Update: Sold out.
Over at I Heart Engineering, they are shifting their business focus more towards their TurtleBot robot-related products and less on tools. They are also moving to a new location. Because of this, they are auctioning off a lot of their leftover tool-related inventory and a bunch of used equipment.
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This Engineer L-Wrench (DR-50) is a compact removable bit driver that features spring-action bit retention, and it comes with (10) bits – 8 Torx and 2 double-ended Phillips and slotted combination bits.
I bought one of these but with a standard bit selection, and it is a superb tool. I also own a similar styled L-wrench from a US manufacturer, and its built-in magnet became unglued and popped out the day I bought it. That’s partially why I have like the Engineer driver’s spring-based bit holder so much.
Over at Amazon, the price (via I Heart Engineering) is just shy of $22 including shipping ($16.33 + $5.33). The unit price is a little cheaper via their website, but shipping rates are higher ($14.20 + $14.24).
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Made in Japan.
Right now it appears that there are 6 to 8 drivers left in stock.
Full retail price: $34-40. When I purchased the DR-07, which is the same tool but with different bits, it was $28 plus shipping at Amazon. Now that model is $33 and change with free shipping from another vendor.
Also recommended: Engineer PH-55 Scissors ($12 via IHE at Amazon). I also ordered these back when they were full price and like them a lot. They are a bit small, which is not a bad thing, but it is something to be mindful of.
There are a bunch of other goodies included in the auction. If you see something you’re interested in, act fast; I didn’t and the anti-static mat I wanted was removed from my cart just before checkout as someone else snagged it.
Prices will continue to drop every hour, with an added ~20% discount each day. This is Day 4 of the auction.
Mark Geoffriau
Shoot. Really wanted one of these — needed a good set of security torx bits, and the driver looks nice too. Out of stock now.
george
I got something similar years ago from a 99 cent store. never found a need for it.
now where did I put that ?
jesse
You can find similar tools from Pro’sKit and Laser Tools UK.
Stan
Pro’s Tool Kit is also named Eclipse tools as well. However, their products are mostly made in Taiwan, but are ROHS safe though.
However, at the time of this post the price is $39.56, so needless to say, this product at this time isn’t exactly cheap.
I wonder what brand Stuart used that was from a United States manufacturer though. Didn’t even know this product was even made in USA or at least anymore.
Stuart
It was a Craftsman, but I can’t seem to find it on Sears or Craftsman’s sites anymore.
The tool was basically shaped like a large L key and had both ends shaped to 1/4″ internal hex. Magnets embedded in the holes retained standard 1/4″ hex bits, and that’s what popped out the first time I used the tool. I had purchased the set more for the inch hex bits it came with, so I didn’t bother to return it.
Stan
Stuart, with Craftsman, I am sure you know this, but there might be a model number on that tool itself that would allow you to find that information out.
I mention that in case you ever want to sell that or so. Hopefully what you bought didn’t cost a great deal of money though. Thanks for responding.
Stuart
I haven’t a clue as to where that Craftsman driver is. It pops up every few weeks and then I lose track of it again. The whole set was maybe $15. I could have taken it back for a replacement, but it wasn’t worth the trouble since I was mainly interested in the bits, which I use with my Wera BitRatchet.
I saved the packaging card since I don’t think the L-driver itself had distinguishing marks. That’s floating around here somewhere as well.
Jerry
I didn’t know where to post this, but I just ordered one of these from Amazon, for $24 and change.
Lukas
Are the bits standard 1/4″ hex?