SteveR wrote in with a tip that we take a closer look at Tekton’s Everybit tool kit.
Saw this on Amazon and thought this might be a set worth looking into. It’s aimed toward electronic devices with security fasteners. However, there’s enough space in the carry box to put in larger Phillips and flathead bits for EDC.
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Reviews were overwhelmingly in favor of the design and capabilities, and the build quality seemed impressive. The driver is not magnetic, but you could add a small neodymium magnet or magnetize the bits. It looked pretty nice and the price was right at $11.99.
What is it?
The Tekton Everybit tool kit is a compact set that comes with the types of tools and accessories needed to open up electronic devices, such as when upgrading a laptop’s RAM module or hard drive, or replacing a cell phone’s internal battery pack.
What does it come with?
- Precision screwdriver handle
- Assortment of 20 bits
- Prying tool (spudger)
- 2 nut driving bits
Screwdriver bit styles include Phillips, slotted, star, tamper-resistant star, pentalobe, Phillips, and tri-wing. There are two bit holders that can each hold up to (10) screwdriver bits, but you can also store loose bits inside of the screwdriver handle.
Bit Sizes
- Phillips: #000, #00, #0, #1
- Slotted: 1, 1.5, 2.5mm
- Star (Torx): T3, 4, 5
- Tamper-resistant star: TR6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15
- Tri-wing: TRI 0, TRI 1
- Pentalobe: TS1, 5
- Nut drivers: 4, 5mm
What do we think?
If you are the type of person that opens up a lot of electronic devices, you’re probably going to want more premium tools. But for the occasional device maintenance, part replacement, or module upgrade, this set looks hard to beat.
For $12 you get a nice selection of bits, a compact screwdriver handle, a prying tool, and a kit to keep it all in. Looks like a decent buy.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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If you need more bits, more tools, or a kit for more frequent use, check out iFixit’s tool kits ($25-$75 via Amazon).
fred
This is the small end of the security screw application – I guess designed to keep the casual user out of electronics. At the other end of the spectrum – I recall a few “public works” jobs where we encountered a style of fastener called “Trident” with a more heavy-duty approach. We bought the fasteners from a compant called Tanner Bolt – who may also sell the tools – but here’s the source I found first when I did a search:
http://www.hermanscentral.com/product/100-trident-socket-114-socket-drive-fits-nut-size-78-75060.cfm?CFID=12184660&CFTOKEN=74968770&jsessionid=84301a2e7b8609cb9fe368127b195078a617
Stan
If you are the type of person that works with electronics and I used to and still occasionally still do, I honestly recommend buying quality versions of these drive sizes first. Buying the cheaper knock offs will cost you more in the long run.
I hope Stuart and others don’t mind if I share a list of manufactures that produce some of these security drive styles. Had someone helped me on when I was new, this would have taken far less research on my end.
I am not stating this is cheap, but given this is Tekton, you get what you pay for.
With precision Phillips screwdrivers USA made Moody and Master Force tools are of substantial quality. If ESD and CAT IV protection is required, Wiha/Witte are great German made selections. Except for the Craftsman version, which isn’t as accurate, only the Master Force brand has a Phillips #0000 that is spot on with how this is formed.
Precision slotted screwdrivers from Moody Tools are my favorite as well. Best of all these can be purchased at Harry J Epstein as well. Likewise with ESD/CAT IV rated tools, Wiha/Witte work nicely.
PrecisionTorx and Torx Tamper resistant drivers from Eklind are only brand I use these days and in the past. All USA made, but these are the most reasonable in price as well. Not sure if Grainger still carries these though. Wiha also produces precision Torx/Torx Tamper resistant as well.
With Triangular slotted drivers, I know Apex sells a drive size zero, but the best precision variations of this drive are from Eclipse/Pro’s Kit in my opinion. Albeit the fact screwdrivers (among other items I am sure) are made in Taiwan, at least these are ROHS compliment though.
Recently (2013 I believe) Wiha started carrying Pentalobe screwdrivers and while these are step above Eclipse/Pro’s Kit brand, I lucked out when I bought these. These may or may not be a locked down product though. Be forewarned, if you are using a Pentalobe driver, hopefully you are committed to the project, as for the most part these are only found in Apple products. As with most electronics, tampering with the unit voids the warranty.
While I am not sure now that Bain Capital has taken over, USA made Xcelite precision are some of the best on the market next to Moody tools. Very comfortable to use and that is a big factor when working on smaller equipment for a while.
I recently purchased a USA made Menda brand spudger and own a USA made 3M but also Taiwan made spudger, so to say the least I’ve tried multiple brands. I strongly recommend whatever type of application you are working on, an ESD safe spudger is the way to go. As long as you follow proper safety protocols, an ESD safe spudger can only help you be safer.
Hang Fire
The lead-in says “Tekton’s Everybit tool kit is an expensive set”. I think you meant inexpensive.
Stuart
Thanks for the correction! Inexpensive is what I meant.
John Blair
I am a huge fan of the iFixIt 54 bit kit: Currently 24.95
http://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/54-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-022
54 bits in the following sizes:
Pentalobe sizes 2, 5, 6 (iPhone, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro)
Flathead sizes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 mm
Phillips sizes #000, #00, #0, #1, #2
JIS sizes 000, 00, 0, 1
Torx sizes T3, T4, T5, T6
Torx Security TR7, TR8, TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20 (compatible with non-security)
Hex sizes 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6 mm
Square sizes #0, #1, #2
Triangle size 3 mm
Tri-wing sizes #0, #1
Nut Driver sizes 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 mm
joe
I usually use an ice pick to break off the little stem in the center of the screw head. At the right position and a quick snap, it usually just breaks off. When i’m not able to snap the stem, I use my dremel wheel to cut a notch in the middle of a flathead screw driver and that does the job.
For triangle shape screws, I get away with a flathead driver too.
I opened up my PS4 to upgrade the thermal paste and it was full of security fasteners all over the place…I was not able to snap all stems, pain in the ars, I did manage to get away with a small flathead screw driver to remove the screws…pain though. I think I’m going to buy a set for my PS4 alone to replace the paste in the future. Don’t want to get the light of death.
I could buy the sizes alone for that but I think it’s time to just go ahead and buy one considering they are not that expensive lol