The BluCave FlashCell cordless screwdriver is a super capacitor-powered device. In other words, it’s a powered screwdriver that doesn’t need batteries.
Something similar used to be available – the Coleman Flashcell, but it’s been off the market for many years now.
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The only BluCave products I’m familiar with is their BluCave modular tool storage system, which I have yet to see in person but regularly pine for. With the BluCave Flashcell cordless screwdriver being released and sold at Amazon and Sam’s Club stores, maybe we’ll see the BluCave modular storage pretty soon too.
Here’s a quick look at what the new BluCave Flashcell screwdriver offers:
- 2-position handle
- 40 in-lbs of torque (3.32 ft-lbs)
- 200 RPM speed (no-load)
- Powered by super capacitor technology
- Up to 100,000 recharges
- Charges in 60 seconds
Check Price: on Amazon
With the 2-position handle, you can switch from pistol grip to a straight inline grip, depending on what the application calls for.
It looks fairly compact, as it should be. It’s a 4.6V-powered device, and so it makes sense that it’s around the same size as a 3.6V or 4V Max cordless screwdriver.
The trigger switch is nice and wide, which makes it easier to grip with the handle in its straight position. What’s interesting is that the handle isn’t perfectly straight when in the inline position. Is this better or worse for ergonomics?
There’s an LED flashlight module that connects to the bottom of the tool.
When using the screwdriver, the flashlight module can serve as a worklight that shines in the direction of the bit and fastener.
Charging is completed in just 60 seconds.
The kit comes with the BluCave FlashCell cordless screwdriver, the LED worklight attachment, a 5-piece screwdriver bit set, a bit extension, and the AC charger.
Price: $48-60
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
This looks like a pretty handy cordless screwdriver, and there’s a lot to like about it. It seems that a lot of work went into the design.
The pivoting handle geometry looks useful, and I really like the idea of the LED module that simply attaches to the bottom of the tool. It makes the BluCave screwdriver a little bulky, which is why it’s great that it’s removable.
While the screwdriver’s super capacitor “battery” recharges in 60 seconds, how long does the tool retain that charge? Can you charge it up, put it in your tool bag, and have it still ready for action later that day?
How much charge can the super capacitor it hold? Can it drive in 10 screws per charge? 100? A 60-second charge probably won’t result in very long runtime.
I also have one suggestion for BluCave to consider making if they develop an updated FlashCell cordless screwdriver: give it a USB charging port.
While charging docks can be convenient, I think that a USB charger would have worked a lot better for this tool.
Then again, if runtime isn’t very long, you might have to return to the charging dock a couple of times during a very long and fastener-intensive project. Pop the BluCave screwdriver onto its charging dock, and it’s ready to go in less time than it takes you to [insert quick break activity here].
$80 seems a little steep, but I also saw a $60 Sam’s Club price, although you can’t buy it online or pick it up in store there yet. Maybe the Amazon price will be reduced once the FlashCell screwdriver is released in a couple of days.
What do you think?
Nathan
going to go on a limb and say if it’s like other super cap devices they store light current but lots of voltage. charging it then requires voltage – so the usb thing probably doesn’t work.
I bet the charging voltage on this is north of 30vDC. (SWAG). Meanwhile, I like the idea of it – does that light module use another super cap or does it have seperate power?
would like to know more about it – I bet it’d be great for electronics.
Stuart
Ooooh… good question. I think that it works off of the screwdriver’s power. But if using it as a flashlight, that would probably drain the battery quite fast. Maybe there’s a separate power source? But no mention of it, and the images I’ve seen only show the flashlight module in operation when attached to the bottom of the screwdriver.
Chris
They have this at Sam’s Club now too, for $59.99. In that description it says “Super Capacitor” so I wonder if it even has a battery, or are you just charging up capacitors, which charge very quickly. Interesting indeed.
Somewhat related, I have been searching high and low for an adapter for the 1/4″ chuck on these kinds of drivers so I can use the 1/8″ bits that come in so many of those “mini screwdriver” kits. No one seems to make one. Has anyone come across one?
Mike
How truly 1/8″ are the bits? Wiha has an adapter for their 4mm bit system. If the bits actually are 1/8″ it will be too large, but as little as it costs the adapter might be worth a shot.
http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-insert-bit-to-system-4-micro-bit-adaptor-p/75802.htm
fred
Maybe you could use a ¼ hex drill chuck.
CML Supply sells one (Part No 555-103 – UPC 0961756551034) that is available on eBay and is pretty small.
