Nut driver recommendations

[The Muffin Man]

I'm in the market for a set of metric nutdrivers and was wondering what you all would suggest trying.

So far I've used nutdrivers from...

Klein
Craftsman
Snap-on
Toptul
Wiha


My favorites (in terms of ergonomics) are the Wiha and Toptul nutdrivers...

 

[RLRRLRLL]

my nut driver...is a screwdriver with a 1/4" bit on the end i guess you would call it...and i just use my sockets..yes...im cheap like that.

 

[Zrexxer]

I tell ya what, if you've used 5 different brands of nutdrivers and haven't found anything you like, I'm not sure you're going to...

 

[Elroy]

Elroy has MAC nut drivers in both English and Metric.

Note the metrics are still sealed from the factory. They are available if you wish.

We could only assume the metric looks like their English brothers:

Let Elroy know if you're interested

 

[06wt]

i have two full sets of nutdrivers, craftsman and snap-on and i have probly reached for them 5 or 6 times in thier life of being in my toolbox, what do u guys use them for, when and if i ever come across the need i normaly use a 3/8 handle driver, but i guess i have them if i need them

 

[Scout Driver]

I use an Allen 1/4" drive handle (like a screwdriver) with the appropriate socket. Cheaper than a set of drivers that I would infrequently use. Plus the Allen brand handle is comfy.

 

[M900]

The potential problem with a square driver with a socket on the end is the lack of a hollow shaft. Unless you use a deep socket, but then the whole tool is possibly too long.

 

[speed bump]

I use nut drivers all the time but then again I was an HVAC tech for awhile. Personally I like the Kleins, followed by the Craftsmans. My suggestion is just to buy the Craftsmans on sale unless you use them all the time then buy your favorite as far as ergonomics go.

 

[chrislehr]

I bought some and have NEVER used them yet. Curious when yall use this instead of 1/4 sockets...

 

[usmc_noma]

i've got a set of gearwrench ratcheting metric nut drivers. got it on clearance at sears for $8. they have interchangeable shafts.

 

[speed bump]

I bought some and have NEVER used them yet. Curious when yall use this instead of 1/4 sockets...

1/4" and 5/16" see a lot of use for hose clamps, in appliance repair, HVAC, or electrical stuff you almost always use nut drivers because its much faster than hunting for sockets, you can put a nut driver over a long stud unlike a socket and its a whole lot harder to lose a nut driver as compared to a socket.

 

[toolmutt]

I have sae and metric Kleins in the toolbox at home but frequently need one at work (firefighter) to remove HVAC panels when an overheated motor or burned belt smokes up a building. I carry a Husky 6-in-1 screwdriver for that though.

 

[autoace]

I'm partial to the classic hard handle Snap-on nut drivers. It is one of the tools they sell that seems worth the money. The old hard handles were FINE!

Genius sells Snap-on "similar" red hard handle nut drivers they seem very good, and are fairly cheap.

I have a few Hazet flex shaft nut drivers in 7 and 8 mm for hose clamps that are great.

Mark your price range and buy what you can afford, Grainger has good deals on Klein and Proto ones, even the rubber sheathed Stanley ones are far from bad.

 

[mkdive]

I would love the set from SO, second choice would be the PB Swiss....right now I have to make do with what I have, Gearwrench and Cman. I would love some of the best....but the ones I currently have do what I need them to do.

 

[autoace]

I would love the set from SO, second choice would be the PB Swiss....right now I have to make do with what I have, Gearwrench and Cman. I would love some of the best....but the ones I currently have do what I need them to do.

Make do! The GearWrench multi driver with the changeable shafts and T-handle are fine tools, and the Cman ones are ok. Craftsman makes a decent nutdriver. I wouldn't count yourself as being cheated,or just making do. I like the old Snap-on hard handles, otherwise the rating would go way down. The nut drivers are one of the few Snap-on items I kept, otherwise I would have the same you got.

