Ton ton
Well-known member
Harbor freight Pittsburgh has decent nut drivers for the money.
nut drivers
- Thread starter _brian_
- Start date
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I have never had a socket come off of a nut driver. Much of My work involved working in quarters where wire harnesses were in contact with the shank on the nut driver. I own multiple types of drive tools for working in tight quarters, but the nut drivers remain My number one go to.
designer485
Well-known member
I don't use my Snap-On square handle sets too often, but I have found when I do need them, they are definetly the right tool for the job. I just used the 1/4 for a washing machine repair and I use a few metric sizes for removing trim covers on my BMWs.
Ohh, love the long reach VACO's!Vaco......
In my shop box, I have my SAE Xcelite sets- stubby, regular and long reach. The smooth-handle drivers are magnetic:
Metric nut drivers, bit drivers and spinner handles:
Micro nut drivers (and screwdrivers), mostly Xcelite (the red/gray ones are Xcelite rebranded Felo). The black/green are metric Wera, since Xcelite doesn't make a metric set:
Then in my mobile kit I have a standard Xcelite 99 set with swappable drilled shanks. SAE in the pouches up top, and metric in a case below (not visible in pic).
Metric nut drivers, bit drivers and spinner handles:
Micro nut drivers (and screwdrivers), mostly Xcelite (the red/gray ones are Xcelite rebranded Felo). The black/green are metric Wera, since Xcelite doesn't make a metric set:
Then in my mobile kit I have a standard Xcelite 99 set with swappable drilled shanks. SAE in the pouches up top, and metric in a case below (not visible in pic).
cherrybomb
Well-known member
Back in the day,when I drove semi,1/4 did the little nut on the windshield wiper blade,it had a very small slotted screw,air craft nut.You tipped the hood,stood on a steer tire,flash lite in your mouth,couldn't afford to mess up.5/16 on hose clamps,both rode under seat or in door pocket. Cheap but much easier and less expensive than ratchet and socket and quicker than digging thru big tool box.Just my. 06
ste6168
Well-known member
I used to carry a set of nut drivers in my tool bag, eventually gave up that idea and moved to a spinner handle to accompany the Makita impact socket sets. So much more versatile for a tool bag. I have a set of nut drivers in my shop box, where weight isn't a concern, but no reason they are any better than a spinner handle a deep socket, for my use.
Kasal
Well-known member
I have these Wera, I don't remember using them, but they are a good price.
steel 35
Well-known member
I never used my nut drivers UNTIL I bought a set of Felo M-Tec with the Smart handle. In many respects its a completely different tool.
First, the "smart" handle. It converts from screwdriver to T-handle. That's very handy when working with nutdrivers because often the limiting factor that makes you reach for a socket and ratchet is that they are just a bit too tight to work with a screwdriver handle. Think of all those 8-13mm fasteners you find in an engine bay holding down mounts, engine covers, cables, etc. A screwdriver is way faster at taking them off - provided you have enough torque to start them spinning.
To convert the smart handle you just push forward on the metal part and it rotates to the T-position. It can also be handy as a screwdriver if you need a bit more power - e.g. thing of a long wood screw were you MIGHT be able to turn it by hand, but you'll tire yourself out in the process.
The M-tec drivers aren't strictly necessary, but they are the icing on the cake. They are hollow-shafted with a spring-loaded magnet. Why is that awesome? Because they hold onto the fastener no matter how deep it is.
It's a very slick kit - but not inexpensive. I probably wouldn't have sprung for it myself expect I happened across a deal. However, if I lost it, I would save up my pennies and buy it again. The nutdrivers and smart handle are just an awesome combo.
Edit - I'm seeing $112 on Amazon.com, so it is apparently much cheaper in the USA (usually twice that in Canada). Maybe more affordable than I thought!
On a budget, I would recommend at least buying the smart handle. It's not that expensive on it's own and works fine with standard 1/4" accessories.
First, the "smart" handle. It converts from screwdriver to T-handle. That's very handy when working with nutdrivers because often the limiting factor that makes you reach for a socket and ratchet is that they are just a bit too tight to work with a screwdriver handle. Think of all those 8-13mm fasteners you find in an engine bay holding down mounts, engine covers, cables, etc. A screwdriver is way faster at taking them off - provided you have enough torque to start them spinning.
