Hard Handle Nut Driver Recommendations (that isn't Snap On, super expensive, etc)

[Madjik Man]

My hands love the Tekton hard handles. They do not like the high torque tri-lobe handles. Tekton does not offer the nut drivers in their hard handle.

I have the mid-90s Craftsman screwdrivers and nut drivers that came in the mechanic's set. Some sadistic ******* designed those handles and they are some sort of medieval torture device.

So I'm looking around for hard handle nut drivers and can't seem to find any other than Snap On.

Does any one know of hard handled nut drivers (ideally as similar to Tekton's hard handle as possible).

If not, I've also been eyeing the Kleins but have no idea how these handles are/feel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009ORXQQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sparky 1971]

I have several sets and styles of Klein, and they are great. However, they aren't very good for automotive type work. The handles get too slick and they are hard to clean.

Try looking at Vaco (owned by Klein) or Xcelite

 

[Tools4Me]

Not quite the same as Snap-on hard handles or Tekton hard handles, but the 4-sided designs shown below might feel more comfortable to you than the more common ribbed hexagon hard handle design used by Craftsman, Husky, Vaco, etc.

Channellock SAE set number ND-7A, I couldn't find a metric set part number so there might not be one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XNHSQFI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wright sells metric and SAE sets.

Nut Driver Sets

www.wrighttool.com

If I remember correctly, Pratt-Read is the actual maker of the Channellock and the Wright nut drivers. They are probably sold under multiple other brand names too.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have the mid-90s Craftsman screwdrivers and nut drivers that came in the mechanic's set. Some sadistic ******* designed those handles and they are some sort of medieval torture device.

Isn't that funny. I love my Craftsman screw and nut drivers. I get them because of the handles. They fit my hands so very well. I never imagined someone would dislike them so.

 

[Madjik Man]

I have several sets and styles of Klein, and they are great. However, they aren't very good for automotive type work. The handles get too slick and they are hard to clean.

Try looking at Vaco (owned by Klein) or Xcelite

Thank you for this insight. Very valuable.

 

[Madjik Man]

Not quite the same as Snap-on hard handles or Tekton hard handles, but the 4-sided designs shown below might feel more comfortable to you than the more common ribbed hexagon hard handle design used by Craftsman, Husky, Vaco, etc.

Channellock SAE set number ND-7A, I couldn't find a metric set part number so there might not be one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XNHSQFI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wright sells metric and SAE sets.

Nut Driver Sets

www.wrighttool.com

If I remember correctly, Pratt-Read is the actual maker of the Channellock and the Wright nut drivers. They are probably sold under multiple other brand names too.

Thank you. I’ll look at those.

Amazon is enticing (assuming the return policy is standard) because I can feel them in my hands and see if I like them or not.

 

[Madjik Man]

Isn't that funny. I love my Craftsman screw and nut drivers. I get them because of the handles. They fit my hands so very well. I never imagined someone would dislike them so.

Oh man…the ribs (or whatever the raised plastic hell ridges are called) on the handles are brutal on my hands.

I know nut drivers are low torque application tools but if I do have to put a little “ooomph” into it those handles torture my hands.

 

[Luciferi]

I have craftsman with the fat color coded rubber outer sleeves. I like them and wish I could find more reasonably priced.

I also have a couple Klein but hardly use them.

The color coded handles are great for being able to grab the right one quickly.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Not quite the same as Snap-on hard handles or Tekton hard handles, but the 4-sided designs shown below might feel more comfortable to you than the more common ribbed hexagon hard handle design used by Craftsman, Husky, Vaco, etc.

Channellock SAE set number ND-7A, I couldn't find a metric set part number so there might not be one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XNHSQFI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wright sells metric and SAE sets.

Nut Driver Sets

www.wrighttool.com

If I remember correctly, Pratt-Read is the actual maker of the Channellock and the Wright nut drivers. They are probably sold under multiple other brand names too.

Unfortunately, Pratt-Read is dead. I guess Ideal (P-R's parent company) may still be making these for them, but I'd bet money that eventually that will no longer be the case, since Ideal is getting out of the contract manufacturing business.

I'm surprised Tekton hasn't introduced hard handle nut drivers. Maybe they are in the pipeline.


Madjik Man, if good nut drivers are too hard to find, consider a hard handle spinner, which can accept any 1/4" socket. Snap-on, Mac, Proto, and many other brands have them, and you can use extensions with them for hard-to reach areas. I'm sure you can find something reasonable on ebay.

