Behold, the Robbox xDrill, a new “smart” cordless drill that’s designed to make drilling “sooo much simpler.”
Here are the basics: The xDrill features a brushless motor, 21V battery, 0-600/0-2000 RPM gearbox, and “3 hour work rate per charge,” whatever that means.
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What’s the max torque? They don’t say.
This is also being described as “the first ever smart drill.”
It’s got a touchscreen, and Bluetooth controls, apparently WiFi, and there’s an app that accompanies it.
Also, lasers!
There are laser distance measuring tools, one on the bottom and one on the front.
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The laser on the front can be rotated, enabling it to be aim forward or to either side. This means that you can set your drilling point x-distance away from either wall, and y-distance away from the ceiling.
What about when you need to measure off the ceiling such as when installing shelving? I guess they didn’t think of that?
Their “imagination came up with an auto set feature” where you can set depth control. Once the desired drilling depth is achieved, the drill shuts off automatically. There’s no word as to how precise this is. I suppose you have to zero the drill for every hole?
There’s an on-screen “leveler.”
And, you can also set custom angle settings, for drilling at an angle.
There is a Smart Speed/Torque control where you input the material type and drill bit size, to automatically set the optimal speed for the drilling application.
You can also set things manually if you want. The promo video show the increments as being lb-feet and Nm, and there’s no indication as to whether you can make finer adjustments.
Here’s what you can do with the smartphone app:
- Save [laser distance] measurements
- find your tool
- Lock drill if stolen
- Set up user profiles
- Usage data: runtime, torque, speed,
- Keep count of how many times you drop the drill
Add-ons include additional batteries, a charging dock, and an optional case.
Fundraising Price: $399 CAD (~$298 USD)
Discussion
The Robbox xDrill is said to be “made for pros” and “amazing for beginners.”
What’s the max torque?
What’s the accuracy of the laser distance measuring features?
Battery charge capacity in amp-hours?
Charging rate?
Ah, here it is:
- 45 minute charge time
- 2-3 hours runtime “regular use”
- 1 hour “vigorous use”
Marketing materials compare it to a corded heavy duty hammer drill as “your old, outdated drill.”
But, the xDrill doesn’t seem to be a hammer drill. Here, it looks like it could be drilling into a masonry wall surface, or is that just drywall, plaster, or something similar?
So, don’t throw away your “old outdated drill” just yet.
I’ve seen and used “smart” tools before. In a drill press, yes it absolutely makes sense to be able to change speeds for different materials and bit sizes. In a handheld drill, I’ve found it to be far less impactful.
The depth control seems neat. But what’s the resolution? Meaning, how well does it actually work? Can I set it to 0.45″? 3/8″? Does it have to be zeroed each time? In that case, shaft collars or a piece of masking tape might work faster and possibly even better.
$399 CAD converts to $298 USD (at the time of this posting). So that’s around $300 for a cordless drill with brushless motor and a single battery.
The xDrill looks flashy, but for the same price you can wait until the holiday season and snag a Milwaukee M18 compact brushless drill kit for $99. Or a higher-powered Ridgid kit for $99. Or one of several Dewalt brushless options for $99. There are also usually Makita, Metabo HPT, and Bosch kits for $99.
With one of those alternate options, you have $200 left in your pocket for a laser distance measuring tool, a torpedo level, box level, and probably also a printer and laminator so that you could keep a drill bit and material speed selector chart handy. There might he some money left there for a corded hammer drill as well, for heavier duty tasks.
In my opinion, the Robbox XDrill could be useful. But, would it be useful enough? Frankly, I don’t think so.
How can you find the tool or lock it if stolen? Is there a replaceable coin cell battery within the tool? Will enabling these functions drain the coin cell or the attached battery over time?
What’s the max torque? Battery charge capacity?
No LED worklight?! On a “drill of the future?”
Not to mince words, the xDrill looks flashy, but the marketing turns me off a little. It seems more like an “as seen on TV” type product than a truly professional tool. It doesn’t seem “made for pros,” it seems “marketed towards beginners.”
Now, some of the xDrill’s features could be handy. Handy enough to warranty the ~$300 USD price tag?
If you want the case, that bumps up the fundraising price from $399 CAD to $449 CAD (~$336 USD). If you want a second battery, the price jumps up to $549 CAD (~$410 USD).
The kit price, with (1) battery, (1) charger, and the case is ~$336 USD. They estimate the retail price will be $669 CAD, which converts to ~$500 USD. Their conversion estimate puts the USA price as ~$488 USD.
If you want a “smart” drill, Milwaukee’s One-Key cordless drill offers some of the same speed and torque customizations, and other app features.
Compare: Milwaukee One-Key Drill Kit via Tool Nut
Compare: Milwaukee One-Key Hammer Drill via Tool Nut
I’ve used drills with built-in bubble levels, and with LED level indicators, and it’s not something I would look for in my next drill.
The xDrill’s more enticing features aren’t described in enough detail to sell me on them. There’s a lot of flash, but I need more substance.
Is the xDrill drop-tested? I’d hate to drop it off a ladder and find the touchscreen shattered.
Wait – is there no manual clutch dial? Granted you can set speeds and torques through the touch display, but a good ol’ fashioned clutch dial might be faster and easier to use. It looks like you get a clutch dial, but there are no markings. It doesn’t look like a two-handed keyless chuck, but more details would be needed for full confidence.
After the dancing segment of the promo video…
They only show the keyless chuck being turned a hair for a split second, and so I can’t tell you if the xDrill has an unmarked clutch dial or if it’s part of the chuck, or if it’s just textured for decoration.
Why 21V? 3.6V Li-ion cells x 5 = 18V. At max voltage, right off the charger, you’ll usually see 4.0V x 5 = 20V “Max”. 21V. Are they figuring 4.2V Max x 5 = 21V Max? That seems like the most likely explanation.
I guess 21V (or maybe 21V Max) is meant to sound better than 18V or 20V Max?
At the surface, the Robbox xDrill seems like a marvel. But looking at the details, I’m not yet impressed. Notice that I said yet. My stance could potentially change if the marketing was less flashy, the price was lower, or it promised more performance-related features and functions for what it’s expected to cost.
I’m also not loving the color scheme, but that’s subjective. Are there enough cooling vents?
In comparison, the Dewalt Atomic 20V Max brushless cordless drill has way more air vents.
Promo Video
Mike47
Wow! What a great opportunity to save $400! (Avoid buying.)
Perk
Ditto
I could see having the custom angle feature. The rest is not useful for me.
dll932
Agreed. And still too expensive to justify.
Jp
This made me laugh…i agree.
Jonathan R Strong
Looking for the “like” button so I could click it for your comment… 🙂
Joseph B
It reminds me of my wife’s blender with that colour scheme….
Paul E Hacker
Yep …lol … a case of “less” is more for sure ..
