Ryobi Tek4 Cordless Screwdriver Review
Ryobi Tek4 4-Volt Cordless Screwdriver Model # HP53LK
Ryobi sent this screwdriver for Tool Skool to review, but the opinions in this review are completely my own and are not meant to be an advertisement for Ryobi or The Home Depot.
I have been a big fan of the Ryobi Tek4 line since it came out. I wish they’d continued to add tools to this line, but it appears they’ve kept the best sellers and discontinued a few of the more specialty items. But, to me it’s a no-brainer, if you have any Tek4 tools and own a couple of the batteries, then a cordless screwdriver is a “should-have” if not a “must-have”.
Before I really even spent any time with this tool, I loaned it to a friend and colleague of mine, Mark Cathey, who is a gaffer (that means he’s in the lighting department) at Mercury Studios / CRM Studios. Mark wanted a cordless screwdriver that would allow him to remove the covers off of the connectors to the lighting fixtures while in the middle of shooting a television show. That means the tool he uses has to be somewhat quiet. Most standard drill / drivers aren’t, and so he usually ends up doing the job with a standard handheld screwdriver.
After trying the Ryobi Tek4 screwdriver, Mark was sold. He liked the size, and the fact that it is lightweight. Mark said there were other features that were really important to him and sold him on the tool. As previously mentioned, it is relatively quiet, so he could use it during the show without the worry of noise carrying throughout the studio. And second, the LED light helps him to see his work better in the dark studio.
I’m glad that it was useful to make Mark’s task a little easier. But will it do the same for you? I think the answer is yes, if you are simply looking for a small, relatively inexpensive cordless screwdriver for home use for simple jobs such as removing screws from switch plates.
Quick-Connect Chuck:
The Tek4 screwdriver has what Ryobi calls a “quick-connect” chuck. It makes it pretty darn easy to change out the bits. Just push the bit in until it clicks and then it’s locked in place. When you are ready to change bits, just push out on the quick-connect chuck to unlock the bit and pull it out.
Is it a drill / driver?
I really consider this tool to be a cordless screwdriver, but if you need to drill a hole or two in drywall or some other material that’s not a hard wood, you can do that. The quick-connect will only accept hex-shank bits, so you’ll need a bit or an adapter to do that.
LED Work Light:
As mentioned above, there is an LED work light on the Tek4 Screwdriver. It only comes on when the trigger is actually engaged, but when in use, it lights up the workspace well.
Battery:
As part of Ryobi’s Tek4 line, the screwdriver is powered by the 4 volt Tek4 battery. I prefer removable batteries in any cordless screwdriver no matter what the size. I think they offer more options. You can keep a back up battery ready so you’re never out of power, and if the battery eventually dies, you don’t have to trash the tool. You just need a new battery.
Paddle Switch / Trigger:
The trigger on the Tek4 Screwdriver is more of a paddle switch. I have mixed feelings about this. Generally, I think the paddle gives you better grip. However, this one has a bit of an issue with contact if you don’t depress it just right. That might be the one thing I’d change or improve on this tool if given the option.
Other Features:
I’m never quite sure of what all the different positions on the clutch really do. But if you want versatility, the Tek4 Screwdriver has it with a 24-position clutch and a 2-speed gear box.
Kit:
The Ryobi Tek4 Screwdriver comes in a kit that includes the screwdriver, Tek4 battery and charger, 6 piece bit set in a holder, and a tool bag. It’s available at The Home Depot.
For more information or to purchase the Ryobi Tek4 Screwdriver Kit from The Home Depot: CLICK HERE