6-in-1 screwdriver idea for the tool companies

[KnurledNut]

Here's an idea:
Make an interchangeable screwdriver that uses double ended bits that have the power shank groove to also work in an impact driver.
I know there are other designs out there that serve a similar purpose, but this is simple and might be a more cost effective approach. It also keeps weight minimal.

Bits like this:

But without the torsion zone and instead the normal ball for retention like this:


*The other side of the shaft would need a 5/16" hex bit with ends machined to 1/4" to work.

I was playing around with the idea using a Zephyr Z-Max bit and it would look something like this:


Again, the torsion zone would not be as prominent, perhaps engineered to be optimal for both hand and power use.
A company that already has a 6-in-1 like Klein Tools could even offer just standalone bits to allow customers to upgrade their existing screwdrivers.
I am somewhat surprised one of the manufacturers hasn't thought of this.
Any royalties would be appreciated. Or at least send me some when you make them.

 

[Gmonkee]

Re-inventing the wheel? With a new retaining system.

 

[KnurledNut]

Re-inventing the wheel? With a new retaining system.

Not really. This idea simply combines two existing established designs to make a more versatile tool.

Many of the conveniences of modern life are due to curiosity becoming a concept.

 

[rlitman]

Klein has an 11 in 1 with impact nut drivers that hold the screwdriver flipper bits.

 

[KnurledNut]

Klein has an 11 in 1 with impact nut drivers that hold the screwdriver flipper bits.

Yes sir, I have one, put it through the paces and don't like it.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Unless you're hyper-backpacking how much weight are you really saving? It won't be noticeable. You stated it would be for use in an impact driver, so the weight of that is the majority. Realistically, using Milwaukee as an example, you'd only need the PH2/SQ2 and PH2/T25 bits. Either put them in a small container or get a permament bit holder for the impact driver.

This is like throwing a bucket of water in a lake and expecting to see a rise in the water level. Some of my bags probably have more sawdust in them the the weight of 2 bits.

 

[willf650]

Yes sir, I have one, put it through the paces and don't like it.

I’ll agree with you, hate that one.

 

[willf650]

I’ve settled on keeping one of these in all my light bags. I know it’s not a 6 in 1 so you lose the 1/4” and 5/16” nut drivers. The can be retained by putting one of these Malco flippable nut setters in your bag.

All things are a compromise so you have to pick your poison. Working as an electrician a 6 in 1 won’t reach a lot of recessed screws on contactors and other devices where this will.

I have replaced a couple of the bits. The main bit I keep in it is a 1/4” flat tip on one side and a #2 Phillips on the other. For some reason it doesn’t come with a bit in that configuration. I also swapped one of th bits for a Bosch P2R2

 

[Gmonkee]

I used to use the older style 6 in 1 a lot. Carried one in the car for roadside fun.
They worked OK. My friends stole all mine. They must be good.
They fit loose hose clamps perfectly.

Maybe a full time sparky would see a benefit, and be willing to pay Kiien and Milwaukee price$$$ for a screwdriver but I wired my house with a basic Stanley set. It was already here.

Try it, but it looks like a specialty market tool going in.

 

[KnurledNut]

All things are a compromise so you have to pick your poison. Working as an electrician a 6 in 1 won’t reach a lot of recessed screws on contactors and other devices where this will.

Good point. Perhaps make an extended reach version like the Klein 32559.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...crewdrivernut-driver-6-1-extended-reach-ph-sl

 

[KnurledNut]

Playing around with the idea again, and my Megapro Shaftlok bits are similar in theory to what I am after. They are not engineered or intended to be used with an impact driver but their locking notch groove is pretty close and kind of works, but with excess play.
The shaft tube Tekton uses is bored deeper for their longer bits and would play well with extended reach bits of this design. I really like the smaller hard handle they use on their interchangeable screwdrivers.

 

[GaryM909]

This might be what you are after. The website says you can use the bits in drills, ect.

Picquic – We still make'em like we used to

The Original Instant Multi. Is it the best? You decide. The original Picquic Professional or at-home use, the bit assortment you need most. Picquic, on a budget Shorter handle, shorter bits, nothing short

picquic.ca

 

[Renegade1LI]

The problem i see is the bits not going back into the screwdriver, I prefer dedicated tools, after a few months I'd have a bunch of screwdrivers with no bits.

 

[mazdeuce]

The picquic is a good driver. It will hold and use all the two inch bits I've tried. I've replaced several of the bits that come with it with more useful ones for me and I keep a 1/4 5/16 and 8mm 10mm flip bits with it for those needs.

 

[KnurledNut]

This might be what you are after. The website says you can use the bits in drills, ect.

Picquic – We still make'em like we used to

The Original Instant Multi. Is it the best? You decide. The original Picquic Professional or at-home use, the bit assortment you need most. Picquic, on a budget Shorter handle, shorter bits, nothing short

picquic.ca

Thanks for mentioned Gary. I own one and here are my thoughts:
-The bit change is annoying to me.
-While my bits have done okay with hand use, they haven't held up well to impact use. I've bought probably a dozen replacement bits. (bits are made in Taiwan, not Canada)
-The bit holder somewhat acts as a stubby 1/4 nutdriver but not quite as well as a 6-in-1. The one on mine seems to be aluminum and has a bit of play. When I got mine years ago, they hadn't released the Super 8 Plus with the reversible feature having a 5/16 nutdriver, so that was the biggest deterrent for me. Even with that model, I find the shaft too short for regular nutdriver usage.
-It uses single sided bits, so twice as many needed.
-If all the included bits are used, one has to stay in the shaft. No advantage over an "in one" interchangeable.
-I find the handle to be too fat for my personal liking, and the handle heavy balance is awkward to me.

I know these have a strong following, I'm just not one of them.
Thanks for adding to the discussion.

 

[KnurledNut]

The problem i see is the bits not going back into the screwdriver, I prefer dedicated tools, after a few months I'd have a bunch of screwdrivers with no bits.

Thats not a tool problem, its a user problem.
But I do get it. I worked in that environment for years!