As you might know, I have been checking Amazon’s tool deal listing regularly, sorting through it all to separate the “wow that’s a good deal” promos from the “uch, stuff no real tool user wants” noise.
Day 1
Amazon: Hey, this Lenox multi-bit screwdriver is on sale for $8.98.
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Me: Meh, that’s not an exciting deal.
Day 2
Amazon: Hey there, it’s still on sale.
Me: That’s nice.
Day 3-11
Same as before.
Day 12
I don’t know how many days it’s been, but it feels like this Lenox multi-bit screwdriver has been an Amazon tool department front-page deal for most of the month.
Yes, the handle looks comfortable. Yes, the bit selection looks useful. Yes, $8.98 seems like a good price.
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Okay, okay, I’ll bite. Let’s take a look.
The same screwdriver looks to be regularly priced at $11 or $12, depending on the retailer. It’s on sale at a few places right now.
9-in-1?
I see 4 screwdriver bit tips, 2 nut driver sockets. Isn’t this a 6-in-1 screwdriver.
Update: 2 more hidden inner-facing bit tips plus one more nut driver size = 3 more for 9-in1.
How do they get 9-in-1?
The Lenox Tools 23932 9-in-1 Mullet-tool Screw Driver is a versatile and comfortable driver that will allow you to work with a variety of fasteners. The 6-in-1 Screw Driver features a slip resistant, ergonomic grip that MAX the amount of torque you can use.
Umm…
Seems like the 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 listings ended up mashed together. Aside from that, no one at Stanley Black & Decker or Amazon caught how this screwdriver is being called a mullet-tool.
I’d guess they accidentally reused some of the marketing copy for Irwin’s 9-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver ($11.32 via Amazon). I have an Irwin screwdriver just like that one, and it’s held up well over the years.
Wait!
I missed that one of those double-sided bits has multiple components. This could very well me a 9-in-1!
I dug this photo up from Lenox’s website, but I’m not quite sure what it’s showing. Is this for the 6-in-1?
Okay, I am sold on the idea that this Lenox mullet-tool screwdriver is a good deal at $9. (Sorry, I still find that slip-up funny. Autocorrect?)
It seems that the 6-in-1 is $8, and the 9-in-1 is $9.
I think that this would be a good buy whether I was looking to buy something for me, or a small gift or stocking stuffer type of tool for someone just starting out with their first brand-name hand tools.
Buy it Now via Amazon – $9 at the time of this posting
See Also: Lenox 6-in-1 via Amazon – $8 at the time of this posting
What do you think? Rate this deal!
*Crossing my fingers that this Lenox screwdriver sells out so that I don’t keep seeing it on Amazon’s tool deals front page listings.*
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The Klein 11-in-1 is a popular option too – I’d consider it an upgrade pick at $15.
Then there’s the Wera Kraftform Kompakt screwdriver set – THIS is a nice “treat myself” type of multi-bit screwdriver deal.
fred
Some multi driver styles get an extra 1 in the x in 1 – by counting the hex drive part of the handle. This Lenox might be 7-in-1 if they use a hex drive bolster on the bit holder. But they use a tang drive on a round shank bit holder – so its 6-in-1.
In either event the tool and price seem OK but as you say nothing to get exited about
Frank D
Lenox has multiple models of these multi-bit drivers. More bits, more coin.
I have this exact one. Picked it up as a basic go-to for basic tasks, assembly, … around the house screwdriver.
Fusionman
I see possibly 10 in 1 on that Lenox. 6 screwdriver bits and 3 or 4 nut driver sizes depending on whether the small ones are both 1/4 inch on the screwdriver insert. The square and small phillips look to be double sided, that’s how the Klein ones are.
fred
I missed that entirely – good catch. It could indeed be 9 in 1.
3 – nut-driver sizes on 2 bit holders
6 – tip sizes on 3 double-ended screwdriver bits
Stuart
Thanks! I don’t know how I missed missed that!
Dave
Hammer, if it’s not a hammer you’re not trying hard enough.
GEORGE MICHENER
lol,i was thinking the same thing. Dont forget chisel and “prydriver” too
GEORGE MICHENER
and its great for popping holes in WD40 cans with the fancy flip up sprayers so you can get the 1/4 can that wont spray out
Peter Fox
9 in 1
#1 Phillips
#2 Phillips
3/16″ Slotted
1/4″ Slotted
#1 Robertson
#2 Robertson
1/4″ Nutdriver
5/16″ Nutdriver
3/8″ Nutdriver
Chadrick B Johnson
Are you sure it’s an S1 and S2? Think it’s S2 and S3. Really wish it was an S1 though.
I love this driver by the way. I find I grab it more often than my regular Wera’s or Milwaukee.
Peter Fox
I have one and can confirm that its S1 and S2
#3 Robertson is not very common on multi bit drivers
Peter Fox
I just looked close and i stand corrected it is S2 and S3
I never noticed.
JoeM
I’m either tired, or having some sort of problem with my eyes these days.
I read that as “Lenox Multi-Bit Multi-TOOL Screwdriver…” And then proceeded to get very frustrated reading this entire article, looking for how, in whatever universe they’re referring to, this qualifies as a “Multi-Tool” A La Leatherman.
I Am… Absolutely… Having an Idiot Moment.
blocky
This appears actual size on my laptop screen, and for a moment, I had a glimmer of “ooh- that looks 3/4 sized”, but the listing has it at 8″ with “25% thicker nut driver” — so I’m not sure?
