Comments on: Who Makes The Best Multi-Bit Screwdriver?

By: Jim R

Jim R — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:55:48 +0000

Klein’s handle is too large for my tool belt, that must accommodate a lot of different trade tools for multi-purpose repair work. Plus, I find the flip bits are too small to pull out an flip quickly. They are also proprietary. But for a specific trade like electrical work, which is what Klein designs for, I can see it makes many happy here.

Believe it or not, I find the simple inexpensive 4/6-in-1 flip bit and shank drivers are just perfect for 75% of screwdriving needs. A smaller handle diameter and bits that are available locally make for a more useful alternative for me. Enderes, and others they brand for, like Ace Hardware for example, is what I use.

By: fritz gorbach

fritz gorbach — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:47:23 +0000

I love the klein, and have an irwin thats just as cool. Semm to have a couple dozen of those promo 6in1 screwdrivers with this logo or that on it floating around too. The klien and irwin live in my work bags, but the best one is the one that is there when i need it.
Also, the Snapon ratcheting screwdriver is quite nice, but ina whole different class at over a hundred bucks a pop, compared to six-ten for the others.(or free in the case of the logo ones.)
Snap on makes plain shanks too that fit in the ratchethandle, and the gearwrench adapters fit as well, including the ultra cool nutdrivers. Just b eware the gearwrench handle- looks just like the snap on, but nowhere near the quality. not bad though.
I wouldn’t be without my snapon.

By: kyle

kyle — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:52:34 +0000

I like the craftsman 6 in one I use mine all the time and it works great exept on recessed screws

By: frank

frank — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:46:33 +0000

I also like the Lee Valley tool Keith mentioned. The Megapro tools are very nice as well, and made in USA or Canada. Grainger sells them, and they are in the Craftsman catalog, or you can buy them more or less direct from the manufacturer.

By: Brett from Utah

Brett from Utah — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:51:45 +0000

Kieth-
the Klien 10 and 11 in 1 store the bits in the shaft, which is double ended, with 2 double ended inserts. here’s the web page:

http://www.kleintools.com/whatsnew/index.html

By: beano_t

beano_t — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:40:28 +0000

Speaking of multi-bit drivers…

this weekend at my local Lowes I picked up a set off the “bargain table” it was the Kobalt set: ratcheting driver, multi-bit set with storage in the handle a full size solid handle with reversible shaft sporting standard/ phillips on both ends and a micro set with several bits…. all for $7.99 (reg $20 or something they had an entire case of them)

It made me laugh because they we selling the same ratcheting driver alone for over that in the same store.

I bought it, used them the same day. May not be the “best” but a damn good deal if you ask me.

By: Chris K

Chris K — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:50:03 +0000

+1 for the Klein. I get odd looks for having it with me at all times, but sometimes you just have to tighten the subway car seat in front of you…

By: Brau

Brau — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:22:03 +0000

I use PicQuic simply because it is a sturdy tool with long bits. The one gripe I have against most multi-drivers is short bits and a fat shank that can’t access tight spaces.

For “junk drawer use” I stock one of those Home Hardware “Retract-a-Bit” drivers with the bits that eject from inside so the kids can’t lose the bits.
http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I1058723/name/retract_a_bit_pro_w_socketssae_met

By: Caleb

Caleb — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:46:34 +0000

I agree with Gordon, the Picquic is the best! It has 3″ bits that can be chucked into a drill which is very handy.

By: GLHMarmot

GLHMarmot — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:35:43 +0000

I have to place my vote for the Picquic line of multibit drivers. They are the strongest multi bit drive I have ever used. Simple design without a bunch of gimmicks to break. Easy bit changes and I also like that I can get a huge variety of different bits and customize what I want to carry. I have three or four of them so I always have one on hand.

The original Picquic
http://www.picquic.com/sixpac.html

All the extra bits available
http://www.picquic.com/bitpac.html

By: ambush

ambush — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:24:40 +0000

The only multi-bit screwdriver I haven’t tossed in the back of a drawer is the Megapro original, http://www.megapro.net/products/index.php but I haven’t tried the Klein. I’ll have to give it a go.

By: Keith

Keith — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:57:58 +0000

I had one of those old Ronco Screwball screwdrivers from the 70’s, see:

http://books.google.com/books?id=n88DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA300&lpg=PA300

http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com/images/2006/c317a-3L.jpg

- not that rugged, but good around the house (as long as you don’t lose
the bits). So good in fact, that my wife claimed it for the household
tool box.

