I came across this Vessel 2-way Power Driver screwdriver on Amazon, and immediately took a closer look.
This is a manual-use tool. Meaning, it’s the Vessel Power Driver, but not a powered driver.
This is what I saw first – the Vessel 400PD2 screwdriver with a small selection of screwdriver bits and sockets.
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I don’t see a hex bit to socket adapter, so how does it work?
With some searching, I learned that it has an extending bit chuck. It looks like the 1/4″ square adapter is built into the end of the screwdriver shaft, and a 1/4″ hex bit chuck can slide over it.
Because the socket adapter and bit chuck are both part of the same tool, there’s nothing to lose!
I should have realized this, as I bought a Vessel 2-way speed L-handle tool a few months ago (at a slightly higher price than you can get it for right now) and it has a similar feature.
The handle also pivots so that you can use it as a straight screwdriver or as a T-handle for higher torque applications.
It looks like a decent tool even with the power driver used in regular inline mode.
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You can buy the Vessel 2-Way Power Driver in a set with a couple of screwdrivers bits and metric sockets, or by itself for less.
The price is ~$39 for the set and ~$22 for just the screwdriver. Vessel sockets and screwdriver bits are great quality, but it’s good to have the option to get just the Power Driver handle.
It looks like a convenient tool – part screwdriver bit driver and part socket spinner, with the higher torque T-handle driving mode further increasing its appeal.
I really like the idea of working being able to use the same tool with 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits and 1/4″ sockets without needing to keep track of separate parts or adapters.
The Vessel screwdriver reminds me of the Felo Smart screwdriver, although the Felo only has a screwdriver bit holder.
See Also: Felo Smart T-Handle Pivoting Screwdriver Review
The Felo Ergonic pivoting screwdriver handle is also quite good – I bought mine a few years ago. It features a 1/4″ bit chuck and also 60T ratcheting mechanism.
Jared
I have the Felo Smart – two sets actually, the long screwdriver bits and the M-tec nut driver version. They’re among my favorite tools. They cost a small fortune though, and this looks very similar for a fraction of the price. I’ve never been disappointed in Vessel quality either. I’m going to try a set for myself.
There’s a Facom 1/4″ drive tool kinda like this too – the R.142 spinner tool. I really like this convertible form factor for all the 6mm-15mm small underhood fasteners where a screwdriver tool might not be enough to break the bolt free, but you don’t want to waste time with a ratchet either.
fred
I bought the Felo 069 205 00 smart handle – back in the summer. It felt too small and toy-like in my hands – but it gets good ratings – so it may feel better for others.
Along a similar principle, I have a Ko-Ken 3/8-drive spinner handle that can pivot in the middle to convert to a l-shape to provide extra leverage:
https://www.amazon.com/Irega-Koken-Impact-Screwdriver-2769h/dp/B003B3D3M0
fred
1/4-inch drive for the Ko-Ken tool – not 3/8
Wayne R.
I’ve put a locking bit adapter in my Felo handle, and use 3-6″ locking bits. Also available in my box are 6″ square adapters for all the sockets. Also got a few other Klein & Wiha locking handles – they just aren’t convertible to Ts.
However, it’s great to have all these options! I sure love the idea of a combined hex & square end – but I try to avoid insert bits. Bits that lock-in are better for me.
Maybe my shorty bits should get a fluorescent pink paint spray, too. Taking my mind off what I’m working on to find something I can’t quickly see is irritatingly disruptive.
Nathan
Wiha’s Maxxtor line uses UV florescent bands which is pretty useful. Since UV lights are becoming more common it’s not as much of a pain to use that feature.
So maybe pick up some fluorescing paint instead of regular spray paint. I keep meaning to do that for my standard 1″ bits…
Nathan
Uhm I don’t see that being strong enough to mount a car door striker and latch. Sorry but no. (Most I’ve replaced have had torque specs over 150 ft lbs) Neat tool and I like the fold t and etc
And 10 years ago I almost bought a felo or such and I would have gotten this most likely. But today in 25 I mostly use a power tool of some fashion.
But again I like the idea of the device and I could see buying one but I save time with a cordless tool
Jared
Can you apply 150ft/lbs by hand with a t-handle? I can’t. As a general rule, I just expect my hand tools to stand up to the force I can generate by hand (so there are no bloody knuckles from sudden failure). If you’re expecting to removing lug nuts, this seems like the wrong tool.
Nathan
I was just pointing out the use case picture wasn’t well thought out. Now I stalling a speaker. Perfect
Jared
That’s fair! Although now that you mention it, I kinda want to see if I can remove my door striker with a T-handle. Those are presumably… T50s?
928'er
Screwdriver alone is now $30.00 (same day as your original post). Makes the set seem like more of a deal, but I don’t need another small set of sockets and bits – I’ve already got enough to last me the rest of my life.
Stuart
Looks like the sellers for the set dropped the price from ~$38 to ~$33, and sellers for just the screwdriver jacked up the price from ~$22 to ~$30.
At those prices, I’d just go for the set too.
928'er
One of the other sellers on Amazon had the screwdriver for $27.00 – only 5 bucks more so I ordered one. I’m a sucker for Vessel tools. Seems like an ideal tool to pair with a set of bits and a set of ¼ inch sockets to keep in the glove box or door pocket of your car.
Scott F
The Gedore “Advent calendar” that was sold at Costco last year has a similar convertible handle – I like the design. Not enough to buy this, don’t need another, but I like the idea of the extending bit chuck on this.
MattM
I bought that Felo driver a few years ago when it first came out and immediately returned it. The handle itself felt cheap and very light unbalanced to the ratcheting mechanism. The mechanism itself felt really poorly made. I recall the gears sort of floating around—not precise at all…
My personal favorite tool in this style is from Schroeder who OEMed it to Craftsman in the early 2000s.
https://chadstoolbox.com/rs11841-schroder-11841-comforce-ratcheting-screwdriver/
I forget the name of the company that still sells the craftsman version of this, but they sell new old stock tools….
Unmesh Agarwala
Got the Vessel from Amazon and 1/4″ hex bits exhibit a lot of wobble compared to my simple 1/4″ square driver with a Gearwrench adapter for 1/4″ hex bits