Dear Linus, since I'm not sure you'll watch the video, I wrote this letter to you: I hate your stinking guts. You make me vomit. You're scum between my toes! Love, Jeff _Okay, adding an /s here since many people don't get either of the two references..._
@@lettherebegames8 Yeah but you can move each half individually... If you want to fit standard bits, just aligned them and if you want to fit short bits, misalign them.
Great follow-up, Jeff! I didn't know you could change the orientation of the bit-holder halves! I actually like the inclusion of the Robertson but I'm a weirdo and use them over Torx because they're cheaper. Agree the bit load-out should definitely be changed for the U.S. They sent me two and I've since purchased two more. Definitely not the best value screwdriver, but the hand-feel is amazing and the bit storage is great. If you can shell out the extra $, it's nice. That's my unsponsored opinion. 😉
@@JeffGeerling I literally flew off the couch, grabbed my screwdriver and twisted it. It blew my mind because I did the OCD bit dance too. This is lovely
I think you hit the nail on it's head on the closing though... It's more then just a tool, it's also piece of sponsorship to the LTT. If you buy it, you'll enable them. Sleep on that.
4:08 To be fair, the bit separator does have use. It allows you to replace the smaller 12 bits with 6 normal size bits like the ones you like for the Megapro driver (8:20).
not really. you can align or misalign bits by rotating and offsetting their clip assemblies making that ring completely redundant. im not sure its loose by design though.
@@kaimelis it's by design, Linus mentioned it was so you could offset them and not have them slide over but also align them and either run 6 large bits or a combination of sorts
i think these update videos are really great! it's one thing to see a shiny new tool and play around with it but in the end it's way more important how it holds up over time. Sometimes early criticism vanishes if you get more used to the object, or get a better understanding how it's supposed to work, and sometimes things break or get annoying after using it a few dozen times. thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'm considering mixing in one or two 'long-term review' videos. They don't often perform as well since people aren't searching for 'the new shiny' anymore... but I find they have a lot more insights and would be a _lot_ more useful for someone considering putting money down on a product.
Definitely agree that the Dewalt gyro screwdriver is the bee's knees for IT work, especially rack and stack. It's always in my tool bag... the battery is tiny and lasts quite awhile, I only need two and a charger for any given project.
That was my biggest surprise in this experience. I was prejudiced against the thing from the outset, but I liked it so much I've been using it for a lot of projects around the house!
@@JeffGeerling Agreed, coworker had one in his kit, let me use it and immediately became a fan. Bought 2 oh them & I use it all the time. I believe someone said the rumor is that they are going to EOL the product ./sad
@@reginalb124 The typical use case for this kind of tool(or at least the origin, pre 1990) is the electrician building house installation circuit cabinets (although nowadays most of them are "click 'n go") or the electronics technician working in production, building control cabinets with thousands of screw connections a day. The manufacturers of these industrial control cabinet terminals usually offer a suitable tool that is designed for the specially standardized requirements for torque, occupational safety and service life. Such a De-Walt (or similar) device is a toy in comparison. But if it suits you, then use it? It is a free world (mostly). Everyone should use what they want. If you need such a tool for the very very very very exhausting job of an IT-Engineer, then there might also be a cordless tool on the market to help old ladies across the street too, don't you think? (Sorry for that blatant joke on your cost, @dinon35 ... hehehe, forgive me, please!)
Good tools make all the difference. And supporting people who solve problems are a win win. Not a LTT fan boy, but I respect the group for wanting to make a product that others can use too.
But a Megapro is half the price of LTT's. I've had mine for 5 years and, guess what, I'm in the UK and had to order it from Amazon US where it says it is 'made in USA', despite what JG says about its availability in the States.
LTT jumped on the rebrand to make money, not to be helpful. The pretence of a tech channel has gained enough interest that it is now just a very successful marketing platform, $80 rgb fidget spinners will probably be next, the fanboys will swoon for them, and the dodgy channels will love making money from 'reviewing' them.
@@kodywillnauer9422 Have to agree with you there, screwdrivers are handy things; people do need clothes though, just ideally not plastic sweatshop ones. The screwdriver is probably decent enough, although there are obvious design flaws, it is overpriced, and it is not suited to its supposed market. I am also wondering why so many people decided they needed a screwdriver all of a sudden, just because some youtuber put his name on it. People like labels, brands really like people who like labels.
I bought an LTT Screwdriver with all the extra bit sets. The package went missing in the post and LTT Store sorted it out without any problems. I've used the driver for a couple of jobs and found that it's really does sit in the goldielocks zone for my needs. If I need heavier duty, I've got electric screw drivers, drills and impart drivers that I can use. Got really delicate work, I've still got jewler sets, and I've even got a usb power screw driver. Does this one driver replace thing I had before. Only the manual drivers that I used for PC building and electronics. Even then, it's not made them 100% redundant. Every tool has it's place, and every tool has things that it excels at. Would I recommend the LTT driver as a first driver. Nope, but it's certainly a nice edition to the kit.
Fairly similar collection of stuff here, since work on fairly disparate types of things regularly. Some of them were a bit niche or not too necessary, like hex drivers for work on my guitar / bass, sure could use hex keys but the drivers are just so much quicker to both find and use. Or a really old Britool fixed driver with about 14" shaft and a really weird philips head that is nominally a ph1, but is precise enough to also do ph0, was great for the era of very recessed screws like the old ghettoblasters / boomboxes Same for those extensible magnets, and I've also a fairly strong mini-horseshoe like magnet on a string that is pretty great for when a tiny screw falls off the table. I also salvage the magnets out of dead hdd's to use for screw sorting on a keyboard / laptop teardown :)
After working in IT for over 30 years, I've settled on mostly Kobalt ratcheting screwdrivers. For most of the fiddly bits, my go to is a 26 piece precision screwdriver set which is no longer sold; but they've replaced it with a 27 piece one for $15US. Kobalt is Lowe's store brand tools.
Great update video! My dayjob is in IT support and when it comes to decommissioning systems, this comes in handy but I more often reach for an electric screwdriver I own...mostly to save my hand/wrist. Nothing fancy, some Baur thing from Harbor Freight. I'm not picky. I like to show the screwdriver to friends and family (some of which work in electrical or are mechanics) and all of them come away some degree of impressed with the feel and handling of it. What surprises me most though is that when I tell them the price of it...they DON'T balk. They don't seem to think its priced badly or crazy or anything. Also most of the time they say its instantly better than the Snap-On some of them have experience with lol.
a quality electric screwdriver is always a big surprise, since theres a LOT of terrible ones out there. i would definitely recommend giving the dewalt a try. even discounting my own love of the thing, the number of other commenters raving about it would make me curious about it.
Very good video Jeff! The problem is in South Africa is shipping is a killer, you can work on double the price, so it prices itself out of the market. Hope you're feeling better
8:20 Jeff, I don't think you pointed out the bit storage in the LTT can store large bits if you're willing to leave out halve the capacity, I think Linus mentioned that was the point of the clockable retention mechanism - offset for mini-bits, and aligned with the bit separator spun out of the way for full size bits.
ideally the screwdriver should have come with standard length bits, ironic that it didn't since it comes from a supposed tech channel and proprietary parts are one the greatest complaints with pc's
@Opus To be fair, PC assembly is relatively low torque, and in relatively tight spaces, so the mini bits make some sense, particularly when you want an assortment of philips, flat, and torx sizes for the usual jobs.
@@rhekman How often do you need anything aside from a #2 and a #1 phillips for pc building though? Torque is definitely not required on a pc, so a fat handle is more of a hindrance, than a help. The mini bits don't really have an advantage aside from getting the tip closer to the magnet (nice trick), and allowing more bits to be stored in this design... and controlling the bit sales of course. Outside of pc building, the excess bits may find more use, but I generally ignore my multi bit screwdrivers, since like most people I tend to mainly be using a limited array of bits, unfortunately that tends to be #2 phillips here in Australia, where torx is still far too uncommon. When working with timber I generally use an impact driver instead. A multi bit screwdrivers main use is probably sitting in the glove box of a car, just in case.
I like the LTT driver, but ultimately I decided the worse bit storage in the Williams wasn't a deal breaker for the far lower cost. It's a great driver with fantastic ratchet action. Really happy with it.
