dubdoc
Well-known member
I'm looking for a nice 4-6" long screwdriver handle that accepts bits. Non-ratcheting is preferred.
Bit driver handle ?
- Thread starter dubdoc
- Start date
Noworries
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Noworries
Banned
Wow.. while the one near me doesnt have dewalt they have Klein husky and craftsman...
afm
Member
The nicest you can get at Home Depot is likely the Klein 32510. It's a great bit holder, but in retail stores you can only get it bundled with a bit set. It's ~$30 and comes with 32 high-quality bits.
Obviously, that's a downside if you don't need the bits, but the bit set comes in a cool holder that stows on the blade.
Obviously, that's a downside if you don't need the bits, but the bit set comes in a cool holder that stows on the blade.
Lowes or Home Depot usually have several options.
example:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LENOX-6-Piece-Plastic-Handle-Magnetic-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000498777
There was/is also a Craftsman version without the sliding sleeve.
Sometimes they are in the electrician's tools section (Klein at Home Depot, Southwire or whatever at Lowes), then there are usually some in the Hand Tools section.
example:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LENOX-6-Piece-Plastic-Handle-Magnetic-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000498777
There was/is also a Craftsman version without the sliding sleeve.
Sometimes they are in the electrician's tools section (Klein at Home Depot, Southwire or whatever at Lowes), then there are usually some in the Hand Tools section.
Paul_The_Builder
Well-known member
Felo is my favorite
bwringer
Well-known member
Same. Felo.
They seem to have the smallest diameter dingus on the end to get in the way, and very strong magnets.
samss
Well-known member
Visit your local HVACR supply house.
https://www.malcoproducts.com/category/screwdrivers-nutdrivers/connext-quick-change-handles/
https://www.malcoproducts.com/category/screwdrivers-nutdrivers/connext-quick-change-handles/
Bighead38
Well-known member
I’m sure they do. I think I have a blue point one. Funny I have a bunch in my box and usually grab a cheap kobalt one because the cap spins which is really nice imo.
neophyte
Well-known member
Most screwdriver and tool companies make bit holding driver handles.
The main thing is to consider what type of design and features you want.
Magnetic, non-magnetic, simple retention ring, or a locking sleeve for instance.
Locking sleeves make the bit holder wider, but can prevent the bit from getting pulled out in an awkward place if the bit gets stuck in a tight or rusty screw head.
Magnetic holders can help with holding steel screws on a bit, but the magnets will also cause rust and metal filling to get stuck to the bit head.
Simple retaining rings don’t always hold the bits as securely as a magnet or retaining ring, but also don’t have the problem of being nagnetic, or the width of the locking sleeve.
Then there’s the shank.
Some bit drivers have a smooth round shank.
On other drivers the shank might be hexagonal or knurled, allowing you to easily turn the bit driver shank with your fingers, which can sometimes be useful.
Then there’s the handle material.
Options are molded or turned Acetate type material, like was used on Craftsman, and Armstrong, and most of the Pratt-Read made screwdrivers for decades.
The Acetate in impact resistant, relatively durable, but can become stinky over time.
The turning profiles can vary but in many cases are similar.
Cast Acetate handles are another option.
The ergonomics can be better, although I’m not sure whether the material is as durable as the turned handles.
Then there are modern molded plastic handles.
Some are just the plastic.
Others are plastic with inset rubber material, which can vary in formulation.
These come in everything from weird German “ergonomic” designs like the Wera, and Felo driver handles, to more traditional squarish shapes like the classic Snap-On/Williams handles.
One thing to consider with grips that are dual molded with rubber inserts is that the rubber inserts tend to make the driver handles less durable, since the rubber tends to start peeling out over time with some drivers.
There are also companies like PB Swiss, that use a Santoprene material that is grippy like rubber, but which may be more durable in some uses.
There are also manufacturers like Wiha and Witte, who make hard handle drivers with special surface textures so that the driver handle is still grippy when oily. The Wiha drivers are branded “Microfinish” I forget what the Witte drivers are called.
Also.
Some bit drivers store bits in the handle, and others don’t.
The number of bits stored can also vary from a few, to a dozen or more.
There are also bit drivers like the Wiha Driv-Loc where the handle accepts longer replaceable bits that are dimpled, and can be locked at various lengths.
