Over in Benjamen’s review of Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers, KokoTheTalkingApe asked a very good question:
Just out of curiosity, why are these conventional screwdrivers better than the bit-holder type screwdrivers with the replaceable driver tips you can buy anywhere?
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His comment was a bit longer, with other good points, but for the sake of simplicity, I only grabbed the first part to springboard into this discussion.
So which is better, screwdrivers or screwdriver bit holders?
Screwdrivers
For one, screwdrivers often have better tips. Better machined, stronger, fit for the application.
The handles are sized appropriately. Small screwdriver tip? Small handle. Large screwdriver size? Larger handle.
You have lots of options. Full tang shanks with metal strike cap and hex bolster? Many brands offer heavy duty drivers.
Cabinet-style slotted driver that can fit in narrow recesses? You can buy these at any tool or hardware store,
Screwdriver Bit Holders
One handle, multiple bit sizes or styles. You can use a long extension with a short handle. Full-sized bits with stubby handles. When you need a new screwdriver style or size, 1″ or 2″ bits are readily available and usually very affordable.
If you don’t use certain bit sizes or styles often, it’s much more cost effective to buy some insert bits than a new set of screwdrivers.
Which is Better?
I own many individual screwdrivers and precision screwdrivers, and quite a few bit holders of all shapes and sizes.
I generally use individual screwdrivers when I can. I prefer them. They often fit better, and it’s more convenient to swap drivers than to swap bits.
5mm. Phillips #2. Phillips #1. Torx T10. 5/32″ 7/64″. Phillips #0, #00, #0, #2.
Yes, pulling out multiple drivers from a tool box and putting them on a table or project area isn’t quite as neat as a bit holder and box of bits. But they’re much more convenient.
And as mentioned, they fit better, and I often find them more useful to use.
I have long bit holders, and stubby ones. Ratcheting ones, and T-handles. Socket adapters, and mini bit ratchets.
Which ones will I reach for? It depends on the application. More often than not, my hand gravitates to individual drivers.
Screwdrivers are consumable. Better ones wear slower, but they still wear.
I haven’t done any scientific or controlled tests, but I would swear that my better screwdrivers are more durable that my better 1″ insert bits or 2″ power bits. But maybe I’m biased because I’ve worn down plenty of bits with power tools? There’s a sliver of doubt in my mind.
ToolGuyd Favorites
Favorite Screwdrivers: PB Swiss SwissGrip
Second Favorites: Felo Ergonic
Third Favorite: Tie between new Tekton and Proto Duratek
Favorite Bit Holder: Wera mini (read more about these awesome EDC drivers)
Second Favorite: Whichever full-size bit holder from Wiha, Wera, Felo, PB Swiss, or Beta that I can lay my hands on first.
Third Favorite: Almost any of the multi-bit drivers on my list of favorites
What’s your take on screwdrivers? Individual drivers, or “one size fits most” bit holders?
fred says
I have way more oddball hex-drive (4mm, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 7/16 drive) than I have dedicated screwdrivers. That’s particularly true when it comes to security (tamper resistant) bits. That said, when in the shop, my dedicated screwdrivers are close at hand – and generally I prefer the fit and feel of using one of them in most cases. I have a 20 piece set of “gunsmith” screwdrivers from Brownells – never used on a gun – but have a lot of sizes to fit slotted screws perfectly.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/fixed-blade-sets/fixed-blade-screwdriver-master-sets-prod78280.aspx
My go-to Phillips drivers are from Wera – and have laser etched ribs on their tips.
Nathan says
I’m sensing a theme here.
I still say a person needs all of them – there are times the ratcheting or bit holder model won’t fit – too long, too wide, potential to lose the tip ……
there are times when a straight regular driver is extra effort or not flexible enough for the task. THis is however – the lessor issue. and I’ll admit that.
