I reviewed Black & Decker’s Gyro screwdriver a year ago, and was absolutely impressed with it. Even so, it hit me by surprise when Dewalt announced they were coming out with a gyroscopically-controlled lithium-ion cordless screwdriver of their own (DCF680 preview).
As you might know, Black & Decker and Dewalt are part of the same company, so it makes sense for innovations and technologies to occasionally be passed back and forth.
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Dewalt didn’t just release a compact cordless driver, they kicked off a new 8V Max lithium ion cordless power tool platform around it.
Availability: 2-battery kit via Amazon
This is going to be a lengthy review, so get comfortable.
Basic Features & Technical Specifications (DCF680)
- Gyroscopic controls – slow for precision, fast for power
- Pivoting handle (90°, 0°)
- Variable speed (0-430 RPM)
2440 in-lbs maximum torque- Adjustable clutch (15 settings + max)
- Spindle lock allows for manual use
- One-handed 1/4″ hex chuck
- Reversible (also controlled via gyroscope)
- Removable rechargeable Li-ion battery pack
- 8V Max 1.0 Ah battery recharges in about 1 hour
- ~120-130 1.5″ sheetrock screws per charge
- LED worklight
- DCF680N1 kit comes with the screwdriver, (1) 8V Max battery, a charger, and kit bag
- DCF680N2 kit includes a second battery pack
What Does the Gyroscope Do?
Essentially, it’s righty tighty, lefty loosey. Press the trigger/activation switch, and twist the gyroscopic screwdriver in the direction you want the bit to spin. Twist the tool clockwise to drive screws and fasteners forward, or clockwise to loosen or remove them.
Interview
With a product like this, I feel that it’s important to understand how and why it was developed. If you’re not interested in this part, just scroll down to the next photo to resume the review.
I have said it before, and I’ll say it again – there is a very fine line between innovation and gimmick. Early on, it seemed to me that Dewalt might have simply been looking to capitalize on the success of Black & Decker’s Gyro driver with a screwdriver of their own. I haven’t seen any sales data, but I bet the B&D Gyro sold really well during the 2012 winter holiday shopping season.
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I had a lot of questions (as usual), so my [remaining] friends at Dewalt put me in touch with Jim Watson, group product manager and lead of the innovations team. Dewalt’s Innovations Team is the same group responsible for designing Dewalt’s 12V imaging thermometer and 12V handheld radar scanner.
I spoke with Jim for about a half hour, discussing various aspects of the 8V gyro driver’s design and development.
What types of users was this driver designed for?
Cabinet installers, maintenance workers, tradesmen, and anyone who normally uses an impact driver for larger fasteners and manual screwdriver on smaller ones. It’s a pocketable driver that’s also great for mobile users.
What is the aim of Dewalt’s Innovations Team?
The Innovations Team supports the professional tools segment. Essentially, their aim is to come up with new ways to solve end user frustrations.
What frustration does the gyroscopic cordless screwdriver solve or ease?
Most significantly, the gyroscope allows for more intuitive speed and direction control. The gyroscope allows for speed control over a wider range of motion, compared to a traditional trigger. Users can give it a quick twist (~10°) for full speed, or a feather touch across ~0-35° for greater sensitivity and finer adjustments.
8V Max Design Focus
The 8V Max battery packs are built with 14650 Li-ion cells instead of 18650. (Think AAA vs. AA). This allows for a greater focus on size, portability, and ergonomics.
(I can think of at least one more product that is sure to be released into the new 8V Max platform!)
8V Max vs. 7.2V?
Dewalt will continue to produce and support their 7.2V NiCd driver. Right now there is no like-power replacement for the 7.2V pivoting handle screwdriver. The 7.2V driver delivers up to 80 in-lbs of torque, while the 8V Max gyro screwdriver has a peak torque of up to 24 40 in-lbs.
Pro Tool or More for Consumers
The team designed this product for a 100% duty cycle (similar to Milwaukees M4 screwdriver). In other words, it’s designed more for tradesmen, commercial, and industrial users, and is just as good in consumers’ hands.
