Skil has come out with a new cordless screwdriver, featuring Chervon’s “Circuit Sensor” tech.
We’ve seen this before, in the Hammerhead cordless screwdriver. It looks like a very similar tool, but with some cosmetic differences, and it might have been further optimized. (Chervon acquired the Skil brand in 2016.)
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The new Skil cordless screwdriver has a built-in 4V Max Li-ion battery, and recharges via micro USB cable. It comes with a USB cable, but no charger, which Skil probably assumes most people already have at home these days.
Its 1/4″ hex bit holder is depicted accommodating standard 1″ bits, and dual LED lights ensure that you’re never working in the dark. The fingertip direction dial allows for forward and reverse rotation, and a spindle lock at the center allows for manual use.
There’s no mention of torque rating, but it has the same 230 RPM motor speed as the Hammerhead screwdriver.
Lastly, there’s the built-in non-contact voltage detector, which gives visual and audible signals when a live AC current is detected.
Skil says the driver: gives you the power to tighten cabinet hinges, replace outlet covers, install shelves, assemble sturdy furniture, and more.
Price: $25
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Hammerhead version via Amazon)
First Thoughts
When Chervon came out with the Hammerhead cordless Circuit Sensor screwdriver, my local Lowes stores didn’t seem to move many. The concept seemed sound, and the tool itself was good. But the Hammerhead brand was new and unfamiliar. I’m thinking that they’ll have much better luck with this new Skil version.
My biggest question is whether the price will remain steady at $25, or whether it will dip down to $20 when the holiday season is in full swing.
One potential plus is that the Hammerhead screwdriver has been out for a while, and so I would expect for the Skil driver to be well seasoned and perfected.
Sco Deac
I received a Hammerhead for Christmas a couple years ago. It is not terrible and The voltage detector helped me sort out some issues with a multi switch exterior light.
Two differences I notice are that the got rid of the wire stripper. That’s good because it was pretty useless, especially doing outlet work. The stripper also confused people who thought it was a button. The other difference is the Skil kit comes with an extension and drill bit I don’t remember from the Hammerhead. I can’t remember if the hammerhead came with a charger or just the cable.
Smitty258
I have a few of the Hammerhead screwdrivers. Bought about 4 when the local Lowes clearanced them out for $3.97 not too long ago. Pretty handy to have around for light duty tasks. I work on laptops for a living so it’s been great for that! This Skil looks pretty much identical except for the bit holder on this one looks like it locks. The Hammerhead just has a magnetic holder. It also didn’t come with a drill bit.
Hilton
This may be useful to keep on my desk to open computer cases. I wouldn’t use this in my workshop as I have plenty of decent Wera & Wiha drivers but for occasional light duty use it seems perfect. I already a couple of micro USB cables in my desk for charging my phone, mini keyboard, headlamp etc so I wont miss the charger.
Wayne R.
Ooh! Ooh! Just what I’ve been looking for – a screwdriver with a USB port!
Progress, huh?
Stuart
Well…
https://toolguyd.com/makita-folding-screwdriver-with-bit-kit-and-usb-charging-port/
https://toolguyd.com/dremel-go-cordless-screwdriver/
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-go-cordless-screwdriver/
https://toolguyd.com/black-decker-4v-pivoting-screwdriver/
https://toolguyd.com/skil-360-cordless-screwdriver-review/
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-li-ion-hot-glue-gun-pen/
USB charging in 4V Max-sized cordless screwdrivers started coming out a few years ago.
Mosh
Milwaukee m12 charger
48-59-1201
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-2018-heated-jackets-usb-charger-power-source/
Wayne R.
I could see this being useful on a bench, but only if it had a charging cradle too.
I had a cell phone years ago with a charging cradle – I miss it terribly. Sticking a USB cord into small apertures is difficult even when it goes well. Not a reason to keep doing it.
If I were buying something like this for a bench, I’d surely want either a cradle for the whole thing (without a removable battery) or a swappable battery with a charging base like all the other cordless stuff. Yes, I know it’d likely make the whole thing “too expensive” but that’s the way I see it. And yes, they could still put a USB port in it too, for all the other situations.
