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.
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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.
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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.
Aellynh
Not locking, but the Wiha Bit Flip driver is pretty good for the 1″ insert bits. http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-38026-Standard-Magnetic-Phillips/dp/B001LQQDEY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1417015953&sr=8-6&keywords=wiha+bitflip
Haven’t used it myself, but heard generally good things about the Klein Switch Drive http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-32700-Phillips-Drivers/dp/B00LQ9EPYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417016033&sr=8-1&keywords=klein+switch+drive
Mike (the other one)
The Klein switch drive is great. Once a bit is inserted, it feels solid. I also use a 6″ magnetic bit holder, which allows me to use 1″ long insert bits. That makes it a very versatile tool.
Unfortunately, I think the Switch Drive is no longer in production, however the adjustable length driver works in a similar fashion, and also some flexibility with with overall length.
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Screwdriver-Klein-Tools-32619/dp/B01D4SREB2/
Wayne R.
I love my Switch Drive handle. And I love the whole power bit scheme, too. And I try to avoid insert bits because they pop out too often and the shafts are too wide.
Power bits are great.
Mike
Love my Wera handles,they are comfy built well and just plain work.
Nelson
I prefer the Wera 817R – only because the 816 is limited in length, whereas the 817 you have the option of extending it by a few inches, or removing the locking bit holder and putting it in a drill or what have you. And the 817 isn’t much more in cost either.
Pete
Check out the ” mega pro shaft lock” maybe not what your looking for exactly but it might be an option. With the shaft lock bits they are all 1/4″ quick connect for a impact driver ready. I think it comes with a shaft lock 8″ extension as well, and maybe a holster? I know they make one for the shaft lock driver where you can store the extension on the holster.
I always swear by my mega pros.
Jerry
I have the Wera multi bit handle with the extendable driver, and love it. Quality is top notch, and it holds bits in the hollow of the handle without being all that much bigger/bulkier. As a bonus you can use it as a short screwdriver, with the Rapidaptor bit adaptor tight against the handle, or with a touch to the release, extend it about 3 inches, to a more conventional screwdriver length, or with a firmer tug on the release, the bit holder removes completely, letting you use it with any 1/4 hex quick release driver. Very versatile.
Robin
I read this as “a good *looking* screw handle”, I was like what the heck does that matter?
Frank D
Read it the same way 😀
fred
Options for bit-driver handles abound – but locking ones by Wera are very nice IMO. I’ve used the 816 R and their pistol grip handle 98/4/1.
In the non locking variety there are a few other variants that might be useful. The Wiha 38600 and Mayhew’s 45016 have flexible shafts. The CK 4559S has an insulated shaft. T-Handle drivers like the Wera 98/4/1 and Felo 338 125 80 (I believe you posted about this one) are also options. Ideal’s 35-988 is more a multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver – but it adds a recess in the handle for driving wire nuts. Klein’s 67100 is a bit holder handle patterned after their rapid-drive (crank-like) screwdrivers. Finally – Lee Valley sells the Rolgear BDR2-635-60100B.
Tim
Nowdays Wiha 76000 with centrotech chuck manages both E and C bits. That means power and insert bits.
John
Centrofix I think is what you meant.
James Brauer
For six-inch nutdriver bits, check out the Craftsman Evolv Quick Fit Nut Driver Set. They aren’t made in USA, but they aren’t a bad value either. I liked my first set so much, I got a second set for my wood shop.
J Gamble
Got one of these for my small grab and go tool bag along with one of Wera’s magnetic bit holders (4″) and along with a selection of bits carried in some Ullman BH-2 bit holders (http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-4-vinyl-bit-holder.html) and this kit handles 99% of my fastener driving needs. I got an 813R at first for this application but it’s really small (think precision screwdriver) which makes it a challenge to generate any sort of meaningful torque with it. The 816 R is more compact than the 817 R but still gives you enough handle to let you put the twist to a stubborn fastener.
Flotsam
i like the Wera screwdrivers i have but the handle is an acquired taste
Chris
I wish snap on offered one with the instinct soft grip. Bonus points if it ratchets.
Altan
Check this link please
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/wiha-71991-security-bits-collector-39-pc-set-w-clicfix-bit-holder/
In the photo you will see Wiha 71991 security bit set, which is the old version, you can see a black screwdriver bit driver handle which is made of very strong plastic and has a hole in that which accepts E6.3 1/4″ hex shank screwdriver bits, you just shaft it in and out, it is extremely strong, sometimes if you shaft thin screwdriver bit (like T7 Torx 6″ length) in you have to use pliers to take it out, but for PH2 and PZ2 you can use your hand and you don’t need pliers, when you shaft a 6″ screwdriver bit in this handle you will have a screwdriver then! It looks like that because, not like a driver handle with a bit on. However it is the old version of Wiha 71991 and the new version comes with a different handle with red and black colours on, that is good also, they are both made in Germany, I have the Wera one with Iceblue-Grey colour on which is for stainless steel bits and it is very good quality,
Altan
And here is the 6″ long Nut driver power bits, Made by Felo Germany, they are very good quality and made in Metric and Imperial sizes
https://www.amazon.de/Felo-06092036-SMART-Engineer-20-teilig/dp/B0012CQU18
You can have a good handle also and you can buy them separately in Amazon US. I think Wera does make 6″ Nut driver power bits also, they are made in Taiwan I think and good quality.
