Milwaukee Tool is quietly releasing a new line of multi-bit screwdrivers, featuring a new ergonomic handle design, built-in bit storage, and greater versatility.
One of the interesting and potentially very convenient features is that the bit holders are removable. They all have 1/4″ hex shafts that can be chucked into cordless drills or non-impact screwdrivers and other such tools.
Additionally, Milwaukee says you can insert screwdriver bits directly in the handles, for easier access in tight spaces.
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The 1/4″ hex shanks are described as being “wrench-ready” for wrench-assisted turning if greater torque delivery is needed.
To my knowledge, all of these new screwdrivers are Milwaukee Tool’s first multi-bit drivers to work with insert-style bits.
Here are the new models:
14-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
- 14-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver – 48-22-2900
- 14-in-1 Torx screwdriver – 48-22-2907
- 14-in-1 hex screwdriver – 48-22-2908
- 14-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2903
27-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
- 27-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver – 48-22-2901
- 27-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2904
8-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
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- 8-in-1 stubby screwdriver – 48-22-2910
- 8-in-1 stubby ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2913
2pc set – 48-22-2905, includes 14-in-1 and 8-in-1 ratcheting screwdrivers
ETA: March 2023
New Milwaukee 14-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
There are manual and ratcheting versions of the 14-in-1 screwdrivers.
From the product images, the two screwdrivers look to have very similar handles, but with the ratcheting driver being a little longer.
They each come with 13 screwdriver bits, plus the removable bit holder that doubles as a 1/4″ nut driver.
It looks like all of the 14-in-1 screwdrivers come with standard 1″ insert bits that can be swapped out at your convenience.
The 14-in-1 will be available in general purpose, Torx, and hex bit configurations. All versions have chrome-plated bit holder with magnetic retention.
The endcap has style markings, making it easy to grab the right tool the first time.
14-in-1 and ratcheting 14-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 1/4″, 3/16″
- Square #1, #2, #3
- ECX1, ECX2
- Torx T10, T15, T20, T25
- 1/4″ nut driver
14-in-1 Torx screwdriver sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″,
- Torx T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
- 1/4″ nut driver
14-in-1 hex screwdriver sizes:
- SAE: 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″
- Metric: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm,
- 1/4″ nut driver
Price: $18 for manual, $20 for ratcheting
New Milwaukee 27-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
The 27-in-1 screwdrivers are just a little different, featuring double-ended screwdriver bits.
As with the 14-in-1 drivers, the ratcheting version is slightly longer to accommodate the gearing and direction selection switch.
The bit holder is also different, with a spring clip-style holder for bit retention.
The bit holder looks to be the same size as with the 14-in-1 screwdrivers, but with different clip placements.
With these 27-in-1 screwdrivers, you get 13 double-ended bits, plus the removable bit holder.
27-in-1 and ratcheting 27-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted 1/4″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 9/32″
- Square SQ1, SQ2, SQ3
- ECX1, ECX2
- Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
- Metric Hex 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm
- Inch Hex 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″
- 1/4″ nut driver
As the 27-in-1 screwdrivers cover a wide gamut of sizes, there’s just one bit configuration, with manual and ratcheting handle styles.
Price: $28 for manual, $30 for ratcheting
New Milwaukee 8-in-1 Stubby Screwdrivers
There will also be compact stubby-handle multi-bit screwdrivers.
The ratcheting version is slightly longer.
The 8-in-1 compact stubby screwdrivers also have removable bit holders and come with 7 insert bits that store in the handle.
A common feature across the line, you can remove the bit holder and insert screwdriver bits directly into the handle’s built-in 1/4″ hex socket.
8-in-1 and ratcheting 8-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2,
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
- Square SQ1, SQ2
- Torx T15
- 1/4″ nut driver
Price: $16 for manual, $18 for ratcheting
Milwaukee Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set
At launch, there will be a 2pc set with the 14-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver and 8-in-1 compact ratcheting screwdriver.
Price: $35
Discussion
Milwaukee’s previous and existing multi-bit screwdrivers feature either bayonet-style shafts with reversible bits, or are designed around power-style screwdriver bits that can be removed and used with cordless drills and drivers.
Not to mince words, Milwaukee’s existing multi-bit screwdrivers are decent, but easily replaced with any number of tools from other brands.
