Craftsman Tools has launched a new 4V cordless precision screwdriver set, model CMHT66720.
The new Craftsman precision screwdriver is advertised as being “what you need for home device and electronics repair.”
It features a USB charging base with built-in storage for the included 21pc bit set.
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Craftsman says that their new precision screwdriver “drives screws up to 4X as fast,” with 230 RPM no-load max speed. There is no mention of the power or torque, which is going to be low.
The tool features a “hassle-free” forward and reverse button, and also 3-setting variable control.
Built-in LEDs “automatically activate when screwdriver is in use,” which makes this a no-go for me. I purchased one of Craftsman’s previous 4V cordless screwdrivers, and the worklight was obnoxiously bright for close-up work. I suppose one tape over the lights if it’s an issue.
It looks like Craftsman went with a small built-in battery, and the marketing materials say that you get “charging base versatility.” The way the tool sits in the charging dock suggests that there’s a proprietary charging connection. There’s no mention of runtime.
For my own use, I prefer for tools with built-in batteries to feature their own USB-C charging ports so that I don’t need to keep track of a proprietary charger all the time. Craftsman does not make it clear whether there’s also a USB-C charging port on the tool itself but it doesn’t seem like there is.
Craftsman says that USB-C cables and connectors are sold separately, and there’s no mention of minimum or maximum charging rates.
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Screwdriver bits include Phillips, slotted, Torx, hex, and Pentalobe. Craftsman has not listed the sizes anywhere. If you squint, you can try to guess the included bit sizes from the product packaging images.
I find the design mildly interesting, but unappealing for my own needs. I would spend more for a Vessel screwdriver, or less for any of the many cordless precision screwdrivers you can find on Amazon.
Given the launch timing, I’m betting this will be positioned as a holiday season gift at Lowe’s, especially given the “try me” packaging.
The price seems high for what you get, but maybe we’ll see some Black Friday discounts.
Price: $40
This General precision cordless screwdriver launched at least 11 years ago and is still available for $20. See General Tools Cordless Precision Screwdriver. It runs on 2x AAA batteries and was advertised as lasting for over 10 hours.
Craftsman seems to be positioning their screwdriver for “home device and electronics repairs” type of applications. For irregular home use like that, I would be more inclined to buy something like the 2x AAA-powered General for $20, and a good precision bit set for $20, rather than the Craftsman with a built-in battery for $40. For regular or demanding use, I’m not sure I’d even look at the Craftsman tool.
Dennis
I personally like the base, it’s what caught my attention first. It would look super cool on my workbench. Then I read the article and saw the $40 price tag. That decreased my desire. Especially since I have the General version and a Husky version (yes Husky made a version years ago too). They don’t look as cool on my workbench, So they live in a drawer. However I am the only one that spends significant time looking at said workbench, so I only have to impress myself. On the plus side they do take AAA batteries and for the several times I use them a year that’s enough. No chargers or charging bases needed. That being said I know damn well when Lowes drops the price on the Craftsman model to $15-$20 on December 26th, one will probably come home with me, to upstage the others.
Jared
That wouldn’t quite for me either – though I can forgive a lot of flaws if a powered precision screwdriver has good controls and ergonomics.
In this case I presume the idea is to leave it setup in dock, so some people might not care that it’s a necessary component to charge the screwdriver. Since that’s not how I use mine (i.e. it doesn’t stay on my benchtop but instead gets brought out when I need it), my dock would be missing at some point.
Is the switch at the top an on/off?
Stuart
It could be the variable speed selector switch.
Pablo
Does it have a locking switch? One flaw I’ve seen with these types of drivers is that the toggle switch can be engaged, depleting the battery, when thrown in a tool bag or drawer.
Bonnie
I don’t have any big issue with the dock really. This isn’t the kind of tool I’m expecting to run for hours at a time, and my little Dremel Stylus is somehow still kicking like 15 years in.
Still would be better with a universal C dock, but on the other hand pogo pins or a wireless link (thinking like a toothbrush) are more robust if they’re going that route.
Chris
Pogo pins *can* be good, but USB-C is more reliable than a lot of the implementations of Pogo pins I’ve dealt with in the last. And wireless charging (like toothbrushes, which I use a SonicCare that works with a wireless charger), can work well too. I still think overall, something more standardized is better. If they used Qi charging standards, that would be interesting, but I’m willing to bet that isn’t the case either.
Bonnie
I think there’s not enough contact area here to use a Qi coil, but I haven’t looked into those in a few years.
Sasha Waxman
The dock uses a metal-on-metal connection between the bit holder and a conductive spring, and another between a conductive ring and the metal cap of the tool.
