Snap-on’s New 7.2V Screwdriver Vs. Bosch’s PS-20
By Chuck Cage
I’ve heard about Snap-on’s new 7.2V cordless screwdriver (model CTS561) from a number of sources, and when I saw their email campaign today offering free shipping it goaded me into actually taking a close look at the specs. Snap-on wants $130 for the CTS561 — almost exactly what Bosch is asking for the PS-20 “Pocket Driver,” which makes them an obvious comparison.
After the jump we pit these two mini-drivers against one another in a “battle of the spec sheets.”
First of all, the tale of the tape:
(Snap-on CTS561 on the left/PS-20 on the right)
- Torque (mfr. claimed): 60 in-lbs/80 in-lbs
- No-Load RPM: 375 / 0-400
- Voltage: 7.2V / 10.8V
- Weight: 1.2 lbs / 1.8 lbs
There are also some significant differences in construction:
- The Snap-on features a rocker-switch-style trigger to engage forward or reverse while the PS-20 requires you to engage a separate switch. Of course, this means that the Snap-on is a single-speed driver while the PS-20 offers trigger-controlled variable speed.
- The Snap-on is a bit smaller than the PS-20 — though not much — and might fit in some areas where the PS-20 wouldn’t.
- Snap-on claims that their model “can drive 35 #10 screws per charge” — far less than the PS-20’s 80+ 3″ wood screws.
- The Snap-on’s batteries require a 55-minute charge while the PS-20 recharges in 30 minutes.
The verdict:
The PS-20 wipes the floor with the Snap-on.
For me, the lack of variable speed alone puts the PS-20 in a different class, but I can’t see why anyone would be willing to give up (a very significant) 20 in-lbs of torque, 25 minutes of charge time, and a ton of useful runtime as well just for the Snap-on name — even taking into account the fact that you can make Snap-on warranty exchanges right at the truck.
Of course, you might have a different opinion, and if you do, feel free to share it in comments.
7.2V Cordless Screwdriver [Snap-on]
PS-20 10.8 Litheon Pocket Driver [Bosch]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Via Amazon
June 1st, 2007 at 11:35 am
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June 1st, 2007 at 12:09 pm
I agree.. the bosch looks like a clear winner
Mayvbe snap-on should stick to what they do best
June 1st, 2007 at 2:15 pm
The snap on one looks like a toy. The PS10-2 I-Driver kicks its ass even more, however weights a full 1 pound more than the snapon (2.2 vs 1.2) but you gain the rotating head with 5 positions between 0 and 90 degrees.
June 1st, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I get the impression that Snap-On is just throwing this out as an entry-level into their power tool line. Sort of like how All-Clad oten offers a $15 8″ frypan that is a steal, but what you really need is their 10″ or 12″ pan at 5 times the price. That ad caught my eye, but judging from the prices of their full-size drivers listed on the bottom of the ad - it doesn’t even seem in the same league.
I get the feeling Snap-On is trying to expand their market with some lower-priced offerings, like their Blue-Point tool line, but thats’ just speculation.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I guess the best clue of what the Snap-on is supposed to be is it’s name.
The Bosch is much more than a screwdriver. It won’t drive too many screws into white oak, but I bring it with me to all my jobs. For most of the work I do with a drill/driver it more than fits the bill. Especially when I’m loaded down with other tools it’s nice to be able stick the Bosch in a pouch and go.
I think that the audiences are totally different. I’m a woodworker. Bosch is a familiar and trusted name to woodworkers. Snap-on makes tools for mechanics.
