Over at Home Depot, Ryobi just came out with a new cordless screwdriver, the QuickTurn. The Ryobi QuickTurn (HP44L) is a 4V cordless screwdriver that can transform from a pistol-grip driver, to an inline driver.
It’s surprising that these weren’t a marketing focus of the holiday season. A nearby Home Depot had about 2 dozen of these new Ryobi screwdrivers, but hidden on a bottom shelf in the tool section
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There was no mention of torque, but the Ryobi QuickTurn does have a 2-speed gearbox (200/600 RPM).
Screwdrivers like this one are suitable for light duty tasks, which can often be tedious, such as installing or removing cabinet handles, light switch and outlet covers, and other such things.
The QuickTurn can probably be used for knock-down furniture assembly, but you still have to be careful about not over-torquing the fasteners.
At $30, this seems like a nice entry into the DIYer and homeowner cordless screwdriver market.
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If you’re shopping for 4V cordless screwdrivers, also check out the new Black & Decker model, BDCS30C. It doesn’t have a pivoting handle, but does have a compact form factor. Right now, you can buy 2 of them for $46 (after discount).
Price: $28 and eligible for Amazon’s $10 off $50 holiday promo.
Buy Now(B&D Model)
Jerry
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a 4V cordless screwdriver with a 2 speed gearbox before.
mike aka Fazzman
Craftsman used to make one.
Tator
Milwaukee makes one!!!
Stuart
Yep!
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m4-screwdriver/
Jerry
Looks like I learned something today!
Tom
These look nice, but why not just buy a cheap 12v drill? You could do all the same jobs and really wouldn’t be adding much bulk.
These seem like a nice option at the $15-20 range.
Stuart
A good 12V-class drill or screwdriver costs 2X, 3X, or even 4X as much.
There are lots of DIYers and homeowners who don’t need more than this, and who just want a simple tool with built-in rechargeable battery.
Jason
For really light tasks like installing face plates these little pocket drivers are nice. A cheap 12v drill has almost too much power.
Stuart
Even a 40 in-lbs 4V screwdriver has too much power for certain things. I once over-drove some Ikea knock-down fasteners with a 3.6V Black & Decker screwdriver.
jesse
The problem wasn’t the screwdriver. The problem was probably the quality of the Ikea fasteners.
Stuart
No… I didn’t strip them, I drove them too deeply into the wood.
firefly
The 12V is still heavier. Though for one off task it doesn’t matter much. Plus more expensive as well as Stuart pointed out. Power can also be an issue without a good clutch. That’s why I usually only use my power screw driver to remove but always hand tighten them for computer and small electronic. I know they do make some nice power screwdriver with good clutch for small electronic but those are expensive and I don’t work on them enough to justify the price…
Jason
I saw these too at my local HD and they were buried also. I was surprised they were not part of the Black Friday sale. They had the Tek4 driver but Ryobi has discontinued that line now.
James C
It looks like they both have integrated batteries. Any idea how they charge? I’m hoping it’s the ubiquitous mini-USB.
Rascally
I’ve got the TEK4 screwdriver and it’s awesome! With multiple batteries I can work all day with it, and it has a clutch too. When you have a repetitive job that involves lots of small screws, It’s much easier on your hand than a full size 18V driver.
I hate they discontinued the TEK4 line, as I have 3 products from it, but it probably didn’t sell well enough to continue it.
Rascally
I guess the real problem for me, is that you can’t swap out the battery. Dead battery means no tool use until recharged. I have 3 batteries for my TEK4 driver.
Matt Steele
I’d buy it at $15-20.
Derek
If it was an impact I’d think about it, but its its just a drill I’ll pass, and keep on using my 7.2v makita impact driver.