Klein recently announced a new stubby multi-bit screwdriver (model 32562) that features #1 and #2 square recess, 3/16″ slotted, and #2 Phillips bits, as well as 1/4″ and 5/16″ nut drivers. The new driver has a 1-1/4″ shaft and stubby handle to facilitate access in tight work areas.

Klein says that the screwdriver is made from the highest quality tempered steel with a torque-proof anchor in the handle.

I have a number of Klein multi-bit drivers scattered around, and have given quite a few drivers as gifts. For the most part they’re well made, although some of the bits, most notably #2 Phillips, have worn or deformed a little too easily at times. Hopefully the bits on newer batches of drivers are hardened a bit better.

If you don’t give a hoot about square recess bits but still need a compact driver, stubby driver model 32561 is readily available for about $12-14. In this model, the square bits are swapped for 1/4″ slotted and #1 Phillips bits.

Wiha has just come out with a new battery-powered micro bit screwdriver (model 75989). The driver is powered by 3 AAA batteries and comes with 38 micro screwdriver bits, a manual slim static dissipating handle, and a metal storage case.

There are a couple of battery-powered micro-bit drivers already on the market, but their designs don’t really engender a sense of quality. Granted I haven’t tried any of them out, but there’s something I really don’t like about tools that are only promoted around major tool-gift-giving holidays. Once the holidays pass, such tools always disappear from store shelves.

Wiha is quite possibly the top name in precision screwdrivers, so I’m more inclined to take their battery-powered micro bit driver a little more seriously. Unfortunately, it also comes with a serious price of $95-$120.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Included Bits:

• Slotted bits: .8, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4mm
• Phillips bits: #000, #00, #0, #1
• Torx bits: T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15
• Hex bits (inch): .050, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32″
• Hex bits (metric): .71, .89, 1.27, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4mm

The other day someone challenged me to find precision screwdrivers that don’t suck and are made in the USA. Oh, that’s easy – Moody screwdrivers easily fit both criteria.

Set 58-0390 comes with 8 screwdrivers and is well configured for general-purpose use. If you don’t know which tip sizes you need, this is a good place to start. Moody’s catalog features many additional sizes and tip styles.

This set includes: slotted .080″, .100″, .125″, .141″, .156″; Phillips #00, #0, #1; and a vinyl storage pouch.

ESD-safe handles ensure that you won’t fry sensitive electronic components while working on computer parts or devices. The handles are also grooved for improved finger-tip gripping.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Moody is not exactly a household name, but their tools are well-known among industrial users and some DIYers. We have had good experiences with Moody tools, except for a diamond scribe that broke after a couple of months of light use. Moody does have a “no-hassle lifetime replacement warranty,” but that doesn’t help if we cannot find the broken tool.

I am a huge fan of Felo’s Ergonic screwdrivers. The handles are squishy, grippy, and insanely comfortable. The last time I mentioned this 9-pc Felo Ergonic screwdriver set, I thought $35 was a good buy. 6-piece sets are currently $30-40 via Amazon.

Right now, Rockler is offering a 9-piece set for $19. The set includes a 6-piece standard driver set (4 slotted and 2 Phillips), and a 3-piece Torx set (T10, T15, T20).

Buy Now (via Rockler)

Use coupon code 2R101 for free shipping thru 4/6/12.

Note: In case you’re wondering, I will be ordering a set for personal use. I don’t need more drivers, but the deal’s too good to pass up!

Kobalt’s Double Drive screwdriver was hugely popular during the 2011 winter holiday shopping season. The way it works is quite neat, and there’s even a medical version on its way to market.

True Value now has their own version of the Double Driver, which they’re calling the Master Mechanic Swift Driver. It comes in a similar 29-piece package, and features two improvements over the Kobalt version – a soft-grip ergonomic handle, and a magnetic bit holder.

MSRP is $25, and ETA is May 2012. Model number is 150081.

Remember the Kobalt Double Drive that we discussed and reviewed a couple of months ago? Apparently Lowes sold over 800,000 units during the 2011 holiday season. The Double Drive is really more of a DIY and homeowner tool, but the company behind the design saw additional potential.

Shown above is the new Double Drive Medical Driver. It is constructed from stainless steel and is fully autoclavable. From the product page, it looks like there will be different modular handles available.

The new medical-grade driver is intended for use in surgery environments where manual screwdriving is required.

We have also read that a double-driving socket driver is in the works.

More Info via Double Drive Medical Inc.

We use screwdrivers on a regular basis and are always on the lookout for new brands and styles to try out, especially those that you might not see every day. So when we spotted a Wiha Proturn cushion-grip 3K screwdriver set at a great price – under $20 via Amazon – we bought a set to try out.

