1/4" Pen Driver

[Ryan]

So, I am gonna test something that no one has mentioned yet. It's called the bit vault. Details here:

https://levergear.com/product/bitvault/

It's more money than I wanted to spend, but I like the form factor and I love that it stores more bits than is typical for these little drivers.

I will report back with my findings...

 

[PelicanPines]

So, I am gonna test something that no one has mentioned yet. It's called the bit vault. Details here:

https://levergear.com/product/bitvault/

It's more money than I wanted to spend, but I like the form factor and I love that it stores more bits than is typical for these little drivers.

I will report back with my findings...

Color Choices... Grey or Black... Amazon has em...

https://www.amazon.com/Lever-Gear-BitVault-Screwdriver-Waterproof/dp/B07KCMGMT5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=bitvault&qid=1612192633&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3224JD7VW1WMD&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQzlMTEJZSVdOQzEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNTgxNjIyWFY0TDhQRlBCU1ZIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4ODQ1MzUxNTVFTjRaWEdGQU5XJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[Cruzan80]

My son got ne a couple different ones from the Dollar Store. One is like the swag mentioned earlier, and the second looks like a stubby fat pencil. Both are smaller than 1/4", but I think I can swap in bits from a precision toolbit set if I need extras.

Sent from my Phone 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[RTM]

So, I am gonna test something that no one has mentioned yet. It's called the bit vault. Details here:

https://levergear.com/product/bitvault/

..

Be curious how you like the eccentric handle. I have some mini bits on my Swiss Army Tech knives. I had to remove a laptop hard drive, and while it was better than nothing, the square handle would drive me batty for frequent use.

 

[budget76]

A NEST driver. I wouldn't be caught dead with a NEST thermostat but I found the driver they made for the thing in a tool lot and it is quite nice.

$6 new off the bay

i like it too, just the flathead is too narrow to be useful

guess i could swap out the bit

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

So, I am gonna test something that no one has mentioned yet. It's called the bit vault. Details here:

https://levergear.com/product/bitvault/

It's more money than I wanted to spend, but I like the form factor and I love that it stores more bits than is typical for these little drivers.

I will report back with my findings...

Keep us posted and make sure you tell us how many pills it will fit!

 

[bonneyman]

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/tit...E] Well ****, they sold out yesterday! :eek:

 

[Leviton]

Great seeing all the alternatives, but the CountyComm original sure looks the best to me. I signed up for the "E-mail me when available again" option on their website. Maybe if enough of us do that it might prompt them to reissue sooner?

 

[bonneyman]

i like it too, just the flathead is too narrow to be useful

guess i could swap out the bit

It was one of those "fate" buys. I never liked the NEST stats, but worked at a place for a few months where I discovered the original batch of stats came with the driver (my trainer had one). When in the warehouse I asked if one could be bought. No - they came with the stat, and they don't have any more.
Fast forward a year and I see one in a pile of junk, so I threw it in with the small lot I had grabbed. (Pictured)
I gotta say though small it is very comfortable to hold, and the magnet in it securely holds the bits. I didn't even think to swap out other bits into it. Just threw it in my T-stat tools drawer and there it sits.

 

[bob15]

Ryan, you might want to get one of these travel mini-screwdriver sets as well. They are well made and very handy

http://www.commandoproducts.com/precisionpocketscrewdriversetwith5flatblades3phillipbladesscribeawlandpunchallstoredinsidehandle.aspx

]

 

[measuredtwice]

So, I am gonna test something that no one has mentioned yet. It's called the bit vault. Details here:

https://levergear.com/product/bitvault/

It's more money than I wanted to spend, but I like the form factor and I love that it stores more bits than is typical for these little drivers.

I will report back with my findings...

The design is similar to the free gift that I got with an order. The free gift was made much more cheaply though. It's only plastic.

There are bit sets with packaging that can be used as a driver. There are lots of these from different manufacturers. I have a few but I don't use the packaging as a driver. I just use the bits.

The Lever Gear also reminded me that CRKT has a few drivers. It looks like the Getaway Driver is discontinued but there are few new ones. --> https://www.crkt.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=driver

This new pen style driver is coming soon.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tT3IeaAU16k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The new stubby also looks fancy. It's bigger than a pen though.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbdPqr60wso" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Ryan]

The design is similar to the free gift that I got with an order. The free gift was made much more cheaply though. It's only plastic.