These new multi-bit screwdrivers look more convenient to use, and while not groundbreakingly innovative, they do have some nice selling points. Plus, they pack more bit styles and sizes per tool, except for the compact/stubby drivers, which are evenly matched with their predecessor.
This looks to be a very good refresh of Milwaukee’s line of multi-bit screwdrivers.
Milwaukee’s product guide suggests that these new models will be replacing their existing power bit-style screwdrivers.
In my opinion, it’s nice in theory for a multi-bit screwdriver to come with longer power bits that can be used with a cordless drill or screwdriver. But in practice, it made the screwdriver handles thicker and heavier, and bit changes can be a chore.
With Milwaukee’s older style of multi-bit screwdriver, there were 6 bit-holding slots built into the handle. It came with 7 bits, one of which always had to be stored in the bit holder. As it turns out, this could be a benefit, as I always had to use the loose bit to push the one I needed free from its storage slot in the handle.
I think I’ll like these new drivers, but time will tell. Some of the features are lost on me, such as how the 1/4″ bit holder shaft is “wrench-ready.” But overall, I’d take these designs over many others.
The removable bit holder can be a convenient feature as well. However, it’s not impact-rated. There’s no mention of this either way, but I don’t know of any chrome-plated screwdriver bit holders that can be used with impact tools.
The pricing seems fair compared to industry-leading competitors’, but I’d expect a larger gap between manual and ratcheting versions.
I’ll probably pick up the 14-in-1 hex screwdriver the first time I see it in stores, and maybe the manual stubby driver too. I like that you can insert a bit straight into the handle socket for use in smaller spaces.
MoogleMan3
I might have to grab that 14 in 1 and 8 in 1 set. They look pretty comfy.
RI+Guy
Dewalt had a similar but holder. Not a fan. I love the existing red multi it screw drivers. Bummer they are going away. Guess I’ll buy a bunch now! Thanks Stuart as always.
Dave
The current ones are awful IMO, uncomfortable with those cutouts, a pain in the rear to get bits out, ergonomics are a joke.
Glad they had their fans but they needed an update.
Plain+grainy
I usually removed a bit that I could remove easily. Then use that bit to force out the bit that I needed. The only good thing was the bits never fell out on their own! I ran across a comical bit holder on Amazon. It’s called the “Mimiracle denture bit holder”. It’s a model of human jaws, only with screwdriver bits in place of the teeth.
RI+Guy
I could see that being a pain. Especially when they are cold. Would be cool if tool maker came up with that general design that was easier to use. The mini bits and slide out that was the Dewalt version was useless as a storage system for those of us less than……fastidious.
Aaron
Very interested to try out the 27-in-1 variants. Since Wiha moved the production of their equivalent non-ractcheting driver outside of Germany the quality has been quite poor in my experience but I love the form factor and number of bits available. Also curious to see how the backdrag is on the ratchet mechanism.
Until the LTT ratchet screwdriver I never had much use for them as I often work on fasteners that require extremely little torque. The LTT driver has low enough backdrag it’s finally made it possible to use that mechanism for more tasks. I reach for the pb swiss ratchet driver for higher torque applications but find it’s bit storage mechanism annoying and its loadout too limited.
B
Hmm, so Milwaukee buy any Taiwanese plants in the last year or so? Also looks really similar to the screwdriver from LTT.
Dave
These look awesome, I’m not about to use my LTT screwdriver in the garage yet since it lives in my tech tool box, so this will replace my megapro that feels a little cheap.
Souop
I prefer the older style significantly more.
Stuart
What do you like better about it?
Mac
The main issue with multibit drivers it that the holder doesn’t fit in any recesses. The older power bit style didn’t have this issue, and although the removable holder and direct in to handle style insert would allow for other longer bit lengths – its storage isn’t designed to hold them. In that regard, if I’m going to carry a bit case with the handle anyway, I really don’t need the storage inside the handle also. I will probably buy the stubby one. I will also probably throw away the bit holder
Berg
You could most likely replace 2 bits with 1 longer power bit on these new drivers. You could put a 2″ bit into the 14-in-1’s handle and the 27-in-1 looks like it could fit a 2.5″ or 3″ bit. It would even let you mix and match, maybe have a couple long bits for commonly needed sizes and the other slots leave short ones to cover more bases.
