Twist-Lok
As a gadget writer, I get sent a lot of stuff. Much of it's junk, some of it's interesting, and an even smaller portion is useful. The Twist-Lok initially intrigued and never ceases to satisfy whenever I find myself drilling and driving, especially when perched precariously on a ladder. You just attach a basic keyless hybrid chuck to your drill, insert your drill bit, then slide the silver cover over the drill bit (the magnetized tip of the silver attachment keeps one of the 11 provided Philips or flathead bits secure).Need to drive a screw, you're set. Need to drill a starter hole, just pop off the silver attachment. Now, I'm no journeyman or contractor, but for my occasional use, the Twist-Lok just works. My only real complaint is the silver piece has to be removed in order to fit my drill back in its case. Of course, that minor annoyance is well worth the time I've saved this past year.
-- Steven Leckart
A video demo from Duluth Trading:
Favorite (15)
David
The JackRabbit does the same thing, but also countersinks.
http://www.jackrabbittool.com/
Kelt.
Seems to me that just about every tool maker has offered one of these, and in a lot more compact version. Of course I could be misreading the photo and description, but my Makita brand pilot drill/screwdriver reversible unit has lasted for years. No additional chuck necessary. Compact and swift, though if you're setting up for multiple pilot holes, it's probably better to just use two drill motors, one for pilots and one for the screwing
Steven Leckart
@David, I looked at the JackRabbit. It costs 2-3x as much.
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/JMR-0060/Deluxe-Jack-Rabbit-CountersinkBit-System
If it is more robust, I'd love to hear why/how, etc. But as I said, for my use, the Twist-lok is more than adequate.
David
@Steven, Yeah it's very expensive. I was just trying to point out that it countersinks. The TwistLok doesn't appear to do that, unless I'm missing something. So I guess it depends on how important countersinking is to you.
Steven Leckart
@David, thanks for the reply. For me, not important enough for $60+!
ms
I don't understand this. It looks like a bunch of extras that lengthen my drill unnecessarily. Can't it be shorter or without the middle piece?
moishe
how are these any better than a regular rapid load drill bit set, where you can change from hex-shanked drill bit to screw bit in seconds? http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100658085&N=10000003+90401+524411