I can’t remember the last time I used a stubby screwdriver, but the Wera bit holder still caught my eye. Wera calls it a stubby driver, but its shape is more suggestive of an ultra- miniature driver.
The stubby bit driver’s $9 price is a bit steep in my opinion, but it’s more reasonable if you need a tiny bit holder that can be used on static-sensitive equipment.
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Wera Stubby via Amazon
Steve R.
Stuart–Definitely an interesting design (I really like the ergonomic shape), but I, too, can’t remember the last time I used a stubby screwdriver. I can’t think of very many places to even use one, although under the dash in my car comes to mind owing to limited space. I suspect many of us justify the purchase of a tool based on, “I might need this someday, and I’ll have it on hand”. Logical, but a lot of those tools never get used.
When I saw this, I was reminded of your recent article about limiting the size of one’s tool collection, and decided I could live without this driver. Many “new” hand tools are reinventions of existing tools (better materials, incorporating ergonomics, etc.) and, for the DIYer, are only marginally better. Power tools are similar, except the power efficiency has been taken up several levels (brushless technology comes to mind). I’m at the point now that if I already have one of something, I generally won’t buy the newer version because of the additional cost and space requirements. It’s not just the refinements in utility, but “How often am I going to use this?” that factors into the decision. Before the economic meltdown, that probably didn’t enter as often in our decision-making process. Now it drives a lot of how we conduct ourselves.
Stuart
To be fair, reinventions and redesigns of existing tools can be advantageous or wasteful, especially in regard to power tools.
This bit holder screams out to me with its portability factor, and I could probably put it to use when working in my computers and small project boxes. The good news is that I’m refraining from buying one. Bad news is that I have my eyes on another Wera bit holder for my everyday tool kit.
Electricguy
I always have stubby’s in my bag. There are a lot of places to use them in industrial electrical applications and/or maintenance.
If a stubby doesn’t work, then a ratcheting bit driver.
James C
Steve, please stop making so much sense. I don’t want to hear it 🙂
Warren
Stuart, long time Wera fan, but I am wondering do you happen to know of any places that would have a non stock image of this stubby screwdriver bit holder? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of creating a ESD safe stubby screwdriver.
If I didn’t own a Wiha CAT IV rated bit holder (model 38025) and a Craftsman Industrial bit holder (model number 43373) I’d probably buy this right now. I really like authentic Wera tools (not the Zklop or what that is called) tools.
I imagine you have a direct contact with Wera, but I’d like to know, do you know if Wera is planning creating a precision (or micro as Wiha calls them) bit holder?
Great article, thanks for the tip on this new item.
Stuart
The only non-Wera image I could find is on a Japanese distributor site, and the photo is poorly composed with less detail than the Wera image/rending.
Wera’s PR/marketing/communications people are actually quite elusive, and so there’s noone to ask about a precision/micro bit holder. Even if I had access to a US Wera contact, they probably wouldn’t tell me anything about pending developments.
Warren
Sometimes people on Amazon post better images, but that doesn’t happen that often. Wera’s an established company, so I really wish they create better images of their products.
I know all too well about Wera being elusive. I’ve contacted their number several times, but recently the people I spoken with talk in riddles and vague facts. Wera is a great company but asinine for them to be very secretive. If any Wera PR reps are reading this, seriously consider having a meeting about maybe being less secretive about tool developments and tools in general.
But I had a feeling there wasn’t any development with precision/micro bit holders. If they are authentic Wera products, I’d certainly buy one. I’ve mentioned this the USA phone number to Wera and via email but I am not sure if it’s being taken with any consideration.
Stuart
Some companies are just slow to develop reasonable communications protocols. It’s not just an issue with European companies like Wiha and Wera that have separate USA presence. Several USA brands and companies are just as infuriating and fruitless to deal with, sometimes even more so.
Warren
You would think in a modern world of today that communication protocols would be much better. These days companies can deliver news remotely through the internet.
At least with Wiha and Wera though, when I finish any call I receive the answer I want (takes some patience sometimes) whereas with some US companies that hasn’t always happened.
Jacob Hunt
I think the price of Wera or Wiha screwdrivers is worth it especially considering the warranties on them. I’m a student of aircraft maintenance and having durable and ergonomic screwdrivers that are versatile is extremely important. Aircraft work requires a lot of driving screws out and in when removing and re-installing panels.