Sal Colon
It kinda looks like a hair dryer my wife used to have. lol.
Andy Matei
Robbox appreciates sincere feedback from consumers all over the world and understand that change will not happen in a blink. In the next few years we will see major changes in technology in the power tool industry and we are confident that soon Robbox technology will be in the hands of everyone.
Jon H
Spoken like an investor or part of the design team. I was waiting for this comment. I would assume the gameplan is to make a product that althougj flawed in many anreas will have measuring tech that will be of interest to the heavy hitter brands. You sell thatnto them and call it a day. The reason why you see such focused skepticism from us tradesmen is because we know this is not made for our day to to day level of work. And to post a picture of a Bosch Bulldog Rotary Hammer, that is one of the most trusted power tools for window installations, heavy duty work etc. And put it as a reference picture next to it as oppose to a similar styled drill like lets say a ryobi brushless drill driver is just poor research by whoever is in marketing. Come on man, two completely different tools. I actually believe the future of power tools will be to keep things simple and focus on battery tech and increased power output to completely eliminate cords. But hey, that’s just us. Us…. the majority of tradesmen..
Mike
You’ll be seeing it for $79 Clearance after the suckers are cleared out (6 months max). Target market – Apple buyers.
Dt
Target market-Target stores. lol
Rx9
Bingo. I imagine this thing will capture the attention of trust-fund kids in “maker spaces” for a month or two before it disappears.
Shawn Brubacher
As you said this looks like a homeowners tool. I even prevent getting speed select switches on my impacts because it seems like non-mechanical switches are the first thing to malfunction. Plus there’s no rubber grip on it which will cause a few extra drops, especially if you have employees.
Shawn Brubacher
After second look I see there’s a little bit of rubber, although I like rubber around all possible impact points.
Stuart
It looks like a small patch of rubbery grip on the front, and the images aren’t clear enough but possibly the entire rear is covered by the same material.
TonyM
Looks like the production model may have additional rubber added to it. Supposedly, the model on the promotional videos is a prototype model.
Graham Howe
I certainly like to see innovation in tools, the constant cycle of the major brands in just focusing on power ratings, appearance, battery life etc just don’t seem very imaginative. The challenge though is that there is also a huge barrier to entry in this space due to lots of competition and cost is a big factor. I just don’t see many people willing to spend so much on a drill, some of these features might be a good differentiator if the price was more realistic. So while I welcome the creativity, I suspect this has very little chance of success and it’s certainly not something I would invest in. Sorry if that sounds a little hypocritical.
Rog
Also, the build quality on this thing looks super cheap and plasticky.
Wayne R.
Oooh – the Influencers are going to go nuts with this, the coolest tool for the coolest Tools.
At least it’ll be easy to tell who the Noobs are…
TomB
You can tell the noob by the condition of their tools, not the color.
Wayne R.
It’s like “How can you tell who the vegans are?” Answer: “Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”
These things won’t be in a tool box waiting to be used – they’ll be out on a coffee table…still bright white…
Nathan
SO there is it seems an LED on the front – dude’s hand is covering it up with the 2hand hold stance.
So is that laser on the front on the pivot also have a camera on there?
It’s an interesting idea. I will say I sort of miss having a level of sort on a drill it comes in handy on occasion. The idea of using laser distance pieces to tell me the drill position and angle do solve a few issues.
Like square – against a wall that isn’t.
depth measurement while drilling
depth stop adjustment on the fly (a stick does this well too)
potential for precise locations on a wall or even a project.
that angle estimator is interesting.
The other needs well I see this as a fancy installers drill – not much more. It would be nicer to see this as like an add on to a drill you already have.
IE give me a laser to tape to the bottom of my drill and one to place on the top with the electronics kit – use a coin battery and give me some calibration instructions. say that was 150 dollars and came with the other features like distance measuring – dual axis and BT to save and load from your mobile . . . . . I’d consider it.
Stuart
With laser distance measuring tools, you need a laser emitter and a sensor to read the reflected beam.
Michael
I just purchased a Bosch brushless hammer drill kit that supports the adaptable module at Lowe’s. $99.95.
Troy H
Are we not going to talk about the “21V” battery pack that’s obviously a Dewalt 20V MAX pack… which is actually an 18V nominal battery pack?
Stuart
I added a little the post shortly after publishing it.
My guess is they’re multiplying a 4.2V Max-per-cell voltage to get 21V Max.
Anthony
It looks more like a Black and Decker battery to me.
Paul
Does anyone remember the Sears Craftsman “Robo Grip Pliers”? Those are a classic “Made for TV” gadget, complete with ads. Was it gimmicky? Yep. Was the underlying tool low quality? Yes. Was it overpriced? Yes again. BUT…the idea was actually quite good and today we have the Irwin Vise Grip Groovelock pliers among others…same “button press” adjustment. The only thing I see Robbox missing is that they need Bob Vila to do an ad.
As far as the price, you’re comparing two wildly different products. A better (fair) comparison would be between one of these drills and say a Milwaukee One Key product with case, charger, and battery, which runs around $300. To be fair, we can eliminate all the One Key stuff and drop down from a drill/driver to just a basic drill and as stated around Christmas get it for $99. But it’s the same selling point as the $300 Milwaukee One Key drill. Both have the anti-theft features, app-based speed/torque controls, and so forth. The addition of depth control and leveling is definitely a nice touch and something Milwaukee is missing.
But the marketing on this thing is agreed, TERRIBLE. The target audience is very clearly the tech/gadget crowd who will be impressed with the features but have no actual idea how to use any of them. So they will get confused and screw up the marketing to the point where nobody wants one.
It would have been far better packaging it to look like it belongs on a construction site or in a plant somewhere. Maybe color it lime green or orange with lots of grey or black trim. Advertise the features and how it will make drilling faster, centering better, precision improved, with less setup time and faster holes. Maybe do a heat to head with a not-really-disguised “competitor” product drilling holes in a problematic material if you just slam down the trigger and go.
So…don’t reject it just yet, or at least don’t reject the good ideas that might get snatched up by the big name brands and become standard for everyone.
Drew M
” Irwin Vise Grip Groovelock pliers ”
Which are actually a ripoff of Knipex
Flotsam
I take exception of your characterization of the “original ” Craftsman robo grip pliers being garbage. I have had mine almost 40 years and have used the hell out of them. Mine still work fine and the teeth are very sharp and the grip is very stable and strong.
I think what happened is this tool has had its patent expire and there have been a ton of knock offs. I haven’t bought any of these but there is a Kobalt version i have seen at Lowes. Not even close! I would never buy those or the myriad other clones. There is even a new version of Craftsman after all these years and haven’t seen those yet so couldn’t speak to those either.