These are sold as handles for the long bits(which are 6mm not 1/4”) but there are bit holders available for the handles.
The main thing is to consider what type of design and features you want.
Magnetic, non-magnetic, simple retention ring, or a locking sleeve for instance.
Locking sleeves make the bit holder wider, but can prevent the bit from getting pulled out in an awkward place if the bit gets stuck in a tight or rusty screw head.
Magnetic holders can help with holding steel screws on a bit, but the magnets will also cause rust and metal filling to get stuck to the bit head.
Simple retaining rings don’t always hold the bits as securely as a magnet or retaining ring, but also don’t have the problem of being nagnetic, or the width of the locking sleeve.
Then there’s the shank.
Some bit drivers have a smooth round shank.
On other drivers the shank might be hexagonal or knurled, allowing you to easily turn the bit driver shank with your fingers, which can sometimes be useful.
Then there’s the handle material.
Options are molded or turned Acetate type material, like was used on Craftsman, and Armstrong, and most of the Pratt-Read made screwdrivers for decades.
The Acetate in impact resistant, relatively durable, but can become stinky over time.
The turning profiles can vary but in many cases are similar.
Cast Acetate handles are another option.
The ergonomics can be better, although I’m not sure whether the material is as durable as the turned handles.
Then there are modern molded plastic handles.
Some are just the plastic.
Others are plastic with inset rubber material, which can vary in formulation.
These come in everything from weird German “ergonomic” designs like the Wera, and Felo driver handles, to more traditional squarish shapes like the classic Snap-On/Williams handles.
One thing to consider with grips that are dual molded with rubber inserts is that the rubber inserts tend to make the driver handles less durable, since the rubber tends to start peeling out over time with some drivers.
There are also companies like PB Swiss, that use a Santoprene material that is grippy like rubber, but which may be more durable in some uses.
There are also manufacturers like Wiha and Witte, who make hard handle drivers with special surface textures so that the driver handle is still grippy when oily. The Wiha drivers are branded “Microfinish” I forget what the Witte drivers are called.
Also.
Some bit drivers store bits in the handle, and others don’t.
The number of bits stored can also vary from a few, to a dozen or more.
There are also bit drivers like the Wiha Driv-Loc where the handle accepts longer replaceable bits that are dimpled, and can be locked at various lengths.
These are sold as handles for the long bits(which are 6mm not 1/4”) but there are bit holders available for the handles.
See above for excellent run down of options.
This one is my favorite non-ratcheting driver for standard bits:
https://www.wihatools.com/screwdriv...grip/microfinish-1-4-inch-magnetic-bit-holder
This one is my favorite non-ratcheting driver for standard bits:
https://www.wihatools.com/screwdriv...grip/microfinish-1-4-inch-magnetic-bit-holder
Indexmill
Well-known member
That Malco is very nice and $10.00 on Amazon; an awesome every-day user. I do wish they made its "baby" brother; a 1/4" bit holder with a little shorter and a little smaller diameter handle for use on small fasteners. Think small Torx for knives and the like.
Snap-on has an Instinct handle 1/4” square drive you could put an adapter on. Kind of clunky though. Try that Wiha I suggested.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Han...stinct-Soft-Grip-Standard-Shank-Driver/SGT4BR
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Toptul FTBB0824. Magnetic, and locks regular 1/4" bits in. The handle lets you get stout torque into the job. No storage. The handle is rubberized a bit, but solid.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Depends on if you want cushion grip or hard handle.
If you want hard handle, get one with another way to add torque, such as a shank with the appropriate place to put a wrench.
If you want hard handle, get one with another way to add torque, such as a shank with the appropriate place to put a wrench.
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Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I have this Snap on Instinct Handle one SGDQ6...frikin love it...made by Wera or Wiha??? I forget off hand, either way, love it.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pop...iamond-Bit-Set/Pop-Up-Shank-Screwdriver/SGDQ6
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pop...iamond-Bit-Set/Pop-Up-Shank-Screwdriver/SGDQ6
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Avenging Bankroll
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jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I have this set at work, it's nice and lightweight.
