Somehow we let the wide range of screwdrivers Milwaukee Tool introduced at NPS17 slip through the cracks. Today we going to remedy that by looking at all the new screwdrivers available. As a bonus, you don’t have to wait for them to be released, they are all available for purchase today.
The screwdrivers can be broken down broadly into two categories based on their handle designs: tri-lobe, and cushion grip.
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Tri-Lobe Screwdrivers
The tri-lobe screwdrivers replace the previous generation of over-molded screwdrivers Milwaukee once sold.
The new screwdrivers feature a hard plastic tri-lobe handle with rubber molded into the plastic. The plastic and rubber seem to form a continuous surface, to the point where it almost looks like black is just painted on the red plastic. Milwaukee says that the tri-lobe handles are “ergononomic” and “optimized for high torque applications,” plus they are designed to slip in and out of pouches easier.
The shafts of most of the drivers have a hexagonal shape with hardened magnetic tips.
The drive type is marked on both the side and end of the screwdrivers, so you can quickly find the one you need. Finally there’s a wide lanyard hole for tethering the screwdriver or hanging it on a hook.
Stuart’s Note: In a pinch, you can slide another screwdriver shaft into the hole, using it as a T-handle for greater leverage, although this might not always be a recommended improvisation.
11-in-1 Multi-Bit Drivers
Milwaukee makes their new 11-in-1 driver in both square drive (48-22-2761) and ECX (48-22-2760) versions. This is a bit confusing since both screwdrivers include #1 and #2 square bits. The real difference is that the square driver includes #10 and #15 Torx bits while the ECX driver includes #1 and #2 ECX bits.
Confused what ECX bits are? Check out this post explaining what they are used for.
The 11-in-1 driver handle is based on Milwaukee’s new tri-lobe handle design and has these 11 functions
- Phillips #1
- Phillips #2
- Slotted 3/16″
- Slotted 1/4″
- Square #1
- Square #2
- Torx #10 (or ECX #1)
- Torx #15 (or ECX #2)
- 1/4″ Nut Driver
- 5/16″ Nut Driver
- 3/8″ Nut Driver
- Loop Maker
Wait. That’s 12 functions. For some reason Milwaukee doesn’t list the 5/16″ nut driver, but Home Depot does — it’s clearly part of the screwdriver. Maybe marketing liked 11-in-1 to better compete with Klein.
The best place to buy these screwdrivers seems to be Home Depot, where the Square Driver is $8 and in stock at most stores while the ECX driver is $10 but seems to be online only.
Buy Now (SQ via Home Depot)
Buy Now (ECX via Home Depot)
Screwdrivers
The new tri-lobe screwdrivers are available in a few different sets.
A 6 piece set (48-22-2706):
- Phillips #1 x 3″, #2 x 4″, and #2 x 6″
- Slotted Cabinet 3/16″ x 6″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″ and 5/16″ x 6″
An 8 piece set (48-22-2718):
- Phillips #1 x 3″, #2 x 4″, and #2 x 6″
- Slotted Cabinet 3/16″ x 6″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″ and 5/16″ x 6″
- Square #1 and #2
An 8 piece set (48-22-2708):
- Phillips #1 x 3″, #2 x 4″, #2 x 6″
- Slotted Cabinet 3/16″ x 6″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″ and 5/16″ x 6″
- ECX 1 and 2
A 10 piece set (48-22-2710):
- Phillips #1 x 3″, #2 x 4″, #2 x 6″, and stubby #2 x 1.5″
- Slotted Cabinet 3/16″ x 6″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″, 5/16″ x 6″, and stubby 1/4″ x 1.5″
- Square #1 and #2
You can find the 6 piece and sometimes 8 piece with square driver sets on the shelves at Home Depot for $20 and $22 respectively. Unless a local supplier carries them locally, you’ll probably have to go online to find the 8 piece with ECX or the 10 piece sets, which run $25 and $30 respectively.
