Wowstick cordless precision screwdriver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 01:24:11 pm
content: Has anyone here tried the Wowstick A1, a cordless precision screwdriver? It's quite pricey, so I'd like to know what the quality is like before I get one.

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 02:03:06 pm
content: When I'm doing assembly of many screws, I've often thought about some kind of low-torque, high-speed driver to spin screws in fast. But I'm pretty sure I beat 100RPM using a technique of holding the hex-shaft of 1/4" bits and spinning them like a top between my fingers.As such, I'm kind of like, "what's the point?" Without being able to set the torque, I'd hope it was at least fast—and it's not. I mean, think about it, at 100 RPM, an American 4-40 screw would take nearly 30 seconds to drive an inch (or M3 at 0.5mm thread pitch would take 30 seconds to drive 25mm).

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 04:27:09 pm
content: I'm not so sure a high speed is a great idea. If the screw gets cross-threaded, and you screw in too fast, you wreck everything before you even realise there's a problem.And it would be unusual to drive an inch of thread. Normally it would go into the thickness of a nut , with a little sticking out the other side, not a whole inch.Anyway, thanks for the comment.

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 05:02:51 pm
content: I was curious so I watched some videos...at least as long as I could.If for no other reason than marketing to me as though I'm a complete idiot, I would avoid it. They did everything they could to mimic iPhone styling, right down to the ridiculous, wasteful packaging. If I had to guess based on experience, the vast majority of the cost has gone into looks but everything else from the bits to the motor and switches are bottom of the barrel garbage. The usefulness of such a tool seems dubious to begin with, but even if I just grant that it's useful, I would be absolutely shocked and amazed if this particular one is anything but a polished turd.Someone with money to burn should send one to Dave for a test/tear down! I'd love to be proven wrong but I just have too much experience with stuff like this to take it seriously.Anyhow, that's just my opinion. I'm actually kind of hoping you'll get one and report back because I'm kind of curious if it's actually useful for anything.edit:BTW, there are other ones available that I would guess are at least as the same quality, though not fancy, and they're well under $20. That seems a lot more reasonable for a cheap tool that's basically really only useful for slowly unscrewing tiny little screws. I would certainly never use one to install a small screw, unless it was a proper tool with real torque limiting.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 05:27:31 pm
content: QuoteDepends on how many screws you need to drive. High speed with an adjustable torque adjustment/slip-clutch could be desirable. You can get these features on a mains electric screwdriver. The torque settings are typically much more sensitive and go much lower than on a hand drill and some have an autodrive on contact/pressure. For small electronics screws, you can get them with a 4mm hex socket, if you have that kind of bit set, already. They are super handy for high volume work. Probably overkill for most hobbyists.I had one of these, which lists the same speed as the wowstick:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XZLTQO?psc=1100rpm is very slow. I am not sure that a driver this slow really needs a rechargeable battery. It's certainly handy for an occasional screw. But if you have a lot to do, you will probably set it down and use anything else. Regular alkaline batteries last a long time, driving small screws.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 05:43:08 pm
content: I have one of these. Feels crappy but I have used it for three years and it works really well. Excellent for screws in plastic.

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 05:59:17 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on November 03, 2015, 05:27:31 pmI have a couple of the General Tool 500 ones too, they were on sale at Lowes for $10. I find myself using it very often for electronics repair, much more so than larger power screwdrivers ( I like this one BTW:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y74AU6?keywords=hitachi%20power%20screwdriver&qid=1446573414&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1)The speed is slow, but still faster than manually turning it. My main complaint is that it does not have a locking position so that you can't use it as a manual screwdriver too without striping the gears -- I've tried! What I like about the Wowstation is: "Driven automatically in Efficient Zone,self-lock and driven by hand in Torque Zone ". I may have to buy one.I agree that the rechargeable aspect seems unnecessary and the packaging is a total waste. These make the price much higher than it should be, around $30 IMHO. I'd like to see the torque spec on this and the torque allowed in the locked position.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 06:09:55 pm
content: QuoteSounds good, but I would like it to be faster.IMO, there's a market for a small, cheap electric screwdriver with 1000rpm at very low torque. That way it wouldn't need an expensive motor, gearing, or torque limiter; it would just need to lock. Of course, as you suggested, you would torque the screw by hand and use the motor just to get the screw in/out. I suppose that if the motor were low enough in mass and had a simple cutout/clutch it might feasible.

