I bought a new Craftsman acetate multi-bit screwdriver

[dwasifar]

I have a fair number of multi-bit screwdrivers scattered around. I tend to favor the flip-around variety rather than the tiny-bits-stored-in-handle kind, for three reasons: 1) the longer bits are easier to handle when switching things around, with no storage cap to drop, 2) the shaft can be used as a nutdriver, and 3) you can take the shaft out of the handle and chuck it into a drill.

I also have a nostalgic affinity for the old Craftsman acetates. So when I saw an acetate Craftsman multi for $7 on Amazon I bought one, and here are my pros and cons about it. Let's start with the cons.

Cons:

• The shaft fits extremely snug in the handle. This does add the benefit of reducing the slop inherent in this design, but it's really super tight and I can see it being a problem to pull apart with greasy fingers.
• Speaking of greasy fingers, there was a lot of oil on the bits.
• Rather heavy as these things go.
• Not made in USA.

Pros:

• Handle is nice and chunky, not too big, but excellent grip. See photo below, comparing it to Lenox and Channellock.
• Balance is excellent.
• This is something I really appreciate: The bit arrangement is different than most such tools. Your typical multi has #1 Phillips and small slotted on the 1/4" end of the shaft, and #2 Phillips and medium slotted on the 5/16" end. This means that to switch from the most common use (#2 Phillips) to either of the next most common uses (#1 Phillips or 1/4" nut driver), you need to flip the shaft. This one is different; #1 and #2 Phillips are on the 1/4" end, and the small and medium slotted are on the 5/16" end. This means you have all your three most common uses available without flipping the shaft. It's a nice little design refinement that shows someone is thinking.
• Not made in China. The bits are made in Vietnam and the rest is Taiwan. I've had good experiences with Taiwan tools in recent years, let's see how the Vietnam bits hold up.

The Taiwanese do a passable job of mimicking the classic Western Forge USA Craftsman handle, except that the red is slightly translucent rather than solid as it should be:



But it does have that Craftsman acetate feel, and the hex profile that you can put a wrench on if you want to.

Initial response is positive. It arrived when I was in the middle of installing a light fixture, and it worked fine on that. I'll see if I still like it after I've had a chance to use it a few more times.

 

[dwasifar]

Well.

I was reading over what I wrote, specifically the part about it being heavy, and I decided I should weigh it.

And that leads me to a retraction.

I collected the six different multi-bit drivers I have handy. Here they are:



I weighed them all, and it turns out the Craftsman is not heavy as these things go; in fact it's relatively svelte:

• Channellock: 157g
• Craftsman: 189g
• Crescent: 200g
• Irwin: 208g
• Lenox: 209g
• OEM: 200g

So I don't know why the Craftsman felt heavier. Maybe because its weight balance is back toward the handle. Or maybe it was because I was using the Channellock just before the Craftsman showed up on my doorstep.

Some other thoughts on the collection:

• The Channellock is definitely the most petite in weight and size. I keep one of those on my desk for electronics, and it's well suited for that, where the larger drivers would be unwieldy. But the slimmer handle doesn't afford as much torque.
• Irwin and Lenox are essentially the same tool in different colors with a slightly different rubber grip. So it's not surprising they weigh about the same. But those have been favorites for a while and I'm surprised to find they're heaviest.
• I'm also surprised OEM isn't heavier; it has four short double-ended bits in reversible sleeves, like a Klein. Maybe it's something about acetate. It's certainly the most versatile, on paper, but the #2 Phillips is blunt-ended and doesn't fit some screws, which is a big minus.
• I've liked those Crescent ones for a long time. Worn out a few. The triangular grip is comfortable and gives great torque, and it's light for its size. But it's bulky and the length gets in the way, and it's sloppier than the others.
• I bought an Ace-branded one once, looked like a Klein, but just junky and hard to use. I think I gave it away.

 

[roofdweller49]

I grew up with 6 in 1s all around the house. I like that tekton offers USA made bits in a variety of configurations. I have one that's ph#0,1,2,3 and the other one that is all slotted

 

[dwasifar]

This is funny, and proof that perception is subjective. You see what you expect to see. I was sitting at my desk, with the screwdriver next to the keyboard, and I glanced over at it and did a double-take. The "blue" part of the handle is black.



I had looked at the handle closely enough to notice the red was a bit translucent, and I've used the driver three or four times since it arrived, but because I expect Craftsman acetate handles to be red, clear, and navy, I perceived it as blue and totally did not notice it wasn't.

Why would they do that? Is black dye cheaper?

 

[david3921]

This is funny, and proof that perception is subjective. You see what you expect to see. I was sitting at my desk, with the screwdriver next to the keyboard, and I glanced over at it and did a double-take. The "blue" part of the handle is black.



I had looked at the handle closely enough to notice the red was a bit translucent, and I've used the driver three or four times since it arrived, but because I expect Craftsman acetate handles to be red, clear, and navy, I perceived it as blue and totally did not notice it wasn't.

Why would they do that? Is black dye cheaper?

Maybe to differentiate it from the 'regular' drivers. Can you tell the difference between the blue and black with a quick glance?

 

[mv213]

I like the looks of that new Craftsman. I may have to ‘invest’. I’m kind of a sucker for multi-bit screwdrivers, I have a few.

 

[dwasifar]

Maybe to differentiate it from the 'regular' drivers. Can you tell the difference between the blue and black with a quick glance?

Yes. Now that I've noticed it, I can't not notice it.

 

[dwasifar]

I like the looks of that new Craftsman. I may have to ‘invest’. I’m kind of a sucker for multi-bit screwdrivers, I have a few.

I really like mine. Good comfortable grip.

 

[bonneyman]

Give some old Malco or Enderes a try.
The pukey orange Malcos were polycarbonate handles, virtually bulletproof. And Enderes has been my fav for years, and the newer version of the company still makes good 6-in-1's.