, too). On Amazon, the manufacturer is “Grip” or “Titan”; one company makes these and everyone else sells it with their name on it. I like this design as they have a plastic, six-point finger and palm grip that is comfortable to use. Your 1/4″ socket set probably has a universal joint in it; attach it to this ratchet (which has a 72-tooth reversible mechanism), then attach a 6-point, 1/4″ socket on to that. That will hold any 1″ hex-shaped screwdriver bit (flat blade, Phillips, Torx, etc.) you need to work with. You can also attach a two-inch or longer extension to make it whatever length necessary to reach into a tight space. Sometimes you need a longer extension to put your hand outside a confined workspace in order to turn a screw. The universal joint should permit you to turn or angle this into almost any configuration you need. Depending on the situation, you may need to swap the positions of the U-joint and the extension for maximum flexibility.
For those that want one, Snap-on sells a magnetic adaptor (TMXM114) that you place the socket onto, which will hold the screwdriver bit securely. You can find it on their website: http://www.snapon.com.
Stan
To be honest, $130 is WAY too much in my opinion for a electric screwdriver, even with some of the features this item offers. Let alone for $199 not including shipping. Assuming the country of origin is what I imagine this might be, even so the cost factor for a tool whose company may or may not use proprietary batteries that may not even exist in severals is quite the risk.
I recently bought a USA made, 1980’s Black and Decker 3.4 volt electric screwdriver for under $15 batteries, charger and even the original bits included and that works quite well for what I use this for on occasion.
Jack Hundertmark
Hello – In the review, you mention adjusting the torque limiting clutch with a screwdriver. Is it possible to identify where the adjustment point is & the procedure?
Thanks