The Fenrir is a screw and fastener-gripping attachment that can be used with most cordless drills and locking screwdriver handles.

Described as The First Truly One-Handed Screwdriver, the Fenrir is a unique attachment with “patent pending locking plate technology [that] allows it to hold a screwhead on the tip against over 100 lbs of pulling force.”

It has a standard 1/4″ hex shaft for use with different driving tools, and it works with common 2″ power bits.

The Fenrir comes with what looks to be a Wera screwdriver bit holder, but it can also be used with power tools (presumably non-impact).

There are two sizes, one for medium-sized fasteners, and one for larger fasteners.

Fenrir Screw Gripper Sizes

• Medium: 0.20″ to 0.32″ head diameters (5 to 8.1mm)
• Large: 0.25″ to 0.40″ head diameters (6.4 to 10.1mm)

How Does it Work?

The Fenrir has a special recess that allows side-entry of a screw head.

When set with a fastener, it creates a contact force between your screwdriver bit and the screw or fastener you wish to install. You insert the fastener, release the mechanism, and it’s held in place.

Here’s a GIF:

The Fenrir looks to be quick and easy to operate.

There is also an alternate use mode in case you want to use the same tool to reach into a recess.

Fenrir is seeking crowdfunding for the initial production run, with the goal of being able to make the product in the USA.

The Indiegogo campaign is set to run until 9/30/2021. At the time of this posting, they are 38% on the way towards meeting their funding goals.

“Perks” range in price from $31 for either size (plus screwdriver handle and 3 bits) to $58 for both sets.

Learn More via Indiegogo

Discussion

I spoke with the inventor, David Levinson, and two things were made clear to me – 1) he believes this will be a time and frustration saver, and 2) he hopes to be able to have the Fenrir made in the USA (there are more details about this on the crowdfunding page.

They claim that with the Fenrir you will never drop a screw again. The design does look to be effective in doing that.

In addition to being useful for securing screws during the installation processes, this can also be used to secure screws that are being removed.

I have dropped screws and fasteners before, during both installation and removal tasks, and could absolutely see this attachment helping me to avoid that.

Additionally, because it promotes contact between the screwdriver bit and the fastener, it should help reduce the potential for slippage. Does that make sense? The contact pressure that helps to retain the screw also looks to help prevent cam-out or slipping that could be caused by insufficient pressure. This could be a big deal when driving fasteners at awkward angles

What about passive or magnetic screw holders? There are various existing attachments that can be used to help secure screws to driver bits. Most work by either using thin plastic prongs to hold onto the underside of a fastener head, or through the use of magnets. I have had a mixed success rate with such accessories over the years.

The Fenrir takes a completely different approach, as it’s more of an active screw retention device, rather than passive.

The product has been in development for several years (I’ve seen coverage of the prototypes dating back at least to 2019), and in my opinion it looks to be a sound design.

I declined the opportunity to check out a test sample, but there might still be time if you guys are interested. Judging from what I have seen so far, I think the Fenrir looks to be effective at what it claims to do. This won’t be a universal type of accessory in the way that bit holders are, but it has the makings of a time-saver and frustration-solver.

Early prototypes show the Fenrir having what looks to be an integrated handle. I think it was smart to launch as an accessory that can work with locking handles as well as cordless drill chucks.

I would hesitate to use this in tight spaces, as it does add quite a bit of length your screwdriver or drill, but that’s the price of active screw retention. I’ve knocked fasteners off of passive screw holding attachments before, but I can’t see that happening with this design.

I think there’s a lot of promise here.

Demo Videos

Is there such a thing as having too many Wera bit screwdrivers? I don’t think so.

I purchased some of these Wera screwdriver handles at regular pricing for personal, workshop, or ToolGuyd use, some of them during hard-to-pass-up holiday sales, and one or two strictly for review and comparison purposes. Two of them came from advent calendar assortments, and a couple were bundled with 1/4″ screwdriver bit and socket assortments.

There was a bit of debate in the comments section of a recent Hazet bit screwdriver post, where a reader suggested that the Wera 817R might be a better full-size-like bit screwdriver over the 816R. Nothing beats a visual, and so I grabbed all of the Wera bit screwdrivers I could for comparison purposes.

On that note, the 816R and 817R seem to have identical handle shapes and dimensions. If there are any differences, aside from the extending vs. fixed bit chuck, I can’t see them by eye.

There are a couple of Wera screwdrivers missing here, such as the Kraftform Kompakt, but there’s room for an even more expansive comparison later.

Here’s everything you see above:

• Wera Kraftform Kompakt Ratcheting Right Angle RA 4
• Wera Kraftform Turbo 826 T
• Wera 817 R with Extending Rapidaptor
• Wera 813 R (ESD – Electro Static Discharge version)
• Wera 813 (non-Rapidaptor version)
• Wera Kraftform Kompakt Stubby
• Wera Stubby Bit Holder

Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via KC Tool
See Also via Amazon DE

This isn’t all of it. For instance, I recently picked up Wera’s 393 S “extra slim” flex-shaft screwdriver, as it seems good to have and I felt compelled to put the idea to the test. There’s a similar “standard” model that’s a bit cheaper, but with a chunkier bit holder head; 393 S at Amazon , 392 standard.

Wera has quite a few different options than you could find from other brands. Their handle style is a bit polarizing. Some love it, others hate it, and there are users in the middle that tolerate it. I have no problem with Wera Kraftform handles most of the time, with only certain high torque applications fatiguing my hands more than usual.

Which Ones to Buy?

That’s up to your individual needs and preferences. If I had to pick which two to keep, it would be the smallest screwdriver handle with Rapidaptor bit chuck (813 R), and either then standard-size handle (816 R) or the one with extending Rapidaptor bit chuck (817 R). Maybe the 817 R over the 816 R given its unique features.

I like it when a tools offer features you can’t find by other brands. A lot of brands make stubby screwdriver bit holders, but few make miniature ones like the 813 R. I like to use stubby bit holders for compact tasks and tight spaces, but the 813 R comes in handy for lower torque applications.

You could do what I do, and try them all, but this can very quickly get out of hand.

Rapidaptor vs. Magnetic Bit Retention?

All of these screwdriver handles have magnetic or “Rapidaptor” locking bit holder retention to help 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits stay in place.

I prefer Rapidaptor bit holders, with most featuring the same active lock that helps prevent bit pull-out. There are some that work a little differently, but if I recall correctly, I have only noticed this with socket adapter bit holders – the kind you attach to a ratchet in order to use screwdriver bits.

