In this review I will explain how the Wowstick electric screwdriver compares to my good old ES120 and whether it’s worth getting. I will focus on user experience and not waste time on the specs or how it works, you can find these out in the manual.
Update (Mar 2021): We have a better screwdriver than the wowstick from my testing.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy Wowstick Electric Screwdriver
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/33l3imT (half price at the moment)
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Cja0OC
Wowstick Electric Screwdriver
What Happened to My ES120?
I had the ES120 for about a year. Although I loved it, it died a few months back unfortunately (just won’t turn on anymore). It really made building and repairing quads so much easier.
See my ES120 screwdriver review.
I’m telling you, doing screws manually becomes a form of torture after being spoiled by electric screwdrivers!
My good old ES120 Screwdriver (died now)
When I saw the Wowstick on sale for only $35, I was so tempted as I bought the ES120 for $90! And I am glad I gave it a try because it’s better than I expected.
Packing & Accesories
The Wowstick packing is simply amazing, it feels like a $300+ product (almost like opening a iPhone). All the accessories and parts are nicely packed inside separate boxes.
And you get quite a few accessories for a $35 screwdriver :D Noice!
Torque
The Wowstick has more torque than the ES120. It’s not a whole lot more, but it’s enough to be noticeable.
You need to loosen or tighten a screw the last 1/5 of the turn, which is normal to electrical screwdrivers this size.
When there is not enough torque, the screwdriver bit stops spinning, but you can still hear the motor running. I guess the gears simply disengage in this situation. But still it’s best not to stress the motor and gear.
Ease of Use
When holding the Wowstick, first thing that comes to mind is the weight, it’s a lot lighter than the ES120. It’s also larger, and the surface has a matte finish from tip all the way to the end. This provides a more solid grip. The ES120 felt “unbalanced” and more slippery.
I really like how the ES120 operates and I think it’s intuitive and clever. It has a built-in accelerometer, turning the screw driver controls the rotation direction, and how much you turn controls the speed.
On the other hand, the Wowstick is a much simpler design, it has two buttons for turning the screwdriver clockwise, or counter clockwise, that’s all. And speed is also constant. While that might sound a bit unattractive, it’s really not a deal breaker. The speed is decent, and that’s all I need.
The light turns on when it’s spinning – it helps if you don’t get enough light to see where the screw is. Very handy feature.
Bit Sets and accessories
The screwdriver bit sets that come with the Wowstick are absolutely amazing – there are 60 different bits! Some might consider that an overkill :)
It covers most if not all the screw types you will come across in FPV drones, and it should even handle most electrical devices like smartphones.
The bits have 4mm (1/8″) hex shanks and are removable, which means it’s compatible with many other screwdrivers out there, as well as bit sets.
Battery Life
Battery charging via a micro USB port at the end of the screwdriver.
I have used it a few days now, and I haven’t run out of juice yet. I am guessing each charge can last 8 to 10 drone builds or more.
Value
I loved the ES120, but it was hard to recommend due to the high price. The Wowstick is just as good if not better, and it’s only 1/3 of the price! What is there not to like? Get yours from:
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/33l3imT
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Cja0OC
The kit I bought is the “1F+”.
3D Printed Bit Holder
Keep up to 12 of your favourite bits around the screwdriver, so you don’t have to take them out of your toolbox every time
7 comments
I turned it on, but now it will not turn off. Just letting the battery run out and hoping for a reset.
Just want to say, “thank you” for posting the content. I guess I’m buying it now?
Went through two of these Wowsticks, both stopped working after light use. After taking apart the second one, its just a cheap servo with some gears, a battery and button. The thing is ridiculous to take apart to try to fix as it breaks so easily. Don’t buy this garbage.
Very disappointed in my Wowstick. I had it about 3 months and the rechargeable battery has died. Now it is just an expensive paperweight. I have not been able to find a way to get the battery out to replace it. Very disappointing. I was not all the happy with it even when it worked, it would not produce much torque. When removing screws with Loctite on them the Wowstick would not turn them even manually, it would slip. I had to use a manual driver. Once I have to get out a manual driver what is the point of the Wowstick. Not a well executed product. I love your reviews, but this product is not worth buying.
Wow haha looks awesome! Have a couple of questions before I do order one of these…. first I see someone there said they got the one that takes batteries vs the rechargeable lipo one what’s your take on that?? Do you feel the battery type would be better than the rechargable? For in th ad on amazon someone asks that if and when the lithium ion battery is shot can it be replaced the seller answers no it cannot….that’s sort of a disadvantage don’t you think? I mean I wonder how long the rechargable ones battery will last?? For sounds like your done and it’s shot after that so there may be a benefit to the “AAA” one? Do you think?? I know then you must have batteries on hand but I usually do have triple A batteries although the same person raises the point he uses rechargable Tripoli A’s and gets more speed and torque than the recharge one BUT I cannot find same kit for the battery one as the lithium as in the number of bits magnetic thing etc….only twenty some bits I believe?? So your take on which to get recharge or battery replaceable model and my second question is where do you see them for $35 the 1F+ on Amazon there are a few but the cheapest one with all the bits and accessories is $43.99 but with a 5% off coupon as well and that’s a good deal to me although again that is for the lithium one not the Triple A replaceable batteries one. Please your thoughts I REALLY WAMT to get one of these amd would love to order right now but would like to know your take on my questions here first please!??!!! Thanks Oscar and awesome review as always keep up the good work!!!! Turbo.
Mine is rechargeable, i didn’t even know there was a version that takes battery. I didn’t check any other reviews before buying this.
So far I am happy with it, I like the convenience of being able to charge it simply by plugging in the USB cable.
But it has one big disadvantage
I’m talking about buttons – it’s very easy to press. and if you put the screwdriver in to the bag or backpack without holder with other stuff. be sure it will be discharged.
i’ve got this situation several times.
and one more thing I have version with 2 x AAA batteries ( not Li-ion ) batteries like yours. and I just Used 3.7 v AAA size rechargabe cell to avoid bying regular 1.5v battERIES and increase screwdrivers speed.