Apollo Mr. 7-Hands – When two hands are not enough
Written: Nov 03 '09 (Updated Nov 08 '09)
Product Rating:
Pros: Clever design mimics a real screwdriver, precision bits, high value
Cons: A flimsy battery retainer and clip is vulnerable to breakage.
The Bottom Line: Of all compact, multi-use driver tools, this is a compelling buy and worth considering even if you have a pocketable all-in-one tool set.
sweeper's Full Review: Apollo Precision Tools DT1019 Mr. 7 Hands Multi-En...
There has always been a gap between the compact, all-in-one toolset and real, honest-to-goodness, precision screwdrivers. Much of my work has been mauled by the tool wannabees that are deployed, Swiss army knife-like, from cleverly designed packages but have less-than-precise bits. Unfortunately, I can’t fit my 65-pound toolbox in my brief case or on the back of my bicycle. Instead I’ve found a neat little solution that preserves delicate screw heads without hauling what weighs as much as the kitchen sink – the Apollo Mr. 7-Hands.
Why I need one of these tools While I’m a fan of pocketable all-in-one toolsets, I have five of them, I find that they serve best in emergencies as a last ditch solution to mechanical mess ups and that many a screw head and nut have been mangled as a result. While certain tools are handy, the screwdriver bits are the most used. Most of the all-in-ones have a limited number of bits, normally two: a flat and a Phillips. Obviously, it’s a one-size-fits-all proposition in that case and even if you can manage to fit the screw head, it’s probably not optimal and the head is damaged. In most cases, I can easily replace the screw later. However, when it comes to expensive, precision electronics, tools and other devices, the screw is not so easy to find, expensive, and until the replacement is found, makes the item to which it is attached unreliable or useless.
I work with project-critical, professional video and still cameras, lighting equipment, and audio gear that need to be working 100% of the time. Since I can’t practically carry a full-on tool kit with me, I have normally depended on pocket tool sets. One day during a shoot, I noticed an IT technician adjusting mounting screws on rack with a tool I’d not seen before. I asked about it and he showed me how it works.
What the Apollo Mr. 7-Hands is The Apollo Mr. 7-Hands has a nifty design in which a single handle holds seven driver bits that can be individually selected and folded into position. The individual drivers are retained against the handle with plastic clips. According to literature, the drivers are made of chrome plated, heat-treated chrome vanadium steel. The blades are coated in plastic halfway towards the bit.
Bits include: Phillips #1, #2 and #0 Slotted 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/8 inch Also on a driver is a reversible precision mini Phillips and slotted screwdriver
The manufacturer claims that the heads meet ANSI standards for hardness and torque. From the appearance, all the bits appear precisely machined and finely finished.
A nice addition is that a high output LED lamp is included in the design that can be switched on to illuminate the working area. The control is a push button that toggles from off to the work light to the lamp light and back to off. On the opposite end of the handles is an even more powerful LED lamp that can be used as a flashlight. At no time can both lamps be illuminated simultaneously. Both lamps are powered by two AAA batteries, which are not included. Folded in its storage mode, the unit is about 4 inches long and about an inch and a quarter in diameter. A plastic clip allows the unit to hang from a thin belt or from a pants pocket.
In the field I keep this tool along with an all-in-one pocket tool in my field producer’s kit. They take up little space. I’ve managed to eliminate a nearly equally sized flashlight because the Apollo tool contains one. It wasn’t long after I had the unit when a camera operator needed to make adjustments to a piece of gear. His own all-in-one Phillips head was too large so the gear’s use was threatened. The Apollo tool had a bit that fit perfectly and, within moments, we resumed the shoot.
I’ve found the mini Phillips bit was small and precise enough to tighten a loose screw in my reading glasses. This is testimony to the usefulness of the tool.
What I most like about the Apollo Mr. 7-Hands That the bits are precisely ground and hardened make the tool useful in any application that one would use real screwdrivers. They won’t mangle a screw head. When the bit is deployed for use, the driver is concentric with the handle so, in use, the feel and handling of the tool is nearly identical to using a real tool.
What I’m not excited about the Apollo Mr. 7-Hands The belt clip is part of the battery housing. It is a single piece of flimsy plastic that is vulnerable to breakage and accidental opening. I’d prefer leaving off the clip. I would also prefer a more recessed light switch to prevent unintentional operation and battery drain.
Styling My unit is mostly black with red trim. The tool is available in pink trim for the obvious market, green and in a camouflage finish, presumably, for those headed to do battle with jobs that may battle back.
Value At a cost of as low as $10 on the Internet, this is a great value for a tool you’ll find yourself reaching for more than you suspect.
Summary This is a handy tool that you wouldn’t mind taking to your most precious fasteners. Its compact size, precise heads and high value make this a handy tool to have with you all the time. It’s cheap enough to buy one for the car, for the house, and for the office. This would make a great gift for the homemaker or fully stocked handyman. I look forward to a similar design from Apollo to address hex heads and other common fastener bits.
Unique folding arm design Never misplace screwdriver bits again Flashlight for working in dark spaces Includes Philips # 1, # 2 and # 0, slotted 1/4-,...More at Amazon
Screwdriver Set With 7 Screwdriver Blades. Blades Change Easily. Portable And Compact. Requires 2 Aa Batteries; Not Included. 8.6hx1.8wx1.8l".More at Target
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.