The three screwdriver bit drivers shown above with magnetic bit chucks were not separate purchases. The two stubby drivers came with advent calendars, and the tiny 813 is bundled with Wera’s “Bit check” compact screwdriver bit and socket sets.

I actually really like the stubby screwdriver, although it’s somewhat pricey on its own. Shopping around, KC Tool has the best price – a little more than $14 after coupon. Actually, MSC Direct has the best price at $12.49, but their shipping fees can be high.

You need to be cautious when looking at Wera’s non-Rapidaptor bit holders. Some have magnets, and others have retaining rings. That’s another option for users that don’t like the idea of Rapidaptor bit holders (or the added expense).

So for say the stubby screwdriver where a locking holder doesn’t look to be an option, Wera does give you magnetic or retaining ring options.

Wera also offers certain screwdriver handles with ESD (yellow-orange) or standard (green) handle compositions. I bought the ESD partially because I figured it could be useful for some of the work I do, but mostly because it was less expensive than the standard green-handled screwdriver at the time.

Questions? Requests? Complaints?

I’d be happy to answer any questions about the Wera screwdriver bit holder handles you see here, and a couple of others that you don’t.

If you have questions about a model I don’t have or haven’t used, I can add it to my list, but it’ll be some time before I’m able to buy or look into them.

Or, if you want to see more of something completely different, please tell me about that too.

Related Posts:

The Best EDC Screwdriver with Bit Storage? How do You Feel About 1″ Screwdriver Bits? Multi-Bit vs. Individual Screwdrivers – You Have to Pick!

The Hazet 2200SC-1 69pc SmartCase Bit Set is a compact screwdriver bit assortment that provides a selection of insert bits, power bits, hex keys, and bit holding accessories, in a convertible case.

What’s most interesting about this Hazet bit set is its case, which has a magnetic closure and innovative opening and access mechanism. The case opens up similar to a book, and can either be laid flat or perched in a tablet stand-like configuration for a smaller footprint and easier visibility of set contents.

You get a miniature screwdriver bit handle for manual fastening tasks, and a locking bit holder that can be used with cordless drills and screwdrivers.

Bit Set Contents

• 810BHK Locking Bit Holder
• 2239N-6 Locking 1/4″ Bit Adapter
• 1/4″ hex to square adapter
• 2100 Metric L-keys: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm
• Slotted: 0.4 x 1.5, 0.6 x 4.5, 0.8 x 5.5, 1.2 x 6.5mm
• Slotted Bit (long): 0.8 x 5.5mm
• Phillips: #1 (3), #2 (3), #3 (x)
• Phillips (long): #1, #2
• Pozidriv: #1 (3), #2 (3), #3 (1)
• Pozidriv(long): #1, #2
• Hex: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6mm
• Hex (long): 3, 4, 5, 6mm
• Torx: T6, T7, T8, T9, T10 (x2), T15 (x2), T20 (x2), T25 (x2), T27, T30 (x2), T40 (x2)
• Torx (long): T20, T25, T30
• Security Torx : T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40

This isn’t Hazet’s only SmartCase product – they have other tool sets with similarly unique opening and display mechanisms.

Sale Price: $89.99 (7/26/21 only)

Buy Now via KC Tool
Buy Now via Amazon

The deal of the day pricing is only valid 7/26/21, unless supplies sell out sooner. At the time of this posting, KC Tool has a late August shipping ETA. They have free shipping on $75+ orders.

Price Comparison

Amazon DE: €94.28 (~$111 USD)

It appears that KC Tool’s prior price, before this deal went live, was $135.61.

My Opinion

$90 for a 69-piece screwdriver bit set still seems a bit steep, but Hazet’s tools generally aren’t inexpensive. Plus, part of that cost goes towards the unique SmartCase.

If you’re looking for something different but in the same pricing ballpark, I really like the Wera Tool Check Plus and Bit Check screwdriver bit and accessory sets.

Wera’s smaller 30pc Bit Check screwdriver set, which comes with 29 bits and a locking bit chuck, is priced at $36 via Amazon. The sale pricing on the Hazet set is roughly proportionate.

The Hazet’s SmartCase seems very convenient, but if that’s not winning you over, there could be better bargains or other options that better fit your needs and wants.

Buy Now via Amazon

Videos

Hazet’s promo video shows how the SmartCase works, but with a different tool loadout.

Related Posts:

Talk Me Out of This Hazet Locking Screwdriver Bit Holder New Klein Mini Screwdriver Bit Ratchet Set for Electricians Ernst Bit Boss – a High Density Hex Bit Organizer

I’m sure you know what a multi-bit screwdriver looks like, but just in case, let’s start off with a good example – the new Wiha multi-bit drivers.

There are many other sizes and shapes of multi-bit screwdrivers, but there’s one major commonality – built-in bit storage.

As long as it has multiple bit sizes and styles, it’s a multi-bit screwdriver.

Some interchangeable bit screwdrivers also have ratcheting mechanism.

But the point is this – on one hand, we have multi-bit screwdrivers that deliver x-in-1 functionality.

And on the other side of things, we have screwdriver sets, individually-sized screwdrivers, and other one-tool-fits-one-size screwdrivers.

The “You Have to Pick!” part of the title is unfair, I know, but it’s a good exercise in sorting out one’s preferences and needs.

I love using multi-bit screwdrivers, but could give them up if I had to. Individually-sized screwdrivers, on the other hand – those would be tough to replace.

There are also bit sets, which can sometimes make up for the shortcomings of multi-bit screwdrivers, but they also don’t quite have all the benefits of individual screwdrivers.

Some bit sets have hex shanks, others have a proprietary connection. There’s also the option of pairing a bit holder with standard 1/4″ hex insert or power bits, but that’s usually just a multi-bit screwdriver without internal storage.

The Big Question – Which Would You Pick and Why?

Multi-bit screwdrivers excel in giving you x-number of screwdriver sizes and styles in a compact package.

Individual screwdrivers give you tip-specific handle shapes and sizes, and also shafts as narrow as they need to be. You can always find the ideal screwdriver size and shape for an application.

Can multi-bit screwdrivers replace individual drivers in ALL scenarios? No. Can individual screwdrivers replace multi-bit drivers in ALL scenarios? Possibly – things get complicated when you think about ratcheting mechanisms and special scenarios.

There’s no right answer to this question.

For me, I prefer and benefit from having both types of screwdrivers at my disposal. I need individual screwdriver styles for certain applications, and I also like the variety available to me.

But you also can’t pocket an entire screwdriver set in the same way you can a multi-bit screwdriver.

If I had to pick one, it would be individual screwdrivers. If a multi-bit shaft is too wide, or its bits too short, they won’t fit all of the types of fastening tasks I come across.

