I’ve seen this Skil USB-rechargeable cordless screwdriver before, and a new accessory drew more of my attention than before.
Behold, a new… carrying case.
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However, more than the slight appeal of the carrying case, this offering also emphasizes the value of the screwdriver itself. The cordless screwdriver with small starter bit set is priced at $20, and the 42pc set with carrying case is priced at $35.
The new kit configuration looks to come with a new long bit holder extension, a screw sleeve, a larger assortment of bits, and a manual driver handle.
A smaller bit holder included with the kit features, and this is from the back of the package, “4X magnetic force.”
I know a lot of people will say “but I already have a cordless drill/larger driver/impact,” and while that is true, small-sized cordless screwdrivers can still be useful. And don’t forget that a 4V-class cordless screwdriver can be great entry into the power tool world for DIYers, homeowners, and others, bridging the gap between hand tools and full-sized everyday tools that require greater investment.
Have you ever tried using a full-size drill/driver or cordless driver on something like flat-pack ready-to-assemble furniture? A small low-powered cordless screwdriver like this one will usually shine through in low-powered usage where you could use a manual screwdriver but would rather not.
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I’m hoping maybe the carrying case version will go on sale for the holiday shopping season. It looks like handy “grab and go” packaging, but at $35 it might be a pricey upgrade compared to the $20 price for the basic Skil driver set.
For some users it’ll be worth it, but not as much for others, but it’s always good to have more options. There are lots of choices in the 4V Max-class space, here’s one more.
Price: $35 for the carrying case set, $20 for the basic set
Buy Now: Basic Set via Amazon
Buy Now: Carrying Case Set via Amazon
Skil has also come out with a new kit featuring their Circuit Sensor screwdriver, giving it more bits and a carrying case for a bump-up in price also to $35.
See Also: Skil Circuit Sensor Kit
As far as mini cordless screwdrivers go, there’s also the Dremel Go.
PETE
Can’t wait to see what milwaukee comes out with using their 4v platform.
Stuart
Likewise.
I called it back in 2018. =) Still waiting. =(
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-redlithium-usb-4v-max-cordless-screwdriver/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
PETE
I remember that post! I guess their m12 flex click thing is their answer?
Lance
The M12 Fuel Installation Driver isn’t as good as I’d hoped. I just got it a couple weeks ago and, while the attachments are handy and work well, the driver itself is cumbersome to use.
I was planning to get rid of my M12 2401 screwdriver (the single speed model) when buying the Fuel ID, but nope, I still like that older model way better for simple driving tasks. It has the right balance of speed (500 rpm) and torque, and handles WAY nicer than the downright weird ergonomics of the new model.
Personal preferences are always different, but for me the new tool will be an expensive “once-in-a-while” tool for tricky spots rather than a daily driver. Pun intended. 🙂
James C
Interesting. I also have that first gen m12 screwdriver. I like it quite a bit for driving but not so much for drilling. I think I’ve talked myself out of the ID due to the weird forward / reverse switch. I don’t think I’d like the economics either. Maybe the fuel screwdriver is what we need.
fred
Our installers really liked the M12 2401. I bought one for personal use in 2008 – and still grab it for many driving tasks.
More power is not always what you need
Eric
They already have a 4v screwdriver, but it’s on an older platform and it’s way to expensive at $135.
Flotsam
I have the Ryobi Tek4 setup with both the screwdriver & cutters. I don’t know if they’re still widely available. But this is a nice sweet spot below 12v that i find really useful.
drewmcdan1
Looks like Ryobi has recently came out with two new 4V tools: a screwdriver and a power scrubber. I came across the scrubber (also a couple of 18V scrubber tools) when I was on the Ryobi site looking for a manual. But both use USB to charge and not the Tek batteries. Battery doesn’t appear to be replaceable. Here’s the link to the driver: https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/4v-quickturn-screwdriver
Flotsam
thanks for letting me know. Tek 4 is a nice form factor, but i’m sure it is more expensive than a tool than uses a USB charger.
Scott K
This does seem handy. I put together a bunch of flat-pack furniture this past weekend using my Bosch drill set to a low torque and it worked very well. I was nervous my impact would destroy the smaller hardware.
Stuart
Bosch is somewhat unique – I’ve found their low-end clutch settings to be usefully sensitive and well-tuned, at least on their 12V models
Adrian
I have an older version of the basic 4v usb rechargeable screwdriver. I carry it around in my trade show crate for work and it makes mobile booth setup/tear down so much easier and faster. Big/expensive tools disappear in that environment and are overkill since everything is soft chinese metal. It’s also super tiny so it doesn’t take up room and weight in the booth crate.
Perry
I really wish that one of these companies would come out with a small driver with a clutch like the old ryobi and black and decker 4v drivers had. Or at least have a variable speed trigger. I use a lot of m3 and 4-40 screws and even these little drivers will strip them.
Nate B
The Craftsman gyroscopic is variable speed, but no clutch.
Stacey Jones
I find the ~4v class to be of limited use, primarily because they are either weak or drain too quickly for things like furniture assembly. I’ve got 3: Hammerhead 4v, Hitachi DB3DL2, and Ryobi 4v pistol grip. I probably like the Hammerhead best, it’s the blue twin of the Skil pictured here. I use it for small screws on toys, electronics and the like. I put in a hex to precision adapter and it works well, even though my precision bits aren’t magnetic metal. The Hitachi is weak and bulky, but it does have the manual option. The Ryobi seems stronger and better suited to furniture assembly when you can get it into tight places. A good 4v should be really tiny, imho, to be really useful, otherwise I’d think 8v or 6v is a better floor for driver power. I use 12v drill/drivers most frequently.
Will
I’ve got a different model Skil that seems to be discontinued now & wasn’t on Skil’s website. Bought it last year. It’s basically the same but with a pivoting grip instead of fixed like the one shown. Very handy for me for small jobs around the house. Just used it this morning to disassemble my portable AC. If I need more power I’ll grab my Milwaukee impact driver. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKWL42L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I basically wanted something small & USB rechargeable. Was looking at the Ryobi 4V but passsed because of it’s dedicated charger.
I also have the Hammerhead version of the other Skil shown, they were $7 at Lowes. I find that one sucks to use because of the rotary switch. Can’t activate the switch if holding in a tip down position. That’s why I like the Skil I got with the pivoting grip, can use it in the tip down position with the handle in the straight orientation.
I also looked at the Bosch/Dremel Go & the Dewalt gyro. Not a fan of the way those screwdrivers activate. Traditional push button switch is what prefer.
Will
It is on the website.
https://www.skil.com/screwdriver-pivotgrip-magneticbitstorage/
Will
Forgot to add, the only thing I don’t like about it is the fwd/rev switch is backwards. Flip left for forward & right for reverse.
bobad
They do take some getting used to, but I find that type is the most natural to use. The clutch action is great for most uses.
bobad
I really like the round drivers like the Skil Circuit Sensor that use your grip as a clutch. It’s like the defunct “Hammerhead” drivers. If the battery is not removable, however, it has to be cheap or I won’t buy it. I hate to throw away a tool because the battery will no longer hold a charge.