The Williams is so good that millions of people swear by it every single day and use it every single day without even knowing their favorite Snap On is a Williams driver.
Thank you for this. I'm still not a fan of a $70 screw driver, I prefer something closer to Amazon Basics. If it breaks, I won't cry. I miss Craftsman with their unlimited lifetime warranty. Took a rusted, bent, tip broken off screw driver to Sears, (had to be 30+ years old) and they replaced it right there...
You shouldn't get it if you don't also want to support LTT because you enjoy what they do... Instead of buying an overpriced bad quality t-shirt you maybe wear once, you buy an overpriced tool, that you most likely use many times, for years and years to come (and I am not talking about LTT t-shirts, that afaik is good quality, but generic creator merch) The reason there isn't such a thing as a "unlimited lifetime warranty" anymore is because there is too many people abusing it in bad faith, ruining it for the ones that would actually benefit from it! I mean... I heard a story about some guy who found a 30 year old bent and rusty destroyed screwdriver, and went and got a new one! No company can survive with "customers" like that - it's completely laughable tbh! But that is just how humans work, when you do something good for them, its only matter of time before they see it as a right, and start abusing it, and no matter if you want to or not, you have to stop it at that point!
@@Krydolph Absolutely incorrect. There are still several manufacturers of quality products with lifetime warranties; they are not cheap in any sense of the word. When you make cheap, low quality shit that you _know_ will not last, you don't give it any warranty, because you know it'll break or wear out quickly.
Speaking to the lifetime warranty; I work at a Canadian Tire and we once had an older guy come in with a broken Canadian Tire branded measuring tape that had to be at least 20-30 years old. We replaced it with a Mastercraft as that is now our 'house' brand, but we had to explain to him that the warranty is now only 3 years and you need to keep your receipt. They definitely don't have the same confidence in their manufacturing that they used to.
8:44 I have that exact DeWalt electric screwdriver, and honestly, I love it. I use it all the time for all sorts of things: PC building and IT things, light home maintenance and construction, electrical, assembly, etc. One of my favorite tools in my tool bag. It doesn't have interior bit storage which is really the main downside, but to compensate somewhat I use a pack of Irwin double-sided bits so that I effectively always have 2 bits on the tool itself, and then 8 more easy-to-find bits in my bag. Also the flashlight rocks! I agree that it doesn't replace a manual screwdriver for all scenarios, but neither does a ratcheting screwdriver.
I personally like the Black and Decker electric screwdrivers for computer use, especially with a bit extender. it's because they're so low torque that I don't have to worry about stripping screws. so it's downsides are actually pros in my eyes. plus they're so cheap you could have a pile of them. you can use rechargeable AA's on them for even lower power. plus they go from $15-20.
Now, I will disagree with you on the one point. No rubber. Maybe offer a version with a rubber handle, but rubber gets damaged, it gouges, it dissolves and turns into a white, powdery mess after some years. Yes, rubber handled screwdrivers can last a good long while, but that’s why 90’s Snap On ratcheting drivers still work great and 50’s plastic handles have held up to this day. No rubber.
love that you watch all the same youtubers like mattias (probably butchered that spelling). Loved his videos on those generators and the sponsorship fallout. Def agree about the weird rotating thing in the screw driver, seems overly complicated. I understand it was done so that it could accommodate regular size bits but it's far from ideal
I haven't had a chance to use the LTT screwdriver much yet, but what I have used it for it's done a great job. I was an aircraft mechanic for over 20 years and now I'm a flight simulator technician. The LTT driver is good for it's intended purpose but it's not the best ratcheting screwdriver I've used. All in all, I'm happy with my purchase which included all the different sets of bits.
Most of the complaints from the video creator stem from him using the screwdriver the way it wasn't intended to be used. It's excellent at what it was designed for. If you're gonna use it for heavy duty work and bashing things into a wall, you shouldn't complain that it's not that good or that the plastic thingy doesn't separate the bits properly. Of course moving parts will move when you use the thing like a damn hammer -__-
I needed a screwdriver like this. I used to build computers with a very heavy Kobalt ratcheting screwdriver with a long Philips bit. It was heavy enough that it would fatigue my hands after extended use. I knew from Linus' videos that this screwdriver was going to be specially designed for certain types of work, and it was work that I do, so the price for the right tool for the job is a lot of times worth it. Great review Jeff!
Ive been using that dewalt gyro for like 7 years, its my favorite screwdriver, but the LTT has been nice for working on equipment or something that I need to feel how tight it is versus letting the torque guide me. And its a lot easier to travel with via plane vs lugging the batteries with me
Holy crap I never realized you were the same guy from Geerling Engineering, I just followed that channel because of all the awesome radio stuff and I’ve only watched this channel for the screwdriver reviews lol. Then all the sudden your dad popped up on screen and I was dumbfounded. I guess on the other channel I’ve always paid attention to him the most and just think of him as the face of the channel… interesting.
I am loving my one so far. It's the first I've seen that actually feels suited to IT work. And, as your dad proves, it can be a life-saver for telecom work as well, which nowadays is basically more specialised IT work anyway (OSI 7 layer model and other specialised knowledge you just don't need for IT support)
Super pleased you went with the DCF680, it's just about the only electric screwdriver on the market that I'd even consider worth buying and has become my go-to screwdriver for almost everything -- with the right adapters I even use it for ultra-fine work like fixing smartphones.
I used to carry an Xcelite "Greeny" in my shirt pocket 30 years ago. (inside a pocket protector of course) Along with an mm scale and pen and pencil. The textbook nerd accessory. Straight out of a Dilbert cartoon. 🤓
I use mine daily as a maintence technician at a warehouse. I have used most of the bits in the standard load out, plan on adding some commonly used torque buts as well. The magnet is very useful, when you need to pick up a screw dropped below or on a conveyor, it ensures you can do it safely.
I snagged one, and didn't know they sold sets of bits! Just ordered all but the torx as they are out of stock. For my home/DIY usage, it has been fantastic. I'm extremely happy with it :)
Thanks for the followup. I still stand by what I originally said: the williams is my go-to; a simple driver that's extremely comfortable to hold and use, even with the all-plastic handle. The megapro automotive would get picked over the ltt driver every time, mainly because of being able to store 12 standard size bits in the handle, which is not hampered by the design flaws in the ltt driver. The main reason the bit holder breaks aside from being thinner/weaker, is that the type of plastic used can be brittle. The ltt driver is also made in china, which I try to avoid as much as I can. Impossible, I know, but choices do exist. That said, if LTT made a gen 2 that can use standard bits (the driver would literally be only 10mm longer) and changed the plastic used in the bit holder, I'd give it a shot. As it is now though, you're paying $80+ after tax and shipping for a driver that behaves no better than a $35 one.
Robertson (square drive) is pretty darned good. Robertson #2 bits in an impact driver works incredibly well for sending screws in to (or taking them out of) wood.
They work great, problem is they're just not very common at all in the US. Torx and Phillips are far and away the most common types of screws you'll see in any application here, the only time I've ever seen Robertson screws in the US was in a deck, and it seemed like somebody had actually bought them by mistake when putting that deck together, because 90% of the screws were Torx.
Had mine since november, dropped it many times and it's still ok. I use the hexagonal bits a lot and I just swapped the 3 square bits for some torx that I use regularly. I use it from computers to furniture and low voltage electric fixes and I like it a lot.
I have a megapro, in the US, and I never realised the little maple leaf on it until you mentioned its a canadian thing. I really like the damn thing though. Grabbed it from my local hardware store one day when i was tinkering with something at the office and didnt have my tools with me. Its now my go-to driver
I've always dreamed of a call between Linus and LGR. LGR is such an underrated channel and such a wonderful memory lane trip. I'm surprised he is in spoken much about on TH-cam. I've learned so many weird things regarding PC equipment and accessories with him.
You make some great points! I work in corporate AV and deal with a lot of rack mounted equipment. The screwdriver isn’t for everyone but for certain people it’s an amazing screwdriver. I’ve really enjoyed having a full sized screwdriver with a good amount of bits on me at all times. It takes up very little room in my messenger bag. It really comes down to what type of work you do. But I give it👍👍
I bought this screw driver to support linus, as his channel molded me and my career today. I was not really expecting too much, but in the past 6 months I have found it to be the absolute best for what I do. As you predicted, people that work in IT will love this thing. 3 of my coworkers bought them after trying out mine (I only have 3 coworkers on my team lol)
@htr5372 Point taken. I guess I was thinking about consumer goods in general. So, if I wanted to pay the premium for the LTT screwdriver I guess I would justify it with a desire to support LTT/LMG in principle. Currently, I have a toolbox full of my dad's 40 year old screwdrivers that I have to wear out/lose first.
