Here is an interesting tool I found:

[Titanium Steel]

Recently I was doing some research on Phillips screwdrivers and I came across a very interesting tool that is a screwdriver as well. This tool is called Slotted-Phillips Combination Screwdriver. The screwdriver incorporates botha Phillips and a slotted screwdriver all in one unit.

These are primarily used for Receptacles, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures , Light Switches , Cabinetry , Storm Doors, Electrical Panels , Dry Wall Anchors , Automotive Equipment , Electronic Equipment , Computer Equipment, Printers, Communication Equipment , Fax Equipment lawn equipment and some household appliances well.

There is several companies that create these tools; Pratt-Read, Ideal Industries, Willi Hahn Corporation (Wiha Tools) and even Hudson Fasteners as well.

Before I go to far in the information, here is the links for all these tools and where they can be bought.

Pratt-Read
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AMJ0Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazonsupply.com/pratt-r...B0032AMJ0Y/ref=sr_1_22?sr=1-22&qid=1335673374

Now for some information on this tool with a link though. http://www.prattread.com/PrattReadCatalog.pdf

As for Ideal:

http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=35-204&div=3&l1=screwdrivers

http://www.idealindustries.com/medi...res/p-5094_combohead_screwdriver_brochure.pdf

http://www.hnstools.com/drills-screwdrivers/35204/

As for Wiha:

http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/307serie.htm

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Q835XI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.specialized.net/Speciali...minal-Block-Combo-1Slot-Screwdriver-5577.aspx

Truth be told, even though Pratt-Read was bought out by Ideal Industries, I'd still buy their non insulated Combo Head screwdriver, not only because this screwdriver is 100% American made and looks very visually appealing, but because this is probably the most affordable as well. On Amazon right now the Pratt-Read 84059's combo head is 10.56.

Now I am not saying the Ideal version is worse or anything though. This Ideal version is 100% made in USA as well and probably works just as well, but I've had hit or miss tools with Ideal. Very oddly enough this Ideal 35-204 is still fairly affordable the site I listed earlier, only being 6.99 plus $3.79 for shipping as well.

That is actually pretty fair I'll say to be blunt.

The Wiha version tends to be more expensive, but in all fairness, this is 1000 volt rated and VDE&IEC/EN tested, so that really is no surprise to me. However, to me and just me alone, I don't think I'd ever be working in a situation where I'd truly need that insulation. In a ideal (no pun intended) I'd go right for the insulated, but the price of shipping of this item may indeed make this not worth it to some.

This has to be one's own personal call though.

HudsonFasteners is probably the last place I'd buy a combo head screwdriver, as boy is trying to reach them intense. Let alone some of their shipping prices and polices. I am sure there is a reason for all that, but I don't think I could justify the prices outright there unless there was a sale.

I'd like to say at this time, a combination screwdriver is not a must have tool. Not at all, as I've done a great deal of with with combination screws without a Combo screwdriver and usually just either a Phillips or Slotted.

This is just rather a convenient tool and luckily is made by several exceptional manufacturers. I strongly doubt your could find these Combo Head screwdrivers even at industrial shops such as Grainger and Fastenal, but the Pratt Read can be purchased at Amazon and the others are fairly reasonably priced websites.

So now that that part of this message is done, I'd like to ask to anyone interested, what are your thoughts on Slotted/Phillips Combination screwdrivers.

 

[billymade]

I guess you learn something new every day; Here I though the fasteners were just setup for the option of using either phillips or regular screwdrivers! In other words; either or... not BOTH! LOL!

I usually see these on case screws on pc's and electrical outlet covers...

 

[BajaBound]

No kidding! Very cool and thank you for posting!

 

[mypov]

An interesting tool, didn't even know they had a special application screw driver for that application. When I was apprenticing we just used number 1 robertson screw driver, I believe. Still either using a flat and a phillips or robertson number 1 and a phillips requires 2 drivers. Where if you buy this you could do it in 1 driver . . . but ti's still an EXTRA screw driver in an already packed tool pouch (if you're an electrician) or another screw driver for an already packed drawer in a small over crowded homeowners tool collection box....I'll stick to what I have, but neat to know this actually exists....

