Kobalt’s Double Drive screwdriver first came out in 2011, and was released in several styles.
All Double Drive screwdrivers are built with unique gearing that allows the driver to be used in a ratcheting-like mode, and an effort-multiplication Double Drive mode where turning the handle to the right or left both results in clockwise or counterclockwise motion.
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In Double Drive mode, righty tighty/lefty loosey turns to righty tighty/lefty tighty or righty loosey/lefty loosey, depending on the position of the direction selector switch.
The original Double Drive screwdriver (here’s my video review) was a decent model, but was a little front-heavy.
The 2012 Double Drive screwdriver had a plastic gearbox instead of metal, which helped make it more balanced and comfortable to use. It was only available as part of a 32-piece set that also included a new precision driver.
In 2013, Kobalt came out with a stubby Double Drive screwdriver (video review) and a new precision Double Drive screwdriver (video review), both of which I liked. The stubby version had a new direction selector lever that I wished was available on the full-size driver.
Fast-forward to 2014, and we have a new standalone Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver for 2014.
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The new driver has a new direction selector switch, similar to the one featured on last year’s stubby driver, and it is MUCH easier to use than the smaller slide switch found in older Double Drive screwdrivers.
To switch the gearing direction, simply pull or push the collar all the way in either direction.
The Kobalt product tags say this is a new “aluminum” version, and while there feels to be a fair amount of metal used in the screwdriver construction, the driver feels nicely balanced.
The driver comes as part of a 13-in-1 package, which includes a bit holder extension and selection of 12 screwdriver bits.
One of the drivers was already demo’ed with shrink wrap pulled back, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to access to internal bit storage compartment. I’m glad I was able to, because I was quite pleased with the quality of the threads. The cap threads on and off easily, but feels securely put when fully tightened onto the driver handle. It doesn’t feel like there’s any substantial risk of cross-threading or early wear.
There was only a small display of these drivers in the hand tool section, and so they might be hard to miss. There’s no large sales-floor display as in prior years.
From what I saw, this is definitely a screwdriver I would buy for casual use, in places I would ordinarily use an inexpensive ratcheting screwdriver or multi-bit screwdriver, if not for my over-capacity tool collection.
This 3rd generation model looks like the best full-size Double Drive screwdriver Kobalt has come out with yet, and I cannot imagine any major improvements that might be needed to justify a 4th generation redesign.
I inspected a couple of drivers in-store. One acted a little funny and wouldn’t turn properly, and I found it was because the direction selection switch was stuck a little between the two settings. A quick pull of the collar, and the driver worked as expected. I adjusted it back and forth, and the issue didn’t repeat itself. A few users mention quality problems on Lowes’ product page, but I didn’t really see any defects in any of the drivers I checked out in-store. This might be the type of product you keep the receipt for, as Lowes’ offers a Lifetime Guarantee on Kobalt tools.
Price: $15
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Steve Cecil
I’m looking forward to trying one of these out as my ratcheting screwdriver just finally stopped working. Thanks for the review!
Chad
I got one of these when it was all metal — I liked it but it was real heavy. Got it cuz I gave my snap on ratchet sd to a friend of mine cuz he liked it sooo much ( he didn’t have many tools and I figured I would get another for my self ) fast forward 12 years later and I never got another snap on. The kobalt will do in a pinch but will never feel like my snap on rsd — may have to look over at fleabay to pick another one up !!
Doc
The stubby version with the same selector mechanism has metal gearing under the hold-to-doubledrive sleeve. Perhaps this update to the full size also went back to using metal gears as well?
Stuart
I think you might be onto something there. Although I haven’t taken the others apart, I always thought they all head metal hearing.
Bill K
Without extensive use, I have been satisfied with the 2013 year model. Now that I see the 2014 year model, I have new model envy, as it appears to have been improved. The collar, versus the button, appears to be a significant improvement. I’ll be checking it out on my next trip to Lowes.
If this tool has matured and reached an optimum design, as Stuart thinks is possible, it will be interesting to see if this becomes a staple product offering, not just a holiday sale item.
I wonder if the prior year version sales were, or are, considered product development cycles. Interesting approach. On the flip side, is it just me or does anyone besides me feel a bit put off that a one year old hand tool has been deemed undesirable because of a new improved model?
Lee
Hello Bill. Each improvement of the original has been incremental and minor. This 3rd generation switch design should not be construed as a finale; there are major and additional minor changes yet to come.
Dave L.
Personally, although clever, I don’t see an advantage over a normal ratcheting screwdriver. To me, having to use two hands is “unhandy.”
Lee
Major and minor advancements to this technology, that are described and claimed in a recently-issued patent, will be coming down the pipe line. Consumers are anticipated to love it.
Lee
Being required to use two hands to activate the featured mechanism is indeed “unhandy.” However, already-patented and undergoing development, is a single-handed operated model, that enables a user to activate the dual-drive mechanism, while holding a workpiece with opposite hand. A prototype exists and proves the concept.
Stuart
Lee, please be more transparent in disclosing to readers that you’re trying to bring a one-handed version of this tool to market.
Chris
The advantage is that it’s twice as fast. Comes in super handy when you’re dealing with long machine screws.
Lee
Yes, advantage is, that it’s twice as fast; however, the 2X as fast advantage can only be achieved, while the gear housing is either anchored somehow, to prevent its axial rotation, or, inconveniently held stationary with user’s opposite hand, whereby, no hand is available to hold a workpiece.
