I was checking Amazon’s price on Hazet’s magnetic parts cup (KC Tool has better pricing), and came across Hazet’s locking screwdriver bit holder handle, model 810BH.
Amazon has it for $15.99, KC Tool has it for $13.05.
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What’s the catch?
I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised, as the medium-sized Wera Rapidaptor locking screwdriver handle is only a couple dollars more, at ~$18 on Amazon. Still, $13 to $16 seems uncharacteristically inexpensive for this brand.
The Hazet bit screwdriver has a bayonet-style clasp, which basically means it has a quick-release-style latching mechanism, in contrast to the magnetic hex sockets most bit screwdriver handles feature.
It looks like the Hazet screwdriver handle can be used with standard 1/4″ insert bits, and it should work with power-style bits as well.
In my experience, locking bit holders tend to have very little if any wobble, and are more secure than magnetic bit holder sockets.
I don’t really need any more screwdriver handles, but this is definitely something I could add to my shopping list for future review. But I suppose that depends – what’s your stance on locking bit holders vs. magnetic?
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Pretend that I’m in the market for a bit screwdriver. Can you talk me out of this one. Otherwise, this looks to be a fantastic buy – a good brand-name screwdriver bit driver at a reasonable price, and with a locking bit chuck.
As for the handle style, I already know it’s comfortable – I bought Hazet’s longer magnetic bit driver a few years ago (HAZET 810SPC-6.3). If I had to choose again, it would be this 810BH model, for the shorter size and locking chuck.
I find myself trying to find a flaw in the 810BH’s design. Why shouldn’t I buy it? Why wouldn’t you buy it? Or is this really something that EVERYONE should have in their tool box?
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Rob
I have it. The Oplast handle is all good and well. The bit holding part is not as good as Wera Rapidadaptor nor the Wiha Centrofix (I think that’s what they call it this week).
Skip past this for the Wiha 76000 which locks ball detent, wire detent and and even centrotec (hence why Festool rebranded it for a while). Zero wobble.
If you prefer Wera, we’ll, Bob’s your uncle.
Rob
Do I highlight the fact that the Oplast/Hazet has plenty of weeble-wobble?
Rob
Also, the bitholder is different than what is shown in the mock-up. The sleeve is knurled. The same sleeve that seems to be machined a bit (no pun intended) rough.
It’s $13 for a reason.
JML
I love the Wiha version: https://www.wihatools.com/bits/power-blades/blade-handles/wiha-centrofix-1-4-power-blade-handle
Comes in sets with blades, too. The Centrofix holder is also my favorite for drill/drivers – absolutely no movement when a powerbit is inserted, and no runout.
Rob
JML knows what’s up. 👍
Rob
Remember how long it took Wiha to figure out to put a handle on one these? Before they called it centrofix, I had this bitholder in various shades of blue and whatever they called it then printed on it….15 years ago? They had every other bit holder with a soft grip on it. Even when they finally did, they stuck a smaller ph1 size handle on it and sold it as an esd handle. Took another year or two to get it right. When I saw it with a ph2 handle (the Festool one) my god…I ordered a dozen. 😂
JML
The Wiha bit holders are the best I’ve ever used, for powerbits and the smaller insert bits. I must have about a half-dozen for use with various drill/drivers so I never have to go searching. Better than the Wera bit holders, which I also have and use as part of their driver handles and separately.
JML
Here’s the info on the two Wiha holder designs (only the Centrofix, which is made for powerbits) comes as part of a handle):
#71480
CentroFix 1/4″ Quick Release Bit Holder
#71491
ClicFix 1/4″ Insert Bit Holder Magnetic
Rob
This is where I’m going to have to diverge from your Wiha love. I’ll take the Wera over the ClicFix. This year I coincidentally started coming around to the rapidadaptor again. I may even like it better in use than the Centrofix in drills/impacts. The Centrofix, however, is indeed the tightest holding, as you may know. It is the king of no wobble.
For bit holding screwdrivers, hands down, Wiha Centrofix all the way.
At the end of the day, these options are infinitely better than the bitholder on the Hazet screwdriver.
Lance
I have the Wiha with a set of Powerbits and it’s an incredible handle to use. As you said, ZERO play when locked in. With the added length of the Powerbits my dedicated screwdrivers usually only see use within a few feet of my tool chest.
This Powerbit velcro wallet goes with me. I’ve stuffed it with every Powerbit screwdriver bit Wiha makes and rarely run into something it can’t handle (hehe).
Next up will be a similar wallet with their nut drivers.
Stacey Jones
Yup. I have the bit holder version and also the 26 in 1. Both hold bits like a pitbull bites and you can use those awesome double-ended bits too.
https://www.wihatools.com/centrofix-1-4-inch-quick-release-bit-holder
Joatman
You said it yourself…..”I don’t really need anymore screwdriver handles”.
TimL
I prefer a ratcheting one. I think matco branded on amazon.
Andy
https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-SANTATOOLS2020-Advent-Calendar-Santa/dp/B084S9YDJB/
Or you could just get the last Hazet advent calendar. It’s marked down a bit
blocky
That ratcheting bit holder screwdriver with bit storage looks very similar to this gedore one i’m waiting on:
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/2169-012-GEDORE-Magazine-Screwdriver/dp/B08GZCBZ9R/
Looks like it is also a “gearless” drive.