So, before this past Christmas, I went looking for a replacement, and
found this one from Lee Valley Tools:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=53912&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1

I like this one because it is well built (in spite of being produced
in Taiwan), the bits snap into the shaft, and the unused bits are stored
in the handle. For me, if the tool accessories don’t store in/on the
tool, or at least with it in a case, the accessories become separated and
lost.

Also, Lee Valley screwdriver has a three-way ratcheting clutch,
ratcheting clockwise, counterclockwise, or locked.

I’m going to have a look at the Klein screwdriver that folks are
recommending, but I would like to know, does the Klein screwdriver
provide bit storage in the handle (or somewhere else), or are the extra
bits just loose?

By: David Bryan

David Bryan — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:13:52 +0000

Them multi-bit screwdrivers aren’t much good for beating on, although they can be mighty handy. I jam a 1/4″ hex bit holder on the end of a regular screwdriver, maybe tape it on. That works pretty spiffy for me. I do like the Enderes models, though, and I have a bunch of Cully’s I’ve had a long time.

By: Brett from Utah

Brett from Utah — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:37:43 +0000

You electrical guys all know that Klien has an 11 in 1 too right?…Same tool but you also have a 11/32″ bit on one end of the shaft- You non-electric guys may be asking “Whats the use of an 11/32″ anything?…” but if you work on electrical fixtures you will find that many fluorescent ballasts are held in with an 11/32″ nut…And when I don’t have my 11 in 1, I scream and curse as I remove and install these fasteners with the wrong tool( usually a pair of linesman’s pliers- definitely the wrong tool…) I love my 11 in 1…..

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:22:40 +0000

Add me to the fans of the Klein 10-in-1. One of the best tools made and I use this many times a day, every day, at work. At 10 bucks (average price) it is a great bargain and made by Klein too! It is comfortable in the hand and provides a good grip.

By: mike

mike — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:45:20 +0000

Klein … I’ve got one in each of my cars, my motorcycle, plane and tool boxes; probably 7 in total.

By: metis

metis — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:01:55 +0000

one more vote for the klein 10 in 1. it’s the best by a mile.

By: jeff

jeff — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:56:51 +0000

I’m a fan of the craftsman 6-in-1. I can flip the shaft and bits in one hand (but I have big hands). It is always in my mobile toolkit where space is at a premium.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941161000P

By: Toddi

Toddi — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:48:59 +0000

I call your Klein 10 in 1 and raise to 11 in 1!

By: Gordon

Gordon — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:52:07 +0000

to Dr. No

The Picquic screwdrivers have several versions of what you describe. I have a few of these and really like the quality and the heft.

http://www.picquic.com/bro-english.html

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:40:40 +0000

@ Dr. No

This is a similar premise but instead of loading the entire shaft, you just load the bit. Same turn to select design thought.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947380000P?

By: Dr. No

Dr. No — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:25:55 +0000

I prefer this 6-in-1 style where it has full screwdriver shafts that slide out of the handle and lock in. The shafts cant come out and get lost and it lets you get into narrow holes.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TD2028&CATID=29&form=CAT&SUBCATID=663

The downside is that you cant just replace a bit if the tip gets damaged.

If anyone knows of another manufacture who make a very high quality version of this, I would be very interested in it.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:38:02 +0000

This here is my multi-bit driver for around the shop. It’s the Craftsman ratcheting magnetic bit driver.

First, yes the shank is a little large so it’s not perfect for precision work or tight spaces, but for most around the house applications and fix-ups, it comes in handy. The end of the shank is magnetic so if you’re using it to screw something in it will hold it in place as well as prevent removed screws from falling into the abyss.

It comes with 26 different bits (4 Phillips, 5 slots, 6 torx, 4 Robinson, and 6 Allen) which are included in a rubberized bit holder that can be put on your belt. If you don’t want to carry the bit holder with you, you can fit 6 bits of your choice into the handle plus the one loaded into the shank so you can take just the bits you need with you or bring them all and have everything handy.

3 position ratchet for forward, reverse, and lock and a rubberized construction that is actually surprisingly comfortable when used for an extended period of time. Craftsman Lifetime Warranty as always.

Honestly, I’ve very rarely had to reach for another screwdriver around the house when I have this one. It covers most any base and it’s a standard sized bit so you can always buy ones that you need and mix and match the set.

~Kevin

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947144000P?mv=rr

By: fred

fred — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:11:57 +0000

I suspect that Pratt-Read (the OEM for many of the Sears Screwdrivers) may make some of the other branded ones too.

By: aggiemike

aggiemike — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:01:23 +0000

I’ll put my vote in on the Klein 10 in 1. It’s my favorite screwdriver,use it everywhere. The bits are ground to fit very well and you can use it to accomplish many tasks.