He outsourced it to China. So how is that local manufacturing? He even talked about a Chinese company stealing the design when they were in the prototype phase.
I've used my LTT screwdriver for about a month, and it's helped me take apart my Samsung dryer, build a few PC's, and assemble some cat toys. It's my first ratcheting screwdriver, but it could use some silicone or rubber to make it a little grippier in the hand. The lack of texture makes it easy to spin in the palm of the hand, but also feels like it can slip out of my hand if I'm not careful.
LTT is Canadian, and a multibit screwdriver shipping without Robertson here would be useless. They should ship without Phillips, the ultimate camout design.
For a couple of years, my go-to screwdriver has been the $90 Dewalt DCF682N1 8 volt gyroscopic driver. I do lots of door locks with mixed, long, fine pitch screws as well as coarse wood screws. It can drive 2.5” deck screws into 2x4’s, albeit slowly. It has the power and dexterity for delicate work. Ratcheting screwdrivers have their place. I will always have a few laying around at home, work, and car. But if I’m putting in lots of work, I value my time and my wrist too much to not go electric.
I've used mine for many months as well. I was part of Group 1. I do love it. The tips it came with, I actually use the hex bits all the time... my wife purchase some tables for our large couch and they hug the couch shape and extend, but the hex bits were perfect. But the hex bits fit all my bits on all 3 of my 3D printers too... the Phillips #2 is my main bit obviously. Not a fan of the bit holder either, but eh, i don't care much, no OCD with me. The ratchet is nice, because I put my hands on the knarrled part and turn that by hand and the handle and get a screw completely set in less then a second. that part is amazing!!! Anything that requires going into wood or anything other then electronics, I use my impact driver and the correct tools.. This screw driver is NOT for wood screws or anything outside electronics IMO.
...AND my ADHD kicks in anytime the screwdriver is in my hand.... I can turn and ratchet in one hand only, I walk around my house just turning and hearing the clicking ratching non stop... I'll find myself doing this for hours at times.... My wife wants to murder me when I do this tho...
Free Tool Tip: a torx bit can be used in place of a hex bit if you're not too fussy... (And honestly it grips better much of the time, and since I always have a T25 for deck screws nearby it's more handy)
Personally I still find myself preferring either an electric precision screwdriver, or a drill. I'm not sure what kind of drill you have, but even my cheap $15 Ryobi bargain bin drill has a clutch that disengages after a set torque precisely to prevent overtightiening a screw. I use it all the time for any large size project where more than a few screws are involved, or where I'll need to apply any force. For smaller items, like electronics, I use an electric precision screwdriver which is much smaller and has way less torque while using standard precision bits. I also use it quite often to work on my pc. I use a standard screwdriver for whenever I need to get 2-4 larger screws off, like the wall mount on my pc. But that use is so scarce that it's hard to justify spending more than $15-20 on a screwdriver.
I've owned power tools for 35 years. My first battery drill was the B&D 9.6V Univolt. The Dewalt 8-volt is the best screwdriver, and did you know there's a flashlight that uses the same battery. I use my Dewalt for PC repair after 'muscle memorizing' the gyro control. The flashlight is my primary light that I use for everything.
Lidl's here in the UK have for some years offered an almost identical PowerFix driver with the same retractable style bit holder but has an extendable shaft as well meaning you can get in really deep and costs about £8, I have had mine over 5 years and has held up extremely well, ratchet is fresh and bits are still in good shape.
I love the Lidl crap aisle, but it can suck you into some stupid impulse purchases. I was once really tempted to get a laser distance measurer just because it looked cool lol
I just listened to the Wan Show episode where Linus criticises your misleading title and thumbnail. And while I think it's incredibly hypocritical of him to criticise that aspect of your video, he's right. I condemn the sensational nature of clickbait in all forms, and I must say I'm disappointed that you've resorted to it. I dont watch much LTT for specifically this reason, and I hope I don't have the same problem with your channel in the future.
I'm a CNC machinist. I'm working with oily hand 90% of the time, and we need to screw in and out torx screws ranging between 6-15, and metric imbus 2-6. I was looking at the Noctua beige colored one, for a year and finaly I ordered it! I have it for the 3rd DAY only, but it is a game changer!! If I need the T15, the geometric triangle helps A LOT with toquing down right. I was affraid, it's gonna be slippery, but it's just perfect. Yet in the same time, when I need the T6 or 8 even, the knurling on the shaft is enough to make it tight enough and not to brake it. So in conlcusion I hate it. I absolutely hate the fact I was waiting a year with this purchase!!!
Honestly I'd take it over phillips most of the time, but they're just so rare down here. It's like switching from imperial to metric... it has to happen widely, or it won't happen at all.
I have no interest in adding another bit I have to keep around but I think we need to do away with Phillips and straight screws and use Torx for everything. I can’t think of a single time I have stripped a torx even using my Milwaukee impact driver or drill. Phillips might as well be made out of cheese half the time and straight is terrible to use because it doesn’t like to stay in the screw
Really unsure as to why people are affronted by the screwdriver…. Appreciate its wins, understand it’s limits, and buy it or don’t. The only criticism I don’t understand is that it’s just a rebadge; it is visibly and audibly different beyond just colours. The cost is an interesting proposition; I feel like comparing it to a mega pro in that sense doesn’t account that a patent had to be licensed, and it’s not going to be as high volume either. The mega pro also is iterative; and R&D on a new model is built upon the previous with those costs already accounted for, and the parts that don’t change can use the same tooling and process, or excess stock. And yeah… it’s also there for profit.
I must express my sympathies to all the Americans over the years who never knew the glorious Robertson screwdriver and were stuck using those Phillips or slotted monstrosities.
My ratcheting screwdriver is the Williams. It is a great value, I have used for years and it shows little wear and most likely will last my lifetime. It is definitely a high value tool. I t cost me about 1/2 what the LTT driver costs. The Williams bit storage is simpler, but it is never going to break in my usage (yes, I drop my screwdriver a fair bit). I like Linus's content, but I think his screwdriver is ok, but way overpriced. Nice review Jeff, keep up the good work.
5:20 no please use a drill and not an impact. Impact drivers are more likely to mangle the wood and decrease the strength of the screw, a good drill with drive it faster and more precise anyway.
About the electric screwdriver: That one seems pretty bulky. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the much smaller one that JayzTwoCents uses for PC building. He compared it with the LTT screwdriver in his video on the subject, and it seemed pretty nice for that use case.
As someone who got my black shaft screwdriver a bit over a month ago, I'll say that it's been really nice to use for just about everything, though I also bought the torx set. I use it for a lot of automotive work but I keep the original bits around and did use the Robertson when I was wiring the 240v generator outlet for my shed, at least until the cheese grade screws stripped. Beyond that, one issue I've had is metallic dust/particles collect in the bit hole or on the shaft which is marginally annoying but hasn't yet affected my use. All in all, it works well so far and makes me less likely to grab my impact when I really shouldn't.
I'm jealous that you were able to get the black shaft. I'm waiting for my alert that they are back in production. Then I can order a second screwdriver. I want an all black unit.
@@deedeeramone34 I just keep a hex bit in the end so I can now store 13 bits, though metal still falls in when changing bits sometimes. Also, @thatrealba, I ended up painting mine blue because I kept losing the all black.
After 20-25 years in IT and countless device installs and too many pc builds to count, I still can't find justification for a $70 screwdriver. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@htr5372 Exactly. The ltt driver simply does not deliver $80+ in performance. $50 shipped and I'd buy one, because I have an unhealthy obsession with ratcheting screwdrivers.
@htr5372 Yeah, I was tempted by the snap on for a while but the williams is amazing at half the price or less. The PB swiss I do drool over at times though lol That's a one day when I have some extra tool funds to burn purchase. Or when toollady has another sale...
