Nut driver sets(metric and sae)

[Brownsfan]

Yes those are Witte. I really like my Cornwell Witte made drivers. But they are very pricey even compared to Snap On. I have tried to find the Wittes without the Matco mark up but no luck. I may call the Mac dealer that I met recently to see what he may have. The Macs look pretty nice. I am just starting to think that my Craftsman set is just fine.

 

[CWP1616L]

Those Witte nut drivers wouldn't work for me. I gotta have round handles on nut drivers so I can spin them in my hand real fast. Craftsman, Klein, PB Swiss, Wiha, all have round handles and they'd work just fine.

 

[shampoop]

Really like my kleins. Quality is great, grip is great, even though I broke one once, got it replaced extremely quick and easy at home depot or lowes.

 

[kc-steve]

I didn't see anyone mention Xcelite's 99 series, not the same as other Xcelite nut drivers. I used to travel servicing hospital instruments and I packed a tool case like this;

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B635QE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Handles and attachments came apart for easy traveling, less space, and they worked great. They are more expensive though.

Steve

 

[nanofrog]

For more sizes I believe Proto and Xcelite make sets above the 7 piece set.

Checkout the Wiha or Wera stuff.
I have a Witte set with one Wiha.

Does it have a hollow shaft?

 

[Holt]

Yes that version is hollow shank. The longer shift versions are not

 

[kiatech]

Wera

 

[nanofrog]

Yes that version is hollow shank. The longer shift versions are not

Thanks.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I don't understand why you need so many nut drivers.
When do you even use them?

It must be outside automotive repairs/maintenance. Maybe decking, electrical, manufacturing assembly?

Can't get enough torque on them to remove most bolts except for mounting bolts. I've used them for stereo mounting bolts before (just for **** and giggles) then finished it with a ratchet because there wasn't enough torque on the fastener.

I don't get some of the screwdriver collections either; some guys just like a good selection even though they might not use them a whole lot. I can be that way but usually it's usually because I got a deal...my version of a deal which means cheap.

 

[ddo]

I don't understand why you need so many nut drivers.
When do you even use them?

Grounding nuts on electric motors, unistrut, worm drive hose clamps, electrical mounting brackets, electrical connections in cabinets...those are my primary uses. Mostly sae but see some metric as well on specialty motors, etc.

Advantages over ratchet and deep socket are:
Harder to drop or lose.
Straight on access - electrical cabinets especially arent built for swinging ratchet.
Torque limiting - less likely to break fragile components.
Less parts to set up and be ready - one nutdriver vs. Ratchet, appropriate sized extension and socket.
Generally thinner - helpful in things like unistrut where sidewalls can pinch socket and pull it off when retracting tool.
Faster as a spinner when nut is loose - ratchet doesnt get in way of spinning it off when torque is lower than backdrag on ratchet and dont have great access to spin extension by hand.
Fits in pocket as one piece.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Grounding nuts on electric motors, unistrut, worm drive hose clamps, electrical mounting brackets, electrical connections in cabinets...those are my primary uses. Mostly sae but see some metric as well on specialty motors, etc.

Advantages over ratchet and deep socket are:
Harder to drop or lose.
Straight on access - electrical cabinets especially arent built for swinging ratchet.
Torque limiting - less likely to break fragile components.
Less parts to set up and be ready - one nutdriver vs. Ratchet, appropriate sized extension and socket.
Generally thinner - helpful in things like unistrut where sidewalls can pinch socket and pull it off when retracting tool.
Faster as a spinner when nut is loose - ratchet doesnt get in way of spinning it off when torque is lower than backdrag on ratchet and dont have great access to spin extension by hand.
Fits in pocket as one piece.

Could just use a t-handle (sliding bar) and an extension with a socket (1/4 if space is an issue). There are lots of ways to do a single job about 99% of the time.

Magnetic nutdrivers would be pretty useful though with recessed bolts but not 100 bucks a set useful.

OP you want to try out a set of nutdrivers (without paying "professional" tool prices) both sears and lowes have sets on sale. Craftsman are 25 bucks for a full set, Kobalt are 12 for a partial set on clearance. Set size varies, I just saw the kobalt ones I think it's 6 or 7; craftsman full is 12. Not sure about the country of origin on either maybe china for both, not sure if the craftsman are still usa they might be. Kobalt for sure will be taiwan or china. I picked up one on clearance a month ago and it was chinese, handle is somewhat cushion grip.

 

[Adam.C]

I really like the Snap On hard handle spinner handle/extension. It's a spinner handle with a square recess for a ratchet in the **** of handle. I often use it and a ratchet handle to crack free a torx screw in an auto interior, then I yank off the ratchet and finish the job with the handle.

I respect others' opinions, but I don't see why anyone would want anything else. I have screw driver bits, torx, hex, and sockets that all fit this thing great. Just wish there were long versions. ( I could imagine industrial environments where fewer tools would be better).

 

[ddo]

Could just use a t-handle (sliding bar) and an extension with a socket (1/4 if space is an issue). There are lots of ways to do a single job about 99% of the time.

Magnetic nutdrivers would be pretty useful though with recessed bolts but not 100 bucks a set useful.

I agree either can be used and there are multiple ways. Nut driver is not absolutely necessary, but they can be convenient. Typically I don't buy tools based on what I need or do any cost / benefit, but rather what will entertain me while at work. End up using multiple different approaches just to keep the mundane stuff a little bit interesting. The magnetic nut driver sockets are a good example of that one.