Chris
Take a look at the screwdrivers on this site:
https://spectools.com/
I have an original Overdriver but it’s worn out and I need a new multi-speed ratcheting screwdriver. You do have to use the 2-hand method if you want to engage the high speed function, but for the applications I use screwdrivers for it’s no big deal to me.
Lee
True innovation and engineering should be thoroughly thought-out, so the inconvenient use of two hands to activate an intended advantageous mechanical feature, is not required. Should a user be installing a door knob using the multi-speed tool mentioned above to expedite fastener seating, by what means does the user secure the door knob in place, while both hands are occupied with operating the tool?
Chris
When you need your other hand to secure the workpiece then I guess you’re ‘forced’ to use the screwdriver in its regular mode of operation.
You and I must have a different set of tasks we typically use screwdrivers for. I had an Overdriver from the site mentioned above for almost 20 years and LOVED the 4x speed for the things I used it for. I honestly can’t remember a single time where I was shaking my head thinking of how inconvenienced I was by having to use both hands to operate the screwdriver.
If you have to use your other hand on the workpiece, then the screwdriver gets used in its normal fashion. For most of the things I use a screwdriver for my other hand isn’t doing anything anyway, so it’s not an issue.
Stuart
Lee, please be more transparent in disclosing to readers that you’re trying to bring a one-handed version of this tool to market.
Lee
Very well then, Stuart. Thank you for allowing me. For all Toolguyd followers, I am hereby disclosing, that I have recently been issued a patent for a dual-dive screwdriver, that can indeed be operated with one hand, while the user’s opposite hand is made available for securing a workpiece. I have conceived and designed alternate models, that can be operated with one hand. This hand tool is anticipated to take the market by storm just as the original Double Driver did. I seek investors to partner with me to launch this model onto the market.
The ‘original’ double-driver, even with its disadvantage of requiring a user’s both hands to activate the 2X-drive feature, is ‘still’ generating significant revenue globally. Hence, my single-hand operated model is anticipated to generate revenue at least commensurate with the two-hand operated.
The company that manufactures the original double-drive model has already offered to license the single-hand operated model from me, for global distribution. However, the company requests proof of concept prior to licensing. My video actually already proves the concept on an intentionally ‘basic’ level, with the versatile ‘adapter’ that can be used to operate several items more efficiently and single-handedly to boot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1aA0d9Gij8&feature=youtu.be
Apparently the interested company, would rather an adapter, that doesn’t require partial disassembly to achieve opposite output rotation. Well, such an adapter, that can be conveniently switched to opposite output rotation without partial disassembly, is already designed and simply requires fabrication. The company also requests a single-hand operated in-line model, that is operated the same, performs the same, produces the same results and resembles the configuration of their popular Kobalt DD, but, best of all, can be single-hand operated. OK….it can be done; I’m currently working on multiple concepts.
Stuart
That’s not what I meant. What I meant was that you should disclose that you are seeking to bring to market a competing product, and that your comments should be considered in this light.
Regardless of any validity to what you are saying, you stand to benefit from making the Double Drive screwdriver seem faulty, inconvenient, and in need of improving upon.
I typically do not allow competing companies to get away with bashing other brands’ products, even when they throw jabs instead of more obvious heavy blows.
I’ve made an exception since many of your arguments are somewhat valid, but you MUST be transparent as to what your stake and motives are.
Chris
Stuart, any chance of seeing a review of the Overdriver from Spec Tools?
https://spectools.com/
Pete
I saw this last night while I perusing my local lowes while waiting for my hungry howies pizza. I played with it and was fankly unimpressed. I hardly noticed the 2x speed of the bit, I also don’t like the bit storage and it seemed heavy to me. Not something you would want to hang on a belt or even have to carry on a regular basis. When looking at all multibit screw drivers I always compare them to my stainless steel megapro. I love the simplicity of it and easy of use. If you loose a bit or want to modify the bit selection on the kobalt can you order a specific replacement from amazon? Nope! But I can with my megapro, I can even pickup a replacement at a McFadden-dales.
I see me cursing at the lowes driver for having to switch the rotation than it actually being useful. If I want to screw something faster than by hand i’ll always use a electric driver of some kind.
Stuart
Since this works with standard 1″ screwdriver bits, replacements are widely available.
Drew
I saw them at my local Lowes today. I liked the design of the directional collar vs the small switch. I also liked the balance of it. However, once I tried the action, I wasn’t impressed. The mechanism was course and made the ratcheting click constantly in both directions. I have the original metal model and it is silky smooth & quiet. (Actually under a different brand sold by TSC) I also noticed three broken units right in the display. The directional collars had fallen off. After reading reviews on lowes website, it seems to be a common issue. The small screw holding the collar on falls out. I guess a dab of thread lock could solve that. I mainly couldn’t deal with the course action.
Brian
I noticed the same thing. The ratcheting sound on the action was a major turn off to me. I have the original and like the solidity and build quality. The smooth action was one of the most enjoyable thing over a conventional ratcheting screw driver.
As an engineer, I couldn’t get over the quality difference. Comparing the solid casting vs the plastic model I’d rather deal with the weight of the original and buy maybe a backup than to have to continually replace a newer cheaper one.. for roughly the same price per tool.
Robert
Hopefully it goes without saying that this isn’t a high torque machine. That’s not a put down, because it’s not really the intended purpose. That said, I didn’t see any mention of the material used in the gearing of the new version. I’m assuming that they’ve continued with the plastic of the previous model.
It’s been a while since I’ve read about these, but weren’t there a number of problems later down the road with the previous version? As I recall, they worked as advertised initially, but didn’t hold up over the long run. I won’t jump to conclusions, but I’d be hesitant to believe this wouldn’t be the same over time.