This is the new Worx SwitchDriver, a 20V Max drill/driver with two 1/4″ hex quick release chucks. The rotating dual chuck is said to make switching between 2 drill bits or screwdriver bits faster and smoother than ever.
The Worx SwitchDriver is one more example of how the brand’s engineers like to think outside the box. In recent years, other Worx tools include the XTD extended reach cordless driver and semi-automatic screwdriver.
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The rotating chuck stage is angled such that one of the chucks is in the ready position, and the other is aimed downwards, alongside the hand guard. It’s not clear from the product description, but the chuck stage probably locks into place for use. I’m guessing that the protruding orange bit, just above the trigger switch, is squeezed to unlock the chuck positions.
Features include electronic torque control, which helps to prevent over-torqueing or damage to a work surface. Users can set the torque level using the control dial at the base of the tool, near the battery. It also has a 2-speed gearbox, automatic LED worklight, and forward/reverse switch.
Max speed is listed as 1350 RPM, and max torque as 310 in-lbs. There are several errors in Lowes’ product specs, so don’t trust these numbers just yet. They seem reasonably, but aren’t certain.
The kit comes with (2) 1.5Ah Li-ion battery packs, a 5-hour charger, a couple of starter drill and screwdriver bits, and a soft case.
Price: $119
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The Worx SwitchDriver is currently out of stock, but will likely be available soon. Buy it now to hold your place in line.
First Thoughts
On one hand, the design of this Worx driver makes me want to laugh. It’s just so… awkward-looking. But on the other hand, I’m also thinking “that could be useful.”
If the 310 in-lbs torque specs are accurate, then this is a fairly lightweight drill/driver. That’s more than enough for most homeowner and casual DIYer needs.
I like the idea of an electronic clutch, and the placement of the control dial seems well thought out. You still have a traditional gear selection switch, forward/reverse switch, and pistol-grip trigger.
The 5-hour charger is a little unfortunate, but at least you get 2 batteries.
I don’t trust the $119 price. If I had to make a prediction, I’d think that it’ll drop below $100 during the peak of the holiday season. $79 sounds about right, but we’ll have to wait and see.
As for the rotating double chuck system… will it really be easier to rotate the chucks from one setting to the other, rather than simply swapping out 1/4″ hex drill or screwdriver bits? I find that hard to believe.
If this somehow had a drill chuck and a hex chuck, that would be different. But even a 3/8″ drill chuck would add so much to the bulk of the stage.
A retailer advertised this as a 3/8″ drill, but it looks to me like both chucks are designed to accommodate 1/4″ hex bits. The Worx SwitchDriver would be a lot more interesting if it had a built-in drill chuck. That’s just my stance. What do you think of the design?
Steve Davis
Dual drill reincarnated?
AngryDrumGuy
I had the same thought.
Worx loves the novelty type stuff. Too father’s-day-at-sears-ish for me.
Larry Bud
And why does it take 5 hours to recharge it?
John Cestaric
Very good Larry, it shouldn’t take 5 hrs to charge. Only way this should take so long to charge if it were a NEW battery. I believe this would be a helpful time saving tool, for home use only. This would not survive at a construction site.
James
This looks good for the very casual user. Someone who might only be drilling holes once every year or two to mount small frames and the like. Maybe something you buy for an older teen or twenty-something moving into their first place that doesn’t have any interest in DIY projects otherwise.
Nate 818
Never!
NCD
No thanks, not today. Actually not tomorrow either.
James C
Norm on the New Yankee Workshop would often use two identical drills, one to make the pilot holes and one to drive the screw.
Pete
If its the same one i saw it was a festool. Entirely different drill(or so i would sincerly hope)
Yadda
Interesting concept. I use a craftsman drill bit that flips from drill to driver. I also use the two drill method for drilling and driving. I also use two drill presses occasionally when I have the need for two different size holes.
Stan
Boy does that look similar to complete garbage. Definite pass here. Hard to believe anyone would waste their money on this.
will
no thanks, like stuart said wouldn’t it be easier just to swap the bit’s? not only faster though but the ergonomics on that thing is ugly and well it’s just pointless. So definitely a pass here especially since I already have 2 drills and a driver so I just go the 2 drill method.
