Multi-bit screw drivers… I feel like I’ve been screwed

[thunderskunk]

Alright… I’m sure there’s a hundred posts like this, but sometimes ya just gotta let it out.

Background: One day, I got sick of the excessive number of screwdrivers everywhere, so I collected them all in one giant bin, made a drawer for all the bits to collect as needed, and tried to convert to multibit screwdrivers. Started with Klein and fell in love… but the love soon faded.

The Klein screwdriver kinda sucked: for a while it felt like having everything at your disposal, but the fingers gripping the bits started to loosen. There’s a plate inside that’s now broken and freefloating so the bits can get stuck inside with no way to get them out. If you open the cylinder too fast, bits go flying. I’ve been using this the most on ladders so… not fun. The extention is a great idea; I’ve tossed it in the impact a few times, but practically it’d be better to just have an impact extension since the screwdriver is useless without it. At this point, the design and the quality are subpar for me. On to the next one.

The Milwaukee 13 in 1 kinda sucked too. I got the one with the ECX bits which are wonderful for doing lots of electrical. I’ve had it less than a week: dropped it from a short ladder; one of the hex drivers went flying with the ECX bits whose location is still undiscovered, and the larger mid section hit the coated floor and marred the… chome-looking finish. As a last ditch effort to get some more use out of it, I flip the internals for a flat head. I took it out of my pocket, and the slight flick from pocket to workpiece sent the bit flying. Design and quality again…





Maybe I’m just not a multi-bit screwdriver guy… If I lost the bits on my own, I’d say I’m incompatible with this type of tool. Unfortunately the quality of the tool isn’t enough to retain the bits, so I hesitate to say it’s all me.

Anyways. Any recommendations? These weren’t cheap tools, so it’s a bit boggling to me.

 

[BrandonV]

I like the PB Swiss PB 6510.

 

[Dave455]

You’re on the right track.

I wouldn’t be without a 1/4” hex bit driver, but you have to know the limitations of the thing, and you have to realise when a design isn’t up to the job.

The limitations are that they are no good for small screws in confined spaces (i.e. terminal screws), and you are always at risk of losing the bits - especially if the bits fit really well, and the retention is poor.

Any design is only as strong as it’s weakest link, and with a lot of these design’s, the bit holder is the weakest bit.

The solution - buy a decent one.

I like the PB 186 M so much I have one in my shop, one in my house, and one in every mobile tool kit. Simple, no ratchet, no bit storage, strong bit retention, hard handle - perfect!

If you want a ratcheting model, consider the classic Snap On. Hard handle again (perfect material in fact) good bit retention again, and the bits simply store loose in the handle. Great.


Alternatively, PB Swiss again. The handle material is a bit soft, but no worse than the Klein. No bit storage to fail, superb bit retention, and probably the smoothest ratchet out there!


All the manufacturers get it wrong. I like PB Swiss but there’s no way I’d buy this tool - it’s obvious the crappy plastic bit magazine will fail, then the tools useless!

 

[Steve_P]

Dunno, but I rarely use one; IMO, they're more of an "emergency" tool- like in a toolkit in a car, or maybe once a year in the garage if there's some weird screw that's not slotted, phillips, or torx. I can see the value for carrying one in a small toolkit in a car, or in a carry bag you're an industrial mechanic or electrician, or in a kitchen drawer, but I wouldn't consider one for general use because of all of the issues you listed.

 

[vwpieces]

I like the 5in1 or 6in1 for basic needs.
While the 13in1 have more bits the 1/4 to 5/16 sleeves tend to crack.
And for $8 to $11 they aren't worth replacing worn bits. Handles are pretty much the same handles as the normal drivers in their line.

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Thought Klein had one but don't see it in a quick search. But you get the idea. Easier to change bits on a ladder without fumbling small 1in bits and a screw on cap etc...

 

[jimbothecricket]

Picquic makes the best non-ratcheting multibit screwdrivers in my experience. Note that they don't take regular 1-inch bits. The Picquic bits are high quality and are impact rated.
http://picquic.ca/sixpac-plus/


For ratcheting, I've been wanting to check out Rolgear's (Canadian company that owns the patent for Gedore's "SilentGEAR" gearless system)
https://www.rolgear.com/


(Edited to add links and images)

 

[JradM]

Picquic makes the best non-ratcheting multibit screwdrivers in my experience. Note that they don't take regular 1-inch bits. The Picquic bits are high quality and are impact rated.
http://picquic.ca/sixpac-plus/
For ratcheting, I've been wanting to check out Rolgear's (Canadian company that owns the patent for Gedore's "SilentGEAR" gearless system)
https://www.rolgear.com/
(Edited to add links and images)

I like Picquic and Rolgear too. They're both excellent tools and very good value. I don't consider either to be PB Swiss equivalents - but they aren't priced like it either.

