I did not expect this $15 cordless screwdriver to be as good as it is

XLX 4.2V cordless screwdriver

ZDNET’s key takeaways

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

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Typically I am improper. It would not occur typically, 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 spite of everything, the value was underneath $20, it was from a model that did not ring any bells, and it appeared loads like one thing my grandpa would have used again within the Nineteen Eighties.

However I used to be improper. 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The screwdriver actually does seem like an outdated timey gadget, or possibly a microphone. I do get the urge to interrupt into track when holding it. Regardless, the form is a departure from what we’re used to nowadays. Most cordless screwdrivers seem like cylinder of assorted thicknesses relying on battery capability and energy output.

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

In actual fact, the scale makes the entire unit reasonably pocketable, however since there is no change on it to lock it within the off place, I do not know if I might wish to have this in my pocket for lengthy.  

Contained in the device 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 a bit bit greater than what is taken into account hand tight), and the unit can face up to as much as 10 Nm of guide pressure, which is concerning the most that you may 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 gentle 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 checks, and I’ve very completely happy to suggest this. The form, regardless of being fairly an outdated type, is time-tested and is surprisingly ergonomic. It matches properly into the palm of the hand, and the buttons are simple to entry.

The sunshine on the entrance can also be extremely useful, illuminating the work space nicely, The one disadvantage of the sunshine is that it is solely on when the button is pressed, so when you’re working in the dead of night, you may want one other gentle. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

All of the gripes apart, the XLX 4.2V cordless screwdriver is a good device for $15. The deal with may benefit from some comfortable overmoulding, and the LED gentle solely comes on when the device is operating, however for the value I am unable to complain. 

If this have been my major device, I might exchange 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 device to make use of and abuse, it is a super alternative.

I will be maintaining mine within the small toolkit I maintain within the automobile.