Hans
I’d recommend the Wiha 76000 Centrofix driver handle. I have three Wera driver handles of different types and a Wiha 76000. In my oppinion the Wiha is by miles better than the three Weras. The Wiha is much lighter and it locks mechanically onto all bit types I know of, DIN, JIS and double ended power blades and the 25mm bits.
The Wiha has no magneto but the Wera has. The Wera can also hold many type of bits but not mecanically lock on to all of them. If you doubt that the Wera has a magneto into chuck put in a nail or a thin bladed screw driver tip into the chuck and you will see that the Wera clings to the nail and if you wriggle the driver you can get the driver to rotate at a good speed. The driver still hangs on to the tip of the nail.
The Wiha driver handle is more comfortable and it can apply much higher torque than the Wera’s uncomfortable, clumsy handle.
You can test this by screwing in a 5mm or 1/4″ cap screw into a hole with good threads with a 1/4″ L-handle and try to loosen it with the driver handles.
Hans
Magnet not magneto! I saw the error too late to correct it.
EJ de Waard
Any Robertson bits???
Stuart
With screwdriver bit holder handles, you can load them with whatever kinds of bits you want.
Hans
Any 1/4″ bit holder can hold any 1/4″ bit. But in a not so unlikely case when you need an 1/4″ Allen bit and do not have one, you can use any bit type put in the with “the wrong side” first. The rock steady Wiha Centrofix chuck locks onto the bit mechanically and hold the bit TIGHT and safely.
In this case the Wera’s rattly chuck cannot lock onto the bit mechanically but hold the bit with magnetic force. It can easily be pulled out with two fingers. Worce, only about 3mm of the hexagonal part of the bit comes into the chuck. It may not be safe to use a bit this way in the Wera’s chuck if subject to great force.
Hans
Wera’s chuck locks mechanically onto DIN-power blades like Wera’s own but not onto JIS power blades like Vessel’s. The wasted part for the detent balls is cut much higher up on the stem on the JIS power blades. Wiha’s centrofix chuck locks onto both DIN and JIS power blades.
Brian M
I have the Kraftform Kompakt 62 Security Screwdriver Set and it’s the best set I have, soo much so that I bought a second. The problem is that Wera doesn’t make SAE hex in 3.9″ security bits, so I bought Wiha’s and took out the less used bits and store those in a bag that I leave in my truck. I also swapped out the bit holder in one of them with the Wera ratcheting bit holder.
Kraftform Kompakt 62 set
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver-33-Pieces/dp/B07MDDGKHL
Wiha SAE Hex set
https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-76096-10-piece-security-hex-inch-power-blade-set/
Brian M
I didn’t want to get off topic and start talking about another brand in that reply so I’m adding a second one here.
I’d STRONGLY suggest the Felo bit holder too. The Felo’s come with EXTREMELY strong magnets, normally a magnetic bit holder just holds the bit in it. A really good magnetic bit holder can magnetize a 1″ bit. All of the Felo’s have magnets soo strong they can magnetize a 2″ bit! That is no small feat, that’s a magnet that is exponentially stronger than average. Felo is also the only (comparable catalog) company other than Knipex, Stahlwille and Witte that make their tools exclusively in Germany.
PETE
LOL I was skimming thru the comments, and saw a comment that i made in 2014…. Good heck…. i’ve been commenting on here for 5 years?!?!?!
Stuart
Actually, your first comment goes back to December 2013!!
bobad
I’m leery of any magnetically retained screwdriver tips. The little 14/” magnets are made from ceramic and/or powder metal, and are too brittle. If you press down hard, you will eventually hear “crunch”, and small parts of the magnet will eventually stick to the end of the screwdriver bit. I’m currently using a minimalist Stanley that comes with 2 flip-flop double ends that go deep into the driver shank, retained by ball detents. It’s super-reliable, but limited. The Wera sounds good, but I just don’t have a need for a sophisticated EDC driver. The old Stanley does 95% of what I need, my DeWalt power driver does too (I keep it real handy!)
William Adams
A Wiha locking adapter is used for the Elemen’tary No. 1 screwdriver:
https://www.handeyesupply.com/products/elementary-design-no-1-screw-driver-with-interchangeable-bits
I have one and it’s my favourite.
Hans
Please note, it is not the same as the Wiha Centrofix 76000.