Unique Worx Switchdriver Drill Driver Makes Bit Changes Fast and Easy
We recently conducted our best cordless drill head-to-head with over 50 drills and hammer drills. Spanning the 12V, 18V, hammer drill, and DIY categories, our shootout covered a lot of ground. While we don’t review a ton of DIY tools, it’s worth taking a look at the benefits they offer to homeowners from time to time. The Worx Switchdriver is an option with a one-of-a-kind design and applicational flexibility.
Feature Set
The main talking point with the Worx Switchdriver revolves around (pun definitely intended!) the rotating dual chucks. The idea driving it is to throw two different bits into the Switchdriver. Rather than having to switch drilling and driving bits in and out over the course of a job, you pull the red trigger and rotate the chuck. This allows you to switch from drilling to driving in a second.
Both chucks are 1/4″ hex collets, which limits the size of the bit you can use. For most jobs around the house and even some punch list work, the Switchdriver is adequate for the task.
On the safety side, there’s a trigger guard running the full length of the handle. It gives you some protection from the bit that’s not in use just in case you hand or fingers slide forward.
The Worx Switchdriver offers you some control over the torque it’s generating with a handy electronic torque control dial located at the base of the handle. The Worx WX176L also has two gears that you can switch via the mechanical switch at the top of the unit.
While this drill does lack a brushless motor and a belt hook, it does feature an LED light.
If you’re not crazy about the idea of trading your 3/8″ chuck for a 1/4″ hex, Worx has more traditional models on its 20V platform.
Performance
Learn how we test for speed and torque on our best cordless drill article.
Speed Testing
If you already read our shootout methods, we had to modify things a little for Worx. Its use of 1/4″ hex collets limits us to the bits we can install. That being the case, we could only test this drill using the 1/2″ Milwaukee Red Helix Titanium twist bit. In that test, the Worx WX176L registered an impressive 1260 RPM—99% of the no-load speed we tested.
A 1/2″ twist bit is pretty much as big as it gets before moving onto spade bits, auger bits, and hole saws. Sitting on a 99% efficiency rating tells us it’s capable more, even in high speed.
So I grabbed our Bosch Nail Strike Spade Bit set to start working my way up the ladder. I bored through our OSB layers up to 9/16″ at high speed and just shy of 3/4″ at low speed. Our test material is pretty tough stuff, so you can go a little bigger in untreated lumber around the house. According to the manual, you can go as high a 1-3/16″ in soft, untreated woods and 3/8″ in metal.
Torque Testing
In our soft torque testing, the Worx Switchdriver generated 104 in-lbs of torque. It’s pretty close to Black and Decker’s BCD702, which averaged 96 in-lbs of torque. Even though the Worx out-torqued Black and Decker in this test, the Black and Decker has a standard 3/8″ chuck that allows it to use bigger drill bits. so there’s a trade-off there.
On a broader perspective, that kind of torque is what we see from the 12V professional class. There’s a lot of work you can get done at that power level.
Runtime
With two 1.5Ah batteries, you can get a lot of general tasks completed such as hanging pictures and installing shelves. You might run into trouble if you’re building a deck, though.
Normally, cycling between two batteries gives you plenty of time for almost any task, but it’s the charger that limits what you can do more than anything else. However, you’re looking at charge times in the 3 to 5-hour range. Your best bet to keep working is to grab a couple of extra 4.0Ah batteries to go with the kit.
Size and Weight
Worx creates a footprint that’s a little large for a kitchen drawer drill and part of that has to do with the rotating chuck system. At 7.6″ tall and 8.4″ long, it’s a bit long compared to other compact and DIY drills. Look at other models if you’re looking for something you can use in tight spaces. For general household tasks, there’s nothing wrong with the size.
The weight is very agreeable at less than 3 pounds with a 1.5Ah battery. Overall, it’s a weight that’s easy to manage for any member of your family.
Price
As a bare tool, you’re looking at $56 if you already have Worx 20V batteries. The kit runs $63 with a pair of 1.5Ah batteries and charger.
That’s pretty well in line with Worx’ standard pricing structure. It’s a bit higher than what you see from Black and Decker, HyperTough, and some of the other budget brands. You get a 3-year warranty, though, and there are nearly 30 power tools and yard equipment that work with the same batteries.
Conclusion
Not every homeowner has the desire or budget to own multiple drills or a drill/impact driver combo. The genius of the Worx Switchdriver is it gives you that 2-tool combo’s drill and drive convenience without the need for a second tool. If you’re looking for a great all-around drill for knocking out to-do list items around your house, the Worx Switchdriver is an excellent choice. Just keep in mind that your accessories need to have 1/4″ hex shanks to use it.
Worx Switchdriver Specs
- Model Number: WX176L
- Rated Voltage: 20V Max
- No-Load Speed: 0-400 / 0-1500 RPM
- Chuck Capacity: 1/4″ Hex
- Max Torque: 265 in-lbs
- Clutch Positions: 11+1
- Max Drilling Capacity: 3/8″ (Steel); 1-3/16″ (Wood)
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Warranty: 3 Years
- MSRP: $63
