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ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Mechanics' Tools > Gearwrench MicroDriver Screwdriver Bit and Mini Socket Set is Compact & Handy (and on Sale!)

Gearwrench MicroDriver Screwdriver Bit and Mini Socket Set is Compact & Handy (and on Sale!)

Jun 9, 2021 Stuart 54 Comments

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Gearwrench MicroDriver Set

Simply put, Gearwrench’s MicroDriver offers the best bang for the buck bit driver set that I’ve seen so far. It’s been around for many years now, and is highly well regarded by pretty much everyone who has used it.

Note: This post was updated on 6/9/2021. At this time, the set is on sale for $13.90 on Amazon.

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Given the highly affordable price point, you won’t find super-premium features with the Gearwrench MicroDriver. What you will find is a lot of convenience and utility in a compact and tidy package.

The Gearwrench MicroDriver set, model 85035, comes with the MicroDriver ratchet, which features both 1/4″ and 5/16″ hex sockets in opposite ends. 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits aren’t anywhere as ubiquitous as 1/4″ hex bits, but they’re available at industrial suppliers and online dealers, and allow for larger bits than are typically available with 1/4″ hex shanks.

Both sides of the MicroDriver have reversible ratcheting mechanisms, and on the top there are thumbwheels that provide fingertip control.

The set comes with:

  • (5) 6pt metric sockets
  • (5) 6pt standard sockets
  • (18) 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits (3 Slotted, 3 Phillips, 6 Hex, 4 Torx, 2 Square)
  • (5) 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits (2 Slotted, 1 Hex, 2 Torx)
  • 1/4″ hex to square drive adapter for use with the included sockets or your own

That’s 34 pieces, plus the MicroDriver makes 35. All this comes in a handy plastic case that is surprisingly sturdy and durable. It’s a huge step above the throw-away quality cases inexpensive tool sets typically come with.

The MicoDriver wrench is a little over 5″ long, which is quite a bit longer than many brands’ single-ended bit ratchets, but it’s still quite compact. I use my Gearwrench MicroDriver on occasion, although not as often as my smaller Wera bit driver, and I have never found it to be too long or bulky.

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This Gearwrench set is reasonably priced – it’s typically ~$18 at Amazon and $20 at other retailers, and it makes for a great addition to portable, stationary, or home tool kits. I wish that Gearwrench left out the sockets and created an even smaller dedicated bit driver kit, but that’s hardly a major complaint, especially since the sockets have come in handy at least a couple of times.

If you’re on the fence, the set is typically a great value but it also does go on sale every once in a while.

Price: $13.90 as of 6/9/21 – it hasn’t been anywhere near this price in more than a year.

Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via Home Depot

This is definitely one of Gearwrench’s most popular offerings, and I bet many of you own one too. If you’ve got one, what do you think about it? Or maybe you’ve been using something even better that you’d like to tell us about?

Related posts:

Sunex Bit Ratchet SetSunex Budget Bit Ratchet Set Sata Tool Brand LogoSATA, a Gearwrench Sibling, Launches Amazon-Exclusive Line of Mechanics Tools Husky Ratchet Set 144 PositionsNew Husky 144 Position Ratchet Set Review

Sections: Mechanics' Tools, Screwdrivers, Sockets & Drive Tools, Tool Reviews, ToolGuyd Favorites Tags: Amazon Father's Day 2021 Tool Deals, bit ratchet, Gearwrench Tool Deals Father's Day 2021More from: Gearwrench

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54 Comments

  1. Chad

    May 8, 2015

    What are the sizes of the sockets?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      May 8, 2015

      I can’t find this listed anywhere online, and my set is buried somewhere in my workspace or in a tool box somewhere. Someone (me) didn’t put it back to its proper place after the last use.

      They’re 1/4″ drive sockets, which I know doesn’t help much, but the sockets are pretty small.

      Reply
      • fred

        May 8, 2015

        Here’s a link that lists the sizes:

        http://www.foxruntools.com/35-piece-micro-screwdriver-bit-and-ratchet-set-part-kd85035.aspx

        Reply
  2. Tom

    May 8, 2015

    I’m fairly sure that I have seen a re-branded version of this under the Kobalt name. I think that they clearanced them out at around $10 last Christmas. Might be worth a look to see if your local Lowes still has them.

