Pratt-Read Nut Driver Review

[Jeff]

Recently I picked a much needed set of hand held metric nut drivers. After searching for a decent price from a US or European manufacturer, I settled on Pratt-Read's nut driver set.

The handles felt good in the hand with no sharp edges or corners. The shafts are made from alloy steel with a brushed zinc coating for corrosion resistance.

I was starting to like these drivers when I noticed an inconsistency in the lengths of the alloy steel shafts. The handles are properly bored to accept the metal shafts. The shafts, however, are too short.

In the below picture you can see where the 11 mm shaft (brown) almost reaches the end of the bored hole, while the 10 mm shaft (blue) is only inserted halfway.

None of the shafts were fully seated in their respective bored holes. I wonder how this would affect the stability, torque, and longevity of the tools.

I also noticed that the 6 mm driver (3rd from top) had no end taper.

I can live with different length color stripes, and a square end, but the shaft length issues are a deal breaker for me. I want a tool that won't snap or cam out in the handle. Pratt-Read needs some work in the QC department.

On 2/3/11 I sent a letter, with images, to Pratt-Read, so they could see my concerns firsthand. No response yet.

 

[mrb]

this is probably old stock from before the bk and ideal purchase. they had terrible qc issues

 

[mrholeshot]

Wow, sorry to see that especially made in the US

 

[Jeff]

this is probably old stock from before the bk and ideal purchase. they had terrible qc issues

First I heard of that. Had I know I would have passed them up.

In my letter, I asked Pratt-Read for a properly made replacement set. If they don't respond I can still return them.

 

[Skin]

i have to agree they look like new old stock. The Cman PR set i have doesnt have those issues.

 

[mikevango]

Return them and get the new craftsman version.

 

[zer0cell]

That certainly does seem like poor QC. Hopefully you will get a replacement from PR which looks up to par. Did you at least get it when it was cheap on amazon? I think in the future I'd probably go with Klein if you want a cushion grip set or xcelite if you want a hard handled set (in a case) even though they are more expensive, unless PR sends you a good replacement set. Hopefully the Ideal takeover will result in stricter QC and higher standards.

 

[Jeff]

That certainly does seem like poor QC. Hopefully you will get a replacement from PR which looks up to par. Did you at least get it when it was cheap on amazon? I think in the future I'd probably go with Klein if you want a cushion grip set or xcelite if you want a hard handled set (in a case) even though they are more expensive, unless PR sends you a good replacement set. Hopefully the Ideal takeover will result in stricter QC and higher standards.

Yup, on a deal.

I like the hard translucent handles, so I will resume my search.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Sharkin, I;d love to know what and how often you use these for.

I've owned a Craftsman set of these in both SAE and metric for over 10 years and can count on two hands the amount of times I've used them.

Once I bought a Snap_on ratcheting soft-grip screw driver and a set of both metric and standard nut bits, the nut driver sets got tossed into the black hole of tools in my basement.

Not to say they are not needed or used by specialty users, but I'm intrigued. And BTW, the Craftsman set I have has grey solid handles meaning you have no idea how deep the shafts are seated.

 

[Jeff]

Sharkin, I;d love to know what and how often you use these for.I've owned a Craftsman set of these in both SAE and metric for over 10 years and can count on two hands the amount of times I've used them. Once I bought a Snap_on ratcheting soft-grip screw driver and a set of both metric and standard nut bits, the nut driver sets got tossed into the black hole of tools in my basement. Not to say they are not needed or used by specialty users, but I'm intrigued. And BTW, the Craftsman set I have has grey solid handles meaning you have no idea how deep the shafts are seated.

I use them quite a bit on my vehicles and motorcycles. I also prefer them working on larger electrical projects.

 

[zer0cell]

I agree it is certainly nice to have a set of nut drivers. Its great for when you need to get into a tight area for example or for working with electronics. Unless you are needing higher torque they can take the place of a socket set in many instances. I know a lot of people see no use for them but I've found plenty of uses for them. Assembling some wooden pieces of furniture or metal frames which require only low to moderate torque is another use I think they are good for.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Good review..sorry they are not made better. Curious to hear what P&R says.

 

[Jeff]

Good review..sorry they are not made better. Curious to hear what P&R says.

My original letter was sent on 2/3. No response.

The drivers were returned to Amazon yesterday.

 

[recall]

I ordered a set from Amazon just like this. In fact, they are so much alike it makes me wonder if the seating isn't intentional (your colors and shaft positions were nearly the same!). The 6mm even has a square end. At least they are consistent... For the price I paid, I'm still happy, and it remains to see if this would be an issue in practice.