 

[Madjik Man]

I'm surprised Tekton hasn't introduced hard handle nut drivers. Maybe they are in the pipeline.


Madjik Man, if good nut drivers are too hard to find, consider a hard handle spinner, which can accept any 1/4" socket. Snap-on, Mac, Proto, and many other brands have them, and you can use extensions with them for hard-to reach areas. I'm sure you can find something reasonable on ebay.

I've inquired with Tekton multiple times about hard handles nut drivers. They have no intention of making them. Which is odd. Granted I know nothing about tool manufacturing but they already make screwdrivers in both the hard handle and tri-lobe high torque handle... wouldn't the dies already be available?

And I have Tekton's spinner handle that came with their 1/4" socket set but as you can see it's significantly smaller (and a different shape) than their regular hard handle. Thanks for the advice... I'll look at some other hard handle spinners.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I've inquired with Tekton multiple times about hard handles nut drivers. They have no intention of making them. Which is odd. Granted I know nothing about tool manufacturing but they already make screwdrivers in both the hard handle and tri-lobe high torque handle... wouldn't the dies already be available?

And I have Tekton's spinner handle that came with their 1/4" socket set but as you can see it's significantly smaller (and a different shape) than their regular hard handle. Thanks for the advice... I'll look at some other hard handle spinners.

That's surprising, and a bit disappointing, to be honest.

 

[Mr_B]

Buy a tekton screwdriver set and salvage handles from them or use the 4 buck 6 in 1 handle if don't mink them all same size & do a custom handle swap .

 

[Madjik Man]

Buy a tekton screwdriver set and salvage handles from them or use the 4 buck 6 in 1 handle if don't mink them all same size & do a custom handle swap .

Forgive my ignorance but I'm not sure how I can remove the shank from the screwdriver handle then turn those handles into nut drivers, in a secure way.

 

[lardy1]

Tekton also doesn't offer hex drivers in the hard handle. Not sure why. That's a pretty nice handle even if the actual screwdrivers are pretty basic. It seems to attract buyers.

 

[KnurledNut]

$20


$40


$18


$75


$115


$20


$120 (Tractor Supply)


$25


$6 (on clearance and dwindling)
https://www.autozone.com/screwdrive...uralast-sae-nut-driver-set-7-piece/914160_0_0
https://www.autozone.com/screwdrive...last-metric-nut-driver-set-7-piece/914159_0_0

 

[Mr_B]

Forgive my ignorance but I'm not sure how I can remove the shank from the screwdriver handle then turn those handles into nut drivers, in a secure way.

is a few threads on pulling the handles and couple people have used tekton hard handles on various tools, worth a search, if i find a thread i'll post again .
most use the 6in1 tool handle but you can pull shanks in screwdrivers if cut them shorter and use a core drill cut down to the pressed wings then blade could be pulled and other blades fitted and secured with addition of epoxy .

 

[F-22]

I think Hazet also has them.

 

[humpty]

I have always wanted the Facom nutdriver set with the Isoryl handles. I don't know that they make them anymore though.

I have some screwdrivers and spinner driver and love the handles.

 

[sparky 1971]

I'll look at some other hard handle spinners

Personally, for a home shop, I think the spinners are better than nut drivers. I have a regular and stubby Craftsman and an older Masterforce with a similar handle. The Masterforce has the 1/4" female drive end on it. One of these days, I am going to get the SK spinner. I've used one, and haven't used a better one yet. It also has the 1/4 female drive for when that little ol' bolt is a helluva lot tighter than it looks.

SK 40953 1/4" Drive Spinner Handle Extension

SK's Spinner handle is made in made in the U.S.A., featuring a SureGrip handle, providing improved access to hard to reach areas. The 1/4' Drive in the handle's end allows the spinner handle to function as an extension. The 1/4' Drive in the handle's end

www.fatmonkeytools.com

 

[Bubba Fett]

Buy a tekton screwdriver set and salvage handles from them or use the 4 buck 6 in 1 handle if don't mink them all same size & do a custom handle swap .

I was gonna suggest that, but the shanks are molded into the handles, not pressed in like most drivers. So I'm not sure how easy it would be to do a swap.

 

[Snapped-off]

Proto makes some, I just got some today at work. I like the Kleins too.

My set at home is Snap on's old style amber handles which are my favorite.