Mac
That’s a good thought. I wonder if those double end power bits would fit in the handle storage. I’ve been wanting those to be more convenient for me than they turned out
Albert
I feel the same way. I currently use a Klein 11-in-1 (Milwaukee makes something similar). The holder is farther back but the problem is still there. An alternative is something like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/314705799
But the bits don’t store in the handle.
Andy
Yeah I agree with Mac—as a maintenance-focused user, the long bits fit into tight places where every other multi-bit driver gets stuck with its fat bit holder on the end. That was/is the main reason the old style is my preferred general tool bag driver. If I can cram long bits into the new ones, sign me up!
Travis
In terms of ratcheting screwdrivers, this one will have to be pretty amazing to be better than the clear handled Vessel ones- both in terms of price and performance.
Stan
People don’t care about value. Look how popular the LTT screwdriver is. They want to buy expensive shiny things.
Stuart
That’s different.
Put a consumer brand on the LTT driver and far fewer people would buy it.
Franco
This is true and also comical.
I would say that people that buy the expensive stuff, have to have a certain amount of name recognition to go with it, otherwise they would not buy it.
I have known people that would get on the highest platform they could just to scream to anyone listening, what a great brand it is.
Franco
Just to add to this, I remember reading an article where they were do analytical studies on purchasing habits.
This was about clothes, and would they buy item X at half the price if the name brand was taken off of the piece of clothing. I do not recall the exact number, but over half would not; the wanted the name on it, for people to see.
OK, this was clothing and clothing is bought mainly on style and looks, especially when you get into the pricier high end name brands. Performance, like what a tool needs to have, does not really fall into the equation.
But I believe that even though a tool has to perform and have quality, this would be true of tools and just about anything.
Example, everyone knows about Snap On, and their prices. How many would take a Snap On tool that was made without the name engraved or in any way NOT show on the tool (so it might look like a copy) at half price…with no bragging rights?
Swap out Snap On with any pricey, high end item, the results would be similar.
OK, my semi off topic rant is over.
Stuart
It’s not about branding here, but likable personalities.
Franco
I typically say that comments like “They want to buy expensive shiny things”, might be true for people on this forum or other tool forums, but the general public don’t want to spend big money…hence the abundant of overseas inexpensive tools.
In particular, the ratcheting screwdriver is an expense the average joe won’t even buy, so the expensive shiny things may apply a bit more.
But even in this case, I saw a video testing the ratcheting drivers and the LTT did very well. So the Milwaukee will probably perform to most people needs, but the LTT most likely be worth the extra for someone who really needs good quality & performance.
Simon D
Honestly, during the LTT reveal video they mentioned how a big manufacturer purchased the Taiwan factory they were planning on sourcing from. Looking at these Milwaukee screwdrivers I sense a similarly that could explain just who was that unnamed manufacturer…
Albert
I may not have been paying attention, but I see that some of these screwdrivers have ECX bits (for electric terminals). Is that a new invention?
Kevin
ECX is a style I’ve only seen from Milwaukee. It’s a combination of slotted and square drive in the same bit. It fits perfectly in a lot of the terminals used in electrical work, such as on the side of outlets and switches.
Travis
I have a Klein driver that came with an ecx bit as well. They work really well, especially when someone has already started to strip out a fastener.
Jim Felt
I have a number of Klein 731 and 732 “Combo Tips” that serve that odd purpose just dandy.
Ball_bearing
I hope they sell the replacement bits for the 27 in 1. Double sided bits aren’t that easy to find, and they are great for compact tool sets.
Steve
Are any if then magnatized?
Stuart
14-in-1 is, 27-in-1 does not seem to be.
Michael F
I have the old style Milwaukee multi-bit drivers in ratcheting both full size and stubby. They quickly replaced all my other screwdrivers as my go to for quick tasks and they live permanently in my tool bag. I save my nice Heyco acetate green drivers for automotive or specialized tasks at this point and they live in my tool box. I’ll probably pick these up to give them a try.
Peacefully_and_Patriotically
Made in USA???
Stuart
I doubt it. They are coming out with new USA-made screwdrivers though.
Jim Felt
Now you’ve gone and burst my bubble. Darnitall.
Ryan
I have the older style, I hate the new style. I cant stand inside the cap garbage and double ended short bits with an extension are worthless for me. Old ones are great with long bits that pop into my dewalt screwdriver and fit into most recessed holes. The biggest draw back other than large handle is you cant tell metric from sae from torx. I have 4 of the old style but would never buy the new style
Ended up replacing the Milwaukee with picquic so i can different colored handles.
