I was looking for something on Amazon and came across the Wowstick, a slim pen-sized cordless screwdriver.
Checking my inbox, I actually had a brief conversation about it in 2016, and there have been a couple of review inquires about it in the years since.
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There was a Kickstarter campaign in late 2018, where it’s described as a pen-shaped decorative accessory, a creative gift for all ages, and a desktop fidget toy. It’s also of course described as a 56-but multi-functional electric screwdriver.
The current version, Wowstick 1F+, comes with a desktop dock, built-in rechargeable battery, micro USB charging port, and 3 LED lights. Charging time is 40 minutes.
The Wowstick 1F+ screwdriver operates at 200 RPM and can deliver up to 0.15/3 Nm of torque, which converts to 1.33/26.6 in-lbs. I take it that there are two torque settings.
It also has an integrated aluminum body for a smooth use experience, one-key operation for direction selection, and LED shadowless lamp lighting.
The Wowstick is described as being a tool for the future, to explore the new world.
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It comes with a wide range of mini screwdriver bit types and sizes, which they say can fit all kinds of devices, including corrective glasses, cutlery, shavers, drones, engines, guns, phones, gamepads, among others.
Bit Sizes
- Phillios: PH0000, PH000, PH00, PH0, PH1, PH2
- Slotted: SL1.0, SL1.5, SL2.0, SL2.5, SL3.0, SL3.5, SL4.0
- Torx: T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20
- P2(*0.8), P5(*1.2), P6(*1.5)
- Y0.6, Y1.0, Y2.0, Y2.5, Y3.0
- Square: S0, S1, S2
- Hex: H0.7, H0.9, H1.3, H1.5, H2.0, H2.5, H3.0, H4.0
- U2.0, U2.6, U3.0
- Triangle: 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 3.0
- Needle:0.8(SIM card tray pin) W1.5
- Extended 45mm bits: PH0, PH2, SL2.0, H2.0
The first Wowstick screwdriver package I came across also includes with a storage mat, suction cup, fins, “magnetizer and magnetic eraser,” and “1x [assortment of] common screws.”
It comes packaged in a magnetic absorption storage box.
Price: $50 for the kit
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(Other Wowstick kits via Amazon)
See Also(General Tools cordless precision screwdriver via Amazon)
Discussion
Batavia introduced me to the Wowstick in 2016, but it’s not clear if they’re the maker. Presently, there are different packages of Wowstick screwdrivers sold by many brand son Amazon, including Ruputas, Autolover, Elecguru, GuDoQi, and others. It seems these are just customized packages of the same screwdriver.
I have a soft spot for innovative tools, problem-solvers, and tools that make my life easier. But this? I find myself hesitant.
Okay, let’s say you want or need a mini screwdriver set for device upgrades, component replacements, or what-not. Xiaomi and Wiha make a 24 bit screwdriver set at around half the price of the Wowstick kit.
Buy Now(Xiaomi/Wiha mini screwdriver and bit set via Amazon)
Or, what about an iFixit tool set? There are other precision bit screwdriver sets as well, such as this Wiha 27pc set.
I can definitely see the benefit of a cordless precision screwdriver. But, even when working with any dozens of screws on robotics projects, I use manual screwdrivers. When dealing with teeny tiny fasteners and parts that can strip easily, I really need the feedback that comes with turning a screwdriver. With palm spinner end caps and fingertip-turning, work goes relatively easily and without much hand fatigue.
I have used precision screwdrivers or bits to open battery compartments, open and close project enclosures, upgrade laptops’ hard drives and other components, and occasionally repair or maintain other kinds of devices that have small fasteners. I use my precision screwdrivers in hobbyist, household, and I suppose you could also say professional applications. I don’t have one of these Wowstick screwdrivers on my desk, and I don’t plan on buying one.
To be fair, I have spent more on my various sizes of precision screwdrivers than I would have had to spend for this device and its included bit set. But my precision screwdrivers will presumably last me for years and years. Also, my money went into bit styles and sizes I could use. I can’t say the same for the majority of the bits included in this set.
There are other electric precision screwdrivers. General Tools makes an AAA-powered cordless precision screwdriver for $10-15. Wiha also makes an electric screwdriver, the speedE, although it’s quite pricey.
I can think of worse tools to spend ~$50 on, and there are a lot of users that might benefit from the Wowstick screwdriver (or something like it). Maybe I’ll pick one the next time I have a project requiring many dozens of small fasteners, but probably not.
