I’ve used a couple of small screwdriver bit holders before, but these fingertip bit holders from Lee Valley look to be the smallest I’ve ever seen.
You get a set of 3 plastic (PP) holders for just under $8, each measuring 1/2″ wide x 11/16″ long. They’re barrel-shaped, grooved for grip, and also have a built-in rare-earth magnet.
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The integrated magnet actually serves two purposes. First, the magnet helps with screwdriver bit retention, letting you use 1″ insert bits – this is an obvious and typical feature. Second, Lee Valley says that the magnet lets you store the bit holders on any ferrous surface.
What this means is that you can attach one to your refrigerator (or at least those that magnets work on), your tool box, your tool cart, or any other such ferromagnetic steel surface.
They’re red, which should help with spotting them for easy retrieval.
The bit driver handle’s small size of course means it’s best suited for low-torque applications, but there are still plenty of uses, such as for turning the screws on a light switch cover plate.
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They also demonstrate its usefulness for woodworking plane adjustments.
I’ve seen larger metal-body fingertip screwdriver bit holders before, and own one or two Craftsman-branded ones. They’re definitely useful, and it could be argued that they’re a better value at only slightly higher pricing. But, these plastic ones from Lee Valley has two big selling points in my opinion.
First, being able to stick them to magnetic surfaces is a big deal. There are a lot of times when I need a small screwdriver bit for something quick and light-duty, and it would help to have a small screwdriver bit holder at the ready. I haven’t tried these yet however, and can’t comment as to whether they can still stick to a ferrous surface with a bit loaded in – that sure would add to their convenience.
Second, the small size makes these bit holders easy to stash in a pocket, tool bag, tool pouch, or wherever else. Other fingertip drivers are small, but these look much smaller. For some people, that could make a big difference. Let’s say you’re working in a tight space, or want to minimize the weight being carried where every gram counts – that’s where these might shine.
At just under $8 for 3, the bit drivers come out to be $2.65 each, which seems fair for a piece of shaped plastic with a magnet embedded inside.
Price: $7.95
Buy Now via Lee Valley
Compare: Finger Bit Drivers via Amazon
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Any other mini or fingertip bit drivers you could recommend?
Jason S.
These look neat, and the price is reasonable, but what the heck would you use these for?? In both the images above, wouldn’t you just grab a regular screwdriver? I have a small Nieko screwdriver that holds the standard 1/4″ bits and has a really skinny profile. I think I’ve only used it twice, but at least I could put some torque on it. These little plastic items don’t appear to have much practical use.
John Lobert
I agree 100%.
Jared
Fuel screw on a dirt bike carburetor comes to mind. Motion Pro and others sell small/short screwdrivers specifically for this purpose (or you can buy an “adjustable” fuel screw, which just has a knob on the end to turn with your fingers).
The fuel screw is held in place by compressing a small spring against a washer and O-ring, so it isn’t tightened down and turns pretty easily.
Norm Huizenga
Putting a switch cover on with what looks to be a red wire nut with a screwdriver bit inside.
Mike47
Could be very handy for working under a model railroad layout.
Craig
Chapman Manufacturing has a “bit spinner” that I’d think would serve the same purpose.
https://chapmanmfg.com/products/spinner-top
Adam
That looks like it takes bits with a pin detent ideally. I’m sure it would work, but doesn’t look as universal.
Joel
Hi, thanks for recommending our tools! We’re a small shop (15 of us) in Durham, CT and most of our business comes from word of mouth, so I really appreciate it.
Brando
Is this a late Aprikll Fools Day post?
Marvin McConoughey
Probably not. I’ve had a few instances where screwdriver access was extremely limited. One thing I’ve used is a stretchy cloth finder cover that has a magnet embedded near the end of the finger tip. Other times, I’ve used a very tiny ratchet right angle screwdriver about three inches long.
John
These can easily be 3D printed. I’ve seen hex bit handle printing files over the last couple years but haven’t gotten around to doing any.
Jared
Cool. It looks to be pretty use-case specific, but I’ve definitely come across situations where this could come in handy. It’s inexpensive too, which is nice.
I think it makes sense to keep these small – if I had more room I’d be using one of my bit drivers.
Planegrain
Finally, a tool that I can afford! Might be nice to have a regular & Phillips, carried around as pocket change.
Cole M
Working in HVAC I always have bits in my pocket, but do not always have a driver or drill handy. I’ve carried one of those round metal thumb drivers you get from auto part stores but they weigh too much to keep in your pocket daily. I might be ordering these.
