Test: HOTO tool box with 3,6V electric screwdriver
Before we start the test, let's take a look at the manufacturer. Who would have thought, HOTO is a Chinese company from the Xiaomi ecosystem that specializes in tools.
Compared to market leaders such as Bosch or Makita, the products are mainly aimed at hobbyists who want to tackle smaller projects such as building furniture or doing home repairs.
HOTO Toolbox: It's in!
HOTO attaches great importance to an attractive design for its products. Most HOTO products and most recently the HOTO tool box have already won various design awards.
The tool box is "Designed by HOTO" and is made of durable ABS.
The design of the tool box can best be described as functional and minimalist. The compact box with a practical carrying handle is made of structured ABS plastic, which speaks for a high impact resistance. Two side buckles that sit flush with the case hold the two-piece tool case together.
When opened, the beautifully sorted tool appears in a precisely fitting inlay. But there is also a disadvantage if something breaks. Only tools from HOTO fit into the respective insert, which can also be purchased separately.
Overall, the tool box is equipped with a basic set of tools that you can usually use at home. In addition to the 3,6V cordless screwdriver, which we will discuss in more detail later, the set includes:
- a carpenter's hammer with magnetic nail holder and rubber coating,
- a multifunctional long-nose pliers with a cutting surface,
- an adjustable universal wrench,
- a self-locking tape measure with a length of 3 m,
- a bit extension ,
- a bit set with a total of 10 bits (S2 steel)
- and a USB-C charging cable for the cordless screwdriver
The processing quality of the tool box and the tools it contains is okay and is completely sufficient for domestic use. The quality is comparable to inexpensive tools from the hardware store.
A total of 10 bits are included.
HOTO tool box: 3,6V cordless screwdriver
The highlight of the HOTO tool box is the 3,6V cordless screwdriver, whose performance is comparable to a Bosch IXO and sometimes even exceeds it. The bit holder is a standard ¼" (6,35 mm) hexagon. Thanks to its handy rod shape, the HOTO 3,6V electric screwdriver is easy to use and sits securely in the hand thanks to its rubberized surface.
The HOTO cordless screwdriver stands like one!
The cordless screwdriver copes well with light to medium-heavy screwdriving jobs. Even screwing into wood works without pre-drilling. If you turn it manually, enough resistance is built up so that nothing turns.
The cordless screwdriver is charged via this USB-C socket.
The torque strength can be set to 4 Nm, 6 Nm and 8 Nm depending on the application requirements. The electronic torque is 4 Nm, while manually up to 8 Nm are possible. There is a forward and reverse button to change the direction of rotation.
The torque is set at the front. You can go back and forth using the buttons.
The LED ring at the front end is practical and at least brings a bit of light into the darkness. However, the LED is a bit too dark for working in the dark.
The ring light at the front end. Unfortunately not quite as bright as hoped.
The 1,5Ah (3,6V) battery is charged via USB-C. Once fully charged, one battery charge is enough to tighten or loosen up to 1.000 screws. The charging time is approximately 2 ½ hours. There is an LED charge indicator.
Chic design and good workmanship
Useful basic range of tools
Cordless screwdriver with 3 torque levels
Good battery life
The LED ring light of the cordless screwdriver is a little dark
Rod shape not for everyone
The HOTO tool box was able to convince us in the test and is guaranteed to satisfy hobby do-it-yourselfers. At a current price of 60 euros, the tool set is a bit more expensive than, for example, a Bosch IXO, which can be bought from as little as 30 euros. However, with HOTO 6 you get more tool parts and a chic tool box that you can definitely use in the household. In terms of performance and quality, you are very well served with both the IXO and the HOTO cordless screwdriver. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether the surcharge for the additional scope of tools is worth it and whether they want to do without the well-known brand name.
