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The BluCave FlashCell cordless screwdriver is a super capacitor-powered device. In other words, it’s a powered screwdriver that doesn’t need batteries.
Something similar used to be available – the Coleman Flashcell, but it’s been off the market for many years now.
The only BluCave products I’m familiar with is their BluCave modular tool storage system, which I have yet to see in person but regularly pine for. With the BluCave Flashcell cordless screwdriver being released and sold at Amazon and Sam’s Club stores, maybe we’ll see the BluCave modular storage pretty soon too.
Here’s a quick look at what the new BluCave Flashcell screwdriver offers:
- 2-position handle
- 40 in-lbs of torque (3.32 ft-lbs)
- 200 RPM speed (no-load)
- Powered by super capacitor technology
- Up to 100,000 recharges
- Charges in 60 seconds
Check Price: on Amazon
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With the 2-position handle, you can switch from pistol grip to a straight inline grip, depending on what the application calls for.
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It looks fairly compact, as it should be. It’s a 4.6V-powered device, and so it makes sense that it’s around the same size as a 3.6V or 4V Max cordless screwdriver.
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The trigger switch is nice and wide, which makes it easier to grip with the handle in its straight position. What’s interesting is that the handle isn’t perfectly straight when in the inline position. Is this better or worse for ergonomics?
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There’s an LED flashlight module that connects to the bottom of the tool.
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When using the screwdriver, the flashlight module can serve as a worklight that shines in the direction of the bit and fastener.
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Charging is completed in just 60 seconds.
The kit comes with the BluCave FlashCell cordless screwdriver, the LED worklight attachment, a 5-piece screwdriver bit set, a bit extension, and the AC charger.
Price: $80
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
This looks like a pretty handy cordless screwdriver, and there’s a lot to like about it. It seems that a lot of work went into the design.
The pivoting handle geometry looks useful, and I really like the idea of the LED module that simply attaches to the bottom of the tool. It makes the BluCave screwdriver a little bulky, which is why it’s great that it’s removable.
While the screwdriver’s super capacitor “battery” recharges in 60 seconds, how long does the tool retain that charge? Can you charge it up, put it in your tool bag, and have it still ready for action later that day?
How much charge can the super capacitor it hold? Can it drive in 10 screws per charge? 100? A 60-second charge probably won’t result in very long runtime.
I also have one suggestion for BluCave to consider making if they develop an updated FlashCell cordless screwdriver: give it a USB charging port.
While charging docks can be convenient, I think that a USB charger would have worked a lot better for this tool.
Then again, if runtime isn’t very long, you might have to return to the charging dock a couple of times during a very long and fastener-intensive project. Pop the BluCave screwdriver onto its charging dock, and it’s ready to go in less time than it takes you to [insert quick break activity here].
$80 seems a little steep, but I also saw a $60 Sam’s Club price, although you can’t buy it online or pick it up in store there yet. Maybe the Amazon price will be reduced once the FlashCell screwdriver is released in a couple of days.
What do you think?