The reason for this post is because I’ve seeing a lot of polarized opinions. “Multi-bit screwdrivers are the ONLY choice.” Why?

Overwhelming preferences are okay, and I’d like to hear more about everyone’s choices and preferences.

Multi-bit screwdrivers or individual sizes, which would you choose, and which could you give up?

Related Posts:

I Couldn’t Find My Torx Screwdrivers When I Needed Them How do You Feel About 1″ Screwdriver Bits?

I was checking Amazon’s price on Hazet’s magnetic parts cup (KC Tool has better pricing), and came across Hazet’s locking screwdriver bit holder handle, model 810BH.

Amazon has it for $15.99, KC Tool has it for $13.05.

What’s the catch?

I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised, as the medium-sized Wera Rapidaptor locking screwdriver handle is only a couple dollars more, at ~$18 on Amazon. Still, $13 to $16 seems uncharacteristically inexpensive for this brand.

The Hazet bit screwdriver has a bayonet-style clasp, which basically means it has a quick-release-style latching mechanism, in contrast to the magnetic hex sockets most bit screwdriver handles feature.

It looks like the Hazet screwdriver handle can be used with standard 1/4″ insert bits, and it should work with power-style bits as well.

In my experience, locking bit holders tend to have very little if any wobble, and are more secure than magnetic bit holder sockets.

I don’t really need any more screwdriver handles, but this is definitely something I could add to my shopping list for future review. But I suppose that depends – what’s your stance on locking bit holders vs. magnetic?

Pretend that I’m in the market for a bit screwdriver. Can you talk me out of this one. Otherwise, this looks to be a fantastic buy – a good brand-name screwdriver bit driver at a reasonable price, and with a locking bit chuck.

As for the handle style, I already know it’s comfortable – I bought Hazet’s longer magnetic bit driver a few years ago (HAZET 810SPC-6.3). If I had to choose again, it would be this 810BH model, for the shorter size and locking chuck.

I find myself trying to find a flaw in the 810BH’s design. Why shouldn’t I buy it? Why wouldn’t you buy it? Or is this really something that EVERYONE should have in their tool box?

Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via KC Tool
Buy Now via Amazon DE

Related Posts:

New Klein Mini Screwdriver Bit Ratchet Set for Electricians Teeny Tiny Fingertip Screwdriver Bit Holders Ernst Bit Boss – a High Density Hex Bit Organizer

Let’s say you have a whole bunch of 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits, holders, nutdrivers, and similar accessories. Where do you put them – loose in a tool drawer, bag or box, or maybe back into different brands’ assortment cases?

Maybe you have a Dewalt ToughCase parts organizer? Some other solution?

This Ernst Bit Boss is a high density organizer than can hold up to 90 of your 1/4″ hex screwdriving bits and accessories.

The Ernst Bit Boss organizer measures 14.9″ long x 3.6″ wide x 1.2″ tall. There are two color options – black and high-visibility yellow.

There are two types of storage options – 3 rows of holes for 72 vertical bit locations, and 6 clips for a total of 18 horizontal holders for use with longer accessories.

Ernst’s description says that you can easily remove or replace individual rails, although it’s unclear as to how useful this will be seeing as how there are only two rails. Although, this does suggest that if you buy two or more organizers you can swap rails around in case you want all vertical or horizontal storage configurations in a single holder.

Each rail looks to have 3 separate holders that could allow for further customization.

You can use this organizer in a drawer or on a benchtop, and Ernst also says it can be used on the go. It looks like the Bit Boss has small side handles, which would help with portability.

The vertical holes have a “taper lock” design, which Ernst says securely holds bits in place. I would think that tapered contact on the 1/4″ hex bits could potentially make accessory removal a little easier than if they were simply straight-walled holes.

However, Ernst says that the upright bit holes “pinch” the bottom of bits, and can provide a secure hold even when the Bit Boss is upside down. This seems to make the Bit Boss a whole lot more versatile than I had thought.

Ernst says that in addition to being placed on a variety of horizontal surfaces, the Bit Boss can also be hung vertically. This is probably where the Taper Lock feature really comes in handy.

The Bit Boss is made in the USA.

Price: $18 (black) $19 (hi-viz)

Buy Now via Amazon
See More Ernst via Amazon

Just to be clear, the accessories are all sold separately.

Is this something you would use? Can you recommend a different accessory organizer?

See Also:

5 Reasons to Buy this Dewalt ToughCase Parts Organizer

There’s also the Olsa Tools hex bit holder with magnetic base.

This looks very similar to a Mechanics Time Saver product, but certain MTS accessories (including this one) seem to have been harder to find in recent years.

Price: $15

Buy Now: Olsa Organizer via Amazon
Buy Now: Magnetic Time Saver via Amazon

Related Posts:

New Irwin Power Tool Accessory Cases (Should be Dewalt-Compatible) Use This to Organize Your Pliers (Made in USA)

It seems that whenever I post about any screwdriver bit assortment deals, quite a few folks energetically express their dislike, disapproval, and even disdain for common 1″ insert-style bits.

Many hand tools accept these 1/4″ hex-shanked 1-inch-lenght screwdriver bits, and although rare, there are some cordless screwdrivers and drivers that also accept them without requiring additional accessories.

Generally, if using this type of screwdriver bit in a power tool, you must also use a bit holder, adapter, or extension with an extended 1/4″ hex shank shaft.

That’s probably where the dislike comes from – having to use a separate accessory with these screwdriver bits.

I have quite a few 1″ screwdriver bits dedicated for hand tool use, such as with screwdriver handles, ratchets, stubby handles, palm drivers, and other types of drive tools.

These bits work quite well with cordless power tools as well.

With the 1/4″ hex adapter/extension that comes with most bit assortment sets, you can use these screwdriver bits in a standard drill or impact driver. Add a socket attachment accessory, and you use impact-rated bits with an impact wrench, or standard or impact-rated bits with a cordless ratchet.

In this product image, Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel High Speed cordless ratchet is being used with a drive size adapter and a bit socket. Well, what if you didn’t have the exact bit socket you needed? A socket adapter lets you use any insert bit tip with a corded or cordless ratchet.

Yes, I know that 2″ and longer “power-style” screwdriver bits are more convenient for use with drills and impact drivers. And no, I’m not just saying this to humor you – they are more convenient, with a one-piece screwdriver bit simpler and often more slender.

But, let’s say you’re using a cordless drill and swapping bits often. Won’t a bit adapter that remains in place be much more convenient to use with removable 1″ hex bits than having to re-chuck a 2″ or longer power bit each time?

