The new Hoto PixelDrive torque screwdriver looks incredible.
I have known about Hoto and their sleek cordless power tools for several years now, but have not yet tried them out.
This new PixelDrive screwdriver just might be my first Hoto tool.
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Update 10/26: Apparently Amazon dropped the price from $80 to $60, reflecting a 15% discount. If you already bought one, you can try to do a rebuy-return. If you were on the fence, they’re saying this is a “limited time deal” with no mention of expiration. If it’s on sale for $60 now, there’s a good chance we’ll see this promo price again in the future.
It is a cordless screwdriver with “smart display” and 6 torque settings ranging from 0.5 to 6 Nm (~53 in-lbs).
The Hoto PixelDrive’s max torque of around 53 in-lbs is a bit above average for a tool this size.
It features 2 driving speeds (80 and 200 RPM), a built-in 2Ah battery, 6 torque levels, digital display, 360° LED ring light, USB-C charging, and comes with 30 screwdriver bits.
The Hoto PixelDrive looks amazing!
Even the speed control seems impressive. There are two direction selection power buttons. Press it halfway for 80 RPM and all the way for 200 RPM.
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Ah, so it kind of works like the trigger switch on a cordless drill, but with just 2 speed modes.
It seems Amazon has a less fancy model for a lot less – you might want to check that one out too.
This looks mighty impressive to me. Thoughts?
Here’s an intro video:
In related news, Craftsman issued a press release announcing they won a [paid-entry] innovation award for both of their new cordless screwdrivers.
Here’s the new Craftsman – see New Craftsman Cordless Screwdriver Comes with a USB Dock.
And their other one – see Craftsman is Launching a New Micro Screwdriver Set at Lowe’s.
The Craftsman doesn’t look “award-winning,” to me, especially not when compared to tools like the Hoto PixelDrive.
JJ
Delighted that so many of the included bits are longer (presumably 2″). Just wish they included an extension but that’s easy to add.
John
Maybe it’s just because I’ve been using a dedicated pistol grip driver for so long now (in lieu of a manual handheld screwdriver), but I just really like the ergonomics of a pistol grip for my wrist. The barrel-shaped form factor works for me when brushing my teeth, but I find it awkward and fatiguing to drive screws this way.
fred
When I’d see the folks doing assembly at our benches – it was always barrel-grip Hios and Mountz screwdrivers – pull down and counterbalance – so the action looked like: grab the driver -pulldown – press in – drive until torque-stop – then release the tool and let it move up out of the way. When working on a larger assembly on the floor of the shop – I’d see the folks using pistol-grip pneumatic torque screwdrivers. I have not kept up with the technology to know who makes what anymore – but a Google search on Fiam – the supplier of our pistol grip pneumatics – resulted in this tool popping up:
https://rs.kompass.com/p/fiam-utensili-pneumatici-spa/it0008785/electric-cordless-screwdrivers/4474a6e4-173f-4d76-9d60-8922cd7360a4/
I suspect it is not a consumer level product – nor is it likely priced that way.
fred
As a coincidence, I just got an email promoting Cleco pistol grip cordless torque-controlled screwdrivers – that use Milwaukee M18 batteries:
https://www.clecotools.com/products/product-catalog/cellclutch-connect-cordless-electric-pistol-right-angle
Al-another-Al
‘Request a quote’ is a clear sign this is not for a DIYer like me! 🙂
Tim B.
Anxious to hear more about this one. Aside from industrial assembly drivers, I’ve yet to find a good consumer-approachable (read: low enough cost to be considerable, and capable enough to be worth it) that really impresses in any way. Not for lack of trying – I’ve gotten quite a few of this sort of thing over the years and while many work “fine”, they just don’t really stand out in any way.
fred
I was hoping for that technology in small electronic controllers would have made a reliable cordless torque driver possible for the DIY market. I’d be interested in seeing an unbiased review of this one – should Stuart decide to try it out. In our fabrication shop we had corded-electric ones from Hios and Mountz hanging over some benches – plus some manual torque screwdrivers from Utica. Those plus Fiam pneumatics took care of our needs back then – but price put them out of the casual user category.
Tim B.
Yup — Those are the exact sort that I like, but definitely not casual / consumer oriented. I have an older Hios at home that I rebuilt after a former employer scrapped it because it “was to old to be worth repairing”…. Has held up another 12 years since.
fred
We used Hios screw counters too. On some critical assemblies, we’d inspect the bit after each drive – then after a specified number of screws were seated we’d scrap the bit no matter what it looked like.