@htr5372 Will do. What has me interested in the PB swiss is the lack of driver wobble and the strong magnet. The fact that the wera RA 16 locks bits in is one of the main things I love about that one. Also, I feel like we may have exchanged messages before either on here or reddit before lol
The fact that it doesn't come with torx is fucking wild. Truly, I'm shocked that LTT, who are SO CLOSE to the US, didn't include Torx bits given that they opted for Robertson bits
I love my dewalt 680, been using it for years at this point. It's the perfect middle ground between screwdrivers and impacts, just like you said. It's great for drywall and automotive interior work.
The thing to keep in mind is that Linus usually makes products that he wants. The screwdriver is a good example as Linus made it because he wanted to replace his screwdriver and decided to make this driver to his personal specifications and wants. Most of Jeff's criticisms are differences in what he uses it for and what Linus, personally, simply doesn't care about for his personal use. Even that backpack was made because Linus wanted a backpack that had everything HE wanted in a personal backpack. This design philosophy means that he honestly does strive for quality products, since he's making it for himself to use. It also means that if you're not a computer building nerd that needs to take laptops, tablets, and peripherals everywhere you go, the products will have some shortcoming for you. I think he makes good products, and since he's a tiny manufacturer I understand why his products are so expensive (the fewer products you make in a run the higher the individual cost per unit). In the end they're quality luxury items that will always have cheaper alternatives of similar quality. You buy them because you like Linus.
There are a few others I didn't cover (mostly because I didn't follow their social media that closely! I only have so many hours in a day...)-over on Twitter a couple others have mentioned they got one.
9:23 but that's like the whole purpose of the drills having torque limiter settings on them... also that looks from here like an impact driver from this shot and obviously that's a bad choice 100% of the time when you're working with wood.
If you stripped a screw using a drill, that means you haven't learned how to use a clutch yet. I've used electric for everything from delicate PC work to building furniture. I found it crazy inefficient to use a matching screwdriver. I have a smaller 12v drill to act as a screwdriver when the full size drill is too big. Agreed with the extended bit set. They're super useful even for ratcheting screwdrivers as the collars are so wide.
I haven't used my LTT driver much, at least until I started building my Voron 2.4 3d printer. Made installing some of the screws so much easier than dealing with hex wrenches.
Looking at the material sheet - the material is polyamid+ABS composite. It has significantly lower tensile strength (40MPa) compared to PA6, or PA66 or any of the glass fiber conposite e.g PA66/GF30 (170MPa), hence the drop test failure. The real culprit is that ABS is easily damaged by a lot of solvents - gasoline, oils, esp. acetone. So touching the screwdriver w/ dirty hands (in the workshop) would damage it. The POM (acetal) retaining clip is great but the rest cannot be justified. The benefit of the ABS is that's much cheaper to get it in any color (and it's cheaper)
4:20 the bit seperator is useless, because you can just turn the two halves the the bit holders so that either it lines up to fit a full length bit, or they're offset and the bottom of the short bit rests against the bit holder for the opposite ring of bits.
I'm a carpenter, mechanic, electrician, etc, etc. You see where this is going. I come across a lot of bits and I've used them all. Best ratcheting screwdriver I've ever used.
Thanks for the update. I got my screwdriver a few days ago. It feels great quality so far. Only two things have disappointed me. 1. The shipping. It was 39 days in transit (to Australia), which is the kind of times I expect to wait for a cheap Ali Express item with free shipping. Not a premium product from North America with nearly $20USD shipping. Secondly, the lack of Torx screws in the default set. A decent amount of my work comes from repairing Apple machines, so I will have to default to my cheapo screwdriver set for half my work. At least until the torx come back in stock +39 days shipping.
You can align the bit holders and put anywhere between 1 and 6 regular bits for your torx needs, stack the rest with the accompanying half-bits and you're golden!
2:35 Technically its not a Robertson bit. It's an ECX bit either #1 or #2. Basicially a square drive (Robertson) with a straight blade put together. Its used on many electrical connections, including outlets, switches, breakers etc.
The only thing I wish is they added rubber to the handle. I know you might find the robertson bit useless but it is a very hard bit to find unless you get a screwdriver specifically for that purpose.
Jeff, The dewalt you got is a great gyro screwdriver for workshop use, but the ES15 by sainsmart is the one you want for PC building. It's a bit on the pricier side, but TRUST ME, as a system builder, your wrists will thank you!
The Williams is snap-on. Hands down the best ratcheting screwdriver ever. Bit storage is more then good enough. I can have all I need in there. I don't care about rattling or what ever. I have 2 snap-on 1 is 30 years old. I just rebuilt it and functions like brand new.
Bluepoint ratcheting screwdrivers i believe are hands down the best, you can usually find them for $30-40, metal shell, same number of bit storage and warrentied through snap on. As a Former Mechanic i used mine nearly every single day and still have it somewhere around here 5 years later
for v1.1 i think the gap between the bit holders can be filled in with more plastic so the flex can be supported by the surrounding bits and bit holders not just the tensile strength of that particular bit holder
Dear Linus, since I'm not sure you'll watch the video, I wrote this letter to you:
I hate your stinking guts.
You make me vomit.
You're scum between my toes!
Love, Jeff
_Okay, adding an /s here since many people don't get either of the two references..._
I don´t know how to feel about this?...
Dangit Red Shirt Jeff, I told you to stop commenting on the main account!
This is pretty rude, did not expect that.
Jeff, your cowlick is showing 😂
@@RB-us6tf I think this is a joke with the LTT Wan Show
Hey, I only mess with the electrical panel maybe 10x a year
Hahaha
might have missed a zero there matthias....
Define mess with.
I love your content Matthias!!
That is probably 10x more than most people :) But the real question is have you picked up the LTT driver yet?
There's bit selector?! I didn't know it existed! What does it do? It doesn't seem to effect my life!
Just don't stick it in a tray of highly salinated water with high voltage present...
You can rotate it to fit standard sized bits instead of the smaller ones
you are a legend
i you move it out of the way u can fit the standard longer bits.
@@lettherebegames8 Yeah but you can move each half individually... If you want to fit standard bits, just aligned them and if you want to fit short bits, misalign them.
Great follow-up, Jeff! I didn't know you could change the orientation of the bit-holder halves! I actually like the inclusion of the Robertson but I'm a weirdo and use them over Torx because they're cheaper. Agree the bit load-out should definitely be changed for the U.S. They sent me two and I've since purchased two more. Definitely not the best value screwdriver, but the hand-feel is amazing and the bit storage is great. If you can shell out the extra $, it's nice. That's my unsponsored opinion. 😉
Yeah its overpriced for sure, its not even good design. My $16 wiha 8 in 1 ratchet screwdriver from 2019 has better quality.
Yeah who knew! The little ninja star thing has not been a problem at all since I spun the bitholders.
@@JeffGeerling I literally flew off the couch, grabbed my screwdriver and twisted it. It blew my mind because I did the OCD bit dance too. This is lovely
I think you hit the nail on it's head on the closing though... It's more then just a tool, it's also piece of sponsorship to the LTT. If you buy it, you'll enable them. Sleep on that.
Enable them to do what exactly?
4:08 To be fair, the bit separator does have use. It allows you to replace the smaller 12 bits with 6 normal size bits like the ones you like for the Megapro driver (8:20).
it would if it didn't rotate away by itself all the time
the little spinning bit wouldnt stop you using bigger bits.
the holders are for that.
@@darrenfalconer3267 but i have the small bits which are meant for it...
not really. you can align or misalign bits by rotating and offsetting their clip assemblies making that ring completely redundant. im not sure its loose by design though.
@@kaimelis it's by design, Linus mentioned it was so you could offset them and not have them slide over but also align them and either run 6 large bits or a combination of sorts
i think these update videos are really great!
it's one thing to see a shiny new tool and play around with it but in the end it's way more important how it holds up over time. Sometimes early criticism vanishes if you get more used to the object, or get a better understanding how it's supposed to work, and sometimes things break or get annoying after using it a few dozen times.
thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'm considering mixing in one or two 'long-term review' videos. They don't often perform as well since people aren't searching for 'the new shiny' anymore... but I find they have a lot more insights and would be a _lot_ more useful for someone considering putting money down on a product.
As well as a gift for your subscribers, @@JeffGeerling ! 👍
@@JeffGeerling To me the long term reviews are way more important. I wish there was more of them and easier ways to find them.