Some might say “but I only use impact drivers, and so I can swap bits with ease anyway,” and you’d be right. But what if you need the adjustable torque settings of a cordless drill? The best impact drivers have multiple speed settings these days, but these are coarse speed and torque limits meant to prevent fastener damage, and so they’re not as well-suited for when you’re looking for repeatability.

You might now whisper the phrase “cordless screwdrivers…” to which I have no retort.

I buy premium 1″ insert bits for hand tool use, torque screwdriver or ratchet use, and also impact-rated 1″ bits with power tools and hand tool use when it’s convenient to do so.

Here’s a very serious question:

Bit assortments often include a large quantity of 1″ screwdriver bits. Is this because most users prefer them, or do users simply like these bits for their lower pricing?

A 2″ power bit will usually cost more than a 1″ insert bit.

You can usually find the most popular screwdriver tip styles and sizes in the 1″ insert bit form factor. But what about 2″ bits? Here are some older generation Milwaukee Shockwave hex-style bit tips. Does any brand make hex-style bits in 2″ or longer power bit styles?

Whenever someone criticizes 1″ insert bits, availability considerations come to mind. It’s not just that 1″ bits are less expensive than 2″ bits; often you can only find certain styles in 1″ insert-style sizing.

You can find longer versions of popular screwdriver bits. But what if you cannot? Well, that’s where longer bit extensions and adapters can come into play.

To me, 1″ insert bits are essential.

But what if I removed hand tool use and focused exclusively on power tool use? I would still use 1″ insert bits, and also 2″ power bits as well.

If there is the choice between using a 1″ bit with an adapter or extension, or using a 2″ bit with a tool that has a 1/4″ hex quick chuck, and neither cost nor availability is of any concern, I would likely reach for the 2″ bit.

2″ bits are often better suited for tasks that would otherwise require 1″ bits to be used with an adapter. Even still, this does not mean 1″ insert bits aren’t useful.

How do you feel about 1-inch-long 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits?

Related Posts:

Tool Talk: Hanging Cabinets with Some of My Favorite Tools I Couldn’t Find My Torx Screwdrivers When I Needed Them Multi-Bit vs. Individual Screwdrivers – You Have to Pick!

As you might know, I have been checking Amazon’s tool deal listing regularly, sorting through it all to separate the “wow that’s a good deal” promos from the “uch, stuff no real tool user wants” noise.

Day 1

Amazon: Hey, this Lenox multi-bit screwdriver is on sale for $8.98.

Me: Meh, that’s not an exciting deal.

Day 2

Amazon: Hey there, it’s still on sale.

Me: That’s nice.

Day 3-11

Same as before.

Day 12

I don’t know how many days it’s been, but it feels like this Lenox multi-bit screwdriver has been an Amazon tool department front-page deal for most of the month.

Yes, the handle looks comfortable. Yes, the bit selection looks useful. Yes, $8.98 seems like a good price.

Okay, okay, I’ll bite. Let’s take a look.

The same screwdriver looks to be regularly priced at $11 or $12, depending on the retailer. It’s on sale at a few places right now.

9-in-1?

I see 4 screwdriver bit tips, 2 nut driver sockets. Isn’t this a 6-in-1 screwdriver.

Update: 2 more hidden inner-facing bit tips plus one more nut driver size = 3 more for 9-in1.

How do they get 9-in-1?

The Lenox Tools 23932 9-in-1 Mullet-tool Screw Driver is a versatile and comfortable driver that will allow you to work with a variety of fasteners. The 6-in-1 Screw Driver features a slip resistant, ergonomic grip that MAX the amount of torque you can use.

Umm…

Seems like the 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 listings ended up mashed together. Aside from that, no one at Stanley Black & Decker or Amazon caught how this screwdriver is being called a mullet-tool.

I’d guess they accidentally reused some of the marketing copy for Irwin’s 9-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver ($11.32 via Amazon). I have an Irwin screwdriver just like that one, and it’s held up well over the years.

Wait!

I missed that one of those double-sided bits has multiple components. This could very well me a 9-in-1!

I dug this photo up from Lenox’s website, but I’m not quite sure what it’s showing. Is this for the 6-in-1?

Okay, I am sold on the idea that this Lenox mullet-tool screwdriver is a good deal at $9. (Sorry, I still find that slip-up funny. Autocorrect?)

It seems that the 6-in-1 is $8, and the 9-in-1 is $9.

I think that this would be a good buy whether I was looking to buy something for me, or a small gift or stocking stuffer type of tool for someone just starting out with their first brand-name hand tools.

Buy it Now via Amazon – $9 at the time of this posting
See Also: Lenox 6-in-1 via Amazon – $8 at the time of this posting

What do you think? Rate this deal!

*Crossing my fingers that this Lenox screwdriver sells out so that I don’t keep seeing it on Amazon’s tool deals front page listings.*

See More Amazon Tool Deal Posts Here
See All Tool Deals Here
Sort Through Deals on Amazon

The Klein 11-in-1 is a popular option too – I’d consider it an upgrade pick at $15.

Buy Now: Klein via Amazon

Then there’s the Wera Kraftform Kompakt screwdriver set – THIS is a nice “treat myself” type of multi-bit screwdriver deal.

Buy it Now via Amazon

Related Posts:

Wiha Extended Length Phillips Screwdriver Bits Teeny Tiny Fingertip Screwdriver Bit Holders How do You Feel About 1″ Screwdriver Bits?

I have a fancy USA-made dehumidifer that has apparently failed after 3 years. I recently replaced the humidity control switch (under warranty), but it’s still suffering from issues.

The front panel is held in place using Torx-head screws.

Here are some things I discovered, while trying to troubleshoot and fix the darned thing in the wee hours of the morning

Where Did I Put My Torx Screwdrivers?

Water was dripping out of the machine where it wasn’t supposed to. I found my nutdrivers relatively quickly, tightening down a lock-nut that probably shouldn’t have been a little loose. By “relatively quickly” I mean I tried to use the nutdriver ends of a multi-bit screwdriver before realizing the handle kept running into obstacles. The too-small nutdriver tip could reach, the too-large one couldn’t, and it took my grabbing an older Craftsman nutdriver set to realize I needed an intermediate 11/32″ size anyway.

But before all that, I had to access the panel, which required removing 8 Torx screws.

Where are my Torx screwdrivers or nicely organized row of 1″ bits?

I had a 3pc Torx screwdriver set in the garage, but the largest size was too small. I dug out two different multi-bit screwdrivers that were already in the basement, but their largest Torx sizes were also too small.

I have a PB Swiss Torx set I bought from Amazon a full 10 years ago (and for $15!), but I stored it away a few years ago due to disuse.