Jonathan R Strong
I agree! I’ve had the original Robo Grip pliers for many years, and despite having gradually built up an excellent set of tools in that time, including Knipex and the like, I still find myself often reaching for the Robo Grips for a variety of tasks. The design is actually quick clever, letting you grab something that may be regular or odd-shaped, and develop an incredibly firm grip with relatively little effort. The ergonomics are good, the tool is sturdy – I’ve treated mine pretty roughly over the years and it’s still solid.
There are a lot of garbage quality tools in the marketplace, and a lot of the new “gimmicky” ones turn out to be more useless than anything else. But I’ve found the Robo Grip to be the exception. It’s not a precision tool, and I’d never use it on a smooth surface such as a nut whose surface I’d like to leave intact, but it’s earned it’s spot in my toolbox many times over.
Skye A Cohen
Late post but..
Robogrip were actually not like the Irwin groove lock/ knipex cobra. Those two had a button to lock in the adjustment. Robogrip automatically adjusted.
Robogrip were great if you didn’t need a lot of grip, useless if you did. If the jaws were sharper and harder they would probably be pretty nice
TomB
They’re trying to push the industry forward and that’s important, unfortunately they’ll be facing a vast swarm of negative Nancy’s as seen in this thread.
Stuart
They’re trying to make money. None of this is going to push the industry forward.
Adding accelerometers that shut off power to the motor when kickback conditions are detected? That’s a useful innovation that pushes the industry forward. An app feature that keeps count of how many times a drill is dropped – how does that push the industry forward?
The laser is interesting, but its functionality can be very closely mimicked with a $25-30 laser distancing measuring tool which can be used outside of drilling holes.
That laser can be used for drilling holes into a wall.
BUT, how often do you drill holes based on where it is, vs. where the nearest stud is located?
The xDrill delivers benefits for very specific homeowner-type tasks.
For a lot of drill bit sizes, you’re running most cordless drills at max speed. For larger bit sizes, you drop to max speed at the lower gear setting.
For torque settings, a clutch with increments is usually sufficient to seat screws repeatably. If you need to drive machine screws or bolts to exact tightness settings, you need a torque wrench or similar tool.
This is an amalgamation of modern tech, and there are benefits for some users, but does it really push the industry forward?
A standard cordless drill, a separate laser distance measuring tool, and a separate level or three would provide me with far more utility, and at lower cost.
I’m all for “smart” tools, but they have to be practical.
I hung cabinets above my desk a while back. I measured a distance from the ceiling, which this can’t do, and I located the studs, which this can’t do, and I used my drill’s LED worklight – which this doesn’t seem to have – and drilled my mounting holes for the brackets. My cabinets were located off the wall, but the drill holes were not referenced off the wall. In that application, this drill wouldn’t have provided any benefit, and its features might have even contributed to compromises with regard to comfort or performance.
There’s no max torque spec, there’s no battery capacity spec, there’s not even mention of the chuck size, recommended max drill bit sizes, or any details on the presence or absence of a clutch dial.
If not appreciating the “drill of the future” makes me a “negative Nancy,” so be it.
schill
Rotate the drill 90 degrees (about the bit axis) to measure from the ceiling (i.e., hand to the side).
But I agree with the rest.
TomB
Aren’t we all all trying to make money Stuart? It’s obvious this drill is not for me nor you. Yes, there’s 1000 ways to measure depth while drilling, but I’ve never seen this on a drill so I do see it as progress regardless. You are right to have you criticisms, but let’s keep it constructive. This is clearly for the diy makers and robotics kids. It’s obvious not perfect and they could benefit from people like us giving input, not bearing torches and pitch forks.
Jonathan R Strong
We certainly don’t want to stifle creative thought and innovation. But it also behooves those who actually understand how tools and tech work to call out silly or disingenuous inventions that naive buyers might get sucked into buying, wasting lots of money and winding up with disappointing results.
While the concept behind some of these new features may have potential, the entire presentation – including what we can see of the execution – comes across as an overpriced version of what you might see advertised as “only available on TV!” at 1 AM, along with non-stick frying pans that *never* scratch, rain gutter leaf guards that *never* clog and the like. The ideas sound plausible at first – but as you consider the way they’re executed here, it doesn’t seem likely that these new features will actually provide anywhere near the kind of value claimed. Worse, naive users may think that by spending $400 on this, they’ll get great results without actually having to learn how to use power tools properly.
Folks in this forum have typically experienced and/or learned about the attributes of power tools that make a difference, and how they’ve been evolving. This tool might have some “neat” ideas, but so much of what we can see right up front appears to ignore what the industry has been doing. The chuck wobble we see in the video can be attributed to the unit being a pre-production model, but frankly I’ve been involved in a number of startups, and when you demo a prototype like that, you either don’t show a feature or you make sure the demo model is hand-tuned to the point where you’re not embarrassed. The way this video was shot actually draws attention to the wobble, and that view was completely unnecessary; this lack of concern suggests to me that the company actually doesn’t consider chuck wobble to be an issue for their target market and may not even be aware that what they showed was bad.
They way they describe the laser might lead a naive user to think they can get precise positioning of holes they’ll drill without ever having to use a real distance measuring tool or tape measure. They may envision being able to drill a pair of holes at proper precise distance from a wall and ceiling, and have the holes be level with respect to each other. Good luck with that.
The fact that the company can promote an extremely expensive tool to naive users while not bothering to mention the standard attributes used to help classify these tools, e.g., torque, speed, runtime, durability (switches, gears, surface finish), ergonomics (grip, weight, balance, drill twist and vibration damping, etc.) is a huge red flag for anyone who has had to make thoughtful decisions about investing money in tools. They clearly aren’t trying to convince serious users that their tool qualifies as a serious tool. When I see this, combined with the kind of price they’re asking, my instinct is to warn away naive prospective buyers and to ask the company to convince us that the emperor is, indeed, actually wearing new clothes even though we can’t see them.
Stuart
Yes, but with my own criticisms I tried to be fair and as objective as possible.
Consider SawStop tech. They invented the safety tech, pushing the industry forward with innovation. Companies didn’t want to license it so they built their own table saws.
There are some innovations built into this drill, and existing tech leveraged in novel ways. But does it matter if the execution limits the benefits?
You say this is clearly for the DIY makers and robotics kids, but their marketing asserts it’s made for pros and “amazing” for beginners. I’d assume everyone in between such groups would be included in the target audience, but for the reasons mentioned it doesn’t seem that compelling to me personally.
I think this is a good start, and they have the potential for more.
Blocky
Is it possible that they got the patent to incorporate laser measuring into a handheld drill, and had to produce a product in order to demonstrate that they weren’t just squatting the idea.
I don’t see this as good enough implementation to believe it would be more precise or even any faster than my own measurements. I don’t see this as capable of paying for its own development.
However, there are lots of Chinese manufacturers who can already slap a drill together with just a tweak of the battery form factor and a new clamshell mold – at insane price points.
