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ARTICLE ADWhat's the deal?
Hoto's Rechargeable Electric Screwdriver is currently on sale for $42 on Amazon, just remember to click the 30% off coupon.
ZDNET's key takeaways
The Hoto 12-in-1 electric screwdriver is typically priced at $60.This electric screwdriver has a fast 220 RPM motor, two buttons for screwing in and out for ease of use, three torque settings for different tasks, a circular LED shadowless lamp for better visibility, and includes 12 S2 tool steel bits.While durable and reliable, the Hoto 12-in-1 electric screwdriver lacks a super-gentle setting for delicate tasks, making it too powerful for small, intricate jobs.I use a lot of screwdrivers, and I've found that while it's hard to beat a decent set of traditional screwdrivers (here is a great set by Klein Tools that will last you a lifetime), there are times when electric screwdrivers can take the strain off my hands and wrists.
Also: My 2 must-have tools to make DIY projects a lot less frustrating (and they're cheap)
I believe in thoroughly testing tools, and the one I've been testing hard for over a year now is the Hoto 3.6V cordless 1,500mAh electric screwdriver which has proved itself to be a worthy addition to my toolkit.
Hoto electric screwdriver tech specs
Rotary knob switches the screwdriver between three different torque settingsFast driving, thanks to a 220 RPM motorA massive 1,500mAh capacity battery provides ultra-long endurance and, when fully charged, can drive in more than 1,000 screws before needing a rechargeThe screwdriver features a circular LED shadowless lamp, so you can see what you're doingThe Hoto cordless screwdriver set contains a dozen two-inch long S2 tool steel long bits with hardness up to 60HRCThe screwdriver and bits are stored in the anodized aluminum alloy storage box that has a soft, rubber top handleThe Universal Type-C charging interface means you don't need a separate chargerAlso: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested
On the one end of this superb screwdriver is a standard 1/4-inch socket that takes the various bits, and behind that is a rotary knob that switches the screwdriver off and on and also switches between three torque settings. There's also a circular LED shadowless lamp, so you can see what you're doing, which is a nice touch because it means I don't have to wrangle a flashlight when I'm working in a dark area.
Rotary torque knob with shadowless LED light.
On the other end of the screwdriver, there's a USB-C port for charging the unit -- a neat touch because it eliminates the need for a proprietary charger (I don't need any more of those in my life).
Also: My favorite electric screwdriver for heavy-duty jobs
The controls are about as simple as they get and are located in the middle of the tool. There's a button to screw a screw in and a button to screw a screw out.
Hoto electric screwdriver in action.
The screwdriver and bits are stored in the anodized aluminum alloy storage box that has a soft, rubber top handle. If you want more than the dozen bits, Hoto has a version with 25 bits in a different case for a few dollars more.
This is how you remove the Hoto electric screwdriver from its aluminum carry case.
The three torque settings range from powerful enough to assemble a PC case or flat pack furniture (where you need quite low power) to powerful enough to put a fence up or screw down floorboards.
This screwdriver doesn't offer a super-gentle setting for things such as electronic gadgets, which this screwdriver might be too powerful for. This is where a mini-precision electric screwdriver complements the Hoto screwdriver well (and this is also on sale right now).
Also: This must-have screwdriver has two cool hidden tricks
ZDNET's buying advice
Aside from the lack of a super-gentle setting, the Hoto electric screwdriver with a dozen bits is a great choice -- especially at this lower price point. Mine has already had well over a year of use now, undertaking tasks such as assembling PC cases, putting together flat-pack furniture, and being abused driving six-inch screws into plastic door and window frames, and it is still going strong.
It's more than paid for itself!