Drew M
doesn’tWORX
Honestly, I’m pretty sure my little 12v drill has more than 300in*lb.
Mahalo
No, seriously Stuart…it’s not April 1st yet.
Gary K
I woud try one out. It looks like a good addition to my Kreg jig.
Gus
Still to expensive but if the price comes down I would buy it just for my Kreg jigs. I don’t really see any other place I would use it.
Jerry
My brother in law could use this. He loses enough driver bits from chucking and re chucking them, this tool could pay for itself in a couple months on driver bit purchases alone! I got him one of those drill, flip, drive attachments, and within 5 minutes, the part you pull out and flip was lost in the grass, and he just had an empty socket in his driver. He lost 4-5 bits that day, and at say 50 cents to $5 each, depending on the bits, plus $5-$10 in gas for 2-3 trips to the hardware store, not to mention lost time, would have been worth it.
Of course, this won’t solve the problem in instances where one may need more than 2 bits. Maybe that can make a triple-switch, just for him, LOL.
Brandon
Sounds like he needs a magnetic picker-upper (what are those things really called?)
Jerry
Not a bad idea. If I draw his name for Christmas, I know what I’ll be looking for.
Ross
I agree that it looks gimmicky, but thinking outside of the box leads to innovation, so I applaud that. It looks like an idea that could be potentially useful.
It seems like the drill kind of contradicts itself though. Yes, I can understand the point of having two bits to be able to repeatedly switch back and forth between drilling and driving. However, if this aimed towards homeowners, how often does a homeowner need to repeatedly drill holes where it would make this beneficial? If it was more of an industrial grade, I could see the benefit in many cases in construction, woodworking, etc..
Also, while the drill may not be capable enough for larger bits, and bit size will be more limited for the 1/4″ chucks, it seems like the handle would interfere with the bits.
Nathan
do they happen to both turn together? because that’s about the only reason I can see for the “hand guard”
otherwise it’s a dual 1/4 driver at best. If it actually had a drill chuck and a 1/4 hex – that wouldn’t be so bad.
glenn
Not for me but I can see that some might like it.
John
Well bugger me! When I was with an inventors association in Australia one guy had designed a cordless drill pretty much the same, above the trigger, as that one!
Maybe he sold the patent rights to the owners of Workx???
I don’t have much faith in the brand but it would be ideal for drill and countersink jobs if you don’t have drill/ countersink bits….which I don’t.
Wayne R.
Two things:
1. If this was a seriously durable tool, I might take it seriously. But I still haven’t got a good idea what I’d use it for…
2. Changing bits is easy yes, but still sorta fiddly. If there was a button to push (with one hand) that released the bit for quick changing with the other hand, that might be the real speed improvement that this thing is trying to address.
Stuart
You’d think that a button-activated quick release chuck would be the way to go, but Dewalt tried this and I’m not much of a fan.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-brushless-impact-driver/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I think it was more about making the shortest tool possible than speed. It works great, but I never worked to get the muscle memory tuned in, and thus find it a little clunkier than other simpler chuck designs.
tim
Didn’t the stop making these dewalts with the pushbutton chuck?
Jerry
Thinking about it more, I think most people would be better served with a tool with one quick release chuck, and some sort of built in easy access yet secure on board storage for another bit. porter Cable comes kind of close, with their little magnetic spare bit holder. It is right there, and easy to access, but I the ones I have seen could be a little more secure.
Tyler
I hate to see the utility of a tool judged by the types of people we think might buy it, but maybe I’m just sentimental. I agree with many of the criticisms, but just how significant those criticisms are is hard to know without testing it out. I wouldn’t say that cordless tools are a gimmick, but for the vast majority of my work, they aren’t much more than a convenience, except when the batteries fade.
So, that’s my sense. This is would be a nice convenience for limited work, frequent, quick work, and would only be a drag for people who already have a significant investment in higher end tools. I don’t, but I have two drills, and I work well enough that way. If you think changing bits with a chuck is a pain, try doing without a chuck altogether.
jesse
IF it works well it might be a reasonable alternative to the common flipover type drill-and-drive accessories. That’s IF…
Danny Moore
I can’t see the chuck holding the drill bits unless the drill bits are 5 sided shanks. So you have to go out and buy a whole new set of drill bits. How much is that going to cost? They need a regular drill chuck in there somewhere. I have used the Mansfield Dual chuck for years and had some good success with home projects. But you can’t buy batteries anymore. sooner or later this product will fall in the same catagory. Useless.