Power
The driver was mainly designed with machine screws and lighter duty and repetitive installation tasks in mind. It’s better suited for tasks that one could ordinarily use a manual screwdriver for.
Pivoting Handle
The screwdriver has a pivoting handle that allows for pistol-grip and inline orientations. It doesn’t really pivot, it swivels, but the result is the same.
The handle position can be unlocked from both sides of the tool, but the swivel mechanism only works in one direction. This doesn’t seem to take away from anything.
Gyroscopic Operation
To operate the screwdriver, you first have to press its trigger switch. Of course this isn’t a speed control trigger switch, it’s more of an on-off switch.
The Black & Decker Gryo took very little time to get used to. Dewalt’s driver, however, is not quite as initially intuitive to use, at least in the pistol grip orientation.
With the Dewalt gryo screwdriver, you can’t just operate the driver by twisting your wrist; I find that I end up having to shift my entire arm a little. This is because the tool’s axis of rotation is above the hand. With the B&D Gyro, the axis of rotation is in your hand and is closer to the center of wrist rotation.
It’s just a matter of practice and acclimation. A flick of the wrist is easy to adjust to, a flick of the wrist and shift of the arm takes a little more time for muscle memory to develop.
I initially found the screwdriver to be a little more comfortable, or at least easier to control, when held in the straight-grip position.
With a little more use, the driver was comfortably gripped and used in both orientations.
The gyroscope and control circuitry are properly tuned and implemented, and allow for operation at any angle. Remember, the electronic gyroscope sensor used in this tool measures relative motion and is not the same type of mechanical gyroscope that spins around like a top.
Power
If nut-busting torque is what you’re after, this is not the cordless screwdriver for you.
In one test I drove (4) #8 x 3/4″ wood screws most of the way into particle board shelving material without first drilling pilot holes. The driver could handle it, but barely – I had to manually use the powered-off driver to finish tightening the screws.
In my opinion, this is the type of powered screwdriver that shouldn’t be used on fasteners you couldn’t or wouldn’t use a manual screwdriver on. That is simply how it was designed, and it’s a good thing at that.
Handle Grip Comfort
The grip seems to be designed for a comfortable grip from any angle. In practice, I don’t hold the driver with the grip as shown, I typically hold it so my wrist is straight, with my thumb on the activation switch and my pointer finger resting on the Dewalt logo. If I don’t hold it in such a manner, my wrist ends up bent and uncomfortable when I twist the driver to drive or remove a fastener.
You can hold the driver vertically downwards in a reverse grip, as when working inside an equipment box on the table, but don’t expect to get it right on the first try.
Dewalt 8V Max Li-ion Battery Platform
The size difference between the 8V Max lithium ion battery pack and a common 12V Max battery pack is appreciable. Dewalt’s 12V Max batteries are arranged differently, which is why this seemed to be a better comparison.
It will be interesting to see what other types of products Dewalt designs around the 8V Max form factor.
It should be noted that 8V Max battery packs are rated at 7.2V nominally.
Some of you might find it interesting that the battery pack is made in Japan, evidently using Sanyo rechargeable cells.
“Trigger” and Power Lockout
The lockout switch is located just beneath the trigger/activation switch. This helps avoid unintentional activation when the driver is transported in a tool bag, tool box, or pouch next to other tools that might press on the activation switch.
1/4″ Hex Bit Chuck and Adjustable Clutch
The 1/4″ hex bit chuck works like a charm with 2″ power bits. If you want to use 1″ screwdriver bits, a bit holder or extension is advised.
That’s not to say that you cannot use 1″ insert bits, but most users will probably use 2″ bits.
Bits lock into the chuck just by inserting them, and can be removed with a quick pull of the knurled collar.
I am happy to report that 1″ insert bits are ejected from the chuck upon release. Maybe this is by design, maybe by coincidence, but it’s nice to not have to reach for pliers to remove a stuck bit.
As for the adjustable clutch, there are 16 settings in all. In my interview with Dewalt’s product manager, I learned that the clutch is actually tuned to the low end and is not linear. This gives users greater control and the ability to fine-tune the tool to the exact torque they need for small fastener installation tasks.
