Hex Drive Bit Adapter

[diggerrick]

I'm trying to find a local source for an adapter for a 1/4" or 3/8" drive ratchet to drive 1/4" hex bits. I see several sources for the KD Tools #KDT890002GD for about $1, but they want $10-$12 to ship the little *******! Fastenal has them on their website, but I called our local store and was told they don't have them in any store or any of their distribution centers. So far it looks like Amazon is the best bet at $4.47 and bundled for free shipping - maybe buy a few.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-890002GD-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Adapter/dp/B000HBAJ1M/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375317742&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=KD+Tools+KDT890002GD

Anyone know of a better deal for something similar, and also the same for a 3/8" drive ratchet?

 

[alan_3301]

Do you need the clip inside to hold the bit in place?
If not just use a 1/4" socket.
Otherwise you can look at the 1/4" driver sets at home depot or ace hardware or something. One of them might have the adapter you need.

 

[rmsg0040]

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-star-hex-bit-set-35187.html

 

[diggerrick]

You guys are fast - thanks!

I've been using a 1/4" socket, but the bits fall out too easily.

Lowe's had a small Tool Shop brand 1/4" drive socket set with an adapter and a few hex drive bits for like $4-$5, but they were only in metric.

The HF set linked above looks like a good deal - anybody know if they have a retainer clip or anything?

edit: Lowe's has "Task Force", Menards has "Tool Shop"

 

[Stuey]

I'm trying to find a local source for an adapter for a 1/4" or 3/8" drive ratchet to drive 1/4" hex bits. I see several sources for the KD Tools #KDT890002GD for about $1, but they want $10-$12 to ship the little *******! Fastenal has them on their website, but I called our local store and was told they don't have them in any store or any of their distribution centers. So far it looks like Amazon is the best bet at $4.47 and bundled for free shipping - maybe buy a few.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-890002GD-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Adapter/dp/B000HBAJ1M/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375317742&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=KD+Tools+KDT890002GD

Anyone know of a better deal for something similar, and also the same for a 3/8" drive ratchet?

I have 2 of those Gearwrench adapters, and they work quite well.

3/8" square to 1/4" hex adapters are harder to come by - I ordered mine via industrial suppliers.

Wera makes a nice one, but it's pricy.

 

[rmsg0040]

Vim vim-hl414

vim vim-hl614

 

[CWP1616L]

APEX SC-314 is another option for you. 3/8 square drive with a 1/4 inch hex opening for a bit. It has a set screw that you turn with an Allen key to lock the bit in place. They have a minimum order of $35 so maybe you could sell off the extras.

http://mrotools.com/search.aspx?find=SC-314

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

where I work we call em apex addapters. Lots of companies make them. I have the ones from wera. Available on amazon. They have 1/4 square to 1/4 hex 3/8 square to 1/4 hex and 1/2 square to 1/4 hex. and all drive sizes also available in 5/16 hex sizes too.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KN3FVU/?tag=atomicindus08-20 you should be able to find the rest of them from this link. they are available in locking and non locking.

Good Luck
Sean

 

[Givl Reggin]

Socket, Bit, 3/8" drive (For 1/4" hex bits) -
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675085&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Titan makes a couple of sets that come with both adapters. Metric Hex, SAE Hex and Torx. Each set will come with a 1/4" and 3/8" adapter and they have the retainer clip inside. I got all 3 sets from Northern Tool in the store. $9.99 a set and they come with magnetic rails.

Metric Hex
SAE Hex

I wasn't able to find the Torx set online.

 

[jjjrmx5]

You guys are fast - thanks!


The HF set linked above looks like a good deal - anybody know if they have a retainer clip or anything?

Yes.

The HF 1/4" bit holders use a wire spring clip within the socket to hold the bit in.

Works fine for occasional use but sometimes the wire is a little stiff so the bits can be hard to remove.

If you plan to use daily or regularly, I suggest a holder that uses an internal clip AND a magnet to keep the bits in like Snap-On and other high end tool makers.

No fussy bent spring wire that may break over time like the lower end holders.

If using only with hand tools, lower end holders will likely suffice.
If you plan on using them with drills or small impacts, I suggest the higher end holders.

 

[geojag]

I've been using a 1/4" socket, but the bits fall out too easily.

The other day I had to do this, only could fit a 1/4 drive ratchet to loose a phillips on the bottom of a shelf. I didn't have a holder in 1/4 inch drive so I just used the 1/4 socket, put a small square of electric tape over the socket, and pushed the bit in. Didn't fall out, but did pull out without a problem when I was done.