Stacey Jones
Now that one looks nice. Bit storage & a side driver! I may put this under the christmas tree for my youngest son!
Plain grainy
I just noticed a Dewalt ratcheting hex key set. The Dewalt DWHT70265, comes with ratcheting T handle.
Plain grainy
The reviews are pretty divided on this set. Around $22 at Acme tools. I might pick one up sometime.
Big Richard
Personally, I like it. It’s great with nut driver bits so you can get a little extra torque over a standard screwdriver shape. The ratcheting feature is obviously a plus too compared to a standard T-handle hex key.
Plain grainy
Off topic; Subject- Woodpeckers new wall mounted drill station. Noticed they thread charger cord through metal holes in the drill station. Seems like attaching & removing batteries to charger, would have the potential to wear power cord insulation over time.
Plain grainy
And photos don’t show any rubber grommets.
Plain grainy
For a driver, try the Gearwrench(52 piece set)- 82779
Plain grainy
Gearwrench stubby 1/4” driver(890005GD). 27% off on Amazon.
Plain grainy
Klein (32308) adjustable length stubby driver. $15 at HD.
Darrin
The compact version it KC Tool’s Tool of the Day for only $10.
https://www.kctool.com/tool-of-the-day/
Jared
Looks good to me. I usually skip past Hazet – it’s nice looking stuff but pretty darn expensive. More expensive than even other German and Japanese brands with good reputations. I’ve yet to convince myself its worth that extra premium.
Reading the comments it seems like not everyone is impressed with this one – but it certainly LOOKS alright. I’d certainly be tempted to try one if it were that cheap in Canada. Maybe something for me to consider if I place an Amazon.de order.
Hilton
That Wera Kraftform 816 R that you referenced is the small version and not at all comfortable for any heavy screw driving. Fine to pull open a PC. You need to move to the 817 R ($28) to get a comparable handle size.
Stuart
Thanks! Looks like I might need to buy a couple more screwdriver handles for comparison.
813R is the really small one – https://toolguyd.com/wera-edc-screwdriver-bit-holders/
816R is the “standard” screwdriver handle size. I like this one a lot.
817R looks a little larger – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KN3HLI/?tag=toolguyd-20 .
It has an extending bit holder like the Kraftform Kompakt – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HSNHM2/?tag=toolguyd-20 , which I find to be a little too large at times.
MT_Noob
I don’t have any Hazet tools (yet) so maybe this is is a good choice to go with as a gateway tool.
Nathan
so this is made more for those common 1 inch and long shank bits that you might see more in the mechanic world.
Not power bits though they fit and lock – that curve detent in a power bit is deep enough to allow movement.
Meanwhile if you have a master set of bits for things like tri wing, offset cruciform, torxplus, etc etc.
I like mag setups vs locks if only because I’m more often trying to grab or capture the screw. so a mag holder more likely keeps the screw from dropping under the car/off the wing, etc etc.
Jared
I also tend to prefer magnetic over locking, in my case mostly because of the lower profile. Felo’s magnetic bit-holding screwdriver is a good one because the fit is tight and the magnet is powerful.
It’s not as important though if using power bits instead of insert bits. Power bits seem harder to come by though and I have a much less extensive collection compared to my tray of insert bits.
Another workaround is to use a magnetic holder in a locking bit screwdriver (but then you also might double up on the wiggle).
William Adams
If you want a locking holder screwdriver, one of the nicest option is a Wiha locking holder — if you need a fix of nice wood handled tools:
https://justbritishwoodworkingtools.com/product/elementary-no-1-screwdriver-set/
(though I sanded mine off and stained it black, which I need to follow up w/ a glossy coat of paint to match my Starrett 559A and B:
https://www.reddit.com/r/toolporn/duplicates/520azn/elementary_no_1_screwdriver_starrett_559a_and/
Jared
Well now, if we’re going to bring wood-handled bit-holding screwdrivers into the conversation I think the Veritas deserves mention:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/screwdrivers/drivers/75948-veritas-magnetic-screwdriver-handle?item=05K0201
William Adams
Nice!
Wasn’t available back when I was buying, but may have to pick one up as an in-between size.
Ned Boudreaux
The best locking bit screw driver is the Stanley Screwdriver, Ratcheting, Multi-Bit (69-189). I keep a 2 inch Phillips bit in the nose piece, and straight and torx bits in the handle.
Brian
Buy one of the drivers with the ql3 bit holder. There are a couple kobalt drivers that have it, and while the body of the driver is a but cheap feeling the bit holder mechanism is great.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Ratcheting-screwdriver-10-Piece-Plastic-Handle-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000033271
Brent
I’ll look at it next time I am in Germany may be available as a house brand for one of the home stores that is how I score NWS pliers at much lower prices .
frampton
I have it. It’s solid but Wera is better IMO. I think Hazet wrenches, sockets, and ratchets are the best around. Screwdrivers? Not as much – not bad,. mind you – just not as good.
bobad
Looks good. I prefer locking to magnetic. Magnets are very much like ceramic, and the small ones in bit holders can be crushed. Just be careful about silastic handles. They are not 100% gas and oil-proof. They stain and also become sticky with age.