 

[W-Cummins]

I'm partial to the classic hard handle Snap-on nut drivers. It is one of the tools they sell that seems worth the money. The old hard handles were FINE!

So you like the old style yellow translucent handed nut drivers?? Well I guess I do like the dished handle ends so you can spin them, but I like the new style handles better. I have 3 sets of them and some of the composite shank models too. I'm rather pissed at Snap-On for discontinuing the smaller and larger sizes of the sets though...


William....

 

[nissan_crawler]

gearwrench

 

[wendell]

The Wera Kraftform Plus is my favorite. Great handle, hollow shaft and a super fit and finish.
http://www-us.wera.de/catalog_us.html?L=1&file=/en-US/screwdrivers_kraftform_plus__series_300.html

 

[scottmlew]

Are the PB Swiss hollow shaft?

If so, those would be my favorite based on handle design, but the Mac color coded shafts are very nice, too. The PB Swiss will have the size prominently on the end, but that's not as obvious as the color coding by size.

 

[crewchief888]

i use SO hard handle 1/4, 5/16, 7mm for hose clamps
7/16 for grease zerks.
recently found 1/4 & 5/16 klien's on clearance
they have larger cushioned handles, nice for working with muddy hands

 

[MrMark]

I have Wiha 8 and 10mm and 1/4 and 5/16's for convenience. Anything else I use Snap-on 1/4 T handle or ratcheting driver with 1/4 sockets. Awesome tools. I have the Klein Imperial in three different lengths for electrical stuff and also the Xcelite that smell like puke. The Klein handles are a little skimpy but the drivers themselves are quite good, especially the magnetic feature for putting ground screws in metal boxes. The Wiha are the best, however.

 

[Mickey O]

Klein hands down.

 

[FNFS2000]

Should try WERA

 

[Davefr]

Klein hands down.

I'm really concerned about Klein. Their screwdrivers are terrible these days. I've dumped Klein in favor of PB Swiss and Williams.

I still have Klein nutdrivers and they appear to be fine for now. I also like Xcelite nutdrivers.

 

[Kjbakke2]

i have two full sets of nutdrivers, craftsman and snap-on and i have probly reached for them 5 or 6 times in thier life of being in my toolbox, what do u guys use them for, when and if i ever come across the need i normaly use a 3/8 handle driver, but i guess i have them if i need them

i like them for battery terminals and electronic connection work....small under the hood stuff

i picked up a gearwrench ratcheting set for 7 bucks at sears one day which is super nice......this is my attempt at a you **** award hahaha

 

[mikevango]

i have these on the way. i think i am gonna like them as i am not a fan of any big gaudy new style handles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...witem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1182

 

[The Muffin Man]

I tell ya what, if you've used 5 different brands of nutdrivers and haven't found anything you like, I'm not sure you're going to...

Out of the five brands, I did like some of them. I'm just trying to get an idea of what everyone else is favorable to

I bought some and have NEVER used them yet. Curious when yall use this instead of 1/4 sockets...

I use them on body panels and initial tightening on dirtbikes and enduros.

The Wera Kraftform Plus is my favorite. Great handle, hollow shaft and a super fit and finish.
http://www-us.wera.de/catalog_us.html?L=1&file=/en-US/screwdrivers_kraftform_plus__series_300.html

I would really like to try Wera's nutdrivers since I already know I like the ergonomics are great in my hands. The lack of a 12mm is what I don't like being that 12mm is one of the most common sizes I come across . Its a shame too; the price is great.

 

[1FatDaddy]

Nutdrivers are great addition to any tool box. I like Wiha brand because are longer and have deeper socket

 

[metal1313]

i have a set of older c-mans that i like but rarely use. i perfer a socket handle and a deep socket

 

[wyndycity]

I just used a nut driver yesterday to reverse refrigerator door hinges. I don't think any other tool would have been more effective.

I've got a bunch of fractional Kleins and they've served me well. I like them because they're locally made, have hollow shafts, and have functioned very well mechanically and ergonomically for me.

I'm looking into getting a set of metrics eventually.