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ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Bit Holders & Drivers > New Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Screwdriver with Quick Load Chuck

New Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Screwdriver with Quick Load Chuck

Oct 28, 2016 Stuart 17 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

kobalt-double-driver-screwdriver-with-quick-lock-quick-load-chuck

Lowes has come out with a new Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver for the 2016 holiday season, and it’s definitely worthy of a closer look.

I know what you might be thinking, and I thought the same – “Oh no, not another one!: But this one’s different.

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There have been new Kobalt Double Drive screwdrivers at Lowes from 2011 thru at least 2014, and a ratchet too. I don’t think I noticed anything new for last year’s holiday shopping season, but this one is definitely new and interesting.

The new Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver, bundled as part of a 35pc “variety pack” screwdriver set, features a Quick Lock and Quick Load chuck.

Check Price (via Lowes)

Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Quik Load Screwdriver Bit Holder

ql3-quik-load-screwdriver-bit-holder

So what’s so special about the Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Quick Load screwdriver? Well, there are 2 parts to it.

First, the Double Drive QL3 Quick-Load chuck is one-handed screwdriver bit locking system. The Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Quik Load (yes, Quik instead of Quick) mechanism works reasonably well.

I’ve got a test sample in-hand, and the Kobalt QL3 Quik Load bit chuck is both quick and easy to use, and securely grips all the double-ended screwdriver bits that came with the set.

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The Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver’s QL3 Quik Load chuck features a ball bearing lock mechanism, with 3 bearings evenly spaced out. I haven’t dissected the bit holder (yet?), but it seems that the 3 balls place even and constant pressure on the flats of hex bits, keeping the bits both centered and locked in place.

The long insert bit that is pre-inserted in the screwdriver’s bit holder has a notch, but the others don’t. The QL3 Quick Lock and Quick Load chuck does a good job of holding those bits in place, even when they’re a little slippery from a layer of protective oil.

The Kobalt Double Drive QL3 screwdriver bit holder works on smooth and straight screwdriver bits, and not just ones that are grooved or specially notched!!

Compare: Standard and Ratcheting QL3 Screwdrivers (No Double Drive)

Multi-Size Screwdriver Bit Compatibility

kobalt-double-drive-ql3-screwdriver-bit-compatibility

But here’s the fancy part… the Kobalt Double Drive QL3 Quick Load chuck – sorry, “Quik Load” – can hold precision screwdriver bits in addition to standard 1/4″ hex bits.

It can be used with straight screwdriver bits – at least longer 2″ bits – grooved power screwdriver bits, double-ended screwdriver bits, and precision screwdriver bits.

There seems to be a recess within the base of the tool, and the 5/32″ (4mm)  precision screwdriver bits fit right in. The QL3 Quik Lock chuck’s triple ball bearing bit retention system holds the front ends centered, and secure within the bit holder.

I don’t think I have seen anything quite like this before, and I love it!

Lowes is bundling this new Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver with a selection of double-ended screwdriver bits, although only the round bit holder will fit inside the handle compartment. You need a bit of space for the QL3 Quik Load chuck to work properly, hence the long and double-ended bits. They don’t have to be double-ended, but it makes sense for them to be.

It can also work with longer insert bits, but 1″ bits seem to be a little too small. I’ll be testing the driver to see if 1″ screwdriver bits are at all workable, but right now I don’t believe them to be.

Update: 1″ insert bits work great! They only stick out a little bit, but are easily removed. I tested standard 1″ screwdriver bits and reduced diameter bits, which I’m guessing work well because the triple ball bearing holder can also work with precision bits. Longer bits will work better, but I didn’t have trouble with 1″ bits pulled right from my toolbox.

The new Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver has a mostly-plastic handle, with a threaded end cap that removes to open up a bit storage compartment.

Double Drive Technology

Here’s a video review I did of the original Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver, showing how the gearing system works:

Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

The Double Drive mechanism has special gearing that translates twisting of the handle into rotation of the bit in the same direction.

