Screwdriver Sockets

[Neodogg]

Are these used that often or are they a luxury item? Thinking about buying a set, but am trying to justify and think of times when I'd use them over a regular screw driver, any help/situations would be appreciated. Maybe put them on an extension for hard to reach places?

 

[hammergodthor]

Nut drivers can be quite useful, depending on how many tools you have, how much room you have and your own preferences. I prefer an impact driver, but sometimes there isn't room for one, so I will use a nut driver. They only work for low torque, though, so higher torque like initial loosening and final tightening is better with a 1/4 ratchet and socket, but YMMV.

 

[csmitty]

I think he meant where the flat blade etc is in socket form with a square drive. 3/8 or 1/2.

I would pick some used if I found a good deal but other than that I would think not alot of uses. Other than extensions. A ujoint would probably be the most frustrating thing in the world with a blade tip.

 

[Syndicate]

I typically use them with impact screwdriver set, other than that I use nut driver when applicable.

 

[ishiboo]

Are these used that often or are they a luxury item? Thinking about buying a set, but am trying to justify and think of times when I'd use them over a regular screw driver, any help/situations would be appreciated. Maybe put them on an extension for hard to reach places?

I use them in high-torque situations where things are prone to cam-out. I take a 1/4" spinner and a 1/4" ratchet and you can put both a ton of torque and a ton of downforce on the fastener.

I don't use them frequently, but they're nice to have.

 

[kartracer55]

I think they are most often used here...

 

[fm2176]

I have some 1/2" drive bit holders like this one: http://www.threedaytool.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=734

At Great Dane we used them quite a bit and could get those and the bits through the parts department. I have two socket rails full of them (with different types of bits) and still use them for various things.

As for the nut drivers, I've got metric and standard Craftsman ones that may have been used a couple of times in the past fifteen years.

 

[plinker]

For bit sockets, torx and hex are must haves.
Phillips, flat and similar, are nice to have, but not essential. Those mainly get used with and hand impact driver or similar tools or if you need access where a screwdriver wont fit.

 

[hammergodthor]

I think he meant where the flat blade etc is in socket form with a square drive. 3/8 or 1/2.

I would pick some used if I found a good deal but other than that I would think not alot of uses. Other than extensions. A ujoint would probably be the most frustrating thing in the world with a blade tip.

Hadn't thought of it that way, should have googled first.

 

[RotoRoss]

Nut drivers can be quite useful, depending on how many tools you have, how much room you have and your own preferences. I prefer an impact driver, but sometimes there isn't room for one, so I will use a nut driver. They only work for low torque, though, so higher torque like initial loosening and final tightening is better with a 1/4 ratchet and socket, but YMMV.

I had a set of these in my original Sears tool set which were handy 40 years ago when it seems there were more sheet metal nuts on long machine screws in television sets and electrical type chassis's they were the new modern way over ignition style open end /box wrenches to tighten nuts. Typically the shaft of the driver is hollow to accommodate the extra long machine screws but not all these styles have that feature.

Over time I've found each style of sockets useful, it just depends on the conditions you are presented with. Small impact drivers and it's sockets are mostly useful on motorcycle cases/covers. Small bit driver screwdrivers (especially where the bits fit in the handle) are handy to keep in the car or kitchen for all those little jobs. Eventually you'll find a need and use for all the available styles.

Currently KOBALT has a new 2X ratcheting screwdriver with an internal planetary where you can hold a ring on the shaft in which they claim to double the speed not really although the screw continues to turn no matter which way your wrist turns, overall time to screw is lessened thus twice the speed, meaning screw continues to turn effectively reducing total time but doesn't really increase speed, cute little marketing trick. Not holding the ring, screwdriver works like any other ratcheting screwdriver. Worth $20.00 for bragging rights maybe ? worth the efficiency, maybe?

 

[Sage55]

I've been looking at getting the Wiha 7pc metric and Wiha 7pc standard nut drivers myself.

The reviews I've read here on GJ have been positive and the handles looks to be comfy as well. I believe they also have a lifetime warranty too.

 

[byoungblood]

I've got a #3 Phillips 3/8" socket that I use very sporadically. As someone else mentioned they can be useful in situations where you need to put more force and leverage on the fastener to get it out. Those PITA phillips head screws some car manufacturers use to hold brake rotors into place immediately comes to mind.

 

[boiler7904]

I've got a couple of phillips screwdriver sockets that only get used every once in a while.

What is even better at least for me are the small ratcheting bit wrenches that use 1/4"x1" hex bits like you would use in a drill or impact driver. Compact size is great for tight spaces. They were a life saver when I assembled by son's crib this fall. Slats were too close together for a regular hex bit and ratchet, and I didn't want to spend all night with an allen wrench.

Craftsman Bit Wrench

 

[Neodogg]

yeah, I'm talking about sockets, not nut drivers!

-kartracer55, forgot I have a proto impact that has a socket that can take various bits, might have to get another socket for other uses

-boiler7904, Boiler up! Now that you mention those, I remember see those in Sears and never made the connection, might have to pick one up also

Thanks