Stanley has come out with a new Hi-Speed ratcheting screwdriver (FMHT69236) that they say works 4x faster than traditional screwdrivers, thanks to its 4:1 gear ratio.
The new Hi-Speed driver works a little differently than the various Kobalt Double Drive screwdrivers currently available. The Kobalt works by means of a differential gearing system that translates rotational motion into either loosening or tightening rotation regardless of the direction the driver handle is actually being turned.
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The Stanley Hi-Speed driver seems to work via a gear multiplier that trades power for speed.
It looks like the Hi-Speed driver works the same as Husky’s 3X ratcheting screwdriver, but with an even higher gear ratio.
The driver has forward and reverse ratcheting directions, and presumably has a center locked position as well. If not, then the gears had better be robust enough to endure high torque applications.
A built-in compartment in the handle holds a 12-bit cartridge for convenient bit storage.
Price: $20
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First Thoughts
I just bought a new Stanley multi-bit screwdriver for $4, and it was a darned good bargain. It’s reasonably well built for what it costs. But would I trust Stanley quality enough to buy one of these $20 ratcheting gear multiplier screwdrivers? To be frank, probably not, but I own and like enough Stanley tools that I would give Stanley and the Hi-Speed driver the benefit of the doubt.
Stanley’s not the first company to come out with a super speedy screwdriver, but maybe they got it right. I think there’s a 51% chance this is a decent driver, and a 49% chance that it’s a gimmick designed to sell during peak tool gift holiday seasons.
Craftsman’s recent Mach ratchet and Mach screwdriver are two other recent “will do it quicker” tools, so this gear multiplier and effort-stretching trend isn’t anywhere near over. In addition to their 3X screwdrivers, Husky also came out with Double Speed adjustable wrenches a while back.
With this driver, the gear multiplier might trade power and control for speed, but the middle ratcheting setting should make up for this.
There are two reasons I might eventually give the Stanley Hi-Speed driver a try, aside from my interest in seeing how well the 4x gearing works.
First, it’s fairly affordable. As long as it’s not shoddily built, it might be a decent ratcheting screwdriver at the $20 price level.
Second, the driver comes with a standard 1/4″ bit holder and 1″ hex screwdriver bits. Many if not most multi-bit drivers come with these hard-to-replace double-sided bits, and that this driver comes with 1″ bits greatly increases its appeal to me.
The Hi-Speed driver looks like it could be good, or at least I’m hopeful that it’s not just eyecandy designed to to attract the attention of Father’s Day gift givers and holiday shoppers.
JohnnyFbomb
For 20 bucks, i might just take the chance on it. The build doesn’t look bad from the pictures. The over mould looks good too.
Ktash
Here’s a decent one from True Value. I got it for $20 and like it. It has a flexible extension with it, which I’ve not used. But have used it with the other bits. The price has dropped to 10.99. The reviews are all good. Free shipping to your local store.
http://www.truevalue.com/product/Swift-Driver-Dual-Drive-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-29-Pc-Set/41051.uts
The only downside is that the bit case is not that great.
jesse
This is a clone of the Kobalt Double Drive.
Matt
Gonna stick with my klien.
If I need 4x faster I will use a power tool.
jesse
COO?
Stuart
Probably China, which is where my new Stanley 6-in-1 driver was made.
Stan
Given this is Stanley, I’d say China or potentially Taiwan is most likely. Although there are some USA made of global and imported goods from Stanley, I sincerely doubt that is the case with this tool.
Not even the Megapro is 100% American made anymore these days.
SteveR
Stan–You’re right about that non-100%-made comment. I have a Megapro Compact ratcheting screwdriver, which I believe is made in Taiwan. It’s one of those that doesn’t say where it came from. It arrived in a tubular baggie that just holds the driver.
I really like its compact size and ergonomic handle, which has a nice over-molding. I had issues with the ratchet mechanism slipping soon after the purchase, so I contacted the company for a replacement. They didn’t want the first one back; now I have two. The slippage issue seems to be gone for now. I haven’t used either one much since, so am unable to determine if it was an anomaly or something that may return under hard use.
SteveR
Interesting…it does have a lot of yellow and black, though. If it hadn’t identified itself as Stanley, I would have guessed DeWalt. The overmolding on the handle looks nice, and it is probably very tactile. I prefer the cross-hatch pattern over the raised bumps on the ChannelLock and Megapro ratcheting screwdrivers. The handle also looks smaller and more ergonomic than the two aforementioned drivers, which should make it easier to grip. Is the gearing metal, or have they used a plastic transmission to achieve the 4X rating?
