Skil has launched another new junk drawer cordless power tool, the Dual Drive Ratchet Wrench, model RW0010.
The Skil Dual Drive cordless ratchet is said to be a 2-in-1 tool that was “designed for automotive work, bicycle maintenance, furniture assembly, and everyday DIY projects.”
Given that they show it off in a kitchen-type junk drawer with an assortment of tools and office supplies, I’d guess they’re going for a do-it-all type of homeowner tool.
The Skil Dual Drive cordless ratchet has a double-sided head, with a 1/4″ square drive on one side for sockets, and a 1/4″ hex recess on the other for screwdriver bits.
It delivers up to 10ft lbs max torque (120 in-lbs), and operates at 0-210 RPM.
Skil says the ratchet can deliver up to 35 ft-lbs when used in manual ratcheting mode.
There are LED lights on both sides of the tool.
As with Skil’s other recent new tools, this one also has a built-in Li-ion battery and recharges via USB-C.
User controls include a direction selector switch and power trigger, both on the same side of the tool.
Skil shows it off being used to adjust fasteners on a bicycle.
They also show it being used with what looks to be a 1/4″ to 3/8″ socket adapter attached to larger sockets.
Curiously, most of the product images depict the tool being used with the included adapter and larger sockets that it’s not bundled with.
Here, it’s shown being used in a car’s engine bay.
There will be 2 kit options. Shown here is the 11pc kit with 5 screwdriver bits, 4 sockets, and a 1/4″ to 3/8″ socket adapter.
The 19pc kit gives you 10 screwdriver bits, 7 sockets, 1 socket size adapter, 1 extension, and a carrying case.
Both sets also give you a USB-C charging cable, but you’ll need your own USB-C power source.
Price: $50 for the 11pc kit (RW0010-01), $70 for the 19pc kit (RW0010-02)
Discussion
I’ve got mixed feelings here. I really want to like the new Skil Dual Drive ratchet, but I think it’s going to be a hard pass.
The controls disappear to the opposite side of the tool when you switch between 1/4″ socket and 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit sides. It’s all but guaranteed that my muscle memory will play tricks on me whenever I flip the tool to change driving modes.
If the tool’s not too long when equipped with the included power-style screwdriver bits, and as it is shown in multiple images equipped with a larger socket stacked on top of the size adapter, why not just launch a cordless ratchet and include a square to hex adapter?
Take any cordless ratchet, add a bit holder socket, and you effectively match the versatility of Skil’s Dual Drive cordless ratchet wrench. Right?
Bit ratchets and drivers exist to provide a lower profile than if socket adapters are used. Does this tool look low-profile to you?
Also, the sockets stop at 8mm. Not even a 10mm socket? I guess that’s why all of the application images show an optional socket used with the included size adapter.
The double-sided head seems like more of a hindrance to me than a benefit. But on the other hand, I’m paying more attention to the tool than if it was just another cordless ratchet with built-in Li-ion battery.
Maybe I’m missing something or being too judgmental. What are your thoughts on it?
The folks at Skil and their parent company are undoubtedly fuming about this assessment. But will anyone there insist that this is the best they could do?
At least I mostly kind of liked their new cordless screwdriver concept – see Skil Launched a Mini Screwdriver and All-in-One Workstation. It seems unoriginal, and the “all-in-one” and “portable workstation” parts are very cringey, but the tool and bit storage solution seem passable.