Bit Holder
I must embarrassingly admit that it took me a few minutes to figure out where to place the removable bit holder. It holds bits reasonably well, and doesn’t pop off the tool unless you want it to.
If you try to lock in 2″ power screwdriving bits by pressing them in, you’ll get frustrated and hurt your thumbs. It takes a lot less pressure if you give the bits properly oriented with a quick twist.
LED Worklight
2 LEDs provide near shadow-free illumination. As with other Dewalt tools – and is the trend these days – the light stays on for about 20 seconds after you release the activation switch.
Battery Life
Right at the top of the driver is a 3-LED battery power fuel gauge.
You should be able to drive over a 100 1-1/2″ sheetrock screws per battery charge. Dewalt’s tests place the number at 120-130 screws, which is fairly impressive. Extra battery packs are not yet available for sale. If you think you’ll need a spare, the 2-battery kit (DCF680N2) will soon be available.
The battery packs are rated at 8.0Wh (8V x 1.0 Ah), and recharge in about 1 hour.
Conclusion
Pros: compact, lightweight, almost pocketable, offers wide speed control range, can be used manually for final fastener tightening or initial breaking free.
Cons: takes a little getting used to, low peak torque limits use to light duty applications
Overall, Dewalt’s gyroscopic cordless screwdriver is well designed and well made. However, it’s not going to be the right choice for all users. It looks the part, but the driver is not built for medium-to-heavy-duty driving tasks. Its peak torque rating is a lot less than even some 4V cordless screwdrivers. This driver is about improved control for lighter duty tasks, not power.
Initially, the driver was not very comfortable to hold and use. But, with a little practice, I got used to it. With an ordinary driver, you simply have to align the tool and squeeze the trigger. With this driver, you have to align the tool, squeeze the activation trigger, twist the tool, and shift and adjust your arm to compensate for how the tool moves sideways as you twist it. This is not a fault of the product’s design, but of its size and geometry.
I can definitely recommend the 8V gyro-controlled driver for installers looking for a cordless screwdriver with greater low-torque and speed control.
The 8V driver is thoughtfully designed. My only gripe is that it took longer to become accustomed to it than I anticipated, but it shouldn’t be unexpected that a new design – especially one that breaks the mold – requires a little practice to learn to use well.
Buy Now(1-battery kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(2-battery kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(2-battery kit via Home Depot)
MSRP is $90 for the 1-battery kit, $99 for the 2-battery kit.
Thank you to Dewalt for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Jerry
I wonder if they will come out with another model, with a higher torque rating? One might not ‘need’ more torque much, but it would be nice to have, if needed. The adjustable clutch would prevent over tightening.
Stuart
I think that would be unlikely. If they come out with an 8V screwdriver, it will probably be a direct replacement for the 7.2V driver and of a similar style.
jay k.
Do the gyroscope products have to have the ‘control mechanism’ parallel to ground for for gravity’s sake, or can you point the head of the tool downword with no negative effects to the tool?
Stuart
No, you can point the tool in any direction. Up, down, sideways, diagonal.
The digital gyroscope sensor is set so that its sensor axis (at least the one that is used in case of a 2- or 3-axis chip) is parallel with the front part of the tool. Press the activation button and that position becomes the sensor’s zero point. Twist the tool left or right and it will measure the angular deviation from the zero point.
AndrewC
I understand the desire to have very fine control over torque/rotation. However, don’t know if this is better than just having a screwdriver in your belt. And the fact that its another different voltage battery that I would have to charge/replace makes this a hard sell.
Stuart
Here’s an example of where this product might come in handy:
I recently put together an 80/20 work table and then took it apart because a few parts need to be cut down to size. There are 88 fasteners that I had to tighten, loosen, adjust, tighten, and loosen again by hand. A driver like this probably would have cut down on the time I spent with a manual hex driver.
Let’s say you’re a tech working at a data center and have to pull out server panels for upgrades/cleaning/maintenance. Or an electrician or tradesman attaching new outlet or switch faceplates in a residential or commercial location.