Buy Now (6pc via Home Depot)
Buy Now (8pc SQ via Home Depot)
Buy Now (8pc ECX via Home Depot)
Buy Now (10pc via Acme Tools)
Demolition Screwdrivers
These demolition screwdrivers use the same tri-lobe handle design and hexagonal shaft as the regular tri-lobe screwdrivers, but they have a metal core which runs from the tip to the chrome vanadium steel cap. While they are designed to be struck, both the Phillps and slotted tips can still be used for general fastening tasks, such as driving in or removing screws.
The 2 pc set (48-22-2702) includes both a 5/16″ slotted and a #2 x 6″ Phillips demolition screwdriver. You can find this set on the shelves at Home Depot for $9.99.
Buy Now (via Home Depot)
Demo Driver
I didn’t know where the new Demo Driver (48-22-2860) fits in. While it isn’t strictly a tri-lobe design, it has more in common with the other tri-lobe screwdrivers than the cushion grips. I hesitate to call this a screwdriver, because the tip is so thick I haven’t found many screws it’ll actually drive. I guess that’s why they shortened it to “Driver.”
Besides being all metal from tip to cap, the much larger chrome vanadium steel cap spills over the side of the handle for more strike surfaces. The shaft is larger and square which make it easier to hit with a hammer. The “screwdriver” blade ends in a duct piercing tip and the side has a notch for ripping sheet metal.
And while everybody uses the previously mentioned demolition screwdriver for chiseling and prying, Milwaukee actually lists chiseling and prying as uses for the Demo Driver and touts it limited lifetime warranty.
So far, I’ve only seen this Demo Driver for sale online. It usually retails for $15. Tool Barn can save you a buck; they have it priced at $14. Some Home Depot stores list it as being in stock.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Buy Now (via Tool Barn)
Cushion Grip
The handles of the cushion grip screwdrivers are made from three different materials. The base layer molded to the shaft looks like clear acetate. That’s covered by red plastic, which in turn is overmolded with a rubbery grip material.
What supposedly separates this design from other rubber-covered acetate handles is that Milwaukee says the rubber won’t peel or slide off. Every cushion grip screwdriver handle also has a lanyard hole for a tether or to hang on a hook.
One of the new features that sets these screwdrivers apart is their “tactile” identification. The end of the screwdrivers is stamped with 4 pluses for Phillips, 8 squares for square drive, or one ridged circle for slotted. The point is that when you put your hand down into your pouch, you’ll be able to feel for the right screwdriver without looking.
Most of the shafts feature a bolster that you can turn with a wrench for extra torque, and knurling that can help you grasp and spin the shaft with your fingers.
You can buy the cushion grip screwdrivers in a 4 piece set, 6 piece set, or individually.
The 4 piece set (48-22-2884) comes with the following screwdrivers:
- Phillips #2 x 4″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″, 5/16″ x 6″, and 3/16” x 6″
The 6 piece set (48-22-2886) comes with the following screwdrivers:
- Phillips #1 x 3″, #2 x 4″, and #3 x 6”
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4”, 5/16” x 6’, and 3/16” x 6”
Or you can buy the following screwdrivers individually
- Phillips #1 x 3” (48-22-2811)
- Phillips #2 x 4” (48-22-2812)
- Phillips #3 x 6” (48-22-2813)
- Phillips #2 x 10” (48-22-2814)
- 1/4″ x 4” Slotted (28-22-2821)
- 5/16” x 6” Slotted (48-22-2822)
- 3/8” x 8” Slotted (48-22-2824)
- 3/16” x 3” Cabinet (48-22-2831)
- 3/16” x 6” Cabinet (48-22-2832)
- 3/16” x 8” Cabinet (48-22-2833)
- 3/16” x 10” Cabinet (48-22-2834)
- Square #1 x 4” (48-22-2851)
- Square #2 x 4” (48-22-2852)
- Square #3 x 6” (48-22-2853)
- ECX #1 x 4” (48-22-2841)
- ECX #2 x 4” (48-22-2842)
Tool Barn has the 4pc set for $33, the 6pc set for $35, as well as many of the individual drivers for $7 to $12 depending on the particular screwdriver.