We reviewed Wiha 3K screwdriver set #46095, which includes five drivers: Phillips #0, #1 and #2, as well as 4.0 and 6.0 mm (5/32″ and ~1/4″) cabinet tip slotted screwdrivers .  This set is made in Germany and comes with a reusable case.

These drivers have ergonomic handles with a bi-material cushion grip, unlike the plain-plastic value-priced Wera Kraftform classic screwdrivers we reviewed the other day. The Wiha 3K handle is composed of hard blue plastic and a black rubbery layer that is bonded to the surface. This helps improve handle grip and torque application.

Our initial impression was that the drivers have a very high build quality. The handles are all molded well and the rubber surface is properly bonded to the drivers. We couldn’t see any significant flashing on the handles from the molding process, or any other flaw for that matter. The tips all appear well formed and fit well in various screws we tried.

Given the high quality of the handles and exceptional fastener-fit, we wouldn’t have thought these were Wiha’s value screwdrivers.

Because of its ergonomic design, the handle on the Wiha #2 Phillips screwdriver is significantly larger than a Craftsman screwdriver of the same drive size and shaft length. While it looks large in the photo, maybe even bulky, the Wiha 3K handle fits naturally and comfortably in-hand. Screwdriver comfort can be an issue of personal opinion, but we found the drivers to be quite comfortable to hold and use.

The handle shape looked unusual at first, but we found it very comfortable and a good fit for a medium-sized hand. The wider part of the handle fits well in the palm of the hand, and allows for a strong and secure grip, not to mention improved torque transmission. A slight taper makes it easier for your fingers to wrap around and grip the handle.

The tips of the Wiha screwdrivers have a black coating to help better grip screws, and possibly provides corrosion resistance as well. The shafts are made from high alloy chrome-vanadium-molybdenum steel that is hardened and then nickel-plated.

The shape of the Wiha drivers makes them especially good for spinning. The wider shape at the top of the handle allows for quick twisting when removing or installing screws.

We chose this set because of the useful (and cost-effective) mix of sizes. Since we find ourselves reaching for Phillips drivers much more often than slotted ones, we liked that this set included the 3 most commonly used sizes (#0, #1, #2). The slotted drivers will see some use as well, but not as much.

In addition to this 5-piece set, Wiha also offers smaller and larger screwdriver sets with added Phillips and slotted size and length variety. This ergonomic driver style is also available with Torx and ball hex screwdriver tips.

Conclusion:

After using these screwdrivers for a few days, we find it hard to believe this 5-piece set comes in at under $20. The fit, finish and comfort are far ahead of what we expected at this pricepoint. We definitely recommend these to anyone looking for good-quality screwdrivers, especially if you’re on a budget.

Buy Now (via Amazon)

Additional Wiha 3K Screwdriver Sets (via Amazon)

A couple of years ago I purchased a set of Wera Kraftform Classic screwdrivers, which are considered their “economical” or “value” drivers. The Classic drivers are similar in style to Wera’s premium Kraftform drivers, but with a few noticeable differences.

First, the handles are entirely composed of a hard plastic. There are no rubbery or bi-material accents. Second, the tips are plain with no laser-cut grooves or anything like that. These are about as no-frills as one can get, and the 6-piece set is typically priced at under $20.

Just because these are plain-Jane screwdrivers doesn’t mean they’r garbage. Although I only used the screwdrivers a couple of times in 3 years, I never found their quality or comfort to be lacking. In some cases I even preferred these over my more premium screwdrivers, as the hard plastic made them easier to clean.

The screwdriver tips are unadorned with anti-cam-out grooves or fancy coatings, but they are precise and don’t wear easily.

In all, the Classic Kraftform screwdrivers are a pretty decent buy. $20 gets you 6 screwdrivers - 2 Phillips and 4 slotted – of reasonable quality. Many potential buyers should consider stepping up to the Kraftform Plus laser-tip drivers (currently $31 via Amazon), but homeowners and DIYers expanding small tool collections can better spend the extra $11-20 elsewhere.

Bottom-line, Wera Kraftform Classic screwdrivers are no-frills drivers that offer great ergonomics and quality at a value price.

Buy Now (via Amazon)

As mentioned in the following video, I plan to give these drivers away to a friend. Not because I don’t like them, but because I have way too many screwdrivers and are looking to cull my tool collection to more manageable numbers.

The folks over at Allen, yes as in Allen wrenches/keys, sent over their new 56660G ball-end T-handle hex drivers for us to check out. These drivers feature a ball-hex at the long end, a straight-hex tip at the short end, and a soft T-shaped grip at the bend.

