I went to buy a new Dremel Go 2 cordless screwdriver, but it looks like they got rid of it. Well, that’s unfortunate.
I bought the Bosch version of this over 5 years ago, and it has been great so far. It’s about time to replace it, due to the built-in battery, so I went shopping.
Bosch never sold the Go cordless screwdrivers in the USA – I ordered mine from Europe. I balked on ordering the latest iteration, as I didn’t like the idea of an LED worklight, and now I cannot. Overseas retailers aren’t shipping to the USA right now due to tariffs and the de minimis exclusions having ended.
Advertisement
The 3rd iteration charges via USB-C, which would be nice. The torque clutch on the 2nd edition was great, and I imagine it’s just as good on the new Bosch model. Still, I’d be okay getting the 2nd version again.
But as shown above, you can’t buy the Dremel version at Home Depot anymore.
Or at Lowe’s – they say it’s no longer sold there.
Amazon doesn’t have it either.
Ah well. Maybe it’s time to look at the many models available at Amazon, although I really liked the performance and controllability of the Bosch and Dremel models.
I tried Ryobi’s USB Lithium cordless screwdrivers, and they’re nowhere as good. I don’t like Dewalt’s as much. I greatly disliked the Craftsman I bought a few years ago.
Advertisement
The new Dremel Blueprint isn’t an option – I really didn’t like it.
I miss my Dremel 7.2V cordless screwdriver from a long time ago. I’d buy a modern version of that tool in a heartbeat with no hesitation.
Bosch sent over their latest 12V cordless screwdriver for testing (I asked for one), and it’s fantastic. But it’s not the same – the Go series tools had a smaller and lighter form factor that worked well for certain tasks and projects.
I might keep my Bosch version for a while longer, with its old micro USB charging port, as its battery ages further. It’s not like I have a choice. I can’t buy a Bosch replacement or the newer model from overseas, and Dremel versions aren’t available here.
There are plenty of compact cordless screwdrivers, but this one was my favorite.
Why get rid of a good thing? Why won’t Dremel bring their own version of the updated Bosch Go 3 cordless screwdriver to the USA?
I checked Dremel’s website, and it really looks like the Go has been discontinued. Actually, it looks like the tool never existed – I couldn’t find any mention of it anywhere on their website. How disappointing, but I guess that’s how modern retail marketing goes.
Can you recommend a reputable brand cordless screwdriver that might be as good as this one?
Jonathan OAF
First stop would be eBay, see if you can get it there.
Good luck Stuart!
Stuart
I’ve already got one that’s plenty worn down and want a new one with fresh battery.
Matt_T
There’s plenty of new, and very lightly used, stuff on ebay. Picked up a Dremel 8250 for $30 a few weeks back.
Rog
Can you swap the battery?
Daniel L
This would be my fix.
Open er up, grab whatever data you can off the battery, look for a replacement in the same form factor.
Sometimes you can find larger AH capacities. Sometimes its just a JST xh connector. Sometimes you need a battery welder. But it’s *usually* doable.
Bonnie
There are also plenty of companies that refurbish battery packs, assuming it’s not using some completely arcane cell. I’m pretty sure it’s just a normal 18650 inside the tool.
But that could cost as much as new-old stock.
MattW.
Import a bosch go 3 or let the lastest worx 4v electric screwdriver. The worx new one has thr same innards as the go3 but smaller and non push to activate. I own both and if you like push to activate the go 3 is a dream and oozes quality. 50 for worx vs 70 to 100 for the go 3.
Stuart
Can’t import a Go 3 right now due to tariffs and shipping restrictions.
This one’s similar? https://www.amazon.com/WORX-Screwdriver-30-Piece-Accessory-WX242L/dp/B0DV3XNC3C/?tag=toolguyd-20 Thanks! Will take a closer look.
There’s also brands like Hoto and Fanttik, but I’m not sure I’m ready to trust them.
MattW.