Planegrain
Off topic tool combo. Home Depot has a drill/ impact combo advertised. Kit contains Dewalt 996 drill, 887 impact, one Flexvolt 6.0 battery, one 2.0 20v battery, yellow fast charger(no tool bag as in the past). Price $279, Not the upgraded models, but solid set. Not a super deal, but perhaps a fair price for someone needing a drill/ impact set right now.
Planegrain
The kit number is (DCK299D1T1). The tool bag isn’t shown in picture. But after further investigation, i found that the tool is included. I think this kit was usually around $399.00, now at $279.00.
Rafe
Seems odd to have a tool with less uses than a standard one. I could see if the pictures had it in places that a stubby screwdriver can’t get to, but why have a second tool that is less versatile for normal use?
Planegrain
My guess is portability. Examples may be hikers/ bikers concerned with weight. Needing a screwdriver to adjust their glasses, or access back panel of equipment? Light and can carry without worry of getting puncture wounds from it. Definitely a niche item.
Ron
It’s designed to hold 1/4″ screwdriver bits. I’ve never seen any of those bits small enough to tighten screws in eyeglasses.
Planegrain
Some of those large bit sets include some very small drivers.
Bill Clay
There should be a bit holder that fits the 4mm micro bits (such as Wiha has).
Ball_bearing
I agree with you, there aren’t many insert bits with #000 or #00, but curiously there are power bits that do go that small. :/ I guess they are easier to make and use due to the longer shafts. You could use a 1/4″ to 4mm bit adapter and use precision bits with it.
Stuart
This is one of those things that you see and think “I could have used this X-times recently, it’ll make things easier or convenient next time!” or “that’s not very useful at all.”
There’s not much middle ground between “I can/can’t really use that.” But, I thought they were neat and worth mentioning.
How many tools, accessories, products have we all dismissed only to need or express interest in later on?
Ball_bearing
Small Sewing machines. The height of the area with the Needle clamp, presser foot & feed dog is usually too low to use a regular stubby. The overall length of a common stubby screwdriver is 3.5″, but the height of the feed area in a compact sewing machine is only 2.5″. That tiny bitholder is quite useful in such a setting. If you need something that small/short, but with a larger diameter, then the DST-06 & DST-07 from engineer tools are a good alternative.
Ron
If you fellers are anything like me, putting a small object like that into a pocket will guarantee the object will end up in one of those “SAFE” places. I would be so safe that no one will ever see it again.
Koko the Talking Ape
I could imagine these little guys could be useful. Even if you don’t use them for years, they are small and cheap, so why not? I would be happier if they were made of aluminum though. I’ve twisted hex bits right out of plastic holders.
Another tool that could be very useful in the right situation is this fingertip magnet, also from LV. It’s just a finger cover with a magnet sewn into the tip. It lets you hold a nut in position when you can only get one finger behind the workpiece.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/73522-fingertip-magnet
Tim B.
Wow… I see this and think it is a good idea…
…one that I should have 3d printed before now! Looks like I’ve got a good quickie project! Heheheheh
Matt B.
This gives me an idea for my classroom once we return to class. Students can model a bit holder like this one in CAD for 3D printing. It requires a design that works with the standardized 1/4″ insert bit and allows for creativity in the shape and size of the holder. This also allows many unique designs to be placed on a print bed as most will be small and these won’t take much filament. Time to buy some small magnets and get working in Inventor. Cheers!
DavidG
For smaller screw heads, try the Teeny Turner from Picquic. I was given a branded one from one of our companies vendors and its great for small work. I keep it in my laptop bag have used it several times on my laptop and other electronics that use 00 Philips head screws.
http://picquic.ca/teeny-turner/
Michael
Not for hands that cramp easily
Frank D
Thanks for the reminder.
Just printed a few. No weight. Cheap to replace. Will toss some in bit holder containers. While not a frequent use item – depending on one’s occupation – they will be handy for some small adjustment / set screws in tight places.
Don Thompson
I became a mechanic in the 10th grade. I was a mechanic in the SeaBees (military), and then in the Construction industry. In all that time I’ve run into several instances where fasteners, of whatever type or size, we’re installed in places you’ll find almost impossible to get to later. But, if you’re going to get the job done — you’re going to remove AND reinstall that fastener!
In my tool boxes I began carrying a n odd assortment of tools that could only be used in these circumstances. Sometimes I feel like throwing them away when all of a sudden — I run into a fastener that’s impossible to get to.
They may look like used wire nuts, but they look like gold in the right situation. You’ll be reminded of the day you had the opportunity to purchase the solution ($8) when you run into THAT fastener!
Ball_bearing
This may be perfect for a sewing machine toolkit. Even stubby bit drivers are sometimes too long/tall to fit into the small spaces.