Buy Now: 4pc Set via Tool Barn | 6pc set via Acme Tool
Buy Now: 6pc Set via Tool Barn | 6pc set via Acme Tool
Buy Now (Individual Sizes via Home Depot)
Milwaukee also makes 3 cushion grip demolition drivers. They don’t have a bolster or knurled shaft, and because they have a metal cap on the end they don’t have the tactile identification.
Here’s the three different demolition screwdrivers:
- Phillips #2 x 6”(48-22-2815)
- Slotted 5/16” x 6” (48-22-2823)
- Slotted 3/8” x 8” (48-22-2825)
I didn’t even realize these cushion grip demolition screwdrivers existed until I started looking at the cushion grip screwdrivers closely. Many sites just list them as cushion grip screwdrivers, so I’ll provide separate links for each one to help you find them. The smaller slotted and Phillips will run you $13 while the larger slotted will set you back $18.
Buy Now (Phillips via Tool Barn)
Buy Now (5/16″ via Tool Barn)
Buy Now (3/8″ via Tool Barn)
fred says
Mar 2, 2018 at 3:24 pmI don’t know how new they are – but Milwaukee also sells a line of insulated shaft screwdrivers – like the 48-22-2242 that has a #2 ECX tip.
That one demo driver – looks a bit like the Klenk Duct slicer:
https://www.amazon.com/Klenk-Tools-MA73010-Duct-Slicer/dp/B004PBZ4W4
pete says
Mar 2, 2018 at 6:00 pmThe insulated milwaukee screwdrivers aren’t new. I picked up a set at least a year ago.
I like the demo driver, can’t wait to get one. I picked up their new demo screw drivers, i think i actually like the older style actually. The older style seems to have more grip. But my older style ones got destroyed so… i have no choice lol
Jeremiah says
Mar 4, 2018 at 10:26 amI didn’t know these things existed before this post. The milwaukee does seem like a near copy of the klenk
Malco has one too with a different head design, better reviewed.
https://www.amazon.com/Malco-CDR-Ripper-Starter-Blind/dp/B00IGHX7O0
The yeti says
Mar 2, 2018 at 8:30 pmAm i the only one who will only buy screwdrivers that are fully set into the handle for extra strength. Also i wont buy any of this cushion grip nonsense. I look for transparent acetate handles . Prefer a hex shaft in case i need to put a wrench on it.
Is anyone else not a fan of cushion grips
Pete says
Mar 2, 2018 at 9:45 pmIf a phillips is tough i use a 3/8 drive socket with the right phillips size, possibly on a impact driver or even wrench if its a ph3 or bigger or if fine movement with high tourqe is needed i’ll use a ratchet or breaker bar. I havent really used the bolsters.
satch says
Mar 2, 2018 at 9:50 pmI don’t own any model of these drivers but get good reports from those who do. The only ones I handled in Home Depot were the multibit and multibit ratchet models. Made in Taiwan with the thick handles.
So when the new tri-lobes came out I grabbed one at the store and did not get a good feel from the handle. I have pretty large mitts and the older ‘clubs’ as I called them fit me better. Did notice the new ones come out of China so obviously a new manufacturer. Don’t really know about quality but the finish looks great in the photos. Are the ratcheting/multibits changing over to this design as well?
satch says
Mar 2, 2018 at 9:55 pmOops. Skimmed past the 11 in 1. Does leave questions about the ratchet models though.
Brian says
Mar 2, 2018 at 11:03 pmNot a bad looking screwdriver(Trilobe), grips look like a more pronounced Gearwrench but less pronounced than Witte. I hate acetate screwdrivers but this does look like an improved design to the Klein(and copycats).
Hang Fire says
Mar 3, 2018 at 7:37 amWhy do companies refuse to make the more useful parallel straight tip in fixed handle screwdrivers, but only in bits for bit holder drivers?
