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Do you often use a 1/4" nut driver screwdriver?

RMERR

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Mar 22, 2017
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Northern CA
I use them frequently enough to have both SAE and Metric sets hanging on my peg board for quick access. Handy for lower torque situations. Like others, cordless drill and nut bit or hex adapter and socket if there's a bunch. Also have a flex shaft 1/4" socket driver just like dschelt mentioned, great to get the a socket in a tight or awkward spot.
 
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Robinson1

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Jun 22, 2015
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Kentucky
I use a 6 in 1 or 11 in 1 occasionally in hex head screws. Almost never use an actual nut driver. If I’ve got enough screws to warrant a nut driver I’ll reach for a 12v impact almost every time
 

Coach James

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Jun 24, 2005
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Sandhills of North Carolina
I have full sets of SAE and metric C-man USA nut drivers. In the last couple months I used them to fix the dryer, replace the clothesline wire, assemble a cart from HF, mount a white board and to mount some of that steel storage stuff you put on walls to hang stuff on.

My son uses them to work on RC cars.

Coach
 

RAS61

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Sep 14, 2012
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Low Country, SC
buy a better ratchet.
Yeah, you could spend a lot on a better ratchet with very low back drag to prevent the screw from backing out or not advancing, but would probably still have a problem when loose, plus a possible problem with swing room. Or you could just use a nut driver or spinner handle and complete the job quicker, easier, and cheaper!
 
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RAS61

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Sep 14, 2012
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Low Country, SC
I'm going to try these next time also
Yes, a thumb wheel is your best bet if you want to use a ratchet, no problem with swing room for the handle and less trouble with back drag and the screw backing out or ratchet not advancing, just keep turning clockwise
 
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cosmokenney

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Oct 18, 2017
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Loyalton, CA
Yes! I really like it when I am having trouble getting a bolt to start threading without crossing. This happens a lot on my motorcycles where the fasteners are pretty cheap and you are working in really tight spaces. A lot of times you are also threading into aluminum or nutserts. I get a much better feel for how straight I am going in. And also I feel like I can feel what is going on with the threads better.
 

Crazyjake8493

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Sep 26, 2014
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Upstate NY
I have several Klein long-handle hollow-shaft magnetic nut drivers and the 1/4", 5/16", and 11/32" get quite a lot of use in electrical and HVAC applications.

My basic old non-magnetic Craftsman nutdrivers on the other hand...very little use for them.
 

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Bigblue&Goldie

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AZ
I use my 1/4" nut driver handle a lot. Mine can be used as an extension with a ratchet, which makes it even handier.

I will grab a nut driver first over the handle/socket if I know what size the application is.
 
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babyseal

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Dec 24, 2023
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Used one today, replacing the cowling on an '94 S-10. Small screws, old/brittle plastic...a nut driver gives me fine control so I didn't risk breaking the plastic or cross threading the screws.

I often find a ratchet/socket too ungainly to use starting small bolts/screws, and it's too easy to over-tighten using a drill. So...it depends on the application. Other hand, went through the garages/buildings the other day replacing ballasts in any lights not working...used a drill. It was working overhead, sheet metal screws, so can't really over-tighten or cross thread. So a drill was the best tool.

You use the tool best suited to the job and/or that you're comfortable with. Keeping a set of nut drivers gives you options. It's like the current thread on using 1/2" tools. Sometimes a 1/2" (or a nut driver) is the best suited tool. Sure, there's work arounds. If you were really determined to minimize, you could cut your tool kit down to a single small entry level tool box...and break tools and parts, bust your knuckles, and be forced to rush to the store and pay top dollar when you find out you need a tool you don't (or no longer) have. Just like we did when we were young, starting out, and building up our tool sets. Been there, done that, ain't going through it again.
 

908Jim

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Aug 1, 2013
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555
Never use them. At great risk of sending this thread wildly off course, I love and recommend the SK USA green square handle drivers with the female drive end that doubles as an extension. Carlyle and Williams also make them and I am sure others as well.

The spinner extensions really shine for appliance or dash work where I want a ratchet to break free or final torque, but also the nut driver functionality.
 

4x4Pete

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Aug 26, 2019
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791
Location
Stroud
I keep a set of magnetic 1/4" shank nut drivers a picquick screwdriver that accepts 1/4" shanks and a Milwaukee 12v impact driver in the tool pouch for various small jobs. You can get a lot done with just these. 3783010_L.jpgdownload.jpeg-1.jpg
 

Oldsmobile

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Feb 24, 2011
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Harrisburg PA
...SK USA green square handle drivers with the female drive end that doubles as an extension.

I have seen many SK USA green handle drivers but never with a female end. Would you please show a picture of yours?

My box has a couple of Huskys of that style, and my junkyard bag has a no-name version. But no SK.
 

908Jim

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Aug 1, 2013
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555
I have seen many SK USA green handle drivers but never with a female end. Would you please show a picture of yours?

My box has a couple of Huskys of that style, and my junkyard bag has a no-name version. But no SK.
I'm having my coffee right now so I must politely decline but it is SK part number 40953.

Amazon and Zoro have them for $24 right now "SK Hand Tools 40953 1/4-inch Drive Spinner Extension"

 

Hakeem

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Jan 22, 2024
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Chicago
For anyone else working electrical or HVAC, these malco flip tops are indispensable:

Malco-CRHEX-Cleanable-Reversible-Hex-Drivers.jpg

I like the 4” model, part number: MSHMLC

Color coded and you can take the bit off entirely to clean any debris that sticks to the magnet.
 
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