Makita has come out with a new detachable multi-piece nutdriver set, rated for use with impact drivers, SKU B-61581.
The new detachable nutsetter set features a 1/4″ hex adapter, and nutdriver sockets in 3 sizes – 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″.
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The adapter features a magnetically-tipped shaft that extends past the square drive recess. This give you magnetic retention of fasteners, and a means by which to clean magnetically-attracted debris.
It looks to me like the sockets might be standard-sized, potentially allowing for use with other 1/4″ drive accessories. The socket adapter might work with other sockets as well, depending on their designs.
There’s a little organizer that keeps everything together in your tool bag, pouch, other storage device.
Price: $15
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Ken pointed out in the comments (thank you!) that these same tools are also available as part of a larger impact-rated bit set.
See Also(Accessory Assortment via Amazon)
Read Also: Your Favorite Nut Driver Bits?
First Thoughts
While not quite matched for my needs, this looks to be an effective quick-clean nutdriver design. It’ll earn some bonus points if its bit adapter or sockets can be used beyond the scope of this set.
Adam
This looks great. I currently use a malco bit driver witch is somewhat similar to this but I like the added flexibility to this.
Nathan
Dewalt has something that is a easy clean nut driver too – so glad to see there is another type of product.
That makita thing looks like it might could be used with any other sockets. 1/4 drive that is. Actually that would be a good question or did they make it unique.
Finally I find I don’t use nut drivers at all – and I still am curious as to why you would get so much shaving junk in them. Unless you are just reaming off nuts as you go.
I mostly use 1/4 drive sockets when I need something like that I even use them on my impact driver with a adapter device.
fred
I use them driving Teks and self-tapping sheet metal screws. That process itself doesn’t produce much (if any) swarf. If you have drilled pilot holes, however, there may be little bits hanging around. Also, anything magnetic tossed into a toolbox or toolbag will tend to attract and hold onto little bits of iron/steel chips/filings. That’s why I have a love/hate relationship with magnetic tips on tape measures.
fred
This design should avoid some of the issues (magnet moving/falling out) that I’ve had with the Dewalt variant :
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA2240IR-3-Piece-Cleanable-Nutsetter/dp/B008Z75RTO/
Chris
4 pieces for $15? Ehhhhh I’ll pass. Although I am looking for an impact rated socket set, not sure this one is it. Maybe if they make bigger sets.
fred
I was going to comment that the Dewalt set is $9.97 – or 2/3 the price
Chris
What set are you looking at? Model number? I don’t see anything Dewalt sells for $10
fred
Darn Amazon floating prices, they must know when folks are looking at an item. The set was $9.97 when I looked yesterday – now its up to $12.34:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA2240IR-3-Piece-Cleanable-Nutsetter/dp/B008Z75RTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524312410&sr=8-1&keywords=dwa2240ir
pete
have you seen the makita 3/8 drive impact socket set with a 1/4 hex adapter for $15 at home depot? Goes from 5/16 to 3/4 on a pretty cool holder. The only thing about those is they tend to rust easily. But i still like them.
Robin
In their defense, Makita bits are often made in Japan or Taiwan
michaelhammer
Does anybody really need impact rated drivers? I’ve never used them and never have had an issue. Seems like a sales gimmick.
Chris
That’s actually a good question. Stuart you got an input on this?
Stuart
Regular sockets are strong, hard, and chrome-plated. They’re not ideal for impact mechanism forces.
Depending on the socket, you might be okay. Or it could fail spectacularly, and by “fail spectacularly,” I mean it’ll yield to brittle fracture and explode. I’ve seen cracked sockets.
When you think about it, most sockets are designed for use with hand-held ratchets and other drive tools that are human-powered.
It’s not a sales gimmick to encourage the use of sockets especially designed for use with heavy duty impact drivers and wrenches.
Can you get away with using non-impact-rated tools? Possibly. Is it a good idea? Not in the long run.
