Tools often have A utilitarian design. Their purpose is to get the job done, so their shape is focused only on getting the job done. This is where the Hoto Snapbloq Toolkit is unique: these tools emphasize style and design to prove that functionality does not require solid, practical and (usually) unattractive styles.
Hoto’s Snapbloq series is a set of three small power tools for tinkerers and amateurs. The complete set consists of a screwdriver, a rotating tool and a drill bit, as well as three tools and six magnetic accessories boxes to accommodate the drill bit. The entire kit features stylish, modern shapes that have become widespread in today’s technological world, with depressions, screws and seams revealing their manufacturing and assembly properties. The bundle includes three tools (R-A04, D-A03, and S-A01) and has a $300 retail price, although you can buy each tool separately for $100.
Beautiful tools
Photo: Henri Robbins
All three tools have anodized aluminum housing with plastic back panels. They feel rather durable, able to withstand basic drips without causing any damage, and weigh about 100 grams each. The grip area has direct knees for improved grip, and the button is a soft rubber panel with small switches underneath. There are no joints around the buttons, dust or particles can be embedded, and it is useful for tools that may produce small air particles.
Of these three, electric screwdrivers are the most convenient, practical and useful. For casual patches, this tool quickly handles electronic devices and the smallest screws inside. However, that’s not much more – with just 0.5 Newtonmeters of torque, the device also had a hard time loosening some tight screws in my tests, and I couldn’t make them particularly tight, either. I often find myself needing to rotate the screwdriver myself (or delay to a standard screwdriver) for any force that needs more force to tighten or loosen. On the other hand, the relatively low power of this screwdriver means it is difficult to cross threads, peel or damage the screws during use, which reassured me. It is a handy tool, but ultimately needs to be supplemented by a standard screwdriver.
Photo: Henri Robbins