    Reply
    • Dt

      Apr 3, 2019

      Correct.
      https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-35-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Polished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/3387640

      Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 3, 2019

      I don’t believe Apex/Gearwrench is still making Kobalt tools for Lowes. While similar in general nature, that Kobalt set is not the same as this one from Gearwrench.

      Reply
      • Christopher

        Apr 3, 2019

        Yeah kobalt one is definitely different. I’ve been using the kobalt set at work for about 3 years now. Super convenient to throw in pocket and have generally all sizes I need for what I’m working on. Only have to break out tool bag if working on bigger pieces of equipment.

        Reply
  3. mike aka Fazzman

    May 8, 2015

    thats a pretty good price,I have the Wera micro ratchet set that I love.

    Reply
  4. James C

    May 8, 2015

    Hey, I think this is just what I’ve been looking for as a compact tool kit for my car. I’ll throw in a multi-bit screwdriver and adjustable wrench and be set.

    I found this on questions asked at the Amazon page:

    Q: What size sockets are included?

    A: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 & 9/16 sae
    8, 10, 12, 13, 14 mm

    Reply
  5. Chris

    May 8, 2015

    I didn’t even know that 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits existed. They’re obviously bigger than 1/4″ bits, so I imagine somewhat more robust…… so what’s the point of including them in a MicroDriver set?

    Reply
    • fred

      May 8, 2015

      Not only 1/4 and 5/16 hex drive bits – but at the other ends of the spectrum are tiny 4mm hex drive and bigger 7/16 hex drive like this one from Apex:

      Link

      Reply
    • Nathan

      Apr 3, 2019

      some larger torx heads using say a torx 40 – are put in with significant torque on a car – and it is possible to shear a 1/4 hex torx 40 on them.

      Personally I’ve never done it – and I claim part of that is the right bit and bit holder – but it’s possible. Others are the offset cruciform screws used on aircraft, and some others – once corroded or otherwise put in are under significant torque.

      More often than not I see a 5/16 hex bit holder – as a 3/8 drive socket accessory.

      I’ve used on in a spinner handle with a end cap (think brace and bit for sockets) to get panels off an airplane before. Impact drivers and impact rated hex bits have sort of made the 5/16 hex obsolete IMO. But they still exist.

      Reply
  6. Jason Abettan

    May 8, 2015

    This is something that never leaves my EDC tool bag.
    We have 4 sets in the office and for someone that works in confined spaces, there is practically nothing better.

    Reply
  7. Brian

    May 8, 2015

    Received the same Canadian Tire “Maximum” branded version of this kit. I have used it way more than I though I would. Love it!

    Reply
  8. Brian

    May 8, 2015

    Received the same Canadian Tire “Maximum” branded version of this kit for Xmass a year or two ago. I have used it way more than I thought I would. Love it!

    Reply
  9. Michael

    May 8, 2015

    I keep one in my HVACR bag and I’m thinking of getting a couple more

    Reply
  10. GTX

    May 8, 2015

    Husky has the same dual ratchet. It’s really handy and works well.

    Reply
  11. Pete

    May 9, 2015

    I’ll have to pick one up! Looks moderatly useful. If the case is solid it will be a home run of a tool in my eyes.

    Reply
  12. JeffD

    May 10, 2015

    I’ve had these for a couple of years now.

    I use them in my range bag, motorcycle, and cars.

    Reply
  13. Karl

    May 10, 2015

    I have used one of these for years, worth every penny. I wish the case was a little tougher, I just broke mine. The clear plastic lid and hinge is not very strong.

    Reply
  14. Robert

    May 11, 2015

    Lowe’s Kobalt has two versions 24 piece without sockets and 35 piece with sockets. I own the Gearwrench and the 24 piece Kobalt. The Kobalt driver is 4.5 inches long, has slimmer drive ends, minus the finger grips. The Gearwrench driver is 5 inches long. The two together are great compliments since the bits are quite different (the Kobalt has security stars, spline bits).

    Reply
    • argosytech

      May 15, 2015

      I also have both the Kobalt and GearWrench sets. The GW set I have had for several years and sadly I don’t think I have used the Kobalt one yet as I default to the GW with the lid held on by strips of Gorilla Tape. It works great for alot of the under dash work I used to do on Class 8 trucks and I’ve used it around the house quit a bit (Works way better than the included 5mm hex wrench IKEA gives you). Great to have around if you have your main tools somewhere besides close proximity to your house.

