Tekton has a new portable screwdriver bit set, model DBH93101, which comes with their high torque bit handle, 36 insert bits, and a convenient carrying case.
At first glance, this looks like a decent set, and its $29 price seems reasonable.
The set comes with Tekton’s high torque screwdriver handle, which has a tri-lobe geometry. Tekton says the handle enables users to generate high torque, and there’s a rounded section at the front and back ends for faster spinning.
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In my experience, these Tekton screwdriver handles look a bit funky but are quite comfortable to use.
The screwdriver handle fits 1/4″ hex-shank insert bits, and is magnetic. Tekton says the magnetic bit receiver is friction-fit within the receiver and can’t fall out.
I’ve had glued-in magnet inserts fall out of screwdriver handles and bit holders before, and so Tekton explicitly saying theirs is friction-fit is a good selling point.
The case features a durable 3-layer exterior material, molded foam recesses for the screwdriver and bit holders, and zippered closure.
The case measures 9.6″ long x 3.3″ wide x 2.0″ tall.
The set comes with rubberized bit rails, which are flexible and secure, but also allow for one-handed bit removal.
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The bit storage holders also have their own size markings.
Tekton says that the S2 steel bits, with zinc-phosphate coating, are corrosion-resistant.
I typically only have rust problems with the cheapest screwdriver bits, but it’s easy to take such a feature for granted.
Tekton shows off their screwdriver bits’ large and clear size markings. These markings are stamped onto every bit, as opposed to being etched.
Lastly, the included bits are 30mm long, rather than the standard 25mm, which Tekton says improves access to recessed fasteners.
Included Screwdriver Bits:
- Phillips: #1, #2, #3
- Slotted: 3/16, 1/4, 5/16 inch
- Square: S1, S2, S3
- SAE Hex: 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4 inch
- Metric Hex: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 mm
- Star: T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
The handle is resistant to extreme temperatures, gas, fuels, oils, grease, cleaners, and solvents. Tekton says the overmolded grip won’t degrade or become sticky over time.
Country of Origin: The handle is molded in the USA, and the bits, rails, and driver blade are made in Taiwan.
Model: DBH93101
Price: $29
Discussion
At the least, this looks to be a very portable-looking bit screwdriver set.
And, going through the details, there are a lot of small features that build up its appeal.
There’s not one singular factor that gives me a “this is the kit for me” kind of vibe, but everything together? – I’m sold.
I asked Tekton for a test sample, and will report back after I give the tools a whirl. I’m most curious about the extended length insert screwdriver bits, and if they make a difference.
There are a lot of times when bits are just a little too short, and screwdriver handle shanks just a little too wide for bit drivers to work.
I’m also curious about the rubberized bit rails, although I’m wondering if it would be better if they did not have size markings. I suppose that, if one ever swaps out screwdriver bits, they can always cover up the markings with tape or a Sharpie.
While a little higher priced than more basic screwdriver bit sets, this Tekton 37pc set looks to be more thoughtfully designed. It also has a lot of what I need, and little that I don’t.
Jared
I like that Tekton handle too. This looks like an excellent kit. Very interesting to see XL insert bits like that.
If I hadn’t just purchased the Felo 13pc double-ended screwdriver set (06081346) for my mobile tool bag, I would be looking at this with serious interest.
Ball_bearing
I like it. It’s close to what I have been planning to do for a while (to assemble a small screwdriver kit using an SSD travel case). The flexible/soft Case has the advantage of not ruining a backpack, and not breaking into a hundred sharp pieces like the hard plastic cases do (the ones with transparent lids). The bit selection is fine, no duplicates, which is really good. The driver looks beefy (more like a modified nut driver). If I find it on Amazon, I will get a set (Tekton doesn’t ship here).
Ball_bearing
Nice, they are selling the rails for $3 each
https://www.tekton.com/hex-bit-rail-1-4-inch-shank-odb11000
Raycr
Had Wera rust faster than this.
I would Pay $5 more to buy it at Amazon.
As one who has had several credit cards hacked, I hate to lay out another credit card hoping each companies security can hold off another attack.
Nathan
I sent them an e-mail about making some kind of kit like this about 2 years ago, maybe 3 since 2020 was the year that didn’t exist.
Anyway I asked they put together a bit set that included a full Metric and SAE hex set and a full torx set within the range of a 1/4 hex driver (so not a 8mm hex or a t60) and package it with a static spinner, or no handle at all.
Nice setup will buy soon if for no other reason that because I asked for one. Thanks for the heads up.
MM
Looks nice. Reminds me of the various Wera kits on the market though this is a much more attractive price.
MoogleMan3
Yeah I’m snatching one of these up. If the driver was ratcheting, it would be perfect, but at that price and for everything included, it’s a great toolbag kit.
Also, Stuart, you forgot to mention the square drive sizes.
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
I’m guessing that if this sells well, it might be easy enough for them to offer an upgraded version with ratcheting handle.
MoogleMan3
I might just swap the tekton handle out for my wera or williams ratcheting driver. I have some of the tekton drives with that handle though and it is pretty comfy to hold…
Aaron SD
I was thinking the same thing. The bits might fit in the Kraftform Kompakt base.
Nathan
I’m glad it’s not ratcheting. In fact honestly now that I think about it I could do without the handle since I’m sure i have 3 of them around.
but I do like their handles.
