I’ve always been a big fan of electric screwdrivers. They’re perfect for tasks that require a lot of fastener work, like assembling furniture, attaching light switch covers, or appliance repair. Plus, their compact size and automatic operation are welcome qualities alongside the bulky, manual screwdrivers in my tool collection.
While higher-end brands like Dewalt and Milwaukee offer great electric screwdriver options, Skil models hit the sweet spot when it comes to balancing performance and affordability. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on their newest model, the Skil SD5619-01 Twist 2.0 Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver ($30, currently on sale for $20). While it’s not the brand’s first model with an adjustable design (the former Skil 4V SD561802 Pivot Grip offered both fixed- and pistol-handle options), this one features three angle positions, three torque levels, and convenient USB-C charging.
How I Tested
In order to get a true idea of the Skil Twist 2.0’s capabilities, I spent a week using it to perform as many fastening tasks as I could get my hands on. I removed and installed light switch covers and car license plates, tightened cabinet door hinges and doorknobs, and swapped out drawer pulls, among other things. During these tests, I utilized all of the tool’s angle and torque settings and both included bits (Philips and flathead). I also shut off all interior lights to evaluate the effectiveness of its built-in LED worklight and alternated carrying it in my pants pocket, backpack, and toolbox to get an accurate idea of its overall portability.
Usability
The first thing I noticed about this electric screwdriver was just how easy it is to use. Thanks to its intuitive controls—two arrows for forward and reverse and a side button to lock in any of the three angle positions—I operated the tool right out of its packaging without any trouble. Among the different operating angles, I found the “straight” position to be great for the majority of tasks, but the extra angle options were extremely helpful for jobs that required accessing interior screws (like swapping out drawer pulls). For those, the tool’s nearly 9-inch length when fully straight was too long to maneuver the way I needed to.
My favorite feature of all was the torque adjustment control. Located at the bottom of the handle, this allowed me to customize the amount of torque I applied to the fastener, which is invaluable when dealing with delicate materials that would otherwise be easily damaged by an overpowered driver, such as modular furniture made from thin particle board. Although this Skil lacks the multiple speed settings of higher-end electric screwdrivers, these torque settings helped achieve similar results.
The two bits fit snugly into the magnetic bit holder and pop out easily when it’s time to swap, but due to the tool’s lack of a built-in storage option, I was on my own when it came to keeping track of the bit that wasn’t in use. It’s also worth noting that, like all multi-bit drivers with a ¼-inch hex bit holder, this model accepts any compatible bit or accessory you might have on hand (including extra long bits, adapters, and magnetic sleeves for those hard-to-access areas), so you’re not limited to the two included options.
Design
What really separates the SKIL SD5619-01 Twist 2.0 Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver from other electric screwdrivers is its sturdy and heavy-duty feel. A grippy, rubber exterior covers almost the entire unit, and the slightly softer, more comfortable rubber forward and reverse arrows are comfortable to press. The rubber gave me a secure, solid grip at all times—even when my hand was a little sweaty—and the tool’s 13-ounce weight was light enough to use for extended periods of time, even above head height.
This light overall weight also made carrying the driver in my pocket, or keeping it in my back pocket while ascending a ladder, very easy. The buttons, bit holder, and adjustment mechanism all feel heavy-duty, which bodes well for the tool’s long-term durability. Its flat bottom is also convenient for storage.
The lock button at the bottom of the handle isn’t something I typically find on similarly priced electric screwdrivers, and I found this feature quite useful. A long press locks the driver in the “off” position, which prevents the battery from getting inadvertently drained during transport if another button is accidentally pressed in your backpack or toolbox, for example.
I also love the built-in LED worklight. Positioned directly above the bit holder, it automatically powers on when you press the forward or reverse buttons. Unlike some power tools I’ve used, this light actually stays on for about 10 seconds after you’ve released the directional button, which illuminates your workspace without having to keep the bit constantly spinning. I found this light especially useful while crawling into lower cabinets to adjust hinge settings.
Performance
Although the 4V battery that comes with this Skil SD5619-01 Twist 2.0 Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver is relatively underpowered compared to the 8V options offered by some higher-end brands, I found it perfectly sufficient for basic applications. It recharges via a basic USB-A to USB-C charging port, so there’s no need to worry about external battery packs and bulky charging stations.
The Skil lacks some advanced features found on higher-end electric screwdrivers, like gyroscopic operation or multiple speed settings, but for the average user tackling the occasional fastening task, this model’s functionality is more than sufficient.
Final Thoughts
After using the Skil 4V for about a week, I can honestly say that this tool has become a permanent fixture in my go-to tool collection. If you find yourself using a manual screwdriver relatively frequently, and you don’t require the bells and whistles of a high-end option, the Skil 4V is fantastic. Although the lack of built-in bit storage is a little annoying, I’m comfortable sacrificing this one feature considering the tool’s durable construction and low price.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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