That all said, this is more of a specialty tool. If you can’t see how it might benefit you, then it probably won’t and might even slow you down.
jay k.
Thanks for the info on how the technology works…
Stuart
You’re welcome! =) The inner workings of the sensor gets quite complicated, so I might cover that in a follow-up post.
John Coulston
Thank you Stuart for all that you do.I love your a site, and have followed you for quite some time now.although I rarely comment I really enjoy your reviews. I’ve always found them fair and balanced. I use dewalt power tools at work but have become such a fan of milwaukee that I bring my own tools from home and use those. I just wanted to say thanks keep up the great work. As a Glazier I find your knowledge and insight great for both professionals and diyers to come and get the information on the latest and greatest to make a informed decision. Thanks John
Stuart
Thanks for the feedback and kind words, and I’m glad you find the reviews to be useful!
Mr Michael L. Veach
To me it is just too under powered. I would also prefer a rocker switch for forward and reverse. push one side it drives. push the other and it removes. Too much hype for too little tool.
matt
played with one. and I am just not digging the gyro thing.
I think any one of the current 12v screwdrivers would be a better choice. size wise(and price) its pretty close to the bosch pocket driver and its lacking big time in power. I guess the convertible option might help someone just not sure who..
Bill K
Stuart,
Would you please give us a performance comparison between the Dewalt and B&D Gyro drills? In your review of the B&D Gyro a year ago, you estimated its torque to be double the Dewalt Gyro torque spec. If that’s true, then would it be fair to say from price & performance perspective the B&D Ggyro is better, as it appears? On the flip side the Dewalt Gyro has more features and versatility with the removable batteries, I’m assuming.
Thanks for the detailed review!!
Stuart
The Black & Decker Gyro is now rated at delivering 35 in-lbs of torque. I edited that review just now to reflect this. Still, that means the Black & Decker Gyro is 46% more powerful than the Dewalt Gyroscopic Screwdriver.
I don’t think it’s really fair to look at this from a price and performance perspective. The Dewalt screwdriver has a pivoting handle, as well as adjustable clutch settings that allow for torque tuning and greater repeatability. And yes, there’s also the removable battery vs. non-removable battery.
The Dewalt is also rated for continuous duty, while the B&D tool most certainly is not. Meaning the Dewalt is designed for all-day use if necessary, while the B&D Gyro is going to be designed mainly for homeowners and DIYers.
Bill K
Very helpful! Thanks.
Lorne hillier
Very complete and useful review. I think I’ll hold off buying this one due to the low torque. I do like Dewault tools and have had good luck with them.
Thanks
Lorna Gillies, Toolstop
Sorry to hear about your Dewalt ban, however very good and in-depth review. I think it will be interesting to see if gyroscopic tools will be adopted by any other brand. We have recently done a review on this product for the European market, would be good if you could have a look and give feedback from your side of things Stuart!
Mark
Had to get it just to get a jump on batteries and chargers for the new 8v max line. I see the flashlight is coming out, but is there any word on expanding the line. I would like to see an engraver, precision screwdriver, two-way radios, label maker, stud finder, multimeter, man I can just think of them all day. What about a USB charger? Bluetooth compact speaker!
But about the screwdriver, gyro is cool but it should just since with direction you turn the screw and engage. What I am saying is I don’t want to “push” the button. I want it to zero from pressure on the chuck and turn on. Sounds like a gripe but in my trade (access control) I tighten allot of screw terminals and every step removed adds up big time in production work.
Mark
Headlamp?
Stuart
There is no word as to what might be coming down the 8V pipeline next.
A multimeter is possible, but Dewalt doesn’t make any such tools at all yet. Other things, like a headlamp, would still be impractical for a battery pack of this size.
Mark
Stuart
Check out the DCB090 USB POWER SOURCE i think it is. Glad to see this one come out so i can charge my phone while playing on the radio. Can’t find any power ratings on it though. Any word?