When I swapped out the humidity control switch earlier, I dug out a bit ratchet and precision screwdriver bit, and that worked in a pinch. I didn’t have patience for that improvisation, not at 4am.

I know where my mini drivers are, but they’re way too small.

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I didn’t want to start digging around my office/electronics space for bits, because the kids were sleeping.

I ended up using ball-end L-shaped Torx keys that I keep in the basement, and then grabbed a Milwaukee Shockwave 2″ T25 bit that I used with a too-long bit driver handle.

I have a stockpile of plenty of power bits and insert bits in the basement, most of them impact-rated. Using a 2″ power bit with an extra long length bit holder isn’t glamorous, but it worked.

What I’m Ordering

Tool deficiency? Gotta fix this.

My multi-bit screwdrivers all tend to have Torx tips that are on the small side. So, I just ordered this Tekton 6-in-1 hard-handled Torx screwdriver, with T20, T25, T27, and T30 tips. I will likely put it in a maintenance drawer in the basement, and that’s where it’ll live so that I don’t have to embarrass myself again by not being able to find the tool I need when I need it. Or, maybe I’ll wall-mount a loop to give it a place in the utility room.

This driver is priced at $10 via Amazon and is made in the USA. Plus, I’ve been meaning to find an excuse to try out Tekton’s new hard handle design.

Of course I am now able to dig out my Wiha multi-bit screwdriver in no time, and it has T20, T25, and T30 bit tips. But, I also use that driver for household tasks and it sometimes goes missing.

With this new driver, the hard handle should allow for easier wipe-downs compared to my Wiha’s cushion-gripped handle.

Having a dedicated larger-size multi-bit Torx driver will be useful. I bet it will also eventually be used for things like saw blade changes. Maybe?

At $10, this fills a need but without breaking the bank. I will also try to dig out my hard-handled PB Swiss screwdriver set, which will surely smell foul after being stored in a closed box for so long.

Buy Now: Tekton 6-in-1 Torx Driver via Amazon

Unrelated: Weird Sizing – T20 Tool in a T25 Fastener?

This is the part the confused me, and not because it was the middle of the night when I set to troubleshooting all this.

I removed 8 screws using an L-shaped Torx T20 key. The short end was straight-cut and I used it to break the fasteners free, and the long end is ball-shaped. It felt a little clunky, but it worked, and I thought the uneven feel was due to the ball-end tip shape.

For reinstallation, and because I kept installing temporary screws to hold things in place while I powered it up for testing, it was then that I put together an improvised screwdriver-shaped pairing between a 2″ power bit and extra long driver.

T25 fit best.

So, a T20 bit fit in the fasteners a little loosely and still managed to turn them, but T25 provided a more secure fit. What?

I’m going to have to be more careful in the future. I work with hex fasteners a lot more than Torx, in regard to hand tool-related tasks at least, and also of course Phillips and square. With those types of fasteners, a screwdriver either fits or it doesn’t. You can sometimes make different Phillips sizes work, but generally you know which size you’re supposed to use.

It seems that the Torx fasteners in this machine were perhaps tapered? But they don’t really look like it.

You can bet I’m going to see if I can drive in T25 wood screws with T20 bits today, to see if the slight sizing matchup is more common than I was previously aware of.

It was upon close inspection that I noticed the T20 bit didn’t quite completely fill the fastener socket entirely, not the way that a T25 tip does, but it engaged enough to where I was able to use the T20 tool for fastener removal.

How bizarre, maybe this is a fluke?

A T20 bit tip shouldn’t have been able to successfully drive a T25 fastener, right?

Did I stumble across the rare example where the wrong-sized tool can turn a fastener?

Related Posts:

How do You Feel About 1″ Screwdriver Bits? Multi-Bit vs. Individual Screwdrivers – You Have to Pick!

Screwdriver bits can get lost in a pouch, tool bag, or tool box, and the larger the bag or box, the easier for these guys to get lost in there if you put them in their loose. Doesn’t it stink to have to pause a task or project to hunt down a missing screwdriver bit, bit holder, nut driver, or other such cordless power tool accessory?

Engineer Inc makes a Bit Pit keychain-style accessory that keeps an individual screwdriver bit in a safe place.

I’m going to be frank here – Engineer Inc’s Bit Pits never quite fulfilled my vision of how I’d use them, although I do see how others might find them useful. Influencers have been oohing and aahing over this type of bit storage accessory for a few months, and so I guess they’re growing in popularity. Or, maybe it’s just a social media trend, I don’t know.

Basically, the Engineer Inc Bit Pit is a quick-release bit holder, but you can’t actually use it as a screwdriver. That’s the part that frustrates me – it’s just a storage device, meant for keeping your 1/4″ hex 2″ power bits easily accessible and exactly where you put it.

The last I checked, these didn’t play nicely with 1″ bits.

These are pricey, too. At $10 each they seem expensive, but the build quality reflects the price. If you want something similar for cheap, you could modify a bit holder yourself for storage purposes, although a locking bit holder will cost at least as much.

I bought a silver and a green back in 2012 a couple of days after I posted about them, and I remember the sting of that Amazon order. $10 each? For bit holders that aren’t effective as pocket screwdrivers?

I suppose you can rig them up to be more useful, such as with a purchased or 3D-printed fingertip handle. But still, these are designed purely as storage devices.

They are quite good at their task, though, and I think Bit Pit is clever and appropriate naming by Engineer Inc. But it’s a matter of needing what they can do.

If you need a place to dock your screwdriver bits, and your drill or driver doesn’t have any fancy magnetic or spring steel bit holder built-in, these are more secure and practical than the many magnetic wrist-straps and tool wraparound accessories on the market.

All this is to say that I have grown to appreciate the theoretical benefits of this accessory, although I ordered a pair just after posting about them back in 2012, and ultimately didn’t need then. They were unnecessary when I had them at-hand, and somewhere else when I really could have used them. Maybe I’ll dig them up again and give it another try.

I think they’re neat designs and well-made. This isn’t something I’d buy again for personal use, but maybe your needs and wants are different.

If you could use it, I think you’ll like it.

Price: ~$10

Buy Now via Amazon

What do you currently use to keep a screwdriver bit or two easily retrievable?

Related Posts:

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I’ve used a couple of small screwdriver bit holders before, but these fingertip bit holders from Lee Valley look to be the smallest I’ve ever seen.

You get a set of 3 plastic (PP) holders for just under $8, each measuring 1/2″ wide x 11/16″ long. They’re barrel-shaped, grooved for grip, and also have a built-in rare-earth magnet.