 

[Titanium Steel]

BajaBound: Thank you very much for the kind comment! Yeah I didn't realize these Combo head screwdrivers even existed either until recently. I just bought a Pratt-Read 84059 today at Amazon and price was even less than what it was a month or even two months ago.

Billymade: I can't tell you how this would with cabinets and junction boxes. Junction boxes, at least modern one's, are easier to deal with now and days, but some cabinet screws are a real pain to deal with. Especially a select few from the 80's and 90's.

 

[BajaBound]

BajaBound: Thank you very much for the kind comment! Yeah I didn't realize these Combo head screwdrivers even existed either until recently. I just bought a Pratt-Read 84059 today at Amazon and price was even less than what it was a month or even two months ago.

Billymade: I can't tell you how this would with cabinets and junction boxes. Junction boxes, at least modern one's, are easier to deal with now and days, but some cabinet screws are a real pain to deal with. Especially a select few from the 80's and 90's.

This is why I really dig this forum, because I come here to learn and this is is a great example!

 

[Jarhead0408]

Might get one just to prove they exist to my friends, Kinda seems like overkill but hey...

 

[ajchien]

Dang. The last time I dealt with those screws was on a baby crib that my cousin had for his new girl. Phillips sorta worked, but seemed clunky. We wound up using slotted to assemble. Wonder if they come in 1/4 size bits???

 

[balane]

Dang. The last time I dealt with those screws was on a baby crib that my cousin had for his new girl. Phillips sorta worked, but seemed clunky. We wound up using slotted to assemble. Wonder if they come in 1/4 size bits???

They do, or at least I saw them in the Wiha link. I'm trying to decide if I want the whole screwdriver or just the bits as I type this. The screwdriver is a perfect match for my other Wiha drivers so that would be nice to have.

 

[vintagefan]

BajaBound: Thank you very much for the kind comment! Yeah I didn't realize these Combo head screwdrivers even existed either until recently. I just bought a Pratt-Read 84059 today at Amazon and price was even less than what it was a month or even two months ago.

Billymade: I can't tell you how this would with cabinets and junction boxes. Junction boxes, at least modern one's, are easier to deal with now and days, but some cabinet screws are a real pain to deal with. Especially a select few from the 80's and 90's.

They're referred to as terminal tip in the industry. They're not very well known to the general tool consumer, but they are pretty popular in industrial electronics settings.

I have a couple in my box.

Things I use them for regularly:

Switching power supplies with touchsafe terminals
Contactors
Relay socket terminals
Terminal strips
Ground screws
Distribution blocks
Assembly screws for false panels
Motor drives (VFD's)
Modular data aquisition rails


Those were just what came to mind. The combo head screws are all over the place in my industry, and they're usually really cheap crappy screws with stamped heads. Neither the Phillips nor Slotted are particularly well formed, so neither driver works very well. These drivers are a godsend.

They're especially handy to give to new techs, because they tend to destroy the screw heads with normal drivers, since they haven't learned the proper feel for them yet.



These are my favorites:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiha-SlimLi...lectrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item35b7e29d38

 

[coolright]

Milwaukee tools make that same head for their 11 in 1 screwdriver and power bits for use with screwguns. Got mine about a year ago from the Grainger trade show as a free give away. Tried it out for a couple of weeks and now the whole crew each have 1. Most of the Grainger stores in my area stock them now.

 

[Flatintoone]

Menard's sells these under their Masterforce brand. I'm pretty sure they're rebranded Pratt-Read. If available separately (i.e. not in a set), they're probably cheaper, to boot. You might have to go to the electrical section to find them. Interesting to hear that they're not just a gimmick!

 

[cj7365]

****, more tools to buy

 

[jeffmoss26]

I've got the bits from Milwaukee in my Klein 10 in 1.

 

[Zeke]

Seems like the best arrangement, stays centered but has less of a tendency to slip. Lots of surface for torque. Only bettered by a Torx I would think. I'm not a super fan of sq drives.