I have ratcheting drivers and I find today I rarely if ever use them. I either grab the cordless and a manual handle or I just use the manual handle.
The small cordless screw driver or even impact driver devices do alot now.
Derek
Wow, not sure about the screwdriver yet, but that’s the kit I was looking for a couple months ago. I wanted hex bits for both metric and SAE but wasn’t able to find metric.
Checking out Tekton’s website I see they now carry tool cabinets.
Matt the Hoople
Looks handy. I just wish they put the extra length into the tip of the inserts rather than the 1/4 drive end. The issue I run into is screws recessed into plastic items like toys or tv’s and such. Often the hole is barely larger than the screw head.
Might get one to keep in the go kit.
Nathan
I’d like to see them make bit sets available in say 2 inch length or I guess it’s more 50mm
JR Ramos
Tekton doesn’t but several other makers do. There are oodles of china “brands” selling these on Amazon with reduced shanks but probably steer clear of those. Wiha and Makita both make excellent ones. 3″ and 6″ most common but 4″ would be very handy (the china sets are often 4″). Milwaukee also has them available if you can find them (I have a great set of them from 30 years ago, came with the old breakaway 2.4v inline screwdriver).
I just received a Makita #1 phillips bit, overpaid on Amazon but nobody around me stocked it. 5″ shaft length, 6″ overall, short QR hex, black oxide finish. Good steel, made in Taiwan, spins true. Very convenient for UPS battery swaps, refrigerator repairs, lots of small appliances. The standard length for #1 screwdrivers is 3″ and manufacturers just love to put screws 3-1/2″ in a skinny hole….bless them.
Mikedt
Lots of bit sets on amazon come in 2-3″ lengths were the shaft is the same diameter as the bit head. I have plenty of driver handles so I just pick up a bit-only set that covers my needs.
After seeing this post I think I need to 3d print a custom holder.
PW
This is a very well thought out kit. The metric and SAE hex bits are almost worth it alone. I like the idea of the longer bits, the soft case is much better for my purposes, and the Tekton trilobe handles are comfortable and functional in my experience.
I just bought a bit driver kit that didn’t have those features and I wish it did!
Adam
Seems like a nice set. I have a set of their regular screwdrivers, and I really like both the handles and the overall quality.
JoeM
Okay, I like this little set, but I think this is more of a kit you would put in a sub-class of the EDC group. The Go-Bag EDC users. This looks like the kind of kit that is perfect for Grab-And-Go types of situations. It’s not the greatest ever quality, like a Wiha or Wera situation, but it’s tough enough to be there when you might need it. So you toss it in the go bag as something that could save the day. I like that idea.
What I don’t get these days, is why more companies do what the Canadian Tire house brand Mastercraft did, and produce “Everything You Could Ever Need” kits like this.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-specialty-precision-electronics-bit-set-66-pc-0573624p.html#plp
There’s also a 65 piece, but I’m not sure it has quite the compliment of bits as this 66-piece one.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-precision-driver-ratcheting-screwdriver-set-65-pc-0576015p.html#plp
You’re sacrificing the long-reach and flex-shaft adapters for a ratcheting adapter, and a power-bit holder. Maybe a few less 4mm precision bits, but both sets cover a huge swath of bit shapes you could use for almost any precision screw type. If Wiha made the 66 piece set like the Mastercraft? I’d sell a kidney for it. In fact, if I could talk Wiha into offering a deal on totally replacing all of the 63 micro bits with Wiha-Made ones? I’d take that deal too. I can already tell you that the Mastercraft ones are rather soft. I have snapped the tip straight off in the screw a few times, and not worried too much about it.
I bought my 66-piece, as seen above, somewhere around 20 years ago now. Got a second set for my Mother, who taught me how to use tools in the first place, and who used to be a watchmaker in her life so loved precision work. In all these years that kit has only gone up $10, and I still think that’s cheap. For you Americans, the site is listed in CAD, and the kits above are $30 for the 66-piece (~$15 USD) and the 65-piece is $20 (Easily $9.99 USD.)
These are the kinds of kits I wish the bigger names would make. Everything-You-Need kits. If I could straight up swap all the soft bits for the high-quality precision 4mm Wiha bits, I would… but just getting started? it’s a great kit for home workstation use. The Tekton, also formidable as a good kit, is definitely more of a Go-Bag kit unto itself. I like both ideas.
JoeM
*Correction Goblin On Myself* Why more companies *Don’t Do what Canadian Tire House Brand… Etc.
My Bad.
eddie sky
I would replace my MacTools driver (tips store in handle, and I have a slide-on silicone holder for other bits) if they offered PZ bits with this. Why? Because when I could order IKEA furniture to assemble, it needs Pozi bits (#1, #2…).
I’ve a Wiha set now for technical work, along with that hard-case (eye-Fix-It) set. The Wiha driver sucks with the longer, doublesided bits and the soft case. I do like my Wiha individual ESD drivers… but since I don’t repair computers any longer…
GM
Out of stock.
MATHEW PHILLIPS
I would like a pass through to use with drill, might sound wired but very handy.
smithmal
Thanks for the great review. This set just came back in stock @ Tekton.
Quinton
I just received this handle a few days ago. Not happy to say it, but it’s my least favorite handle out of all my screwdrivers. Handle has way too much going on and not a fan of trilobes in general. Been wanting to try their drivers forever tho and finally did. Would recommend PB Swiss or Wiha instead BTW.