Never thought I’d see Jeff asking Clint at LGR for anything but I welcome it
Definitely agree that the Dewalt gyro screwdriver is the bee's knees for IT work, especially rack and stack. It's always in my tool bag... the battery is tiny and lasts quite awhile, I only need two and a charger for any given project.
That was my biggest surprise in this experience. I was prejudiced against the thing from the outset, but I liked it so much I've been using it for a lot of projects around the house!
@@JeffGeerling Agreed, coworker had one in his kit, let me use it and immediately became a fan. Bought 2 oh them & I use it all the time. I believe someone said the rumor is that they are going to EOL the product ./sad
@@Nasarias No way! Better start buying up batteries.
I HATE that screwdriver. I use my much cheaper Skil with a switch way more.
@@reginalb124 The typical use case for this kind of tool(or at least the origin, pre 1990) is the electrician building house installation circuit cabinets (although nowadays most of them are "click 'n go") or the electronics technician working in production, building control cabinets with thousands of screw connections a day.
The manufacturers of these industrial control cabinet terminals usually offer a suitable tool that is designed for the specially standardized requirements for torque, occupational safety and service life. Such a De-Walt (or similar) device is a toy in comparison.
But if it suits you, then use it? It is a free world (mostly). Everyone should use what they want. If you need such a tool for the very very very very exhausting job of an IT-Engineer, then there might also be a cordless tool on the market to help old ladies across the street too, don't you think? (Sorry for that blatant joke on your cost, @dinon35 ... hehehe, forgive me, please!)
Good tools make all the difference. And supporting people who solve problems are a win win. Not a LTT fan boy, but I respect the group for wanting to make a product that others can use too.
But a Megapro is half the price of LTT's. I've had mine for 5 years and, guess what, I'm in the UK and had to order it from Amazon US where it says it is 'made in USA', despite what JG says about its availability in the States.
@@paulyeomans1065 that’s great! Happy you have the tool you need to get the job done.
LTT jumped on the rebrand to make money, not to be helpful. The pretence of a tech channel has gained enough interest that it is now just a very successful marketing platform, $80 rgb fidget spinners will probably be next, the fanboys will swoon for them, and the dodgy channels will love making money from 'reviewing' them.
@@-opus I think that about their apparel. They make content to sell shirts. Whereas I feel a tool is utility and I can appreciate that more, I guess.
@@kodywillnauer9422 Have to agree with you there, screwdrivers are handy things; people do need clothes though, just ideally not plastic sweatshop ones. The screwdriver is probably decent enough, although there are obvious design flaws, it is overpriced, and it is not suited to its supposed market. I am also wondering why so many people decided they needed a screwdriver all of a sudden, just because some youtuber put his name on it. People like labels, brands really like people who like labels.
I bought an LTT Screwdriver with all the extra bit sets. The package went missing in the post and LTT Store sorted it out without any problems. I've used the driver for a couple of jobs and found that it's really does sit in the goldielocks zone for my needs. If I need heavier duty, I've got electric screw drivers, drills and impart drivers that I can use. Got really delicate work, I've still got jewler sets, and I've even got a usb power screw driver. Does this one driver replace thing I had before. Only the manual drivers that I used for PC building and electronics. Even then, it's not made them 100% redundant. Every tool has it's place, and every tool has things that it excels at. Would I recommend the LTT driver as a first driver. Nope, but it's certainly a nice edition to the kit.
Fairly similar collection of stuff here, since work on fairly disparate types of things regularly. Some of them were a bit niche or not too necessary, like hex drivers for work on my guitar / bass, sure could use hex keys but the drivers are just so much quicker to both find and use. Or a really old Britool fixed driver with about 14" shaft and a really weird philips head that is nominally a ph1, but is precise enough to also do ph0, was great for the era of very recessed screws like the old ghettoblasters / boomboxes
Same for those extensible magnets, and I've also a fairly strong mini-horseshoe like magnet on a string that is pretty great for when a tiny screw falls off the table.
I also salvage the magnets out of dead hdd's to use for screw sorting on a keyboard / laptop teardown :)
After working in IT for over 30 years, I've settled on mostly Kobalt ratcheting screwdrivers. For most of the fiddly bits, my go to is a 26 piece precision screwdriver set which is no longer sold; but they've replaced it with a 27 piece one for $15US. Kobalt is Lowe's store brand tools.
Great update video! My dayjob is in IT support and when it comes to decommissioning systems, this comes in handy but I more often reach for an electric screwdriver I own...mostly to save my hand/wrist. Nothing fancy, some Baur thing from Harbor Freight. I'm not picky. I like to show the screwdriver to friends and family (some of which work in electrical or are mechanics) and all of them come away some degree of impressed with the feel and handling of it. What surprises me most though is that when I tell them the price of it...they DON'T balk. They don't seem to think its priced badly or crazy or anything. Also most of the time they say its instantly better than the Snap-On some of them have experience with lol.
a quality electric screwdriver is always a big surprise, since theres a LOT of terrible ones out there. i would definitely recommend giving the dewalt a try. even discounting my own love of the thing, the number of other commenters raving about it would make me curious about it.
@@MJP_985 Dewalt is trash Milwaukee is the way to go. Had a XR sawzall break the first month only cutting 2x4s.
@@sungukyun2608 that first sentence is the largest cope / denial I've seen, what's stops me from just saying the same thing about mil?
Very good video Jeff! The problem is in South Africa is shipping is a killer, you can work on double the price, so it prices itself out of the market. Hope you're feeling better
I'm still waiting for the post office to send me mine.... 🤔
8:20 Jeff, I don't think you pointed out the bit storage in the LTT can store large bits if you're willing to leave out halve the capacity, I think Linus mentioned that was the point of the clockable retention mechanism - offset for mini-bits, and aligned with the bit separator spun out of the way for full size bits.
Yup. Linus talked about this. Jeff you should try to add that torque bit and replace the two bits you dont use. See if it fits!
Exactly... I just leave a thumbs on your comment instead of making the same one myself :)
ideally the screwdriver should have come with standard length bits, ironic that it didn't since it comes from a supposed tech channel and proprietary parts are one the greatest complaints with pc's
@Opus To be fair, PC assembly is relatively low torque, and in relatively tight spaces, so the mini bits make some sense, particularly when you want an assortment of philips, flat, and torx sizes for the usual jobs.
@@rhekman How often do you need anything aside from a #2 and a #1 phillips for pc building though? Torque is definitely not required on a pc, so a fat handle is more of a hindrance, than a help. The mini bits don't really have an advantage aside from getting the tip closer to the magnet (nice trick), and allowing more bits to be stored in this design... and controlling the bit sales of course. Outside of pc building, the excess bits may find more use, but I generally ignore my multi bit screwdrivers, since like most people I tend to mainly be using a limited array of bits, unfortunately that tends to be #2 phillips here in Australia, where torx is still far too uncommon. When working with timber I generally use an impact driver instead. A multi bit screwdrivers main use is probably sitting in the glove box of a car, just in case.
Never thought I'd watch a 15 minute video on screwdrivers, but here I am. Honestly, very entertaining! Great stuff!
I saw a red shirt and thought there would be a chainsaw.
I like the LTT driver, but ultimately I decided the worse bit storage in the Williams wasn't a deal breaker for the far lower cost. It's a great driver with fantastic ratchet action. Really happy with it.
The Williams is so good that millions of people swear by it every single day and use it every single day without even knowing their favorite Snap On is a Williams driver.
Thank you for this. I'm still not a fan of a $70 screw driver, I prefer something closer to Amazon Basics. If it breaks, I won't cry. I miss Craftsman with their unlimited lifetime warranty. Took a rusted, bent, tip broken off screw driver to Sears, (had to be 30+ years old) and they replaced it right there...
You shouldn't get it if you don't also want to support LTT because you enjoy what they do...
Instead of buying an overpriced bad quality t-shirt you maybe wear once, you buy an overpriced tool, that you most likely use many times, for years and years to come (and I am not talking about LTT t-shirts, that afaik is good quality, but generic creator merch)
The reason there isn't such a thing as a "unlimited lifetime warranty" anymore is because there is too many people abusing it in bad faith, ruining it for the ones that would actually benefit from it!
