Ryobi is coming out with a new Tek4 4-volt cordless right angle screwdriver (HP64LK). The new driver features an ultra-compact form factor for use in tight and hard to reach spaces, an easy-change 1/4″ hex bit chuck, LED worklight, and 3-position forward/reverse/LED-only mode.
Buy Now(via Home Depot) – currently unavailable, but check back soon.
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The kit comes with the HP64L right angle driver, a single AP4001 4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AP4800 charger, and two 1″ hex screwdriver bits, and will retail for $49.97.
Additional Technical Specs
- “Tri-Beam” LED lights for shadow-free illimunation
- Variable speed trigger
- 10-hour charging time (additional batteries are available separately)
- 10-3/8″ length
- 3-3/4″ head length
- Weighs 1.35 lbs
First Impression
We posted about Ryobi’s Tek4 line of 4V Li-ion power tools back in 2009, again in 2011, and a couple of times in between. It looked like the Tek4 line might be down for the count, but it’s good to see new additions to the platform.
The new driver doesn’t look ground-breakingly innovative, but it definitely looks appealing. Unless the sense of scale given by the 1″ bits is misleading, the new right angle driver looks almost pocketable. I wish the kit included a nice belt holster, as this looks like the type of cordless driver that would be great for technicians and installers who like to travel light.
Ryobi’s new Airstrike cordless brad nailer was a clear winner around Father’s Day, and it looks like Ryobi might have another bestseller with this driver.
Jason says
Aug 2, 2013 at 1:44 pmI totally thought the Tek-4 line was over with, or was going to be shifted over to the Milwaukee 4v line. The local HD by me got rid of the big Tek-4 endcap and replaced it with a Makita ltx display. I can’t figure out whats going on with that lineup of tools.
hangfire says
Aug 6, 2013 at 4:57 pmMe too, but I hope this means Tek-4 is coming back.
I was never in love with Tek-4’s price/value equation at the BORG, but picked up a few refurb pieces at the TTi Factory Tool Outlet. The screwdriver is THE STUFF for doing rain gutter/downspout work 2 stories up. I brought a hex mounted drill bit with me and a spare battery because it had been sitting for months, finished the job with a couple dozen holes drilled and screws driven on that first battery!
This tool looks well thought out with tri-LED lighting, love that, since it was intended to be used in tight places. I think the hard guard is a little large at the top, considering that right angle drivers are all about clearance, but that’s not too bad.
Jason Offret says
Aug 2, 2013 at 8:28 pm10 HOUR CHARGING????
Stuart says
Aug 4, 2013 at 9:44 amThat’s what it says on the Home Depot product page, 600 minute charging time.
A lot of 4V Max tools with built in batteries (such as Black & Decker’s Gyro) are rated as having “overnight” charging rates.
Seth says
Aug 4, 2013 at 12:49 pmThe packs themselves could easily charge in less than an hour, but that would require a charger with enough brains built into it to not blow up the pack in the process. Such chargers cost money, and so B&D/Ryobi puts dumb slow trickle chargers into kits like these.
There’s a 30 minute rapid charger available for the TEK4 packs if users are willing to spend $35 to get it.
Stuart says
Aug 4, 2013 at 1:01 pmLooking at the AP4800 manual, the charging time is actually 10-12 hours.
The rapid charger by itself was apparently discontinued, but is now available in a kit with 2nd battery for the $35 price you mentioned.
I think the idea is that most users would be happier for the kit’s $50 price as-is than if it came with a rapid charger and higher price tag.
KL says
Aug 6, 2013 at 5:13 pmAmazing! I also thought the Tek4 stuff was dead/dying. They seemed to keep clearing out tools (at DEEP discounts) and the others just sit on the shelf at my local HD; I don’t think anyone ever buys them. I do like the few that I have, but only ’cause I got them for cheap cheap. This driver DOES look handy tho for tight spots.
John S says
Aug 6, 2013 at 11:03 pmThis is definitely a cheap way to get a right angle driver – and if it holds up to some decent use, it sounds like a good deal
Marvin McConoughey says
Jun 12, 2015 at 5:13 pmI am eager to buy one. The big right angle drivers I have are too large or, in the case of the Makita 6-volt driver that bends in the middle, still too long to fit into tight spots. My add-on DeWalt and Milwaukee right angle drives are well made but a bit cumbersome to use. The 3.6 volt Skill with the little right angle driver attachment is a wonderfully small and agile, but lacks power and run-time duration. The Ryobi might be exactly what I (and many others) need to sink small screws into narrow spaces. Any word on when it will be available at big box stores or on the internet?
Stuart says
Jun 13, 2015 at 7:50 amLooks like it has been discontinued. It was available, and now the listing has been removed.
David says
Nov 23, 2015 at 9:06 pmPlease sign the petition to bring back TEK4 Tools!
link
Stuart says
Nov 23, 2015 at 9:15 pmThe Tek4 line wasn’t selling well at all.
Back when it was still available, the tools sat around collecting dust, and this is what I saw at every Home Depot I visited.
The only time they sold well was when a tool was being clearanced out and deals sites jumped all over it.