Over at Lowes, a couple of new Kobalt Double Drive screwdrivers have come out – a small precision Double Drive screwdriver set that we discussed the other day, and this stubby ratcheting screwdriver set.
There is also the full-size and mini Double Drive screwdriver set that came out last Fall, but that set is currently on sale for $10, which indicates it might be on the path to being discontinued.
Advertisement
With this set, you get a newly designed stubby-sized screwdriver handle, and a total of (36) standard 1/4″ hex insert bits. We haven’t seen the packaging, but there is probably also a small case that keeps everything together.
What’s interesting about this stubby screwdriver is how Lowes and Kobalt describe it as being a ratchet screwdriver. With other Double Drive screwdrivers, you must hold the the front sleeve with one hand (the knurled metal part), while turning the driver handle with your other hand.
Since this stubby screwdriver is so short, perhaps the Double Drive mechanism works differently, but probably not. All Double Drive screwdrivers can be used in the same way as ratcheting screwdrivers if you only grip the handle and let the sleeve rotate freely.
As with other Double Drive drivers, if you hold the sleeve while turning the handle, the screwdriver works twice as quick as conventional drivers. Instead of righty tighty, lefty loosey, the motion becomes righty tighty, lefty tighty, or righty loosey, lefty loosey, depending on the position of the direction selection knob.
The Double Drive stubby screwdriver also has a different direction selection mechanism than previous Double Drive screwdriver incarnations. It looks like direction selection is achieved by pushing or pulling the nose of the driver.
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Advertisement
Price: $15.
You can order this stubby driver online for home delivery (free shipping on $49+ orders), and they will also soon be available online with free in-store pickup, as well as in stores.
First Impression
I always felt that the full-size Double Drive screwdrivers were a tad long and imbalanced, and am really glad that Kobalt decided to come out with a stubby version. This of course means there’s not a lot of room for built-in bit storage, but that’s a feature I hardly ever miss anyways.
From the looks of it, the handle cap unscrews to allow for one of the color-coded bit holders to be popped into the handle for convenient on-the-go storage. The color coding is a nice touch, as it allows you to grab the bit set you need without having to sort through a box of bits.
The direction selection switch is different, but that doesn’t mean the internal gearing configuration has been altered compared to other Double Drive products. As a consequence, the driver has a more streamlined geometry, which is necessary when two hands are used for Double Drive operation.
Lowes’ labeling is different than with their other Double Drive screwdrivers, as they call this the Kobalt Double Drive Stubby Ratchet Screwdriver. This suggests to me that the driver was designed with one-handed operation in mind. That is, this model might have been designed thinking that most users will want to use it as a ratcheting screwdriver and not a true Double Drive driver.
While I at best feel neutrally towards Kobalt’s full-size Double Drive screwdrivers of past years, I am really looking forward to their new standalone precision and stubby drivers. At $15 for each set, they’re priced to sell. Last year I wished that the precision and full-size driver set were split into separate sets. Ironically, this year I wish that the new precision and stubby driver sets were combined into a single set with bundle pricing, but I am nonetheless glad to see the separate offerings.
Allen
Well, gotta give Kolbalt credit for trying. This might be the better one of the bunch. If it is a little on the heavy side, shorter would be better. I’d like to try it.
Alan S. Blue
I have a 8″ hex extension I use to store the little rings-of-bits. It appears I could stick it right into the business end to hold quite a few bits in a pretty-ready-to-use configuration.
Is the holder magnetic? And how tight are the rings on the bits? (I have a couple where the bits just fall out, I wish I remembered who to avoid on that front.)
James C
It seems like it would be hard to use the double drive feature on a stubby driver.
Robert
These “Double Drive” items may be produced by a different manufacturer than the other standard and bit drivers from Lowe’s. That said, I found some interesting items on the Sears site. The following link is a page with a number of items referred to as “Speed Hex.” If you look closely, you’ll see that they’re the exact same kits as may of the “Kobalt” kits from Lowe’s. There are a number of other items on the page, but scroll down for the “Speed Hex” products.
http://www.sears.com/search=speed%20hex%20driver?levels=Tools
Many of the “Kobalt” tools appear to be just another privately labelled item sold under multiple names.
Robert
Stuart
Kobalt’s Speefit tools do look similar to those Speed Hex products, but the Double Drive screwdriver designs still look to be exclusive to them. The bits and accessories are probably sourced from other OEMs that Kobalt has dealings with.
There’s also a medical version of the Double Drive. I’m not sure what else this OEM manufactures, but it looks like the Double Drive and is their primary business.
Robert
If I’m not mistaken, I remember hearing about problems with the “Double Drive” products. There were a number of people who had them for a while, then had issues with the drive mechanism later on. In addition, I think that the issues were with the original Double Drive which was supposed to have metal gearing. Now that the gearing is plastic, it makes me wonder how long this item would hold up over the long run.
It would also seem that in situations where a stubby would be the most beneficial, would be the same scenerios where the two handed operation to activate it would be less than realistic.
Obviously the included bits are part of the deal and worth considering. If I was looking for a stubby ratchet however, I’d probably just pick up a cheaper Stanley and be done with it. I can’t see how the downgrade in gearing could equate with much longevity. Maybe I’ll be fooled.
Gary T.
I think I’ll give this a try.
Rob
I received the new full size version for Father’s Day.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_525791-16878-63069_0__
I haven’t had an opportunity, yet, to really try it out. So far it seems to be a bit hefty, but well balanced. The switch seems sturdier than the previous iteration. You do have to hold the collar for the double drive action, but considering you’d have to hold the screw anyway to keep it from turning backwards, not a big deal. If you’re holding the collar, the screw has no chance to go backwards and you get the added benefit of “righty tighty, lefty tighty.” Hopefully, I’ll be able to update once I get some use out of it.
Becky Whitley
I would like to purchase the NEW Kobalt Double Drive STUBBY SCREWDRIVER. How can I do that because I am trying very hard to do so but don’t see where or how to purchase this item. Please help. May I hear a response please?
Stuart
This particular model was launched 9-1/2 years ago. Other designs have come and gone since then. I’ve still seen other more modern Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver versions, but nothing like this one, at least not recently.
Kat B
I’m desperately trying to find another Stubby Kobalt. I received mine from my Dad when I bought my first house, but over the years I lost the bits, and every other screwdriver since just doesn’t fill the sentimental void. Still hunting, but sad to see how easily different designs get discontinued.
Stuart
Sorry, it’s been a few years since I’ve seen this style.
Vards Uzvards
Maybe this (Stanley) will work as a replacement?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003HGH3YK