Maybe the cost of producing a short run, even if they don’t sell, is small change, and the real business play is hoping to license the idea to team red, yellow, blue, teal, lime, etc.
Jason
I can’t wait until there is an AvE BOLTR for this.
taras
The marketing wank is strong with this one!
Matt
1981 called and wants their “drill of the future” back.
Steve
It sounds like something from EPCOT or Tomorrowland.
Jp
Well, seems too futuristic, too gimmicky. But then again, what would happen if today’s tools were transported back in time to 1970. Innovation starts somewhere. However, i am weary when stepwise progression is thrown out for an entire untested rebuilding of something. Id believe it if this were from a known brand…….
TonyM
But sometimes the so-called known brands are making way too much money off you to add any “innovation” into their current product lines. I mean why would they when they’re making huge margins on tools that are all made in the same factories?
Jim Felt
“Huge margins”? That’s probably an overstatement.
But, of course, “huge” is all relative as in compared to what/who exactly?
Adam
The features on this drill are a gimmick, and they won’t take off, people in the trade want well made reliable cordless drills, not drills with lasers and Bluetooth and screen levellers.
Michael
Looks like a new KitchenAid appliance.
Wayne R.
In 12 colors via QVC, just in time for Holiday Shopping.
DRT
One look, and I can promise you that the ergonomics are terrible. The weight of a pistol-grip tool needs to be supported by the web between thumb and hand. Look at the Dewalt. Look at the Milwaukee. They have nice rubber areas at the upper, rear part of the grip. Then look at the Robodrill. It’s like it was designed for the hand of an alien. Check out the dude’s hands holding the Robodrill. One inch gap between back of hand and body of drill. Index finger taking all the weight. Takes the dude two hands to drill a 1/4″ hole. I was stupid enough to buy a Paslode compact nailer that has the same ergonomic problem. I gotta wear gloves every time I use it, or I get a blister.
P.S. I do remember the Craftsman Robogrip pliers. I have two of them in the kitchen “tool drawer”. They actually work quite well for moderate jobs where you just want to grab something.
Aaron
alien hands was my first reaction to this too. Do the tool designers have otherworldly hands or is it just that they’ve never used an actual power drill before?
Jim Felt
Typically the ad shooter would book a hand model. Lord knows who would have directed the model on how to best actually “use” the already odd looking tool.
It’s like many many ad shoots where the most enthusiastic users groan it looks wrong. Because it just might be wrong.
mizzourob
I about lost it seeing the comparison to a Bosch Bulldog as being the “your old, outdated drill” not a chance this comes close to the performance of a bulldog. The fact that someone thought this was a relevant comparison immediately disqualifies everything else they said about this “tool”
Stuart
I can’t tell if it’s a Bulldog-type rotary hammer or heavy duty hammer drill. My hammer drill has a similar speed dial, and I can’t find an example of a rotary hammer that does not have a D-handle enclosed-style grip.
But yeah, no way this outperforms a typical heavy duty hammer drill like that. Of course it’s “smarter,” but most cordless drills have many more features and digital controls than corded ones.
Jack S
Had to stop the video at 2:36 – ugh! I appreciate the effort to innovate, but who is the audience? It’s not the pros or advanced DIY’ers considering the product, gimmicks (“features”), marketing, tagline and video. (The video is amateurish and the chuck is out-of-round.) If the “features” were critically important to that group, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Bosch, etc would have delivered them by now. I’m glad you put quotes around “drill of the future” – just not my future. Thanks for sharing this.
John Lobert
Kickstarter. Right.
Jay
I’m starting a tech company… This is just what all my guys need… A truly smart drill!!!
fred
I have mixed emotions. The look and advertising verbiage just scream “gimmick” as others have noted. But at least the guys who engineered this had put some thought into what they might add on to distinguish themselves from the competition. The implementation seems to have fallen short – but if it garners any significant sales it may get the major players thinking about what might be practical.
I had always thought that combinations of technologies might be the wave of the future. Maybe not this set of technologies on a hand drill – but it gets one thinking. How about advanced ground penetrating radar with intelligent software (both would have to get cheaper and better) on your backhoe – in case the code markout missed something? Having been close to the scene of one disaster from a backhoe bucket encountering a high pressure gas main that had been moved – I can tell you an effective countermeasure would have been worth it for the company involved.
Dean in Des Moines
I’m gonna need a longer 10ft pole.
Chris
Granted this is probably a prototype, it looks like they’ve chosen their materials for looks rather than function. There’s no way to get that glossy of a surface with a reasonable amount glass fiber in the plastic, at least for more a few pulls from the mold. Look at all your brand name tools. The reason for that surface finish and lack of glossiness is due to the amount of glass fiber in the plastic (stronger), and the fact that it messes up the molds rather quickly so they just start with a matte finish.
Lyle
I’m glad this isn’t a must have. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. ?
RC Ward
Complete waste of money. This is a “yuppie” drill for people that don’t use their tools. Until the time comes where all of this garbage comes at no extra charge and will not break down, this is a non starter if ever there was one.
High & Mighty
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Randy
When you’re working, who has time to mess with all the settings, how about calibrated eye, calibrated finger, and a clutch with a couple speed/torque ranges, fast and easy.
Joatman
It’s really cool………Which end do you light?
Mike (the other one)
This is a drill for people who have never used a drill.
Some of the features are neat, but most are not really needed. And the location of the screen will be problematic when applying pressure.
Makes you wonder why they styled it after a hair dryer.
Rog
Just watched the video: Holy Chuck Wobble, Batman!
Stuart
Given the Feb 2021 ETA, this is likely a prototype or engineering sample. Meaning, while observable, I would be hesitate to make any judgements on that. The fit and finish of the injection molding seams also suggests it’s not as finished as a production sample.
A W
Yes. The amount of chuck wobble was pretty funny.
Stuart, I’m impressed by the professionalism and even handedness of your review here. Nice job critically evaluating a very gimmicky tool.
Stuart
Thanks, I appreciate it! I always strive to be fair and open-minded.
This drill has a market – most tools do – and although I wouldn’t include myself in the target audience, there’s no reason a future version couldn’t be closer aligned with my needs or those of similar users.
Mike
the only thing I like about this is the on screen leveler.
Jonny
The amount of chuck runout in their video (based on it vibrating pretty bad in the hand) is not exactly promising…
Stuart
I’d give them the benefit of the doubt that this isn’t indicative of how well the final production units will work.
Koko The Talking Ape
No.
The clincher was the photo of the bro in the flannel shirt.
Jonathan R Strong
The laser feature to measure distance from wall, floor, ceiling is sketchy. I can see it working for very approximate measurements – so it might be useful for this times when you only need to put in a single screw or hang a single anchor. But when you think about it, when you’re standing in front of the wall with the drill pointed forward, you can easily being holding the drill slightly canted up/down and left/right. The body of the drill might be the right distance from the walls, floor or ceiling, but the drill point could easily be off the mark and you wouldn’t know. Depending on this feature to put in a pair of screws or anchors to hold something level, or to get exactly the right width between two mounting brackets would be doomed to fail.
