It looks like Craftsman has a couple of new ballgrip screwdrivers that just came out. These new screwdrivers feature large handles that are designed to nestle comfortably in the palm of your hand.
There are 2 new drivers available in 3 color options.
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There’s a Phillips screwdriver, and a slotted one. Both come with reversible screwdriver bits that presumably magnetically attach to the ball grip handles’ bit holding sockets. It’s unclear as to whether the handles can work with off-the-shelf 1/4″ hex power bits, but I hope to find out soon.
At first, I thought these were smaller screwdrivers, perhaps suited for EDC carry or portable tool bags, but the photo of the driver in-hand makes them look like regularly sized tools. They can be gripped with a palm and fingertip hold, as shown, but it seems that you should also be able to grip the screwdriver as you would one with a typical straight handle.
The Phillips version especially caught my attention because it features something I don’t recall ever seeing before – a combination Phillips #1 and #3 bit tip. It looks like both Phillips cross tips should be perfectly usable independently.
Features:
- Polypropylene plastic handle with elastomer (rubbery) cushioned grip zones
- 5-inch removable bit
- Bit is made from heat treated alloy steel with a corrosion-resistant black oxide finish
- Magnetic bit tips
- Ball grip handle design improves grip and battles fatigue
- Textured grips for secure gripping and quick turning
The Phillips driver has #1, #2, and #3 tips, and the slotted driver has 1/8″ and 1/4″ slotted tips.
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Price: $10
These new Craftsman ball grip screwdrivers look identical to Vessel and Hozan made-in-Japan ball grip drivers, don’t you think?
If you’re interested in fixed-blade drivers, or specialty bit sizes, Amazon carries a selection of Vessel and Hozan tools, although I don’t see anything exactly like these new Craftsman screwdrivers.
Buy Now(Other Ball Grip Brands via Amazon)
First Thoughts
These new Craftsman ball grip screwdrivers look pretty appealing. The grip does look comfortable, and I am curious as to whether it allows for varying grip positions. The removable screwdriver bits means they break apart for storage, and I hope it also means the potential to use them with other sizes and styles of 1/4″ hex bits. That remains to be seen.
The $9 pricing certainly adds to the appeal.
I’m a little worried, though. A couple of months ago, Craftsman offered a tiny 3.6V rechargeable screwdriver in many different colors. Now, long past the winter holiday season, none of the sizes are available anymore. That makes me wonder if these new screwdrivers are intended for a high volume short selling season for Father’s Day. And if so, are there compromises in the design?
What do you think – is this something you’d be eager to add to your toolbox?
Gary T.
I bet those are made by Vessel. Vessel does have a version with the removable bits. Amazon has one listed for about $18.
Stuart
I saw that one, but the bits look different, as if they are mechanically held in place, while these have straight shafts and are presumably magnetically held.
I don’t want to jump to conclusions about Vessel making these, as it’s not yet know where the Craftsman drivers are made.
Dave
Gary T,
I just finished having a live internet chat with Sears customer service. Here is the contents of the chat:
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Mike
Don’t take it personally, many others have had the same experience with them.
Dave
Gary T,
I just finished having a live internet chat with Sears customer service. Here is the contents of the chat:
“David: Hi Adler, can you please tell me where the Craftsman Ball Grip Screwdriver with Reversible Phillips Bit (model #11848) is manufactured?
Adler: I will check on this and help you with the details on where it is manufactured.
Adler: This may take a minute or two to research. Thank you for your patience.
Adler: Thank you for waiting.
Adler: I appreciate your patience.
Adler: I see that it is manufactured in Japan.
Adler: Does this suit your needs, David?
David: Yes. One more question if you don’t mind.
Adler: Sure, I will be glad to answer your question on products and help you.
David: Is the Craftsman Ball Grip Screwdriver with Reversible Slotted Bit (model# 12171) also manufactured in Japan?
Adler: Let me check this.
Adler: Yes, David, this model 12171 is also manufactured in Japan.”
typhoon
My local store has them, and I can confirm that they’re both made in Japan.
Gary T.
Dave, that makes me think that they are made by vessel. I know the Vessel fixed blade ball grip screwdrivers are made in Thailand and the bit holding ball grip screwdrivers are made in Japan from the ones I own. Its nice to see Sears offering some more quality tools.
MattP
Curious if the PH tips are JIS or actual Phillips. If JIS I might stock up!
Is the COO listed in any of the Craftsman promo materials? If it’s Japan that would strongly suggest JIS.
Mike
Seeing as they’re from Japan, I’d bet my licorice nibs that they’re JIS.
Since JIS works just fine in Phillips, Sears is just using the name everybody knows already.
viejo
Maybe since 2008 Japan does not mark screwdrivers as JIS?