      Reply
  15. firefly

    May 12, 2015

    This look very useful. Look like a small set with all the commonly used socket/bit. I pick one up. If it prove useful I might pick up two other set…

    Reply
  16. Josh

    May 13, 2015

    I have this set from Amazon, find it very handy and use it frequently. Added 1/4″ socket driver extensions (2″ and 4″, which just fit in the case laid parallel on either side of the wrench) to increase the versatility. With the extensions I can all but disassemble my entire lawnmower.

    Reply
  17. OnTheWeb

    May 13, 2015

    It was only $17.99 when I just bought it.

    Reply
  18. Mr p

    May 14, 2015

    Vim half cut has a smaller rachet like the older husky and half cut bits you get into tight spots

    http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VHC77-77-Piece-Half-Stubby/dp/B005MVBGAU

    Reply
  19. Jim W

    May 24, 2015

    Gear Wrench is my new favorite company for wrenches and screwdrivers, I have had this socket set for over a year, a company I worked at had them, I used them and I immediately bought them. Im currently outfitting a home workshop which will soon be where I run my small business and I am snagging up a bunch of different Gearwrench goodies. Got this, their 40-piece screwdriver set (the one with 3 handles), looking to get the nut drivers, files and mini files, and next on the list is the roto ratchet set.

    Reply
  20. Doresoom

    Apr 3, 2019

    This is exactly what I needed the other day – none of my right angle drivers fit where I needed them, and I could only turn the allen key I was using 270° before having to remove it and reinsert it.

    It’s down to $13.10 now on Amazon when I just bought one.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 3, 2019

      Great! That’s why I republished the review this morning – ~$18 is a good everyday price, but $13.10 is a great sale price. Reposting the review seemed like a better idea than a deal post which would have nothing extra to add.

      Reply
      • Doresoom

        Apr 3, 2019

        Haha, somehow I missed this was an older article, and the whole point was the $13.10 price.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Apr 3, 2019

          No worries. The “note” was a little too subtle, so I bolded the price.

          It’s always a tough call. Do I write a deal post, or republish an existing review or deal post? Whenever I republish, things are always a little confusing, such as seeing comments from 2019 right below ones from 2015.

          Reply
  21. Nathan

    Apr 3, 2019

    I wish someone would make a kit box like this with JUST BITS. I don’t want the sockets – don’t need em – and wouldn’t use this ratchet to turn one.

    but I’d like to have bits (metric hex please) and the bit ratchet – and then kept some screw handle along side it. I know I’m just being picky.

    Reply
    • Adam

      Apr 3, 2019

      I have this one from Wera, and it’s proven to be really useful – https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-073640-30-universal-bit-ratchet-zyklop-mini-set/

      Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 3, 2019

      A couple of brands make such sets. Beta too: https://toolguyd.com/beta-tools-bit-ratchet-set-review/

      The standard Wera bit set has a ratchet and screwdriver bits. If you want the screwdriver handle, you’ll have to buy the bigger set that has sockets too, or a separate accessory that lacks on-board storage.

      Reply
  22. firefly

    Apr 3, 2019

    I have this one. The tool are fine. The case is kinda crappy and it can pop open pretty easy. For the price I can’t complain much though.

    Reply
    • Wayne R.

      Apr 7, 2019

      The belt clip doodad (under the wrench) is just an invitation to disappointment, too. A foam insert in a zipper bag would be way more reliable…especially away from a bench.

      Reply
  23. Philip

    Apr 3, 2019

    missed it, rats, price jumped to $25 on 3 April at 8:00 edt

    Reply
  24. ktash

    Apr 3, 2019

    I have two different ones of this type of set from Costco, Bonaire brand (?). It’s surprising how often I use them.

    Reply
  25. Bruce

    Apr 5, 2019

    I keep one in the motorcycle kit. Handy for getting into those little spaces.