This appears to be a “cool” feature that actually turns out to be virtually useless in real applications. Far better, as others have pointed out, to get a dedicated laser distance measure, a good level, and a good tape measure. That’s how you get really accurate positioning and the exact right distance between anchors.
Also sort of awful to contemplate getting a new, very expensive, unproven system that requires yet another battery platform, when the company only offers one tool that uses that battery. Maybe others will come out eventually, but at $400 for a tool that might compete with a pro level tool at half or 1/3 of that, I can only guess what a set of these tools might cost.
At $400, I’d want to know how robust this is. Will it withstand a drop? How well does the gearbox hold up? How good is the chuck? How about heat dissipation (with so few vent holes!)? What’s the actual torque on this, and how long does the motor last if you really put it to work?
At that price point, considering all the points above as well as others raised in this thread, I doubt that anyone who actually uses tools for a living will be rushing out to buy this anytime soon unless they have money burning a hole in their pocket. As far as amateurs, there will be a few happy to drop $400 on this, just as there are a number of k-mart cowboys who happily shell out for Tony Lama boots and Stetson cowboy hats and never wind up riding a horse.
In the end, I think the company has a long way to go in order to generate the kind of credibility and good will they’ll need to be taken seriously.
JoeM
…On behalf of all of Canada, I am truly Sorry for what my fellow Countrymen have obviously inflicted upon the world here…
… And in typical Torontonian fashion… I’m betting they were born in Montreal, and thought this design up while [redacted, please keep it PG 13!!] and staring at their iPhones saying “Mon Dieu! Je Comprend la Visage!!!” (“My God, I know how it should look” for those non-french speakers.)
There’s no way in hell “The Future” of tools is Apple iCrap designed. And I have a policy of disliking Kickstarter items. Until it is funded, and on the retail market, at its REASONABLE price point… No Touchy Touchy.
Stuart
That’s a bit harsh, but I also had to edit a couple of lines out of your comment. Please keep the language PG-13, even PG.
JoeM
My Bad… It’s a Toronto/Montreal thing… Our two cities don’t like eachother…
Picture two brothers. One is an Accountant (Toronto), the other is a Womanizing Alcoholic. (Montreal)… Sometimes the language gets colourful. I was going for humour… Would’ve killed in either Toronto or Montreal….
Stuart
Rivalries are one thing, but the removed lines had drug and alcohol references, sexual references, and implied violence!
JoeM
Which, believe it or not, sounds exactly like what Montrealers are like to Torontonians… It’s actually a running joke in Canada.
Again… I apologize… Would have been hillarious to people from Toronto or Montreal though…
Chris S
The amount of people dismissing this, but missing the opportunity to see a potentially great design (Not the drill, but the depth guide).
I want Milwaukee to come out with an LDF (laser distance finder) that has a simple LCD screen to measure fractional inches or mm and only needs one button (tare) to zero out the screen every time. I needs to read in real time and the laser/receiver can be built into the side of the motor housing and be a little bump out like the screw bump outs that connect the motor housing to the gearbox. It would be so cool for anchors that require a specific depth.
Just set the bit against your surface to be drilled hit the button that would be slightly above your thumb and F/R selector to zero out and drill to exactly 2″ for the next 50 holes without having to use tape, drill collar, tape measure, whatever.
I may try a 3D printed housing and use something cheap (picturing something like a DW040 that can be taken apart and repurposed. Same screen, internals, and button).
JoeM
It’s less about those features, and more about the execution of those features. A lot about the Ergonomics and Form Factor don’t suit the tiny benefit of having those features there. You have them, yes… but making use of them? With the shiny Apple iCrap casing, and the vastly terrible placing of that top laser level, plus the SIZE of that casing? Oh, and the horrible cheesy marketing to boot… Oy Vey… It’s a “Go back and try again when you aren’t thinking like a child’s toy” kind of reaction.
Plus, that back screen looks rather fragile. The whole body looks fragile. And that key feature of the side-rotating laser level… it sticks out so far, in among all that cheap plastic… You KNOW that’s the first breaking point if you DO drop it. What’s worse is that their software SPECIFICALLY MENTIONS a feature that COUNTS the number of times you DROP IT… All of this sounds bad… Not for the features… for the execution of the tool.
Chris
I in no way defended the tool itself, nor did I even talk about it except to exclude it from my thoughts (see first sentence).
This is merely a thought bubble/train of thought on how the LDF could be a very useful thing for said application. They have over engineered the idea with to many bells and whistles, but my thought still stands that this could be a great idea.
Aaron
plus or minus 1/8″ and bit momentum and any changes to the angle of the drill.. Thats a really expensive piece of masking tape. depth stop on the bit is a cheap and reliable solution…
Which is the issue. Seems like this tool was designed by people who had never thought about what actually makes a good drill and then tried to solve a bunch of already solved problems.
And then they try to do the whole thing themselves. This plays to the bosch battery system discussion from yesterday. Does each crazy tool idea need to include inventing the platform from scratch? The guy who thinks up putting a touchscreen on a tool isn’t the same one who knows how to engineer a battery system (or get the patents to do it legit) and maybe he hasn’t learned the decades of lessons that go into production of tools.
Chris
It’s not expensive, LDF’s can be had for less than $25 and a manufacturer can get them cheaper. An 1/8″ is well within tolerances for something like a hollow wall anchor, tap-con, etc. and a piece of masking tape isn’t stopping your “bit momentum” either.
People probably thought lasers on miter saws were not a good idea until they were. Shadow lines were born from the idea of improving on the laser, but the laser line was a good stepping stone.
As I told JoeM, I’m not defending this tool, just a specific idea.
Jon
For me, the difference between the drill’s “auto depth stop” and use of either masking tape or depth stop is that you can see your tape or depth stop approaching the surface you’re drilling into. When I see my “stop” getting close to the surface, I stop pushing forward as aggressively on the drill, effectively slowing down as my stop gets to the surface — and THAT is why I don’t overshoot and drill too deep. If the Robbox simply continues to operate as full speed until you get to the programmed depth, and then suddenly stops, you’ll still be leaning in.
That said, this gives me an idea: if there were some kind of visual indication on the back of the drill showing how close you were getting to your target depth that would provide the same kind of cue I’m describing above, and let me know to push forward less aggressively as I get close to the desired depth. This could be in the form of a row of LEDs, perhaps, lighting up progressively as you approach your target. For me, that could make this laser depth feature much more valuable.