Some of the screw counters seem to have gotten a lot more sophisticated from what I remember seeing in use. Here’s a current Hios offering:
https://asg-jergens.com/product/blop-sc1-screw-counter/
I also just looked at some new (to me anyway) cordless (uses M18 batteries) from Cleco that have wireless connectivity – some that may include torque setting and drive count functions
https://westorque.com/products/cleco-clbpw12q-cellclutch-wireless-communication-shut-off-clutch-cordless-pistol-screwdriver
Nathan
If you take apart 3 or more laptops a day you’d buy this. Or rather you’ve already bought one of the predecessors. I don’t but I know a guy that does. It’s like a car mechanic having the cordless ratchets and an impact wrench. When you have the space it saves time and effort
I sort of want a Gen one model I don’t need all that and I have bits. I’d even consider one without the bits.
Al-another-Al
1Isn’t this model 1/4″ bits? I’d see more use with 4mm bits. I don’t tear down as much gear as I used to, maybe 2-3 laptops a year. 1/4″ bits won’t reach into recessed holes or screws holding down boards because of their girth.
I still do some rack building and mounting where pistol grip and 1/4″ bits make more sense.
Wayne R.
The Amazon listing says this is 1/4″ hex. And that Craftsman with the dock is 4mm. Big diff…
WastedP
I have seen this brand at Costco recently. Never heard of them before that.
GML
I would love to know how accurate the torque measurements actually are.
Jared
Me too. E.g. is it just resolution or are those numbers accurate? Makes a big difference in the utility of the tool – at least for me.
Greg
I have the fanttik S2 Pro electric screwdriver, seems to be what Hoto is going for competition wise. Hoto gets the edge for the digital display that says “bye” when you’re done though hahah
I do kind of prefer Hoto’s solution for the bit storage as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3X74WT9
Nathan
Ok didn’t see that hoto’s other device is a 1/8 or 4mm device which is why I assume this is the replacement. Good catch this is the 1/4 like that fantik.
There are adapters. But a 4mm drive doesn’t need quite that much torque in my opinion. Completely missed that. Still interesting.
Rick
There are three thoughtful and detailed reviews on Amazon, each giving three stars only. At least a dozen issues were raised, most of which seem fixable.
Perhaps wait for the next release once some of those issues are resolved?
Carl
I like the features of the fancier one but prefer the case of the cheaper one
fred
Amazon – says 25% off on the Hoto today – now $59.99
Stuart
Thanks! I wish Amazon would be more predictable with their pricing.
fred
I only took 1 course in marketing doing my MBA – so I’m no expert. But I’m guessing that unpredictability keeps many customers repeatedly checking. And – while they’re checking for a sale on some item to materialize, they see something else – perhaps entirely different and buy it. Bricks and mortar stores strived to find ways to keep you coming back in multiple times to entice you to buy more. This may be one of Amazon’s strategies to do the same sort of thing.
Robert
I read the first iteration of this article, then I went to a gas station later that day. Paying inside, I did a double take because at a distance some of the vape things looked like this Hoto electric screwdriver. Hope no one mixes them up in application.
Jim Felt
Pardon my ignorance but if this particular tool itself is so nicely outfitted why doesn’t it show a useful bit holder in this listing?
Do “empty” same size bit holding cases exist separately on the market?
I noticed other brands appear to offer decent looking ones but the tools themselves aren’t as finely equipped.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thx.
Stuart
It looks to me like the bits are stored in the separate parts of the case, in circles around the screwdriver. I’m guessing it was customized for this tool. These brands seem to like presenting their tools as a cohesive package. I’ll see if I can find anything like the cases.
Jim Felt
Thanks. I’ve always preferred like bits and pieces collected in one “better” storage manner.
Stuart
Saw this today – https://www.amazon.com/WORKPRO-Screwdriver-Precision-Magnetizer-Electronics/dp/B0F2HS56NX/?tag=toolguyd-20 . The bit storage on a lot of these products are part of the package.
EBT
The image didn’t have a size comparison. So I looked it up and the Dimensions: Approx. Φ1.50″×7.80″ (Φ38 X 198mm)
Also, it takes 180 minutes to charge. That is SIGNIFICANT time for such a small device.
Ron
Just saw this…
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/worx-4v-3-speed-compact-screwdriver-with-12-accessory-bits-dual-led-lights-and-3-gear-torque-black/J366GTC9HC