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!)

After previewing the new Lowes Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver, we used it for a couple of small projects and have passed it around to a few friends and colleagues. While it’s not an ultra-heavy-duty driver aimed at professional users, it has proven to be a handy tool that’s also pretty fun to use.

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

Is it worth winning? Check out our Double Drive review!

Last year’s holiday season must-have tool was the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench. Demand for the Multi Drive was so huge that it became difficult to find one towards the end of the shopping season.

So here’s the deal – as soon as the Double Drive screwdrivers are available, we’ll buy an extra one to give away. When December 1st comes around, we’ll select a giveaway winner at random, and they will be given the choice between a Kobalt Double Drive, or $25 Lowes gift card. That way, if they already have the screwdriver or aren’t interested, they can have $25 to spend on something else.

To enter to win, simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post. If you’re at a loss of what to say, you can tell us if you want the prize for yourself or if you would give it as a gift, what other tools you will be gifting year, or anything else along those lines.

Leaving a comment gives you one chance to win, but you can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or signup for our newsletter for additional chances to win.

Only those in the contiguous USA are eligible to win, and the giveaway ends Dec 1st 2011. Thank you to Lowes for supplying the $25 gift card!

After you enter the giveaway, be sure to head over to our Kobalt Double Drive page, which includes links to more info about the screwdriver, a video demonstration and review, and additional low-cost holiday tool gift ideas!

Update: The giveaway has ended and a winner has been randomly selected. Thanks to all for your participation! We’ve got additional giveaways planned for this month, so check back soon!

Lowes has unveiled a new hand tool – the Kobalt Double-Drive screwdriver set. At first glance, it looks similar to the many ratcheting screwdrivers already available on the market today. But, after taking a closer hands-on look, the Double-Drive reveals itself to be a completely new type of screwdriver!

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

Instead of featuring a standard ratcheting drive mechanism, Kobalt built the Double-Drive with unique gearing that turns a screwdriver bit in the same direction while turning the handle in either direction. A direction selection switch allows you to quickly change the direction of bit rotation.

To clarify, with the direction switch set forward and one hand holding onto the blue sleeve, turning the handle in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions will rotate the screwdriver bit clockwise to drive in and tighten fasteners. Righty-tighty, lefty-tighty! When reversed, righty-loosey, lefty-loosey!

To engage the Double-Drive mechanism, you hold onto the screwdriver’s blue sleeve with one hand, and turn the handle with the other. If for some reason you cannot hold onto the blue sleeve with your other hand, the screwdriver will still operate in the same manner as a ratcheting screwdriver.

Lowes is bundling the Kobalt Double-Drive as part of a 19pc screwdriving set that includes a small flex-shaft extension, 6 nutdriver bits, 22 screwdriver bits, and a bit case. The screwdriver also features on-board bit storage so you can carry a few bits inside the handle to save space when on-the-go.

The 29pc Double-Drive screwdriver set is priced at $19.97 and is now available for purchase with free in-store pickup.
Buy now via Lowes

Be sure to check out our Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver Review! And if you think a ratcheting screwdriver may be better suited for your needs, we very highly recommend this Channellock ratcheting multi-bit driver!

Last week we received samples of Channellock’s new ratcheting screwdrivers, and I immediately fell in love with the 13 ‘N 1 driver. I have used quite a few ratcheting screwdrivers, and feel that the 13-in-1 is definitely one of the better ones out there, especially in its sub-$40 price range.

As mentioned in our preview, the driver comes with a 1/4″ nut driver and  double-ended bits: Phillips bit tips #0, 1, 2, 3; slotted bit tips #4, 6; Torx 10, 15, 20, 25; square recess bits #1, 2.

Everything about the Channellock 13-in-1 just screams of quality – from the bit-holding cartridge and comfortable texture grip, to the ratcheting mechanism and direction selection switch.

Saying that the fine-tooth ratcheting mechanism is smooth is somewhat of an understatement. It doesn’t click, it zips. I know that you can’t really judge a ratcheting mechanism by how it sounds, but it’s just so pleasing to the ear, as a high-quality square drive ratchet sounds.

Cheaper drivers usually require much more finesse to find the right direction setting, with occasional hunting- most certainly not the case with this one. The ratcheting direction selector has a very small range of motion, but it quickly locks into the right setting every time.