For me, the deciding factor would be weight. That Klein is almost certainly a better tool with a better grip, but I don’t grab for hand-drivers that often, so I’m not going to commit that kind of weight to hanging off my belt.
If this were 4-6 oz with an almost full-diameter handle, it would definitely go in a kit.
For similar reasons, the lightweight Kraftform Kompakt has found a home in my go bag, even though I prefer the Megapro in steady use. 3-4oz per hand-tool adds up pretty quick.
(how I wish full specs were always published.)
Dave
I have a ton of six-way (or however many way) screwdrivers and several of the Klein’s and I sure don’t consider them an upgrade from any decent brand. I abhor the rubber grip that loosens over time, especially if it gets soaked in oil-which can easily happen if you’re into heavy mechanic-type work. Just yesterday we were doing a head gasket in a diesel truck and dropped a screwdriver in a 5 gal bucket of engine oil. Luckily it was one with an all-plastic handle….
I just want a decent-quality six-way with zero rubber on it, just a hard composite/plastic handle, be both a 1/4” and. 5/16” nut driver, (not all are…) and have 2 sizes of straight and Phillips bits. Plus look well-enough made to stand up to being occasionally whacked on the end of the handle with a hammer….
The Wera won’t last in a non climate-controlled toolbox- it’ll rust up. And like almost anything that will sort of do a lot, it’ll do little well. BTDT
Leo B.
I believe Husky may make what you’re looking for.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-6-in-1-Screwdriver-132660011/301959988
I’m not sure about the long-term striking durability, but I have a similar one and it’s pretty strong. Hope this helps!
Leo B.
* There is also a Lifetime Warranty with no receipt needed, if you’re really whaling on it.
Dave
I have several.
MFC
It’s being called a “mullet tool”.
You ain’t touchin’ my mullet with that.
MtnRanch
I’ll take the Klein 11-in-1 any day for a few extra bucks.
Eddie the Hook
This is a nice accessory for ppl with a whit Horror Freight , U.S. General Tech Cart
Robert
That’s a pretty good deal on the Lenox. I had one, but gave it to a plumber friend of mine. I ended up favoring the Irwin version. Some people say that they’re virtually the same. I compared them side by side, and was surprised at what I discovered. I thought I’d prefer the Lenox, but ended up favoring the Irwin.
First of all, the rubberized grips are different. It’s not just an aesthetic thing however. The Irwin rubber grip is fluted inward on the top and bottom towards the plastic handle. I found that when my hand got a little oily or even just sweaty, it became too slippery when I put any real crank on it. The Irwin has a little extended ridge on the top and bottom that actually sticks in my palm. It gives me a much better grip when I need to crank it. My hand can be greasy, but the grip is still solid. What I thought was just an aesthetic was actually very functional.
The second thing was that the Lenox rattled if I shook it. It could’ve been the specific driver, but it literally rattled in the handle. The Irwin was rock solid. That surprised me.
The third thing was a test I like to do with a multi-bit driver. I grab one of the slotted tips and attempt to put a fast spin on a common fastener. It’s usually something like the plate over a wall outlet. I don’t know why, but the Lenox consistently cammed out. I tried a number of fasteners, all with the same result. It was a pain in the rear to keep it in the fastener. The Irwin however locked in and spun without a hitch. It just didn’t budge. You’d think they’d be the same with the company affiliations, but the proof was in the application. Something in the machining? I don’t know.
Fourthly, some people say that they have the same bit selection. That’s not true. With the Irwin, the square drive bit has a #1 and #2. With the Lenox, it’s a #2 and #3. I do occasional minor residential electrical work. Most standard outlets, light switches, etc, can be turned with a Phillips #2, a slotted, or a #1 square drive. I like to use the #1 a lot. The #3 in in the Lenox is more common in commercial applications, plumbing, etc.
It surprised me, but I’m happier with the Irwin. I’m not a brand loyal person. I take every tool on it’s own merit. Unless you have a need for the #3 square in in the Lenox however, I’d recommend the Irwin.
Robert
Meant to say that the Lenox rubber grip is fluted on top and bottom. Sorry for the typo.
S
I have two of the Lenox 6-in-1 drivers. They are okay. The Philips bits fit screws a little more loosely than I like and the rubber grip pulled off of both not long after I got them. I glued the rubber grips back on and they have stayed.
I have a bunch of 6-in-1 drivers and just never use the Lenox.
Robert
Funny, I think that the basic Husky brand “six in one” sold by Home Depot is one of the most straightforward and dependable ones out there. It used to be virtually the same as the one sold under the Craftsman label with a slightly different modification in the grip.
They used to be made by “Western Forge.“ i’m not positive who is making them now or if Western Forge is even still in existence. I’m not inquisitive enough to stay ahead of it.
oscar
I bought a lenox in lowes for $ 7.98 and I don’t have to pay shipping
I do not see any discount that I say this is very cheap
in lowes you get very cheap
Stuart
Yes, I have that one in the post as well:
See Also: Lenox 6-in-1 via Amazon
fred
I see that Klein has 2 (newish I think) multi-bit screwdrivers – with extendable shafts:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-14-in-1-Multi-Bit-Adjustable-Length-Screwdriver-32303/314975057
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-8-in-1-Multi-Bit-Adjustable-Length-Stubby-Screwdriver-32308/314975056
Les
I have the Lenox 6-in-1 (23931). I got it for $8 a while ago. I like the grip on it. I like klein tools as well. But what I like best about is that it holds the double-ended Dottie Megapro Bits very well. I keep those around, but when I really need to torque down I’ll put the bit in the Lenox.