Why do companies add ribbing, diamond dust, and other crutches to the obsolete, screw stripping cabinet tip design, when they could just make a more useful parallel tip screwdriver?
Not buying any more screw head stripping cabinet tip screwdrivers again, ever. Sorry, Milwaukee.
fred says
Mar 3, 2018 at 11:12 amMaybe hollow grinding the tips – as in producing a parallel tip – would add a few cents more to each screwdriver.
I have pair of really old Starrett parallel tip screwdrivers and a newer Brownell’s set that I use when I don’t want to ruin a screw slot.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/fixed-blade-sets/fixed-blade-screwdriver-master-sets-prod78280.aspx
Hang Fire says
Mar 4, 2018 at 7:49 amGrinding would indeed add to the cost… but grinding is not necessary to produce parallel tips. It’s just a labor heavy, tooling-cheap method used by boutique manufacturers.
Some one-time change in tooling IS required, and there are marketing’s ideas of “market expectations”, I would guess those two things are the primary barriers to sanity.
S cotty says
Mar 3, 2018 at 9:47 amDid I read that right? #3 Phillips not available in Tri-Lobe?
Personally I would find a P3 tip more useful than a P1 in a tool the size of the 11×1 driver. I would usually have a more precise P1 available in my kit.
Joe says
Mar 3, 2018 at 12:13 pmWhy buy Chinese when you can buy Klein or other USA made tools. Or get the best and buy German made.
RCWARD says
Mar 3, 2018 at 1:09 pmThe tactile identification feature is interesting and makes me consider a purchase. Nice, write up
Jeremiah says
Mar 4, 2018 at 11:07 amI had the old 11 in 1 and have the new one now. I carry it on me at work and use it multiple times daily. Prefer the old style as the 2ph and wide slot are 1 larger piece with a bit better retention . And less slop use these 90% of time. also I find when I need a nutdriver 5/16 is more common for a one off hand Tool and If I’m doing 1/4 its usually multiple fasteners and I’ll grab a power driver. My original one is rusty from getting wet too often and the rarely used bits require pliers to remove now. I think I prefer the new handle and it does slide in and out of a bag easier.
Mark says
Mar 4, 2018 at 4:44 pmI’d like to weigh in here, I’ve always loved this style of handle, especially when it’s bigger, as it’s truly comfortable and doesn’t hurt my hands. It’s a partial reincarnation of the Stanley Workmaster (trilobe) screwdrivers from the 70s and 80s, which we had in the house when I was a kid and which I have a collection of older ones and NOS which I use fairly frequently. It’s really nice to see this style come back but these are all made in China, the price of these items is definitely not cheap, and I’m unsure of the quality. So, while I’d like to try them, I’m worried about their ability to hold up with use and the cost compared to other brands, including from other countries and the US. Basically, I’d like to see a review of these where they’re truly abused and compared to other brands. Additionally, my worry is that the initial batch may be a higher quality than later batches as they might cheap-out to try to maximize profit.
Cameron says
Mar 22, 2018 at 8:29 pmWill they be getting rid of the 48-22-2102/2103/2104/2106 (Square/Torx/Hex/SAE Hex) 10-in-1 bit drivers, the ones with the bits that are as long as the handle? I have the Torx, and have had issues finding the others here in Australia. I really like how the bits live in the handle and how compact the whole thing.
Benjamen says
Mar 25, 2018 at 11:10 amI’m not sure, all the models you listed are still on the Milwaukee website and googling I see that there are 25+ stores still selling the 48-22-2102.
Then again the old version of their screwdrivers 48-22-2008, is also still listed on their website and available in over 25 stores online.
I know Home Depot has been clearancing all the 48-22-2102/2103/2104/2106 screwdrivers near me, but that only means HD isn’t carrying them.
It would be a shame because I really like this style too. I have both the SAE and metric Hex versions and they are a really nice length for chucking into a small drill like the Bosch PS-20 and the screwdriver handle is smaller than most bit holders like you mentioned.