.050 hex screwdriver with adult-sized handle

[Spacey_G]

I've been working lately on a device that uses lots of 2-56 button head and 0-80 socket head cap screws. Those sizes both take a .050” hex wrench, so I’m using that size all the time.

I have a Wera precision driver that works fine, but the slim handle is tiring when I’m tightening and loosening these screws over and over. The Wiha version isn’t any better. So I’m looking for a .050” (or 1.27mm) hex screwdriver with a thicker, more comfortable handle. Strongly prefer non-ball end. Most of the non-precision hex screwdriver sets I’ve looked at don’t go down that small, and the ones that do (e.g. Bondhus) have comically small handles. Just because the screws are small doesn’t mean my hand is any smaller…

I have a Proto 88601 that appears to be a rebranded Bondhus with a more girthy handle, but it’s still too short. I want enough length to plant the end in my palm while spinning and also enough girth to apply torque without a lot of effort.

I came across these PB Swiss drivers in 1.27mm, which is interchangeable with .050”:

Classic grip:

https://www.shop.pbtools.us/Classic-Hex-Key-Screwdriver-size-127mm-205127-50.htm

SwissGrip:

https://www.shop.pbtools.us/SwissGrip-Non-ball-Hex-Key-Screwdriver-size-127-mm-8205127.htm

Has anyone used these? Are the handles sized for adults? Are there any other options I’m missing?

 

[markhm]

I have an old one made by Stanley which is what you are looking for. You might search for them on ebay and see if anyone is selling them.

 

[Truckrods]

Check out the hex drivers made for RC car racing. Nice anodized aluminum handles and precisely ground drill rod tips.

 

[mhejl]

The small PB drivers have pretty small handles, too. Not quiet as small as Bondhus but certainly not full sized.

Perhaps you could manufacture your own from a driver you like and a dowel in the existing hole (maybe drilled for a 1/4 dowel) and drill the dowel to take the small hex? Hammer/flatten the dowel end of the hex into a wing to prevent it spinning.

 

[larry_g]

Find something with a handle that you like and drill it out so the small handled driver fits inside. Turn up a handle from plastic or Al and press in a .050 hex blade.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[PCMusicGuy]

As an alternative, could you perhaps use a plastic piece that slips on over your existing handle grip to provide a more comfortable size for your hand?

 

[4xdog]

Get a 1/4" hex shank bit in 0.050" hex and put it whatever corresponding driver you like?

 

[Spacey_G]

I've thought about making my own, yes. I just don't have the time at the moment to turn this into a project.

I did find this picture which looks like it might be showing the 1.27mm Swiss grip: https://toolguyd.com/pb-swiss-wiha-sales-on-amazon/

If that's the case, that's right about the size handle I'm looking for.

 

[cvairwerks]

This might be an option... https://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Ha...MI69X3lui93gIVU7jACh1a-gFEEAQYBSABEgIM2_D_BwE

 

[IUEC Medic]

Get a 1/4" hex shank bit in 0.050" hex and put it whatever corresponding driver you like?

This.

Just get a .050 in a 1/4 drive bit and put it in whatever full-size driver handle you prefer...

 

[Wamsutta]

The PB Swiss Grip is a lovely handle. I have one in a T10 Torx.

Although not as large as a #2 Phillips handle, it's definitely bigger than a precision screwdriver sized handle.

 

[rlitman]

This.

Just get a .050 in a 1/4 drive bit and put it in whatever full-size driver handle you prefer...

This is one place I really like my Snap On Instinct ratcheting screwdriver. I can pull the knurled shank from the handle, and use it to more easily start a tiny screw without the bulky handle in the way, and then put the handle back on when I want it.

 

[larry_g]

https://omegatec.com/athk062-hi-lok-handi-hex-key-1-16.aspx

We used to have something like this at the factory for assembly work. The keystock is held in with a setscrew so it can be extended as far as required. I do not find a .050" handle but would be confident that a .050" key could be held in the 1/16 handle.

Further looking found this; https://www.sears.com/allen-hex-all...?sellerId=8829&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mhejl]

This.

Just get a .050 in a 1/4 drive bit and put it in whatever full-size driver handle you prefer...

You could also get a Wiha .050 4mm bit that may be a better fit for an existing handle - but probably unusable because of the shortness (as a 1/4" bit).

You're not worried about over torquing such a small driver with a larger handle? Even the silly-tiny Bondhus will twist the shank easily (I have one and use it for gunsmithing). A shorter 1/4 or 4mm bit wouldn't be as bad but I'd be worried about breaking off the tip.