I mean... I heard a story about some guy who found a 30 year old bent and rusty destroyed screwdriver, and went and got a new one! No company can survive with "customers" like that - it's completely laughable tbh! But that is just how humans work, when you do something good for them, its only matter of time before they see it as a right, and start abusing it, and no matter if you want to or not, you have to stop it at that point!
@@Krydolph Absolutely incorrect. There are still several manufacturers of quality products with lifetime warranties; they are not cheap in any sense of the word. When you make cheap, low quality shit that you _know_ will not last, you don't give it any warranty, because you know it'll break or wear out quickly.
@@jfbeam completely missed my point.
Speaking to the lifetime warranty; I work at a Canadian Tire and we once had an older guy come in with a broken Canadian Tire branded measuring tape that had to be at least 20-30 years old. We replaced it with a Mastercraft as that is now our 'house' brand, but we had to explain to him that the warranty is now only 3 years and you need to keep your receipt. They definitely don't have the same confidence in their manufacturing that they used to.
🍿
This comment thread
8:44 I have that exact DeWalt electric screwdriver, and honestly, I love it. I use it all the time for all sorts of things: PC building and IT things, light home maintenance and construction, electrical, assembly, etc. One of my favorite tools in my tool bag. It doesn't have interior bit storage which is really the main downside, but to compensate somewhat I use a pack of Irwin double-sided bits so that I effectively always have 2 bits on the tool itself, and then 8 more easy-to-find bits in my bag. Also the flashlight rocks! I agree that it doesn't replace a manual screwdriver for all scenarios, but neither does a ratcheting screwdriver.
The flashlight has come in handy a few times!
I personally like the Black and Decker electric screwdrivers for computer use, especially with a bit extender.
it's because they're so low torque that I don't have to worry about stripping screws. so it's downsides are actually pros in my eyes.
plus they're so cheap you could have a pile of them.
you can use rechargeable AA's on them for even lower power.
plus they go from $15-20.
Now, I will disagree with you on the one point. No rubber. Maybe offer a version with a rubber handle, but rubber gets damaged, it gouges, it dissolves and turns into a white, powdery mess after some years. Yes, rubber handled screwdrivers can last a good long while, but that’s why 90’s Snap On ratcheting drivers still work great and 50’s plastic handles have held up to this day. No rubber.
love that you watch all the same youtubers like mattias (probably butchered that spelling). Loved his videos on those generators and the sponsorship fallout.
Def agree about the weird rotating thing in the screw driver, seems overly complicated. I understand it was done so that it could accommodate regular size bits but it's far from ideal
I haven't had a chance to use the LTT screwdriver much yet, but what I have used it for it's done a great job. I was an aircraft mechanic for over 20 years and now I'm a flight simulator technician. The LTT driver is good for it's intended purpose but it's not the best ratcheting screwdriver I've used. All in all, I'm happy with my purchase which included all the different sets of bits.
Most of the complaints from the video creator stem from him using the screwdriver the way it wasn't intended to be used. It's excellent at what it was designed for. If you're gonna use it for heavy duty work and bashing things into a wall, you shouldn't complain that it's not that good or that the plastic thingy doesn't separate the bits properly. Of course moving parts will move when you use the thing like a damn hammer -__-
I needed a screwdriver like this. I used to build computers with a very heavy Kobalt ratcheting screwdriver with a long Philips bit. It was heavy enough that it would fatigue my hands after extended use. I knew from Linus' videos that this screwdriver was going to be specially designed for certain types of work, and it was work that I do, so the price for the right tool for the job is a lot of times worth it. Great review Jeff!
a long #2 phillips is perfectly suited to the majority of pc work and is unlikely to create fatigue unless you have arthritis
Ive been using that dewalt gyro for like 7 years, its my favorite screwdriver, but the LTT has been nice for working on equipment or something that I need to feel how tight it is versus letting the torque guide me. And its a lot easier to travel with via plane vs lugging the batteries with me
Great stuff. Kudos to Linus Welding Tips and his tiktok gang. Thanks Jeff. Hope you're feeling better.
Holy crap I never realized you were the same guy from Geerling Engineering, I just followed that channel because of all the awesome radio stuff and I’ve only watched this channel for the screwdriver reviews lol. Then all the sudden your dad popped up on screen and I was dumbfounded. I guess on the other channel I’ve always paid attention to him the most and just think of him as the face of the channel… interesting.
I am loving my one so far. It's the first I've seen that actually feels suited to IT work. And, as your dad proves, it can be a life-saver for telecom work as well, which nowadays is basically more specialised IT work anyway (OSI 7 layer model and other specialised knowledge you just don't need for IT support)
@Hand Tool Reviews I don’t care
Super pleased you went with the DCF680, it's just about the only electric screwdriver on the market that I'd even consider worth buying and has become my go-to screwdriver for almost everything -- with the right adapters I even use it for ultra-fine work like fixing smartphones.
I used to carry an Xcelite "Greeny" in my shirt pocket 30 years ago. (inside a pocket protector of course) Along with an mm scale and pen and pencil. The textbook nerd accessory. Straight out of a Dilbert cartoon. 🤓
I use mine daily as a maintence technician at a warehouse. I have used most of the bits in the standard load out, plan on adding some commonly used torque buts as well. The magnet is very useful, when you need to pick up a screw dropped below or on a conveyor, it ensures you can do it safely.
I snagged one, and didn't know they sold sets of bits! Just ordered all but the torx as they are out of stock. For my home/DIY usage, it has been fantastic. I'm extremely happy with it :)
Thanks for the followup. I still stand by what I originally said: the williams is my go-to; a simple driver that's extremely comfortable to hold and use, even with the all-plastic handle. The megapro automotive would get picked over the ltt driver every time, mainly because of being able to store 12 standard size bits in the handle, which is not hampered by the design flaws in the ltt driver. The main reason the bit holder breaks aside from being thinner/weaker, is that the type of plastic used can be brittle. The ltt driver is also made in china, which I try to avoid as much as I can. Impossible, I know, but choices do exist.
That said, if LTT made a gen 2 that can use standard bits (the driver would literally be only 10mm longer) and changed the plastic used in the bit holder, I'd give it a shot. As it is now though, you're paying $80+ after tax and shipping for a driver that behaves no better than a $35 one.
Robertson (square drive) is pretty darned good. Robertson #2 bits in an impact driver works incredibly well for sending screws in to (or taking them out of) wood.
They work great, problem is they're just not very common at all in the US. Torx and Phillips are far and away the most common types of screws you'll see in any application here, the only time I've ever seen Robertson screws in the US was in a deck, and it seemed like somebody had actually bought them by mistake when putting that deck together, because 90% of the screws were Torx.
Had mine since november, dropped it many times and it's still ok. I use the hexagonal bits a lot and I just swapped the 3 square bits for some torx that I use regularly. I use it from computers to furniture and low voltage electric fixes and I like it a lot.
I have a megapro, in the US, and I never realised the little maple leaf on it until you mentioned its a canadian thing.
I really like the damn thing though. Grabbed it from my local hardware store one day when i was tinkering with something at the office and didnt have my tools with me. Its now my go-to driver
I've always dreamed of a call between Linus and LGR. LGR is such an underrated channel and such a wonderful memory lane trip. I'm surprised he is in spoken much about on TH-cam. I've learned so many weird things regarding PC equipment and accessories with him.
You make some great points! I work in corporate AV and deal with a lot of rack mounted equipment. The screwdriver isn’t for everyone but for certain people it’s an amazing screwdriver. I’ve really enjoyed having a full sized screwdriver with a good amount of bits on me at all times. It takes up very little room in my messenger bag. It really comes down to what type of work you do. But I give it👍👍
I bought this screw driver to support linus, as his channel molded me and my career today. I was not really expecting too much, but in the past 6 months I have found it to be the absolute best for what I do. As you predicted, people that work in IT will love this thing. 3 of my coworkers bought them after trying out mine (I only have 3 coworkers on my team lol)
I feel like a lot of people complaining about the price forget that if you want to support local manufacturing, there is a premium to pay for that.
@htr5372 Point taken. I guess I was thinking about consumer goods in general. So, if I wanted to pay the premium for the LTT screwdriver I guess I would justify it with a desire to support LTT/LMG in principle. Currently, I have a toolbox full of my dad's 40 year old screwdrivers that I have to wear out/lose first.
