Update: The following post discusses the full-size Double Drive screwdriver. We also put together separate hands-on previews of the 2012-edition full-size and mini precision Double Drive screwdriver set, and the new Double Drive ratchet.
Lowes has unveiled a new hand tool – the Kobalt Double-Drive screwdriver set. At first glance, it looks similar to the many ratcheting screwdrivers already available on the market today. But, after taking a closer hands-on look, the Double-Drive reveals itself to be a completely new type of screwdriver!
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Buy now via Lowes(Eligible for free in-store pickup!)
Instead of featuring a standard ratcheting drive mechanism, Kobalt built the Double-Drive with unique gearing that turns a screwdriver bit in the same direction while turning the handle in either direction. A direction selection switch allows you to quickly change the direction of bit rotation.
To clarify, with the direction switch set forward and one hand holding onto the blue sleeve, turning the handle in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions will rotate the screwdriver bit clockwise to drive in and tighten fasteners. Righty-tighty, lefty-tighty! When reversed, righty-loosey, lefty-loosey!
To engage the Double-Drive mechanism, you hold onto the screwdriver’s blue sleeve with one hand, and turn the handle with the other. If for some reason you cannot hold onto the blue sleeve with your other hand, the screwdriver will still operate in the same manner as a ratcheting screwdriver.
Lowes is bundling the Kobalt Double-Drive as part of a 19pc screwdriving set that includes a small flex-shaft extension, 6 nutdriver bits, 22 screwdriver bits, and a bit case. The screwdriver also features on-board bit storage so you can carry a few bits inside the handle to save space when on-the-go.
The 29pc Double-Drive screwdriver set is priced at $19.97 and is now available for purchase with free in-store pickup.
Update: The 29pc set has been replaced by a new 32pc combo set:
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Be sure to check out our Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver Review! And if you think a ratcheting screwdriver may be better suited for your needs, we very highly recommend this Channellock ratcheting multi-bit driver!
MikeR says
Looks interesting. For $20 I just may have to pick one up.
justin says
cool idea
I had a stanley rotator ratchet that when you twist the handle it would spin the socket. The bad thing about it was it had a lot of drag when used like a normal ratchet.
Benjamen Johnson says
Seems like a cool idea, but I can see it being hard to get used to. It’s not very intuitive for both the left and right twist to do the same action. I hope they have a demo in store — this is something I’d definitely like to try before I buy.
BTW: What plugin are you using to give you the floating share this bar? I like it — a good use of white space.
Stuart says
It is a little disconcerting at first to see the opposite motions, but I got used to it after tuning that part out of mind. It’s definitely worth trying out, although I’m sure there will be those that won’t like it.
As for the floating share-bar, it was hard-coded in, no plugin. It’s pretty easy to do, although I did seek google’s help with the rounded-corner border styling and javascript that knocks it away if the browser window is too small or manually narrowed. If you’d like more details, we can chat about it via email.
jesse says
Made in China, I suppose? Most of the Kobalt line seems to be.
glen t says
I screwed with the prototype its double BADASS!!!!
shawn Karg says
looks like a great tool . for to get one
Drew says
Looks like a neat tool and for twenty bucks I am gonna get one
LAZY Screwdriver says
KNOCK OFF of the best screwdriver in the world. First of all the bits don’t lock in, allowing them to fall out. Second, look at it. Clearly a drywaller came up with this plastic crap.
David Becker says
Went to LOWES and tried two of the demo models and neither of them worked as advertised, so I wasn’t going to buy one. It only worked as a ratchet driver like the other thousand on the market.
David Becker says
I just watched the demo video and you have to hold the collar with one hand and turn the handle with the other, now I see how it works! Will get one for $ 20.00 how can you, you can use it both ways!
David Becker says
I just watched the demo video and you have to hold the collar with one hand and turn the handle with the other, now I see how it works! Will get one for $ 20.00 how can you lose, you can use it both ways!
John Holladay says
This is a cool product, unfortunately, the mechanism/technology behind it is not new. The old North Bros. Tool Co. patented a egg beater style drill that used this same basic mechanism back in 1913 (Patent number 1,059,132
– http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=mSlEAAAAEBAJ&dq=1,059,132) for their model Yankee 1530 drill. Depending on how you had it set, the bit would turn the same direction, regardless of which direction you turned the crank. Rather ingenious. Kobalt has just applied the same idea to a ratcheting screwdriver. I still like it and may have to get one, but the idea is not new.
Didn't Work says
The direction change switch does not work. You have to hit it with another wrench to get it to move. It’s going back. Good Idea though.
Christy says
Saw the advertisement for this the other day and thought it would be a great Xmas gift for my boyfriend since he uses a lot of the ratcheting wrenches. I haven’t been able to find any reviews on this product. At 20 bucks I can’t help but want to rush out and buy it but as easily as he gets mad at stuff that doesn’t work right I want to research it first. Should I get this or keep searching? Thanks for any help. Suggestions are also very welcome.
Brandy Evans says
Same here Christy…I seen a commercial for one but you didnt have to use two hands…does anyone know what that one might be?
wrong way says
most people know left loose right tight. hum ? i know it would get me for a while now i say most wont get it right
steve ruppel says
great driver,ordered online @ lowes,but did not receive bonus holster as promised-hard to carry tool and accesories without it.
diane willows says
were can i buy one
Christy says
@Diane Lowes or Lowes.com, but in the store I didn’t find it with the pouch.
Mrs. ToolGuyd says
@Christy – the one with the holster is only available on Lowes.com.
Christy says
@Mrs.ToolGuyD…thanks.
William Barrow says
Overall this tool is cheaply made. No organization in the handle for all the bits. The extender end is not magnetic and when turned over the bit will fall out. If made in China, it is exactly what would be expected. Come on–lets make it in America with better quality!!
MikeFL says
Saw one in Lowe’s store. “Got one” for Christmas. Really like it. Could be a lot better but I can’t pay $40 or more to get one from Mexico rather than China. If more “USA” companies actually made their products here we would all be happy. Anyway, the tool works as advertised and except for the flex extension (where would you use one???), it has good extras, and the tool is very handy for long screws such as electrical switch covers or telco or catv plates. I did have to actually read the instructions to make the double action work 8^)
Stuart says
That’s just a copy of the TV ad. But yes, the holster is available separately now.