To convert the smart handle you just push forward on the metal part and it rotates to the T-position. It can also be handy as a screwdriver if you need a bit more power - e.g. thing of a long wood screw were you MIGHT be able to turn it by hand, but you'll tire yourself out in the process.
The M-tec drivers aren't strictly necessary, but they are the icing on the cake. They are hollow-shafted with a spring-loaded magnet. Why is that awesome? Because they hold onto the fastener no matter how deep it is.
It's a very slick kit - but not inexpensive. I probably wouldn't have sprung for it myself expect I happened across a deal. However, if I lost it, I would save up my pennies and buy it again. The nutdrivers and smart handle are just an awesome combo.
Edit - I'm seeing $112 on Amazon.com, so it is apparently much cheaper in the USA (usually twice that in Canada). Maybe more affordable than I thought!
On a budget, I would recommend at least buying the smart handle. It's not that expensive on it's own and works fine with standard 1/4" accessories.
WOW!......what a collection!In my shop box, I have my SAE Xcelite sets- stubby, regular and long reach. The smooth-handle drivers are magnetic:
Metric nut drivers, bit drivers and spinner handles:
Micro nut drivers (and screwdrivers), mostly Xcelite (the red/gray ones are Xcelite rebranded Felo). The black/green are metric Wera, since Xcelite doesn't make a metric set:
Then in my mobile kit I have a standard Xcelite 99 set with swappable drilled shanks. SAE in the pouches up top, and metric in a case below (not visible in pic).
Thanks man. It's taken FOREVER to build a complete run of Xcelite nut drivers. And I'm STILL missing some!WOW!......what a collection!
I like all those translucent handle drivers you posed too, the Bernstein, Champion, Engineer, Urrea, etc. Great stuff!
Basically two sets of Xcelite will be good for daily use.
Most of the time I use PB Swiss ones.
Facom make excellent nut drivers I believe.
Dave455
Well-known member
Very nice.I never used my nut drivers UNTIL I bought a set of Felo M-Tec with the Smart handle. In many respects its a completely different tool.
First, the "smart" handle. It converts from screwdriver to T-handle. That's very handy when working with nutdrivers because often the limiting factor that makes you reach for a socket and ratchet is that they are just a bit too tight to work with a screwdriver handle. Think of all those 8-13mm fasteners you find in an engine bay holding down mounts, engine covers, cables, etc. A screwdriver is way faster at taking them off - provided you have enough torque to start them spinning.
To convert the smart handle you just push forward on the metal part and it rotates to the T-position. It can also be handy as a screwdriver if you need a bit more power - e.g. thing of a long wood screw were you MIGHT be able to turn it by hand, but you'll tire yourself out in the process.
The M-tec drivers aren't strictly necessary, but they are the icing on the cake. They are hollow-shafted with a spring-loaded magnet. Why is that awesome? Because they hold onto the fastener no matter how deep it is.
It's a very slick kit - but not inexpensive. I probably wouldn't have sprung for it myself expect I happened across a deal. However, if I lost it, I would save up my pennies and buy it again. The nutdrivers and smart handle are just an awesome combo.
Edit - I'm seeing $112 on Amazon.com, so it is apparently much cheaper in the USA (usually twice that in Canada). Maybe more affordable than I thought!
On a budget, I would recommend at least buying the smart handle. It's not that expensive on it's own and works fine with standard 1/4" accessories.
I’d seen these sets, but not given them a huge amount of thought. I can see they definitely have a role. A kind of “halfway house” between nut drivers, which are not ideal for mobile use, and sockets, with their risk of getting detached.
I have the Felo interchangeable blade screwdriver set with the smart handle. I carry it when I’m doing electrical work, as I know I’ll have one of every screwdriver type if needed. Interchangeable bits don’t work so well in this role as you are working on recessed terminals, and in confined spaces.
I think the nut drivers would fulfil a similar role. I’m very tempted…!
Ha! And I've been thinking I should pony up for the screwdriver set...Very nice.
I’d seen these sets, but not given them a huge amount of thought. I can see they definitely have a role. A kind of “halfway house” between nut drivers, which are not ideal for mobile use, and sockets, with their risk of getting detached.
I have the Felo interchangeable blade screwdriver set with the smart handle. I carry it when I’m doing electrical work, as I know I’ll have one of every screwdriver type if needed. Interchangeable bits don’t work so well in this role as you are working on recessed terminals, and in confined spaces.
I think the nut drivers would fulfil a similar role. I’m very tempted…!