Flip the direction selection lever to one side, and you get Righty Tighty, Lefty Tighty. Push it the other way, and you get Lefty Loosey, Righty Loosey. The Double Drive screwdriver makes quick work of long fastening tasks, and is even faster than a traditional ratcheting screwdrivers.

There is a tradeoff. To get that Double Drive motion going, you need to use the screwdriver with 2 hands. One hand holds the gear collar, the other turns the handle back and forth. If you don’t, and only use the screwdriver with one hand, you get more of a ratchet-type action.

Tradeoffs

The screwdriver is not well balanced, due to the weight of the Double Drive gearing and QL3 chuck towards the front and middle of the screwdriver, and so you’ll probably want to make use of the bit holder compartment to add weight to the handle. And you’ll definitely want to use this screwdriver with two hands, as it’s designed for. Holding the gear collar in one hand, and turning the driver with the other provides for comfortable operation.

The direction selection mechanism on my test sample is a little temperamental, not wanting to switch as easily to the forward direction, for driving fasteners in, at least not as effortlessly as it can switch to the reverse direction for loosening and removing fasteners.

I have found that this is partially due to my muscle memory. I’m pushing the slide switch down and forward. Putting less downwards pressure seems to do the trick. With a little use, I’ll likely get this down to muscle memory.

It’s a Gimmick, Right?

Not exactly. I’ve heard from a lot of professional users over the years who LOVE using the previous iterations of the Double Drive screwdriver, for applications such as installing wall switch plates and outlet covers with their usual slotted screws.

The QL3 Quick Lock and Quick Load chuck is definitely a nice feature, and I might explore some of the other screwdrivers that feature it. Kobalt’s not the only brand using this feature – I found several Maxtech QL3 screwdrivers and ratcheting screwdrivers over at Amazon, but it’s uncertain as to whether they have the same dual bit size compatibility.

Thus far, I’m leaning towards liking this new Kobalt Double Drive QL3 screwdriver, and it might be the first Double Drive screwdriver that I keep in my toolbox past the holiday season.

Apparently Lowes has made a couple of other Kobalt QL3 screwdrivers, and I’ll be checking those out too.

Price: $25 $20

Buy Now(via Lowes)
Compare(QL3 ratcheting screwdriver via Amazon)

I’m willing to bet that the price will be reduced during the holiday shopping season, probably to $20, maybe even lower.

(As of 11/9/2016, the price has dropped to $20.)

I’m also really hoping that we’ll see this QL3 Quik Load chuck sold by itself, as an add-on for standard 1/4″ hex screwdrivers, and for use with cordless screwdrivers. But, it is noticeably longer than other locking bit holders I’ve used.

This made me think of another potential tradeoff. The QL3 Quik Load chuck gives the screwdriver greater width compared to traditional 1/4″ bit holder shafts. As such, it might not work as well in tight work spaces or recesses. But, this set does make up for that a little, but giving you a couple of longer screwdriver bits.

Thank you to Kobalt and Lowes for supplying the test sample unconditionally.

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Sections: Bit Holders & Drivers, New Tools, Screwdrivers, Tool Reviews Tags: Kobalt Double-DriveMore from: Kobalt

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17 Comments

  1. Cr8ondt

    Oct 28, 2016

    While I was a home theater installer we were cross trained in TV repair and I had one of the earliest double drives, not without its flaws like the bulk and really bad forward/reverse switch, I found it to be very useful in rapid disassembley and assembly. As my co-workers used cordless screwdrivers, I would use the DD at speeds much faster than them.

