Skil Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver with Circuit Sensor Technology

Why I reached for the Skil 4V driver

I have a handful of larger drill/drivers that handle heavy lifting, but they’re clumsy for everyday tasks like swapping wall plates, assembling flat‑pack furniture, or opening up small appliances. I picked up the Skil 4V driver because it promised a compact form, a locking 1/4" hex collet, and a built‑in live‑wire sensor—features that make a lot of sense for light-duty work around the house and on the bench.

Design and ergonomics

Skil kept the footprint tight—about 6.9 inches long—and the driver feels well balanced. The handle geometry sits naturally in the hand, and the grip offers enough texture to keep it planted without being abrasive. At the nose, the locking hex collet is the star. It “cinches” bits securely and releases positively; I never had a bit wander out or pull free while backing out stubborn fasteners. That’s not a given on compact drivers, and it’s a big part of why this tool is pleasant to use one‑handed.

The direction control is a ring at the front of the handle. It’s easy to flick with the thumb and forefinger, and after a few hours it became second nature. If you’re used to a trigger‑reversing drill, it’s a small adaptation. The build overall feels solid with minimal flex. On my sample, bit runout was minimal—well within what I expect for a compact 4V driver. If you encounter a unit with noticeable wobble at the tip, it’s worth exchanging; that’s not how it should behave.

LEDs that actually help

Two LEDs flank the collet and do a better job than the usual single nose light. They cast light on both sides of the screw head, which cuts down on shadows in tight corners. What I appreciated most is the after‑glow: the LEDs stay on for roughly 8–10 seconds after you let go of the trigger. That small detail is surprisingly useful when you’re repositioning the bit or checking alignment inside a cabinet.

The circuit sensor in practice

The hallmark feature is the integrated circuit sensor that detects live AC through drywall and plastic up to about an inch away. In use, it’s straightforward: bring the nose near a switch box or wire route and it provides a clear alert before you ever touch a plate screw. I found it helpful when breaking down faceplates or probing behind TV consoles—places where live conductors might surprise you. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated non‑contact voltage tester or proper lockout/tagout procedures, but as a secondary “heads up,” it’s genuinely useful and far more convenient than fetching another tool.

Speed, torque, and control

This is a single‑speed driver rated around 230 rpm no‑load. That slower top speed is a good match for small fasteners, especially into plastic and softer metals. It’s less likely to cam‑out or chew screw heads than faster compact drivers. With no clutch, torque management falls to your grip and timing. The motor has enough grunt to run wood screws into softwood pilot holes, drive 3–4 mm machine screws, and handle hinge and hardware screws without complaint. It will stall (as it should) on long deck screws, dense hardwood, or anything that really belongs to a 12V/18V drill. I routinely finish by hand for the last quarter‑turn on delicate hardware, which is typical practice with single‑speed 4V drivers.

Skil’s locking collet helps here, too. Because the bit isn’t sliding or ejecting under load, you can feather your pressure at the end and keep the head seated cleanly. The forward/reverse ring makes quick corrections painless when you feel a screw start to bind.

Battery and charging

The 4V lithium‑ion pack is internal and charges over micro‑USB. I appreciate the convenience of being able to top up from any old phone charger or a power bank—no cradle or proprietary charger to keep track of. I’d prefer USB‑C in 2025, but at least micro‑USB is ubiquitous. Runtime is more than enough for a day of intermittent household tasks. I charged it at lunch during a furniture build and never ran it flat. There’s no fast charge to speak of, so plan to charge between projects rather than during a 10‑minute break.

Accessories and bit holding

In the box, you get a short assortment of 1" driver bits, a 3" magnetic bit holder, a 3/32" drill bit, and a USB cable. The included bits cover the basics for Phillips, slotted, and square/Pozi depending on the pack you receive, but I still recommend adding a quality 25–32 piece set to round out Torx sizes and smaller Phillips/hex options. The 3" magnetic holder is the unsung hero—it extends reach into recessed hardware and helps the short tool clear knobs and bezels.

That drill bit? Use it for pilot holes in softwood and plastics only. The 4V motor will spin it fine, but drilling is a secondary task with this tool.

Where it shines

• Electrical trim work: wall plates, outlet and switch cover screws. The circuit sensor adds a layer of awareness when you’re working around energized boxes.
• Furniture assembly: cam locks, confirmat screws with pre‑drilled holes, and bracket hardware. The low rpm is kind to soft fasteners.
• Electronics and hobby: small machine screws into plastic housings (RC vehicles, appliances, small fixtures). The speed keeps you from melting threads.
• Cabinetry and hardware: hinges, drawer pulls, shelf pin adapters—anything that benefits from a compact head and good light.

Where it doesn’t

• Structural work: deck screws, lag fasteners, and any long wood screw into dense material. You’ll want a 12V/18V drill/driver.
• Precision torque control: no clutch or torque settings. If you routinely need repeatable torque on delicate fasteners, a clutch‑equipped driver is better.
• Speed‑critical driving: a single 230 rpm setting isn’t the right tool if you need high throughput on repetitive, low‑risk fasteners.

Durability and service

Over a few weeks of use, the tool has held up well. The collet still locks crisply, the ring selector hasn’t loosened, and the LEDs haven’t flickered. Skil backs it with a 5‑year limited warranty, which is generous for a compact driver. Given the price tier, that’s reassuring. As with any small driver, don’t treat it like a drill press. Keep your bits sharp, pre‑drill when it makes sense, and let the tool stall rather than forcing it.

Small misses and wish list

• USB‑C would modernize charging and reduce cable clutter.
• A basic clutch with 3–5 positions would make this an even better electronics and trim driver.
• A slightly broader included bit selection—especially smaller Phillips and Torx—would better match the tasks this tool excels at.

None of these are deal‑breakers; they’re refinements that would push an already capable compact driver closer to ideal.

Bottom line

The Skil 4V driver lands exactly where a compact electric screwdriver should: small, secure‑bit handling, enough torque for everyday fasteners, and a speed that favors control over brute force. The dual LEDs and their after‑glow feel thoughtfully implemented, and the circuit sensor adds practical safety awareness for anyone who touches electrical trim, even occasionally. It’s not a substitute for a full‑size drill/driver, and it isn’t meant to be. Instead, it fills that everyday, grab‑and‑go niche better than most.

Recommendation: I recommend the Skil 4V driver for homeowners, hobbyists, and pros who want a reliable light‑duty screwdriver with smart safety touches. It’s ideal as a second tool that saves your big drill for the heavy work, and the locking collet plus compact form make it a tidy, one‑handed solution for tight spaces. If you need high speed, a clutch, or heavy‑duty torque, look elsewhere. For everything else, this is a thoughtfully designed, easy‑to‑live‑with driver that earns its spot in the pouch.