Picquic bits are made in Taiwan, the handle is made in Canada. Like jimbo said - the bits are excellent quality and have much better finishing than your average insert/impact bit and seem quite durable. Of all the multi-bit drivers, I think Picquic might be the best value. E.g. maybe PB Swiss's bits are even better, but if you wear out a Picquick bit because it's doing double-duty in your impact driver, you can just buy another 6 or 7 before you could've bought a PB Swiss instead.

Just a heads up that there are a couple models with non-standard sized bits. I'm pretty sure the model I'm thinking of is called the Dash 7.

Rolgear on the other hand makes an excellent ratcheting mechanism with very low backdrag or backlash. It's a great tool with durable bits, comfortable handle and precise feel.

I think Picquic's closest competitor is Megapro... who might also be the closest competitor for Rolgear in the ratcheting category. Megapro also makes good screwdrivers, though I don't like their bulky handle near as much and I'm not convinced the bits are quite as durable. They do make products in the USA however, which some might appreciate.

 

[AreBeeBee]

I bought the Klein 11-in-1, tried it for a while, and it now sits unused. I'll probably just give it to the local ReStore.

I could never accurately "map" reliably which bit was in which tube, and how to get to it, which is essential if you are going to make good use of the thing. That experience taught me that do-everything tools have a praactical limit for utility....

So with multiple bit drivers, I'm back to the plain ol' 6-in-1 models — Enderes, Lutz, Lenox, Crescent, plus a number of no-name ones — and I stash them everywhere.

I often use Robertson drive screws, so I took an older Menard's multibit with a wood handle and loaded it with four Robertson bits: sizes #0 & #1 on one bit and #2 & #3 on the other. (Bits from Tekton.) It's the only multibit I have with a wooden handle so it's easy to spot.

 

[FLHCHAZ]

I have a Kobalt, have had it for over 10 years. Works great.

 

[bobg03]

The snap-on is nice, but the Williams is the same and a lot cheaper, you just can't get it in a color to match your hair.

 

[thunderskunk]

Does Picquic have the flat-head square combo bits like the Milwaukee EMX for electrical? They go by a dozen different acronyms, so I’m having a hard time finding via the google.

 

[bwringer]

Gawd, I utterly and completely despise bit drivers. Wibbly wobbly bit-losing shite, all of them.

If I must, a very very simple bit holder with a strong magnet is the least worst option. I have a short one and a long one from Felo that fit the description. That first PB Swiss above seems similar. You still have to keep a bit in it, lest the magnet attract random swarf.

I've never, not once, seen in-handle bit storage worth a damn. You'd think modern technology could solve this somehow, but every last one will break and scatter the bits all over creation the first time it's dropped.

 

[jimbothecricket]

Does Picquic have the flat-head square combo bits like the Milwaukee EMX for electrical? They go by a dozen different acronyms, so I’m having a hard time finding via the google.

They do not, but according to multiple youtube videos I've watched (sorry don't have a link handy), standard Robertson bits perform better than Milwaukee's EMX and the other combo bits. I rarely use either so can't back that up with personal experience.

 

[Wamsutta]

You see, I don't like all the weight that those multi-bit drivers have; I don't want to be dealing with that.

And then on some of the drivers, the bits will be rattling around inside the handle. No thanks.

 

[olds70supreme]

I have the Greenlee version in my electrical bag - works great, holds bits tightly (no discernible wobble), great bit retention via a detent ball on each bit. I actually picked up another one and only use other drivers for scenarios where reach is an issue, etc...

 

[flying eyeball]

I like my classic snappy and a long shank Bahco, both ratcheting. Bahco in the House and snappy in the Shop.

 

[Bubba Fett]

The Klein screwdriver kinda sucked: for a while it felt like having everything at your disposal, but the fingers gripping the bits started to loosen. There’s a plate inside that’s now broken and freefloating so the bits can get stuck inside with no way to get them out. If you open the cylinder too fast, bits go flying. I’ve been using this the most on ladders so… not fun. The extention is a great idea; I’ve tossed it in the impact a few times, but practically it’d be better to just have an impact extension since the screwdriver is useless without it. At this point, the design and the quality are subpar for me. On to the next one.