 

[puttsy]

They're nice in that they don't cam out on phillips or slip out on flat and flake the paint off of the new screw (and scratch the cover). I have a couple but still usually grab a P1. Once you 'get the feel' of screwing them in with a normal driver, you can eliminate this from an already congested box (or belt) or the like. I wrote a bit about these in a screwdriver guide on here. (Link is in my sig. if you are interested.) Pratt-Read makes some nice ones and, as mentioned, sold under the 'Masterforce' name at Menards.

 

[stratman977]

You just made me spend $40. Bought the Wiha in #1 and #2 sizes. My dad helped me move some stone today so I bought him a set as well.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Stratman977: Sir (I think) you just made my day. I simply posted this for educational and fun purposes, but wow I didn't actually think I'd have someone go out and buy the product based on the information I provided. Thank you very, very much for reading and then supporting Wiha though. I've always liked and have supported Wiha, I am glad I could help you and them.

Seriously sir, I feel quite honored and this is very awesome feeling as well.

Puttsy: Yet Amazon does carry Pratt-Read items oddly enough. I know about Master Force and recently bought Phillips #0000 from them. In case you or anyone else is interested here is the link to that product.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...ips-no-0000-x-1-1-2-screwdriver/p-1502774.htm The Model Number: M82107-HT
Menards SKU: 2377949. This screwdriver in particular is Made in USA, just like the Pratt-Read screwdrivers used to be as well.

Zeke: I am not really a fan of square drives as well, but if you have a grinder and belt sander you can convert a Robertson or square recess drive into a Exterior Triangle Head as I've recently done myself. Found a old stock Craftsman Square recess #3, someone jimmied the other bit, so I was able to get this item for about .89 not including taxes though.

Thanks for reading this though guys, at first I thought people might question if this product exists or not.

 

[Flatintoone]

Happened to be at Menard's today, and the Masterforce-branded Pratt-Read combination driver was priced at $5.99, and was displayed with the rest of the screwdrivers.

 

[Olafur]

Available bits from PB Swiss;
http://www.thepbswisstoolshop.co.uk/catalog/PB_Swiss/PRECISION_BITS_Terminal.html

 

[Titanium Steel]

Flatintoone: Here is the link for that product you listed. http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-combination-screwdriver/p-1502886-c-9158.htm

Model Number: M84059 Menards SKU: 2377751 and wow, to my surprise, this tool is also 100% made in USA as well. On Menards this is called a Slotted-Phillips Combination Screwdriver though.

Olafur: Thank you for that link, those look nice.

Here is Ideal's brand of combination screwdriver bits as well. They are 100% made in USA even.

http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=combo-head-screwdriver-bits

Also they are insert bits and not power bits as well, I think based on website description.

Edit: I also found this stubby Masterforce combination screwdriver on Menards as well. Here is the link. http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...super-stubby-combo-drive/p-1502766-c-9158.htm

Model Number: M82059 Menards SKU: 2377926 this is also made in the United States Of America as well, 100%.

 

[zoomieport]

IDEAL makes some pretty cool stuff these days!!!

 

[Titanium Steel]

Zoomieport: Finding the quality ideal items though, that is a real challenge though. The quality items are scattered through out the internet mostly, as most brick and mortar shops don't usually care the really awesome tools Ideal produces.

But technically (according to Fastenal) there is three sections to Ideal; Ideal Division, Ideal Industries and Ideal Industries Inc. Each is focused on different items.

Interestingly enough though, Ideal also produces tri-wing insert bits as well, which amazed me as well. Also these are 100% made in USA, which even amazed me more.

 

[jeffmoss26]

The way I see it is they have three divisions: hand tools, datacom, and testing. My electrical suppliers carry just about everything Ideal makes.
The other companies like S-K and Pratt-Read are 'affiliates' according to their website.

 

[Plasmatic]

I have the slim VDE phillips/slotted and pozi/slotted (yes, they exist and I've encountered the screws, albeit rarely in the US) from Wera.

