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ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Screwdrivers > Wiha Multi-Bit Screwdrivers Review

Wiha Multi-Bit Screwdrivers Review

Mar 15, 2021 Stuart 26 Comments

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Wiha Made in USA Multi-Bit Screwdrivers

Wiha came out with new made-in-USA multi-bit screwdrivers a few months ago, and I ordered one in each of the 6-in-1 and 11-in-1 variation.

To start off, I should clarify that the handles are made in the USA, and the screwdrivers shafts and bit tips are made by Wiha’s global manufacturing partners. These are made in the USA with global materials, and so it seems the handles are built here and the screwdrivers are assembled here, with the metal components imported.

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Overall, the quality seems quite good, and I was pleased with both the handle and the screwdriver bit and shaft components.

Screwdriver and Nut Driver Sizes

6-in-1 (model 77890)

  • Phillips #1, #2
  • Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
  • Nut Drivers 1/4″, 5/16″

11-in-1 (model 77891)

  • Phillips #1, #2
  • Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
  • Torx T20, T25
  • Square #1, #2
  • Nut Drivers 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″

The Handle

The handle has a comfortable and familiar feel to it. It is a bit large and bulky, but there are not hot spots or exaggerated bumps. Its bi-material construction features hard plastic that’s extensively covered with a soft grip material covering.

The curvature of the handle is slight, but allows your palm to wrap around it easily and comfortably.

If you don’t like large-handled screwdrivers, this one isn’t for you.

Personally, I prefer smaller screwdriver handles, but there are also benefits to the large diameter. To me, standard screwdriver handle sizes offer greater feedback and even control. Here, you get greater torque transmission with the larger handle.

Compared to common individually-sized screwdrivers, which usually have smaller handle diameters – except for the largest sizes – you should have greater ease when tightening driven fasteners or loosening stuck fasteners.

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For a general purpose screwdriver, the tradeoff between sensitivity and torque transmission isn’t a big deal. These Wiha multi-bit screwdrivers are about convenience, after all.

The Screwdriver Shaft

I liked that the bits felt strong and secure. There’s a noticeable “click” as they pop into position with firm pressure, but it’s easy to remove and reverse bits by hand.

With some multi-bit screwdrivers, the ball detents loosen up with time, and removing the shaft from the tool inevitably results in bits and parts falling out. That has not been the case here, and I’m optimistic that it won’t happen. The ball detents seem perfectly tuned to provide just the right amount of retention.

Which One to Buy?

If it comes down to preference, I prefer 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers. If I know I’ll need a greater bit selection, I carry a bit holder and an assortment of 1/4″ hex insert bits, or a multi-bit screwdriver with built-in storage loaded with the bits I think I might need.

I feel that a 6-in-1 is generally quicker and easier to use, despite having fewer bits. I’ll mostly use multi-bit screwdrivers for their Phillips and slotted bits, sometimes the nut driver sockets. If I need a particular bit in an 11-in-1, I might end up having to take out all the bits to find the one I want.

8 screwdriver tip sizes can also be limiting, and you can’t customize the bit selection, at least not with this 11-in-1. So, even with more sizes, are these the Torx and square sizes I’ll need?

However, I feel that the 11-in-1 is a better value than the 6-in-1.

The 6-in-1 is $16, and the 11-in-1 is $20. The $4 difference isn’t enough for my slight style preference to stand up to the 11-in-1 seeming like the better value. If the 6-in-1 was a little less expensive, might preference might win priority. But given the current pricing, I think the 11-in-1 is the better value.

Price: $16 for the 6-in-1, $20 for the 11-in-1

Buy Now: 6-in-1 via Amazon
Buy Now: 11-in-1 via Amazon

Alternatives

Klein Multi-Bit Screwdriver 32500

The Klein 11-in-1 (32500) will likely be the Wiha’s fiercest competitor. You can find this Klein multi-bit screwdriver on Amazon for $15.

Compared to the Wiha, it really just comes down to handle preference. Do you want the old-school-style cushion grip-wrapped handle, or a more modern dual-material handle with a larger in-hand feel?

Buy Now via Amazon

Video Review

Related posts:

Wiha MultiDriver USA ComponentsNew Wiha Screwdrivers are Made in USA Bondhus T-Handle Ball Hex DriversBondhus T-Handle Ball Hex Drivers (USA-Made) are a Must-Have Megapro Precision Screwdriver Size ComparisonMegapro Precision Screwdriver Size Comparison

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26 Comments

  1. Plain grainy

    Mar 15, 2021

    I notice that the Amazon listings state the price & free RETURNS! It states down below the free shipping starts at $25(been that way for awhile now).

    Reply
    • Plain grainy

      Mar 15, 2021

      All of these look great, seems like you can never have enough of these drivers. My favorite set is the Dewalt 71 piece mult- bit & nutdriver set(dwmt73808). The set is housed in the stackable yellow top cases.