Stuart
There’s more info about the USB power source in our heated jacket preview. It outputs up to 1.5A combined across the two USB outputs. The DCB090 power source is not compatible with the 8V Max battery packs.
AJ from AZO
I bought this for an application at work and for that application it is great.
We drive about 600 screws a shift, a battery lasts 2 shifts, and takes 1 hour to charge.
It’s light weight and ergonomic. Other power screwdrivers just had too much torque. I liked this so much I quickly bought another one (for work).
If I had to drive 30 screws a day with a screwdriver, I would buy this for home in an instant. I don’t have one at home, but it is very cool.
Chris Row
This was a cool article, I was looking for a Delta Regis electric screwdriver to do cell phone repair but this had some overall good info about normal screwdrivers.
mgeorge
Stuart, great article. I played with one of these 8v gyros at the store….just could not get used to it. Based on the price markdown I saw ($10 off retail at Lowes) , I think a lot of us are having issues getting used to it, so it must not be selling well. I will wait for the replacement of the 7.2 driver. I missed out on picking one on sale today at Amazon. Someone posted that they were marked down to $39.xx. By the time I was on the site, they were gone. Oh well, I hope they release a trigger handle version of this tool.
nathaly arias
how can I get it in CHile? do you have a supplier here?
Vic Vaughn
How do we get manufacturers to build a small cordless DRILL for model makers? All the small drills have the 1/4″ chuck….difficult to hold small bits under 1/8″ as in model trains. We spent TONS of money on our layouts but cannot get decent tools!
Victor Santiago
I am a Technician for MFD (Multi Function Device). DCF680 cordless screwdriver is the best tool in so many years that I been working on many models of machine. You can work on many tight spots, dim rooms on many angles, as long as you can press the button on any finger whether you can work the tool vertically or horizontally. Don’t change the formula, that’s all I can say. Thanks Dewalt.
Emaan
im an aircraft base maintenance & i wanna know is it good for my job? how much is max. torque of it ? & how much its battery life is?
Tanks
Dan Erickson
Is there a 1/4″ keyless chuck available for this hex bit chuck? An after-market source would suffice for me as long as it was of decent quality.
Victor Santiago
Is there an Australian version yet?
JAMES FRISCO JR.
FIRST TIME I SAW MY SON USE THIS TOOL I WAS IMPRESSED ! I’VE HAD ALL KINDS OF APPLICATIONS FOR IT AT HOME AND I CAN IMAGINE THAT IT WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO YOU’RE TOOL BELT ! I DON’T HAVE ONE YET, HOPING TO GET ONE FOR CHRISTMAS ! I CAN SEE USING A SCREWDRIVER TO PUT THINGS TOGETHER OR TAKING THEM APART WOULD BE, AS USUAL, TIME CONSUMING ! I’M NOT A TRADESMAN, BUT, I LIKE TO TINKER AND I’VE SAVED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN THE PROCESS, I’LL BE WATCHING THE MARKET FOR UPGRADES. BUT, THIS IS A GREAT PRODUCT !!!
Bob
I think these new gyro drivers (which I have both) are the best thing since sliced bead. I like using the straight one a little more, as I can loosen or final tighten screwsby hand without pulling the trigger. I work in Hvac and removing and installing panels with, lots of screws is a snap.
Miguel
I just wanted to add to the conversation. I use this tool everyday at work. I am a cable technician and in my trade this tool is fantastic. I need to remove wallplates all day and if I need to replace an exterior line this little guy does it all. Is alittle bit slower that my regular drill but the portability makes it great. Just adding a 1/4 drill bit and saves carrting exra tools and trips to the truck. And since it can be compact I can reach very small places ( imagine having to work aroung tight spaces around people’s houses nice and quick).
Victor Santiago
Still using the DCF680 cordless screwdriver when I wrote on this blog in Sept. 21 2015.
Jason Dawson
We have about 1/2 dozen in constant use. We do control panels ant it seems designed for that. It is perfect for wire terminals and the occassional drill/tap. I easliy get a full days use out of it. Quick charge is nice as I can just “top off” the battery during lunch.