The housing for the 12 bits is different; I’m not sure, but it appears to be unconnected to the handle. Many of these pull out partway on a shaft arrangement. It looks as though it rests inside the handle, pulling out completely when you want to change bits. Does the cap push in at three points, twisting an eighth of a turn to lock, or is it simply a friction-fit? In any event, I like it better than the double-ended bits, which are hard to find locally if you lose one (or if you simply want to trade-out for different bit types). As always, a demonstration video would probably answer most of these questions; it also helps to see how well the product performs everyday tasks.
Stuart
I believe the end cap is friction fit and is simply pulled out to reveal the removable bit cartridge. The gears should be metal and not plastic, but it’s hard to tell. I’ll try to get my hands on one.
Update: The cap twists to lock and unlock, and is well implemented.
Doc
US company Klenk has had a very similar bit driver on the market for years. I don’t have one myself but it’s on my short list if I ever tire of spinning long screws for a day job.
http://www.klenktools.com/main/products/MultidriversNew.asp#Ratio
Stan
I just called Klenk and turns out the screwdriver bits are imported and are either made in Taiwan or China. This agent didn’t have this information on hand, but additionally the handles aren’t American made either.
These handles are assembled here, but aren’t made in house though.
According to the Klenk website the only truly 100% American made items are listed on the made in USA section. Here is a link.
http://www.klenktools.com/main/products/MadeInUSATools.asp
Doc
Ah. Another “Made In USA*”
*Assembled in USA of foreign components.
I understand supply chains are complex and often lead to overseas sources but I do wish companies would be more honest marketing the Made in USA branding. Thanks for your research on that part.
That aside, i’m still more inclined to give my money to a domestic small business than a large multi-national corporation.
Stan
Doc, these days, I don’t trust most companies to be honest about country of origin but these days there aren’t as much companies that are even that anymore.
This might not be the popular opinion to be concerned about country of origin, but I care because I realize most companies aren’t going to provide full disclosure.
You are most welcome. Thank you very much for the kind words.
Likewise, I rather give my money to a small business than a giant corporation. Hence why I mention Harry J Epstein frequently and support them as much as possible.
These big corporations have no problems being dishonest or elusive with their information, but the smaller companies tend to have more ethics I’ve noticed.
SteveR
Stan–I like Harry J. Epstein’s as well. They have a number of oddball and “last of” items, and they work hard to get you what you want. I appreciate that the COO is listed by each item, so you can make that choice. I think that’s important to most of us, whether it’s supporting jobs here at home or an indication of quality from a build standpoint.
Pete
Looks like a copy of the megapro. I’ll stick with my megapro stainless. if I need some speed i’ll use a cordless impact driver. (Makita 18v or bosch 12v)
Stan
I spoke to Matthew with Klank tools and after he did some research, turns out the shank, cap and handle are 100% American made after all, but the screwdriver bits are made in Taiwan.
Now as usual, I have zero affiliation with any companies and receive zero incentives to do research or make posts though. However, I don’t intentionally want to provide incorrect information.
typhoon
I played with one at Sears (there was a demo set up). One interesting thing not noted on this site or on the product packaging is that it uses a gearless ratcheting mechanism.
There’s also a Craftsman 4X screwdriver (#44974), though I can’t find it on the web site (maybe because it’s new). It’s different from the Stanley and isn’t gearless (so I assume they’re not related). It looks and feels well made and slick. I forget if it has any onboard bit storage, though.
I have a SmartPro screwdriver with the 4X gearing as well that I bought a few years ago. I seldom use it because it’s very heavy and awkwardly balanced (with most of the weight toward the front). It’s awkward to use too; there’s a big switch that locks the overdrive ring, and it’s necessary to do this before you can use it as a normal screwdriver (whether ratcheting or with the shaft locked). It freewheels otherwise. Constantly switching between the two modes is cumbersome and annoying. Furthermore, it’s kind of ugly and the unusually short shaft impairs access and makes it difficult to slip into the pocket of a tool bag.
Both the Stanley and Craftsman variants look like much more refined, usable takes on the idea.
John B
All these “speed” screwdrivers are derivatives or direct knockoff copies of
the original, SpecTools.com professional quality “Overdriver” 2 speed clutching ratchet.;