At the recent DEWALT event we had the opportunity to get our hands on their new 8V MAX Gyroscopic Screw driver DCF680. Unfortunately they would not allow us to take any pictures or videos of the new tool in action but our crafty friends at ToolSelect.com were able to charm their way into allowing them to produce this very nice video with Jim Watson, Group Product Manager. We think it does an excellent job of demonstrating the tool and how this new feature works in real life applications.
This tool is very handy without the new feature and after using it for only a few minutes you could see how you could very easily get used to this new type of control. The gyroscopic function of this tool was not, however, the most interesting feature to us. Their new 8V MAX platform utilizes newer, smaller, lithium ion cells that we have not seen in any other power tools to date. This makes the 8V battery pack much smaller, similar to the size of 2 AA batteries in a small plastic case. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for this more compact 8V tool platform. We are very interested to see what other products are planned for this smaller platform but our guess is we will not have to wait long. See the full DEWALT DCF680 press release below.
TOWSON, Md. – Today, DEWALT® announces the introduction of its new 8V MAX* Gyroscopic Screwdriver. The 8V MAX* Gyroscopic Screwdriver [DCF680] includes gyroscopic technology often found in electronic devices that has now been integrated into a professional-grade 8V MAX* screwdriver. The new 8V MAX* screwdriver is operated by gyroscopic sensors inside of the tool that sense the user’s wrist motions—right to tighten screws, left to loosen or remove screws. The DCF680 is an ideal tool for any professional user looking for a compact, portable screwdriver with precise speed control, for applications such as electrical, woodworking, HVAC, maintenance and repair, and hardware installation.
“Although gyroscopic technology is not new to electronics, it is one of the newest forms of technologies to be used in power tools. DEWALT’s DCF680 is the first professional grade, battery-powered screwdriver to incorporate the use of gyroscopic technology to provide end user productivity,” says Jim Watson, Group Product Manager, DEWALT.
The variable speed control sets the DCF680 gyroscopic screwdriver apart from traditional stick screwdrivers and makes applications easy, and the adjustable two-position handle allows for operation in either in-line or pistol grip. The tool is powered by an 8V MAX* lithium ion battery that provides the performance required by end users to complete jobsite applications. Users will also benefit from the LED ring light that allows illumination in confined areas, the Battery State of Charge displayed on top of the tool that notifies the user when to charge the battery, and the one-handed loading 1/4? hex chuck that accepts 1? bit tips. The DCF680N1 (single-battery kit) will retail for $89.97 and the DCF680N2 (two-battery kit) will retail for $99.00. Both kits come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back guarantee, and will be available in August wherever DEWALT products are sold.
* Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 8 volts. Nominal voltage is 7.2.