Jason
I’m sure cost is the main factor but personally I’d like to see these come with standard shockwave bits. I’ve frequently lost one of the chrome bits in screwdrivers like this and it would be nice to just replace.
The other side is they show them going into an m12 screwdriver but personally I grab my impact much more often as do I’m sure most.
Anyone know of a screwdriver that uses impact bits?
Berg
Picquic screwdrivers use 3 inch (or 2 inch on one model) power bits that are impact rated.
I haven’t personally used one, but I’ve been meaning to get a few to basically just use as an easily pocketable bit holder when I want to carry extra power bits for my impact driver.
Dess
Klein has it also.
Get a Wiha handle,extention and can use any bit.
Nathan
Any news behind that one plant closing that Milwaukee announced to its employees yesterday?
Jim Felt
Was it a true “closing” or a shift of resources and/or capacity? They seem pretty nimble as a corporate generality.
subsurfacesailor
https://www.wlbt.com/2023/02/11/company-close-its-clinton-manufacturing-plant-this-year/
Jim Felt
Hah! I too just looked for this. Decent explanation in my reading anyway.
Albert
Milwaukee didn’t stay very long in that plant. Also didn’t put out a nice press release like when they opened:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/News/Press-Releases/Milwaukee-Tool-Marks-Another-Expansion-in-Mississippi
Mike Foley
I must say that I am in awe that Milwaukee has the dough to put out SO many new iterations on hand tools, not to mention all their other stuff. It’s like they won the last three Mega Millions lotteries. Who is the unending money behind these guys?
Jim Felt
Us.
Stuart
Unending money?
Setting up a new USA factory for screwdrivers? That’s a huge investment. https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-tool-new-usa-factory/
Replacing one line of multi-bit screwdrivers with another? Small potatoes in comparison.
Look at the designs – there are a LOT of shared parts. Some of the components, such as the insert bits, might be sourced from a supplier.
Aside for the bits, there are 4 handle styles – full-size manual and ratcheting, and compact manual and ratcheting, and 3 bit storage cartridge styles – 14-in-1, 27-in-1, and 8-in-1.
So that’s 3 bit holders, 4 handles, and 3 bit storage cartridges for 8 products, not including the 2pc combo pack. The bit loadouts are different.
Milwaukee has a lot of Shockwave screwdriver bit products. The bit holders and bits could have similar origins.
While it can’t be cheap to do, I’d say it doesn’t take “unending money” to do this.
Steve L
I bought a MegaPro 13-in-1 after reading about it here years ago. Sits in my travel tool bag, nice to have just about every bit you might need when you realize you need a screwdriver and you are not close to your tools.
Milwaukee models look about the same. Won’t replace a full set of good screwdrivers; but, great to have a compact driver with a lot of bits.
Made sure I got the standard, easy to replace, 1″ bits so I would not have to find a custom two-headed bit after losing one. And I have dropped a few where they could not be retrieved. That is the only caution I would have if getting a model with two-headed bits.
Jack
Good article, thanks. Will look for them in the stores and will likely buy IF: 1) The bits/shafts don’t wobble; 2) Handle fits large hands; 3) Good feel to the rachet; and, 4) Strong magnetic retention. The new Milwaukee screwdrivers compete with my current ratchet screwdriver: Ideal 21-in-1 Twist-a-nut ratchet screwdriver which fits large hands and has been flawless for many years.
Travis messer
Klein has already made these same type of screw drivers the last year. And they are wonderful. Klein also makes a 7 & 1 nut driver with handle and pop off into impact ready –
Milwaukee is just copying Klein at this point. whatever. if it ain’t Klein it ain’t mine.
Berg
There’s no need to sound so dismissive, Klein are far from the first to sell screwdrivers like this. This isn’t “just copying” it’s competing, which is what we should all want between companies.
Franco
“Milwaukee is just copying Klein ” and Klein is copying who? These kinds of drivers have been around 30-40 years or longer. I was a kid in the 60’s and remember some form of multi bit drivers.
I am not sure who came up with the first driver of this kind, or when, but just hazard a guess it wasn’t Klein.