Bob Patton
I’ve had many projects requiring the drilling of dozens of pilot holes, followed by installing screws. I believe this drill would have been a God send for me, especially when working high on a ladder. Durability may be an Issue, but for the price, I’ll give it a try.
Mac
How did the switchdriver work out for you?
I use dealt 20volt drills for pretty much everything and any time I have to drill pilot holes for screws I end up using a quick change thing I got from Lowe’s that has a drill bit with countersink on one side and when you pull it out there’s a place for a driver bit. Works well enough, but this thing looks like it could be the one-trick pony I need for that task.
Zach B.
I haven’t seen or used it personally so this is just my opinion. It would probably be convenient for someone doing small jobs around the house or if you have a little work shop at home for a hobby. I’m a carpenter & so my drills & impacts are my lifeline. With the switching back & forth constantly I can’t see it holding up with everyday use for 8-10 hrs a day on big jobs.
Paul
Where is it made?
George
They claim it is Patented and original. I still own the first and original Flip Bit Dual Driver.
I still have my Mansfield Dual Chuck Driver. It has Chucks, that means you can use your Bits that you already own.
Never use it anymore. These things are bulky and heavy. That is something they don’t mention. Extra parts and metal means weight. Unless it is a real quick job and you don’t need 2 hands, there is nowhere to put it if you are on a ladder. Too big for a nail pouch, and no belt hook. And no chuck on the WORX means purchasing all new Bits with the Hex end, which also limits the size of hole you can drill.
joe gomez
Would this not be a good gift for someone who does small crafty projects every once in a while, not necessarily for someone who needs it for big jobs?
Stuart
Frankly, I’d look at something else, maybe even a smaller 3.6V or 4V Max cordless screwdriver. For the same money, around $100, you can get a 12V Max cordless drill, or your pick of 18V drill kit.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/black-friday-2016-cordless-drill-deals/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The Bosch is a nice compact kit that costs just a few dollars more than this Worx.
cecil l pattterson
it comes in handy if you are up on an exstention ladder. I love it
Aaron
I am not a professional, but I use my tools at least weekly. I have the Switchdriver and I like it in general, but it is definitely not for a professional.
The company itself doesn’t seem interested in the professional. Here’s my story:
I was doing hurricane relief work mucking out homes, and all day I was dependent on cordless drills for removing screws and removing cabinets, etc. I also have a multi-tool using the same batteries. The included batteries have no charge indicator and the included charger takes 5 hours for a 2 Ah battery. I ordered the Worx quick charger and brought it on site. The quick charger didn’t work at the site although it appeared to (lights came on, etc). When I got home I asked for an RMA replacement. They told me that it would be 7-10 business days. I said it had never worked and I was going out the next weekend to do relief work again- how am I supposed to charge my batteries onsite? They said, “Sorry, but we won’t expedite shipping, even though we know it is our fault.” I asked them if they would rather lose a customer and get bad-mouthed in reviews over the cost of expedited shipping, and they said yes.
Pros:
It is as powerful as my Ridgid 18v
I ran out my 2Ah battery to verify the new quick charger’s effectiveness. I held down the trigger on full speed for > 45 minutes on a single charge, so I have no complaints about battery life.
It is actually very handy to have 2 bits easily switchable without lugging around 2 tools. Whether drilling (have to make sure to get drill bits that fit) or have a couple different size sockets (for some reason dryers have two sizes of screw heads lots of times to remove the access panel and then power cable) or for the common application of drilling and then screwing, it is handy.
Cons:
No charge indicator on batteries
No belt clip
Doesn’t fit into a standard holster either
Worx doesn’t seem to even care about those serious about tools
Those are too many cons to ignore. I like their 4-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Cordless Driver – it isn’t amazing but it is VERY handy. I doubt it is professional grade but it has never let me down. These make great gifts and everyone who has used mine has wanted one after using it. Too bad I won’t be buying anything else from them after them proving they don’t care about my business.
Aaron