I have been following Dave’s discussion around the value of a low torque electric screw driver. I am looking for a recommendation of one that is available in the US and also locks to be used as a manual screwdriver.
Vessel makes a pretty great one with a large ball end handle. I see they just came out with a special edition black/gold version if that revs your engine. Only goes to 2nm of torque with the electric drive. I use mine a lot and I love it. It would be nice to have a little more torque but thats something that isn’t mandatory in my eyes.
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I just grabbed a Fantik electric screwdriver at Costco. Have nothing to compare it to, but it has worked just fine for me so far (admittedly limited usage up to now)
I just got one of the newer Vessel 3nM units and am quite impressed by it from the limited testing I’ve done. It feels quite nice in the hand and works well as a “normal” screwdriver when torque loads are higher than the motor can handle. Bought another two for my dad and brother as Christmas gifts.
The vessel it’s one of the few you can get at a reasonable price in the US. The one I enjoy is the DeenJ version. The one complaint of the vessel driver is the switch, which is oriented vertically. You need to remember to press the bottom button to rotate clockwise and the top to rotate counter clockwise. The DeeenJ switch is oriented horizontally so easy to remember the direction. They bought work well. Just make sure to buy the latest Vessel with the USB-C charging port.
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Get the Vessel. You’ll love it, as I do mine.
I picked up the Vessel and quite happy with it. Now in the market for ~2” torx and hex bit set. Struggling to find a Wera set; curious of any recommendations for quality ~2” bit sets to compliment the Vessel.
I have a Vessel on the way, but have been using a Kobalt one in the meantime. It’s pretty good for the its modest price. Only complaint is I tend to hit one of the power buttons when using it as a regular screwdriver, maybe if it was recessed it a bit more it would help.
The Vessel uses bits with longer anvils (the stubby bit past the notch). Anyone had any issues with sloppy fit on regular 1/4” bits?
For 2” bits, I have gotten them from Haus of Tools and KCTools.
My Vessel with the USB C port Dave recommended a year or so ago has stopped holding a charge. So it’s just an interchangeable bit screwdriver 
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To answer the shorter insert question, I have had no issues with it, I have a range of Allen sizes and Robertson 1&2, because I used the tool around the house.
It’s bike maintenance season and I have not done maintenance for two winters, it would have been handy.
I would consider the new one, but have not found a good supplier for Canada that the postage is not as expensive as the tool.
The Vessel bit sets are pretty good. I also think the Makita ones are made by Vessel as they share the same longer locking end (not sure what the technical term is).
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Used the Vessel at work today. A little more ergonomic than the Kobalt, and turns rigid a bit faster after using power feature (within 1/4 turn instead of 3/8 turn for the Kobalt). Vessel button is more recessed and doesn’t get pressed accidentally very often. Kobalt has better lighting. Neither is strong enough to drive a bolt that has factory applied dried thread locker or where the threads are damaged. Don’t think I would recommend either for home mechanic use, but for the shop they are nice to have.
I’ll be giving a Vessel to my brother who is an electrician. Should be perfect for removing screws from electrical panels, but we’ll see what he says. Maybe he already has one.
