KR Tools 12609 Autoloader 6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set

by KR Tools

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Autoloader by KR tools eliminates the need for multiple screwdrivers by having six interchangeable steel bits built right into the handle. The classic model comes with both Phillips and flathead bits that load automatically using an exclusive pump action design. The bit tips are magnetic, making it easier to keep track of loose screws. This product also includes a 6-in-1 precision autoloader, with the same features as the classic model but with smaller bits.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001NPDJI6
• Item model number: 12609
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,150 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Handy and clever; the small one is much more useful to me, September 23, 2009

By 

Mainiac (Portland, Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KR Tools 12609 Autoloader 6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set (Tools & Home Improvement)

(What's this?)

Okay, I do like the little one, which has a lot of tips that can be hard to find. The larger one is less handy as I have more screwdrivers that size. Also, for a small screwdriver, the sturdiness of the small one is fine. The big one doesn't have a good grip for a tool that size and the tips just don't seem to be very high quality. I'm also not impressed that the labels fell off immediately. Not that they're serving any function, but it just screamed cheesy right out of the packaging.

I have multi-tools kicking around the house, including multi-tip screwdrivers with the more standard four tips that you can flip around, and have found them very handy. I like the standard four-tip screwdrivers better than the large screwdriver here. Which means that I don't find the two extra tips to be a major selling point and the other screwdrivers are sturdier and have a better grip.

I don't like that the tips can pop off the end relatively easily. (Especially for the small screwdriver.)

I do think it's an enormously clever gadget. It's just not great.

DON'T TAKE IT APART.
I made this mistake messing around with the big one because it seemed so easy to do, just push those black buttons. I thought I was going to uncover another feature or something. No such luck.

But if you do take it apart, all is not lost; you can actually put it back together:
1. Take all the tips out... you'll put these back in at the end (this was the part that most confused me)
2. You have four other pieces now:
... a. the clear cannister
... b. the black handle
... c. the black inner piece
... d. the little blue button (pop it out for now)
Note that the little blue button (d) goes into a particular place in the black inner piece (c). But do not put it there yet.
3. Take the black handle (b), notch and button-side up, and feed it into the black inner piece so that the place where the blue button will go is on top
4. Now put the blue button back
5. Note that on the black inner piece (c), there's a rotating ring that has the black buttons you pushed to get into this mess. Rotate the ring so that the opening is roughly aligned with the blue button.
6. Put the clear cannister back on so that the blue button is aligned with the tracks and the black buttons will find the holes they are meant to find.
7. Close it all back up. (Yes, you have no tips yet.)
8. Put in a tip. Retract the handle. Rotate. Close it all back up. Repeat till all the tips are in.
9. Don't take it apart again.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, September 23, 2009

By 

Robert S. Tobias (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KR Tools 12609 Autoloader 6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought these based on the large number of glowing reviews and their being on sale for about half price. For my money (which I got back when I returned them) they did not live up to my expectations.

Here's why I say that:

- The smaller of the two was broken; I couldn't rotate the handle to change bits.

- There is a lot of moving parts loosely rattling around in a plastic shell; I expect the larger screwdriver would also break before long.

- The handles are smooth hard plastic so I wouldn't be able to get a good enough grip to apply any force in turning them. (They're also not all that comfortable to hold.)

- They feel like if I could manage to apply any force then the mostly plastic screwdriver would come apart before I managed to turn the screw.

If you are looking for a "lot of drivers" in one convenient package then I would suggest the Klein 32477 10-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut Driver. It is more durable and you can change the bits just as quickly. (It is missing some of the smaller bits and in exchange you get a couple nut drivers, a couple square bits, a couple torx bits, and a lifetime guarantee.

BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews can take the place of first-hand experiences that are lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and work hard to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and if there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These Autoloaders are very handy to keep in a drawer!, September 17, 2009

By 

Masaki Lee (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KR Tools 12609 Autoloader 6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set (Tools & Home Improvement)

I really like both of these screwdrivers. They each have 3 phillips bits and 3 flat bits. They seem to be well made. I purchased this kit in the hopes to replace the separate individual screwdrivers in my tool belt. However I don't think they are sturdy enough for full time construction use.

I wish the handles were of a rubber type or coating to give a better grip. I do like the fact that the bits are held in magnetically and can be changed out. My flat blade screwdriver sometimes serves double duty to pry and chisel things and I wouldn't attempt it with either one of these.

They are made of metal and plastic with the internal mechanism filled and sealed with a white grease. The upper housing is clear and you can see the bits thru it although I wonder how long it will remain transparent with wear and tear and scratches. I keep mine in a drawer near the kitchen for around the house use. They are neat. I am going to try putting other type bits in them since I also use some other type bits around the house like allen and torx.

I am happy with the purchase.