      Reply
      • Plain grainy

        Mar 15, 2021

        Woodpecker has a Wera(not Wiha) 6 piece screwdriver set on sale. Regular price $59.99, on sale for $24.99. Includes a wall mounted screwdriver holder.

        Reply
  2. Dave Schwartz

    Mar 15, 2021

    I’ve historically carried a 6-in-1. I hadn’t seen an 11-in-1, thanks for introducing me to them.

    At the moment, my driver of choice is this one:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010TNZDHW/
    It’s fantastic to have the positive feel of a dedicated driver with the convenience of variable length and multiple tips.

    Reply
    • TMedina

      Mar 16, 2021

      The attraction of an 11-in-1 is the flexibility – they aren’t perfect, but you can expand your repertoire a bit (heh) by adding common-use tips.

      At work, I use 2.5mm and 3mm hex sockets pretty regularly, so having a backup 2.5/3mm hex end can save a lot of time in a pinch.

      I think the 11-in-1s are becoming a popular trend – just about every major brand is offering their own version; even Harbor Freight has one.

      Reply
  3. Dennis

    Mar 15, 2021

    I have an 11 in one from Milwaukee that looks very similar to this. I think they were selling them a couple Christmases ago in 2 packs for $15. I just looked and Home Depot has them for about $11 each https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-11-in-1-Multi-Tip-Screwdriver-with-Square-Drive-Bits-48-22-2761/302174859

    Reply
  4. Dean in Des Moines

    Mar 15, 2021

    What has kept me from buying a tool of this pattern is that I cannot find reliable sources for replacement bits. I’m mostly happy with my Picquic drivers, but if an o-ring fails, all the bits are lost.

    Reply
    • Koko The Talking Ape

      Mar 15, 2021

      Agreed. I’m sticking with ordinary 1/4″ bits, especially since I already have them overflowing the drawers. Also, 1/4″ hex drivers are everywhere, and the bits will fit in any of them.

      Reply
    • Hilton

      Mar 16, 2021

      I’ve bought a bunch of those Wiha multi bit drivers with the pop-up in the handle and you can get the replacement bits from KC Tool Co. In fact I ordered the bits that didn’t come with the driver as standard so I can populate the handle depending on the job requirement.

      Reply
    • MoogleMan3

      Mar 16, 2021

      Same. I’ve tried a bunch of multi bit drivers and the two I keep going back to are a williams ratcheting driver and a wera 816 RA handle with 2″ or 3″ bits.

      Reply
  5. Leo B.

    Mar 15, 2021

    I will definitely be buying one of these. I have the Milwaukee Dennis linked to, and I like it, except for the Torx bits. I pretty much only drive T20 and T25 screws, so I can hardly ever use the Torx bits on the Milwaukee. The Wiha will definitely be a lot more versatile. Thanks for the initial review!

    Reply
  6. Jared

    Mar 15, 2021

    I have a couple Channellock 6-in-1s and a Ridgid 6-in-1 .

    Channellock seems like a good budget choice. It is sub $10 and works well. I like the handle shape and the grip is a rubber/hard plastic mix.

    I broke a flat blade tip on one of the Channellocks when I first bought it (it had to be a manufacturing defect, a corner broke off with little torque). I asked Channellock where to buy a replacement (since they are double-ended with a detent ball and therefore not readily available). Instead Channellock couriered me a whole new screwdriver the next day and tossed in a hat – can’t complain about their customer service.

    While the Amazon listing for the Channellock is mostly 5-star reviews, I noticed a trend on those who rated it less. The Channellock has a metal cap, leading some to believe it can be struck with a hammer – it’s not made for that.

    I bought the Ridgid more recently. It’s retail price is higher, but it was on clearance for about $6 so I figured it was worth a try. It looks more like the Klein (e.g. acetate on the bottom with rubber on top), except the rubber portion of the handle is softer, gripper and the handle has a larger overall diameter.

    I haven’t used it enough to give a real verdict, but I think it merits mention since it is a little different. I personally like having a larger handle on screwdrivers like these for the extra power (but Stuart’s point about sensitivity is well taken). I like working with XL ratchets and wrenches too though – so maybe I’m just wimpy. My fingers are accustomed now to feeling when something is tight with the larger tools and if it was something precise I would just switch to a different tool.

    Reply
  7. Tom

    Mar 15, 2021

    I have the Dewalt ratcheting multi-bit driver. I prefer to have 1” bits, so I can quickly change them out. It’s not perfect, especially if you don’t get one with a tight butt cap. I found the included bits didn’t stay in the holders very well, but I don’t have problems with it holding Milwaukee or Makita bits.
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-with-Removable-Bar-and-12-Bits-DWHT69233/203383292

    Reply
  8. Nathan

    Mar 15, 2021

    I bought 2 of the tekton 6 in 1’s a while ago the main purpose of which is to use in the house. Kids toys, other house items – need that #1 philips or you end up needing a slotted something. What you say about the wila I mostly would say about the tekton. solid engagement, good tips with grip,.