Chris
That’s a great explanation,. How do you think they would hold up in a regular drill, electric screwdriver, or m12 ratchet? Anything that doesn’t feature an impacting mechanism.
Scott K
Glad I read all the comments- I had the same question. I appreciate the thorough answer.
Would you say the same is true for driving bits? I haven’t had any issues using my regular DeWalt bits in my impact driver- is this an accident waiting to happen?
Stuart
In my experience, impact-rated bits, nutdrivers, and sockets work well in drills and impact drivers alike.
In theory, non-impact bits might be harder, and more durable when used with a non-impact drill or cordless screwdriver. But competition in recent years has led to great refinements in impact-rated drilling and driving accessories.
Can you use non-impact-rated screwdriver bits in an impact driver? Yes, but you run a greater risk of bit breakage. I believe this generally means the driver bit shearing right off at the tip. But you’ll see the same in earlier generations of impact-rated accessories.
These days, I have non-impact bits that I use in hand tools, and impact-rated that I use in power tools.
In a pinch, can you use non-impact accessories for light work? Probably. If you exceed what the bits can handle, they’ll snap. It’s not as big a deal to break a bit as it is to crack a socket.
I’ll add it to my to-do list to do some comparison failure testing.
pete
what happens when you loose the adapter? none of your bit drivers are useful… I think i like the dewalt ones better.
Diamond Dave
This looks great! For those of us using self tappers it is frustrating trying to clean out the metal filings when they become gummed up! I didn’t know Dewalt already made a set of these (thank you commentors) Although I typically reach for the “Yellow” tool lineup first…looking at the Dewalt vs the new Makita, the length of the Dewalt causes me concern. I am hoping I can look at both manufacturers sets in person before choosing which set to go with!
Ken
They do have it as part of more comprehensive impact rated set.
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-B-52370-Impact-Torsion-Piece/dp/B01HXL6Y1W
Stuart
Thanks! I hadn’t seen that one before.
fred
Now that you posted it, I recall seeing it at Home Depot – now also $24.97
Josh
I’ve been using this set for about a year and a half. love the nut drivers and the bits!
Daniel
I have this same impact bit set and love it. The magnet magnifier is incredibly strong as well!
Blythe
I have used the malco version, it’s cheaper and much more compact. Plus it’s all self contained, no pieces to lose. You don’t get a 3/8”, but that’s a fairly rare need
https://www.amazon.com/Malco-Dual-Sided-Reversible-Driver-MSHC/dp/B072C4HJFD
Tool Of The Trade
$15 is a little steep for a socket adapter and 3 sockets. How far does it go past the square drive? Ductwork screws are probably out of the question. SOL if you use anything shorter than 1½”. Why not just buy some magnets and glue them to the end of an adapter. You might spend $10, 15 at the most for ¼,⅜,&½ inch socket adapters, epoxy and some magnets. Still don’t understand why they’re called nut drivers when you can’t fasten a nut to a bolt with it. I just bought a set of metric magnetic hex drivers 6mm-15mm for $11.99 from Amazon.
Andrey
Is there any similar metric set?
Chip
Thanks,made the order .
Then I read the article.
Out of stock at the moment…no problem.
I’ve used DeWalt cleanables,as well as the malco flips.
I drive a lot of tapconns, self tapping into aluminum/steel,and some metal roofing into wood.
These reside in a service body with lots of metal shavings all around them…on site,and in the box.
Stuart
Since it’s a new listing, they were out of stock when the post went up.
Terry
Don’t be fooled . The magnetic shank will fit these 3 sockets only . The shank will not fit a standard i/4 inch or 3/8 inch drive socket . I know because I ordered both sets from the local Makita dealer . I brought one of my own 1/4 inch drive sockets and a 3/8 drive socket just to be sure , as , the picture did not look quite right . I tried both sets on my sockets , and walked away from both . Shame on Makita .