Driver Comes With 6 Double-Ended Bits

The only flaw I could find is the slightly rounded tip of the nut driver where 3 of the 6 hex flats are perfect and 3 are slightly rounded. But, beyond the tip the shaft is perfectly formed and grips the hex-shanked screwdriver bits securely with absolutely no play. Thus, the flaw is likely only cosmetic in nature and does not affect the function of the driver in any way.

Overall, I very highly recommend the Channellock 13 ‘N 1 ratcheting screwdriver. It appears identical to Megapro’s ratcheting driver, suggesting a common OEM. The driver is made in Canada, the bits in Taiwan.

Purchase via Amazon
13 ‘N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver via Channellock

Here is a brief 2-min video review of the ratcheting driver:

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

Yesterday we discussed two new Channellock ratcheting screwdrivers, and it has got me wondering about what everyone else thinks about such tools. Multi-bit screwdrivers have been a DIY and pro favorite for a while now, and ratcheting drivers have appeared on the market in droves in recent years at all price ranges.

So what do you think, do you like ‘em, or not?

Channellock Code Blue 13 ‘N 1

This 13-in-1 driver includes Phillips bit tips #0, 1, 2, 3; slotted bit tips #4, 6; Torx 10, 15, 20, 25; square recess bits #1, 2. The bit holder doubles as a 1/4″ nut driver.

The 13 ‘N 1 screwdriver (model 131CB) features a dual-composition comfort grip, and 28-tooth ratchet mechanism that can deliver up to 225 inch/lbs of torque. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the made-in-Canada 13 ‘N 1 driver appears identical to Megapro’s ratcheting driver. The bits in Taiwan.

Purchase via Amazon
More info via Channellock

Channellock 18 ‘N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver

A more economical driver, the 18 ‘N 1 (model 181CB) features a greater selection of bits: Phillips #0, 1, 2, 3; Slotted 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″; Torx #10, 15, 20, 25; Hex 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″; nut drivers 1/4″, 5/16″. The 18 ‘N 1 has a comfortable Code Blue grip, on-board bit storage, and a two-way and manual ratcheting mechanism.

Purchase via Amazon
More info via Channellock

Albert sent in an email asking for help finding a long (>4″) bit holder or extension with a thin-profile 1/4″ hex socket, that is similar in quality to the Wera Rapidaptor.

If you know of such a product, please let us know about it in a comment!

When my own Rapidaptor isn’t long enough to get the job done, I use a 4-3/4″ extension,and for even greater reach I stack the two together. For narrow-area work, 6″ screwdriver power bits are a great solution, but a thin-walled hex bit holder really would be more versatile, not to mention more cost efficient.

A Phillips and hollow ground straight bit is included with the TorqKey, but it also accepts any 1/4″ hex bit. The handle features a convenient hole for attaching it to a keyring.

CountyComm TorqKey

If you’re looking to replace old insert bits or need new sizes, check out these currently discounted bit sets on Amazon.

PB Swiss 10-Piece Set – There’s very little information about this set available, but according to this source, the CA6-972/C6-972 model number refers to a 10-piece Torx bit set. 10 PB Swiss Torx bits for $8 is a pretty good deal.

(Update: see comment #1, apparently these aren’t Torx bits after all.)

Wera 30pc Bit Set with Rapidaptor – Seeing as how a Rapidaptor bit holder is about $12 itself, the Bit Check’s $21 price is a bargain. Personally, I would only ever use maybe half the bits, but the Rapidaptor and handy case make the deal hard to refuse. Here’s a list of included bits.

I decided to give Wera’s Bit Ratchet a try, and ordered one as part of a Bit-Check set. The Bit Ratchet is a 60-tooth miniature ratchet designed for use with 1/4″ hex screwdriving bits, and comes with a 1/4″ square drive adapter. The Bit-Check kit also includes a Wera Rapidaptor quick-release extension, 28 bits, and a case.

I knew that the Wera Bit Ratchet was a compact ratchet, but it’s far smaller than I imagined! This is not necessarily a bad thing, I’m just a bit surprised. For what it’s worth, the ratchet feels extremely well built, and I find myself really liking it. I only wish that the bit case was more pocketable.

In the above photo, a standard AA-sized battery, Craftsman bit ratchet, and Proto 1/4″ drive Big Dawg ratchet are shown for scale.

Wera Bit Ratchet via Amazon
Wera Bit Ratchet Bit Check Kit via Amazon