Craftsman has recently come out with lighted pliers and cutters, but those aren’t the only tools that received built-in LED treatment. This new 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver features around-the-shaft lighting for illuminating the deep and dark areas loose screws might reside.
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The screwdriver has an aluminum handle with rubbery grip strips, and it comes with a double-sided nutdriver shaft and two double-sided screwdriver bits. List price is $15.
The LED lights are powered by 3x AAA batteries, which are included with the screwdriver.
Buy Now(via Sears)
Zorac brought up a good point in the comments, that there’s also a Kobalt version of this screwdriver with a 1″ insert bit holder instead of the 6-in-1 multi-bit shaft on the Craftsman driver. The Kobalt driver is also a few dollars cheaper.
Buy the Kobalt (via Lowes)
Our Impression
LEDs added to hand tools? Seems kind of gimmicky, but it can be useful. Even so, the idea seems to be well executed in the case of this multi-bit driver. It seems somewhat naturally implemented and non-interfering, while other designs, such as the Sog Blade Light knife are more of a stretch.
$15 seems about right for what you’re getting. It’s on sale for $13.50 presently, and we might pick one up if it goes on sale for $10 or so during the winter holidays. We could always use an extra glovebox or tool bag screwdriver.
Dan Richards
Doesn’t say what kind of batteries it takes. If it’s AA or AAA, count me in.
Stuart
3xAAA batteries, which are included with the driver.
jesse
Made in China?
Stuart
Probably.
Mitch (route246)
I have multple drill-drivers with LEDs and I don’t see much value vs my other drivers and impact drivers that don’t have it. It’s one of those features that is OK to be there but the drill-drivers have a built-in power source. Changing batteries for me on something like this would be problematic.
Jerry
My grandpa, 25+ years ago, had a lighted screwdriver. It used I think C size batteries, anyway the handle was about that big around. While cheaply made, and with just a dim flashlight bulb, it was the most useful under the sink screwdriver I ever used. Maybe only a couple times a year was the light needed, but when it was, it was very useful.
Zorac
This looks similar to one I picked up at Lowes, except that one uses standard 1/4″ insert bit. So far, I’ve found it useful; the LEDs are very bright, and the handle is large and has rubber inserts which makes it easier to apply torque than some of my other screwdrivers.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_313001-16878-61304_0__?Ntt=313001&UserSearch=313001
Stuart
You’re right, it looks like they’re made by the same company. Maybe I’ll give that one a try instead.
Robert
I’m often torn between items like this. I love the speed and convenience of double sided bits. Although they’re usually proprietary and limiting, I don’t mind that if it’s not overly priced. On the other hand, I love the variety and versatility of the standard 1/4 inch platform.
Although I generally see these things as gimicky, I’ve been in a situation on many occasions when I’d appreciate this. Occasionally I have a number of minor electrical tasks to do at the same time. Instead of locating breakers and shutting things down individually, I usually cut the power entirely because it’s a lot less hassle. Obviously that’s situational depending on what you’re powering down.
The issue with that of course, is that nothing is working including otherwise available electrical light sources. I could therefore see this as being very handy for electrical work. That said, minor electrical tasks is where a 6 in 1 really shines. Lets say that you’re replacing the wall outlets and light switches in an old residence. It’s just a continuous “phillips, slotted, phillips, slotted,” situation. I would therefore tend to lean more towards the Craftsman version.
That’s to say nothing of the fact that if you have an issue with it, you’re much more likely to get something accomplished with Sears. I’m not a huge fan of Sears mind you. It’s just easier to deal with tool issues with them, at least in my experience.
Robert
Bruce
What I’d really like is something like the Milwaukee 11 in one with the light. Insulated handle, more bits. Be great for working over head in dark spaces or any where lighting is poor.