author: djQUAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 06:10:17 pm
content: From my experience the battery ones are too slow since if they make it run fast, they lose torque. I'd rather use a normal screwdriver than a cordless battery powered one.If I have to do a lot of screws, I use a Hios CL4000 screwdriver (+ CLT-50 powersupply) I bought second hand. It has adjustable torque clutch which stops instantly rather than just slipping like the many cordless drill/screwdrivers available everywhere. The bit runs at 950rpm at hi, and 700rpm on lo. Not really compact or portable though.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 07:04:36 pm
content: I used a Black and Decker clone cordless, as I did a lot of opening of equipment that used 40 M4 hex machine screws per cover. I made my own hex driver bit out of an old 1/4in hex spacer and a long 2.5mm hex key, that had the short side cut off and silver soldered into the brass. Still have it, though it is a lot shorter than original, as the end wore it would go into a bench grinder and have the worn 3mm ground off it.Cordless went through a few battery packs, and I did have to replace the nylon gears in the gearbox with metal ones. B&D metal gears as a spare fitted perfectly, and while I was there I bought a drill from a guy who was complaining about the cost of a new stator, which was open circuit, si I bought it for the rejected quote cost. Was at the time a drill with the then new speed control trigger and reversing switch. took me 2 days to rewind the failed half of the stator and have a working drill. Still in the garage, and used quite often, the old non all plastic B&D stuff, not the later all plastic ones.

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 07:12:45 pm
content: OK, looks like I will get myself an 800 series one after that positive review. I can pick one up for $10 next time I am in China, and this looks the exact same one in the review:http://world.taobao.com/item/45290547328.htm

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 07:53:05 pm
content: I use a Ryobi 4v lithium powered screwdriver with a magnetic bit holder. I set the torque range so I don't strip anything driving the screw in. In my case, I have arthritis in my hands and it saves wear and tear on my hands. Speed isn't a necessity for me, just something that makes my hands hurt less. I have a part I am rebuilding for company equipment. 7 screws in and out and I have about 100 left to do. It takes me about 15 minutes to remove and replace parts in a single unit. Since I am replacing the same parts, there is plenty of repetitive motion. I can't imagine running all those screws by hand. If I can limit the screwing motion by using the driver, my hands hurt much less and I don't have to take meds that are hard on my kidneys and liver.

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 10:41:14 pm
content: When you're using machine screws, how do you get the screws started without cross threading them?

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 12:54:43 pm
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on November 03, 2015, 10:41:14 pmI start mine by hand. A couple of turns for each screw and I am good to go. I do all of the screws at once so I only pick up the Ryobi once. The housings are aluminum and very easy to cross thread

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 01:38:06 pm
content: I got one. Not worth it. Get the general instrument one from Amazon, and use a 3.7V lithium with an additional dummy cell so far is the best. At 3V the speed is too low, at 3.7+1.2V, I burned up 2 of the motor (though it is supposed to be rated as a 5V motor).

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 08:21:07 pm
content: Quote from: kwass on November 03, 2015, 05:59:17 pmFYI, they are still $10 at Lowe's - and the nice thing about buying it there is that you can return it if you don't like it.(Does anyone know if there's a #2 Philips bit that will fit the General 500?)

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 08:41:15 pm
content: A while ago I was looking at small power drivers, and bought a few, including thewankwowstick.The problem with all of them is they are too slow. They're mostly designed around the false assumption that what you want in a small driver is a big driver, only smaller.Big drivers are designed for high torque, for woodscrews, selftappers, and nyloc nuts on machine screws & bolts.For larger machine screws & bolts with normal nuts, impact drivers are a faster alternative.For small machine screws, the only reason to use a power driver is to get better speed - torque is simply not an issue as hand-torque is more than enough.What you ideally want is something a similar shape and size to a normal non-powered screwdriver, with a shaft that by default is locked, for final tighten or initial loosen, then a fast screw/unscrew with minimal torgue ( and hence low weight/small size) the to do the rest of the thread.You also want an adjustable torque stop, and minimal rotational inertia, so 1/8" not 1/4" hex bit size.I've yet to find something ideal, the closest I've found is the Panasonic EY-4710This has a really good torque stop (stops dead, doesn't just bang against a limit, which is unusual), which will go low enough to do things like 3.5mm terminal blocks.It is a little on the large size, and the top speed could do with being about 2x what it currently is. As it uses 1/4" hex bits, rotational inertia is slightly high for smaller screws, especially with a magnetic bit holder. The light is also pathetic, an the charger is huge and clunky. Still a very useful tool and the best dedicated power screwdriver I know of.As for the Wowstick - complete and utter wank. Don't even think of wasting money on it. Stupidly slow, offers no noticeable benefit over a manual driver, no torque stop, no soft-start, charger is crap (contacts onto aluminium body by gravity, giving somewhat unreliable contact).Some idiot is clearly trying to Apple-ise tools - if they had done a decent job of it it might justify the price, but no, they've just taken a turd and applied some polish and packaging with no improvement to the functionality.If you want to spend money on a nice screwdriver, get the Panasonic.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 11:25:40 pm
content: I'd rather get a WIHA set.My problem with motorized drivers is you can't tell if the screw wasn't in properly, and the driver will just happily force it in without any effort. Now you end up with a wonky screw at a diagonal.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 12:02:44 am
content: Quote from: fivefish on November 28, 2015, 11:25:40 pmWhich is why you need a torque stop