Lisa Kemper
I also have the Klein tools, love them. A lot of my hand tools are Klein (I do HVAC), I will pay for quality tools, my job can be hard on them. I do love Milwaukee drills and power tools, they seem to last longer than most. I might have to try that stubby.
itsgalf
For now I will stick with the Klein Impact 11-in-1, where you can quickly switch between manual screwdriver and popping the bit shaft into a impact.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-11-in-1-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Nut-Driver-Impact-Rated-32500HDR/322406283
Customized it a little and use Klein’s flip hex 5/16″ and 1/4″ bit for half of it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-3-in-1-Impact-Flip-Socket-1-4-in-5-16-in-3-in-L-32766/319342841
JR Ramos
No interest in all the multi-bit iterations but the 2930 precision bit driver caught my eye. I found it accidentally while browsing through the “free shipping on hand tools from __ brands” on ToolNut. Ordered (pre-ordered) one along with a handful of other items – yes indeed, free shipping.
That old Husky model from years ago was a standout favorite of so many people – maddening that they discontinued it and thus far nothing has quite duplicated it (Lowe’s, for a short time, had a similar Kobalt model but it wasn’t nearly as good). The iFixit aluminum driver is excellent, but it lacks bit storage in the handle (their plastic model has that, but it has a cruddy binding cap). I’m hoping this Milwaukee is a good tool, but if not, it’ll go in the pile or in a bag that’s lacking one.
I hope they’ll have bits available for it.
Jack D
Short of having a good travel tool, I’ve never been enamored with the multibit drivers…it could be me, but in the time it takes to switch bits, I could just grab another driver from my tool box. Maybe two, depending on how the storage works.
Now, give me a good old “Star Trek” style tool, that switches to any bit instantly and automatically on demand, and I’m all in.
Bonnie
Same. These are fundamentally worse than a regular screwdriver, and the only time I’m going to use one is for some esoteric bit not easily otherwise available, or if putting together a severely space-constrained toolkit (and I’ll still prefer a dedicated phillips and flathead).
dave
I have no idea how many of these 1″ bit screwdrivers I’ve gone through. Worthless except for the Kline’s. I’ve been considering a wera but I don’t really need it yet and am confused by the sizing.
Nate
Bought a Dewalt racheting screwdriver very similar to the Milwaukee 14n1 seen here. Had removable holder to put in drill. Worked ok until you pulled out the bit holder in the handle and 1 or 2 bits fell out every time. I will pass on these unless they can prove theirs do not fall out.
Ryan
STILL waiting on the actual release of the new Made in USA hand tools . We deserve more information than “coming soon.”
Ryan Hausle
Milwaukee handtools come in three categories:
1. Rebadged versions of other manufacturer’s tools.
2. Knock-offs of other manufacturer’s tools.
3. Junk
Stuart
For example…?
Simon D
The older multibit were a picqwic clone.
JR Ramos
The only rebadging that comes to mind is their Empire tools…and perhaps their older German-made masonry bits. What else? At any rate, that is the way of the world these days, for some many years now, and most of their offerings are very good to excellent (possible exception of the latest generation of hole saws). Vise grips?
Not sure about the knockoffs. Very very few unique tools at this point and many are variations on a theme for a million years and a million manufacturers.
Peelman
looking forward to seeing how this compares to my wiha 26-in-1
Nathan
14n1 has my attention. Non ratcheting. Even if I didn’t have 3 different ratcheting things I wouldn’t buy one today. Power drive replaces alot of use for me.
I’d like to see it come with interchangeable stems. Short mid long. Snap on had a thing like that don’t know if the still made one
I was going to ask what ecx was too. Now if they would just sell bit sets like these. Ie a set of metric sae. Etc etc
Andrew
The Wera 27 RA 1 SB is really hard to beat in my opinion. The convenience of the spring loaded pop out, and the fact that the screwdriver handle is near normal size makes it my go to. It covers 90% of my needs straight off.
It’s all about the convenience and ergonomics for me on this type of tool
Simon D
I’m curious about that spring clip bit holder on the 27/1 driver. Is that like a locking bit adapter like the wera rapidaptor? Can it hold normal 1in bits?
Is it on other Milwaukee drivers?
Stuart
The other drivers have magnetic bit holders.
When you have double ended bits, there’s usually not enough surface area at the inner-facing bit tip for sufficient magnetic retention strength.