Multi-bit drivers: Whats up with that?!

[vinnythestick]

Hey guys first post (not including intro). Long time reader and I tht some people here would want to talk about multi-bit screwdrivers.

I'm a proud owner of the Greenlee 9 in 1 multi-tool (similar to klein). It fits well in the hand, and the bits/drivers are a god send for tool bag space. It is my main screwdriver, I like the feel of it, but one of my complaints is that it wont work with regular 1/4 inch bits.

I would consider it perfect if I could just buy a multi bit holder and keep it in the bag and use my greenlee with them when needed but instead Greenlee chose to incorporate those retaining balls into the bits and 1/4 bits just fall out.

Whats up with that?!

Have any of you found a work around for this? (not tape) or know of where i can buy bits that come with those swaged balls? Or do you use a different multi bit screwdriver that doesnt need retaining balls?

multi bit screwdrivers. love them? leave them?



http://www.greenlee.com/products/DRIVER%40c-MULTI%40dTOOL-9%40dIN%40d1.html?product_id=18670

 

[nanofrog]

I have a Wiha that uses standard bits (uses a magnet to hang onto them).

 

[cheechi]

I have a milwaukee like your greenlee, and had a klien for a while that I didn't like for the same reasons. I can't explain why I do like the milky as much as I do.

I think the reason they're designed like that is Klien made a design they could get the money for the replacement bits, and get twice as much since they're double sided you would be twice as likely to break 1 bit with 2 ends.

Anyway I also have a megapro which is similar but not the same as the klien style designs. I haven't had it much so i'm still learning to like it. And I have a wiha that uses standard 1" insert bits. Of all of them I use the milwaukee the most as it sits in the door of the truck so its always nearby. The wiha is my favourite but it's so compact there isn't a good convenient place to put it so it gets often ignored or lost at the bottom of a tool bag.

Compared to all of these I prefer ratcheting bit drivers when I have the choice. Since all of them do use the 1" bit drivers, if I'm in my garage or remembered to pack one of the ratcheting drivers, all others get ignored.

 

[honcho]

4 in 1 , 6 in 1 and other multi-bit drivers are great handy tools. You can buy quality ones and get replacement bits (or you can just buy cheap ones repeatedly) I have several scattered about and it's hard to complain about a tool that will drive #1, #2 phillips, 3/16 and 1/4 flat and 1/4 and 5/16 (8mm) nuts.

A multi bit driver, a hammer, a pair of needle nose pliers, an adjustable wrench (or even better, Knipex plier wrench) and some channel locks will take care of 95% of around the house routine maintenance.

1/4 bit compatibility would be nice, but i've resigned myself that it's difficult to have every capability in every tool.

 

[RedneckWelder]

4 in 1 , 6 in 1 and other multi-bit drivers are great handy tools. You can buy quality ones and get replacement bits (or you can just buy cheap ones repeatedly) I have several scattered about and it's hard to complain about a tool that will drive #1, #2 phillips, 3/16 and 1/4 flat and 1/4 and 5/16 (8mm) nuts.

A multi bit driver, a hammer, a pair of needle nose pliers, an adjustable wrench (or even better, Knipex plier wrench) and some channel locks will take care of 95% of around the house routine maintenance.

1/4 bit compatibility would be nice, but i've resigned myself that it's difficult to have every capability in every tool.

One of my favorite drivers is a hefty little Stanley (US made) 4 in one driver I got like 15 years ago. Good bit quality, you can tell it's a quality tool. It's great for the grab it and fix it stuff, but I do turn to better quality stuff for more critical tasks. I keep it in my electrical bag for stuff here at work.

 

[geojag]

The reason that they don't use regular 1/4 inch bits is to give you different sizes of nut drivers when you remove the bits. I have the Milwaukee 11 in 1 that has 3 different sizes of nut drivers and therefore 3 different sizes of bits. Milwaukee at least sells a replacement bit set for around $5, I think the non-standard bits are worth the convenience.

 

[4x4gearhead]

If you want one that will just take 1/4 in bits it sounds like you just need a nice magnetic one. There are lots of choices out there, just a matter of how much you wanna spend.

 

[Stuey]

I also think it's about the ability to offer nut drivers sizes as well.

You *can* buy replacement bits most of the time, although it's rarely worth the expense given how inexpensive multi-bit drivers are.