    Reply
  2. Steve

    Oct 28, 2016

    i have the standard double drive. i love the double drive function, but it was just way too heavy to carry every day in the side pocket of my work pants while on the job. went back to my wera kraftform compact. Was thinking of buying the ratcheting version

    Reply
    • John

      Oct 28, 2016

      I have the ratcheting one and its great. However unlike this one, it doesn’t do 4mm precision screwdriver bits. In fact, Wera doesn’t make a single one that does alone. The closes they have is the one that does the weird 4 mm Halfmoon drive (and Wera Serie 9) and 4 mm HIOS drive (and Wera Series 21). If only Wera made a bit holder or adapter there that did 🙁

      Reply
  3. Matthew Lippincott

    Oct 28, 2016

    What are the other ql3s? I see beyond the gimmick and think its a pretty cool idea. Whether or not it has its uses remains to be seen.

    Reply
  4. Jedidiah Thurlow

    Oct 28, 2016

    Has anyone seen these in stores? I went to one that supposedly had 192 of them in stock but none on the shelf. Wondering if they are going to be a holiday or black Friday item.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 29, 2016

      I’m guessing that displays will go up soon, probably soon after Halloween.

      Reply
      • fred

        Oct 29, 2016

        I’ve had this issue with Lowes a few times – their webpage will say there is stock locally – but the folks in the store are indifferent to a request to see where the item is located. At least at my local Home Depots they will look it up on their computer and sometimes climb up or go in the back and dig one out.
        Maybe its only me – because I don’t visit Lowes often, but it seems like they may – set the price high – hold the item hidden away – and then when they actually put it on the floor they can claim that it is being sold at a new low price.

        Reply
    • Tony

      Oct 30, 2016

      I saw a couple of them in stock at Lowe’s yesterday.

      Reply
      • MT_Noob

        Oct 31, 2016

        I saw them in two different stores, As part of displays in the isle not necessarily on the shelves. I must say I liked the overall feel. Although it took me a few tries to switch the drive direction, that little switch is a bit sticky on the one I tested.

        Reply
  5. Bonson

    Oct 29, 2016

    Limited use item – does great at super light jobs but the gearing will slip easily on anything beyond installing switch plates.

    Reply
    • Nathan

      Oct 31, 2016

      I’ve never had the gears slip but I have run in to places where I just can’t twist it enough to double drive something – so you let go of the collar and just regular ratchet out.

      I do like mine but I admit i use it rarely. assembly and disassembly of electronics mostly.

      which brings me to the other but – I have the kit that came with the 1/8th drive double drive precision set. LOVE That too. I use it more often than my precision screw drivers by a long shot.

      Reply
  6. Wayne Ruffner

    Oct 30, 2016

    My browser found “QL3” in there 25 times. And all that silly Quik stuff. Painful to type, painful to read. Self-inflicted Schadenfreude?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 30, 2016

      Are you sure? Maybe you should do a manual count, just to be sure? =P

      Reply
  7. Mark

    Nov 20, 2016

    Grabbed one of these today. I like it, feels sturdy, lots of metal. The bit holder is quite the trick. And the notchless ratcheting is quite lovely. But….

    Uuuh, the ratchet selector only has forward and backward? No neutral aka locked? Wow. I didn’t think this would bother me so much but just with one use I’m already frustrated.

    And the speed of the double drive, it’s completely pwned by the Klenk quad drive.

    http://www.klenktools.com/main/products/multidriversnew.asp

    It makes the double drive feel soooooo sloooooow. And Klenk feels more solid and unkillable. And price is comparable.

    The bit holder though, is quite a trick!

    Reply
  8. DC

    Jan 9, 2017

    My wife bought me the kit for Christmas 2016. I was skeptical as my go to ratcheting screwdriver is the Snap On. I love this driver as I can double pump but you’ll have to hold the ring. I’m starting to love this thing.

    Reply
  9. Al

    Jun 22, 2017

    Has anyone tried using a Rubber Strap Rachet to hold the double drive collar while they work?

    I would love to be able to get a second handle on this thing.

    Reply
  10. Kenneth Parmer

    Jul 24, 2019

    I would like information on Milwaukee’s combination 1” screwdriver bits I like these type of bits very much, thank you for your help on this great tool.

    Reply

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