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 01:06:10 am
content: Quote from: edavid on November 28, 2015, 08:21:07 pmThese bits are actually a fairly common size for small, cheap tools. I have this set:http://www.dx.com/p/precision-screw-drivers-toolkit-for-electronics-diy-45-piece-set-36203#.VlpOKvkaPhAwhich includes a #2 Philips. All these bits fit the General 500. Low quality stuff but very handy!

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 01:57:16 am
content: QuoteMy thoughts, too.The best electric screwdriver for small electronics screws and plastic housings et al, that I have used, is a mains screwdriver. Single speed, 1000 RPM, and a clutch that adjusts down to a feather.For a cordless, the ones with all the right features just aren't small enough, yet, compared to a modern 2 li ion cell cordless drill. For a little more size/weight vs the screwdriver, you can get all that plus a proper chuck that can take any size bit and doesn't have any play. My favorite cordless screwdriver is exactly this kind of cordless drill. 2S li ion. 2 speed settings. On high it's around 800 rpm. Sensitive clutch. One-handed chuck with auto lock when stopped.That said, it's now mostly a backup. I've gone one further and mostly use an even larger 3 cell li ion drill. It is still small enough to be handy but can handle anything my clunky 14V NiCad/Mh drills ever could. Variable speed, higher rpm, one-handed clutch and auto-lock. One downside is the clutch doesn't adjust down far enough for tiny screws. But the variable speed trigger works well enough that I don't miss it very often.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 07:15:28 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 28, 2015, 08:41:15 pmWhen I search for EY 7410 (I guess that's what you meant), I find two versions:http://shop.panasonic.com/home-and-office/power-tools-and-ventilation-systems/power-tools/screwdrivers/EY7410LA1C.htmlhttp://shop.panasonic.com/home-and-office/power-tools-and-ventilation-systems/power-tools/screwdrivers/EY7410LA2S.htmlIt seems like the spec on these are the same, yet there are quite a price difference (even bigger here in Norway), do anyone see what is the difference between these two?Both have 1.5Ah battery, 21 stage auto shutoff clutch, two speeds, 1/4" chuick change chuck and so on..

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 08:03:44 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on November 30, 2015, 07:15:28 pmLooks like the more expensive one is a kit with charger, extra battery, and case.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 08:43:29 pm
content: ah, the "what's in the box" links does not work, but found an link on the cheapest, for more details, and it says "charging system not included", so that one is without charger also then.. crap..

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 09:37:46 pm
content: A couple of months ago I bought the little Worx WX252 cordless driver herehttp://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2383811.htmIt does get good reviews and I find it a useful tool for light duty stuff. The charger lead and connector is a bit flimsy and there are no controls for torque etc but it seems to be ideal for taking apart test equipment that uses torx screwsIt also has a crude party trick in that it can slide/extend the bit on a built in adjustable rod and this actually works quite well.However, I'm amazed it hasn't broken any tool tips yet because the start/stop torque is enough to really kick/jar the tool tip if it isn't seated correctly in the screw head. So the screw tools seem quite robust.It would be useless for medium to heavy duty use though as it can't deliver a lot of torque. But I rate it highly for taking apart test gear that has lots of machine screws

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 09:50:24 pm
content: I've hadthis Hitachifor a few years now and have been very happy with it.It is similar to the Panasonic above but faster RPMs and significantly cheaper as well.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 10:19:44 pm
content: when looking for the panasonic, I also found this:http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/gwi-10-8-v-li-33603-ocs-p/started to wonder if this one could be good, atleast lets me come to tight spaces ..

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 10:34:43 pm
content: Do any of thee alternates have a torque stop, as opposed to the normal limiter? This is what makes the Panasonic really good for smaller stuff

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 10:46:10 pm
content: On the bosch it only says this:Quotewhich I guess is as on normal drills etc.But also this:QuoteWonder if that will help?

