We talked about Husky insulated screwdrivers yesterday, and there was brief mention of this Felo insulated screwdriver bit holder. It seemed worthy of a closer look.
There are as many variations of insulated screwdrivers are there are of regular screwdrivers. You have individual screwdrivers, interchangeable screwdrivers, where there’s a single handle – or sometimes multiple handle types – and swappable shafts, and there’s this Felo bit holder, and I’m assuming others like it.
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This seems like an inexpensive and space-saving way to get a bunch of insulated screwdrivers in your toolbox. All you need to keep or carry is this bit holder, and then some standard 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits.
But here’s the big question: is there a downside to this? Well, aside from the typical differences between using individual screwdrivers and multi-bit screwdrivers or bit holders? I can’t see any, but I also don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to insulated tools.
The Felo 518 series bit holder has their typical palm-fitting handle design. According to the product description, it’s got a 2-component handle with a soft outer grip. The handle is also designed with anti-roll features, notably flats towards the front of the handle.
Price: $12
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You’ll need to supply your own 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits. It looks like the driver comes with a single Phillips bit.
Brad says
Wiha makes the 38018 Bit Flip that has storage for up to 8 bits in the handle. Costs a good bit more but I think the on handle storage would make it worth it. https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-38018-1000-Volt-Magnetic-Phillips/dp/B001LQRQ4K/
fred says
A good option as long as you don’t drop the bit into the “electrical works”.
I talked about one from CK (Carl Kammerling 4559S ) in an earlier post – but that one is hard to find.
https://toolguyd.com/locking-screwdriver-bit-driver/
Hilton says
I think this is fine for unscrewing covers but I would hate to get a bit stuck in a mcb or other trip switch. The bits increase the overall diameter of the shaft so this may not be that useful.
As a spare it’s great.
Mike says
In a situation where you need to prevent accidental contact you’ll be using a tool known to constantly drop conductive objects. What could possibly go wrong?
ca says
Exactly.
Toolfreak says
Not bad for space saving compared to having a complete set of insulated drivers, though an insulated #1, #2 and 3/16 might be worth having just for access where the bit holder is too bulky. Would be nice if Felo or Wiha made a set like that.
Also, the other sellers on Amazon shows Micro-Tools has it for $10.76, over a dollar less and free shipping without needing Amazon Prime or a $49 minimum order.
Jared says
I have these screw drivers and I love them. Also I noticed the Ryobi wasting food video is gone? I went to show a friend the video and thought I would ask him what he thought and it wasn’t there.
Stuart says
Commenters started fighting with each other, and the whole post seemed like a big distraction. Plus some of my senses had been restored, so I pulled it.
voodoo says
The down side is that it cannot pass the VDE standard. That’s why wiha have their slimVario series.
T says
Felo claims certified to 1,000 V A.C. VDE according to IEC 60900.
avi says
i got one of these after reading a post here on toolguyd on the uninsulated version, and at the time this one was cheaper.
as far as dropping bits, anything can happen, but the magnet is really strong, i have to fight to change bits.
but the tradeoff for the universal 1/4″ bit is that it is definitely wider which for connectors that have the screw buried in a plastic sleeve makes it impossible to use.
T says
I own this and a Felo E-smart set. I am not in the electical fields but do need insulated drivers from time-to-time. This bit holder is likely fine for basic low volt and DC work in light maintenance etc… Felo claims 1000v protection. That is what I us it for – nice form and that perfect Felo handle design.
I have never had an issue with a bit falling out or being loose, it can actually be a bit of a chore needing pliers to remove a bit if my hands are dirty or the bit is brand new. But I also use quality bits that have the manufacturer name stamped on them and not just the size.
All other instances, I use the E-smart kit.
ScottK says
I bought this the other day and haven’t used it yet. However, I did put a few different bits from a Dewalt driver set in and the magnet kept them pretty snug. Mine did not come with any bits. I am not a contractor and I don’t do electrical work often. I bought this to use as an extra precaution for when I change out receptacles and switches in my house with the circuits off. First Felo driver, grip is very comfortable and it is yet to roll off my work bench.
Jerry says
This is an example of why I like ToolGuyd. Info on a tool that I didn’t know existed. In some cases there are tools I didn’t know I needed. The only possible drawback is the cost of all the needed tools. 🙂
Stuart says
Thanks!!
To be fair, it was pulled into my attention by a reader. I probably saw it 1, 5, 20 times before, but its significance came to light when Scott wrote in about the Husky set price drop and mentioned that he bought this instead.
It seemed like it would be a good community discussion topic too.
w-bee says
Own a wiha like this but never used it. Wiha slimline is what I count on. Multiuse tools and removable pieces is not what you want to rely on when working on energized equipment or circuits.
Ron says
This screwdriver also comes with a set of bits 10 or 12 don’t remember now.
Its high quality and holds bits really well.
mechlogy says
I have these screw drivers and I love them. there were a video now it is not here. I went to show a friend the video and thought I would ask him what he thought and it wasn’t there.
Tony says
I already own this specific model, have used it, and love it. I have no complaints.
axel says
This thing is nice, I’ve had one for years, keep it in my carpentry tote for occasional electrical work. Saves a trip to the truck for my Parat tech case with all the electrical tools . As someone above mentioned, THE MAGNET IS VERY STRONG!! As in, you may need a pair of pliers to remove a small or sharp bit. I have had sore fingers from removing bits before, if you are arthritic, please consider this.
Paul says
Insulated and compact, though not as inexpensive: https://chadstoolbox.com/05003473001-wera-kk-60i-68i-7-bld-set-4-sl-2-rb/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc
BTW, I really enjoy toolguyd; good reviews, coverage and writing. Thanks so much for all the work this must take!