Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver
The Doctor’s handy-dandy sonic screwdriver is the epitome of multifunctional gizmos. Whether it’s driving a screw, picking a lock, or disabling an opponent, this amazing implement seems to exhibit the precise capability required by its owner at the time. Now this marvelous gadget can be yours! The sonic screwdriver measures 8-inches tall x 1-inch wide. This Doctor Who Electronic Sonic Screwdriver Replica features button-activated light and sound effects. It includes a hidden ultraviolet pen and UV light that reveals your secret writing, as well as a spare standard ink nib and a wallet with wipe-on, wipe-off “psychic” paper. Look who’s Doctor Who now! Requires 3x “AG13″ button-cell batteries, included.
The sonic screwdriver is a fictional tool in the British sci-fi television series Doctor Who. Its most common function is to operate virtually any lock, mechanical or electronic, and thus open doors for escape or exploration. It has also been used for repairing equipment, as an offensive weapon, and occasionally even to drive screws. Like the TARDIS, it has become one of the icons of the program and is closely associated with the Doctor.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Don’t misplace the pen nibs
When you install the batteries it requires the use of a small phillips head screwdriver… So you need a regular screwdriver to make your Sonic Screwdriver work. (And while I was doing this, I actually was thinking to myself, “Hmmm, this really could be more sonic!”)
I’ve had this thing for about a year now, I use the regular pen nib quite often and it’s currently not showing signs of running out of ink. The nib with the UV ink, unfortunately was lost.
That is the biggest issue I have with the item. The instruction pamphlet that comes with it says that you can order replacement nibs from customer service. You can not currently just order replacement nibs from Amazon, nor are they currently listed in the “Spare Parts” section of the Character-Online customer service website. (Though there are spare Dalek parts which is kind of awesome.) You have to call the company’s customer service department which is in the UK. So unless you want to call long distance and pay shipping from the UK for pen nibs? Do not loose them. (This may change, I hope it does.)
Onto the good stuff!
I really love owning this thing. A few days ago I had a blackout at night and (due to a recent move) I couldn’t find my flashlight, but I was using this thing to make some notes. So I used it to find my keys and my wallet to go out and buy a proper flashlight and some candles. Doing that was more fun then I should probably admit in a public forum. Secondly, the UV ink is tangentially educational. Your child likes Doctor Who, you get them this pen, they write secret messages on the psychic paper and say “Cool! How does that work?” They then become interested in what UV light is, learn all sorts interesting stuff about wavelengths and “Yay! Science if fun!”
If you’re a cosplayer through, that’s not really your concern. From close up and far away it looks good, it has the right moving parts, lights up and makes the noise. It comes with batteries. I don’t know what more you could ask for.
Just don’t misplace the pen nibs.
5 Stars Fun, Silly
If you’re a Doctor Who fan, this is standard equipment. This little sonic screwdriver looks and sounds just like the one featured on the episodes. Makes for a fun drinking game.
4 Stars Goofy and Enjoyable
The husband may scoff, and no, it does not seem like the most sturdy thing ever made, but I cannot stop smiling whenever I use this. I’m not too sure about getting refills and such, or if it would even be truly worth it to bother. That’s not really the point though, is it? Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s late at night and I have a lot of cabinets to put up…
2 Stars Sonic Screwdriver – fun idea, but…
Got this as a gift for my husband, not as a child’s toy. It has sat in the box since. It looks and feels very cheap, I’m not exactly strong & it felt like about to break when I tried to manipulate it so would probably not last long at all with a child. I see I’ve put 3 stars for durability by mistake & it won’t let me edit. We haven’t bothered to try to use it except for a couple of minutes on opening so I can’t speak to durability but I don’t expect much from the cheap flimsy feel of it! The sound effect is just a very weak buzz, we both said “that was it??” It’s not even nice to use as a pen. It may end up on eBay but the buyer would probably want his money back! I’d say it’s one of those things that seems like a fun idea but very disappointing in its execution & don’t waste your money!
4 Stars I don’t fear losing my keys now . . . I just fear losing my screwdriver
I am a fan of the old and new Doctor Who series. The thing to keep in mind is that this is a toy, so don’t expect metal parts, superb simulated sound, and such. It’s plastic with batteries and a light. However, once you accept it for what it is, it’s great! I love just fooling around with it. Pretending to fix people’s problems with it, especially with people who have no idea what it is (confusing them like the Doctor would, and just smile and be on my way). I use it at shows and such like people would use a lighter. And if I ever need help seeing something in the dark, it does come in handy.
It’s not the most durable thing, it’s all plastic. The UV pen works great, but keep in mind the size of it’s ink well, and it’s hard to get a replacement, so use it sparingly. The sound is of course low quality, and the two sounds it makes are very hard to notice any difference (there is some if you listen to it carefully). However, it’s not that loud, so it doesn’t annoy people too much. The light itself is very good, but just don’t point it at anyone’s eyes (UV light).
Now, there is a little problem with it. When I got it, it was hard to keep the thing on. It felt like there was something keeping me from pressing the buttons down. When I opened it up to where you put the batteries, I noticed that the plastic thing holding them is right next to the 2 buttons, and that cover was sticking up on the edge when screwed on (because the pressure caused it to bed). What I did was carefully sand down that plastic with a small piece of sand paper(a nail file would work too) so it was level with the rest of the tube. Then I had no problems with it. Don’t know if it was only mine, but it’s an easy adjustment.
All in all for this low priced toy, I love it. Just don’t expect too much, and you will love it too.
