DEWALT 8V Max Gyro Drive Screwdriver Review

DEWALT DCF680N1 - 8V Max Cordless Screwdriver with Gyroscopic Technology

When I heard that I would be reviewing the new DEWALT 8V Max Gyroscopic Screwdriver, I decided that I would hold a “welcome” party with the existing DEWALT brethren.  After a brief homecoming, it was time to get down to business.

Gyroscopic Technology

I don’t claim to be an engineer or profess to be scientifically inclined but, suffice to say, I understand the basic principle of the gyroscopic technology. Rather than regurgitating a Wikipedia recap of fixed and free axis and gimbal, here is a short DEWALT Video.

How's my technique?

Just press the trigger and a slight rotation of the wrist is all it takes to set it in motion. Left to loose. Right to tight. How quickly and how far the handle is turned correlates to the amount of speed it generates. This part takes a little getting used to. My first instinct is to turn a full 45 degrees.

Even if you do this, just slowly turn in the opposite direction and it automatically cycles down.

Features and Benefits

Absent an insert bit, in its elongated form, the DCF680 measures in at 9-1/2”. But wait, it can collapse down to 6-7/8” in its pistol grip configuration. This is key for tight spots.

8V Max. Well this little misnomer has been around since 2008 when Lithium Ion batteries really started in earnest when one company decided to report the max rating of the batteries instead of the actual output under load. Marketing speak aside, there are a number of very thoughtful inclusions:

• Molded handle with pronounced grip points

• Center grooved channel that helps guide directional placement
• Lock-off switch

• Two-sided switch for straight or pistol grip
• Quick chuck for bit placement and removal
• Two well-lit LED lights in the nose

• 15 plus MAX torque settings

• LED battery monitor

There is a lot to like in such a small package. Hex or nothing; this isn’t a three jaw chuck. With the proliferation of impact drivers and smaller tools, most companies and pros have moved away from the round shanks.

If the thought is this will replace a standard drill driver; it can but with a caveat: the name says it all, it is a screwdriver. Not a knock on the product but remember the mantra: use the right tool for the right job. The tool is designed for professionals who do repetitive work in close quarters. Secondary audience: my wife. She doesn’t exactly get the torque settings and wants to replace a few switch covers or hand some blinds. This is a great advancement over a standard screwdriver and beats my first foray into getting her tools of her own.

For the pro, think HVAC, plumbers, electricians, cabinet makers, this tool is perfect. The auto-lock is great as it acts like a traditional screwdriver for that last turn or two. (I like all of my screws on switch plates to align in the same direction, it just looks cleaner.)

Operation

The pistol grip – I felt like a gangster but, only in reverse. To the right, it was a bit awkward for a right-handed person as my palm was facing upward with the tool at 45-degrees.Straight grip – This was the most intuitive as is what most are accustomed to after years of using a screwdriver.

One small project I used the DEWALT for was replacing an old ceiling fan. Removing phillips head screws from the mounting bracket was a snap The previous owner used flat head screws to mount the bracket to the UL box.

Working directly overhead and getting the bit insert into the groove and engaging took a couple of tries, not unlike a traditional screwdriver. Slow and steady wins the race.

After a number of household operations, my only gripe was the initial torque. It seems when screws were set by a drill-driver, there was not enough torque to unfasten the screw. A quick hand-thrust in the in positive-stop position did the trick. On that note, when I found that when positioning for additional leverage, my arm position would slip to a backwards motion, thus, changing the directional action to a reverse motion. That was quickly remedied.

Screw heads bear some consideration. Hex was best. Phillips was OK, flat-head, not so much. Torque is the primary issue. It is a screwdriver, not a drill-driver.

The barrel of the tool was too large to fit into tight spaces that a traditional screwdriver would fit; even using a 2” insert bit.

Overall Impressions

We are all still waiting to see what else DEWALT will launch on the 8V platform.  Currently they offer this screwdriver, another version of this screwdriver with a conduit reamer, and a flashlight.

Although when asked, they've been a little hush-hush, DEWALT must be planning to expand the platform and if they do; buy it. If not, I would be hard pressed to recommend another battery platform even though it is a great tool for a wide range of tasks.

The DEWALT 8V Max Gyro Drive Screwdriver comes in two different kits.  DCF680N1 has one battery, and DCF680N2 has two.

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