    Reply
  26. Max Musial

    Apr 5, 2019

    Yeah it’s not on sale any more

    Reply
  27. HectorP

    Apr 5, 2019

    Others to consider:

    Felo makes a boat-load of sets – e.g.
    http://www.carbideprocessors.com/33pc-xs-bit-set-w-ratchet-felo-61545/
    https://www.dictum.com/en/bit-chucking-heads-bits-bama/felo-tool-set-classic-xs-18-piece-set-717901

    Facom/USAG makes a couple
    https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=8061
    https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=4281
    (I have the later, but wish I had the former. Also, the price of these is 50% less if you order from the EU/UK. Both the case and the ratchet are fantastic)

    And a pedalhead co-worker has the oddest/most interesting:
    https://silca.cc/collections/silca-tools/products/updated-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit

    Got to be the world’s smallest torque wrench

    Reply
  28. John

    Apr 6, 2019

    I have several of these that I use in an industrial setting and they have gotten me out of tight spot many times. I now have them in all my tool kits and they are some of my most used tools.

    Reply
  29. Amish Mike

    Apr 7, 2019

    I’ve had one of these since they came out some time ago I bought at Sears. Worth it’s weight in gold as it has been the only small tool to get into tiny places. Bought a set as a gift for my dad since he was always borrowing mine! Love the tool and how it gets me out of a jam when nothing else fits.

    Reply
  30. Koko The Talking Ape

    Apr 8, 2019

    I didn’t need the bits or the sockets, so I got something like this.

    https://smile.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-940478-4-Inch-Socket-Ratchet/dp/B004QO9DAE/

    Actually mine is by Maxcraft, but it seems to have been discontinued.

    Super-handy, especially for working on bikes, where everything is a 5 mm internal hex drive bolt of one kind or another.

    Reply
  31. Hilton

    Apr 16, 2019

    I picked three sets up for $12.68 (thanks Stuart) and they are currently selling for $22.79.

    This set is a bit rough to be honest. I like the low profile of the ratchet but it’s not smooth at all but maybe it will break in over time.I have a 1/4″ Bahco set that’s better quality.

    Reply
  32. frobo

    Jun 9, 2021

    I bought this set a couple of years ago. With the Prime discount at the time and a $10 Prime Day voucher from Whole Foods, it came to $2.95 with free shipping. Even if it were mediocre quality, the price made it a smokin’ deal. The icing on the cake is that it’s actually really high-quality, with the exception of the somewhat flimsy case as others have mentioned.

    Reply
  33. Ex_dtw2003

    Jun 9, 2021

    Grabbed this yesterday when I saw the deal price. I really wanted the Wera Bit Check + set but I couldn’t pass this up considering the price difference.

    Reply
  34. Rascally

    Jun 9, 2021

    I use this one every day at work. Holds bits and has 1/4 inch drive built in.

    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4N47PG/

    Reply
  35. 928'er

    Jun 9, 2021

    My SAE stuff has been collecting dust for the last 30 years. I no longer buy any sets that include SAE sizes.

    Reply
  36. Philip Proctor

    Jun 9, 2021

    I keep this kit in the glove box of my truck. I just ordered 5 for Xmas stocking stuffers. Can’t beat that price.

    Reply
  37. Jp

    Jun 9, 2021

    Love this set. Been using for years. Just ordered another. Thx for this!

    Reply
  38. Roy

    Jun 13, 2021

    I have this set and cannot recommend it. I was using it to drive a screw and pushing down on the tool caused it to explode into a bunch of tiny pieces.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 13, 2021

      I don’t believe I’ve heard of that happening before. Fluke occurrence?

      Reply
  39. Matt the Hoople

    Jun 16, 2021

    I just bought this set out of curiosity. I have the equivalent Kobalt set purchased from Lowe’s for $10 during their holiday special. I’m on the fence as to which I like better. I don’t think I would pay full price or $20 for either. I like the 1” shorter ratchet and more compact case of the Kobalt set better as this set should be, to me at least, as compact as possible for my uses. It’s not a primary tool. It lives inside my drill/driver case with a 6in1 screw driver and a few other basics for minor home tasks. As for the Gearwrench set, I like the thumb wheels on the ratchet. Neither set has metric hex bits so I replaced some of the larger flat bits and some others with Wera metric hex bits. The Gearwrench will likely live in the Kitchen junk, er, tool drawer where it should save me from trips to the garage or basement for a socket or wrench from time to time.

    The lid on the Gearwrench seems chintzy and prone to breakage. Taking a few measurements, the internal tray from the Gearwrench set can be made to fit inside a small Dewalt tough case with a little creative trimming. Likewise so can the Kobalt. The tough case is deep enough that there can be storage under the tray for extensions, other bits or sockets. If I make this mod, the Gearwrench set will will go from a handy thing to have around to possibly a primary set for working on stuff.

    Reply

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