There are bit sets with packaging that can be used as a driver. There are lots of these from different manufacturers. I have a few but I don't use the packaging as a driver. I just use the bits.

The Lever Gear also reminded me that CRKT has a few drivers. It looks like the Getaway Driver is discontinued but there are few new ones. --> https://www.crkt.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=driver

This new pen style driver is coming soon.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tT3IeaAU16k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The new stubby also looks fancy. It's bigger than a pen though.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbdPqr60wso" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Fantastic stuff.

 

[Ryan]

OK... Got the bit vault.

Thoughts? It's light duty.

The design is the strong point here. It holds 8 bits in a very small package and can be used as a driver in a pinch.

It's weak point is the materials used. The bit driver part is made of stamp steel. The body is made primarily out of plastic with a thin aluminum cover.

For my use case (in a travel bag and only used to fix **** in a hotel room, etc...) it's fine... but I don't know that the value is really there.

If anyone else is interested, I can try to get a discount code.

 

[oberst]

This showed up on my inbox feed. Gotta be more than coincidence.

Klein Tools 32535 10-in-1 10 Fold Screwdriver / Nut Driver, multi

 

[bonneyman]

Ryan, you might want to get one of these travel mini-screwdriver sets as well. They are well made and very handy

http://www.commandoproducts.com/precisionpocketscrewdriversetwith5flatblades3phillipbladesscribeawlandpunchallstoredinsidehandle.aspx

]

Liking that site!

 

[bob15]

Liking that site!

I have three of the kits I posted. One is at work for the emergency eyeglass repair/tightening. The 2nd in my snowmobile saddle bag and the third in my barn so I can lose it whenever I need it.

 

[bonneyman]

I have three of the kits I posted. One is at work for the emergency eyeglass repair/tightening. The 2nd in my snowmobile saddle bag and the third in my barn so I can lose it whenever I need it.

Probably next to those 10mm sockets you've lost, eh?

 

[mr.lemons]

Spotted an old world pen bit driver on Ebay.

 

[acc2]

Recently got the fix-it-sticks. They do not disappoint. Quality comparable to German brands. Engineering exceeds.

 

[macgee]

Recently got the fix-it-sticks. They do not disappoint. Quality comparable to German brands. Engineering exceeds.

+1

I think the key to these compared to most pen drivers is that they can apply the proper torque needed for Phillips PH 2 fasteners (most common) and other similar sized fasteners. Most pen drivers can only handle small tasks (ph1 & smaller) and cant replace a normal screwdriver handle (1.2-1.5" dia), small diameter handles can not nearly apply much toque (maybe 10-ish in.lbs/1.2Nm max) with out an added T-bar. The fix-it-sticks can use t-handles so makes it a more a real world compact replacement driver compared to other suggestions.

Plus, they have a very cool adjustable torque adapter that reasonably priced.

Most of the small pen drivers listed in this thread are fine for fixing your glasses and the likes but don't confuse them being able to deal properly with the most common fastener in the world. The EOS driver above also has a hole in it and can apply a small bar (T handle) to apply a good amount of torque.

 

[macgee]

Another suggestion that's similar to Fix-It-Sticks is a well known company in the biking tool world is Silica

Check out this tiny set-up that includes a a ratchet and torque setting adapter; can be used as a pen driver or as a t-handle driver

https://silca.cc/collections/mobile-repair-1/products/t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit-2nd-generation

 

[bonneyman]

Man, you guys ****! Now I have 3 or 4 more bit drivers to consider.

Shoot - I'm gonna blow my lunch money allowance for a month!

 

[tjansson]

In my dirt bike tool kit I carry a 6" long 1/4" square drive breaker bar, with normal hex sockets, but also a 1/4" bit holder that has a 1/4" socket slipped over the drive. For some reason the 1/4" was a tight fit and stays on, but you could also glue it on. More versatile than a screwdriver handle, but not as good as a screwdriver for torque in "screwdriver" mode.