Dave455
Well-known member
Once the Felo bug bites…
I think their various screwdriver based sets are quite underrated. They’re not as well known as say Facom or Wera, but they’re very neatly designed, and the boxes are decent.
If you’re trying to pack maximum utility into minimum space, the double ended blades work very well. I think the Felo are nicer than the Wiha.
And if you are ever on the fence between Xcelite and Felo, Felo briefly made a handle to fit the Xcelite 99 blades. It's pretty hard to find these days. The part number was 995ESD:
Sorry, I'm always inserting Xcelite-nerd trivia everywhere, lol.
Sorry, I'm always inserting Xcelite-nerd trivia everywhere, lol.
bwringer
Well-known member
I've had sets, but they're mostly useless for much of the motorcycle and car work I do.
I now only keep three specific sizes on hand (10mm, 8mm/5/16", and 1/4"), plus a 1/4" driver handle I can put a socket on if needed.
I now only keep three specific sizes on hand (10mm, 8mm/5/16", and 1/4"), plus a 1/4" driver handle I can put a socket on if needed.
old_smokey
Well-known member
bbbarracuda
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2008
- Messages
- 709
Last edited:
Where did you ever buy those PB Swiss "Ball Handle style Nut Drivers" from!?Most of the time I use PB Swiss ones.
Facom make excellent nut drivers I believe.
Those are sweet!
Also that FACOM nut driver set is insane!
Where did you get that set from?
Those pb swiss were bought from a Chinese second-hand market.Where did you ever buy those PB Swiss "Ball Handle style Nut Drivers" from!?
Those are sweet!
Also that FACOM nut driver set is insane!
Where did you get that set from?
For Facom ones, they came from ebay UK.
The first time I saw those so called "Ball Handle style" was in the thread "Tools from the old world" and it turned out as screwdrivers, but I cant find them anymore.
Don’t know if anyone here has heard of MIP Tools.
The few that I currently have are nut drivers supposedly designed for precision in mind.
Also have a few other MIP tools as well.
I've found that these come in real handy when used in tight spots, limited spacing, etc.
Here are 3 that I have in SAE…..(11/32) (1/4) (3/16)
So far I only have 4 in Metric….(8.0mm) (7.0mm) (5.0mm) (4.0mm)
The few that I currently have are nut drivers supposedly designed for precision in mind.
Also have a few other MIP tools as well.
I've found that these come in real handy when used in tight spots, limited spacing, etc.
Here are 3 that I have in SAE…..(11/32) (1/4) (3/16)
So far I only have 4 in Metric….(8.0mm) (7.0mm) (5.0mm) (4.0mm)
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After clicking on the MIP website check out the first video.
MIP Gen 2 Tools: Built to Last for All Your RC Needs
www.miponline.com
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Dad, (RIP), bought me a Craftsman set years ago. I don't remember ever using them. Nut driver bits? Different story. Put them to work on the yard equipment all the time. An acquaintance in appliance repair used nut drivers on the job every day. Other than him, that's it.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I use nut drivers very often for smaller sizes: 1/4", 5/16", 11/32", and 3/8" - all Klein hollow shaft magnetic tip. Any sizes I own larger than 3/8" almost never get used.
Ton ton
Well-known member
1/4" & 5/16" are the sizes I grab mostly.
steel 35
Well-known member
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,835
In appliance repair with a 1/4 and 5/16 nut drivers, Phillips, and needle nose. I could fix probably 3/4 of the problems I saw. The next requirement was a multibit screwdriver with Torx security bits needed for microwaves. I never carried a tool box in the house, could repair most things with those 4 tools and sometimes a VOM meter. I did use a proximity voltage tester on just about every job to make sure it was safe to touch the appliance after finding stoves, refrigerators, stoves, dryers, cooktops, and washers that were wired with cabinet hot, hot not grounded as they should be. I even found a washer with power cord burned off that had welded itself to the dryer because the dryer was misswired.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
How so? The only time I can see hollow shaft being beneficial is when running nuts on to allthread, in which case it's 7/16 and 9/16. for 21/4 and 3/8 nuts.. I have the newer Klein set that goes from 1/4 to 9/16 and all of the drivers are not only hollow shaft, but the handle has a hole in the end for running on to really long threads. I rarely use them, but every day I use my Klein 2 in 1, 1/4 and 5/16 magnetic tip, no hollow anything.
