I reviewed Kobalt’s Double Drive screwdriver set about a year ago, and maintain my “yea, they’re alright” recommendation. These aren’t premium screwdrivers, but they’re not complete junk either.
Here is the Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver gearing mechanism described in four words: righty-tighty, lefty-tighty. (Or lefty loosey, righty loosey, depending on which direction the selector switch is toggled towards.)
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Right now the 32pc screwdriver set, which includes a full-size 1/4″ hex driver, precision bit driver, and bit set, is on sale at Lowes for just $10.
You can order online for in-store pickup, and Lowes locations might have similar pricing in-store.
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Kobalt’s Double Drive ratchet is also on sale this month ($12.50 via Lowes), but I don’t favor it that much, at least not as much as the screwdrivers.
Jason
I got one of these sets as a gift last year. I’ll agree, they ok. They’re not junk, but they aren’t a tool I seek out to use either. I’ve used them a few times. My biggest complaint is the length. They feel long and a bit awkward for most jobs. I have regular Kobalt screwdrivers with the same style grip and they are excellent. But these with the double drive system just make the balance awkward. I have tried to pick out a few jobs around the house that these drivers might excel at, but what I find is I usually end up going back and grabbing one of my regular screwdrivers to finish the job.
Javier
These things are awesome. They make quick work of long machine screws. The gearing on kobalt ratcheting screwdrivers aren’t meant for high torque though. I would prefer an all metal body.
Stuart
The original Double Drive screwdriver was built with more metal than this one, but was less balanced. In this case, Kobalt probably went with more plastic to also save on cost, but the better balance is an appreciated bonus effect.
Javier
I have the big one pictured, I didn’t know there was an original model. I would like to see one, any links to one?
Stuart
Oh. If you only have one, that’s the original. If you have two, then that’s the second version from 2012.
The handle is largely the same, but the original had a metal gearbox and direction selector switch. With the handle being made of plastic with a hollow compartment to store bits, it was front-heavy.
The 2012 version replaces the metal gear housing with plastic, which evens out the weight distribution a little better. This was also presumably done so that the 2-screwdriver set could be priced the same as the original set in 2011.
Javier
I have the original, and I see what you’re talking about it not being weight balanced. It is a bit front heavy. I like knowing I have the better version but then again if I ever need to get it replaced it means I have to get the cheaper one.
Michael Quinlan
Ah… finally – a tool deal I can pass up. Thanks for letting me feel like I’m not complete mush in the face of tool deals. 🙂
Allen
I got one for Christmas, gave it to Goodwill a couple months later. Way too heavy. I did keep the bit set however.
Joe
The other day i also saw the magnum grip pliers for 9.99
Seth
And I thought the online/instore pricing with Sears was bad enough – looks like each Lowes store has a different price on this screwdriver set.
My local store has it for $15.98.
50 miles south, $9.99.
120 miles south, $22.47.
1700 miles east (back home) $9.99.
I had stopped in to my local store for some trim pieces and wandered over to the tool area to check it out. The clerk in that area said the $15.98 they had it for is the only price they can sell it at and they will not match the online deal price. Oh well!
Dave
Love the screw drivers. Thew out my ratchets cause I was so frustrated with them. I will pick up a couple of those screw driver sets for Christmas presents. At that price, it’s a no brainer.