The metric set that we reviewed includes 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm drivers. An S-shaped sheet metal stand keeps the drivers organized and ready for action.

We judged the hex drivers based on three criteria – precision, strength, and user comfort.

To test the tolerance and precision of the drivers, we didn’t whip out the micrometers or anything like that – we simply tested them on a number of common fasteners. The result – a perfect fit each time, with no discernible play or wobble. They even slid right into the gunked-up fasteners on a mountain bike without needing extra encouragement.

The drivers definitely do feel strong enough for regular light-medium duty use. For real heavy-duty use, we usually skip hex drivers and opt for a breaker bar or ratchet with a hex bit socket.

One thing to be hesitant about is using the smaller sized drivers’ ball ends on stubborn fasteners. The handles on the smaller drivers are just a bit wider than expected, making it easier to accidentally apply too much torque, which can potentially lead to the ball-hex tip breaking off inside the fastener. We mentioned this as an observation, and not a complaint – we actually prefer drivers to be like this. When in doubt, we use the straight-hex tip without incident.

Although we’ve only used these drivers a few times in recent days, we’re quite pleased with how they feel. The handle is mostly composed of a soft-grip material, with the blue accents being a harder plastic.

The through-handle design is definitely a plus – that’s why we have 3 other similarly-styled sets around the shop. T-handle drivers allow for greater leverage and comfort, as well as easier and speedier spinning, so we’re happy these are through-T-handles and not stubbier P/F/L-handle shaped.

Are these the best hex drivers we’ve seen? Maybe not, but we like them quite a bit, and they’re very reasonably priced at less than $30 for the set. They’re precise, reasonably strong, and comfortable to use. We definitely recommend Allen’s T-handle hex drivers, but  also urge users new to ball-hex tips to take it easy with the smaller sized drivers.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Allen Hex Shop)

Our only complaint is that the size markings on the front of the stand are misaligned. We spoke to Allen about this, and they’re aware of and correcting the issue.

Thank you to Allen for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or comparison purposes.

Country of Origin: China (2-2012)

As part of Amazon’s holiday lightning tools deals promo, Wera’s bit-holding screwdriver and Koloss ratchet hammer will go on sale tonight at 10:30pm ET (7:30 PT).

We own and highly recommend the Wera screwdriver kit, which comes with an extendable removable bit adapter, 6 screwdriver bits and a carrying case. We also have a sample of the Koloss 1/2″ ratchet that we use for testing and occasional use. The Koloss is a phenomenally robust ratchet, that is well suited for heavy duty.

Wera Kraftform Kompact Bit-Holding Screwdriver
Wera Koloss 1/2″ Ratchet

The sale prices have not been released yet, but Amazon’s lightning deals are usually pretty decent. The deals will only be valid for a limited time, or until supplies sell-out, whichever comes first.

The screwdriver is currently priced at $35. In our opinion, $25 would be a great sale price. The Koloss ratchet is currently priced at $113 and change. Over at ChadsToolbox, it’s currently on sale for $92 shipped. Anything below $90 with free shipping would be a killer price.

Lowe’s new Kobalt Double Drive is available in-store and online for $20, and is selling rapidly. The limited-supply special edition Kobalt Double Drive comes with a free holster and is currently priced at $20 online with FREE SHIPPING!

Free shipping ends on 11/28. Be sure to check our our Kobalt Double Drive review to see what all the hype is about!

Buy Now(via Lowes)

If you’re looking for great holiday gift ideas without going broke, check out our tool deals section! Our current top-recommendation is the insanely low-priced Leatherman Wingman multi-tool.

While not a pro-featured tool, the Double Drive is neat, and makes a great gift item. It’s a huge hit with casual tool users.

You probably already own a set of screwdrivers, a 1/4″ hex bit screwdriver or two, multi-bit all-in-one drivers, and a variety of 1″ and 2″ hex screwdriver bits for use with cordless drills and drivers. But do you have a T-handle driver? If yes, feel free to skip ahead to the comments and tell us why you like you T-handle driver, or whether it sits in your tool box unused and unloved.

Even if you don’t own one, you have probably seen T-handle drivers before. Maybe not with universal 1/4″ hex bit holders, but T-handles are very commonly found with hex or Torx screwdriver tips. A lot of people ignore this without giving it a second thought, figuring that it’s just how these types of drivers are made.

In actuality, T-handles offer a number of advantages over ordinary handle styles. Obviously, T-handles are wider than most screwdriver handles, which is important for two reasons. First, this means that you can potentially deliver greater torque with a T-handle than you can with a regular screwdriver. Even if you don’t need to drive a fastener just a little bit tighter, greater torque offers you the ability to achieve similar results while exerting less effort.

