So I'm working on a small tool kit for my travel bag and need 1/4" hex bit driver with a pen form factor. The example pictured above from...
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1/4" Pen Driver
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
So I'm working on a small tool kit for my travel bag and need 1/4" hex bit driver with a pen form factor. The example pictured above from...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
..
KSJeff
Well-known member
Scratch this.... These are not 1/4" bits.
Wheeler multi driver?
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/whe...TsJhwvUPehn0HrmdM8RoCa0UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Amazon will ship you one Friday for a little less.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07795QMC5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
****These are not 1/4" bits. I'll leave it here, but this isn't what you asked. ********
Wheeler multi driver?
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/whe...TsJhwvUPehn0HrmdM8RoCa0UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Amazon will ship you one Friday for a little less.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07795QMC5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
****These are not 1/4" bits. I'll leave it here, but this isn't what you asked. ********
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BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Cool tool. I have a Stanley one from Walmart but it is double sided so it has different bits in each end. Doesn’t have a place to store extra ones though.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
rlitman
Well-known member
Damn! At $18.95, it's no wonder they're sold out.
The Wheeler is an interesting idea. Aluminum should be perfectly fine to handle the torque your hand can apply to a pen since the hex engagement is so deep, and the windows that show off the laser etched bits are a nice touch. I wonder how well it would work with standard bits. Do they even fit, and if so, do they cause the factory etchings on other bits to miss the windows?
Speaking of torque, you can't really crank on a pen, so the bigger sized bits available in 1/4" may not be useful in this format. Have you looked at the 4mm hex micro driver stuff? In Wiha System 4, I see bit sizes up to PH2, T20, 4mm slotted, so unless you need PH3, or T25, or want to turn larger nut drivers, 4mm hex is much more of a pen friendly line than 1/4", and those nut drivers wouldn't store inside a pen anyway.
The Wheeler is an interesting idea. Aluminum should be perfectly fine to handle the torque your hand can apply to a pen since the hex engagement is so deep, and the windows that show off the laser etched bits are a nice touch. I wonder how well it would work with standard bits. Do they even fit, and if so, do they cause the factory etchings on other bits to miss the windows?
Speaking of torque, you can't really crank on a pen, so the bigger sized bits available in 1/4" may not be useful in this format. Have you looked at the 4mm hex micro driver stuff? In Wiha System 4, I see bit sizes up to PH2, T20, 4mm slotted, so unless you need PH3, or T25, or want to turn larger nut drivers, 4mm hex is much more of a pen friendly line than 1/4", and those nut drivers wouldn't store inside a pen anyway.
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83VillageRepair
Well-known member
Google Tactical Pens. Many of them have bit holding functions. Warning though, it is kind of a weird rabbit hole.
OP
I've been down that one before... It's deep, long, and expensive!
LeonardY
Well-known member
Google bicycle tool.
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a26222598/best-multi-tools/
I've been carrying this type for years. I find them more useful than other multi tools.
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a26222598/best-multi-tools/
I've been carrying this type for years. I find them more useful than other multi tools.
rlitman
Well-known member
Taking off from my edited post above, here's the first decent pen with storage example I found in 4mm hex.
Wiha 75805. 4mm micro bit driver pen with 6 bit storage handle.
Wiha 75805. 4mm micro bit driver pen with 6 bit storage handle.
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Jazz1
Well-known member
Dustball
Well-known member
Dustball
Well-known member
Re: 1/4" Pen Driver
Not a pen form factor but I've been using these Wera handles when I want to use something compact. The other 2 handles are branded Smith & Wesson, bought a bunch of them from Grizzly when they were clearing them out for 50 cents ea. Don't pay attention to the T-handle drivers, they're specialty tools for knives.
I've also had my eye on buying these tools from Fix It Sticks. They're kind of pricey IMO so I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Amazon sells em too. https://store.fixitsticks.com
Not a pen form factor but I've been using these Wera handles when I want to use something compact. The other 2 handles are branded Smith & Wesson, bought a bunch of them from Grizzly when they were clearing them out for 50 cents ea. Don't pay attention to the T-handle drivers, they're specialty tools for knives.