The integrated magnet actually serves two purposes. First, the magnet helps with screwdriver bit retention, letting you use 1″ insert bits – this is an obvious and typical feature. Second, Lee Valley says that the magnet lets you store the bit holders on any ferrous surface.

What this means is that you can attach one to your refrigerator (or at least those that magnets work on), your tool box, your tool cart, or any other such ferromagnetic steel surface.

They’re red, which should help with spotting them for easy retrieval.

The bit driver handle’s small size of course means it’s best suited for low-torque applications, but there are still plenty of uses, such as for turning the screws on a light switch cover plate.

They also demonstrate its usefulness for woodworking plane adjustments.

I’ve seen larger metal-body fingertip screwdriver bit holders before, and own one or two Craftsman-branded ones. They’re definitely useful, and it could be argued that they’re a better value at only slightly higher pricing. But, these plastic ones from Lee Valley has two big selling points in my opinion.

First, being able to stick them to magnetic surfaces is a big deal. There are a lot of times when I need a small screwdriver bit for something quick and light-duty, and it would help to have a small screwdriver bit holder at the ready. I haven’t tried these yet however, and can’t comment as to whether they can still stick to a ferrous surface with a bit loaded in – that sure would add to their convenience.

Second, the small size makes these bit holders easy to stash in a pocket, tool bag, tool pouch, or wherever else. Other fingertip drivers are small, but these look much smaller. For some people, that could make a big difference. Let’s say you’re working in a tight space, or want to minimize the weight being carried where every gram counts – that’s where these might shine.

At just under $8 for 3, the bit drivers come out to be $2.65 each, which seems fair for a piece of shaped plastic with a magnet embedded inside.

Price: $7.95

Buy Now via Lee Valley
Compare: Finger Bit Drivers via Amazon

See Also:

• SK Thumbwheel Ratchet Review
• Gearwrench MicroDriver Screwdriver Bit and Mini Socket Set Review

Any other mini or fingertip bit drivers you could recommend?

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I Couldn’t Find My Torx Screwdrivers When I Needed Them Talk Me Out of This Hazet Locking Screwdriver Bit Holder

The debate over bit holders and screwdriver bits vs. individual screwdriver sizes rages on. Personally, I use both, but there are times when screwdriver bits are just the wrong tool for the job, such as when accessing screws in recesses.

Especially with smaller sizes, such as Phillips #0 and #1, but even with #2, screwdriver bits with short tip lengths just can’t reach fasteners within recesses or counterbored holes.

This is a bit holder – one of my favorites – with a Phillips #2 bit. Examine where the bit holder meets the tip – the end of the bit holder has a constant and much larger radius than the 1/4″ hex bit.

This is the tip of an individually-sized Phillips #2 screwdriver. Here you can see that the shaft diameter is barely larger than the bit diameter.

Which screwdriver configuration will have an easier time accessing fasteners within holes or recesses?

That’s where long or extended-length screwdriver bits come into play – they have narrow diameters that *should* be long enough to reach screws that would otherwise be inaccessible to shorter standard 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits.

This set is priced at just under $8 at Amazon, and they have similar Wiha sets with slotted or hex bit sizes. There are also sets from no-name straight-to-Amazon brands. Or, if you shop industrial suppliers such as McMaster Carr, you can get 3-1/2″ bits for maybe $1.60 each, sometimes more (the Phillips #0 is a lot more).

The Wiha set comes with Phillips #0, #1, #2, #4 sizes, and they’re all 90 mm (~3-1/2″) long.

These and other bits like them might not be essential, but they could be problem-solvers. They solve the accessibility issue that bit holders, cordless drills, and power screwdrivers can run into. And, when the longer length bits aren’t needed, you can switch them out for standard 1″ or 2″ bits.

Price: $8

Buy Now via Amazon
See Also: Other Styles
Compare: Wera 33pc Set with Handle

Other available styles include:

• Security Hex
• Security Torx
• Pozidriv
• Square
• Slotted
• TriWing
• Security Spanner

Related Posts:

Teeny Tiny Fingertip Screwdriver Bit Holders How do You Feel About 1″ Screwdriver Bits? Multi-Bit vs. Individual Screwdrivers – You Have to Pick!

A reader gave us a heads up about these new Irwin power tool accessory cases that look suspiciously like the new Dewalt ToughCase+ storage cases and Craftsman accessory cases. (Thank you Herb for the tip!)

The resemblance is no coincidence, as Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman, Dewalt, and Irwin brands.

Irwin will be bringing out three different sized accessory cases:

• Small bulk storage boxes
• Small storage case
• Medium storage case

The small bulk storage case fits inside the small and medium storage cases. It’s perfectly sized for holding a quantity of screwdriver bits.

Irwin sized the small storage case for screwdriver and drill bit assortments, while the medium storage cases can accommodate larger accessories such as auger-style drill bits.

The small and medium storage cases can be clipped together, making it easier to carry a couple at the same time.

Irwin advertises that these clear lid containers will help you see what accessories you have with you at a quick glance. They are also using the same new pivoting bit holders that the Craftsman and Dewalt cases use, which makes it easier to remove and replace bits.

We don’t have any idea when these new cases will hit the streets or what accessories will be included.

Discussion

As mentioned above, it’s no surprise that Irwin is coming out with accessory storage cases that are similar to Dewalt and Craftsman products. Do we know for sure that the Irwin storage cases will be compatible? No, but it’s very likely.

What’s notable is the absence of a large carrying case of the kind that Craftsman and Dewalt have teased about (but still have not yet delivered on). This may be because Irwin has no stacking tool box system comparable to Tstak or Versastack. Yet?

If you look at the above photo you’ll see the medium case lid is divided down the middle with dovetails to fit small case bit holders, but the bottom is completely open for large accessory storage like the Irwin Speedbor bits.

The Dewalt and Craftsman accessory cases are divided down the middle, and some come with a removable tray.

I really like this standardization trend by Stanley Black & Decker. It means that most of the new accessory kits from Irwin, Dewalt, and Craftsman should work as a system, and with the Versastack and Tstak tool boxes once the new large storage cases are released.

I hope Stanley Black & Decker will continue this trend of standardization among other tool and accessory storage product lines.

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I posted about the Hart double-ended multi-bit screwdriver back in May, and that same screwdriver is now on clearance for half price.

I still haven’t seen this screwdriver in person at any Home Depot location, and so perhaps it was an online-only experiment?

The driver has a quick-access button which allows the screwdriver shaft to slide through the handle. You can equip one bit on one side, and slide the shaft through to expose another bit on the other side. There’s in-handle storage for additional screwdriver bits.

