Over at Lowes, I caught glimpse of a new Kobalt Double Drive 6X speed screwdriver. This is a little different than the 2014 edition of the Kobalt Double Drive, in how it has speed-multiplying gearing.
All of the previous Kobalt Double Drive screwdrivers had 1-to-1 gearing.
Advertisement
This new 6X speed model has different gearing that allows screwdriver bits to turn 3X for every 1 complete turn of the handle.
Kobalt’s Double Drive gearing mechanism allows you to convert alternating clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the handle into just one direction of motion of a fastener.
In other words, set the direction to forward, and no matter how you turn the screwdriver handle, the screwdriver bit and fastener will rotate in the forward or clockwise motion. Set the direction switch to reverse, and handle rotations, regardless of direction, will turn the screwdriver tip and fastener in reverse or counterclockwise motion.
Kobalt’s new 6X speed Double Drive screwdriver has a different gear ratio, which turns smaller rotational motions of the handle into greater motion at the top. This means you get more turns of a screw or fastener with fewer turns of the handle.
Since this is a Double Drive screwdriver, 3X turns of the handle in one direction, plus 3X turns in the opposite direction, and you get 6X turns of a fastener. That’s why this is a 6X screwdriver and not just 3X.
The set comes as part of a 32-piece set that includes an assortment of 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits.
Advertisement
Price: $20 at the local Lowes.
Model number: 0607881
First Thoughts
While the “try me” samples in-store worked as they’re supposed to, this is something I would never consider for personal use. If you’re installing wall plates, or otherwise spinning light duty machine screw into threaded holes, then this seems to be a good tool for getting the job done quicker. But if you require greater control, turning precision, or small movements, that’s something you lose with this tool.
I’m not sure how well this driver fares against high torque applications, but you might encounter greater resistance due to the speed-favored gearing ratio.
If you only have $20 for a “let’s see how well it really works” non-conventional tool, the Kobalt Direct Drive gearless ratchet, and online-only bonus gearless palm ratchet set stand greater chances of getting pulled from the kitchen junk drawer every now and then.
I have purchased a number of Direct Drive screwdrivers over the years, but they rarely stay in my toolbox or near my workbench for more than a month or so. By the time January rolls around, they’re either stowed away somewhere for potential future needs, or given away.
Despite the 6X speed appeal of this version, I can’t say I would treat it differently. But, don’t let that discourage you. The next time you’re at your local Lowes, at least before the end of the year, find the “try me” display and give this a whirl.
Wayne Ruffner
“In other worse” – ah, I love those.
Stuart
Thanks! Fixed it.
fred
“By the time January rolls around, they’re either stowed away somewhere for potential future needs, or given away.” I think this is just the exact fate of many tools that are introduced just before the winter holidays. I will give the Kobalt team (or their OEM – I suspect Hangzhou Great Star Tools Co. Ltd. in this case) some credit for trying to be innovative to the extent that they try to build upon and improve (or provide added options) tools that have sold reasonably well in the past.
Chad
haha i was pick up some charcoal the other day and seen the holiday bins have been put out and see this one in one of them, I pick it up and played with it and thought its cool will got the simple task done, like hanging fan blades on a fan with ease and other small jobs but thats about it.
think i will wait till they put them on clearance after the holidays and pick one up for 10 bucks!!
Charles
I have one of these, and the thing is that if you stop holding the black sleeve, it acts as a normal 1x screwdriver. So, if you need the control or the torque, just hold onto the blue part of the handle and it works as a normal screwdriver.
It’s handy in the sense that if you’re screwing in a long machine thread screw, it’ll get the long tedious work done so you can apply the torque when really tightening it down at the end.
Robert
Charles has good points. It works like a direct driver, ratcheting driver or double drive. I found it works for me if I don’t try to use the double drive function with final tightening of screw. Good points Charles.