Contact Klein and let them know what's up. I believe these have been revised to prevent that problem, so they might send you a replacement.

 

[f121]

I’ve never got into multi bit drivers. I used to keep one in my desk at work back in the days off tower PCs, and one lives in my road box because it has a selection of Torx bits, but generally they are frustrating and just don’t seem as useful as a handful of standard screwdrivers. Plus typical bit drivers are useless anywhere the screw is recessed, like vehicle interiors.

 

[DHCrocks]

I have a Snap On (yellow hard handle and subby comfort grip), PB Swiss (bit holder version), Rolgear ratcheting screwdrivers. In order of perference.

I like the Snap On subby the best, its smooth, easy to operate and the direction switch is positive and holds doesn't slip out of gear. You can take it apart to clean and relube (which is necessary as it sticks after a while). The size is perfect to palm for quick spinning. The removable shank is brilliant as I can switch from short, long and 1/4" socket ends so its versitile. Downside is that it has no bit storage.

The PB Swiss is also smooth but the back drag on the ratchet is slightly more not really a bid deal though. The bit holder is easy to use and holds bits well, really good design. The bit retention is the best in this one as the magnet is super strong, I have never had a bit fall out. Out of the three this one feels the best in hand and is built like a precision instrument. The one thing that throws me off is that the ratchet operation is opposite of snap on so I get mixed up on it.

Snap on hard handle same great mechanism as the subby but no removable shank. it has bit storage buts its junk, what I don't like is that the bit capacity is minimal and a bit cumbersome to get out a bit and sort thru for the one you want.

The Rolgear has hands down the smoothest, effortless ratchet, its so smooth. You can spin that thing effortlessly. Good bit selection with just about anything you could need and the long bits can reach into spaces where the 1" bits simply cant since there is not bit holder in the way. Its not as comfortable since you can feel the bits in the grip but the big issue I have is that the driving bit always, and I mean always falls out, the storage holders are fine those hold well. The magnet for bit retention is too weak. If it could hold onto the bits better this would be my favorite by far.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Thanks to this thread I’m going to buy my son a new multi-bit driver like vwpieces recommended. Recently he has been going behind the licensed electrician who wired his home addition, repairing all his f- ups. He likes doing electrical work and has a tool belt with his electrical tools, now missing bits and pieces. I’m going to have a look at it to see what he needs.

Here is one of my only tool truck purchases back in the 80’s when I needed a magnetic tip. I loved using it then and now.

 

[Wamsutta]

I use this one and leave the bits out of the handle. It's not too heavy.

 

[Jeff]

This is my set-up.

Easy to carry, no lack of bit types. Ratcheting, converts to stubby.

 

[M6erfan]

Not a fan of multi-bit drivers, but if I have to go up in my attic for electrical work, I'm brining one. I can see why electricians like them.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I bought two of those Vessel sets in Jeff's post just above (post #22). Gave one to a buddy who does all the work on my vehicles.
I love mine. I never really got much feedback from my buddy on his, because when I gave it to him he said "Oh man, look at this," and opened up a large kit made by Bosch that had at least three times as many bits in it. My guess is he's still wearing out the Bosch bits.

I love the Vessel bits and the two screwdrivers I bought.

I'm somewhat ambivalent about the "multi-bit" drivers - just as M6erfan above - if I'm climbing a ladder, sure that's the go-to. Otherwise, I'd rather have the right screwdriver in my hand.

That said, watching trends, reading comments, and talking with a few retailers (not "big box" guys) it would appear that "MegaPro" is gaining some considerable market share. If I was still in sales, that's a line I'd love to sell. Obviously they're doing something right, or they've got one hell of a marketing campaign going.

Just my two cents.

(* this thread reminded me that I have both NOS "Herbrand" and a U.S. made "Truecraft" bit driver kits around here somewhere.... )

 

[mreisner]

I am very happy with this even if the name sounds like a Harbor Freight brand. I hate to admit it, but it is even smoother than my Snap On. Made in Canada.

 

[thunderskunk]

They do not, but according to multiple youtube videos I've watched (sorry don't have a link handy), standard Robertson bits perform better than Milwaukee's EMX and the other combo bits. I rarely use either so can't back that up with personal experience.

