Sequre SQ-ES126 Electric screwdriver review and comparison to other Precision drivers

The Sequre SQ-ES126 is a top of the range compact electronic precision screwdriver that has been made for very precise work such as small scale RC Cars and quadcopters. These small screwdrivers can significantly speed up your build and repairs, especially when you have long screws! This in not a cheap tool though so in this review I’ll give you all the details to help you understand if it is the right tool for you.

Before we get stuck in to this review let just define the difference between cordless/impact drivers (like you might use for building/home rennovation) and the precise compact drivers like used here. 

Cordless impact drivers are an evolution of the cordless drill. They are big, heavy and generate a lot of torque, So much so that they easily strip the small screws used on RC Cars and quadcopters. Ask me how I know!

Precision Electric screwdrivers like the SQ-ES126 reviewed here and the wowstick range are used for fine work - as big as RC cars and as small as consumer electronics such as laptops and mobile phones. The best ones have adjustable torque setting to ensure even the finest screws are not at risk of stripping. They are light and about the same size as a regular screwdriver.

What's included in the pack?

When you buy the product you'll receive the following items in the pack:

• 1 x SQ-ES126 Smart Screwdriver 
• 24 x M4 Screwdriver Bits and magnetic carry case. 
• 1 x Manual Handle
• 1 x Instruction Manual

The screwdriver bits contain all the main ones you need for fine work - a good range of Posidrive (Philips), Hex drives in 1.5mm and 2.0mm. I'm a little disappointed that there is no 2.5mm hex drive but my guess is that the lack of torque that these precision drivers can generate is not enough for a 2.5mm head screw. The good news is that M4 driver bits are very common.

The manual handle is a nice touch but to be honest the bits are so easy to change I don't know why you just wouldn't use the main driver.

Comparison to other electric drivers.

​SEQURE SQ-ES126: 0.28NM torque, $106

​Wowstick 1F+ 64 In 1: 0.15 Nm 200rpm $31

​XIAOMI Mijia: 0.2NM 200rpm $31

​Wowstick 1P+ 19 In 1: 0.12 NM 150rpm $16

​Wowstick 1+: 0.15NM, 200 RPM $86

As you can see it completely outclasses the other drivers, particularly in torque which is the most important measure. In use it means that this will remove practically any screw on a 1/10 and smaller RC car or any quadcopter that is not held in with Loctite – typically m3 or smaller. This screwdriver offers probably the minimum amount of torque I’d want – I’d be wary of going less although the Xiaomi Mijia makes for a good option to consider at the price point.

How to operate the SQ-ES126

This electronic screwdriver has quite a nifty way of operating thanks to the  STM32 chip in it - the same brain used in quadcopter flight controllers. If you hold the lower button and twist in the direction you want to tighten or loosen then the motor will run in that direction. This feature is more clever that it sound because it means you can loosen a tight screw bind with the assist of your hand before the screwdriver takes over. The other button does exactly the same think but with a light on. I question why this couldn't be just one button but it's probably because you need two buttons to scroll though and change menu settings.

The screen between the two buttons is a crisp single colour OLED and displays the battery level and the torque setting. For RC cars I keep the torque setting a maximum (which is 1) but you can also reduce torque for very small items like watches, phones etc by choosing 2, 3 or 4.

The USB type-c port on the rear of the driver helps allows you to charge of course with a standard 5v phone charger (not included) but also allows you to update the firmware, not that I can see that being particularly crucial. Speaking of the battery I've been using mine fairly consistently for the last 3 weeks and I'm only down to 1 bar now.

What is it actually like in use?

I've gotta say this driver is a truly decadent treat when you have a lot of screws to work with or a lazy. I'm a bit of both so this suits me well! For quadcopters I think this is a perfect tool because there is no ongoing bind on screws since they are typically mated to a threaded nut or fitting. Because RC cars have screws that go into plastic though there is more ongoing bind as a rough rule I'd say the torque on only really for cars that are 1/10 scale and smaller. the speed of rotation on this unit is very good and will undo even a long screw quickly, 

The weight of the tool is extremely satisfying and it makes the level of quality seem all the more real. The finish is of high quality and the alloy outer looks like it could take a drop off the workbench or two.

The angle sensing control method is surprisingly intuitive and as mentioned encourages you to use the torque from your wrist to remove the initial bind before the driver takes over.

The driver bits fit in the driver nicely with a satisfying magnetic hold meaning no quick release sheaths are needed. This also provide just enough magnet strength to hold the screw to the tip which is handy with these small and fiddly screws.

Conclusions, Recommendations

At around $100 at full price this is an eye wateringly expensive tool of convenience but compared to the competition, it is in a class of it's own for torque which is the most important element of this driver. The closest comparison is the Xiaomi Wowstick at only $ but with % less torque and % less rpm.

If you can get past the price it is a lovely tool to use - it feels great in the hand and makes building much more pleasant. Battery life is excellent and the included bits and holder are simple and practical. If you are in the market for a such a tool, this is the one to have; it has already become the tools that sits closest to my work area.

I ordered my ES126 high torque precision electric screwdriver from Banggood here:
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​SEQURE SQ-ES126 Mini Electric Screwdriver Smart Repairtools Set With 24 Bits For RC Vehicles Model

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