Thats the one! It has as much torque as go3 and saw a teardown too same parts. You would love the feel of the go 3 its 100% pure quality feels good in the hand. That worx is above average good feel not plasticy. Its my in-between vessel usb and dewalt 8v gyro for my daily electrical work. It can rip a screw out the side of recipticles that should be plenty. Your choice but the go 3 is really premium feeling and amazon japan puts it at near 100 I get it. The go 3 also comes in a fantastic compact case perfect for desk work.
MattW.
I got a few of thoes hoto never a fantik but same idea. There huge and less powerful than worx or bosch. Spend up you’ll appreciate it. I use electric screwdrivers daily for hours a day.
Patrick T
Menards has two versions of the Worx if anyone is close to one.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools/power-drills-impact-drivers/c-9072.htm
Champs
Most are fairly expensive and/or dead dents atp, but just a few ideas are in the comments here: https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m4-cordless-screwdriver-redlithium-usb-2022/
ken
Any chance of replacing the battery?
S
Doesn’t DeWalt make a gryoscopic version in a similar form factor?
I could never get into using an ‘intelligent’ tool, me and tool intelligence rarely get along.
Stuart
Not anymore.
The Go 2 was great. You could set a direction and push into the fastener to turn it, OR press the power button.
The Dewalt 8V gyroscopic tools, and the Black & Decker that came before it, were intuitive. The ergonomics of the Craftsman version, and its too-bright light were all wrong.
Andy A
I was just going to recommend the DeWalt 8V MAX Gyroscopic screwdriver. It is still available for sale (both on Amazon and DeWalts website), and to me is hands down the BEST small intuitive screwdriver available. The fact you can start from any position has made this a game changer. I bought this screwdriver when they first released it and is my go to! LOVE this screwdriver!
Stuart
Dewalt 8V tools are NOT available at any retailers anymore; at best what you’re seeing are old tools at a high markup from resellers.
Spearhead91
Am I missing something? Its available right here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6RK261X
Stuart
That’s the Go 3 at a hefty premium, sold and shipped by a company in India. There’s a good chance that the shipment will be held at customers with a hefty tariffs bill required to release it.
Spearhead91
Ah. Thanks for the Info!
jake
@stuart, I see Option of shipped-by-Amazon but seller is still “Lowest Price”. Do you think that might reduce the tariff risk? It still is at a premium price though. Just curious.
Stuart
It should. I’ll keep it in mind, but will likely wait for a direct source.
Jody
Would really like to know reasoning behind why Bosch does this EU only thing with various tools.
Curious if the North American wing saying, nope won’t sell well here or EU holding back. Would bet it’s the first one..
Eric
It doesn’t look like a fun job, but you could open yours up and replace what looks to be a standard cell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H72us7GuFYY
TomD
If you know someone who is traveling across the pond it may be a way to get it.
It’s how I get Blackout™.
Oarman
The pencil-format cordless screwdriver market is absolutely flooded with Chinese stuff right now. It wouldn’t surprise me if more recognizable names abandon the market.
The AmazonBasics one is usually around $25 and the general recommendation go-to. The Worx one comes from the same OEM / design.
MattW.
On a side note “cordless screwdriverm”
Stuart
Thanks, *fixed!*
Jared
That’s the one I use too. I like it for much the same reasons.
A small cordless screwdriver like that is a different tool than a 12v pistol grip screwdriver. I keep one in my small tool bag – and I like that I just need a cord and not a charger or separate battery since it’s light and small to carry.
Personally, I’m curious about the Vessel version. Mostly just because of my affinity for the ball driver handles, but I hope they made a good one.
Blocky
I also was on the hunt recently and picked up the worx 242 from Ali express. (It had been oos at Amazon.) I don’t mind the leds, but I definitely wanted the locking bit collar. Used it immediately to drill holes in mild steel for some cabinet stops.
Almost went for the go 3 but thought push to activate might be frustrating when drilling. The torque rating puts it on par with the HPT folding screwdriver, but I prefer this form factor.