JeffD
I’ve had a set of the Vessel 220 Ball Grips for a number of years. They are Made in Thailand, not Japan.
john
Pick up Craftsman Ball Grip Screwdriver with Reversible Phillips Bit at sears today, the screwdriver made in japan and very nice finish on handle to and handle does except off-the-shelf 1/4″ hex power bits.
Robert
Here’s an interesting link with a few short paragraphs regarding the “JIS,” “Japanese Industrial Standard, bits and fasteners.
http://www.rjrcooltools.com/jis.cfm
If that is what they are, and it appears to be the case, these could be potentially pretty nice. It sounds like the Phillips tips in particular would be more immune to cam-out than more traditional Phillips tips.
I have some nice 3 1/2 inch slotted power bits already. If the bits are interchangeable, as they appear to be, I’d be happy with only one. My main interest would be the Phillips tip that comes with the Craftsman driver. Then I’d just swap it out with my slotted tips or whatever when needed.
They apparently have them in stock today at my local Sears, in multiple colors I might add! I’m intrigued enough to pick one up today and try it out. For 9 bucks I’ve got very little to lose. I admittedly have a weakness for screwdrivers anyway, particularly those that are versatile, portable, and especially GOOD at fitting “typical” assorted fasteners.
It looks like Sears might be making some effort to dig themselves out of the crater of a hole they’re in. I sincerely hope these turn out to be nice and that Sears stays on that course.
Stan
I’ll probably be the only that will have this thought process but my concern is that these Vessel screwdrivers are going to replace the USA made Western Forge screwdrivers. Now if these screwdrivers are just a new addition and aren’t going to replace the Western Forge screwdrivers, then that is fine.
Leave it to Sears to make a move similar to this as they have done this the past and present.
As for Vessel screwdrivers, I’ve never heard of this brand until today, so I have no opinion other than I hope these don’t replace the Western Forge screwdrivers.
Chip
^^^ , said a western forge employee..
I hope they dump western forge for some quality german, japanese or swedish manufacturer.
I returned every single craftsman i recently purchased (5/24/2015) because of the rancid smell emitting from these handles. Went all in, and now I’m definitely all out. The only tools craftsmans tools that dont seem to smell are red or black handled, and it if you are paying that premium, buy some high quality import instead.
My whole home smells like puke, and i can’t get the smell out of my nose (24hrs); should be over soon. Just purchased some Masterforce from menards to compare the Pratt-Read with Western Forge. My friend and I agree that the new test PR set smells more like rubber than acetic/butyric acid. However, going to confirm the handle material tomorrow.
I wouldn’t bite on these craftsman whatever the price. Grab the original JIS fixed blades from Vessel, learn how to torque a screwdriver and say goodbye to Henry [Phillips] for me.
SteveR
Unless I missed it in the write-up, these are “regular” screwdrivers (i.e., they are non-ratcheting), correct? For $9 or $10, that is most likely the case.
Is the #2 Phillips (or, actually, the JIS bit for #2) on a second bit? I assume it is, and that it is sized #2 at both ends. A #2 bit is used more frequently than either the #1 or #3, so I’m guessing that was the logic in the way tips were paired. As Stuart mentioned, we usually see a #1 paired with a #2. They could have paired a #1 with a #2 drive end, then made the second bit a #2 and a #3 driver.
Is the #2 bit stored in the handle? That seems likely, although I don’t recall reading where it is stored was mentioned. None of the photos show a removable (threaded) cap, so I thought I’d ask.
My other thought about these is that I would prefer that the driver bits were not held magnetically. Longer bits tend to wobble some under pressure while turning them. A more secure means would be to have a threaded collet gripping them. However, that means more machining and parts, which drives up the cost compared to a simple magnetic arrangement.
Dave
Steve,
For the Phillips non-ratcheting driver, it comes with one 5″, 1/4″ hex bit. One side of the bit, there is a combo Phillips #1 and #3 bit (see Stuey’s article for the above pic). The other side of the same bit, there is a Phillips #2 bit. Since the handle is solid, there is no bit storage available. As far as bit retention inside the handle, I do not think it is using magnets. Here is a link to the product with pictures on Sears.com: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-ball-grip-screwdriver-with-reversible-phillips-bit/p-00911848000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Dave
SteveR
Dave–Thanks for straightening that out for me. I saw the two sizes on the #1/#3 end, but it didn’t register until now.
Stuart
Sears says they’re Phillips bits/tips, and so that’s what they probably are, not JIS.
The bits are reversible, and we won’t know how they’re secured in place until someone reports in with hands-on feedback.
