Canadian Woodworking Magazine eNewsletter

The new Dremel model 1120 lithium-ion screwdriver offers a great compromise between practicality, portability and power.

If most of the screws you use are short (3/4" to 1 1/2"), with smaller diameters (#4 to #8 gauge), and if careful setting of screws is important, then you can likely sacrifice bulk, speed and power for ease of use and greater precision.

The Dremel 1120 is a very lightweight (15 oz) driver with an ergonomically designed handle that is extremely comfortable. Coupled with the precision variable speed (0-300 RPM) trigger it provides you with a lot of control in setting small screws. There is little play with the trigger - applying just the smallest amount of pressure rotates the bit at a constant low speed (about 30 RPM); release the trigger and the bit stops turning immediately thanks to an electronic brake.

Another nice feature is the automatic collect lock; once you release the power switch you can hand tighten the last couple of turns. This is very handy, particularly when setting screws in brass hinges or in vary thin pieces of wood. For setting screws quickly the top speed of 300 RPM is quite satisfactory; you're less likely to strip the screw or drive it through the piece of wood you are screwing into.

Certainly, adequate power is important. You need sufficient twisting strength to penetrate the multiple layers of wood fiber, particularly in hard, dense woods. And not only to set the screw, but, oftentimes, to remove it. The 7.2V lithium-ion battery in the Dremel 1120 provides enough power to set the occasional 3" #10 screw, though you won't want to use it when building a deck or framing a new room. The battery is just to small for construction duty (nor is the driver designed for this type of work).

However, for setting smaller screws it has more than enough power. We were able to sink and remove a 1 1/2" #8 screw 131 times into 2" spruce on one charge. A similar test set 250 1" drywall screws into pine. For hardwood we always pre-drill screw holes, and so would expect to be able easily sink the same number of screws. The forward/reverse buttons are nicely placed on either side of the handle, and you can quickly and easily switch between them with your thumb and index finger.

While the Dremel 1120 is designed to set screws, we also tried it with a socket adapter to set hex nuts and bolts, and with a hex shank drill and countersink to drill screw holes. While we wouldn't choose the Dremel to work on an overhaul of the car engine, it has enough power for just about any home assembly project that might crop up.

The Dremel 1120 is small enough at 1 3/4" wide and 5" long, and light enough at just under one pound, to carry around in a shop apron or drill holster. It holds a charge for up to 18 months. Insert it into the charger and plug it in for an hour or so after each use, and it will be ready to go whenever you are.

There wasn't much that we didn't like about the Dremel 1120. A built in LED light would be nice, as this is the drill to reach for when setting screws in awkward places. We were also a little cautious about the built-in battery. Our preference is for batteries that can be easily removed if they fizzle out.

At under $100 and with a 2 year warranty, we think this is a power tool that the craftsperson, home hobbyist and DIYer will love to own.

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Specifications:

Dremel Lithium-ion 7.2V Screwdriver (1120-01)
$99.99
Dremel
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