Multi-Bit Screwdrivers - Wiha/Milwaukee/Ace (Best Way Tools)

[Dzmax77]

I have these 3 multi-bit 11/10 in 1 drivers with Wiha most recent purchased. The Taiwanese made Milwaukee is the one Ive had the longest and for me I actually find the Milwaukee handle better than the other 2. I may change my mind on Wiha once I use it more.

The Wiha was made in Minnesota and this Ace driver I believe was made by Best Way Tools in Florida, but Im not sure. I think they were bought out by Mayhew and may not make these removable shaft multi bit drivers any more.

Now to my question: the bits and shafts on all 3 appear to be very similar. Even though the Wiha and Ace drivers say they’re made in the USA, could they actually be imported? These double ended ball detent bits on all 3 are almost identical and the shafts may be a different size, but the crimp type and style are very close. Is there a local manufacturer of these shafts and bits Im not aware of?

 

[Lesserstore]

I don't think Wiha is supposed to put that on their drivers since even though the handle is made here, it could confuse people into thinking it's all made here, and I'm pretty sure the bits and shafts are foreign made, especially since they put made in USA with global components on the packaging. The Ace hardware drivers I found pictures on their website with the 10 in 1 and 4 in 1 saying Manufactured in the USA with global components and the 2 in 1 saying Assembled in USA with US and Global Components.

 

[Dzmax77]

I don't think Wiha is supposed to put that on their drivers since even though the handle is made here, it could confuse people into thinking it's all made here, and I'm pretty sure the bits and shafts are foreign made, especially since they put made in USA with global components on the packaging. The Ace hardware drivers I found pictures on their website with the 10 in 1 and 4 in 1 saying Manufactured in the USA with global components and the 2 in 1 saying Assembled in USA with US and Global Components.

Thanks. Yea, I thought something was off. The Wiha handle says made in USA but you’re right, the package says made in the USA with global components. I guess they just have a mold machine making these handles. And running a mold machine to make 1 part doesn’t constitute enough for made in USA with global components. At best, it should be considered assembled in the US.

Still, it doesn’t feel as good as the Milwaukee to me. Milw has a smaller handle, but feels heavier and more robust. The Wiha is and feels bigger but lighter and empty. Like I said, I may change my mind once I use the Wiha more.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I believe there are only a handful of companies that make these. I'm pretty sure Pratt-Read makes most, if not all of the US ones, for brands like Channellock. There's also a Taiwan supplier that makes good ones, and a Chinese company or two (or ten) that makes them, and those vary greatly in quality.

Klein and Wiha make the handles here, and use Taiwan barrels and bits...I'm pretty sure. I know this is the case for Tekton, as they say so on their site.

 

[Dzmax77]

I believe there are only a handful of companies that make these. I'm pretty sure Pratt-Read makes most, if not all of the US ones, for brands like Channellock. There's also a Taiwan supplier that makes good ones, and a Chinese company or two (or ten) that makes them, and those vary greatly in quality.

Klein and Wiha make the handles here, and use Taiwan barrels and bits...I'm pretty sure. I know this is the case for Tekton, as they say so on their site.

Yes, Channellock makes two 6 in 1, the USA model is 61A and the Chinese model is 61C.

Again, that PR design is just so ugly. The Chinese made 61 C looks way better and is thicker too for more torque. Im sure the PR version has better quality steel but still, its ugly. These acetate handles are cut on a lathe, can’t they easily change up the design?

This video showing how Fuller drivers were made when they still made them in Canada. Doesn’t seem like it would take much to come up with something different presuming they utilize a similar process.

 

[Lesserstore]

Thanks. Yea, I thought something was off. The Wiha handle says made in USA but you’re right, the package says made in the USA with global components. I guess they just have a mold machine making these handles. And running a mold machine to make 1 part doesn’t constitute enough for made in USA with global components. At best, it should be considered assembled in the US.

Still, it doesn’t feel as good as the Milwaukee to me. Milw has a smaller handle, but feels heavier and more robust. The Wiha is and feels bigger but lighter and empty. Like I said, I may change my mind once I use the Wiha more.

I was reading on the FTC's website about made/ assembled in USA claims, and qualified claims. Wiha can say that they are Made in USA with Global Components since the handle is a substantial part, even though it might not make up very much of the total cost.
I think it gets really confusing differentiating between Assembled in USA and Made in USA with US and Imported Parts, etc. because say something has 60% domestic content they can use either label. Also the word "global" because some manufacturers put "... of US and Global parts," well aren't we part of the globe?

 

[tarbellb]

Mega Pro- Canada and USA iirc

 

[Bubba Fett]

Yes, Channellock makes two 6 in 1, the USA model is 61A and the Chinese model is 61C.

Again, that PR design is just so ugly. The Chinese made 61 C looks way better and is thicker too for more torque. Im sure the PR version has better quality steel but still, its ugly. These acetate handles are cut on a lathe, can’t they easily change up the design?

This video showing how Fuller drivers were made when they still made them in Canada. Doesn’t seem like it would take much to come up with something different presuming they utilize a similar process.

I'm sure Channellock picked that design. P-R/A&L has probably dozens of handle designs.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have these 3 multi-bit 11/10 in 1 drivers with Wiha most recent purchased. The Taiwanese made Milwaukee is the one Ive had the longest and for me I actually find the Milwaukee handle better than the other 2. I may change my mind on Wiha once I use it more.

The Wiha was made in Minnesota and this Ace driver I believe was made by Best Way Tools in Florida, but Im not sure. I think they were bought out by Mayhew and may not make these removable shaft multi bit drivers any more.

Now to my question: the bits and shafts on all 3 appear to be very similar. Even though the Wiha and Ace drivers say they’re made in the USA, could they actually be imported? These double ended ball detent bits on all 3 are almost identical and the shafts may be a different size, but the crimp type and style are very close. Is there a local manufacturer of these shafts and bits Im not aware of?

Bestway was acquired by Mayhew but they are operating independently. Skyo Industries/Bestway held the patent for these. I dont know if its still active. I would say that a lot of these screwdriver components are still made by them in Ormond Beach FL.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Enderes! US Made

 

[Dzmax77]

Enderes! US Made

Just looked these up. I want some but Amazon doesn’t sell any but ebay does. Are these sold at any store? I like their handles. Ratcheting screwdriver too! Are they made locally?

Found this on ebay.

Enderes Vintage 4 in 1 Tube 7" Length USA NOS 18407021795 | eBay

Shipped with USPS First Class.

www.ebay.com

 

[bonneyman]

I prefer the older 6-in-1 Enderes handles. They're not the most comfortable but are tough as hell. I can't stop grabbing them!
I do come across shafts and two-sided bits regularly. Most but not all are interchangeable in the different brand handles. But they're common enough to be able to outfit what I have.

 

[jeffmoss26]

They are sold at local hardware stores or you can call Steve at the factory (he’s a member here) and buy direct! They are made in Minnesota.

 

[carbon]

Canadian Picquic ftw lol: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/multi-screwdriver-set-blades-or-bits.495893/post-9554507

Their bits might be Taiwanese? But they’ve held up great for me. And I friggin’ love their bit changing system. Very little wobble and the shaft is narrow like a regular screwdriver.