In fact with a quality motor device and setup I might we willing to part with all my ratcheting driver pieces. but those don’t exist that i know of.
full set of straights, philips 1-3 (or more if needed) and any oddities you might need, regular drivers with hex bolsters if you can find them.
anywho
straight drivers – Stahlwille in philips 1,2 3 and long 2 – flats of each size – longest is the widest and yes I’ve used it as a pry bar. all have hex bolsters on the bottom and they fit different wrenches (the shafts are also equally different thicknesses)
bit holders. Stahlwille has a hex shaft and a rotating bit home in the handle – holds 12 I think, maybe just 8 .
ratcheting – sioux tool 2960K gearless smooth, made by someone else I assume. Mag holder, and retriever, SS shaft. smoothest I have used.
Kobalt double drive – christmas present but honestly I use the hell out of it. came with the precision version and bit – use that on all my electronics now. handy as hell if bulky a tough. that comment applies to both.
Snap ON – something other partnumber. the highly vaunted driver, mine is not the removable shaft model and I wish I had that one. either way – sturdy as the day is long but I keep it at work.
Tom says
I used to always be in the screwdriver camp, but more and more I am going with bits. For a bit holder, I use a Felo Ergonic that I got a great deal on at Christmas. I have a number of little Wera bit sets that I’ve snagged at Sears.com for great deals…. the combination of those two are great for when I don’t know what I am going to need for a job but just want to bring along a few items.
Minh says
Screwdrivers by a mile. Lighter thinner less wobbling. I only use bits when driven by power tools.
RC WARD says
I’ll go for a good set of screw drivers any time. It’s nice to have both at your beck and call though. #TIACREW
Josh says
Always individual screwdrivers. Bit holders sometimes don’t fit into the particular work area, you’ll tighten a fastener and the bit comes out of the holder and stays with the fastener as you go to leave, bits wear faster, break much more often, and depending on the holder, might be hard to individually replace. They just end up being annoying unless they’re going into an impact gun
Jerry says
In the shop: screwdrivers. Field kit, especially where space/weight is a consideration: bit holder.
In the shop, I often work on things requiring more than one screwdriver, and it is usually quicker and easier to grab another driver off the bench than swap bits. Also, often the job will call for both a long and stubby driver. Lastly, with a driver, if you have part of it, you have all of it, no tips to fall out or keep track of.
However it is also nice to grab a bit holder and know you have all you need if it has o board storage. Tip quality to me isn’t an issue, because you can buy inssdrt bits of co parable quality to the best screwdriver, if you really want to. My biggest issue is often with how securely it holds the bits. I have a Were bit holder that uses a Rapidaptor to hold the bits, secure enough I have never had a bit come loose, but it is a bit bulky. I have a slim ratcheting bit holder that is magnetic only, and in certain instances can have a bit pull out. I guess that the best way is to have both.
Michael Quinlan says
My my thoughts exactly. I primarily work out of a tool bag, either at floor level or on a lift, or at the top of a ladder. Having one tool that serves many purposes cuts down on tool bag weight (and possibly the size of the bag), and enables me to grab one tool knowing it will fit 98% of the screws I’m going to run into. This is important when you have to carry a subset of your tool bag up a ladder.
I recently switched tool bags, and spent a lot of time looking at pictures of loaded tool bags to get an idea of what work work best for me, and I can’t believe how many manufacturers and users show pictures of tool bags with many screwdrivers.
JeffD says
If I’m working in the shop I prefer dedicated drivers as they are only a few steps away.
Bit drivers and kits are great when mobility and portability are paramount.
Wayne Ruffner says
Regular, good drivers are my clear first choice. And never learned to appreciate ratcheting drivers, why complicate a simple process?
In kits, I’ve come to see & use the advantages of longer (like 4-6″) Power Bits in bit-holder handles (like the Klein Switch Drive!) – to avoid the weight/volume of multiple handles. And those bits are pretty great in impact drivers, too.
Little bitty insert bits? Really dislike them, always avoid them.
Scott K says
I’ve had the Wera Kraftform Kompact on my wishlist for a while. The 6 pc Kraftform Plus set is almost the same price. To those who have one or both- which would you recommend?
mike aka Fazzman says
I have lots of both,Depends what im doing. I have one large drawer full of wiha,I have Wera,Snapon and such too.
