I was wrong about this $15 cordless screwdriver – here’s how it fared in my workshop

XLX 4.2V cordless screwdriver

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The XLX 4.2V screwdriver is accessible on Amazon for $15.
• It incorporates a traditional design that’s surprisingly ergonomic, and greater than highly effective sufficient for normal DIY duties.
• The LED mild solely comes on when the screwdriver is on.

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Generally I am flawed. It does not occur usually, however when it does, I attempt to be taught from it. Take the opposite day, for instance. I acquired a brand new screwdriver for testing, and I used to be initially fairly dismissive of it. In any case, the worth was underneath $20, it was from a model that did not ring any bells, and it seemed rather a lot like one thing my grandpa would have used again within the Nineteen Eighties.

However I used to be flawed. It turned out not solely to be highly effective, however surprisingly ergonomic. 

Additionally: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested

The product in query is the XLX 4.2V cordless screwdriver. It got here packaged in a generic plastic field with just a few screwdriver bits and a cost cable, and did not catch my eye at first. 

The screwdriver actually does appear to be an previous timey gadget, or perhaps a microphone. I do get the urge to interrupt into music when holding it. Regardless, the form is a departure from what we’re used to nowadays. Most cordless screwdrivers appear to be cylinder of varied thicknesses relying on battery capability and energy output.

The unit is fabricated from a tough polymer that appears to withstand scuffs and impacts, however there is no smooth overmoulding current. There’s additionally a wire loop constructed into the top of screwdriver that I initially thought would make utilizing it uncomfortable, however I used to be flawed. 

In reality, the dimensions makes the entire unit quite pocketable, however since there is no change on it to lock it within the off place, I do not know if I might need to have this in my pocket for lengthy.  

Contained in the software is a 900 mAh battery that is rechargeable utilizing USB-C, and the motor is succesful a powerful 3.0 Nm of electrical torque (which is slightly bit greater than what is taken into account hand tight), and the unit can face up to as much as 10 Nm of guide power, which is in regards to the most you could obtain with a screwdriver.

Additionally: My favorite cordless screwdriver of all time can handle any task for me (and it’s on sale)

The interface is simplicity itself. There is a button to do up the screw, and one to undo. There is a mild that comes on when both button is pressed, and the unit is magnetized for comfort.

I’ve used this to drive out and in just a few hundred screws over the previous few weeks, each in real-world utilization and endurance exams, and I’ve very blissful to advocate this. The form, regardless of being fairly an previous fashion, is time-tested and is surprisingly ergonomic. It suits properly into the palm of the hand, and the buttons are simple to entry.

The sunshine on the entrance can also be extremely purposeful, illuminating the work space nicely, The one disadvantage of the sunshine is that it is solely on when the button is pressed, so should you’re working at nighttime, you may want one other mild. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

All of the gripes apart, the XLX 4.2V cordless screwdriver is a superb software for $15. The deal with may benefit from some smooth overmoulding, and the LED mild solely comes on when the software is working, however for the worth I am unable to complain. 

If this had been my major software, I might change the screwdriver bits with higher ones, however they do the trick. For somebody beginning out, with a little bit of flat packed furnishings to place collectively, or a seasoned DIYer in search of an affordable software to make use of and abuse, it is a really perfect selection.

I will be holding mine within the small toolkit I preserve within the automotive.