And lastly $130 is a lot of dough for a non-variable speed anything, no matter how well it’s made.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:22 pm
I have the Snap on model and use it daily. It’s small, well balanced, fast, and great for removing automotive trim components. Although it may be getting some more press lately, I’ve had mine for about a year, I didn’t think it was that new. I paid $100 for it from my dealer. The batteries hold a charge for what seems like a long time and they do not take 55 minutes to recharge, 30 minutes max. The Bosch appears to be a better tool on paper and offers alot. However, Snap on has done a great job providing a small framed and lightweight cordless screwdriver. Before I got the Snap on, I used a full size Makita cordless drill. The Snap on model fits into the cramped under dash spaces with ease. The Bosch has more torque but, I don’t need alot of muscle running screws back into delicate plastic and thin metal. The Snap on driver is only one tool in a mechanics arsenal for fixing cars. I reach for it first when it’s time to take a dash apart or do other trim work.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:48 pm
That is the same thing I use the Bosch for, car audio dash and trim disassembly. There are times when the Bosch almost doesn’t have the torque to break stuff loose, the electronic clutch is a godsend for not stripping stuff out, and the light saves my ass a lot, although I do long for the “ring of light” style light on the Impactor.
My Bosch has all the same pro’s of the Snap-On too, long run time, holds the charge for forever, and quick 30 minute recharge. Using the trigger to spin a screw super slow is a life saver at times when I can’t get something to thread. But sometimes the tool a bit too long but I have an angle driver I can slip into the chuck. Being able to change the driver out at a truck is nice though, I would have to talk to Bosch before I could get mine exchanged.
If I had to choose between the two I would go with the Bosch again. But I biased because I got it first and I’m just hearing about the Snap-On, I haven’t tried it out in person. But the Bosch does have some features that the Snap-On doesn’t that would make it hard for me to get go with the Snap-On.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I was lended the Snap-On cordless for a week from my dealer. I didn’t really need it (at least since I have a Blue-Point mini-1/4 air ratchet) that works just fine. If I hadn’t gotten that I might have got this instead. Thing is what I found suprising is, at least the charger, is made in China, yet bares Snap-On’s name. I wonder if those at the Snap-On plant are a little worried about their jobs. Maybe the drill itself is USA, I dunno.
June 2nd, 2007 at 12:47 am
My deal breaker turn-off is the rocker switch on the Snap-On. I have one cordless with this feature and do not like it at all. I much prefer a separate switch like the Bosch has.
June 2nd, 2007 at 10:00 pm
I have the Snap On tool and use it only for interior work on VWs. The battery seems to last for ever and it does have a good amount of torque. The rocker switch really isn’t a problem (or at least for me). I also have a Mac version that I got a few years back but the batteries are built into it, so when they go dead you can’t just swap out the batteries like can with the Snap On version.
The only MAJOR flaw of the Snap On tool is the lack of a adjustable clutch!!!! Pure stupid stupid stupid. Aside from that “design flaw”, the Snap On driver is pretty solid.
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:45 pm
i work for snapon tools….seeing where that guy said it was made in china, that is a incorrect statement. It is ASSEMBLED in China, all the parts are made here in the USA. If it is not made here in the USA it would be a blue point brand. I have used both bosch and snapon products. they are nice and def have different features, my one concern with the 561 was no variable speeds…i of course own a 561 and i actually bought 3, one for the basement, upstairs, and one in the truck or my 4 wheeler. Its a great tool and SnapOn stands behind there stuff more than Bosch. Snapon does SELL Bosch tools through the RWD line. Bosch makes some good stuff, but Did most of you know, that Black and Decker, Bosch and Makita are all made by the same people??? So think about what you are saying when you compare future tools….they could be the same, with a different cover and cost more…
August 26th, 2007 at 9:43 am
So you’re telling me you make the parts in the USA, ship them to China to be put together, then ship the completed product back to the USA? What a wasteful process. And then the best price that can put on a weaker, non-variable speed product is $130?
November 28th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
I am a Snap-on tool franchise owner. The cts561 has been a great tool. The tool was designed by Souix tools ( Owned by Snap-on ) and made over-seas. This tool has been in such high demand that we were having to wait 2 months for back orders to fill. I have sold 39 units on my route and have had zero failures or complaints. If a customer did have a failure he would have his problem resolved immediately by a dealer. Not a person on the phone at Black & Decker, I mean Dewalt, ooopps Bosch.
June 14th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I have the bosch and got rid of the snap-on. I broke the snap-on at least twice a month. the bosch has never gave me a problem. it is so much more powerfull, faster charging, you actually have control over the speed and easier to use. i would highly recomend the bosch.