It seems like it could be handy for certain users.

Personally, I find it interested enough that I’m likely to add it to my next Home Depot order, especially if I needed a “filler” to meet the free shipping threshold. But if it sells out before then, I wouldn’t be too upset.

Clearance Price: $7.49

Buy Now via Home Depot
Read the ToolGuyd Preview Post

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Klein Tools has come out with a new 1/4″ hex drive mini bit ratchet and bit set, model 65200. It comes with a bit ratchet, 1/4″ hex to square adapter for use with standard sockets, and 4 common-sized screwdriver bits.

The new Klein bit ratchet has a unique shape that features a finger loop built into the handle, which Klein says gives users greater control.

The ratchet has a 72 tooth mechanism for a 5° swing arc for use in tight or obstructed areas.

Features & Specs

• 72 tooth ratcheting mechanism
• 1/4″ hex bit holder – doubles as a 1/4″ nut driver
• 5/16″ nut driver on the reverse side
• Set includes a 1/4″ socket adapter
• Ring magnet and bit clip for screwdriver bit retention
• Handle loop for one-hand driving and storage or carrying options
• Bits: Phillips #1, #2, Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
• Nutdriver sizes: 1/4″, 5/16″

Price: $15

Buy Now via Home Depot – product is not yet available for purchase, check back soon
See Also: Sunex Bit Ratchet Set

Thank you to Abe for the tip!

Discussion

The new Klein bit ratchet has 1/4″ and 5/16″ nutdriver sizes and comes with an assortment of 4 screwdriver bits, plus the 1/4″ hex to square drive adapter. It also looks to feature a manual spinner ring and a direction lever switch. And it only costs $15?

Most bit ratchets have teeny tiny handles. The large ring that Klein built into the end of the handle looks like it might be as convenient as claimed. I can see it potentially allowing for a better grip, plus it could allow for easier storage.

What’s the downside to a tool like this, especially given the very affordable pricing?

I can’t speak as to how suitable it might for electrical applications, but there are certainly a number of general everyday fastening tasks it might work well for.

Update: The image of the Klein bit set has been updated. There was an error in the original.

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I put some time in with my Wiha Ultra Driver this week, and it screamed out: “post about me!” I talked a little about Wiha Ultra Drivers when they first came out, but not since then, so it’s about time.

What I Like: The Wiha Ultra Driver has a very easy and convenient bit storage system, and it holds a lot of bits. It’s comfortable to use, and the bit holder is also a pleasure to use, with its slide-back bit release collar.

Hesitations: The bits are double-ended and seem to be proprietary. Replacement bits are available, and you can also use standard 1″ bits, although it’s less than ideal since 1″ screwdrivers bits are slightly shorter. (KC Tool has replacement bits for under $1, and 13pc assortments for $9.)

There are several versions with different bit configurations.

Price: $26 – $27

Wiha Ultra Driver Tradesman (77790)

• TORX: T10, T15, T20, T25
• Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3
• Pozidrive: #1 & #2
• Square: #0, #1, #2, #3
• Slotted: 3.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5
• Metric Hex: 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0mm
• Inch Hex 1/8″, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Wiha Ultra Driver Technician (77791)

• TORX: T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
• Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3
• Pozidrive: #1 & #2
• Square: #0, #1, #2, #3
• Slotted: 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Wiha Ultra Driver Industrial (77792)

• TORX: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
• Phillips: , #1, #2,
• Slotted: 4.0, 6.0
• Metric Hex: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0mm
• Inch Hex 3/32, 7/64, 1/8″, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4″

Buy Now(via Amazon)

You Should Buy One if…

The Wiha Ultra Driver is a great all-around multi-bit screwdriver. It has a large and comfortable handle, a great bit holder, and plentiful bit storage, not to mention how easy those bits are accessible via the pop-out bit cartridge.

You Should Not Buy One if…

~$26 isn’t a lot of money for what you get, but if you only use the same 2 or 3 bits all the time, something like a 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver can save you a bit of coin. I sometimes wish Wiha made a version of this screwdriver that worked a little better with standard 1″ screwdriver bits. Their double-ended bits are longer, and so while you can use standard bits, the experience isn’t quite as good as with the included bits. Still, if you lose or destroy your most-used bit, you might be able swap in a standard bit until you can order and receive a replacement double-ended bit.

This is also not the kind of multi-bit screwdriver you can slip into your pants pocket.

Also Consider

Wera also has a very good multi-bit screwdriver, but it’s usually priced a little higher than the Wiha Ultra Driver.

Buy Now(Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 via Amazon)

Note: The Wiha Ultra Driver discussed here was purchased at retail pricing in November 2017. I bought the “Industrial” version.

Do you like the idea of a series of “tool of the week/month” posts?

Read Also: Best EDC Screwdrivers with Bit Storage

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Wayne must have seen my post about screwdriver bit holder sockets, because he wrote in with a great question about screwdriver bit drivers.

I’m thinking a good locking driver handle for Power Bits would be a great way to reduce the weight of handles in a portable kit. I have plenty of 6″ screwdriver/Torx Power Bits. Haven’t found any 6″ nutdriver Power Bits yet but haven’t really looked.

Do you know of such a driver handle?

The Wera 816 R immediately came to mind as something that could fit the bill. It sells for about $21 at Amazon and other retailers, and works with insert screwdriver bits and power bits.

I own one and just checked – the 816 R works well with 1″ insert bits, and I also tried 2″ and 4″ power bits. So, it should also work with longer bits, although the ergonomics and balance might be less than ideal. I feel that this screwdriver bit holder handle is better suited for shorter screwdriver bits, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with 6″ power bits or nutdrivers. As I can’t find or think of any better solutions, I’d say it’s worth a try.

Buy Now(816 R handle via Amazon)
Buy Now(816 R ESD-safe handle via Amazon)

April 2019 Update: Wera has since come out with bit sets featuring the 816 R handle and 3-1/2″ power-style screwdriver bits. I still haven’t seen any similar kits with 6″ screwdriver or nutdriver bits, but sets like this one reinforce my optimism that the locking bit handle might work well for such applications.

Buy Now(17pc set via Amazon)

There’s also a Wera screwdriver with extendable bit holder, the Kraftform Kompakt, but it’s also a multi-bit driver with built-in bit storage. That internal bit storage compartment makes the Kraftform Kompakt a little thicker than a bit holder like the 816 R, and so it takes up a little more space in a portable tool kit. As a bonus, its Rapidaptor bit holder can also be completely removed for use in a cordless drill or driver.