It seems to me that the Wowsitck is marketed as a must-have general purpose tool, for “daily repair needs.”
For kids toys? An Engineer Inc jeweler’s-style screwdriver set is just fine. Or maybe go with their multi-bit driver.
What turns me off of the Wowstick is the unshakable feeling that most of the people buying one might probably be served just as well – or better – with other solutions, perhaps even less expensive ones.
Ironically, over the course of this discussion, I half-convinced myself that I would benefit from one. However, I’m not a fan of built-in lithium or LiPo batteries in tools or devices I don’t use daily. I do use precision screwdrivers very regularly, but I just can’t seem to let myself want a tool like this.
There apparently was an AAA-powered version, and I’d find that one to be more appealing. But, I’d sooner pick up the General Tools version since it doesn’t come with a whole lot of bits and accessories I don’t really need.
Do you really need one?
Well, that’s a question only you could answer. The Wowstick is the type of tool that a lot of users will imagine themselves using in new projects. But could you have used this in the past week? Month? Year? Would you have?
When tools are described as being for the future and to explore the new world, it immediately activates the skeptic in me.
It looks a nicely-polished device that I do find appealing. But then again, it’s designed that way. Check out this video:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/211199649/wowstick-a-62-in-1-pen-shape-desktop-tool-match-an/description
One of the advertised features is that it’s a desktop fidget toy you can twirl with your fingers and tap your chin with?
If you search YouTube for videos on the Wowstick, you’ll find titles like you don’t need any other screwdriver! and that it’s a 2019 invention that will blow your mind. Then there are the reviews, vlogs, and unboxings.
Is the Wowstick screwdriver a tool you’d feel compelled to try? Would it save you time or effort in your hobbies, projects, or work?
It’s definitely a good-looking tool, but is it useful?
One more thing I’m curious about – exactly what type of engine work could a screwdriver like this be used for? What part of a TV – stand assembly or VESA wall-mount screws?
Hilton
I bought something similar from Banggood thinking I would use it all the time opening up laptops etc. The truth is that it has bugger all torque so you have to use a normal screwdriver to get the screw going (break the thread locker muti) and then only can you use the electric stick.
It’s still on my desk but I use a Klein 4-in-1 driver instead.
csroc
I remember seeing the kickstarter and my SO asked if I needed/wanted one.
Considering I already have a couple larger powered/cordless screwdrivers (the Dewalt DCF680 I bought and was later gifted a Hitachi DB3DL2) and hardly use them, it didn’t make much sense. Normally I reach for manual screwdrivers.
Not to mention my large collection if Wiha microbit sets and separate Wiha precision screwdrivers… granted this isn’t terribly expensive but I just don’t imagine this would be that useful. Those little screws this works for require some finesse and don’t take long to deal with by hand generally… and it’s not like I couldn’t use the Dewalt if need be.
csroc
All that being said, I still kinda want one. Go figure.
Robert L
I used a very nice Panasonic cordless screwdriver with torque limiter as a Mac Genius way back in the day, that was great for disassembly on iBooks and other laptops. I’d be very uncomfortable using any power tool on electrronics without tested and trusted torque control/limits, tho.
Altan
I wonder why Triangle screwdriver bits are not available with E6.3 1/4″ hex shank from well known brands? Is it because they don’t want us to unscrew these type of screws at all?
fred
Actually – in the production world – the Hios 4mm tang drive seems to be more common. Many Hios drivers have torque control features. It is possible that manufacturers think that E6.3 (1/4 hex) drives for small screws will invite over-torqueing. But other small bits styles come with 1/4 hex drives – so it is probably just a likely that they don’t want to tool up for what they perceive as a limited market.
Altan
It is not just E6.3 or C6.3 hex shanks, Triangle screwdriver bits are not available with C4 (4mm) shanks from famous brands, maybe just one size is available, not the rest, as much as I know there are 5 different sizes in triangle profile for screwdriver bits.
fred
I have some – bought from McMaster Carr:
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/125/2879
Altan
Thanks Fred, Very useful link for me, I hope they do deliver goods to UK also.
Do you have any idea about the quality and the origin of the screwdriver bits? Some of their torsion screwdriver bit sets (case and bits) look like Wera ones a lot, maybe they get them from Wera, but I am not sure about the rest, some look like Eazypower bits and some I cant not say anything about. Would you please let me know if you have any information about them?