Chris
I’m sure there are a lot of people who this would be a nice set for (once the price drops a little). Personally, I find a lot of positives on these low torque type of screwdrivers. I have a grab and go set of tools for around the house stuff, and I have the Skil 4v for that bag. It has a USB-C connector on it, which I have all around the house already. The flashlight works well and the 3-way position is nice to have sometimes. I don’t worry about cracking outlet covers etc. as I would using an impact driver or anything else overkill. That’s if I bother to use something electric over regular screwdrivers.
frobo
This would certainly be easier to control than an impact. But if all I’m dealing with is switches, receptacles, and wall plates, I usually just grab this my Klein 67100 swivel screwdriver. No batteries to deal with, and just as fast.
frobo
Here’s the link for that: https://www.amazon.com/Interchangeable-Screwdriver-Klein-Tools-67100/dp/B003FC75YE
Josh
Milwaukee makes their own version of this tool that is functionally identical to (and the same price – $17) as the Klein one. I’ve never liked the Klein rubber-grip handle design, so I bought the Milwaukee instead, and I’ve been pleased with mine.
Josh
Forgot to include the link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-2-in-1-Rotating-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-48-22-2916/326839555
JoeM
I like that they’re trying to enter the precision market, but I’m not sure I like the format they’ve gone with. The LED mass lighting, that’s not good for precision screwdrivers. Soft light from the side is the way most precision work goes. And that’s assuming this uses standard 4mm precision bits, and not 1/4″ full sized hex bits with precision tip sizes.
I know it’s blasphemy for many ToolGuyd users to hear this said, but, for something like this I would rather buy something from AliExpress or TEMU, made in China or Japan, designed around the guaranteed 4mm standard bits. That’s kinda where I wonder why the NA brands, and even Bosch, have fallen behind. The precision market is still useful, as many a flashlight or mobile device can be serviced with precision sets. You’d think the finer craftsmanship (pun intended for the article) of a German brand, or a mass-machining giant from the USA, might actually want in on the precision 4mm standard market. I believe it’s 1/8″ or close to it, if the SAE/Metric debate is the problem. Don’t think I’ll be buying this one, but, it’s not a reason for them to not try again. I still have my DCE680 8V Max Gyro Screwdriver from DeWALT, and a Wiha 1/4″ to 4mm bit driver, plus a backup 1/4″ to 4mm conversion bit just in case. I don’t need a new precision powered driver for the foreseeable future. But alternatives for when the 8V Max batteries are finally extinct in the wild, and I must surrender my Gyro Driver would be nice.
Stuart
I wouldn’t say Craftsman is trying to enter the precision tool market; I am sure this was designed to be a mini screwdriver that appeals to general homeowners, DIYers, and casual users who can be easily convinced they need a cordless precision screwdriver for home use, rare electronics repairs, and similar. It’ll also be a strong “gift” type product that people buy for the tool users in their lives. None of that is bad, but I also don’t see it meeting the needs of professional or demanding users who work with precision tools daily.
JoeM
Very odd format to say that for, Stuart. It’s a stick driver. And as someone also responded, it does use the 4mm bits. This is definitely entering the precision market, even if it is more of a “Homeowner” level tool. I will still say it is nice to see the bigger North American market tool makers enter the Precision demographic. Right now there’s a lot more Asian and European precision brands, who I don’t oppose using if given the chance, who are utterly profusing the precision market. Wiha and Wera are certainly well known. But I’m seeing some Chinese and Japenese companies like Jakemy putting out significantly more diverse sets, with a focus on self-repair of everyday objects. And not necessarily for the professional. I did buy a Jakemy “Shipping Container” shaped precision set that I rather like, and it is far from being a professional set. It just has some quality items not included in that Craftsman tool kit, and was a fraction of the price. Admittedly, not motorized, but even the motorized version of the model I bought, is much cheaper than the Craftsman.
I honestly don’t like that companies like SBD and TTI haven’t put out a more comprehensive powered precision tool yet. It also kinda irks me that when a company like DeWALT releases a line like the 8V Max line, they abandon it before they reach this lineup of tools. Yeah, I had to go to Wiha to get the precision adapters/bit holders for precision work, but the 8V Max lineup could’ve benefitted from a rotary tool, or precision bit driver before being yanked off the shelves. This Craftsman, using the precision 4mm bits, does give me a little tiny bit of hope that SBD might actually enter this market, and revive my long-term use of my Gyro for precision work. Even my Leatherman Tools, and my Benchmade knife, use precision sized screws/bolts to hold them together, and maintenance on them requires some precision power to help there. It’s one of those missed opportunities for profit that I get irked about. Not severely, but obviously seeing a Craftsman attempt gives me some hope they could give it a try!
Stuart
They say “home device and electronics repairs,” not hobby electronics, RC, maker projects, etc.
Stanley Black & Decker does not launch a product unless there’s a strong market for it. This is launching in September/October with “try me” packaging. I bet you it’s going to be in the holiday gifts and deals section sale at Lowe’s, and that it’ll be near impossible to find by spring next year.
Dewalt will not confirm whether or not their 8V gyroscopic tools have been discontinued. This has come up in the past, with the products and 8V line on hiatus at different times due to lack of retail interest.
You and I are not the customers. Lowe’s is the customer, we are the end user. I an confident that this screwdriver was designed for broad audiences.