He outsourced it to China. So how is that local manufacturing? He even talked about a Chinese company stealing the design when they were in the prototype phase.
I've used my LTT screwdriver for about a month, and it's helped me take apart my Samsung dryer, build a few PC's, and assemble some cat toys. It's my first ratcheting screwdriver, but it could use some silicone or rubber to make it a little grippier in the hand. The lack of texture makes it easy to spin in the palm of the hand, but also feels like it can slip out of my hand if I'm not careful.
LTT is Canadian, and a multibit screwdriver shipping without Robertson here would be useless. They should ship without Phillips, the ultimate camout design.
Sadly despite their being better alternatives, phillips is still extremely common around the world.
A driver designed for PC builders lacking a Phillips head would be very strange.
Surely you are joking…..
They should ship with JIS bits!
For a couple of years, my go-to screwdriver has been the $90 Dewalt DCF682N1 8 volt gyroscopic driver. I do lots of door locks with mixed, long, fine pitch screws as well as coarse wood screws. It can drive 2.5” deck screws into 2x4’s, albeit slowly. It has the power and dexterity for delicate work. Ratcheting screwdrivers have their place. I will always have a few laying around at home, work, and car. But if I’m putting in lots of work, I value my time and my wrist too much to not go electric.
I've used mine for many months as well. I was part of Group 1. I do love it. The tips it came with, I actually use the hex bits all the time... my wife purchase some tables for our large couch and they hug the couch shape and extend, but the hex bits were perfect. But the hex bits fit all my bits on all 3 of my 3D printers too... the Phillips #2 is my main bit obviously. Not a fan of the bit holder either, but eh, i don't care much, no OCD with me.
The ratchet is nice, because I put my hands on the knarrled part and turn that by hand and the handle and get a screw completely set in less then a second. that part is amazing!!! Anything that requires going into wood or anything other then electronics, I use my impact driver and the correct tools.. This screw driver is NOT for wood screws or anything outside electronics IMO.
...AND my ADHD kicks in anytime the screwdriver is in my hand.... I can turn and ratchet in one hand only, I walk around my house just turning and hearing the clicking ratching non stop... I'll find myself doing this for hours at times.... My wife wants to murder me when I do this tho...
I have not dropped mine at all... I wonder if it'll break if I do...
Free Tool Tip: a torx bit can be used in place of a hex bit if you're not too fussy... (And honestly it grips better much of the time, and since I always have a T25 for deck screws nearby it's more handy)
Personally I still find myself preferring either an electric precision screwdriver, or a drill. I'm not sure what kind of drill you have, but even my cheap $15 Ryobi bargain bin drill has a clutch that disengages after a set torque precisely to prevent overtightiening a screw. I use it all the time for any large size project where more than a few screws are involved, or where I'll need to apply any force. For smaller items, like electronics, I use an electric precision screwdriver which is much smaller and has way less torque while using standard precision bits. I also use it quite often to work on my pc. I use a standard screwdriver for whenever I need to get 2-4 larger screws off, like the wall mount on my pc. But that use is so scarce that it's hard to justify spending more than $15-20 on a screwdriver.
I've owned power tools for 35 years. My first battery drill was the B&D 9.6V Univolt. The Dewalt 8-volt is the best screwdriver, and did you know there's a flashlight that uses the same battery. I use my Dewalt for PC repair after 'muscle memorizing' the gyro control. The flashlight is my primary light that I use for everything.
Talking about fish-flavoured rat poison while wearing a Purina shirt was mildly amusing
Haha I don't have pets but I have gone to their dog shows at the actual 'Purina Farms' place. They're sponsoring our new MLS team.
@@JeffGeerling Didn't they kill a bunch of dogs with their food a while back, or was that a different company?
I only wish the shaft would extend. Other than that…Love my LTT screwdriver.
Lidl's here in the UK have for some years offered an almost identical PowerFix driver with the same retractable style bit holder but has an extendable shaft as well meaning you can get in really deep and costs about £8, I have had mine over 5 years and has held up extremely well, ratchet is fresh and bits are still in good shape.
I love the Lidl crap aisle, but it can suck you into some stupid impulse purchases. I was once really tempted to get a laser distance measurer just because it looked cool lol
Park tool or something else?
8 quid is reasonable. 70 dollars for this item isn't. I'm sure there's a joke in here somewhere involving Linus and getting screwed! 🤣🤣🤣
I didn't notice a mention of the Project Farm review, but I think his coverage and yours complement each other well.
I mentioned that in my earlier review/comparison (this one was more of a "update to the review")
@@JeffGeerling Ahh good to know, I now need to go watch the original!
I just listened to the Wan Show episode where Linus criticises your misleading title and thumbnail.
And while I think it's incredibly hypocritical of him to criticise that aspect of your video, he's right.
I condemn the sensational nature of clickbait in all forms, and I must say I'm disappointed that you've resorted to it. I dont watch much LTT for specifically this reason, and I hope I don't have the same problem with your channel in the future.
Honestly Linus deserves it
I'm a CNC machinist. I'm working with oily hand 90% of the time, and we need to screw in and out torx screws ranging between 6-15, and metric imbus 2-6. I was looking at the Noctua beige colored one, for a year and finaly I ordered it! I have it for the 3rd DAY only, but it is a game changer!! If I need the T15, the geometric triangle helps A LOT with toquing down right. I was affraid, it's gonna be slippery, but it's just perfect. Yet in the same time, when I need the T6 or 8 even, the knurling on the shaft is enough to make it tight enough and not to brake it.
So in conlcusion I hate it. I absolutely hate the fact I was waiting a year with this purchase!!!
I was so confused for a second as a Canadian wondering how you could possibly think a Robertsons was useless, those things are everywhere up here lol
Honestly I'd take it over phillips most of the time, but they're just so rare down here. It's like switching from imperial to metric... it has to happen widely, or it won't happen at all.
I have no interest in adding another bit I have to keep around but I think we need to do away with Phillips and straight screws and use Torx for everything. I can’t think of a single time I have stripped a torx even using my Milwaukee impact driver or drill. Phillips might as well be made out of cheese half the time and straight is terrible to use because it doesn’t like to stay in the screw
Really unsure as to why people are affronted by the screwdriver…. Appreciate its wins, understand it’s limits, and buy it or don’t.
The only criticism I don’t understand is that it’s just a rebadge; it is visibly and audibly different beyond just colours.
The cost is an interesting proposition; I feel like comparing it to a mega pro in that sense doesn’t account that a patent had to be licensed, and it’s not going to be as high volume either. The mega pro also is iterative; and R&D on a new model is built upon the previous with those costs already accounted for, and the parts that don’t change can use the same tooling and process, or excess stock. And yeah… it’s also there for profit.
@JeffGeerling :
Love the level of objectivity you maintain without things getting too dry! Keep it up. Greetings from a fellow "cronie" in Toronto.
I must express my sympathies to all the Americans over the years who never knew the glorious Robertson screwdriver and were stuck using those Phillips or slotted monstrosities.
My ratcheting screwdriver is the Williams. It is a great value, I have used for years and it shows little wear and most likely will last my lifetime. It is definitely a high value tool. I t cost me about 1/2 what the LTT driver costs. The Williams bit storage is simpler, but it is never going to break in my usage (yes, I drop my screwdriver a fair bit). I like Linus's content, but I think his screwdriver is ok, but way overpriced. Nice review Jeff, keep up the good work.
I feel exactly the same; the ltt driver is "ok" but way overpriced. Same goes for my williams too. It's been a trooper over the years.
A lot of people don’t know that Williams is owned by Snap On
5:20 no please use a drill and not an impact. Impact drivers are more likely to mangle the wood and decrease the strength of the screw, a good drill with drive it faster and more precise anyway.
About the electric screwdriver: That one seems pretty bulky. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the much smaller one that JayzTwoCents uses for PC building. He compared it with the LTT screwdriver in his video on the subject, and it seemed pretty nice for that use case.
Good to see a fellow MLS fan. Congratulations on the amazing start to your season
- an Atlanta United fan
I use Robertson (square drive) on electrical fittings all the time. Just depends on the kind of work you do.
Steve from Hardware Unboxed has been raving about the Dewalt gyro for years haha, funny to see it pop up here.
ALL tools are a hammer......except a screwdriver, which is a chisel.
