By:  Pam Melton
UltraTech® Power Precision Screwdriver (Model #500)
Mfg:  General Tools and Instruments
Retail:  General Tools - $29.95; Rockler.com - $24.99; Amazon.com - $28.77
Please Note:  price shop conducted on 5/14/10.
Features per mfg:  10+ hours of power (assuming that means typical life cycle of batteries), 2 AA batteries (included), bits included:  Phillips #0 & #00, 1/8” straight, 1/16” straight, T5 torx and T6 torx
 

I have to say that I saw this at the 2010 National Hardware Show, and thought “now that’s kinda cool”.  Changing batteries in the grandkids’ toys and electronic books came immediately to mind.  The kind folks at General Tools® sent one home with me, and would you believe that it wasn’t in the house 48 hours before the first task sought it out.  I have this old calculator that I use at the H.O.W. office and the batteries died about a month ago.  It’s just been sittin’ around, waiting for me to do something.  Keep in mind that right now, my motto is “Purge, Baby, Purge”.  Everything in my line of sight has to justify why it’s taking up space in the world of me.  While yes I can use my phone or my computer as a calculator, this last month has proven that I just like using a calculator.  Now – check out the battery compartment on this darn thing.   I don’t know about you, but every time I need one of those little, teeny, screwdrivers I either can’t find one, or the one I find doesn’t have the right head.  At least this time, there was no little munchkin anxiously awaiting the miraculous resurrection of whatever plaything just died.

At first glance, something like this screwdriver would seem gadgety.  You know I’m way critical about what’s worth having around.  At $25-$30, it’s definitely a discretionary purchase, but I wouldn’t sneer at one being in my stocking at Christmas.  Why, you say?
* I’m more likely to give it a home, ensuring that I can find it when I need it, because it’s powered and has stuff (bits) with it.
* The variety of bits pretty much guarantees that the frustration of having a teeny screwdriver in hand that doesn’t fit the offending screw will no longer be part of my reality.
* The little thumbswitch doesn’t irritate my latent carpal tunnel syndrome.
* When the bit fits the screw correctly, it holds onto it after removal.  (I’m tellin’ ya, my age-challenged eyes can’t take much miniscule screw hunting).
* This one’s kinda “me” – it gave this old, tin Monopoly® box, to which my hubby has a sentimental attachment, a new purpose in life.  Believe me, the box and the hubby are happy ‘cause it was losing the justification battle.

While I typically like to wait until I’ve used a tool a while before rendering an opinion, I have a hard time seeing how this little fella can do anything that’s gonna tick me off enough to change my initial assessment.  It’s simple, task appropriate, not ridiculously expensive, and will make my life just a teency tad easier.  If you’ve got kids, grandkids, electronics – consider adding it to your gift wish list.  I’m givin’ it 5 fingernails.  
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