I put some time in with my Wiha Ultra Driver this week, and it screamed out: “post about me!” I talked a little about Wiha Ultra Drivers when they first came out, but not since then, so it’s about time.
What I Like: The Wiha Ultra Driver has a very easy and convenient bit storage system, and it holds a lot of bits. It’s comfortable to use, and the bit holder is also a pleasure to use, with its slide-back bit release collar.
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Hesitations: The bits are double-ended and seem to be proprietary. Replacement bits are available, and you can also use standard 1″ bits, although it’s less than ideal since 1″ screwdrivers bits are slightly shorter. (KC Tool has replacement bits for under $1, and 13pc assortments for $9.)
There are several versions with different bit configurations.
Price: $26 – $27
Wiha Ultra Driver Tradesman (77790)
- TORX: T10, T15, T20, T25
- Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Pozidrive: #1 & #2
- Square: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted: 3.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5
- Metric Hex: 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0mm
- Inch Hex 1/8″, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Wiha Ultra Driver Technician (77791)
- TORX: T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
- Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Pozidrive: #1 & #2
- Square: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted: 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Wiha Ultra Driver Industrial (77792)
- TORX: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
- Phillips: , #1, #2,
- Slotted: 4.0, 6.0
- Metric Hex: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0mm
- Inch Hex 3/32, 7/64, 1/8″, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4″
Buy Now(via Amazon)
You Should Buy One if…
The Wiha Ultra Driver is a great all-around multi-bit screwdriver. It has a large and comfortable handle, a great bit holder, and plentiful bit storage, not to mention how easy those bits are accessible via the pop-out bit cartridge.
You Should Not Buy One if…
~$26 isn’t a lot of money for what you get, but if you only use the same 2 or 3 bits all the time, something like a 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver can save you a bit of coin. I sometimes wish Wiha made a version of this screwdriver that worked a little better with standard 1″ screwdriver bits. Their double-ended bits are longer, and so while you can use standard bits, the experience isn’t quite as good as with the included bits. Still, if you lose or destroy your most-used bit, you might be able swap in a standard bit until you can order and receive a replacement double-ended bit.
This is also not the kind of multi-bit screwdriver you can slip into your pants pocket.
Also Consider
Wera also has a very good multi-bit screwdriver, but it’s usually priced a little higher than the Wiha Ultra Driver.
Buy Now(Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 via Amazon)
Note: The Wiha Ultra Driver discussed here was purchased at retail pricing in November 2017. I bought the “Industrial” version.
Do you like the idea of a series of “tool of the week/month” posts?
Hilton initially says
I just wish the damn thing would ratchet but it’s a great driver and at the time I bought all the other bits from KC Tool Co so I can rearrange the bits according to what I’m doing that day.
The only think I worry about is the plastic bit housing, not sure if this will become brittle over time though.
I ended up purchasing about four or five of these to use at the office and my own one I picked up on a Black Friday deal that came with a free Wiha BiCut diagonal pliers with the power button.
The large handle is essential for tough driving jobs.
Peter Fox says
While it does look like a great Bit screwdriver I find that I rarely use them.
Instead I find reversible 6mm blade screwdriver to be much more useful as they provide better access to recessed screws and have generally more reasonably sized handles.
My favorite by a landslide is the Wera Vario series. The ratcheting handle is about the same size as a 1/4″ flat blade or #2 phillips screwdriver and the ratchet is quite smooth. It’s like having a normal fixed blade screwdriver that ratchets. And while there is no onboard storage having a few extra blades in a back pocket, bag, or tool belt is generally not and issue and they are easier to change then fumbling with small bits.
I however do not like the standard non ratcheting handle, and definitely recomend the ratcheting over it.
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05002990001-Combination-Blades-11-Piece/dp/B003GDIR6W
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05002923001-Phillips-Combination-Screwdriver/dp/B003GDIR0I
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VMWXDK
Whia also makes something similar but they do not have a ratcheting version.
Jesse says
I wonder how this compares to the MegaPro multi-bit drivers. They’re smart designs with free-rotating butt caps and shaft collars, very nice bit storage and selection, and spring-loaded ball bearing reversible bits. They come in several flavors for different bit options (standard, jobsite, tamper-proof) and even have a ratcheting version, which I’ve not used but reviews similarly to Klein’s at half the price.
Robert says
The bits in the MegaPro multibit drivers are terrible. They are brittle and break easily. I got the HVAC model for my work as a commercial HVAC tech, and within 2 months I had broken 4 or 5 different bits. I do not recommend them at all
Jesse says
That’s too bad, and also kinda surprising, I haven’t seen that complaint in the user reviews.
It’s worth mentioning that their mechanic version, which is ratcheting, uses standard 1/4″ bits that can be swapped out with whatever you like.
Unfortunately I’d prefer a non-ratcheting driver. The standard MegaPro fits my needs well, but I wish it had standard 1/4″ bits.
My ideal driver:
Functional bit holder
Rotating butt cap for palm driving
Non-ratcheting
Magnetic tip (would consider a locking tip, but I prefer the smooth narrow shafts for tight spaces)
Non-proprietary bits
I don’t think I’ve seen one that checks all those boxes.
Jared says
I might know the one you’re looking for!
https://shop.wurth.ca/general-tools/professional-hand-tools/screwdrivers-screwdriver-sets/screwdriver-sets/limited-edition-magazine-screwdriver/Limited-Edition-R.Wurth-Screwdriver/613.2018/
This is from the Canadian Wurth site, but I presume there’s a US-site selling the same product. As far as I can tell, all of Wurth’s screwdrivers are made by Felo. However, I can’t actually find an equivalent model directly from Felo. Still looks like it to me though, based on the handle shape.
Certainly seems to meet your requirements:
– holds 12 bits
– butt cap rotates
– doesn’t ratchet
– magnetic tip
– I can’t see the shaft getting much narrower while still holding bits
– works with standard 1″ insert bits
Jesse says
Nice find! Unfortunately it shows “Discontinued” when you try to add it to the cart.
But I think I found it on the US site, and it shows in stock:
https://www.wurthusa.com/Promotional/Wurth-Limited-Edition-Magnetic-Screwdriver/p/06132018
Downside is price, it’s over $50 before shipping.
Thanks for the tip!
Adam g says
I can’t get mine to stay closed, any ideas? I love my other wiha tools but this thing is trash as it is.
Michael R says
This is the issue I have with mine. It pops open so much I don’t use it. The latch mechanism is just way too small. If it wasn’t for that, it would be perfect in my opinion.
mla says
Mine stays closed but I dropped it a couple of feet on concrete and now it won’t pop open automatically. I have to pry it open with my fingernail. I guess that’s a better problem to have.
Michael R says
I would much rather have that problem than mine
Adam g says
Likewise, it’s very awkward to use with it trying to open as you reposition your hand for another twist.
Alejandro Salgado says
Try spraying some WD-40, it worked for me. But now it wants to pop out everytime I want get a bit, so now I just cover it with the palm of my hand when using it.
Frank D says
Great idea, that tool of the week.
I am highly interested in a new multi bit driver.
However not with proprietary bits. I understand this can mean holding twice the options, some fast convenience if two most used ones are on same unit … however, if / when I drop one of my most used bits in a wall, from several stories into thorny foliage, …
So, would prefer locking collar and magnetic tip. Something that can accept mundane bits that I have spare by the dozens, due to item padding.
Plus ratchet function. Even though that can be the thing that fails first.
Hilton says
Wera is your answer. Magnetic plus locking. There are quite a few models so look them up but I have a bunch and I love them more than the Wiha. There’s even one with a pistol grip.
Craig says
I love Wera. I got it for $22 at Christmas time
Frank D says
Thank you.
It looks like there is no magical combo of bit storage, ratcheting and bit locking? It is an either or … so I will probably forego the ratchet.
Javier M says
Take a look at the megapro automotive version, great driver! I also have the wera pictured above but in my opinion the megapro is the best multibit ratcheting screwdriver I’ve used
Jared says
I have the Wera Kompakt. Just thought I’d mention that I don’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
I thought it would be great since it uses standard bits, isn’t terribly large and, while the Wera handle isn’t my favorite (prefer Felo), I think the shape is still pretty good on the set of insulated Wera screwdrivers I have.
However, the handle just doesn’t feel the same to me on the multi-bit screwdriver, the ring you push to release/extend the bit holder sticks unless I use two fingers and push it firmly (and has done that since new) and while the bit holder works pretty good, I find it’s a little thick and gets in the way sometimes. I much prefer the strong magnetic one on my Felo bit driver (though that screwdriver doesn’t hold bits).
Actually, in my main toolbag I’ve since taken out the Wera and replaced it with the Felo, plus a box of assorted bits.
Andy Hong says
I love my Wera Kraftform Kompakt, but I totally get your gripes.
My most-often-used multibit driver is the $10 Lutz 15-in-1 that I bought at my local hardware store. It looks cheap, but it’s proven itself to be indestructible.
Dave Cannon says
I got one of these right after they came out and it quickly became my favorite driver. It’s so great for little maintenance jobs around the house. You needed a torx bit to get to the innards of something just to find a #1 Phillips inside, are you scared? No, cause you got that in the palm of your hand. Do you need to mystify your 2 yr old for a few seconds so you can get your flashlight away from her? You got that covered as well! You want to make your buddies think you’re all fancy and international? Guess where that thing is made? Seriously guess, I didn’t read the article, I just looked at the pictures as well. It’s Germany by the way. That’s classy as hell! Have you ever wanted to write this many lines about a screwdriver? Neither did I till I got a Wiha 26 in 1! Amazing!