I grabbed a Stanley one for 10$ at my local Tractor Supply and have been enjoying it
Shout out to
Linus tic toker
For making a tool relevant to pc community.
As someone who got my black shaft screwdriver a bit over a month ago, I'll say that it's been really nice to use for just about everything, though I also bought the torx set. I use it for a lot of automotive work but I keep the original bits around and did use the Robertson when I was wiring the 240v generator outlet for my shed, at least until the cheese grade screws stripped. Beyond that, one issue I've had is metallic dust/particles collect in the bit hole or on the shaft which is marginally annoying but hasn't yet affected my use. All in all, it works well so far and makes me less likely to grab my impact when I really shouldn't.
I'm jealous that you were able to get the black shaft. I'm waiting for my alert that they are back in production. Then I can order a second screwdriver. I want an all black unit.
Keep a junker bit in the screwdriver when in storage so metal bits don’t get into the shaft
That’s what I do with my PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver
@@deedeeramone34 I just keep a hex bit in the end so I can now store 13 bits, though metal still falls in when changing bits sometimes.
Also, @thatrealba, I ended up painting mine blue because I kept losing the all black.
After 20-25 years in IT and countless device installs and too many pc builds to count, I still can't find justification for a $70 screwdriver. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That’s because you’re a professional and not a hobbyist.
@@Bob_Smith19 And sure he got some great tools that will last till after he is gone, not much is made to last anymore.
@htr5372 Exactly. The ltt driver simply does not deliver $80+ in performance. $50 shipped and I'd buy one, because I have an unhealthy obsession with ratcheting screwdrivers.
@htr5372 Yeah, I was tempted by the snap on for a while but the williams is amazing at half the price or less. The PB swiss I do drool over at times though lol
That's a one day when I have some extra tool funds to burn purchase. Or when toollady has another sale...
@htr5372 Will do. What has me interested in the PB swiss is the lack of driver wobble and the strong magnet. The fact that the wera RA 16 locks bits in is one of the main things I love about that one.
Also, I feel like we may have exchanged messages before either on here or reddit before lol
The fact that it doesn't come with torx is fucking wild. Truly, I'm shocked that LTT, who are SO CLOSE to the US, didn't include Torx bits given that they opted for Robertson bits
Haven't used the LTT driver, but love my iFixit kits. Can't go wrong with them!
I love my dewalt 680, been using it for years at this point. It's the perfect middle ground between screwdrivers and impacts, just like you said. It's great for drywall and automotive interior work.
The thing to keep in mind is that Linus usually makes products that he wants. The screwdriver is a good example as Linus made it because he wanted to replace his screwdriver and decided to make this driver to his personal specifications and wants. Most of Jeff's criticisms are differences in what he uses it for and what Linus, personally, simply doesn't care about for his personal use. Even that backpack was made because Linus wanted a backpack that had everything HE wanted in a personal backpack.
This design philosophy means that he honestly does strive for quality products, since he's making it for himself to use. It also means that if you're not a computer building nerd that needs to take laptops, tablets, and peripherals everywhere you go, the products will have some shortcoming for you.
I think he makes good products, and since he's a tiny manufacturer I understand why his products are so expensive (the fewer products you make in a run the higher the individual cost per unit). In the end they're quality luxury items that will always have cheaper alternatives of similar quality. You buy them because you like Linus.
yeah i think your right.
@htr5372 100,000 units sold is a "tiny manufacturer". That's a very puny amount of units for a tool manufacturer.
Thanks for going through the creators that got a special colorway. Was interesting to see the ones that were excluded.
There are a few others I didn't cover (mostly because I didn't follow their social media that closely! I only have so many hours in a day...)-over on Twitter a couple others have mentioned they got one.
Oh gee he's actually filming a correction instead of captioning it or put it under the comments
9:23 but that's like the whole purpose of the drills having torque limiter settings on them... also that looks from here like an impact driver from this shot and obviously that's a bad choice 100% of the time when you're working with wood.
Well this has aged well.
What’s funnier is that he has a gamers nexus desk pad
?
Just a note I am sure others have added; Robertson bits are actually amazing for #3 Philips head bolts and screws as well as Robertson heads.
Robertson Rules! 🍁
Found the Canadian! 😆
Indeed. Philips was designed for early, unclutched power drivers. It's an anachronism.
We don't have such variety of screwdriver here, so it's easier to pickup one (anyone),
It's always nice to see your father in the video.
Thanks Jeff,
I only trust project farm.
Been loving mine as well. Haven't had any significant drops yet so no broken bit clips yet. Its definitely been well worth the money so far.
will naver buy a 70$ screwdriver You are overpaying lol
If you stripped a screw using a drill, that means you haven't learned how to use a clutch yet. I've used electric for everything from delicate PC work to building furniture. I found it crazy inefficient to use a matching screwdriver. I have a smaller 12v drill to act as a screwdriver when the full size drill is too big. Agreed with the extended bit set. They're super useful even for ratcheting screwdrivers as the collars are so wide.
I haven't used my LTT driver much, at least until I started building my Voron 2.4 3d printer. Made installing some of the screws so much easier than dealing with hex wrenches.
No wonder the video had to be re-shot... Red Shirt Jeff was in it THE WHOLE TIME!!!! 😱😱😱
Looking at the material sheet - the material is polyamid+ABS composite. It has significantly lower tensile strength (40MPa) compared to PA6, or PA66 or any of the glass fiber conposite e.g PA66/GF30 (170MPa), hence the drop test failure. The real culprit is that ABS is easily damaged by a lot of solvents - gasoline, oils, esp. acetone. So touching the screwdriver w/ dirty hands (in the workshop) would damage it. The POM (acetal) retaining clip is great but the rest cannot be justified. The benefit of the ABS is that's much cheaper to get it in any color (and it's cheaper)
The envelope under the wall mount trick is awesome
4:20 the bit seperator is useless, because you can just turn the two halves the the bit holders so that either it lines up to fit a full length bit, or they're offset and the bottom of the short bit rests against the bit holder for the opposite ring of bits.
Sweet overview of more long term usage.
I'm a carpenter, mechanic, electrician, etc, etc. You see where this is going. I come across a lot of bits and I've used them all. Best ratcheting screwdriver I've ever used.
Thanks for the update. I got my screwdriver a few days ago. It feels great quality so far. Only two things have disappointed me. 1. The shipping. It was 39 days in transit (to Australia), which is the kind of times I expect to wait for a cheap Ali Express item with free shipping. Not a premium product from North America with nearly $20USD shipping.
Secondly, the lack of Torx screws in the default set. A decent amount of my work comes from repairing Apple machines, so I will have to default to my cheapo screwdriver set for half my work. At least until the torx come back in stock +39 days shipping.
You can align the bit holders and put anywhere between 1 and 6 regular bits for your torx needs, stack the rest with the accompanying half-bits and you're golden!
2:35 Technically its not a Robertson bit. It's an ECX bit either #1 or #2. Basicially a square drive (Robertson) with a straight blade put together. Its used on many electrical connections, including outlets, switches, breakers etc.
One thing about not having any rubber is also the lack of shock absorption for falls, probably a contributor to the durability issues.
The only thing I wish is they added rubber to the handle.
I know you might find the robertson bit useless but it is a very hard bit to find unless you get a screwdriver specifically for that purpose.
The amount of stuff that uses a quarter-inch hex bolt is insane
Jeff, The dewalt you got is a great gyro screwdriver for workshop use, but the ES15 by sainsmart is the one you want for PC building. It's a bit on the pricier side, but TRUST ME, as a system builder, your wrists will thank you!
The Williams is snap-on. Hands down the best ratcheting screwdriver ever. Bit storage is more then good enough. I can have all I need in there. I don't care about rattling or what ever. I have 2 snap-on 1 is 30 years old. I just rebuilt it and functions like brand new.
Bluepoint ratcheting screwdrivers i believe are hands down the best, you can usually find them for $30-40, metal shell, same number of bit storage and warrentied through snap on. As a Former Mechanic i used mine nearly every single day and still have it somewhere around here 5 years later
3:50 & 10:00 the reason why it broke
Also, solid review! thanks to both Jeff & Linus for a pretty nice product.
for v1.1 i think the gap between the bit holders can be filled in with more plastic so the flex can be supported by the surrounding bits and bit holders not just the tensile strength of that particular bit holder