Favorite not exactly a screwdriver, screwdriver?

[Danglerb]

Two types of tools I like for no sane reason are spinners and bit drivers, for this thread I'd like to skip the ratcheting versions as I have too many already, but I haven't found a really great 1/4 square driver or 1/4 hex driver (I do like my old SK clear green with white stripe). Some I don't like the handle, mostly the socket or bit seems too loose.

What are some favorites?

 

[Legion Prime]

I'm rather a fan of this Felo bitholder I picked up last year.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62NHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It's inexpensive, the handle grips quite nicely and it's magnetic. The semi kind of not really soft but feels like it gives a little coating on the handle is nice and has held up just fine thus far so I'm quite happy with it.
The Wera one seems to be very similar, if you like their handles I'd try that. If you like a less sculpted handle the Wiha ones are more of a round shape. Everything else of theirs I've tried has been great and both are well regarded brands here, it would probably take some effort to go wrong with any of them.

 

[snooter]

Only tool that fits the narrative i have ever felt comfortable using more then once is the Whia bit driver and the Vessel.....nice strong magnets in both and the handles feel like they should feel....Vessel bits are a class above everything else i have ever tried....

 

[mfewtrail]

Only one of those I use on occasion is an insulated Allway 4in1 that I've had forever. Bits fit tight and the magnet is very strong on it.

 

[anetode]

PB Swiss BikeTool, changed the bits out to a different selection of stainless ones and this thing goes wherever I do.

 

[jimmyin3D]

PB Swiss insider bit driver. Bits are held securely with a very strong magnet.

You can get it in three sizes long, regular, or stubby. I really like the regular size it’s about 5 inches perfect size. Holds about 8 bits the common Phillips Slotted and torx. The bits go into a “insider” bit holder that screws in on the bottom so there’s no moving around of loose bits. It’s just designed really well.

The bits are also very durable and precisely machined. It’s honestly the perfect goto multibit Driver.

 

[bassbone52]

The Toptul has a magnet and a spring-loaded collar that locks the bit to the end of the shaft. Works great.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I'm rather a fan of this Felo bitholder I picked up last year.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62NHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It's inexpensive, the handle grips quite nicely and it's magnetic. The semi kind of not really soft but feels like it gives a little coating on the handle is nice and has held up just fine thus far so I'm quite happy with it.

^ My favorite as well!

Felo also makes a 1/4" socket spinner with a nice handle that's on my wish list

 

[mr.lemons]

I also like bit drivers. No time for them at work but enjoy using them at home. I guess they are a bit gadgety or something. They are useful when you are taking minimum tools out to an unknown job.

Been using the Wiha and PB Swiss for a while. The shorter PB Swiss is great for smaller clean jobs around the house. I like the Wiha handle but bits sometimes get stuck in the fasteners when there is quite a bit of torque used. I think magnet retention is not ideal for bit drivers. Too weak and they drop bits, too strong and pliers are required to change bits. I've been looking for a large quality handled bit driver like the Wiha but with quick release retention like the Kennedy for ages. Cannot find the Toptul mentioned above in the UK.

Wurth zebra (Felo) 1/4" works well.

Just from looking at pics I think the Heyco spinner handles are about the best looking but lack a 1/4" square in the handle.

Edit. I prefer solid handled drivers so none of the above have bit storage.

 

[measuredtwice]

I have the PB Swiss shortie shown above as well as the longer one... and a Felo insulated... I also have the the Wiha Centrofix which can hold power bits, a magnetic bit holder for insert bits, or a socket adapter for 1/4 or 3/8 sockets. (photo below) These are also sold by Festool with their branding. These lock the bit with no wobble. Very solid--that's why I bought it.
Wera makes a similar bitholder but the bits wobble in it.

 

[Danglerb]

So far I am edging in the Felo direction, some really bad reviews lately on the Wiha.

One of my favorite spinners is from HF, one of those see one then its gone things they have from time to time. Its a 1/2 sq drive extension with a plastic handle moulded over it.

Same for me a real screwdriver is my first choice, but I have over a 100 specialty bits from Torx to Hex, JIS, and tamper resistant.