 

[Leviton]

I'm still waiting for CountyComm to bring back the one in Ryans's first post, but there is Gen 2 of this one. Titanium Precision Screwdriver Kit.

https://countycomm.com/products/tpsk-titanium-precision-screwdriver-kit?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_6_30_2020_14_2_COPY_137)&goal=0_2027776eb3-f38070a690-289475361&mc_cid=f38070a690&mc_eid=a2da6d27f5

 

[Ralf11]

I'm still waiting for CountyComm to bring back the one in Ryans's first post,...

that's a good excuse to not buy one

I am proud to say that I've resisted the temptation of this thread so far

 

[DIY_Guy79]

EDC Bit Driver is the term you're looking for. EDC = Every Day Carry if you're unfamiliar with the term.

Here are some options I found:

Kershaw TXTOOL:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B7MPG6W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bostitch Stanley 4 in 1 Pocket Screwdriver:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZPSO8GE/?tag=atomicindus08-20


And this last one isnt a pen style, but its the coolest by miles and one I've had my eye on for a while. But it's also pricey at $39.99:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KCMGMT5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

After coming across, and suggesting the EOS driver, i decided to buy it myself.
Thoughts: It is finely made and low cost. Very, very satisfied.
I ordered directly from the company, where i found the bare aluminum version. All positive.
(No, im not connected to them in any way.)

After some brainstorming, i ended up with a bit of a frankendriver.
A Leatherman tool adaptor bolted right up without any modification.
Its functionality hit me as i fiddled with it.
Heres some pics and different ways/positions it can be used:

Folded for storage. Also shows two neod. magnets added for extra bit storage on reverse side, a place to put removed fasteners, and removable for other use:


Use as an L-Key:


Pistol grip orientation:


As a speeder handle or offset wrench:


T-handle position (REALLY like this):


For use as makeshift calipers for measuring or a compass:

 

[Ryan]

That’s genius man.

 

[PelicanPines]

Ok... these look interesting. There is a whole line from this manufacturer...

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-T-Handle-Wrench-FISTLS11-T/dp/B07KBF9VW5/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3S3H4ATYYXMNV02SRHDZ

This one is ratcheting... omg... it's absolutely on my dream list.

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-Ratcheting-T-Way-Wrench/dp/B08BX8QH9Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ENhqC&pf_rd_p=49ff6d7e-521c-4ccb-9f0a-35346bfc72eb&pf_rd_r=AQ53QYCKT4238AXHZVGP&pd_rd_r=57500373-fa34-429d-9cba-2d771d16bb43&pd_rd_wg=g9pF8&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

 

[Dustball]

Ok... these look interesting. There is a whole line from this manufacturer...

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-T-Handle-Wrench-FISTLS11-T/dp/B07KBF9VW5/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3S3H4ATYYXMNV02SRHDZ

This one is ratcheting... omg... it's absolutely on my dream list.

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-Ratcheting-T-Way-Wrench/dp/B08BX8QH9Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ENhqC&pf_rd_p=49ff6d7e-521c-4ccb-9f0a-35346bfc72eb&pf_rd_r=AQ53QYCKT4238AXHZVGP&pd_rd_r=57500373-fa34-429d-9cba-2d771d16bb43&pd_rd_wg=g9pF8&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

If you want to buy just the driver-
https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/modular-t-drive

https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/fix-it-sticks-originals-with-bracket

 

[darkzero]

Ok... these look interesting. There is a whole line from this manufacturer...

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-T-Handle-Wrench-FISTLS11-T/dp/B07KBF9VW5/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3S3H4ATYYXMNV02SRHDZ

This one is ratcheting... omg... it's absolutely on my dream list.

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-Ratcheting-T-Way-Wrench/dp/B08BX8QH9Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ENhqC&pf_rd_p=49ff6d7e-521c-4ccb-9f0a-35346bfc72eb&pf_rd_r=AQ53QYCKT4238AXHZVGP&pd_rd_r=57500373-fa34-429d-9cba-2d771d16bb43&pd_rd_wg=g9pF8&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

Yup, me too, I really want that ratcheting one, posted about the Fix-It-Sticks in post 13. I just can't justify the cost yet. I've had it saved in my Amazon cart hoping there might be a Amazon Warehouse deal or fluctuation in price. I've only seen it fluctuate 1 cent.