 

[Mr_B]

I was gonna suggest that, but the shanks are molded into the handles, not pressed in like most drivers. So I'm not sure how easy it would be to do a swap.

That why most use the 6in1 handle .
you can get blades out but bit of effort setting up a technique and you got cut blade short enough use a hole saw to cut around blade down to the blade wings, then set it up to pry handle off of blade .
Tekton handles is good construction of inner and outer molding of good quality material but blades are not that deep in the handle .
Another way I removed molded handles from screwdrivers is clamping blade in vice, heat blade with torch below handle and heat travels up blade and softens plastic, once handle can twist a little in your hand pull it off (hole saw or drilling lot of small holes in plastic handle around blade insert point helps get a easier/cleaner removal) .

 

[kngelv]

I have the Kleins for SAE and Snap-On for metric. I’m an industrial electrician use these all the time. The Snap-On are better but it’s close. I have the Craftsman at home and they are terrible in comparison. If I was at home I’d be looking at a 1/4 driver handle and sockets. For the field or factory type work nut drivers are better because you end up in a lot of places where a socket could pop off and never be found.

James

 

[Bubba Fett]

I like Klein because of the full hollow shank. I have a few magnetic ones, which are really nut setters. I also have a couple of Craftsman cushion grip drivers, which are similar to Klein, but the hollow part is not as deep. Those were made by Pratt-Read.

I got a couple of Masterforce sets a while back. I love the S.A.E. drivers, but the Metric ones had mismatched shanks, and some were not full length hollow, and the 11mm had a shorter shank, which is very irritating. Also made by Pratt-Read.

I've got a few Husky nut drivers that are similar to the acetate Craftsmans. I don't use them very much. I also have a full set of S.A.E. and Metric Companion drivers that have the trilobular handles with rubberized color-coded grips. They are pretty comfortable, but the shanks are not hollow. I'll keep them because they belonged to my Dad.

 

[theoldwizard1]

And I have Tekton's spinner handle that came with their 1/4" socket set but as you can see it's significantly smaller (and a different shape) than their regular hard handle. Thanks for the advice... I'll look at some other hard handle spinners.

I never understood why people like nut drivers instead of a hand spinner handle. The only reason I can imagine is if you are an "on the go" repair guy who keeps his most used tools in a belt pouch, then 2 or 3 color coded drivers might be worth while.

I have color coded my most used 1/4" sockets (with colored electrical tape). 10mm is red 1/4" is yellow, etc. Easy to find as I don't use a rack to hold them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have the Kleins for SAE and Snap-On for metric. I’m an industrial electrician use these all the time. The Snap-On are better but it’s close.
.
.
.
For the field or factory type work nut drivers are better because you end up in a lot of places where a socket could pop off and never be found.

Good logic ! But how many nut drivers do you carry in your tool pouch ? 2? 3?

 

[mogandave]

Oh man…the ribs (or whatever the raised plastic hell ridges are called) on the handles are brutal on my hands.

I know nut drivers are low torque application tools but if I do have to put a little “ooomph” into it those handles torture my hands.

Have you tried using men's hands? (just kidding)

I like Xcelites

 

[Madjik Man]

I never understood why people like nut drivers instead of a hand spinner handle. The only reason I can imagine is if you are an "on the go" repair guy who keeps his most used tools in a belt pouch, then 2 or 3 color coded drivers might be worth while.

I have color coded my most used 1/4" sockets (with colored electrical tape). 10mm is red 1/4" is yellow, etc. Easy to find as I don't use a rack to hold them.

For the same reason I'd rather have a screwdriver set than a handle/1/4" shank to insert bits into.

To each their own.

 

[kngelv]

Good logic ! But how many nut drivers do you carry in your tool pouch ? 2? 3?

I carry 9 in my pouch. The 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 7/16 are used quite often I also have a 1/2 and 11/32 in there too. The SAE are used on limit switch arms, photo eyes, reflectors, crosby clamps and various other quick adjustment type things to keep the lines moving. Most of our motors are SEW and taking off the peckerhead covers, removing wiring etc. are where the metric ones get used most often. Understand I have a huge Husky gatemouth type bag that I carry on a buggy so I'm not lugging all these around by hand. The Snap-On handle design lets you apply way more torque than the Klein but the Klein are sufficient for most purposes. I have had the Klein for over 20 years so you can barely see a color and the sizes are not very legible.

James

 

[CoogarXR]

I never understood why people like nut drivers instead of a hand spinner handle.

