While strolling the tool aisles at the local Lowes, I learned that Stanley FatMax had come with some new screwdrivers. The new drivers, part of a 6-piece set with model number FMHT62052, features (simulated) diamond-coated tips!
Yes, that’s right, they’re (simulated) diamond-coated, in order to provide more grip and better bite. Diamond is a fantastic abrasive – the best there is (to my knowledge) – and so it does provide for an ultra frictiony fastener fit.
I don’t know if I would use these on fasteners that would see multiple installation and removal cycles, and definitely not on painted fasteners or those made from delicate materials. But for fasteners that will go in and out maybe once or even once in a blue moon, the (simulated) diamond shouldn’t be an issue.
Even though I could only use my smartphone to photograph the (simulated) diamond coating of the Phillips #2 driver, you should be able to see its textured surface.
Hmm, what I really wonder is whether they used economy-quality diamond particles, or very high quality diamond particles. Maybe something in between? In case you’re wondering, these two links lead to past ToolGuyd posts where I show off some electron microscope images I took of diamond abrasive particles.
To the naked eye, industrial diamond particles look like glitter, or even very fine sand. Under the electron microscope, the view is quite different. Sorry, I digressed a bit there, didn’t I.
I wasn’t taking notes, but I believe the 6pc set was $20 at Lowes. Their online product page says that the set is no longer available, which probably means that Stanley shipped everything they have to Lowes’ physical store locations and that we might see them pop up for sale online shortly.
Oh, and the handles are quad-lobed. They don’t look at all like Stanley’s Proto (and Mac Tools) Duratek screwdrivers, which are made in the USA, but bear closer resemblance to the new Dewalt screwdrivers that were revealed at Dewalt’s recent media event.
What do you think? Leave the (simulated) diamonds for the ladies, or yaaaay (simulated) diamond-coated screwdriver tips?
Here’s Stanley’s 30-second promo video: