Over at Klein tools, they have new 2-in-1 hex head Slide Drivers coming out, in 6″ and 1.5″ stubby versions. Both sport a 2-in-1 nut driver tip that switches from 5/16″ to 1/4″ and back, with a pull of the collar.
The new Klein screwdrivers are designed for use with hex head screws, and can take the place of 2 nut drivers, or a bulkier multi-bit screwdriver when you know you’ll only need the hex sockets.
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Pull back the collar, and the Slide Driver has a 1/4″ hex socket. Push it forward, and the collar extends to fit 5/16″ fasteners.
- A thumb nut twists to tighten and lock tip setting in place
- 6pt hex drivers
- Magnetic tip for screw retention
- Cushion-grip handle
- Tip-intend on top of handle for easy tool identification
- Solid shank
There’s little mistaking the handle markings. These Slide Drivers should stand out well in a tool pouch or bag.
Klein mentions their new Slide Drivers as being suitable for HVAC use, but I imagine they could be used for many applications beyond that. I suppose that hose clamps and hex head sheet metal screws are going to be the top applications.
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Street Price: $25 (6-inch, 65129), $20 (1.5-inch, 65131)
Buy Now(6″ Slide Driver via Amazon)
Buy Now(1.5″ Stubby Slide Driver via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I don’t think this is something I could use, at least not in place of my nut drivers. But that’s just me – I don’t do a lot of field work where I’d want or need to travel as light as possible.If you tend to work with 2 sizes of nut drivers or screwdrivers with nut driver bits, is this something you would buy?
It’s always appealing when one tool takes the place of two, but are there tradeoffs?
Regardless, I’m happy to see Klein try something new. But is it new? The patent, 7,654,175 B2, has been around for quite some time – it was filed more than a decade ago. Has something like this already come out, and I missed it?
Nathan
the “6 pc hex drivers” is meant to be 6 side hex drivers?
I like the idea – I don’t sue nut drivers and don’t own any per the other thread I use a adapter and set of sockets – nice thin wall sockets.
I wouldn’t want this but I sort of like the basic idea
Stuart
Sorry, 6pt – 6 point.
Kendall
A small company called Sensible Products has been making a “Slide Driver” for awhile. Same function.
fred
Now there is a company I haven’t heard of lately. We had one of their pullers that was specific for pulling squirrel cage fans. I think the company caters to appliance repair folks.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fan-Blade-And-Blower-Wheel-Puller/37954621
Michael
I would never have the sizes I needed on the same driver. I’ll stick with my multi bit driver.
Jason
Sensible makes a version of this called the “slide driver” in 1/4 and 5/16. HVAC supply houses in San Antonio carry it, and our technicians tend to use it quite a bit. 1/4 and 5/16 are the two most popular sizes for HVAC systems though.
Noah
This would be excellent for sheet metal screws and hose clamps.
Jerry
My 2 most used sizes of nut drivers are 1/4 and 5/16. Combining the two sizes into one driver would be a convenience