Thanks
Altan
Also I have stainless steel Ball end Hex Allen key size 1.5mm and 10mm from Wera, but I have not seen these sizes as E6.3 1/4″ hex shank screwdriver bits. Do you know any brand which makes them?
Thanks
fred
I posted (over on the ToolGuyd Community Forum site) a while back about some of the bits that I have:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/1-4-inch-hex-drive-bits/267
I took a look at the McMaster-Carr triangular bits and see no markings on them to indicate OEM or COO
As for 1.5mm and 10mm hex bits – in 1/4-hex drive
here is what I have:
1.5 MM – 1/4 DRIVE BITS
EAZYPOWER 79841 – 150 083771798413 HEX BIT
WERA 056303 4013288012623 HEX PLUS BIT
EAZYPOWER 77100-01.5 083771771003 HEX SECURITY BIT
10MM – 1/4 DRIVE BITS
BONDHUS 11076 037231110765 HEX BIT
WERA 056340 4013288012708 HEX PLUS BIT
BONDHUS 10876 037231108762 HEX BALL-END POWER DRIVER BIT
EAZYPOWER 77100-10.0 083771771003 HEX SECURITY BIT
Altan
I contacted McMaster Carr via Facebook and this is what they told me:
” We do have origin information for these part numbers but in terms of shipping to the UK, it is not the delivery charges that concern us.
The US Department of Commerce has extensive regulations covering the sales and documentation of products exported from the US that we would need to comply with. Unfortunately, those regulations apply whether the products are shipped directly outside the US or somewhere within the US for later transport. This means we are also unable to ship to your friend in the US for eventual export. The Department of Commerce classifies both kinds of transactions as exports and imposes the same requirements for documentation and review.
I’m sorry we can’t help you further ”
They said they don’t ship to UK and I said I will ask a friend who lives in the US to buy for me, sounds quite strange to me.
John Fleisher
I picked up a Wowstick from a discount online retailer a while back. There are times in my job I have to install/remove hundreds of tiny screws for hard drives/SSDs going into large storage arrays (4+ petabytes). A manual screwdriver works, but there are definitely fatigue issues after a while. The Wowstick has sufficient torque to break loose the tiny screws used on these disks.
Wayne R.
If you’ve ever taken one of today’s doodads apart you’ll see 1) tiny screws, and 2) lots of them. Almost never are there just one or two itty bitty screws.
And if you’re taking lots of these sorts of things apart you’re going to see hundreds of these tiny screws all day long. And the usual ergonomics of using wrist power via typical screwdrivers isn’t really getting it on small devices on a bench – where you might get your face right up in there. So a bench tech doing a lot of this sort of work will be able to easily justify picking one of these up, along with a thorough set of bits.
I’m right at that threshold of justifying picking one of these up. I think I’d prefer the Sainsmart device but it’s a slim separation. They’ve got three models, and a slew of other stuff, worth checking out.
https://www.sainsmart.com/collections/tools-instruments/products/toolpac-es120-motion-sensing-smart-screwdriver
Jim Felt
I wish my model railroading pastime warranted this kind of “precision”… But naw. Darnitall.
TonyT
You might want to check out this blog on 3D printing model RR scenes:
https://blog.prusaprinters.org/3d-printed-railways-size-h0-187/
TonyT
IIRC, Miniware actually makes the ESxxx screwdrivers resold by SainSmart and others. I think if you can get the ES120 or similar for $50-$60 like I did, it’s a reasonable purchase if you do a lot of electronics/PC/small electrical work.
The ES-style screw drivers have a number of advantages over the Wowstick, including available source code, easy to open (so should be able to replace the battery), multiple speeds (4 IIRC), and multiple torque settings (although probably not so accurate). To me, variable speed is a big plus. Max torque isn’t super high.
I have the General, and would not recommend it. I use my Bosch Pocket Driver and Flexi-Click a fair amount too (for things like opening up PC cases, tighten/loosen screw terminals, etc), but have to put the clutch on one of the lowest settings.
I’ll agree that these electric screwdrivers aren’t replacements for manual screw drivers, but depending on what you do, they can be worth it.
Tim B.
I’ve been quite fascinated by all the attention these have gotten since the original campaign, followed by all the spin-/knock-offs… But I’d love to see a legit *review* from someone who’s opinion I value! (*wink wink* *nudge nudge*)
Jim Felt
Agreed! Aaaah chooo Stuart!
Mr. Certainly
I do a lot of electronics work — and a battery-powered screwdriver such as this (either button-press or wrist-turn activated….the latter helps control the torque) saves you tons of effort if you’re working with hundreds of little screws at a time.