The Dewalt DW0521 sports a more full-sized chuck so it might be a bit too large. But when you search on it on Amazon they seem to offer some other alternatives that may be smaller like the Neiko 20753A and one by Temo:
http://www.amazon.com/TEMO-Keyless-Adaptor-Conventional-Micro-size/dp/B004HAA22U/
John
Actually Wiha makes exactly what your talking about in two models.
The 75902 Wiha – MicroBit 1/4in Drive Power Tool Adaptor
http://amzn.com/B002QPV40M
And the Wiha 75802 1/4″ Insert Bit to System 4 Micro Bit Adaptor
http://amzn.com/B00XIPRG4M
Both are great but I tend to prefer the first one for length and generally these electric cordless screwdrivers have a deep throat so you’ll need a +1 inch adapter in them. They both seem to fit all “precision” 1/8 standard bits I’ve run into.
Nathan
in theory a cap will charge quicker than the battery – and it will last longer. but it won’t hold for long.
on the hex adapter – I’ve not seen a 1/4 to 1/8 but I would use a 1/4 hex – 1/4 square with a 1/8th socket – and 1/8th bit.
what 1/8 size bit are you needing to run with a 1/4 drive power widget?
Toolfreak
As someone who regularly winds up taking out drained and/or corroded batteries out of many cordless tools, I can see the usefulness behind something like this – the cap sits empty in the tool until you need it, you charge it for a minute or two, and get the ability to use it for awhile (then hopefully drain the cap and put it away until the next use).
I’m curious about how safe the caps in such tools are. Even small capacitors can be pretty dangerous when charged up, so I’d guess the one in this tool is pretty well sealed up so the average consumer can’t access it, or hopefully so, with plenty of warnings in the literature and on the package not to open the device, try to service it, and to definitely not handle the capacitor.
The thing that really stands out is the price. At $80, or even $60 + tax, it’s a pretty poor value compared to say, the Bosch PS21 driver kit at $70, which has way more torque, and two batteries so you can just swap out and charge one while using the other. The only downside is the 30min-1hr charge time, but with two batteries, you can usually use one for several hours before it needs to be recharged, so you will probably have another fully charged battery ready to go before you need it.
Stuff like this might still have its use in a certain environment, but it just seems too costly for the average consumer.
I’d guess a battery-powered screwdriver would be more cost-effective, perhaps with some sort of quick-change mechanism so you could leave the batteries out and pop them in when you need to use the tool so they don’t get drained or leak and corrode inside the battery compartment over time.
Owner
I bought one of these rebranded. Literally identical other than the colour (mine has orange instead of blue).
It does charge in 60 seconds. And the runtime would be enough to assemble most flatpack furniture for example (maybe ~100 screws)
High torque drained the battery quickly. A few twists of the drill on an embedded immobile decking screw.
The light is useless and was lost long ago. Initially in store it was $70 but I managed to get it on clearance for $10 and is well worth it. Not worth it full retail in my opinion.
Will
What brand/model was your orange version of this tool? I’ve never seen one of these before.
Stuart
http://batavia.eu/en/producten/46-v-cordless-screwdriver-flash-cell/
Batavia is the parent company.
SteveR
From what I’ve read here, this sounds like it will be relegated to electronics use owing to its lower power output. In that scenario, would it need some kind of internal grounding mechanism to prevent the buildup/discharge of static electricity? Or would a ground strap be added by the user to the pc board or other device being worked on? I have to admit ignorance on this.
Is there a “professional” model of this item already out there that would be in general use by service techs? I don’t see too much demand for this among homeowners, given the power output. It needs to be low-power to prevent the zealous from overdriving a screw and stripping out a mounting point, case, etc.
And how many of us regularly work on electronic devices that this driver would be needed? My first inclination would be to use small electronics (manual) screwdrivers for such occasional work. Or simply turn that kind of repair over to a qualified service or computer technician. I remind myself that having the tools to disassemble a device or mechanism does not, by extension, imbue me with the knowledge to attempt a repair on it.
Bj
Steve, the professional model would be an milwaukee m12 driver with a clutch.
John
Actually the m12 even with clutch is likely too high powered for electrical. But Milwaukee does make an M4 screw driver and Makita makes a 7.2 volt cordless screw driver. Both very similar except for voltage and Makita has a LED light. But these two have clutches tuned way down for electrical work and top off at I think 45 inch lbs at its highest setting.
Matt
$30 at Sams. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/blucave-screwdriver/prod18150244.ip
Mary
Can I buy the charger separately for the bluecave cordless drill??
Stuart
Have you tried contacting them yet? Even if it’s not available separately, they might be able to sell it to you as a replacement part.
Geordie
How do I get a new battery for this drill
Stuart
Contact the company about repairs? I don’t think the capacitor is user-replaceable.