 

[Dave455]

I’m a bit driver lover as well! If you damage a tip you can change it instead of the whole driver, and if you’re working away from base you can minimise what you carry!

My two favourites are the PB Swiss shown, you specified non - ratcheting so that’s the bottom one. This is one of my favourite tools. I use it, or one of my PB Swiss bit drivers, on just about every job I undertake. It’s got a decent hard handle that wipes clean, a superb steel blade that doesn’t rust, a decent magnet, and all made to PB Swiss standards!

If I’m using a ratcheting driver I alternate between the PB and the Snap On T handles - just about the most ergonomic tools ever made!

 

[ChevyEFI]

My locking / magnetic TopTul bit driver has the best gripping handle and bit retention of anything I have tried or own.

One of my favorite spinners is from HF, one of those see one then its gone things they have from time to time. Its a 1/2 sq drive extension with a plastic handle moulded over it.

VIM Tools HD500 is still findable, I believe.

 

[racingtadpole]

I just put a hex to square adapter in my ratchet screwdriver, way better than anything I’ve seen in a socket set to do the same job.

 

[mrspeed]

Quarter inch square drivers on the top and the quarter inch hex drivers on the bottom.

For the quarter inch square drivers, I really like the look of the Heyco but the Bahco is more comfortable in the hand and it has the quarter inch socket on the top of the handle, too.

For the quarter inch hex but drivers, I like the hex shank of the Blackhawk/Facom/USAG/Bost driver that's made in France, but the feel of the handle, length of the shank, and strength of the magnet are all better in the Witte driver, so I'd say that's my favorite hex driver.

I also have some other bit drivers with storage in the handles, like the Wera, which come in handy for travel.



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[Danglerb]

That VIM is great, good chance the one at HF was from the same OEM.

Ratcheting I have a bunch of incl the Snapon aka Williams, one I like best is the Stanley, big handle, but I like the overall feel, same for the Wiha T like handle.

My concern with the locking ones is that the diameter might be too much for fasteners down in holes, and I get a lot of those on computer stuff.

 

[JBH]

View media item 93865
I know the directive was “no ratchets,” but that little Facom is a terrible ratchet. However, you can rotate the square end by rotating the handle. So used, it can sometimes reach things where other tools can’t. I often use it with that Wera bit holding socket, because I like its free-spinning collar. You can grip the bitholder (by hand or pliers) and spin the handle to remove or attach a fastener.

Felo Bit Boy is an older tool, and I think discontinued. I like it better than the PB Swiss Insider that it replaced, and it doesn’t smell. It cries out for a ratchet end though. You can remove the bitholder and use power bits directly in the handle.

Of the stubbies, Felo is most comfortable in the hand, but no bit storage. Also, it is longer because you need to use a bit holder or power bit with it. PB Swiss is marginally more comfortable and grippier than Wiha, but it costs twice as much.

View media item 93867
View media item 93866
I like the Wiha Ultra Driver more than I thought I would. It would be better with a good ratchet mechanism, but I like the free spinning collar on the bit holder. I keep it in a portable toolbox, with security bits in the handle. The bit caddy for more used bits cost about a dollar from Wiha. I superglued an N52 magnet to it to keep these bits with the tool.

View media item 93864
As for socket drivers, I like Stahlwille and Würth but the perfect one would have Stahlwille’s QR and accept a 1/4” square drive on the top plate like Würth. Once you realize that it’s contoured differently from Felo Ergonic and modify your grip accordingly, Würth fits the hand well. It is much more comfortable in the hand than the nasty hard plastic fluted things Proto and Williams carry. It is also quite long. Stahlwille’s handle has flattish sides that allow great torque transfer, but isn’t particularly quick-spinning. It gets use mostly as a speeder handle accessory for a stubby Nepros ratchet.

 

[mr.lemons]

^ Out of interest what's so bad about the Facom ratchet? Too chunky? I've nearly bid on the larger versions a couple of times. Sorry to go a bit off topic.

 

[measuredtwice]

Nice collection of drivers!