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 11:20:51 pm
content: The motor brake means that when you let go of the trigger, the chuck stops dead. This helps if you're, say, installing a wood screw and need to stop when it's flush, rather than stopping at a certain torque. The inertia of the chuck won't cause the screw to go a smidge too far.The RA drivers are good for tight spaces. For most electronics work, you're not limited in space. So being stuck with 585 RPM is a compromise.I use something like this:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BEE2LU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER1300 RPM for zipping out screws. Clutch adjusts far enough down for insertion on most electronics work. Real one-handed, single-sleeve chuck takes 4mm or 6mm driver bits, or drill bits, with no play. You can even chuck up a small jeweler's screwdriver. And it has enough torque to drill big holes and turn deck screws to boot. It has a slip clutch and motor brake, and you can torque the screw manually if you let go the trigger. The runout is so low, it's good enough to use as a mini lathe.For the tiny little cell phone screws, you're probably faster with a small-barrel manual screwdriver that spins easy with a twist over any powered tool, simply for the ergos. Getting the screw in the hole is the hardest part, there. In theory, the motor brake would help by allowing you to zip the screw in at high RPM and then stop short to finish manually. But in practice, any screw that needs that little torque where the clutch limit and/or inertia comes into play is going to be so short that you don't need a power tool, unless doing hundreds. For a specific project like that, you might want one of those fancy mains screwdrivers with the feather clutch; they come in flavors with 1000+ rpm with a clutch that adjusts down to nothing. Set up your assembly line, hang the driver on a stand, and get to work. For repair/prototyping with these tiny screws, this is where those cheapie little AAA battery deals can be handy, despite being slow. The umpteenth time you uncrew/rescrew the chassis to tweak things, you don't care how slow it is. You're taking a mental break, anyway.QuoteI have one of those, too. The bit changer works great. The battery is ok. But it's like a Dremel driver. It's slowww. And no clutch. It doesn't need one, because it's so slowww.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 11:46:25 pm
content: QuoteYes, it's pretty basic. It is a bit slow and it always sounds a bit tired, even on a full charge, but it does seem to keep going.QuoteIn the case of the WX252 I have no idea but I suspect it only has some form of crude self limiting.Overall, it's a cheap compromise and I think it works quite well considering the price. For taking apart test gear and assembling flat pack furniture it seems fairly competent although that is definitely its upper limit. It isn't going to be able to screw in big woodscrews or undo anything tight.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 05:27:41 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 30, 2015, 10:34:43 pmHmm, I'm not exactly sure what you mean - but I think the answer for the Hitachi is no. When the set torque is reached the clutch slips it does not stop the motor. I can't say that this has caused any issues for my use - which is primarily normal assembly/disassembly - often of old test equipment. I've never tried to use it for really small, precision stuff since I don't have very small precision bits for it. Normal manual precision drivers work just fine for that.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 09:59:03 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on December 01, 2015, 05:27:41 amYes - I mean that when it reaches the set torque, the motor stops and you need to release and re-press the button to restart.This gives immediate feedback of when it's done (with slipping clutches it can be hard to tell on low torque settings) and avoids had/tip damage due to spinning out.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:31:31 am
content: I've only ever seen those smaller interchangeable driver bits in cheap china sets.Never seen one that looked like it was made of proper metal.The bit didn't even rotate centered during the closeup section of the video.Seems like they spent most of the money getting it to look good.

author: bapou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 02:48:01 pm
content: Makita DF010DSE might be an alternative to the Panasonic EY 7410 proposed by Mike.In Germany, it costs 1/2 the price;weights 550g (50g more), has 7.2V, seems to have a torque stop"Auto-Stop Clutch: Tool shuts off when clutch disengages for extra fastening control and prevents overdriving the fastener" and is slightly faster and stronger than the Panasonic.But I don't own one (yet)

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 04:33:51 pm
content: Great!, same here, better price, but the productpage at the reseller did not say anything about auto-stop, but find info about that on the productpage now, cool!

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 06:34:39 pm
content: Hmmm... Panasonic is 40% cheaper vs Makita on Amazon.I placed the Panasonic on my Amazon wish list.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 07:41:48 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on December 01, 2015, 09:59:03 amWell damn. Now you've made me want a feature I never knew I was missingNah- sounds like a nice feature but not essential for my use. I actually don't use the torque limit very often and when I do I don't have an issue with spinning out since I've learned to hold pressure until the clutch slips.