Michael
Hi people,
In fact nobody know how to work really with this kind of idea of non non necessary invention. I mean, you must turn your hand than touch the button when you need like other’s and even need to turn more your hand for more speed and torque because somebody want to show this crap idea of turn hand slow or fast for more torque than just fix strong in your hand and simple touch just the button when you wish. Dewalt mean, we are incompetents to push just button for work and for more speed than turn our hand left and right for a little machine work?
It’s incredible how many people are supported this idea like a TOY but really this is not for professional people just a toy for somebody wants what kind of idea has in mind. What about old tools to have more life battery but noooo Dewalt invented toys than seriously tools what become day by day more toys than real tools.
Try to work with this 682 in metal and see how really does mean to waste time and screw the head of screw because your hand it’s adapted more simple than this dcf682 to more protected for your hand and simplicity. I really work better with the same method just use one finger than all hand what is very tired after all and can’t concentrate to work because Dewalt wants to innovate not for professionals but just for HIM, DEWALT.
Michael
What about more life battery for do not throw away garbage on this Earth.
Michael
What about DW920 with one finger control all power not all hand to turn left and right.
Jake
Really liking this power screwdriver model# DCF680N2 ! Really like the gyro rotation variable speed control, as you can barely rotate the DCF680 left or right for the slowest variable speed control when installing or removing small screws in tight spaces, etc etc. Also liking the push-in & quick release chuck; the adjustable clutch; the double led lights & light ring around the chuck; the seemingly very quick charging time (I’ve only charged it a few times) for the battery, and the option to swivel into a slim pistol-grip power screwdriver.
It came with one of those Dewalt yellow & black carry bags (made of noticeably thinner material than they used to be, with excess threads—from sloppy machine stitching etc—sticking out, making the carry bag look cheap and ragged); a battery charger, an extra battery, and a thin manual.
Not only are the days long gone of Dewalt tools coming in their own custom black metal tool boxes—I think I still have around 9 or 10 Dewalt power tools in their custom black tool boxes—but apparently the days of decent quality Dewalt soft bags are gone as well, or at least for the lighter $100 range of Dewalt power tools.
Anyways, rant aside, I’ve only been using it for a couple weeks, but so far really liking it. *THUMBS UP* ….. And, it’s been fun showing it to others.
Thanks again Stuart, for your great reviews as always, and this always interesting and helpful website blog!
Jake
. . .by the way, regarding torque & power etc, whilst screwing a 2×4 on to another 2×4 (sawhorse top) w/2 1/2″ (general/wood/course thread) screws—on the MAX torque setting of the adjustable clutch—three of the four screws seated all the way into the 2×4, with one not seating flush before the clutch started clicking. But that’s not what this Dewalt DCF680 was made for, and it was very apparent as the DCF680 labored to drive the 2 1/2″ screws thru the 2×4 into another; you could almost feel the battery draining and maxing out as it drove them.
But for lighter duty screwing of smaller screws, maybe in tight or awkward places, or just repetitive light duty screwing—ie: like electrical or plumbing or cabinetry trim, etc, referenced in the replies above—of that sort, it does seem like a very handy and great tool, so far, to me, and as aforementioned, a power screwdriver I’m really enjoying using.
Astrobufff
I just bought the G2 kit version with 2 batteries and a hard carry case in Mumbai, India. No bit holder.
I personally bought it only to handle the numerous equipment that I have to repeatedly service in my Dental Clinic and Laboratory.
Metal screw and metal panels do not stand up to higher powered screw drives very well. Brass jets for gas hobs at my kitchen will not stand up to any 30 NM screwdriver repeatedly without stripping out.
This does the job that it is designed for very , very well.
For other jobs I have the Bosch 12V-15FC amd the Bosch 3.6V Prodrive Professional. The Makita TD0101 will handle the infrequent heavy driving
Bob
We’ve been using these Dewalt drivers to disassemble and reassemble A/C units for service and they work great. Package units that have lots of screw take less than a minute to open up and close. The guys didn’t like them in the beginning, but try to take them away now and you’d get an awful argument.