The included case is decent, and I was surprised that it includes a 4mm adapter with some precision bits.
TMedina
That’s why I always balk at built in batteries. You can usually get a smaller form factor – think flashlights – but it’s also built in obsolescence.
In today’s disposable world, it’s a non-issue for a lot of folks, but it still makes my eye twitch.
Stuart
There’s no alternative. Swappable Li-ion cells is frowned upon, and a lot of tool users dislike proprietary cell wraps (e.g. Milwaukee and Ryobi USB battery systems).
Brands haven’t done much between 4V and 12V. 12V tools are much larger and heavier.
For a sub-$50 cordless screwdriver, a built-in battery isn’t a bad option.
Trevor
Isn’t Milwaukee coming out with a usb one sometime this year?
Stuart
No?
MrBrokeIT
It won’t be missed by those that never cared for the push to activate, awkward controls getting in the way of the grip and no locking collar. The WX242 improved much of what was missing from the dremel, but it too like the gen 3 is hard to find and some may not like the b-i battery.
Jim Felt
Stewart. This https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6RK261X ?
Just curious.
Stuart
That’s the Go 3, and as mentioned it’s sold and shipped by a company based in India.
Albert
Appears to be in stock at Blain’s Farm and Fleet (rural Midwest thing, but I like them):
https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1482890-dremel-cordless-4v-usb-rechargeable-electric-screwdriver.html
Daniel
Blain’s Farm and Fleet is a fantastic store!
Just checked stock and my local on has three of the Dremel screwdrivers in stock.
JH
Why when you can just buy a vessel screwdriver that uses UCB-C to recharge or get a milwaukee m12 if you want more power?
Stuart
I haven’t seen any USA model Vessel drivers with USB-C yet, only micro.
MattW.
Vessel makes a 3 speed usa version if the ball grip screwdriver. Its more expensive since its 9mm anvil vs 13mm anvil. Many retailers have it. It costs almost double the japan model but its the same thing besides the chuck on it and usa packaging in English.
James
I pulled the trigger today on a Vessel 3 speed on Amazon Canada that has USB-C charging…that will be my first Vessel driver – hoping I like it a lot but not too much 😆
MattW.
I have 5 3 speed vessels spread out among various electrical pouches veto bags bla bla. They are all some special edition colors for the sake of know what ones goes in each including the purple. They really do well as long as you dont go hulk on them. If your buying japan one and donr mich care for the 13mm anvil thing get a tone 2BHA-065 its locking like the dewalt holders everyone loves slimmer 13mm to 9mm standard. To be honest I only really need ph2 and slotted most of the time so I use silver anex blades in the 85mm shortest they make that normally come with the anex racheting screwdriver. The slotted is almost pb swiss parallel and will fit in a cover plate screw. That one blade serves most of my needs. I also ordered my bosch go 3 off amazon japan (cheaper) and it has the 13mm anvil but I run mostly japan bits. The shortest double ended bit is 60mm from fujiya kurokin you can order but there not ideal slotted on them. Hope this helps
James
Thx!!
Greg
The Dewalt DWHT66719 might be a good contender, but it’s in the mid 70 dollar range, perhaps a black friday sale could get it into that price range of the dremel/bosch?
Darren Railey
The Vessel 3 speed is the best cordless screwdriver. I’m an electrician. Its size is perfect. I also bought the Whia Speede which is good, however its more bulky than the Vessel.
Joe H
This is why I don’t like stuff with built in batteries and gripe about not being able to pop open a battery compartment and slot in a fresh battery without having to grab a tool and it turns into a mini project. All my flashlights and headlamps run on 18650s that I can pop in and out. I still have scratched up Zebralights that work like new 15 years later as backups for myself or when someone needs one that I can just toss an 18650 in.
Brandon
The Amazon Basics one made by Skil is great and tested out at the top of the pack on one of the tools channels on YouTube (TTQ or PF). At $22 it’s hard to beat.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFCX8Q1