author: bapou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 07:47:39 pm
content: The prices seem to strongly depend on country.Here are the manuals of the Makita and Panasonic machines:ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/cordlesstool/ey7410/ey7410_en_om.pdfhttp://makita.at/katalog/manuals/884799C976_97970.pdfClutch auto stop seems to be very similar/the same, starting at 0.29N (Panasonic) / 0.3N (Makita) and having 21 steps up to 2.9N.Length of 276 vs. 279mm... Speed of 200 and 600 vs. 200 and 650RPM...One differnce is that Makita writes that one would have to lock the machine before using it as a screwdriver while Panasonic seems to be directlyusable when it stopped (also confirmed by reviews)Makita writes:"Using the tool as a hand screwdriver:Switch off the tool.Move the lock button to the locked position A.Turn the tool. "But maybe this is just a safety issue? Would be great if somebody having this electric screwdriver could report this.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 09:14:04 pm
content: Quote from: bapou on December 01, 2015, 07:47:39 pmI ended up ordering the makita, for half price compared to the panasonic, it's an no brainer.I don't see it as an issue to lock it for using it as an screwdriver.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 09:52:47 pm
content: QuoteIt's actually not essential for most uses.I have consulted regarding an assembly line using high speed screwdrivers with the slip clutch. Small screws in ABS plastic, and screw holes were being stripped. A lot of the workers blamed each other for keeping the screwdriver on for a second while the clutch was slipping, rather than letting off the button immediately. The ratcheting noise SOUNDS bad, afterall. A few minutes of experimentation showed you could let the screwdriver "click" indefinitely without any issue, so this was obviously not the problem. Even if you left trigger on and partially withdrew the bit from the screwhead and held it there, the worst you could do was some damage to the screwhead. But the sound of the clutch clicking would not be happening, and this would be a very odd thing to accidentally do.The problem was the clutch was moving as the drivers were being handled. The fix was a piece of tape on each driver.AFAIC, the sound of the clutch slipping is a beautiful thing. It's the sound of the tool being used properly, and if you hear it, it's the sound of a screw hole that is not stripped. To strip the hole, the clutch would have to be set so high that it didn't make that noise. The workers that were blaming the others were probably the ones stripping the holes, themselves, having tried to adapt to incorrect clutch setting.For low torque applications, it is pretty hard to screw up the screwhead without actively trying. And with a clutch that works, it is impossible to over-torque and damage the hole.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 09:11:23 am
content: Is this the Wowstick you're talking about?http://www.dx.com/p/wowstick-a1-1-8-inch-mini-lithium-cordless-electric-power-screwdriver-w-led-light-silver-406198The adverts are hilarious. "We ran out of idea" "In addition, what does make you keep?"

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 10:46:59 am
content: Quote from: amyk on December 03, 2015, 09:11:23 amIt's like If Apple spoke Chinglish....

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 06:03:41 pm
content: So I got this makita now, got myself an small suprise.. I have lots of normal bits that I thought I could use with this machine, but hey, almost lost the bit inside the machine..It comes with two bits that are longer, and have an head in both ends, but my short bits I cannot use. damn.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 10:18:32 pm
content: Are the 'normal' bits you have insert bits likethese?If so, yeah, they don't work well in most quick-change hex chucks. Fortunately, all you need to use them in your driver is an insert holder likethis. The one downside to that type is that the bit is only retained magnetically, so if the bit gets stuck in the screw head it may pop out of the holder, but you can gettwist lockorball detentholders that will retain insert bits much more securely.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 10:26:18 pm
content: yes, like those short ones.I have a lot of those adapters, but kinda the point of having an hex chuck would be to not add an extra adapter on topI have searched around, and it's not too easy to find these in good sets, but will take a trip to a few shops here to see what they have. It seems it's some standard, e6, or e6.3 or something.

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 09:28:36 pm
content: Well, in the end I got myself (from Taobao, while in China) a 6c screwdriver, an upmarket version of an 802, as well as a 3c screwdriver, an upmarket version of an 800. The former takes bits with a bigger shank, and has a higher maximum torque. Both use the same 18-36v power supply. I'm pretty pleased with both, with good torque control and you can get a wide range of bits for both sizes. See an earlier posting for more detailed discussion of the 800. I figured as these were a bit pricier than the equivalent 800 and 802, it might be worth paying slightly more, for hopefully better quality.I've forgotten exactly where I bought them, but this site is representative of the ones on offer:http://world.taobao.com/item/36330301419.htm

author: bapou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 09:06:51 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on December 09, 2015, 06:03:41 pmExcept the "surprise" which might be the same on the Panasonic unit, how do you like the Makita device?

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 11:04:03 pm
content: It's good!, and I really like the torque stop, that is, it's stopping easily.And as mentioned earlier, the manual says that you need to lock it, to use it as an screwdriver, but I don't find any problem using it as an screwdriver without locking.I guess, as long as the screws aren't too tight, it will not destroy it.And.. I bought loads of bits, so I think I should be set.