But for most people, it’s a gimmick and rightfully so. You’d be better served with a Wiha or iFixit toolkit with a traditional manual screwdriver and large selection of bits.
I own both Wiha and iFixit kits, and they’re excellent. Wiha is slightly better bit quality, but iFixit is great for those who don’t rely on precision bits on a daily basis — with excellent pricing.
If you’re unsure, grab an iFixit and upgrade as needed down the road.
Mike (the other one)
I agree on all counts. I have sets of Wiha slotted, phillips and torx drivers. These are my main drivers for precision work. I use the iFixit set for the security bits.
I do a fair amount of electronics work, but I don’t see the need for a powered precision screwdriver. Even with full size drivers, I prefer the control of a regular driver over a powered driver, unless the screw is really long or difficult to remove.
Koko The Talking Ape
I don’t see why it has to have a smooth barrel. Not a lick of knurling or ridges or texture or nothing. A well designed barrel would reduce fatigue and increase useability.
Larry
I got in on the Kickstarter campaign when it started. Delivery was many months late and for a while looked like it was never going to happen. After I had given up on them I received a surprise package containing my Wowstick and all of it’s accessories. I have to admit that so far it hasn’t seen much use. Every time I try to use it on a screw it doesn’t have enough torque. I’m thinking of relegating it to my slot car box for use at the track. It does have enough power to remove the body screws from slot cars at least.
Drewmcdan1
You forgot about another ratcheting option that you had previously identified. Lowes/Kobalt has made a couple of them over the years. The first precision one was included in larger kit that you identified back in 2012. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/kobalt-double-drive-screwdriver-set/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The large screwdriver was pretty good, but the precision one was lacking some bits.
Lowes then upgraded their precision set which is a lot better. I keep that in my PC/electronics table. It’s still available from Lowes, but not in the stores.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-26-Piece-Ratcheting-Set-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/4062619 I think I paid around $10 for it around Black Friday. It’s now down to $5. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it again.
I also have the battery operated General Instruments driver. It’s okay, but like others I am cautious in using it to tighten anything because of torque, but it is a useful tool.
Addicted2Red
I have the AAA version of the wowstick.
I bought it for one purpose only. Screwing and unscrewing hard to reach screws on a 3D printer build. This one tool lets me remove several parts without having to remove a bunch more in the process.
That said it has very little torque, it chews through the AAA batteries, and has no light on it like the more expensive model. It’s not really worth the $29 I paid for the tool. But it gets the job done for now. If I was in the repair business removing and fixing items with a lot of small screws then maybe it would be more useful.
Tyler J Dickey
I bought one off ebay last year and like others have said it is great for dealing with lots of little screws, this in conjunction with big set of Wiha bits and I can get almost anything zipped apart in no time! I would recommend one to anyone who does electronic work that gets smaller than Standard laptop/pc stuff.
William Adams
I use a small Silca T-ratchet and Ti Torque bar for this sort of thing, though I did pick up a small wood-handled ratcheting screwdriver from Garrett Wade which I’ve become quite fond of.
I thought the new Mininch Spinner Drive was an interest option (but I haven’t been able to bring myself to buy one to go with the Toolpen and Toolpen Mini I keep in my sling bag).
HC
I was at a locksmith the other day. He could use a small power tool for removing those loooong screws on doorknobs and deadbolts. Get the screw loose then use a power screwdriver for the rest of the way. His cordless drill was ridiculously large for the job.
adlerweb
I also got the AAA version as well as an ES121. ES121 never really worked for me – motion detection isn’t really working for me. The Wowstick is a handy thing for disassembling laptops, etc. As others stated they could have more torqe, but since they lock you can at least break them free manually and let the motor do it’s job. I would – however – not buy it again. At least not the AAA variant. I bearly get one day of use from a single battery. Not sure if I buy die LiPo-Version next or retrofit my current model, but devices using standard batteries is definately something I’ll avoid in future.
Fazal Majid
I got the Wowstick 1F from Amazon and gave one to my sysadmin colleague, who loves it. We both spend a lot of time tinkering with computers and electronics, and it’s incredibly useful. Torque limitation is a non-issue, it doesn’t have enough torque to strip a fastener, but enough to open a relatively tight one including those on hard drives. The 4mm hex shank is the same as Wiha System 4, so you can get better bits than the Chinesium ones supplied (although those not half bad, actually).