 

[Spacey_G]

That Omega handle looks nice, larry g. Is the plastic handle hollow or solid? I like that the hex stock is replaceable. These small size screwdrivers do twist considerably more under load when they have hex stock for the entire shank rather than a thicker shank that's necked down in the last half inch or so.

Maybe I could buy a larger size Omega handle, cut the shank off a Wiha or Wera precision screwdriver (which have a thicker shank that's necked down at the tip), and hold that in the handle. That would also let me have the hex plus profile, which AFAIK is only available in .050" in the precision screwdriver.

 

[Spacey_G]

You're not worried about over torquing such a small driver with a larger handle? Even the silly-tiny Bondhus will twist the shank easily (I have one and use it for gunsmithing). A shorter 1/4 or 4mm bit wouldn't be as bad but I'd be worried about breaking off the tip.

A larger handle will take a bit of adjustment, but it's the sort of adjustment I'm looking for - I don't want to have to turn it as hard! I'm not looking for a full-size screwdriver handle like a typical 1/4" bit holder, just something with a little more meat than the tiny ones.

Final tightening is done with a torque screwdriver, so this will only really be used at "high" torque for loosening anyway.

 

[KSB]

What about an Xcelite handle with a .050 driver. The 99 series has a couple of different handle options.


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[larry_g]

That Omega handle looks nice, larry g. Is the plastic handle hollow or solid? I like that the hex stock is replaceable. These small size screwdrivers do twist considerably more under load when they have hex stock for the entire shank rather than a thicker shank that's necked down in the last half inch or so.
.

They have a hollow handle with the keystock inside. You can slide the keystock out just far enough to get the job done and minimize twist up.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Wamsutta]

Utica 185-000X - 0.050

 

[6PTsocket]

I built up a handle to make it "adult size" by covering it with a piece of clear PVC, that was a snug fit. If the PVC is a little too tight to go on, heat it first in hot water or hit with hot air. It makes a comfortable grip.

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[RoyArms]

MIP Thorp is known in the rc community for being very high quality drivers. The MIP9000 would be a very good option. Mostly available at hobby type sites.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/thorp-hex-driver--050-mip9000

 

[Stooge]

I don't mind the wera drivers for some of the small stuff but it can be a pain to get a good grip on it to remove a stuck fastener. The handles are pretty small, but I like these proto hex drivers ive been using, a bit closer in shape to a traditional soft handled screwdriver, (its a rubber grip), just smaller.

20181106_150106 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

20181106_150055 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

 

[Spacey_G]

@Stooge - I have that Proto driver. It's decently girthy, but too short to plant the **** end in my palm.

@RoyArms - I like the look of that MIP. Maybe I'll see if my local hobby store carries them.

 

[Negen]

Isn't the main reason drivers that drive small screws so that people don't over torque by mistake? Thought the intention was a finger tight type of deal. I work on micro electronics as a job. And in a bring your own tool type of shop. And some guys use 1/4 bit drivers on normal 6-1 screw drivers. They always strip things or rip heads off of fasteners. I get work done using vessel and whia. Micro drivers in all sizes. Never needed extra long though. Vese hold a magnetic charge while wiha doesn't. Some old german wiha are 12" or so.

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[matt stott]

Here is a quick shot from my work kit. I have the PB Swiss (swiss grip) in the super small torx sizes (T3-T4-T5), I think the handles on the hex stuff will be a similar size. Next to them are Wiha (1.3mm) and Wera (0.9mm) hex drivers.

The PB Swiss are not much bigger, but they FEEL much larger when working with them. Those Weras are just too skinny for my liking. I do like the Wiha shape, but they are small.

Hope this photo helps some...

Matt

 

[junkman12]

MIP Thorp is known in the rc community for being very high quality drivers. The MIP9000 would be a very good option. Mostly available at hobby type sites.

I've messed with r/c cars daily for 25 years, and the MIP's are great. I'd put them up against anything.

 

[Spacey_G]

@matt stott - Thanks for the photo. Those are the PB Swiss precision drivers, right? Interesting that they have noticeably larger handles than the Wiha and Weras.

PB Swiss also makes standard Swissgrip and Classic acetate handle drivers in 1.3mm, which I think have even larger handles, although not as large as a full-size screwdriver. I have one of each on order. If those are too large, the precision drivers might be just right.