Since everyone was nice enough to give their input here, I figured I'd follow up:
I ended up getting
this screwdriver as a gift and have been using it for a little while now. It's really growing on me, and if it holds up, it may be a permanent replacement for most of my general-use screwdrivers.
Pros:
- Seems like high quality German construction: All metal, no plastic.
- Speeds up screw installation/removal and greatly reduces fatigue (think 6" toggle bolts).
- Provides speed without the weight of a drill.
- Can be locked to work as a regular or ratcheting screwdriver for high-torque.
- Can be locked in its extended or collapsed position making it both a 9" or 14" screwdriver.
- Will accept any hex-shank bit: Robertson, nut-drivers, tamper-resistant, etc.
- Quick, tool-less bit changes.
Cons:
- Low torque on spiraling mode. Works well for installing or removing most screws, but if they're stiff (i.e., installing screws in plastic anchors) the spiral mode is useless.
- Expensive. At $40 this will only pay for itself if it ends up lasting for at least a year (which is how long it takes me to go through $40 in Klein drivers).
- To make this last it probably needs to be oiled regularly.
- Using this to chisel/pry/poke holes in sheetrock, etc., would quickly ruin it.
- Requires carrying multiple hex bits.
So, this won't completely replace my screwdriver collection, but they will definitely be spending a lot more time gathering dust in my bag. I hope it proves as durable as it seems. A guy I work with is interested in it already, hoping to relieve some of the reppetative stress injury that comes with driving screws all day.
Thanks for the replies, guys.
-John