Jerry
I kind of like them. I also hope that Sears will make replacement bits available. That way, if someone buggers a bit up, that’s all they have to buy. Also, they could make different bits than standard. If all you needed was a #2 Phillips, they could have one on both ends, so youd always have a fresh tip, or they could have Torx bits or whatever to put in your handle. My screwdriver drawer is full of all sorts of different screwdrivers, Phillips 1-4, 3 or 4 sizes of flat, 5-6 Torx, etc. I could free up a lot of space if I had only 3-4 handles, and a handful of bits. Looking forward, they could make the handles in two sizes, full size and compact.
This really could have potential where you could just replace a buggered $3 insert instead of a $6 driver. I prefer the long hex shank over the usual short bit insert, because in my line of work, the extra thickness of the bit holder often gets in the way. It is also quite clever the way they got 3 sizes of Phillips bits on a double ended bit.
I wouldn’t call it a home run, but for me it would be a double or maybe even a triple.
Robert
I picked up the black Phillips version today. My local Sears had all 3 colors in stock. The grip is more compact than I expected, but it’s still comfortable and substantial enough to put some torque on when needed.
As it turns out, the bit is not held in the grip magnetically. It’s a snug fit and simply pushes in about an inch and a quarter or so. It will also accept any 1/4 inch accessory, but a standard insert bit would drop too far into the grip to be eseable.
Robert
Didn’t get to finish my post. That’s what I get for attempting it with an iPhone!
Anyway, the included bit is actually held in place by friction. There is no ball detent or other locking mechanism. That said, the bit inserts into the grip approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. It’s a snug fit, and feels as secure as any typical magnetic or ball bearing approach.
As far as the compatibility with other 1/4 inch accessories, there is good news and bad news. As previously mentioned, it will not work with a standard 1″ insert bit. You can however insert a power bit or other longer 1/4 inch accessories. My issue is that if the shank on a magnetic bit holder for example isn’t at least 1 1/2 inches long, the base will not actually touch the bottom of the slot in the grip. It will be stopped by the section at the top that holds the bit in the accessory. My concern is applying continual pressure directly to the top of the grip at the insert point. Normally that pressure is exerted at the bottom of the slot. I don’t know if that would cause excessive wear or not.
I do like the feel of the grip. I’d call it a “full sized compact.” It gives you a little of the best of two worlds. The ball portion at the bottom gives you enough grip to put some significant crank on a fastener. The smaller portion above allows for quick spinning and more detail oriented driving. That would be nice for working on computers and the like. When taken apart, it’s very light weight and would take up a small amount of pocket or backpack space for carrying around.
I have not tested the durability of the bit that comes with the driver. It seemed to fit the fasteners that I tested without any slippage, but I’ll need to use it more to determine it’s effectiveness with a variety of Phillips fasteners. My first impression is that’s it’s generally decent quality.
Overall I’ll find a use for it, but I’m not particularly overwhelmed one way or another. It is unique, and could probably fill a particular niche very nicely. In the meantime, I wouldn’t necessarily be running to purchase one in the absence of a specified intended usage.
Robert
One thing I forgot to mention. If you look at the product description on the packaging, it indicates that the “magnetic tips securely grab fasteners.” That is a stretch by anyone’s standards.
The grip itself has no magnetic properties. Any magnetic aspect is solely in the bit itself. Aside from enough grab to hold the smallest precision related fasteners, it’s anything but magnetic. It’s not enough to even be worth stating on the packaging.
Sledgecrowbar
Well, on one hand, I have an entire 40×18″ tool chest drawer devoted to Vessel screwdrivers, because they really are excellent, and I have more than a few vintage Japanese motorcycles which all have JIS phillips fasteners, and I’d prefer to keep them as original as regular riding and maintenance allows. Japanese hand tools in general are possibly the finest available, and this is coming from a German, who collects fine tools from all over the world.
On the other hand, I sure am glad that Craftsman “listened to us” when we unilaterally recommended that what we really want is for all Craftsman tools to be made in the US again.
I’ll admit that this might get me back into a Sears, but I make no promises that it will be better than last time, which was a COO label Easter egg hunt ending in me walking out empty-handed. I just don’t see myself needing a phillips that looks like all the damaged phillips I’ve ever repurposed as scratch awls with the bench grinder after destroying them on impossibly-hard fasteners.
I’m less than enthralled by the new in-thing being American tool labels repackaging actually good tools, like Irwin rebranding NWS cutters. I bought NWS cutters two years ago and I’m glad I did because at least the company who designed them has their name on it. Irwin has been made in China for longer than I care to look up. If you want my money, manufacture something yourself.