I’m also wondering how the laser depth feature works with different length bits. Hoping it has a “zero” function, so you could install the bit in the drill, hold the drill up to the wall with the tip touching while you hit a “zero depth” button so the drill could learn the length of the bit.
taras
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tools/Milwaukee/Depth-Gauge/N-5yc1vZc298ZzvZ1z17tpb
See that little rod on the side of the motor housing? That’s your depth stop. It’s graduated in 1/8th increments. It is operated by a single button (that little red lever). It works beautifully and doesn’t require a circuit boards to work properly.
Stuart
That’s for masonry walls. Use that on painted drywall and you’ll some repair work added to your project.
corey wuertz
But its too early for april fools right?
JoeM
This is 2020… How can we even tell anymore?
Jim Felt
Good one. Not about our kinda Tools. But tools nevertheless!
Peter Fox
This looks very much like a solution in search of a problem.
Jim Felt
This is the prop that the red shirted crew members would carry while following Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock on an adventure in the original Star Trek.
Never to be seen again.
Just like this will be.
mattd
I genuinely hate this. And you are right there is no porting in the front of the housing so air cannot be drawn through the motor. This will actually cause it to heat up even faster as it will cause more motor resistance from the fan.
Aaron
They’ll just have to thermal throttle it. can’t really have it get hot enough to need ventilation, that would discolor or melt the shiny housing.
Jim Felt
What about a flux capacitor so Doc and Marty can more easily retrieve it?
Brian M
If they gave me one for free I’d return it.
Alex Peel
So as many people have pointed out this is obviously a drill for people who have never owned one and have no idea what tools are and don’t own or are intimidated by the concept of a level. Their examples are all super basic home owner things like hanging pictures. They show what looks like an ikea screw assortment which suggests that their market is people who have no hardware outside what they got from ikea.
You can clearly see what their priorities are if you look at the tool itself vs the touch screen and UI. Their actual physical tool looks like a joke and the fact that they show it at all for their promo makes me think that they have no clue at all about hardware, or they have a clue but know their target market does not. This is further reinforced by the really slick looking ui and touch screen. They obviously put a lot of thought into that part and it looks really pizzazy even if the functionality it provides is suspect. This just shows what they consider important.
One bit of the promo is actually intentionally misleading. They seem to imply their drill level functionality would replace a level if drilling multiple holes.
Seeing as how a cordless drill is probably a top 5 tool for most diy/homeowners I can’t see how even someone with a tiny bit of experience is going to be taken in by this.
This is a drill for people who want to “diy”, have no tools, have money, and who’s extent of diy is going to be hanging a picture they got from ikea. This person has no ability to know they are getting overcharged for a bunch of stuff they will never need and probably mediocre hardware.
Stuart
Hey now, I’ve purchased a couple of those IKEA fastener assortments – for some reason those screw sizes work well when I can’t find the size or head style I want from Spax at Home Depot.
I can see the height measurements leading to mistakes. It might work well when hanging separate photo frames. But, a series of holes a set distance from the floor does not guarantee a shelf will be level, as the floor might not be perfectly level.
Alex Peel
Yeah but you are so meta you have gone right past the “wow who knew they sell screws in assortments like this” into “why would I go to ikea for screws they are probably crap” and back out the other side into “these are a good replacement for spax when I run out.” That’s not most people. I would think that most pro’s would be insulted by a commercial that showed the usage being ikea screws. Then again I am a snobby tool collector not a pro so what do I know.
Stuart
I wouldn’t say they’re good replacements for Spax, but they kind of fill in gaps in between when I need something quick, if that makes sense. I find them to be equal to or better than the “standard” home center fasteners, and since they’re meant for wall-mounting purposes they’re pretty strong.
For example, I found the perfect size for hanging shades, as my right-diameter Spax were too short and my longer screws were flatheads.
I also like the wall anchors for some needs, but I also have a supply of home center anchors for more specific uses. If I’m making something to hang, I can select the exact wall anchors I use, if I can’t hit a stud or in between. And if I’m mouthing something store-bought, the IKEA generally fit better than what I keep on hand, with greater holding power than smaller anchors and easier to use than the Toggler anchors I like for heavier duty holding needs.
I like to think that I’m not too snobby to avoid a good deal.
I bought a made-in-Germany anchor set from Lee Valley a while back, but haven’t made a dent in them yet, the IKEA ones seem to fit the tasks a little better.
A “let me try these” for the first set led to my running out of certain sizes and an “I need more of these” purchase of a second set.
I also have an IKEA tape measure, half for editorial “exploration” purposes, and half to keep a handy metric tape around when my other goes missing.
The 260pc set is $10, and it has saved me a trip to the hardware store on occasion. I wouldn’t go to IKEA just for this, but it’s something I’d recommend for those who think they might need it. IKEA does leave your on your own though, without any holding strength specs or guidelines.
Chris
Looks like a real humdinger???
Nick Marques
Hard pass. I saw the ads for it and while I love tech and lasers, this was just like… “what’s wrong with measuring?”
It’s white and it’s going to be filthy in its first use. And how do you use the screen when it’s covered in dust?
Another battery system? Pass. 1 hour of use? Pass.
Stacey Jones
The sci-fi loving geek in me is drawn to this kind of tool, but I really doubt it would be worth it, because it likely doesn’t live up to the hype. Still I’m sure they were using this on 2001 A Space Odyssey or Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy aboard the Heart of Gold. ? If it goes on sale for $50, I’m in though.
Mike
Oh drill of the future can you core a apple
l law
Wow. Lots of cynicism. Tool innovation has been principally limited to battery technology and related power and power consumption engineering. Very little innovation directed to making tool use more effective- this is a step in the right direction. Whether the innovations are effective cant be known until used or tested. What is clear is the major tool manufacturers hardly innovate but chase each other at the margins. Competition is good unless you have a vested interested in the current manufacturers.
Stuart
Other brands have used built-in levels before. Other brands have used app-customizable speed and torque settings. Nova’s drill presses have a very thorough drill bit and material speed selector program.
What’s innovative here? The lasers certainly are, but they’re limited in functionality and would not have been practical for any of the home or apartment wall-drilling tasks I can remember doing in the past few years.
Half of my criticisms stems from the lack of details and the nature of the marketing. The other half is hesitations about utility, which could perhaps also be addressed through the showcasing of real-world scenarios.
So far, everything I have seen is about telling us how great these innovations are, and they need just a bit more work in the “showing” us how great they are department.
I’ve assessed very many “innovative” tools over the past 11-1/2 years. Some are genuine problem-solvers, and others look good but don’t really benefit anyone.
Instead of countering any of my criticisms or others’ comments, you’re simply attacking our opinions. How’s that for a constructive conversation? Which of the innovations do you believe are game-changing? Which of my comments or criticisms do you object with?