    Eitherway nice to have options. Is there a thought here that wila will make other stuff in the US or do they have some cost share partner here?

    Reply
    • rob

      Mar 18, 2021

      The six in one, 10 in one, and 11 in one components are usually exactly the same, regardless of who puts a handle on it.

      I would actually take the Tekton over the Wiha since I love that glass fiber reinforced handle they started using. I have a Phillips #2 from just about everyone and the Tekton is on par with the best of the best.

      Reply
  9. Champs

    Mar 15, 2021

    I have to agree about everything about handles with the Klein 11-in-1. Bits can come loose inside and that rattle is just another demerit to the chunky, hefty handle. Not strictly an emergency tool, but it probably won’t be the first one you reach for.

    Reply
  10. Fazal Majid

    Mar 15, 2021

    I’d rather pay a bit extra for a made-in-Germany Wiha 77790 or 77791, a Wera KK25 (which uses standard bits) or a Megapro.

    Reply
    • rob

      Mar 18, 2021

      Those Wiha models ain’t made in Germany. Poland for multi driver and the bits are out of their Vietnam plant (although, they clearly have newer/better machines and processes at that factory when it comes to the bits).

      Reply
  11. Toolquest

    Mar 15, 2021

    Could you compare the bits and the shaft for the 6-in-one to those of the corresponding Tekton? Tekton would be a good possible source for replacement parts or other bit types, such as Torx.

    If everything is interchangeable you could pick your favorite handle for the task at hand.

    Reply
    • Tmedina

      Mar 15, 2021

      Huh. I *think* they’re mostly the same – I’ve swapped bits between a Klein 11-in-1 and a Lennox, as well as used Klein double-sided bits in both the Proto and Bestway models.

      I’d love to see a Tekton 11-in-1 with their tri-lobe handle.

      Reply
  12. Carl

    Mar 15, 2021

    I picked up the 6-in-1 through Amazon Vine recently and it has landed in a kitchen drawer for regular duty. Nice product, I find the handle to be very comfortable.

    Reply
  13. Matt

    Mar 15, 2021

    I bought the 11-1 from KC Tool about 3 weeks ago. Not a lot of time behind it but the handle alone is a big step up from the Klein. It’s always bugged me that the Klein felt so cheap, with the rubber handle sliding back and forth over the plastic.

    Reply
  14. Hilton

    Mar 16, 2021

    A small handle if fine for a once off job or removing screws from laptop but if you need to be really putting in some effort then a larger handle is essential. Your hand will thank me.

    Reply
  15. Yadda

    Mar 16, 2021

    I can share that the Harbor Freight 4 in 1, to no one’s surprise, doesn’t compare favoriably to any of these options. I have several because they were one of the free tools with purchase coupons for several years. The bits fit loosely and often fall out. It is better than no screwdriver at all, but not a long term investment.

    Reply
  16. Mike (the other one)

    Mar 16, 2021

    I may get one of these IF the price is right. Most of the 6-in-1 and 11-in-1 drivers are basically the same. The only difference is the handle.

    I have quite a few 6-in-1 drivers from Stanley, Husky, Buck Bros, Sheffield, Crescent, Lutz, and Master Mechanic and a few others. The Master Mechanic is
    my favorite – and it’s also USA-made, including the bits.

    I have a Klein 11-in1, and a 10-in-1, which I actually prefer, due to the narrower barrel. I rarely use the nut drivers, tbh. I also have an OEM Tools 11-in-1, which looks great, but the handle isn’t the most comfortable.

    So this isn’t that big of a deal for me. I may try one, but honestly the price is too high at the moment. I love Wiha precision screwdrivers, but I think this is more of a case of a Wiha branded product than the genuine article.

    Reply
  17. Stuart_T

    Mar 21, 2021

    Greetings from “north of 49”

    One brand you might like to look into is Megapro (https://megaprotools.com/), which has an extensive line of pro-quality multi-bit drivers.

    The company is actually Canadian, based in Langley, BC. (about 30 miles from me) but nearly all their tools are gen-u-wine USA-made in Niles, MI., with a couple of models made here in Canada. ( I recently discovered that that they have a “Canadian” multibit driver with genuine Robertson™ bits, which are better than the generic “square drive”, although the regular Megapro square drive bits are pretty good.)

    I’ve had their original 15-in-1 stainless screwdriver for several years, ironically bought at Hardware Sales in Bellingham WA (an actual HARDWARE, not building supply, store and simply amazing place), and can confirm that is of excellent quallity and very durable.

    The bits are retained by a ball-bearing, like Kleinl, rather than magnetically, so while you can plug in any 1/4″ hex bit, it won’t be retained. Actual Megapro replacement bits can be hard to find unless the store stocks spares, At least one other manufacturer makes suitable replacement bits but I can’t remember the name now – carded, dark blue lettering on yellow. Yes, replacements via Amazon are available but often at ridiculous prices from what I’ve seen.

    Nonetheless, they are a very well-made tool and have special sets for just about every trade.

    Reply

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