I've also had my eye on buying these tools from Fix It Sticks. They're kind of pricey IMO so I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Amazon sells em too. https://store.fixitsticks.com
Attachments
Re: 1/4" Pen Driver
If you're thinking about a little T-handle bit ratchet, you might want to consider the Silca: https://silca.cc/collections/mobile-repair-1/products/t-ratchet_kit
They seem to be out of stock at the moment, unfortunately. I've had one for about five years and it is definitely a very nice tool. It can be used as a screwdriver handle, T-ratchet, or regular ratchet. And the bits it comes with are good quality (Taiwan).
If you're thinking about a little T-handle bit ratchet, you might want to consider the Silca: https://silca.cc/collections/mobile-repair-1/products/t-ratchet_kit
They seem to be out of stock at the moment, unfortunately. I've had one for about five years and it is definitely a very nice tool. It can be used as a screwdriver handle, T-ratchet, or regular ratchet. And the bits it comes with are good quality (Taiwan).
RoundedNut
Well-known member
Interesting concepts, I've seen a few 4mm bit pen drivers in gadget/novelty stores. But 1/4" bits and corresponding larger sizes may be too much to turn with a pen form factor.
There's a number of L bit holders that are more functional, and I'm picking this up next: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001VB89ZK/
Its a small difference over a small bit handle and bit ratchet, but I like the packaging.
There's a number of L bit holders that are more functional, and I'm picking this up next: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001VB89ZK/
Its a small difference over a small bit handle and bit ratchet, but I like the packaging.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Fix-it sticks resemble 6-in-1, or 12?-in-1 pieces that could well go in a handle.
OP
This is close to perfect and I know these guys make some really cool ****, but just don’t think I can spend $60 for my use case:
https://shop.thejamesbrand.com/prod...iNI3lQfMdwD4tEvEQ9Xv6PLlo79Hsjy0aAq29EALw_wcB
https://shop.thejamesbrand.com/prod...iNI3lQfMdwD4tEvEQ9Xv6PLlo79Hsjy0aAq29EALw_wcB
OP
Not terrible I guess.
4xdog
Well-known member
It's a little bigger than the size and price you're looking for, Ryan, but the Really Right Stuff MTX screwdriver has a lot of capability in a small package and it's made in USA.
(It's intended for photographers, hence the 3/8-16 threading [correction] on the tip and in the handle, where it can be used as a handheld monopod or an extender for a tripod or other support.)
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/MTX-Multi-Tool
(It's intended for photographers, hence the 3/8-16 threading [correction] on the tip and in the handle, where it can be used as a handheld monopod or an extender for a tripod or other support.)
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/MTX-Multi-Tool
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Probably made in China like their knives too. I'm not a super COO snob but if you're going to pay a premium...
OP
It's a little bigger than the size and price you're looking for, Ryan, but the Really Right Stuff MTX screwdriver has a lot of capability in a small package and it's made in USA.
(It's intended for photographers, hence the 1/4-20 threading on the tip and in the handle, where it can be used as a handheld monopod or an extender for a tripod or other support.)
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/MTX-Multi-Tool
Not too bad... A little bigger and heavier than I was hoping, but at least you are left with usability.
Man... I wish you wouldn't have told me that. Given the prices, I just assumed all of their stuff was made in Oregon. I know it used to be... What a bummer.
Really hard to justify their prices now... Even with the great design work.
4xdog
Well-known member
Note that the RRS MTX multitool also fails your 1/4" drive spec, too. It's 3/16" hex.
Still a nice tool though -- I use mine often.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
What about printing something on your 3 printer?! Maybe print out something like the SDDDM1A. You could make it the size of a pen. You can get a Zephyr bit here for $1.39 shipped —> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D443DDG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The discontinued Wiha 66850 is about the size of a pen… maybe smaller. I guess you’d have to set up an Ebay search alert to find one. It is basically their 1/4 precision driver with a magnet added. So you might be able to make your own by adding a magnet to a 1/4 precision driver.
These thin drivers can be difficult to use on anything that isn’t loose. I find L shaped bit wrenches easier to work with. Victorinox made a L-handle bit holder and a bit ratchet that are tiny and connect to a plastic bit holder for storage. I got mine around 20 years ago. I’m not sure but I think they might still be available. There are lots of knock offs now.
The discontinued Wiha 66850 is about the size of a pen… maybe smaller. I guess you’d have to set up an Ebay search alert to find one. It is basically their 1/4 precision driver with a magnet added. So you might be able to make your own by adding a magnet to a 1/4 precision driver.