Five years ago, brushless drills were very premium-priced. Now, during seasonal promos, you can get a pro-brand compact brushless drill kit, with 1 or 2 batteries (depending on the brand), and a charger, for $99. Tools are smaller, faster, more battery efficient. Hammer drills and drill/drivers of the same length. Multi-headed drill/drivers from additional brands. Built-in anti-kickback sensors.
The thinking behind this drill is sound. But the way it’s designed, the drill is going to be appealing to some users and not to others. Closing that gap between extremes is going to take iterations, if it’s possible.
l law
Sorry if you take my comment as attacking you or anyone else. However I just think the level of criticism lobbed at a product no one has yet touched is a bit harsh and premature. i also believe that entrenched thinking by both manufacturers, users and enthusiasts will lead to some harsh surprises. Blackberry scoffed at Apple’s iphone until it ate them alive. Same thing will happen with tool manufacturers. Any given Chinese factory can bang out a reasonably competitive tool today. The next round of innovation may well come from outside-first directed at DIY and non-pros to speed up and simplify with more predictable results. And they will be dismissed by enthusiasts and pro’s just like Blackberry dismissed Apple because it is hard to see the value when you are highly skilled and trained. This article and related comments serves a good example of how easy it is to fall into the trap of defending the status quo. No one will type on a glass screen said Blackberry. Whether this product is any good will need to be judged on its merits after use. And perhaps the naysayers will be proven right on this product. But in the end users benefit from innovation and innovative thinking. And i appreciate you bringing this product to our attention.
Stuart
Fair enough. But also keep in mind that I have been analyzing and assessing new tools here for the past 11-1/2 years, and in that time I’ve seen a lot. I also know my personal needs and wants.
Innovation is always good, and this tool does certain things in new ways.
Comfort, ergonomics, performance definitely require a hands-on take for any real opinions. But the general questions of i) who is this drill for and ii) what types of work will it benefit? can be answered to some extent based on its design and product claims.
The marketing leaves out typically standard specs and ratings – why?
Sometimes innovation isn’t appreciated until years later. Other times the execution of great ideas leave a lot to be desired. Challenging and weighing the realistic benefits of any new innovations isn’t quite the same as defending the status quo.
Modern-day basic-functioned laser distance measuring tools can be downright tiny in size. Might it have been possible to integrate a smaller device on top of the drill without much loss in functionality?
Roger
CRINGY!!!
CRINGY!!!!!
CRINGY!!!
CRINGY!!!!!
CRINGY!!!
21V? (3.5V) That, means Kobalt batteries will work it 24V (4V max).
Drill of the future, BUT I still have to manually change speeds? Manual lockout? Manually have to remove and manually recharge the battery? What happen to wireless charge? Two handed use? Digital level, but the picture clearly shows it’s boring at an angle….
John
This is a great example of “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
Bob
Wow for $300 you get the storm trooper drill? No wait its got gold in the color scheme. Oh right its the special edition storm trooper drill. Hahaha
Is it just me or is kickstarter becoming the new version of “as seen on TV”?
JoeM
I didn’t think about it like that before… but I think you might’ve hit a bullseye there… Kickstarter was once a place to get impossible things done by the power of the mass desire for them… Now it’s the place where desperate people seem to be going to get their ninth-tier niche products made for those who back it only.
I mean… Some great things are still on Kickstarter, and Kickstarter did get the funding to some pretty awesome things… but that tiny fraction of the whole are so rare it’s almost hilarious. I guess the New Media version of “As Seen on TV” will be “Kickstarter Campaign Funded in only (Short amount of time listed here) so come get yours!”
This Drill could have been executed significantly better. Prototype or not, this… really is sad. Probably could’ve executed the laser level inside the grip somewhere, and used a prism or periscope mechanism to reduce it to near nothing on the handle. Plus they could easily have used a different plastic, and a clearly less fragile control screen. An All-Digital control interface though? I think some of those should have been left the old fashioned way, with manual clutch and speed settings. The laser level and on-screen angle targeting… that would be nice to keep on that screen, but… You might as well just put a gyro sensor in the drill, and Bluetooth link it to the App to view on screen AS AN OPTION at that point. Auto Depth Control? Nice idea… It is… Huge leap forward. But no specs about its sensitivity? Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
I think it’s clear we don’t want THIS model. We want the tested-and-corrected, 6 more generations of testing, price set firmly in the retail market version.
Patrick
There’s some potentially neat features of executed properly, but agreed – the marketing of this video is truly cringeworthy and gives the impression this is aimed towards people interested in buying for the tech features but not in actually using it.
Also, why on earth would you have a glossy finish on a “pro” tool? Hopefully the case has a velvet lining for when it’s never taken out.
taras
This is a drill that will be purchased by people who cannot stop talking about their Tesla.
Outside of that, no serious tradesperson or hobbyist will consider it.
JoeM
…Except… I most certainly would buy a Tesla… If people want to talk to me about my vehicle choice, they’re not going to get a lot of conversation out of it, but I would be quite happy to own one. Electric does mean you get 100% of your max torque from the engine at the slightest touch of the accelerator, so it’s really only a matter of time before Tesla clues in to the max torque needed for Tradespeople and Construction needs. They “Cybertruck” looks like a Pickup version of a DeLorean, so the Nerd in me gets inappropriate tingles when seeing it. But, I will admit that one is not Trades ready.
Maybe when they make a version of that in a Courier Van or Flatbed edition, it might be Trades Worthy. But I’m not sure Tesla, or the general public, are ready for Tesla Pro level vehicles yet. The charging infrastructure isn’t in wide enough availability yet.
Sorry… Not arguing… You said Tesla, I went Nerd… I apologize.
Hon Cho
Come on guys (are there any women on ToolGuyd?). You’re a tough audience! The “inventor(s)” think they’ve come up with a money-making idea. The marketplace of ideas and products is a great thing that gives consumers choices and businesses the opportunity to make money and employ people. Robbox is not a drill I would buy but if it’s what I had to use, I’d use it.
We often think fondly on all the terrific US made products of the past but, rest assured, there was plenty of marginal crap produced and foisted on a public that sometimes didn’t know better. We remember the winners and sometimes we remember failures but many times most things are just lost in the dustbin of history.
Kickstarter and the like allow some interesting things to percolate to the marketplace. If they had to go through the corporate bureaucracies the ideas might never make it to prototypes or manufacturing. Though there are many flaws in our economic and governance systems, in general we don’t suffer from lack of choice. Be thankful for the many choices in the tool arena and applaud the people trying to expand the universe with both good and not-so-good ideas. Why applaud the not-so-good ideas? Because we need the less-than-good to remind us that there’s always the possibility of better.
Stuart
Part of the reason I let myself be frank about my opinions is because there are always so many others who shower tools like this with praise, taking everything at face value.
Here is an older comparison against an “outdated” drill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2or8myJUfnQ
Okay, but that outdated consumer-grade drill costs substantially less. Now let’s say you want to drive a fastener. Uh-oh, it’s a little proud and you need more torque than you set. Which tool will allow for faster torque settings, the one with a digital touchscreen, or the one with a clutch dial?