Diamond Dave
A decade ago Skil came out with a lithium powered cordless 1/4” drive Ratchet. Didn’t used the tool that often but when I needed it I would always pat myself on the back for purchasing it! I was a vendor and during certain seasons had to take apart and rebuild store display. The Skil Ratchet was a real timesaver for me! When they ended up clearancing the Tool I bought another as a backup for home usage. Unfortunately in a short period of time, the switch started to short out. I then used my extra unit and the exact same thing happened! Tool was fine and charging was fine but just bad switches! That experience would probably keep me from purchasing another Skil product in the future.
aerodawg
Been wanting a powered screwdriver but didn’t want cheapo no names or an expensive name. This might be a happy medium…
Corey
Putting an ncvt in a conductive tool, huh? Nobody saw an issue with that in the company? Haha
Frank D
And the sensing nub is stuck behind the drive bit and (if installed) a few inches behind the metal extension and bit tip?
No worries, mate, just sense if the circuit is off … get in closer …
Jeremiah
I have the hammerhead in my tool bag,The ncv is pretty sensitive,. It’s hard to use it for pinpointing a live wire more for a check if the circuit is off before working on something, you have to remember to push the button as well. I got two at about $12 each after they proved unpopular. I mostly use for electrical cover plates and low torque flat screws, wrist saver. I rarely charge it. This skill one does look to have bit retention although I’ve strangely never had a problem,. The magnet seems to work just right.
AC
Seems like a useful tool, if it was actually useful. I wonder when North America is going to get the new Wiha SpeedE?
Looks pretty cool.
Doresoom
The Wiha SpeedE looks awesome, but it’s 20X the price of this one. Yikes!
TonyT
To be fair, a decent electric screwdriver (e.g. Dewalt DCF680 or similar) is close to $100, so the SpeedE is only 2-3x more….
CT
Its too bad Chervon didn’t take the opportunity to relaunch/rebrand Skil has a high quality brand equal to that of Skilsaw. Just forgettable DIY tools like Bosch was selling all over again.
Stuart
They can still do that with Skilsaw if they are so inclined.
Brian A
Dont know why Milwaukee has released any tools in their 4v USB line, just 7 different lights…..
I had a manual micro screwdriver that was 1/8 hex bits, which is ideal for a 4v. But who the hell wants to make 1/8 hex bits.
It kind of stinks that now a days everything is forced into standards for mass prodcution.
Wayne R.
There are lots of 4mm bits. A driver like this one that directly supports 4mm bits (& come equipped as part of a thorough kit), with a charging cradle would be pretty appealing for a bench setup, for repetitive disassembly & reassembly.
Redcastle
Having waited (and waited and waited) until the price on Amazon which is effectively the only supplier in the UK for the Bosch MX2 dropped to the equivalent of USD 52 I would have little interest in this type of tool from Skil. Because the MX2 comes in blue rather than green the pricing is extortionate however I have tried a number of low voltage screwdrivers over the years and the MX2 is better than all the others.
Hammerhead did release some tools in the UK of which the most odd was its powered hammer, not a hammer drill but a tool that was meant to behave like a hammer you did not have to swing – interesting idea appallingly executed.
I would also have preferred that Skil’s new owner focus on producing high quality tools worthy of its historic reputation probably unrealistic though.
Nathan
instead of the drill bit I’d have liked to see a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter but it might be too much torque for that.
for most of my smaller pieces with I use a kobalt dual driver 1/8 piece. but I wouldn’t mind a motorized option.
Jeff Draht
I love this little cordless driver and it is by far the best and most handy tool to work with. I was using it and suddenly just stoped working? I recharged it and motor still does not turn? I sent it back via Amazon and I want another one…. I hope this one lasts longer that 3 weeks and hope it was just a defect on the one I purchased?
Lastly, I wish it came with an AC Plug to charge instead of just a USB. I don’t mind paying extra where it makes sense.
Mike
I’ve had my eyes on a Vessel 220USB for a few years now. A Japanese contractor I have worked with has one and it is pretty great.