It's one of those preference things. I feel the same about wrenches. I always reach for a socket and ratchet, and never a wrench. The only time I use a wrench is if I can't physically fit a socket over the bolt head. But some guys are all about wrenches. I don't get it, but you do you, my brother, lol.

But I DO use the hell out of my nut drivers. But I do a lot of electronics work, and they just work better for that. No sockets to fall off, hollow shaft, thinner walls (to fit into tighter areas), etc. But I said all of this before, and posted pics of my nut drivers here:

nut drivers

My query is to get the opinion on nut drivers and their use. I have an old USA Craftsman set that came with my first tool set many years ago. They all look new. I like the idea of them, but looking at my usage, it seems I just use sockets instead. Thinking about it, this allows me to use...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[f121]

I also don’t get it. If it’s small enough for a 1/4” socket, use a spinner handle. If it’s bigger than that, use an impact. I can see it for the tiny nuts that hold computers together and circuit boards into housings, but seems very niche

 

[Blind1]

I only use 10mm and 5/16. The 10mm is a Tekton and the 5/16 is an old smaller Xcelite acetate handle.

PBswiss would be on my list if I wanted smaller handles.

 

[plinker]

I also don’t get it. If it’s small enough for a 1/4” socket, use a spinner handle. If it’s bigger than that, use an impact. I can see it for the tiny nuts that hold computers together and circuit boards into housings, but seems very niche

They can be nice to have for things like hose clamps or if you dont want a socket falling off. I have 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 & 10 at home. None at work currently doing automotive, I have used a 3/8 extensively doing heavy truck & trailer electrical before.

 

[Finance Guy]

$115

The Proto Duratek nutdrivers have been discontinued ... they will presumably (?) be replaced at some point by a French-made equivalent.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I also don’t get it. If it’s small enough for a 1/4” socket, use a spinner handle. If it’s bigger than that, use an impact. I can see it for the tiny nuts that hold computers together and circuit boards into housings, but seems very niche

Electricians, HVAC techs, and industrial mechanics use them a lot. You can just reach into the bag/pouch, grab the one you need and go. If you only have one hand available, they are far more useful than a spinner and socket if you need different sizes.

 

[Grokew]

$20


$40


$18


$75


$115


$20


$120 (Tractor Supply)


$25


$6 (on clearance and dwindling)
https://www.autozone.com/screwdrive...uralast-sae-nut-driver-set-7-piece/914160_0_0
https://www.autozone.com/screwdrive...last-metric-nut-driver-set-7-piece/914159_0_0

These are great (Duralast). So cheap now, I paid $20 for each set... Could have saved 28 if I had waited 1 more year. HD also has the husky acetate handle sets, they are nice, but I find the handle a bit on the thin side.

Anyone knows what new tools AZO will start selling now? They are clearing quite a few tools in my area.

 

[exmaxima1]

These are great (Duralast). So cheap now, I paid $20 for each set... Could have saved 28 if I had waited 1 more year. HD also has the husky acetate handle sets, they are nice, but I find the handle a bit on the thin side.

Anyone knows what new tools AZO will start selling now? They are clearing quite a few tools in my area.

Thanks for the endorsement of the Duralast---I just ordered a set of each for pickup at the local Autozone. I hope they are decent

 

[KnurledNut]

The Proto Duratek nutdrivers have been discontinued ... they will presumably (?) be replaced at some point by a French-made equivalent.

Im not sure, but I would assume so. I havent seen any new stock yet.

These are great (Duralast). So cheap now, I paid $20 for each set... Could have saved 28 if I had waited 1 more year. HD also has the husky acetate handle sets, they are nice, but I find the handle a bit on the thin side.

Anyone knows what new tools AZO will start selling now? They are clearing quite a few tools in my area.

I noticed some sets on eBay. Possibly sellers who bought them and are flipping them for a profit.
I havent used them, but the handles look very ergonomic.
Im not an AZ frequent flyer so I have no clue on future plans.

Thanks for the endorsement of the Duralast---I just ordered a set of each for pickup at the local Autozone. I hope they are decent

Cool. I couldnt find any local or I would have grabbed them too.

 

[Ton ton]

Do it best brand nut drivers are junk . Yes, they have hard handles but the steel is soft.

 

[Rickster]

I cleaned out my screwdriver drawer and got rid of all the nut drivers, hex drivers and torx drivers. Replaced them with a locking bit driver handle and 6" hex bits for all those individual drivers.