There are plenty of 1/4" bit holders with onboard bit storage if you want a driver that works with common 1" bits.

 

[Pumpman1968]

One of the first tools I was told to buy in 1986 when I started out as an electricians helper was a Klein 5 in 1.......still my go-to screwdriver.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have a Dewalt bit holder with the round shank and fins to fit a 6in 1 Screwdriver handle. It also has a 1 /4" Shank for drill use

 

[peteco]

I got a Picquic multi-bit screwdriver several years ago at Home Depot on closeout. By far the best one I have ever used. Bought several more in various sizes.

Just search Picquic on Amazon to see the different models.

 

[bonneyman]

One word: Enderes

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey guys first post (not including intro). Long time reader and I tht some people here would want to talk about multi-bit screwdrivers.

I'm a proud owner of the Greenlee 9 in 1 multi-tool (similar to klein). It fits well in the hand, and the bits/drivers are a god send for tool bag space. It is my main screwdriver, I like the feel of it, but one of my complaints is that it wont work with regular 1/4 inch bits.

I would consider it perfect if I could just buy a multi bit holder and keep it in the bag and use my greenlee with them when needed but instead Greenlee chose to incorporate those retaining balls into the bits and 1/4 bits just fall out.

Whats up with that?!

Have any of you found a work around for this? (not tape) or know of where i can buy bits that come with those swaged balls? Or do you use a different multi bit screwdriver that doesnt need retaining balls?

multi bit screwdrivers. love them? leave them?



http://www.greenlee.com/products/DRIVER%40c-MULTI%40dTOOL-9%40dIN%40d1.html?product_id=18670

Does it work with a bit holder + bit? Some of these are finicky, I have a couple like that, they're kind of contained units. I also have the kobalt "speed fit" which is really great in my opinion, but I think those are proprietary as well because the handle locks the bit shank in place (I think there's an indent on the bits). I use it for files because I got a bunch of them on clearance and you can hot swap em in about 5 seconds.

The thing with the retaining "ball" on the shank means that it's got a detent in the shank (place for the ball to "lock" into the shank so it doesn't slide around). Did it come with a magnetic bit holder? If not...

I hate this **** vs. just getting a screwdriver but it has it's uses for precision work (some of the lower end precision drivers are kind of crappy vs. the bit stuff).

 

[uart]

I'm a bit confused about the connection to the nut drivers.

Are all the bits 1/4" but the problem just that they require a detent ball instead of the more common magnetic retention?

Or is it a case of actually having various size bits (1/4, 5/16, 3/8) that fit into the various nut drivers?

 

[cheechi]

Or is it a case of actually having various size bits (1/4, 5/16, 3/8) that fit into the various nut drivers?

With the Milwaukee 11 in 1, this is the case.

With most other 'klien style' they are the same shank, whether it is 1/4" i never measured. I would be inclined to guess it's 5/16" without knowing for sure.

 

[quattroJoe]

I'm typically not a fan of multi bit drivers, but they do have their place. I've got a Channellock ratcheting bit driver with bit storage in the handle that I keep in my emergency kit in the car. The bits are double sided, which while impractical for replacing broken bits is nice for a tool that is not used often and where space is at a premium and loose bits are likely to get lost. Those bits have the ball retention which I like, it makes them feel less wobbly and loose in the driver. In my box at work I have a Bahco ratcheting driver (same mech as the Snap On) which does not have bit storage and in turn has a more ergonomic handle. Not a problem at work, because I've got a variety of bits which stay organized. That driver accepts standard size bits and has a magnetic tip to hold them in place. I still prefer using a fixed driver most of the time, but as far as multi bit drivers go it is one of the better ones I've laid hands on. I typically only use it with odd specialty bits or in situations where I really need the ratcheting function. If you're limited on space though, that driver with an enclosed case for bits is not a bad option.

 

[vinnythestick]

I think i've found my solution. The craftsman magnetic 1/4" bit holding screwdriver with 33 piece tamper proof bit set is $25. I'm going to pair that with a wiha stubby 6 in 1 for $23. That Wiha looks like the stubby to end all stubbys lol.

And man oh man I had my eyes on the Wera Kompakt 25, but decided to go with the better value craftsman IMHO.

im an elevator mechanic and I hate the idea of having to climb up or down to get a tool when I need it so between these two and my greenlee, i figure i'll have 97% of all cases covered. For the other 3%... well im the helper :/