Felo Bit Boy is an older tool, and I think discontinued. I like it better than the PB Swiss Insider that it replaced, and it doesn’t smell. It cries out for a ratchet end though. You can remove the bitholder and use power bits directly in the handle.

What are your thoughts on the design and durability of the bit storage for the Felo Bit Boy? Is it as fragile as it looks? I was looking at this driver in a catalog a few days ago.

PB Swiss is marginally more comfortable and grippier

How do you access the bit storage on the PB Swiss and Wiha stubby? Do you need to pry it open with your finger nails? Could you open them with gloves on?

As for socket drivers, I like Stahlwille and Würth but the perfect one would have Stahlwille’s QR and accept a 1/4” square drive on the top plate like Würth....

Do you know of a source that sells the Wurth driver separately or does it only come with a set? I can only find it in sets.


Thanks!

 

[JBH]

What are your thoughts on the design and durability of the bit storage for the Felo Bit Boy? Is it as fragile as it looks? I was looking at this driver in a catalog a few days ago.

I’ve had it for quite a while and no issues. If it is still available, I recommend it.

How do you access the bit storage on the PB Swiss and Wiha stubby? Do you need to pry it open with your finger nails? Could you open them with gloves on?

Neither one is that hard to open. Wiha might be ok with gloves because the cap sticks out over the body. PB Swiss would be harder.

Do you know of a source that sells the Wurth driver separately or does it only come with a set? I can only find it in sets.

No, unfortunately. I would buy a couple more if I could find them.

^ Out of interest what's so bad about the Facom ratchet? Too chunky? I've nearly bid on the larger versions a couple of times. Sorry to go a bit off topic.

Very high backdrag compared to the standard model (assuming my FUP flex head is representative). However, it is very useful for when your swing area is very limited. A “skewdriver” extension serves the same role, but I think it’s thicker still. Würth has something (“Wibos”) that’s substantially similar or identical to Skewdriver. Würth’s older version was thinner, but inexplicably takes a 6mm hex instead of 1/4”.

 

[logical]

I sometimes like having a driver that doubles as an extension. The Proto is as basic as they get, with the Williams you draw the grip back from the detent and it allows it to rotate when using as an extension.

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[mr.lemons]

^ Haven't seen that Williams design before. Very interesting. Looks good too.

 

[Danglerb]

I like that proto, haven't ever seen one before though. Proto - 1/4" Drive Socket Driver (J4769) Amazon shows it for $15 shipped.

 

[CoogarXR]

I also have a "thing" for spinner handles and bit drivers. I recently picked up this no-name stubby handle. I like it because the bit socket is recessed, making it the stubbiest stubby that I own. I like putting a short 1/4" drive adapter in it and using it with deep well sockets when I am working on old amplifiers to get potentiometer lock nuts off. A hollow-shaft nut driver doesn't have a wide enough throat, and a standard-length spinner with a deep socket is kinda long and clumsy. This compact solution is the bee's balls:

(Sorry for the blurry cell phone pics)
Empty:

With a philips bit:

With a 1/4" adapter and a deep socket:

 

[tonyciambrone]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62NIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Felo T Handle

and

Wiha insulated bit driver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9SKOU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Guess this is discontinued? *****.

 

[dthor68]

So funny, I just purchased this Felo this morning. https://www.kctoolco.com/felo-62899-t-handle-with-square-adapter-1-4/

 

[Max]

I was going to start a thread on some of these, but I think adding to this one is better. I make no claims that the below are the best, or that they have been scientifically tested, but I do have some of my opinions and observations on them. This is some of my hex "stuff":

Looking at the pics:
Makita: very old, has flip out handle for leverage. I never really warmed to this one, as the large tip gets in the way a lot.

Craftsman: Also old, USA, and not a favorite. Works ok but nothing great about it either.

Klein: The Klein is actually an 8:1. Each bit has two ends, the bits are in a sleeve that holds two bits, and the tool holds two sleeves. It's really fast and easy to change bits. If you only have one screwdriver, this is the one to get. In particular I think it'd be great where space is very limited, like in a motorcycle tool kit or a 911 frunk. Because the bits are double ended they are not as standard as single ended, so they are harder to find.