That set functions pretty much like a spinner with a socket. Besides the magnet function that I hadn't seen before, bought it for the ratchet and spinner with the ergonic handles. Screwdriver sets have those handles and love the feel of them. Both sets I mentioned are multipiece sets so there is same issues as using deep sockets and spinner at times, but need for portability outweighed those concerns.

Mentioned the sets because he mentioned he was looking to upgrade so figured price was flexible. For me, with something as boring as a nutdriver I had to get one with something with more than standard features and a little unique if I was going to be spending much money on them. If the handle fits your hand and they have hollow shafts to fit over studs, nutdrivers will all work about the same.

In reality, the Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver / nutdriver set does the brunt of my nutdriving work when time is an issue because its most likely to be on hand. 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 on the same handle. Phillips, flathead, etc. If I know I'm wearing my electricians hat for the day, the full sets go in the portable bag.

 

[upgrading]

I have tried to find the Wittes without the Matco mark up but no luck.

Here are some.
Only problem is it is a six piece set.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/witte-6pc-nutdriver-set.aspx?a=1164814

 

[creativecars]

It must be outside automotive repairs/maintenance. Maybe decking, electrical, manufacturing assembly?

Can't get enough torque on them to remove most bolts except for mounting bolts. I've used them for stereo mounting bolts before (just for **** and giggles) then finished it with a ratchet because there wasn't enough torque on the fastener.

I don't get some of the screwdriver collections either; some guys just like a good selection even though they might not use them a whole lot. I can be that way but usually it's usually because I got a deal...my version of a deal which means cheap.

Ohh, so you are the guy torquin' the dash screws???

 

[Brownsfan]

I think I have decided on the Kleins or Wiliams Taiwan. I am intrigued by the Wittes posted above. I will search that site for the metric as well. Well those Wittes are out. No 5/16 and no metric.

 

[Brownsfan]

Has anyone used the Milwaukee nut drivers? They have hollow shafts and magnetic in both SAE and metric. I think they are made in Taiwan like the rest of their hand tools. Or like the package says"professionally made in Taiwan". I have seen their screwdrivers in Home Depot and they look decent and the handles are comfortable.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers

 

[nicksnothereman]

Ohh, so you are the guy torquin' the dash screws???

Nah, I use the term loosely. Can't get it tight enough with a nutdriver and if the fastener comes out (it's a goofy washered bolt) there's a good chance I'll never find it because there's a ton of obstructions in the center dash (passenger fuse box, shifter mechanism, a/c piping).

 

[parnass]

Most of my nut driver use is in electronics work. I bought Xcelite and Vaco nut driver sets back in the late 1970s and still use them.

IMHO, the important characteristics are:

1. Full length hollow shafts -- a must for removing panel controls like potentiometers and toggle switches.

2. Color coded handles so I could quickly grab the right sized nut driver from the set.

 

[Brownsfan]

Well I think my search is over. I will be ordering these and the SAE sets very soon. I am starting my Proto addiction. Just bought the long needle nose set and these are next.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J1212...S_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item4d17790dc7

Then this to hold it all. Need a bigger box really bad at this point, and yes I know all about the HF 56 and 44. I don't like nor want them.
http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j456741-20bl.html

 

[upgrading]

Those new Protos are very cool.

 

[doan]

I am thinking about getting the Kleins. Long and short shank. I can get all four sets for the price of the Snap Ons. I really like the snap on and Matco sets but for as much as they will get used the price cant be justified in my mind. Unless my Snap On guy works out a killer deal. Matco is out. They are more than Snap On. I may look at the Craftsman t-handles and get them before they go China. I have the torx and hex t-handle sets USA made.

Kliens are very nice tools, but electricians tools. If you're working on cars, greasy hands , gasoline, brake cleaner.... you will want handles designed for that.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I love the snap on sets. Sae is color coded so I can grab a color. Mm is all black so I still have to read them. You can find them on ebay for 80-110 per set new. Better than the truck discount for new.

 

[littletoes]

I use mine multiple times a day....the Klein's can leave your hands a bit tired....they are smallish for large hands.....you know, old school that hasn't up-dated the design in centuries......

I own the Wiha's (hollow shaft versions), and they fit fantastic.

I've broken several Klein's over the years....wore out the end. Ask any commercial plumber that has run miles & miles of "no-hub"....bet they can tell you what to stay away from, and the power you develop in your forearm running 'em 8 hr's a day, day upon day. 60 foot pounds is nothing.....

 

[RRmech]

VACO (Klien)

The 10 piece metric set is especially nice, with all the in-between sizes.

 

[ndoran]

They are real handy for low torque applications on say interior of a car, appliances, computers, small engines, etc. Typically smaller, <~9/16" fasteners. I use mine (cman came with a large set) all the time.

agree they are handy for low torque applications : I use mine when working in electrical panels and electronic equipment when a socket falling off a handle would be problematic. I have used drivers made by many companies and personally I will not pay a premium price for these tools there is no risk of rounding anything off so pretty much anything works. Of course there are no bragging rights with this approach.

 

[manioso]

I use mine for small engine and electronics. Most of my stuff is Xcelite Hollow Shaft full size, and the "mini" PS120. Also have some off brand but nice metrics I use.

I find nutdrivers are better for me than socket/driver combinations for starting and spinning nuts down. I can then use a socket or O/E wrench if needed for final tightening on larger sizes (7/16 - 1/2 - 9/16).

 

[DeliveryGuy]

This is what I bought.

I needed only a few sizes, and I wanted magnetic hollow nut drivers. I really like Klein's handles. I bought the 1/2" long magnetic nut driver with the pair I linked. Those are the three sizes I like a specific tool for.