Hmm… If you run across them again, post if you can. I’ve had a hundred instances where I wish I had the EMX but didn’t have the right one handy. I started using the Robertson bits until I stripped out a few outlets; the problem was less the torque and more the low quality of the screw. Still, I don’t have proven experience with the EMX since, well see above.

 

[jimbothecricket]

Hmm… If you run across them again, post if you can. I’ve had a hundred instances where I wish I had the EMX but didn’t have the right one handy. I started using the Robertson bits until I stripped out a few outlets; the problem was less the torque and more the low quality of the screw. Still, I don’t have proven experience with the EMX since, well see above.

This was one of them:

I feel like I watched multiple but don't remember anymore :/

 

[DIY]

I gave up on magnetic 1/4" bit handles. Now my go to multi-bit handle is the Wiha Centrofix power blade handles. Holds all 1/4" power blade bits with ZERO play and ZERO dropped bits. Huge selection of bits as most bit manufacturers also make power blade bits. A few good reviews on youtube.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have a Picquic - the bit storage is pretty foolproof, but I did replace some of the bits with better quality ones.

 

[M6erfan]

This was one of them:

I feel like I watched multiple but don't remember anymore :/

I have the Milwaukee insulated 3 piece set with the EXC tip. Not impressed, it cams out like shown in the video. Thought maybe it was just me.

 

[matthew]

+1 on Picquic

I personally prefer round bits to ones that are hex the whole way down. And also to 1” bits where the magnetic holder can be bulky at the end. There’s times where dedicated drivers are best, but there’s a lot of places multibit makes sense. Get a Picquic and buy some bits of your choice.

I think bits are 70mm (2 3/4”). This is the style I prefer:

Phillips Bits

Wiha Phillips bits have tips that are exact fit, precision machined to high tolerances, and are made from durable tool steel. The bits are hardened with computer controlled heat treating for maximum durability. Wiha Phillips bits are designed for applications requiring high wear resistance. Wiha...

www.wihatools.com

 

[JradM]

Hmm… If you run across them again, post if you can. I’ve had a hundred instances where I wish I had the EMX but didn’t have the right one handy. I started using the Robertson bits until I stripped out a few outlets; the problem was less the torque and more the low quality of the screw. Still, I don’t have proven experience with the EMX since, well see above.

No EMX from Picquic (though you could add one if you so choose), but Robertson works better in those combo screw heads as far as I'm concerned (just like Jimbo said).

 

[GreyOwl]

A different approach to multi-bit screwdrivers. It also ratchets!

 

[Bubba Fett]

I am very happy with this even if the name sounds like a Harbor Freight brand. I hate to admit it, but it is even smoother than my Snap On. Made in Canada.

This is my favorite multi-bit driver. It's ergonomic, works well, and can accept any standard insert bit. It can be a little heavy though.

That said, a Klein 10-in-1 is pretty much always in my pocket. The 11-in-1 is a tad too bulky, and I rarely use the nut drivers anyway.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

From my HVAC days 25 years ago and still going strong. Green Lee and Klein are still my go to. The nut drivers slip a little but they always work for me.

 

[AEAdam]

I agree. I love my snap on ratcheting screwdriver (instinct stubby is my favorite with a long shank) for automotive or controlled work - bench work etc.

For around the house or carpentry, the little bits fall out - I MUCH prefer a 5 in 1 (Klein) and I have a 5 in 1 Snap On hard handle. Probably would prefer that with an Instinct handle. Not sure if they make one.

 

[bonneyman]

Bit drivers have been hit or miss for me. They have a place, but the jobsite isn't one of them. For that, I've relied on Enderes 6-in-1's for years and they have never let me down

 

[thunderskunk]

Going to give the picquic a shot, then it’s over for the multi-bit disasters for a while.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I like having a couple of multi bit drivers around. One regular length and one stubby. That way, when I'm doing appliance or hvac repair, I've got a 1/4 and 5/16 nutdriver handy. Mine are Southwire that I bought at Lowes years ago.

 

[pelletman]

Picquic makes the best non-ratcheting multibit screwdrivers in my experience. Note that they don't take regular 1-inch bits. The Picquic bits are high quality and are impact rated.
http://picquic.ca/sixpac-plus/


For ratcheting, I've been wanting to check out Rolgear's (Canadian company that owns the patent for Gedore's "SilentGEAR" gearless system)
https://www.rolgear.com/


(Edited to add links and images)

I second the Picquic they are great! I also like the dollar Harbor Freight 4 in 1 or whatever they are, I leave them all over, and they are generally fine