Second, the way T-handle drivers are designed, you should be able to comfortably apply greater pressure with your palm than you could with an ordinary screwdriver. This can this make starting and tightening screws easier in certain applications, and can also help avoid cam-out when using Phillips bits.

There are additional benefits as well. Commonly featuring low narrow shafts and low-profile handles, T-handle drivers can sometimes access fasteners when a regular screwdriver is too short or bulky to reach them. Have ever had to twirl a screwdriver with your fingertips because of low clearance issues? It’s not a pleasant experience.

T-handled drivers can also be spun quicker to speed up the initial driving or final removal of threaded fasteners. Simply loosely support the shaft with one hand, and twirl the T-handle with the other. At least one brand adds free-spinning plastic collars to their T/P handle hex drivers to make this even easier. This usually works best with machine screws though, and not wood or sheet metal screws which encounter higher frictional forces.

Although not really an advantage, T-handle hex bit holders are cheap. If you go the generic no-name import route, you can probably buy a handle and bit set for $5. Quality drivers can be found for $10-15, and decent ratcheting T-handles, sometimes with bit kits, start at $20-25. I don’t know about you, but I have accumulated dozens of 1″ screwdriver bits. When I purchased a T-handle hex driver set, I gained a couple of new drivers. When I purchased a T-handle bit holder, I gained dozens of new drivers in a wide range of sizes and bit styles.

The most common individual T-handle drivers have hex or Torx tips. That is not to say that you cannot find other screwdriver bit styles in this form factor. Although, while I have seen nut drivers and Phillips drivers with T-handles, I don’t recall ever seeing slotted tip T-handle drivers. For casual use, a T-handle screwdriver bit holder may be all you need. If you find yourself using it quite a bit, you can always add individual T-handle drivers or sets as necessary.

T-handle drivers have two notable disadvantages. First, most do not really offer the same comfort as today’s ergonomic, bimaterial, and super-cushioned screwdriver handles. The way they must be gripped just does not allow for that, although manufacturers have been getting better.

The second disadvantage is that T-handle drivers can provide too much torque. Forget about using smaller ball hex bits with regular T-handle drivers. If you lose your focus for a second and apply a little too much torque, you’re probably going to twist the ball off inside the fastener head. That is not a position you ever want to be in. When dealing with Phillips bits, greater palm pressure and higher torque can lead to bit or fastener damage, if you don’t yet have a controlled feel for how tightened things are.

Overall, the benefits of a T-handle bit holder greatly outweigh the slight disadvantages, at least in my experience. Although I regularly use quite a few different T and P-handle screwdrivers, I find that my T-handle bit holder sees almost as much use by itself. With universal 1/4″ hex bit compatibility, I can quickly swap in whichever bit I need for the job, especially if on-the-go with a limit to how much I can carry.

Which to buy? Well, that’s really a story for another time since there are many recommendable options, but if you’re looking for a great quality non-ratcheting driver, the Felo 5-inch T-handle is a good place to start.

This GearWrench 39-piece screwdriver bit socket set offers a good selection of hex, Torx, Phillips, and slotted bits. Although designed for GearWrench’s own Vortex and pass-thru ratchets, these sockets can be used with any regular 1/4″ or 3/8″ ratchet, depending on size.

We have a couple of bit sockets of this style, and they are VERY useful. A lot of the time we will also use bit holders that accept any 1″ insert bit, but dedicated bit sockets like these are quicker and easier to use.

GearWrench 39pc Bit Socket Set via Amazon (avg price $45-50)

We just found out that there will be a bonus holster included in a special edition Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver set! You won’t see the holster in our Kobalt Double Drive preview or video review because the screwdriver we reviewed did not come with one.

(Note: In addition to the Double Drive, are you wondering what the guys in your life REALLY want for the holidays? Check out this most-wished-for tools list! There are some killer deals on this bestsellers list as well!)

From what we can tell, the with-holster set is an online-only exclusive with only a limited quantity available. Once supplies run out, the regular set without holster will probably still be available for purchase online and in stores.

Lowes is not selling the Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver sets in stores yet, but we expect to see them there very soon.

Order now via LowesUpdate: the items are now in-stock and shipping! The regular Double Drive set is also available for purchase online and is eligible for free in-store pickup.

Here’s a quick video review featuring the Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver that we previewed a few weeks ago. If you like what you see, remember that we’re giving away a Kobalt Double Drive or $25 Lowes gift card later next month.

The screwdriver is due to be released later this month, or definitely by early November, and will be priced at $20.

You may enjoy some of the other videos in our ToolGuyd Video Channel.

Buy now via Lowes(Eligible for free in-store pickup!)