Merkava_4
Banned
I need to get me an 8mm and 10mm. All my inch nut drivers are Craftsman, but they're from the time when Madonna was first becoming a big hit. 
Who makes your favorite nut driver?
- Thread starter Merkava_4
- Start date
The Muffin Man
Well-known member
I bought a 10mm Toptul nutdriver a few months back. The handles are the same as their screwdrivers (which feel excellent in my hands.) I can't comment on longevity yet, but they are a pleasure to use.
Uncle Buck
Banned
Vaco............................
Bolster
Well-known member
Someone convince me I need nut drivers, when I have 1/4" sockets and a SO handled driver...
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Uncle Buck
Banned
Bolster
Well-known member
First time I've been told by a GJ'er I don't need to buy a new tool...feeling dazed and confused...Uncle Buck
Banned
A quick fix a cooked gopher would likely cure that!
I really like the handles on the Pratt-Read nut drivers.
Nut drivers are more of a convenience item than a necessity. With that said, a 1/4'' drive socket on a spinner handle is bulkier than the socket portion of a nut driver. Probably not enough to make a difference in most situations.
Nut drivers are more of a convenience item than a necessity. With that said, a 1/4'' drive socket on a spinner handle is bulkier than the socket portion of a nut driver. Probably not enough to make a difference in most situations.
Bolster
Well-known member
True, true. The nut driver wins that round. However, a handled driver can be had in multiple lengths whereas I'm unaware of nut drivers coming in different lengths. And a handled driver can be fitted with a flex joint. And some handled drivers allow a ratchet to be fitted on the end.
But now I am arguing against my own self interests. I am looking for an excuse to get some nut drivers as it's a tool I don't own yet.
Best I go sip some gopher broth to get over this woozy feeling.
toolnut
Well-known member
I like my Xcelite roll pouch set but I have picked up a couple of Snap on one's that I seem to like also.
Yes, you have just shown that you really should own both. I do. Versatility and convenience.
GT89mustang
Well-known member
I like my craftsmans actually. I would like a set of hollow shaft ones though, just because.
-B-
Well-known member
Whia T handles cheap and high quality
superautobacs
Well-known member
Yes, If I were to buy a dedicated nut driver, it'll be a hollow type. I've seen the colour-coded SO ones; who makes those for them?
UB, of all my vintage screwdrivers, I like the larger Vaco handles a lot....the shape, the colour, the grip; good stuff.
Elroy likes his Mac Nut runners. But in all fairness the Metric are "virgin"
Notice the Metric set still has the plastic wrapping.
Fast Orange
Well-known member
If your use is for automotive/equipment repair,nutdrivers are less useful than a decent 1/4" socket set and spinner handle.However,if you're doing electrical/electronics work,particularly when working out of a tool pouch,they are a very handy tool.An example would be replacing ballasts in flourescent and HID lights.The convienence of a 1 piece,color coded tool when working out of a pouch,and on a ladder,should be relatively obvious.
As for a brand,I'm biased to Klien.I just prefer thier rubber grip over a plastic handle for comfort reasons.
As for a brand,I'm biased to Klien.I just prefer thier rubber grip over a plastic handle for comfort reasons.
Someone convince me I need nut drivers, when I have 1/4" sockets and a SO handled driver...
1)nut drivers have hollow shafts, allowing bolt protrusion clearance, a socket and spinner handle don't
2)sockets can fall off a spinner handle, real annoying, nut drivers are one piece.
I tried to convince anyway.
mdoolittle
Well-known member
Klein tools
vette-kid
Well-known member
I have been wanting to try the CMan T-handle nut drivers. I didnt know ToTul had any at all. If they have T-Handles Ill probably give them a try.
I have the C-Man T-handles. They were a birthday gift last year. I like them. They are well made, heavy duty, comfortable and the sockets actually have a flank drive configuration. Most nut drivers I have seen do not. I only wish the shafts were a little bit longer. The handle can get in the way at times because it is pretty close to what you are working on. For this reason, not the best for most automotive applications, but fine for jobs where you have plenty of clearance.
mcdtommy23
Well-known member
I have Huskey (made in USA by WF) same as Craftsman, have Craftsman, Klein, and by far, hands down my favorite are my color handled Snappy's. I work out of a pouch on commercial kitchen equipment and HVAC's. The Snappy's are great for our rooftop work in semi-dark conditions. All mine have the hollow shafts - this is a must. A non-hollow shaft is useless.
Autoguy
Well-known member
I have old Stanley nut driver set with the black and yellow colors.
Later on I bought many Snap-on 1/4 and 3/8 socket drivers and since the I forgot the Stanley.
Later on I bought many Snap-on 1/4 and 3/8 socket drivers and since the I forgot the Stanley.
http://www.kd-tools.com/40655661.htm
I just remembered these KD's. They're the same handle shape as Craftsman, but without the homely gray color.