When I do end up getting it I'll probably buy direct from them. There's a couple of items I may add to my order that Amazon doesn't carry. Fix-It-Sticks has free shipping over $50 & no tax.

 

[PelicanPines]

Yup, me too, I really want that ratcheting one, posted about the Fix-It-Sticks in post 13. I just can't justify the cost yet. I've had it saved in my Amazon cart hoping there might be a Amazon Warehouse deal or fluctuation in price. I've only seen it fluctuate 1 cent.

When I do end up getting it I'll probably buy direct from them. There's a couple of items I may add to my order that Amazon doesn't carry. Fix-It-Sticks has free shipping over $50 & no tax.

I've read this thread over and over... missed that DarkZero... sorry. Never the less... it's a bitching ratchet driver... deserved mentioning twice.

I get a certain amount of free tools each month... uhm... last week of the month. I cash in my families Amazon rewards. I normally get stuff... that I say, yea... I ain't gonna spend cash on that tool... So I spend points instead.

Don't argue with my logic... it's free tools in my mind...

This month I'm getting the Dewalt 20v Tripod light... I'm sure I won't have enough points... so I will have to use some of my "milk money" to add to the points... this ratchet thing will have to wait till the end of March. Provided I don't find something else I like more.

 

[darkzero]

I've read this thread over and over... missed that DarkZero... sorry. Never the less... it's a bitching ratchet driver... deserved mentioning twice.

I get a certain amount of free tools each month... uhm... last week of the month. I cash in my families Amazon rewards. I normally get stuff... that I say, yea... I ain't gonna spend cash on that tool... So I spend points instead.

Don't argue with my logic... it's free tools in my mind...

This month I'm getting the Dewalt 20v Tripod light... I'm sure I won't have enough points... so I will have to use some of my "milk money" to add to the points... this ratchet thing will have to wait till the end of March. Provided I don't find something else I like more.

Well you got me looking at them again! I've been drooling too long, this time I couldn't resist, I just placed my order directly from Fix-It-Stick. I hope they are as good quality as they look.

They have a code for 10% off your first order if you subscribe to their mailing list. I'll save anyone the trouble, it's FIRST10. Again, free shipping over $50 & they didn't charge me tax.

So Mr. Pines, I thank you for finally nudging me over or have you to blame for spending more money! Either way I'm happy.

 

[PelicanPines]

Dang it... I pulled the trigger on the Fix-It-Stick ratcheting tool... $40... via Amazon... Had to order a ton of stuff for the Mrs... added the ratcheting tool in as a gift to me for ordering all the stuff for the Mrs... makes sense... right?

I might have a tool problem...

 

[macgee]

I might have a tool problem...

Its only a problem if you think it is!

 

[bonneyman]

OK... Got the bit vault.

Thoughts? It's light duty.

The design is the strong point here. It holds 8 bits in a very small package and can be used as a driver in a pinch.

It's weak point is the materials used. The bit driver part is made of stamp steel. The body is made primarily out of plastic with a thin aluminum cover.

For my use case (in a travel bag and only used to fix **** in a hotel room, etc...) it's fine... but I don't know that the value is really there.

If anyone else is interested, I can try to get a discount code.

Who's the forum member who makes stuff out of titanium? Like his money clip with CC holder? Maybe he could set up his machine and run off some using titanium that would retain the size and shape of your vault tool but be a little stronger. Though heavier.

 

[Two Speed]

An option, this is the internals of the picquic magnet screw driver.

I dropped one too many times, turns out it is a nicely machined aluminum handle. I've got a piece of clear heat shrink on it for a bit of extra grip for those of you noticing that.

Alex.

 

[Leviton]

CountyComm brings back another in the family.
Can the pen version be next!?

 

[bonneyman]

https://urbanedcsupply.com/products/scout-leather-co-hex-bit-driver

I wonder how hard it would be to cobble together some odds and ends and make something like this? I may have to try.

 

[RoundedNut]

Got my L bit holder and I'm more sure now that a 1/4" hex pen format won't have enough torque for most situations.

Looked into compact bit holders a bit more and like this Witte: https://www.wittetools.com/en/products/bits/maxx/ratchdriver/

And I've added this to my next amazon japan order: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07YDLZFN8/