See More: The Best EDC Screwdriver with Bit Storage

The Kompakt comes with a pouch and is intended to be its own multi-bit screwdriver tool kit, but takes up more space compared to the 816 R, especially if you plan to carry it with other bit styles or sizes of your choosing.

Buy Now(Kraftform Kompakt via Amazon)

These are the only locking bit holder screwdrivers that come to mind. There’s also the mini 813 R EDC screwdriver handles, but those might be too small to use comfortably with 6-inch bits. I can’t really think of any other brands with locking bit holder handles, but the floor’s open for comments and recommendations.

As for the other question, yes, 6-inch nut driver power bits do exist. For example, here is a 1/4″ hex 6-inch 7/16″ nut driver at McMaster. There are longer versions of smaller sizes as well. I’m sure there are other places that carry long nut driver bits, but I haven’t looked past McMaster.

This post was originally published on 11/26/2014, and updated and republished on 4/6/2019.

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One of my first reviews on ToolGuyd was of a Megapro 15-in-1 hex bit screwdriver. Fast forward a few years, and I reviewed Channellock’s ratcheting screwdriver, made by Megapro. Megapro makes some good stuff.

I have been meaning to try their 1″ insert screwdriver bit ratcheting screwdriver, but it’s been low on my to-do list. Why? Because I am already convinced that I’ll like it. It’s similar to the Channellock-branded one that I reviewed, but with a 1/4″ hex bit holder that works with standard-sized bits, and not just Megapro’s double ended ball detent ones.

Not that the ball detent bits are bad, but I sometimes like a little flexibility. The last time I checked, Megapro’s bits were fairly easy to find, and some 3rd party bits might also be compatible.

Anyways, I recently learned that Megapro has come out with a new 13-in-1 T-handle ratcheting screwdriver. It features a gearless ratcheting mechanism, and is said to have been tested to over 354 in-lbs of torque.

In other words, it has a 0° “swing arc,” or pretty darned close, thanks to the gearless ratcheting mechanism, and is plenty strong.

It comes with 6 double ended bits.

• Phillips #0, 1, 2, 3
• Slotted #4, 6 (4 mm and 6 mm?)
• Torx T10, T15, T20, T25
• Square #1, 2
• 1/4″ hex nut driver (the bit holder)

The Amazon listing says that it’s made in Canada, which seems to be true of other Megapro’s screwdrivers as well.

The new T-handle screwdriver, model 211R2T36RD, is said to be manufactured for serious industrial use.

I’m calling this a new product as I’ve never seen it before, on Megapro’s website or elsewhere, but the listing says it was first available back in 2015. There’s only one review, dated in July 2017, so maybe it was listed early but launched recently.

I tend to be very picky when it comes to multi-bit screwdrivers, ratcheting screwdrivers, and T-handle screwdrivers. If I didn’t already have too many screwdrivers that I wasn’t actively using, I’d buy this one in a heartbeat.

Price: $28

Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Traditional ratcheting screwdriver via Amazon)
See Also(Channellock version via Amazon) – if you don’t mind the colors, this one is sometimes less expensive.

I like the ratcheting mechanism that Megapro built into their regular style of ratcheting screwdrivers, and so I’m fairly optimistic that they got the gearless mechanism right on this one. If you’ve tried it, what do you think?

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TEC Accessories is a specialty brand that makes EDC (everyday carry) keychains, accessories, and other such random utility and everyday convenience products.

I was browsing their site the other day when I came across the BOT-L-BIT, a 1/4″ hex bit bottle opener.

Basically, it turns any screwdriver bit holder into a bottle opener. It stores away with your regular 1/4″ bits, and so it doesn’t take up a lot of extra space in your pocket, pouch, drawer, tool bag, or junk drawer. Assuming you have some screwdriver bits and a bit driver near where you’d normally pop open crown cork-capped bottle.

(I had to look that up, discovering for the first time that those pryable metal caps are called crown corks.)

Part of me wanted to order one of these ASAP, the other part of me wonders if the $6 is better spent on a keychain bottle opener, or a novelty screwdriver-handled one.

But it’s not just useful as a bottle opener. TEC shows that it can be used as a scraper, paint can lid opener, and package opener.

Its appeal increases a bit when you consider that it has other multi-functional purposes, aside from just being the prying part of a full bottle opener.

Price: $6 + Shipping

Buy Now(via TEC Accessories)

This is one of those things I’d keep on my wishlist until I was placing a larger order from TEC Accessories or one of their distributors. Otherwise it’s not worth paying shipping fees for.

If you’re looking for a nice compact screwdriver bit holder, I really like these Wera ones. Unfortunately, they’ve shot up in price in recent years – $20 on Amazon.

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Your tool bag may just have gotten a little lighter. Rather than carrying five or six different nut drivers, you could instead carry a single Klein 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 “multi-nut” driver to take their place.

The Klein 5-in-1 multi-nut driver offers 5 nut driver sizes: 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″ and 9/16″, and the 6-in-1 adds in an extra 7/16″ size.

These multi-nut drivers use a series of different-sized, double-ended steel shafts that nest together, somewhat like the Klein 11-in-1 screw and nut driver.

The 9/16″ nut driver is built right into the classic Klein-styled cushion grip handle.
The largest shaft is extended with a 9/16″ hex bolster, for those times when you need more torque to move a nut.

Although not very striking in online images, the ends of each shaft are color-coded for quick nut driver size identification.
The best prices I could find online were on Amazon. There, you’ll pay $22 for the Klein 32801 5-in-1 driver or $30 for the Klein 32800 6-in-1 driver, both with free Prime Shipping.

Buy Now (5-in-1 Nut Driver via Amazon)
Buy Now (6-in-1 Nut Driver via Amazon)

First Thoughts

I just saw the Klein 5-in-1 driver for the first time last week in one of the Klein tool holiday season bundles at Home Depot. The bundle included the 5-in-1 nut driver, a set of wire strippers, and a pair of linesman’s pliers for around $50.

The other tools in the bundle dint excite me much, but the 5-in-1 nut driver seemed like it was a new solution for not having to carry multiple nut drivers. So when I got home I looked up the tool online and found Klein also made a 6-in-1 version.

Most of the times I need a nut driver, I’m not sure exactly which size I need, so I end up grabbing 2 or 3 different nut drivers to make sure I don’t have to go back to the toolbox. With a tool like this all I would have to do would be to grab the one tool.

I realize these drivers aren’t going to work in every situation. For instance, the driver shaft isn’t hollow, so it will only work in situations where you don’t need to reach a nut deep on threads.

My last thought is that you get seven different openings with the 6-in-1 multi-nut driver, so what are they doing with that last opening?

Buy Now: 5-in-1 | 6-in-1

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