I just remembered these KD's. They're the same handle shape as Craftsman, but without the homely gray color.
+1 for Klein. I have several brands, and Kleins are my preference. I couldn't be without nutdrivers, but I spent a good bit of time earlier in life with a tool pouch on my hip.
Just yesterday I ran across a set of 2 stubby Klein nutdrivers (1/4" and 5/16") on sale. They're in my garage now.
Just yesterday I ran across a set of 2 stubby Klein nutdrivers (1/4" and 5/16") on sale. They're in my garage now.
Big Bad Jon
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2008
- Messages
- 719
+1 on the Mac ones Elroy mentioned.
I like my Proto nut drivers.
http://www.1mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm
http://www.1mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
I'd like to see those. In the old days, both my father and grandfather, did electronics and Xcelite (and the pukey smell) were the only ones you found in their boxes.
Now, a few years back, dad had to get one replaced (warranty, and seen one other in store since) and they are QUITE a bit (2x at least) bigger on the nutdriver end, then they used to be.
When I was 16, I bought an inexpensive, imported set from Wards. They were decent, and left in the trunk for radio swaps (muscle cars and vw's). When I started buying replacement (having a place to store) tools, I settled for the Craftsman, and they have been a good value, since I have only used them once.
I have a bunch of misc. brands. My favorite would be the old clear yellow handle snap on, I like the dimple in the top of the handle. I can put my index finger in the top and spin it between my thumb and forefinger without taking off the pressure.
Jay H 237
Well-known member
I have the standard Cman, not the cushined handled ones, and they have been fine. I use them often at work but it's strictly electronics I'm using them on. The only thing I can remember needing/using a nutdriver for on autos was tightening some hose clamps.
I have the same Cman ones at home plus a set of Husky I bought at Home Depot about 15 years ago when I was in high school. The Husky ones are the older ones that have smaller handles than the Cman, I haven't used them in years, the handles I find are too small and hurt my hands.
I have the same Cman ones at home plus a set of Husky I bought at Home Depot about 15 years ago when I was in high school. The Husky ones are the older ones that have smaller handles than the Cman, I haven't used them in years, the handles I find are too small and hurt my hands.
DetroitDIESEL444
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2009
- Messages
- 276
if someone is interested i have a klein nutdriver set for sale in the classifieds
JohnK007
Well-known member
I have a Pro America set but to be honest I don't use them very much. When I did more work on computers I used them quite a bit but not so much around the garage. They're useful in dismantling PCs and terminal screw work.
I need to get me an 8mm and 10mm. All my inch nut drivers are Craftsman, but they're from the time when Madonna was first becoming a big hit.
In a word, Xcelite...
I purchased most of mine in the 1970's and early 1980's. Their hollow shafts and handles are the only way to go.
About the only downside that I can think of is that some type of living organism will ocassionally grow on some of the handles. It seems that this happens with the darker colored handles more than the lighter colored ones.
n
sberry
Banned
I go for the Kleins too, have about 50 of them and use them as much or more than std 1/4 stuff when I can. Not such an issue for automotive I spose but for equipment and construction they are the ticket. I have the Craftsman in metrics but could use another set. I like the colored buttons on the ends too but they wear off, some now have sizes scribed on.
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sberry
Banned
I see that one set goes to 9/16,. that is kinda cool. The Kleins go to 1/2 but we rarely use them as most stuff is too tight for removal, but the 7/16 we have extras as they are so common and I can twist a soft bolt off with one. We also buy 5/16 extras for hose clamps.
Hose clamps are easily the most common application for my nut drivers. Which is why the 5/16'' looks well used, while the others not so much.
Garagero
Member
I own a set of Kleins. They make great tools especial their pro electrician tools. However, I'm not a big fan of the grips on these handles. Mine may be an older set though.
I don't own any, but the Mac and Snap-on nut drivers that I have used are really nice. The handles are great for when you need to really bear down.
I haven't used the Xcelites that Nolan referred to, but in his description, he mentioned that they have a hollow shaft and handle. The Snap-ons that I've used had the same feature. I haven't yet run into the situation where I've needed this feature, but I think if you are a person that has the means, this feature is a nice one to have.
My feeling is that a nice set of nut drivers is definitely a staple in any full garage tool box. They are a quick solution designed for a specific job. They can increase efficiency which is valuable to anyone that earns an income with their tools.
I don't own any, but the Mac and Snap-on nut drivers that I have used are really nice. The handles are great for when you need to really bear down.
I haven't used the Xcelites that Nolan referred to, but in his description, he mentioned that they have a hollow shaft and handle. The Snap-ons that I've used had the same feature. I haven't yet run into the situation where I've needed this feature, but I think if you are a person that has the means, this feature is a nice one to have.
My feeling is that a nice set of nut drivers is definitely a staple in any full garage tool box. They are a quick solution designed for a specific job. They can increase efficiency which is valuable to anyone that earns an income with their tools.
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The Muffin Man
Well-known member
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