Klein also makes a similar one.
https://www.newark.com/multicomp-pro/mp700129/screwdriver-set-32pc/dp/34AH5388
Klein also makes a similar one.
https://www.newark.com/multicomp-pro/mp700129/screwdriver-set-32pc/dp/34AH5388
Noworries
Banned
LOL jesus christ for the price of that stupid snap on i can get 72 cans of coors light AND 2 of the dewalt handles... decisions decisions...
And you know there are guys that will actually buy that snapon handle
And you know there are guys that will actually buy that snapon handle
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^ +1
neophyte
Well-known member
That’s a Wera system driver. Either Snap-On or Wera may manufacture the handle since it’s a Snap-On handle design.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Evercraft at NAPA.
Rubberized grip. Comfortable.
Rubberized grip. Comfortable.
The one I used for doing HVAC for years is a Craftsman vinyl handled sourced from Fiskars. The soft nibs bend and fold under pressure to give you superior torque and no hand strain. They do eventually break off but while they last they're great!
I believe they are NLA but I've managed to find good condition examples at estate sales and thrift stores.
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HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
For slim (hard to reach places), I like Felo or Wiha handles. Otherwise, Wera Rapidaptor, either permanently attached to the handle or the extensions (50mm, 75mm, and 100mm).
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Menards has the Felo Ergonic for $13.50 shipped free. That's after a 11% rebate. I haven't done comparison shopping so check around to see if that's the best price. If not, it's probably close. https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...wdriver/0715753711/p-1475244648012-c-9158.htm
Suncoast has a Bondhus set that includes a bit driver as well as fixed screwdrivers for less than $15. https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/ItemPage.aspx?ItemNumber=BOSCREWSET+16758++BO&VendorNumber=BONDHUS
If you like the old timey ones with the hollow handle for bit storage (MADE IN USA), then there's an Ebay auction with lots of new old stock for less than $5 shipped. Wouldn't shipping and fees eat up most of the $5??
Seller is probably only getting pennies from that sale. The same drivers have been branded by many brands. They were common in the 1990s... some still sell them today.
Suncoast has a Bondhus set that includes a bit driver as well as fixed screwdrivers for less than $15. https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/ItemPage.aspx?ItemNumber=BOSCREWSET+16758++BO&VendorNumber=BONDHUS
If you like the old timey ones with the hollow handle for bit storage (MADE IN USA), then there's an Ebay auction with lots of new old stock for less than $5 shipped. Wouldn't shipping and fees eat up most of the $5??
Seller is probably only getting pennies from that sale. The same drivers have been branded by many brands. They were common in the 1990s... some still sell them today.
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bwringer
Well-known member
Climatecreator
Well-known member
I have the Malco https://amzn.to/3k4fS2N and I love it because of the locking bit mechanism. For the short one I use this. https://amzn.to/3i4EsyN
CC
mv213
Well-known member
The best I’ve ever owned is no longer available. (Sad face). I kinda have a thing for bit driver handles and 6-in-1 screwdrivers. RIP Volcanic Tools.
https://toolguyd.com/volcanic-tool-usa-screwdriver-bit-holder/
https://toolguyd.com/volcanic-tool-usa-screwdriver-bit-holder/
frankieg
Active member
That's a real beauty! Shame it's no longer made.
mv213
Well-known member
It is a beauty, and feels very substantial in hand. No plastic—the handle is (I think) anodized aluminum. I’m glad I got one.
Al Borland
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72 Coors Lights...
How many Yuenglings?
seber
Well-known member
I have a fair number. They all work about the same. I grab whichever is close. When Wiha finally offers one with their sliding lock sleeve I'll buy a dozen of them.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
I'm not sure which lock you are looking for. Wiha has made several. Some seem to be more common in Europe and some are discontinued.
The Ultra Driver has a lock
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J92O2NA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Here's the Clikfix on the UK Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JGBN1O/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I think the one below is discontinued but you sometimes find it on Ebay as new old stock
http://carbideprocessors.com/7pc-clicfix-bit-holder-slotted-phillips-wiha-38033/
I think this one might be discontinued also. It has bit storage in the handle.
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/han...36933-clic-fix-magazine-bit-set/p/WIH5733693C
This one takes power bits instead of insert bits. It is also sold rebranded by Festool.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B8L4M7G/?tag=atomicindus08-20