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Kinetic Driver puts a new spin on screwdrivers

Kinetic Driver puts a new spin on screwdrivers
The Kinetic Driver is presently on Kickstarter
The Kinetic Driver is presently on Kickstarter
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Excluding its case and bits package, the screwdriver weighs a claimed 205 g (7.2 oz)
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Excluding its case and bits package, the screwdriver weighs a claimed 205 g (7.2 oz)
The Kinetic Driver is presently on Kickstarter
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The Kinetic Driver is presently on Kickstarter

Screwdrivers are generally thought of as being rough, tough, no-nonsense devices, so what might a high-end exotic Italian screwdriver look like? Well, as it turns out, probably a lot like the limited-edition Kinetic Driver.

The elegant tool was created by designer Giacomo Di Muro, who is based out of the northern Italian town of Alassio. Among his previous inventions was the Maker Knife, which sported a retractable ceramic blade.

The Kinetic Driver features a stainless steel shaft with a brass cylinder at the bottom, that acts as a flywheel. At the top of the device is a ring-shaped head that contains a ceramic bearing. The whole thing is chemically treated to give it an oxide coating, which reportedly makes it "virtually immune to corrosion."

Excluding its case and bits package, the screwdriver weighs a claimed 205 g (7.2 oz)
Excluding its case and bits package, the screwdriver weighs a claimed 205 g (7.2 oz)

To use the Kinetic Driver, you just hold it so that its head is pressed against your palm, then you spin the knurled shaft in either direction with your fingers. The flywheel causes the shaft to continue spinning relative to the head, so you don't have to keep manually turning it yourself. If a screw is particularly tight, though, you can just grab the shaft directly to deliver more torque.

The tool is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of €75 (about US$88) will get you a package that includes one screwdriver, 24 interchangeable bits, and a carrying case – if everything works out, that is. Di Muro plans to produce just 5 percent more units than the number of preorders he receives, after which the Kinetic Driver will never be manufactured again.

Source: Kickstarter

4 comments
4 comments
wle atlanta
i like the regular screwdrivers just fine, esp if this one costs $100
Brian M
A bit like Italian super cars, great to look at but useless if you actually want to go anywhere!
Catweazle
I have had a Mac Tools screwdriver for over 30 years that has an epicyclic-geared collar on the shaft which if held stationary causes the shaft to turn at 4x the speed the handle is turned, one of the most useful tools I've ever had in my life.
unusualsuspect
I have a "Yankee" spiral ratchet screwdriver that I still use on occasion.
An oldie, but a goodie.