These thin drivers can be difficult to use on anything that isn’t loose. I find L shaped bit wrenches easier to work with. Victorinox made a L-handle bit holder and a bit ratchet that are tiny and connect to a plastic bit holder for storage. I got mine around 20 years ago. I’m not sure but I think they might still be available. There are lots of knock offs now.
OP
I know... right? I emailed them to see if they are going to re-stock, but never heard back...
bwringer
Well-known member
CountyComm is jam-packed with all sorts of weird, useful little widgets.
https://countycomm.com/
Sign up for the emails; stuff goes in and out of stock all the time as they have small batches made and people scoop them up. These will probably come back eventually.
In the meantime, I guess you could comfort yourself with a titanium thimble.
https://countycomm.com/
Sign up for the emails; stuff goes in and out of stock all the time as they have small batches made and people scoop them up. These will probably come back eventually.
In the meantime, I guess you could comfort yourself with a titanium thimble.
txvwnut
Well-known member
I have one like that from Matco, not great either but in a pinch it could serve a purpose. It’s kinda short and the smooth plastic handle makes it hard to get a decent grip on.
This ones kinda cool, https://countycomm.com/products/titanium-aviation-multi-bit-screwdriver
KnurledNut
Well-known member
(This doesnt hold bits, but that could be fixed by drilling your own storage hole in the handle and perhaps using a mini d-shackle in the cross hole to retain them. It would probably hold two bits that way.)
EOS (Elite Outfitting Solutions) Screw Blaster Aluminum Bit Driver
$14.00
Your go to pocket tool for any 1/4″ hex bit. 3.5″ overall; 0.5″ diameter; aluminum construction. Small and lightweight, you can fit the Screw Blaster on your keyring and be ready to blast any job that needs a twist. 1 per package – Black, Red or Blue. No bits included.
Made in the USA
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
https://edcspecialties.com/product/eos-elite-outfitting-solutions-screw-blaster-aluminum-bit-driver/
EOS (Elite Outfitting Solutions) Screw Blaster Aluminum Bit Driver
$14.00
Your go to pocket tool for any 1/4″ hex bit. 3.5″ overall; 0.5″ diameter; aluminum construction. Small and lightweight, you can fit the Screw Blaster on your keyring and be ready to blast any job that needs a twist. 1 per package – Black, Red or Blue. No bits included.
Made in the USA
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
https://edcspecialties.com/product/eos-elite-outfitting-solutions-screw-blaster-aluminum-bit-driver/
lilbilly666
Active member
Maybe a group by would entice them to get some in stock. I’d buy one or two.
OP
(This doesnt hold bits, but that could be fixed by drilling your own storage hole in the handle and perhaps using a mini d-shackle in the cross hole to retain them. It would probably hold two bits that way.)
EOS (Elite Outfitting Solutions) Screw Blaster Aluminum Bit Driver
$14.00
Your go to pocket tool for any 1/4″ hex bit. 3.5″ overall; 0.5″ diameter; aluminum construction. Small and lightweight, you can fit the Screw Blaster on your keyring and be ready to blast any job that needs a twist. 1 per package – Black, Red or Blue. No bits included.
Made in the USA
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
https://edcspecialties.com/product/eos-elite-outfitting-solutions-screw-blaster-aluminum-bit-driver/
Great find.
Locker537
Well-known member
The Snap-On SDDDM1AG is my suggestion if the length works for you. I bought one for use with carbs, throttles, etc.
At ~$15 it's either a good deal for a Snap-On tool or pricey given it's a small plastic handle and single bit.
At ~$15 it's either a good deal for a Snap-On tool or pricey given it's a small plastic handle and single bit.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You guys are worse than drug pushers... I have such a habit... I want the original one Ryan posted... bad... like I have the shakes bad...
I can always buy a lathe and make one... (the extreme Garage Journal solution)
I can always buy a lathe and make one... (the extreme Garage Journal solution)
Shoot yeah, Country Comm is insane! That place is one where I wanna say, "Just give me one of each"!
This looks interesting. Wheeler Multi-driver pen. https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1...BN0etBBKGfKNxgf5n3CNBnZhWDf8J6dQaAkgJEALw_wcB
There is also a Wheeler Micro Driver tool pen. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07795P5MJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20