I posted about a new multi-bit nut driver tool, and readers pointed out that there’s a Klein model. It seemed like a good idea to check it out – here’s a quick look.
To start off, this is a 16-in-1 impact-rated “hybrid” screwdriver and nut driver.
It’s also part of the Klein Tools Knect system, which is a broader ecosystem of impact-rated tools that can be used with a manual-use driver handle such as here.
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The Klein 16-in-1 driver, model 32516HD, comes with 11 impact-rated screwdriver bits that store away in the handle, a “flip socket” with 2 nut driver sizes (1/4″ and 5/16″), and a 3/8″ square drive socket adapter.
For anyone who’s counting along, that’s 14 tools and functions so far (11 bits, 2 nut driver sizes, 1 socket adapter).
Klein says there’s a deep 1/4″ bit holding feature, and also a 1/2″ collet in the handle. Is that what brings the total to 16?
The tool breaks down and you can use the main part in an impact driver. It looks like you can remove the nut driver flip socket and attach the socket adapter.
Price: $21 and up
At the time of this posting, Amazon has it as a limited time deal at $21, Lowe’s has it as a holiday deal at $23, and Acme Tools has it at $30.
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If you like the idea of accessories that can be used with a screwdriver handle one moment and your impact driver the next, there’s a range of different Klein Tools Knect set with bits, sockets, and more in between.
From the public sales numbers, it looks like the 16-in-1 is Klein’s most popular tool in the Knect line.
There’s also a ratcheting driver, Klein 32500HDRT, with 7 screwdriver bit sockets, 3 power nut driver sizes, and a 1/2″ nut driver.
Here it is with all of the parts disassembled.
Klein also has a non-ratcheting version, but this one seems more popular. Given the small price difference between ratcheting and non-ratcheting screwdrivers, I can see why this one seems to sell better.
OH, I see the resemblance now. I came across the Klein 16-in-1 first, but it seems the 11-in-1 is the one readers were referring to in the other post.
See Also: New Milwaukee Multi-Bit & Nut Driver has Impact Rated Parts
Competition is good. The idea to swap tools from a handheld driver to a power tool isn’t a new one.
Wera’s Kraftform Kompakt screwdrivers remain one of my favorite tools with a bit holder that can move from handle to power driver, although it’s not impact-rated.
Johnathon
I got one of these a few months back and like it a lot. I swapped all the bits out of the handle for Allen bits and now can carry a pretty full assortment of metric and imperial sizes in my tool belt (I have fastener bits in an index already). It’s saved me a lot of trips back and forth for the Allen keys plus it’s a comfortable screwdriver when I need one.
BxNC
I’ve got one of these and I would s say it’s a good tool with one major flaw. It cannot reliably be stored in a standard screwdriver loop as the magnetic nut drive is easily pulled off when pulling from the pouch.
I’ve got other flip style tools from Klein without the same trouble
Saulac
I have another version of this (no square drive) and I like it a lot. The shaft and all the bits are shared with the impact driver.
Mike
Carrying a lot of bits around is always nice, but sometimes the profile of the bit holder prevents usage of the driver its self. Often times in electrical cabinets changing components, only to find i have the correct bit, but get denied by some narrow opening the fastener is in, and have to go back to a correct size; Allen key, Torx handle, or normal screw driver blade or ph1 etc. The Milwaukee ratcheting driver i have almost never gets used in this case, it then just becomes a “bit storage” that driver though has double ended bits so that can complicate things. The other comment of using the Klein as a bit storage in the pocket might be nice too if you have single bits to swap out besides the regular PH and slotted. I hate buying multiple of the same tool types if they don’t get heavily used or make life simpler.
Mark M.
I’ve had the Klein 32910 for a couple of years and it’s solid. That’s the one with three dual-head nut driver sockets on a standard 1/4-drive shaft with a handle, so essentially an impact rated 6-in-1. Two sockets store between the handle end and a detent, and then one on the end. Super handy for anything with sheet metal screws like HVAC, pool equipment, etc. Grab that thing and an M12 Surge and you’re covered- hand tighten if you need to or chuck it in the Surge and makes for quick work.
JoeM
Okay, at this point I have to ask. Is there ever a time when Klein Isn’t worth a look? Seems they make some of the best Electrical and Affordable options for hand tools. Going into Wiha and Wera is just investing in more Ergonomics, Higher Grade Materials, and Kit Varieties. All good investments if you’re doing these jobs professionally, but Klein is always right there with them in Quality and Innovation at least in terms of keeping pace.
Many times these articles about Klien have resulted in me buying them. I will likely skip this one, as an exception, but Klein tools seems to be on the “Must Have” list on some level.
Stuart
I feel that modern Klein Tools is a mix of innovation and me-too imports just to fill shelf pegs at Lowe’s. “Anything they make must be good” no longer applies. We can recognize the innovations and ignore the rest.
itsgalf
They have come out with a lot of variations of the Klein screwdrivers that are compatible with the KNect system in recent years (especially starting when Klein went to Lowes)
Right now I’m using the non ratcheting 11-in-1, but I swapped out the 5/16″ nut driver side with a 1/4″-5/16″ magnetic flip socket (bought separately from Klein. Covers most of HVAC and property maintenance needs.
Chad W
Both Milwaukee and Klein versions are made in Taiwan. Same factory???
Jesus Horta
My favorite tools of all time that’s for sure
Robert
To easy to lose the socket because of the weak attachment point made for weekend warriors
D Collins
Like Robert said, I struggle with keeping the flip sockets in the right [detent?].
And on the 20-in-1 set (32303HD), keeping the rest of the sockets on the shaft tends to push the release ring, but that seems to be specific to that handle. So I have a bunch of loose sockets now.
Bought from Lowe’s for $30 (not on sale) – 32303HD 20-in-1 Impact Driver Set with Screwdriver Bits and Flip Sockets