ACalzadilla
Just ordered 2, 1 slot and 1 Phillips free with surprise points what the heck I’ll try them out.
Toolfreak
These are now on clearance at Sears for $4.88, after being on sale last week for $4.99, so that last paragraph seems pretty true – these were just a one-off sale item for Father’s Day.
It’s really pretty bizarre that Sears keeps doing it – selling one-time items under the Craftsman brand, with the lifetime warranty to boot.
As for the manufacturer, yeah, these are obviously made by Vessel, the largest screwdriver manufacturer in Japan. The packaging says Made in Japan as others have stated, and Vessel makes almost the same exact screwdriver as the Vessel 220W-123:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%99%E3%83%83%E3%82%BB%E3%83%AB-VESSEL-%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%93PLUS-%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC-NO-220W-123/dp/B00E55DL70
The main differences seems to be the lack of grooves on either end of the bit, so I suspect that the bit isn’t up to the impact-level hardness of the regular Vessel bits, so the lack of grooves to is to at least not encourage their use in power tools or impact drivers.
The other big difference seems to be the collar/ring at the very tip of the handle. The Vessel version looks to have a white plastic ring, possibly a removable insert, while the Craftsman just has the ring as part of the handle.
I now have both the philips and slotted drivers, and they are pretty nice. The big thing about them is the weight – or lack thereof. With just a plastic handle and slide-in bit, it hardly weighs anything. Certainly less than a 6-in-1 and even less than a regular Craftsman PH2 or 1/4″ screwdriver, and way less than a PH3.
That’s the big plus here, a compact PH3 driver. The only downside seems to be the PH1 driver tip, it really isn’t as useful as an actual PH1 driver since PH1 screws aren’t always sticking up, and a flush or recessed screw will certainly cause the PH3 wings of the driver to scruff or scratch the surface around the screw head when the driver is pushed in to try and extract the screw, or driving it in. Still, the PH1/PH3 head design is handy and useful for applications where cosmetics aren’t a concern.
Quality wise, the only issue with mine is the 1/8″ end isn’t parallel with any of the six edges of the bit – the 1/4″ end is, so it looks weird, either looking at the bit by itself, or when the 1/8″ end is out. Otherwise they are great, the handle is grippy and pretty comfortable. It’s not as cushy or ergonomic as a Wiha or Wera, but the ball end design seems more about being easy to handle and compact, which it does well.
The 220W-123 Vessel version sells for just under 1000 Yen on Amazon, (which is about $8 in US dollars) so even with a slightly cheaper design, the original $9.99 retail price seems pretty good. at $4.88 on clearance, these are a steal.
Given the buying power of Sears, I’d say they probably ordered 30 of these (5 of each Black/Red/Blue color, one of each Philips/Slotted type) for each of their 900+ mall stores, plus more for online sales, so a 30,000+ order from Vessel, at a reduced cost for the simpler bit and handle design, and it seems they could maybe eek a profit if they sold a lot of them. Going by the lack of marketing, since it seems they just stuck these on display hooks with other screwdrivers and didn’t even have a special display or Father’s Day promo for these, it looks like Sears is going to eat money on this deal, unless these were super cheap to get and they are making money even at $4.88 each. I doubt it.
Overall I’d say it was nice of Sears to spend the money and bring these over from Japan. These will be a great way to introduce people to Vessel’s ball end driver design and put a handy/comfortable tool in people’s toolboxes and junk drawers.
However, I’d rather Sears would have kept them for at least a few years as a regular product, or brought in another Vessel product, such as the 220W-3 with 3 different bits that costs only a little more than the 220W-123.
I doubt this was an experiment with Sears testing the waters to gauge demand for carrying Vessel screwdrivers in their stores, but that would be pretty cool. If nothing else, Sears carrying these drivers let us get our hands on some Vessel drivers rather inexpensively. I’ll probably spring for the 220W-123 at some point, if nothing else just to have a broader assortment of the bits and to compare the Vessel with the Craftsman.
kevin
after seeing this on the website i picked up both phillips and slotted at sears for 4.88 apiece. i work for a hotel doing maintenance so i use hand tools everday especially screwdrivers. got to use them today and i really liked them . the round handle fit perfect into my palm giving me more leverage the #2 bit and the #1 fit every screw very well better than alot of others i own. the slotted bits honestly wont hold up to to much torque, blades are thin, but for light jobs these are perfect. i would recommend them . for the price can’t be beat. i wish craftsman would make a set with heavier shanks and different lengths i would buy in a heartbeat.
Shaun
Sears clearanced these out within months of introduction. Very strange because I love them. I got over 20 of them at $1.97 each to keep in various places and have them to gift out when somebody notices me using such a cool screwdriver.