I love my Wera ratcheting handles,they feel good in the hand,Ratcheting handles are nice when you dont wanna carry a ton of stuff around,just grab it and a bit check and you can do very many things. if your bits are falling out you need to invest in better stuff
Most of the time I grab one of My SnapOn or wiha drivers because the handles fit my large hands great,and if you use drivers enough that can be an important factor. Felo makes some great drivers too,been wanting to try out the new tekton tri lobe handle style.
voodooaw says
I’ve tried bit holders from facom, wera, wiha, pb, but I have to say I’ll always grab a ph2 driver instead of bit holder. My bit holders are for bits like robertson or pantalobe ones.
JoeM says
I didn’t know there WAS a preference to these things. I thought it was a rule: Right Tool for the Right Job.
Screwdrivers for delicate or constant work, Bit Holder for “The Unknown” and “On The Go” situations, Bits for Power Tools.
I honestly didn’t know there was a choice involved. If I HAD known, I would have made a choice a long time ago. I’m too deep into having “All of the Above” for specific uses to make a choice at this point in my life.
If I “Just gotta drive a fastener in” I’m using a power tool, and those are Bits. If I have no idea what is ahead of me, I’ve usually got my Gyro Driver and possibly my Leatherman (which has a Bit Driver), and when I’m at my bench, and I know what I’m in for, I’ve got my Screwdrivers handy.
Am I doing this wrong all this time?
max says
I have a few bit holders, mostly for convenience or for the strange stuff. I try to keep one in each car, my “go bag” (open top tool bag I use to work on specific projects around the house that is loaded with a few common tools – adjustable wrench, #2 Phillips, sharpie, box knife, etc), and the kitchen drawer. I have one with a flashlight in the handle, which can be very helpful at times.
If it is something more involved or takes more torque I try to use an actual screwdriver. I prefer them for most things, but don’t always have the time to go grab them. I have only broken couple of cheap screwdrivers, but I have broken a lot of bits.
Rick says
I prefer a screwdriver anytime but like everyone I have several bit drivers. I have a cheaper regular old time bit driver with a low power magnet, this one is liked the very least. I have a bit holder for a drill/impact driver that uses the spring wire retainer for bits. I trust that system more than the magnetic holder. I prefer my Klein 5-n-1 over the 11-n-1 because the 5-n-1’s reversible bits have longer hex sections, it goes in my tool pouches alongside my Klein drivers. I’ve bought but not yet used the Klein Switch Drive with combo bits and regular bits. I’m pretty sure when I start using this I’ll really like it.
However, I believe I’ll always prefer a dedicated driver. I use Williams for general use and Kleins for electric.
Tcmault says
I used to be screw driver only. After getting a snap-on ratcheting bit holder, that is what I grab 90% of the time.
Swizzleshoot says
Screw drivers if I’m near the shop. A six-way or some such if I need to take tools elsewhere. I agree the feel of a good screwdriver is just better and the convenience of bit drivers makes them useful.
Flotsam says
I like leaving multi-bit tools in several rooms so i don’t have to go down to shop to retrieve. I find many “security ” type tips only available as bits. But all that being said I prefer dedicated screwdrivers. Even the best (eg. Klein ) have a small amount of “slop” that is absent in dedicated screwdrivers.
Dee says
About every year for Christmas, someone gets me some sort of ratcheting bitholder. Sometimes it’s decent, sometimes it’s one of those Stanley or Kobalt things that ratchet in the same direction no matter what direction you turn the handle. Either way it’s HUGE and usually goofy and too big/clumsy to use. Thankfully it’s a great re-gift for someone for the next holiday/birthday.
Oddly, I probably have dozens of bitholders and hundreds of bits, and another 3-4 dozen Craftsman screwdrivers of various sizes. However, my wife got me a set of 6 Felo Ergonic screwdrivers last year, and now, the rule seems to be: If not a security bit, and if not something that requires a 2-foot screwdriver shaft, I reach for one of the Felo screwdrivers. I’m thinking about tossing out the Craftsman drivers (by “tossing out” I mean putting them into a bucket in my “loaner” tool set instead of giving them a dedicated place in the toolbox.