And in the comparison, the xDrill can drill holes 5″ apart, but are they level? Possibly, maybe not.
For me, a lot of the marketing hype falls apart, and that’s what I feel most critical about.
Nathan
Coming soon to a milwaukee tool in your future. One Key data log request showing that after dropped once with impact strength of ______ the warranty is void.
Replace that with whatever team color you chose to run.
I’ll go back to my other comments would like the laser idea on a real drill – more in line with a compact drill driver more so than a hammer etc.
laser readers top and bottom help with acceleromter to show spacing and angle. Likewise install bit – place against wall – “zero” the depth – auto depth gage.
I could see it useful but there are other ways of course. Just level on a drill would be nice. Hell I’d settle for milled areas where I could ride the drill against say a framing square. I do that but it would be nice to have a purposeful location for when you don’t have a drill guide and need a hole plumb to a line.
rob
You remember this….https://toolguyd.com/campbell-hausfeld-angled-finish-nailer-review/
Stuart
Yes?
rob
Laser, stud finder, level incorporated into single tool in 2009.
Kizzle
Couldn’t you just tape a couple bubble levels and laser distance measuring tool to a drill?
JoeM
Funny enough, with today’s Brushless Motors making everything so compact? I’m not sure taping them would be a good thing. The tools and the tape could easily cover the ventilation, and the heat exchange between all the various detached parts could cause other problems.
But, effectively… I do agree that the way they did it isn’t much different than doing just that. Which… on further examination… does kinda explain why there’s so little ventilation on this thing.
And before you say it… I think glue might be worse, as heat exchange and adhesion are often enemies, without getting the exact kind of adhesive right.
Rx9
I give the team here credit for putting it into one package, but people buy systems when it comes to cordless, so a single tool won’t work. The real money to be made here is selling what patents they have on this thing to a major manufacturer.
Rx9
Three more thoughts on this:
1. I give Stuart credit for seeing through the hype and asking some good questions on this. That’s one reason I’ve been a big fan of this site.
2. For a second, I thought the name was RobLox, like the videogame.
3. The video was a little cringey, but thankfully for the Robbox team, not bad enough to merit time on Kickstarter TV.
bobad
What a gimmicky drill. I don’t think I even know anyone that would want to own it at any price. Personally, I won’t even spend 400 bucks on a top-of-the-line, powerful, reliable drill, much less a gimmicky, weak looking tool. Unless it takes selfies, then I gotta have it. 🙂
Mau
Well, I could see a couple of features that could be helpful IF (and it’s a huge if) implemented correctly.
I seriously doubt it will be the case, and I think it will simply be the next iteration of the category “products for people that absolutely don’t need it” (where I myself find spending money too often).
Anybody who is a pro or a serious DIY will go for the classics, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, etc. etc. Anybody who maybe need a drill will go to Lowes or HomeDepot and buy the cheapest of the lot, maybe the second or third cheapest just not to look noob.
People who will buy it? Gadget addicts. The same people who bought the 3D printer on Kickstarter just to print Boaty.
Corey Moore
Swing and a miss. Cool they’re trying, I guess, but too many immediate disqualifing points for pro consideration, ignoring the crazy price for a super fancy, mid range drill. As you mentioned- air vents. Not enough for starters, and if they knew how to actually hold a drill with both hands, they’d have informed the actor, but more importantly realized that those tiny vents will be sealed immediately when gripping it for strength. Biggest insult is the idea that anyone picking up a drill for the first time is gonna be capable of drilling at repetitive angles (let alone any angle) free hand just because there’s a touch screen with a number. Handling a drill is a real skill, and drilling anything at an angle from the jump is a recipe for damaged shit. Stopping a drill bit dead at depth is going to cause lots of blown out holes as the user is going to have to jump start the thing again to back it out, pretty often. Lasers are neat, use em for layout a lot, but the first guy I see trying to drill without using the tape measure, is losing drill privileges. The whole thing is silly as far as I’m concerned.
Rick C
I think buying one of these will turn me into a better person. My schizophrenia will be down to just the original three of us, someone will drop off a pony for me, my toenails will clip themselves, and I’ll be invited to parties as an honored guest rather than the ‘entertainment’ when they all try to pin tails on me.
Matter of fact, I’ll probably buy two of them.
ray
Please repost this for April Fool’s Thanks.
kat
This is actually a nice innovation.
The tool might not be as well made as branded tools, but the laser feature is actually innovative and very useful and no other brand thought about it!
John Lobert
This is typical of most Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects. Some are outright frauds, while others have no idea what they’re doing. I’ve been burned a number of times. No more.
Oleg K
How does an addition of a very much breakable LCD screen benefit the end-user or the drill? As far as I can see it just adds an unnecessary device that drains the battery and limits utility!
And the insane price tag! $300 for a drill I can’t take to a jobsite because the lcd screen will get destroyed, if the drill doesn’t run out of joice from its tiny battery? Are they fucking nuts?!
Also, speaking of innovation and revolution… Where is it? Did they create a new battery that Dan accommodate the screen and the connectivity? Or, maybe, they came up with a brand new motor technology that’s more efficient yet stronger than the current lineup or already extremely sophisticated, tried and true brushless motors?
Or, maybe, they just made a drill out of shiny plastic and, by slapping a bright screen on it and introducing a bunch of cool, confusing menus that make even the most average DIY’er believe he is the world’s greatest tradesman these guys created the ultimate tool for attracting idiots who don’t care about how good something is or how useful it may be, only hoping that having “it” would make people like them? Yeah, that’s probably it.
I hope to meet a person who ordered one if these and ask him or her what the strategy was behind ordering it and what they expected to achieve by having it in their, um… I was going to say ‘toolbox’ but I’m afraid this drill won’t survive it and thus must be carried around in a special case, lined with soft foam.
I can’t wait for reviews, really can’t, especially by a pro who bought it based on recommendation of this blog lol
Chris S
I don’t see where “this blog” recommended this…
Stuart
I have no idea. I thought my doubt, hesitations, criticisms were really clear.
Oleg K
Seriously, how bad of a handyman do you have to be to require a laser in order to limit yourself from drilling too deep? I can already imagine the competition between a person with this gadget and somebody using a regular drill… The one with the normal, common drill will be done with the whole project and will be home by the time the unlucky futurist is done setting shit up on the drill and synchronizing it with a smartphone.
Does it need an app to remain upright on the table? How about changing bits, does it do it for you? Do you need to enter a password to remove one? Can you watch videos while drilling? Stupid… The only truly useful feature can be mitigated by purchasing a $2 self-adhesive level pin from any hardware store, same one we all have on the back of our drills, that required no calibration, no battery power, apps or wifi. This is stupid!