Whia: insulated and nice in the hand. The bit storage is just ok as I am not a fan of the rotary selector approach. The end also is a bit of a pain to get off sometimes. Still if you need insulated, this is a nice tool. Evidently it's not available any more, so I am lucky I got mine from Zoro about 9 months ago. If you're OCD the bits do rattle in the hard plastic handle which may or may not bother you. It's a quality tool, but I only reach for it when I need insulated.

DeWalt: This was an impulse buy at Lowes, and it is also a ratchet. The bit storage is very dense and the tool can hold a lot of bits. However the bits don't always store that well and it can be a pain to get a bit in or out of storage. Also the ratchet is just ok - it seems coarse and gritty.

Williams: This is my preferred guy for the shop. It it also a ratchet, but unlike the DeWalt it feels very good in use. For those that don't like ratchets, just use the middle locked setting. USA CoO, and it is just a pleasure to use.

Vim: This little guy is very new and I have not used him seriously yet. I got him as complement to my Chapman set (not shown). It's very small, and it also has a reversible ratchet on one end. When you need something like this you really need it...

The last is a Wera set. I got this as a treat for myself. It's also very new and not used much yet, but it looks really nice. I got it mostly for the two drivers. However, it would also be a nice compact option for under a motorcycle seat or in a frunk.

Max

PS. The Wera, Vim, and Williams are all the fault of other posters on GJ. Hopefully I can help some of you spend your money as well.

 

[BarryWells]

http://www.sop-cart.com/picquic/

 

[mr.lemons]

^ Watched the vid. 'first of all our multi coloured screwdriver handles are so much better looking than those Taiwanese models'

 

[HotWire]

This is my favorite multi-but driver.

(Lighter for scale)



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[measuredtwice]

This is my favorite multi-but driver.

I have a Picquic but mine only has bits.

 

[cherrybomb]

I also have and endorse the Wiha Centrofix.

 

[cousin eddie]

just today i got my rolgear ratcheter,with 6 double ended bits stored in/on it. looks cool, but i havent had a chance to use it yet. ill have to update this later on.

 

[davethorik]

Klein Switch Drive.
These were discontinued but they are still available. Not sure why, I love mine. There are 5-6 different part numbers for the handle + 2 assorted bits, mine came with 6" long Klein USA impact bits PH1 and PH2. You could also get the bare handle w/ no bits.

No magic, It's just a screwdriver handle with the quick release chuck from a 1/4 hex impact on the end. No onboard bit storage. Mine lives in my drill box and can accept almost any type of 1/4 hex power bit.

The release button is even metal! It also has a slightly larger grip than their normal screwdrivers (guessing to accommodate the chuck) and feels comfy in my hand. Not mine, a photo I found.

 

[Elvie84]

Anyone ever used the CK HD classic stubby at all ?

 

[Danglerb]

I have the Milwaukee version of the Klein, except its 11 in 1, and uses longer bits, but Klein bits will also fit. Lots of the usual online places sell replacement bits including one for conduit screws.

 

[Matias]

I don't like bit drivers that much, as I feel the bit is moving a little even if it's secured. I prefer when the bit is long. This blue/black one I got from Amazon germany, I don't remember the make and it's not marked on the tool. Still, it does feel well made. The metal inserts help so that you don't break the tool immediately when trying to use too much force, and the possibility to use the bit in the center of the handle to get more torque is essential.

If I need to use a bit driver, I do like the small Wera one. It does however feel a little bit too small now that I have used it some time.

Both of these are in my motorcycle toolpouch I use when on longer rides. It's not that big, but heavy.

In my last motorcycle trip, I found this Wolfcraft driver. Not exactly a screwdriver, but still holds bits and wanted to mention it. Adheres to the keep it simple principle. This is the mini-toolkit I carry when I don't have the toolpouch with me.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I don't like handles that have a cap or rotating piece on the back side. They always come loose or break.

I like spinner handles and have several. I have VIM spinners in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2".
I wish someone made them for hex bits with a square drive.

 

[PR1Gneon]

I always grab first the Craftsman Z-Driver