Quick Release 1/4" Hex Screwdriver

[nafterclifen]

I've been using an older USA-made Craftsman 43373 magnetic bit screwdriver for many years now. I'm tired of dealing with bits coming loose but more importantly, the bit holder is aluminum and it's almost stripped. So it's being retired.

I need some suggestions for a replacement. I want it to hold both 1" and 2" hex bits. And I want a quick release, NOT magnetic. Something like this Malco...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJ6ODBS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Any others out there like this? Found lots of magnetic but not so many quick release. Unless my search skills are just sucking today.

 

[engineer2]

Look up "irwin locking hex extension" These are made for impact drivers, but lock onto the bit instead of using a magnet. Companies besides Irwin make them too.

 

[nafterclifen]

Look up "irwin locking hex extension" These are made for impact drivers, but lock onto the bit instead of using a magnet. Companies besides Irwin make them too.

Thanks but I'm looking for a one-piece screwdriver with the quick release attached. I'd rather not have two pieces (i.e. handle and quick release extension).

 

[nafterclifen]

I like simple but the fancy WERA 817 R looks interesting. Any users out there?

 

[measuredtwice]

The Craftsman 43373 has the weakest magnet of any that I've used. Many other magnetic drivers have much stronger magnets... like the Snap-On & Williams ratcheting screwdrivers and the magnetic bit holders from Wera, Wiha, Felo, and PB Swiss.

Some quick release only work with insert bits or power bits, not both. Some work with both. You'll need to double check to make sure they work with both.

In addition to the screwdrivers that have already been mentioned, Vessel also makes a couple of them. I haven't used them but other forum members have reviewed them --> https://motofaction.org/tool-review...rewdriver-interchangeable-bits-japanese-made/


Keep in mind that quick release mechanisms also have drawbacks. They can be bulky. And many of them don't hold a bit securely. Here's a video that shoes the Wera is wiggly but the Wiha/Festool is solid. The Wiha/Festool only holds power bits, not insert bits.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4G5R0ZKmBw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Bighead38]

I have a small kobalt one that looks like that Malco. I actually really like it because the cap spins so I can put pressure and spin.

 

[DadsTools]

OK....don't laugh. Works well. Even comes with a 6" quick release extension. Plus you get all the brushes. Grab your 20% coupon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/engine-brush-kit-20-pc-63732.html

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Wiha, it's very nice. It only takes power bits as said. I also have the Wiha magnetic

 

[glenng]

Wera 816R

 

[oak_park]

Pratt Reed makes them for Menards and probably others. Not sure if bit storage is important to you. I don't care for the free spinning cap. I have the Malco and like it.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...set-8-piece/m82069/p-1444451305397-c-9158.htm

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

I highly recommend the Wera drivers with Rapidapters. I have a few varieties of them, and really like them.

 

[Davefr]

The Wiha 27 in 1 has the best bit retention mechanism I've ever used and it's fairly slender. It's even on sale.

https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-77790-26-in-one-tradesman-ultra-driver/

Then there's the Husky 12 in 1 quick load that uses long bits. It's the best ratcheting screwdriver on the market IMHO.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...7i-5Qe1n9gT48QNEyfhoCgVAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[HenryAZ]

The Wera Rapidaptors are quick release. Put the bit in, and it is locked in place. Push the sleeve forward, and the bit pops out. It is a one-handed operation. They come in three lengths, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm, if I recall correctly. Those are bit holders with a hex shank that you can use in any hex drive tool, screwdriver, ratchet, or drill. Wera also makes a screwdriver with the Rapidaptor permanently attached to the end, so, a quick release screwdriver.

 

[m6z]

Hazet makes one as well.

Looks like they're out of stock on Amazon, but I recently paid about $15 shipped for this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HMBJTBD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[d.mcfarland]

Custom is an option as well.

 

[mr.lemons]

 

[nafterclifen]

Thanks for the suggestions all!

It was my original plan to buy a one-piece driver but ended up with a two piece instead (handle and extension). The handle has a setscrew to keep the extension in place. The extension looks identical to a Bosch extension that I have. It holds any/all bits that I've put into it without issue.


Handle - https://chapmanmfg.com/products/cmh-3-screwdriver-handle?variant=914355835

Extension - https://www.ebay.com/itm/173473146170

 

[Qualitytools]

I like simple but the fancy WERA 817 R looks interesting. Any users out there?

I have one and I do like it a lot, compact and fits what you're looking for. The only draw back is if you are trying to remove a fastener that is set deep, you will not be able to reach it due to the bulky bit retainer. Otherwise, it works very well and as long as you know its limitations than you're set.

 

[seber]

I have the Wiha system in an insert type for a 1/4" impact. It is very impressive. Bits pop in freely and lock securely but release with ease when the sleeve is withdrawn.

 

[mn700vforce]

I like the custom driver d.mcfarland. What brand is the bit holder

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

If you're thinking 2 piece, I would recommend the Wera Kraftform 817 R. The drive end locks in 2 places (stubby and ~3" long) and is completely removable so you can put it in a drill/impact, etc.

I find that keeping the drive end in the "stubby" position is a great way to stick the driver in a pocket or pouch and keep the shaft from poking holes.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Tekton has a good one.

 

[sparky 1971]

I like simple but the fancy WERA 817 R looks interesting. Any users out there?

I have one and it's nice, but the handle is a little small for me. I really like my ratcheting version of it though. The 816ra. The handle is about 20% larger.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I like the custom driver d.mcfarland. What brand is the bit holder

I believe it is Milwaukee. I just wanted one that was all black. It works well though, so I would use it again.