Jorn says
I have one of these (in Tradesman trim) and overall I like it and would buy it again.
There are a few issues though:
1) As with many multi-bit drivers you can’t access tight/recessed screws such as GFCI breaker screws
2) The bit storage slider can open accidentally. Especially if you’re holding the driver with one hand and spinning it with the other.
AC says
There Wiha is the perfect kitchen drawer screwdriver, since covers all the bases. I bought the Tradesman and swapped out a few of the square bits for more allen/torx. What I dislike is that it’s so long and heavy. Nothing I would use in a tool belt or if I was bothering to get other tools out. Not pocketable.
The Wera is also good and a better option for working. I keep mine with a 3″, #2 in it as that’s what I use 90% of the time. Much better experience with the longer bit. I like the Wera bit holder fine, but its a little chunky to and limits visibility with 1″ bits. A 3″ bit makes this and it’s ratcheting sibling a pleasure to use.
Craig says
Wow if the Amazon info is accurate it’s 12″ long and weighs nearly 1/2 pound. That seems really big. I suppose it would be nice to have in vehicle or kitchen drawer as someone mentioned. I’ll stick with the Wera though I believe.
Also, I like the idea of “Tool of the Week/Month” posts.
salman saleem says
I tried the wiha multi bit system but the proprietary bits led me to invest in wera.
Altan says
Before I was more happy with Wiha screwdriver bits as they were all made in Germany, Now I like Wera more, they are all made in Czech Rep (Newly used name: Czechia), the only problem with Wera bits in general is that the sizes are laser engraved very weakly on them which looks like a black ink print and before the bit is worn out the size is wiped off and you have bits with no size on them, but the bits are very quality, New Wiha bits are made in Vietnam mostly and are laser engraved also, but old German made bits are stamped which I love, I always dig eBay to find those old stock ones, it is hard to find them actually, I give this advice now here to others and I make it more difficult for myself to find later :)) All brands in screwdriver bit sector have switched to laser engraving from stamping just Felo, Apex and Snap On are the ones still using stamping methods.
Wera does make its nut setters in Taiwan and their drill bits in China, I did buy one Wera drill bit recently and it was good quality, very well made even though it was made in China, the only thing I did not like was that “Made in People’s Republic of Chia” was written in German on it, why? Probably they want less people to find out. They are not going to sell their products in Germany just. Why in other products they write “Made in Czech Rep” in English?!
If I am going to buy a “Made in China” quality product I would want it to be a Chinese brand not a Chinese product under a Western brand umbrella.
Mike says
I’ve been a huge fan of Wiha tools for about 15 years. During that time I’ve carried dozens of their screwdrivers around in a Platt case every day for work and have loved, loved, loved them. Genuinely the best money I’ve ever spent on tools.
All that being said, I hadn’t picked up anything new from them in about a decade. Over the last couple of months I purchased this 26-in-1 and a replaced an awesome security bit set I had lost. (Still upset about that one.)
The new stuff? There is an enormous difference in the quality of steel and it’s not for the better. The new bits aren’t nearly as well made and I’ve already mangled one of the P2 bits while driving in a very soft fastener.
Wiha has lost a lifetime customer. It’s heartbreaking.
Altan says
Go for this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiha-39-piece-Set/173942970552
This set is a old stock set, I can see the bits clearly in the photos, bits are all made in Germany, It is not worth it for me to buy it as the price will go higher and of course higher import tax to UK plus $21 postage cost to UK. So you can enjoy the set instead of me, the seller says it is new, however I can see the Square 1 and Square 2 bits are slightly used, but the rest are new and unused. Good luck and always dig eBay for old stock Wiha bits if you need any. If you buy this set from a seller you will most probably get Made in Vietnam bits in it even if the photo they provide shows the old version German made ones.
Mike says
Thank you!
Altan says
You are welcome!
Bolt says
I’ve really grown fond of my 11 in 1 driver recently. Having those different sized nut drivers along with the common screwdrivers has been very handy
John Fleisher says
My Wiha 26 in 1 is 9″ long, 9.5″ with a bit installed, and weighs 7.5 ounces. So Amazon is slightly off.
They may have had the box measurements in mind.
Mine works great, no issues with the bit storage popping open.
BR says
I got one of these on the holiday special and loath using it. The bit storage is incredibly difficult to open on mine, requiring full force two handed pinch of the side tabs which have not improved over time of owning it. Once finally open, it absolutely does not spring open. It’s so frustrating to swap bits I avoid using it over my multi bit driver I got for free at Harbor Freight. In fact I grab the free driver over this one any time now. Pretty sad.