P/N:
#1 PH/S: 006455
#2 PH/S: 006456
#1 PZ/S: 006465
#2 PZ/S: 006466

I find they really are the best way to get full torque on terminal blocks in order to make a really secure electrical connection. The catch is that some combination phillips/slotted screws on consumer products don't cut the slot deep enough, so the PH/S driver can't fully engage. For these it is better to just use a regular phillips, because there is enough material left for it to engage properly anyways.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Plasmati: So Wera does produce Combination screwdrivers. I've looked as wasn't able to find any. I actually own several pozi drive bits, but this is a first in hearing a pozi/slotted combination screwdriver.

Where did you buy your combination screwdriver and pozi combination screwdriver Plasmatic.

Jeff: Just to let you know though, Pratt-Read doesn't exist anymore, as they were bought out by Ideal Industries in 2010. Their website is still up, but none of those numbers work and the emails (from what I noticed) will go non responded.

 

[king nero]

In Europe (or >Belgium at least), they're called "Borneo" style screwdrivers/bits.
Yes, made for electricians in particular...

 

[Titanium Steel]

King Nero: I live in USA, so that is news to me. Borneo style, well learn something new everyday that seems.

In the United States, they are called combination, but I thought that term was universal though.

Thanks for sharing though.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I know Pratt-Read was bought by Ideal. The phone number on their website works...

 

[Titanium Steel]

Jeff: The Phone works, but what I meant is that it doesn't connect to Pratt-Read anymore, for obvious reasons though.

 

[Plasmatic]

Plasmati: So Wera does produce Combination screwdrivers. I've looked as wasn't able to find any. I actually own several pozi drive bits, but this is a first in hearing a pozi/slotted combination screwdriver.

Where did you buy your combination screwdriver and pozi combination screwdriver Plasmatic.

Jeff: Just to let you know though, Pratt-Read doesn't exist anymore, as they were bought out by Ideal Industries in 2010. Their website is still up, but none of those numbers work and the emails (from what I noticed) will go non responded.

Wera calls them PlusMinus drivers, for both the phillips and pozi versions.

I got mine from Chad's:
#1 PH/S:
http://chadstoolbox.com/05006455001...lips-slotted-with-reduced-blade-diameter.aspx
#2 PH/S:
http://chadstoolbox.com/wera-050064...lips-slotted-with-reduced-blade-diameter.aspx
#1 PZ/S:
http://chadstoolbox.com/05006465001...driv-slotted-with-reduced-blade-diameter.aspx
#2 PZ/S:
http://chadstoolbox.com/05006466001...driv-slotted-with-reduced-blade-diameter.aspx

 

[PrecisionTools]

Most (all?) of the European brands make the bits & the insulated drivers. PB, Felo, Athlet etc. there are Slotted/Phillips & Slotted/Pozidrive. Must have if you do electrical terminal work.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Plastmatic: Thank you very, very much for sharing that information. You have been a terrific help. However, I'd like to know, does Wera produce non slim line versions of the PlusMinus drivers for both the Phillips and Pozi versions.

PrecisionTools: You realize though, Bondhus owns Felo though right? Yeah Bondhus bought out Felo ages ago.

Thanks for all your help though Plasmastic.

EDIT: Never mind found this, the manufacturer part number to Wera's regular size Combination screwdriver is 5006380001. The shipping is way too much for me on that site, plus there is a minimum order status and some of the items are also taxed in addition.

Here is the link. http://chadstoolbox.com/05006380001wera162iphsinsphslsd1x80mm.aspx

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

The company I work for supplies us with those phillips combo bits from Grip Rite 1" and 2" hex bits
Never broke one but we lose a lot of them then again they arent subject to a lot of abuse for what they are used for..

Those wiha driver bits look nice though I might have to check those out

 

[ajchien]

Crud. Because of this thread, I'm seeing more of these combo head screws everywhere. Time to get a set of these screwdrivers.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Ajchien: I highly recommend the Wiha, Wera and Pratt-Read combination screwdrivers.

I just received my Pratt-Read Combination screwdriver recently and here is some pictures. Before that though, on Amazon, someone posted some pretty detailed pictures and a review, so here is the link to that.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AMJ0Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here are my pictures as well.

By the way, unless your close to a Menards, here is the closet Menards if your are really far away.

The Amazon pictures I think finally provide detail that for what ever reason, Amazon didn't initially provide. Enjoy the pictures.