SKIL Powered Screwdriver w/ Circuit Sensor Technology Review

We've been checking out electric screwdrivers later, and this week we're looking at the SKIL Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver which boasts an interesting feature: "Circuit Sensor Technology", which is their patented element that detects live wires in outlets, switches, cords, and fixtures from up to 1 inch away. Just by holding this cordless screwdriver near the source of electricity and pressing the detection button you're able to find out if you've got a live circuit. If that's the case a red light illuminates along with an audible alert.
We'll check out this tool in the shop and see what comes along with the kit, and give our impressions of it. For those interested in checking it out themselves, the part # is SD561201.
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[@gf2e]

Thanks for the good demo and test. I really want speed control. I am often working with particle board and so on, and being able to slowly insert a screw is much safer.

[@TalkingHandsTools]

This model does not have variable speed. None we have tested so far have variable speed. What size screws into what depth particle board? I'm getting together ideas for practical usage tests for all the various models we picked up to test.

[@gf2e]

@ Thin and cheap. It’s on my RV. 1/2” particle board, maybe 1” screws? It’s not the only thing I use it for. Some of the access panels are like that. So I have to undo four or six screws to get access to the pipes in the bathroom. I will probably eventually glue in some threaded inserts. The gold standard for control is my Bosch brushed installation driver. I can pull the trigger gently and get four seconds per revolution. Or pull the trigger hard and get 400rpm. I have the last generation M12 Fuel drill with the electronic clutch. Its trigger is slow to respond so I have trouble getting it to the speed I want. Good drill, bad screwdriver. So even though I don’t really always need 1rpm, it’s got such a responsive trigger that other tools just make me cry :)

[@TalkingHandsTools]

Thanks for the info. I'll include this on the test. I had someone else mention plywood.

[@gf2e]

@@TalkingHandsTools Another interesting test could be threaded inserts. Hex shaft drill bit to drill a hole, hex driver to install the insert, then a normal screw for the bolt that goes into the insert. The inserts are sometimes a bit hard to drive in straight. I think it would also be a nifty way to show the versatility of the tool. I normally have a couple power tools within reach but normal people don’t.

[@TalkingHandsTools]

Thanks for the testing idea! I'll add it to the list.

[@einondarkblade]

I have one I use for long days of devicing. Works good for that.

[@TalkingHandsTools]

That's kind of the quest I have going here. I'm looking for the most versatile version and best bang for the buck. Have you played with the non-contact voltage sensor much?

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I have owned the craftsman vessel kobalt skill worx probably a dosen of these electric screwdrivers. Vessel wins hands down the Japanese 3 speed model. This skill is kinda a old design and micro usb is kinda a non starter in this day of age. That electrical sniffing feature was less than reliable overly sensitive and missed a few times. Interesting design new dewalt is very similar and overpriced. The kobalt i will day is decent for 20 bucks. I do think you'll love the vessel though if you give it a shot.

[@TalkingHandsTools]

Stay tuned, there's a few more in the works to go over. I'm hoping to get some models from Japan to include.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Your getting this semi scientific electric screwdriver testing series going 👏. No reason not to be comprehensive at this point.

[@TalkingHandsTools]

I'm going to try and stick with single cell options. It's not quite an even playing field when you get to dual cells. I'm still feeling my way through the format, but I think we got something that seems fair to each model.