If Lowe’s did NOT agree to buy many thousands of units for holiday 2025 gift center placement – which I am still confident in predicting – would Stanley Black & Decker still be launching this new Craftsman product? If your answer is “no,” then this is not meant for entry into the precision tool market, but an entry into the “what will appeal to Lowe’s shoppers?” market.
That’s not bad, but let’s be clear about what this and what it isn’t.
Sasha Waxman
This screwdriver does use 4mm bits.
Plain+Grajny
Looks like Acme has 10% off. With $99 purchase!
Scott
My wife has told me a couple of times within the past few months she wants a cordless screwdriver. How often she would use one if at all I’m unsure of, and $40 for this Craftsman that has no USB C charging port.
I’m going to have to look into the General cordless screwdriver on Amazon. Since she won’t be using it very often a pair of AAA batteries would last a good while in one. I actually should buy two of them as I’ve been needing to buy a new one for myself.
Jason Watkins
I wonder if this would have the power to remove screws from RC cars once they are broken loose by hand. I like to break them free by hand to avoid potential rounding of the hex’s,
Scott K
The idea of a docking station could be a convenient feature if you use something like this often and plan to have it live on a workbench. I wonder if this has smart charging features – if this tops off every time it’s lifted off the base and put back that could shorten the lifespan which would create a lot of waste – who wants a base station with a tool that doesn’t hold a charge?
Andrew
Docking station might be nice if you do a lot of work at a bench and want something to hold it. Not for me.
One of the few Craftsman items I bought… I picked up this gyro type driver a couple years ago with little expectation and I have used it a ton. I really like it. Enough torque for routine stuff around the house and you can always hand finish with it if you need a bit more. Super smooth, variable speed control with the gyro function. Micro USB plug in. It worked great when I swapped all the outlets in our house without having to switch between forward and reverse. LED brightness never seemed like an issue on this.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-4-Volt-3-8-in-Cordless-Screwdriver-1-Battery-Included-and-Charger-Included/1001363752
Discontinued now, but I would buy another one if I could. Bring it back!
Looks like it was replaced by this, but does not have the gyro function anymore which is disappointing.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-4V-Speed-Drive-20PC-Screwdriver/5001914483
Wayne R.
This Craftsman device uses, I presume, 1/4 hex bits, yet you’re calling it a “precision screwdriver”. To me, that term should apply only to 4mm bits (and small fixed blade drivers).
And most of the cordless 4mm bit powered drivers appear to be slim/sleek/smooth, which puts me off because I want a heftier grip, and to be able to break/tighten screws as well. For my 4mm bits, I use a Wiha Centrofix handle with a 4mm-to-1/4-hex adapter.
The only time I really feel the itch to get a small powered driver is when I’m taking the back off a laptop, which is pretty rare anymore.
Sasha Waxman
This design uses 4mm bits.
Wayne R.
I did my best scrutinizing the packaging images and the accompanying detail at Acme, but could not find anything specifying either 1/4 or 4mm.
Can this device be used to break/tighten screws too?
potato
Is that a usb-c port for charging at the top? its hard to see, I wouldnt want to use this with a dock personally so if it had dual charging capability that would be quite cool but if its dock only, not interested.
Sasha Waxman
Yes it has a USB-C port at the back of the screwdriver handle.
potato
awesome, thanks for chiming in
Doresoom
I’ve been using a wowstick rechargeable screwdriver for the past 4 years and have been really happy with its performance. The LEDs are a good brightness, and the body is very slim.
I think I paid $40 for it as well. It came with an assortment of 56 precision bits, and there are a few different Gridfinity organizers available for download that hold all of them. My only complaint is that it’s micro-USB rechargeable, not USB-C.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DB7ZT5P
Sasha Waxman
Hey All,
One of the designers of this tool here: It does have its own USB-C port at the back of the screwdriver. We were very conscious that not all people would want to use the dock all the time, hence why it has its own port and the bits are in independent bit sleeves. The base connection is not proprietary, but rather a pair of metal-on-metal conduction points using the bit holder and a metal cap.
Stuart
Thank you for sharing these insights into how and why you designed the screwdriver!
We reached out to Stanley Black & Decker and Craftsman 10 days ago and they still haven’t responded with any information about this tool. Your input and answers are much appreciated!
Tdot77
From quickly glancing your Amazon link for precision screwdrivers, the UnaMela 140 piece kit looks like a good set. I know nothing about it besides what I read on Amazon page but you get a set of 18 electronics tools along with the adjustable-torque screwdriver for low price of $26. – it’s a special buy right now! Seems to be a decent set of ‘tools’ along with a lot of driver bits all in a single folding carry case…much better than other choices with nothing to store all the little pieces in. Just my observation, that’s all.
Oleg K
I’ll just wait until it’s available on Amazon instead of paying AcmeTools’ shipping fee. Will have to replace craftsman’s cheap, low-quality bits with my own though, if it’s not possible I’ll return it, Amazon makes it easy, unlike Acme Tools.
Stuart
It’s not guaranteed to launch at Amazon. You might find it sooner at Lowe’s.