Bit drivers

[jfindon]

Looking for a bit driver, I currently have a Wiha set with the plastic driver but want something a little higher quality. Plus it's a bit on the thin side and doesn't allow me to get decent torque.

I saw this one, but on top of the already high price, shipping is $13. I almost bought it until I saw that, but I like that it's thicker.

Are there any similar?

 

[JB in SC]

Scout Leather makes a good one, starts at $75.

 

[tiguy7]

I love these Titanium RainZ drivers. I think they have ceramic bearings.View attachment 1286512

 

[jfindon]

I can't find those RainZ in stock anywhere, and the Scout Leather one seems too skinny again. Either way, I'm quickly finding out $100 is about the going rate for drivers like this. I may as well just go with the one in my original post after all.

 

[KnifeRep]

Where do you find the RainZ ones?

There are two types, 1/4" drivers and the smaller 4mm size

I just ordered, like last night, one of these 1/4" sets from Prometheus Design Werx, $75 https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/co...-ti-tool-bit-driver-v4?variant=31259090550870

Scout sells this 1/4" one for $85, https://www.scoutleatherco.com/product/hex-bit-driver-limited-edition

The leather and bits are extra

This stainless 1/4" one from JHO Knives is $50, the very cool rotating base is another $90 https://jho-knives.com/products/jho-screw-set

Nick Shabazz is seen in several of his videos using the 4mm iFixit one available on Amazon, iFixit also makes a 1/4" driver, separate sets for each size too, you can find their sets on Amazon for $35 - $70

 

[JB in SC]

I usually recommend Wiha but iFixit is pretty good. The 4mm Wiha bit driver is not as good as I prefer.

 

[eveled]

Klein came out with an interesting one.

 

[jfindon]

I really like that JHO set, but good lord at $150. I don't like the iFixIt because it's still too skinny. I want something like the CombatBeads one or the JHO, with a thicker handle and a bearing on top so it's smooth. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and spend some money on one.

 

[Scott321]

I used to keep a Craftsman bit wrench in my mini-tool bag:

 

[KnifeRep]

I really like that JHO set, but good lord at $150. I don't like the iFixIt because it's still too skinny. I want something like the CombatBeads one or the JHO, with a thicker handle and a bearing on top so it's smooth. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and spend some money on one.

I was wrong on the price, the JHO set is only $140.00

I received the Prometheus set and while it’s a good value and very portable it’s also long overall, I want something shorter so I can get my fingers closer to the bit, I want to try the JHO one.

 

[KnifeRep]

I returned the Prometheus Design Werx set for a refund, while I think it’s good kit for the traveler the length of the small center extension was too long allowing my finger to only grip the top 1” of the larger triangle shaped lower area when the ball was situated in the upper crux of my palm.

I’ve decided I want a work bench set-up so I’ve ordered both the JHO stainless driver and base and the Scout brass driver and aluminum base, I ordered both the standard diameter driver and larger Boss diameter Scout drivers both in brass.

Scout currently only lists the blue and black aluminum bases on their site, GPKnives stocks some Scout items and they have the gold aluminum Scout base in stock as well as the copper Scout drivers, https://www.gpknives.com/brands/scout-leather-co.html

Here’s the Scout standard dia. brass driver and their larger Boss driver

This is the Scout set-up I ordered

Found some others,

Screw-It by Fellhoelter, $150.00 https://fellhoelter.com/product/screwit/

Burn Knives, looks like made to order starting at $125 up to $350 for their Damascus driver http://www.burnknives.com/browse.php?knife=399

Makar Tools “Ultralight” from Poland, $250.00 https://edcfoundry.com/products/makar-tools-full-titanium-bit-driver

CKF’s Anton Malyshev “Otvert” from Russia, $650 https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CK...ngeable-hex-bit-driver-timascus-and-zirconium

 

[bdmicarta]

Are you interested in an expensive toy or some kind of jewelry? If you want a tool to actually use then you probably want something like this:

 

[KnifeRep]

I have a several like that B bdmicarta , all of my Brownells bit drivers are like that one, one of my favorites is a ratcheting Craftsman I’ve had for 25+ years; there are definitely many ways to go, but I believe we’re mostly concerning ourselves with smaller Jewels type bit drivers for precision work and so we don’t over torque our screws, at least those are the types I’ve presented.

Here’s a Brownells MagnaTip set, I used mine just like it today on a Hinderer XM-18 3.5, third one over at the top left for the pivot screw, the perfect hollow ground bit

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...a-tip-sets/magna-tip-super-sets--prod417.aspx

 

[eveled]

I have the same set from brownells it’s unequalled. Nice thing too they stock the individual bits too. Incase you loose break or wear out one.

You may even have to modify one then replace the original.

 

[KnifeRep]

Brownells Magna-Tip 1/4” bits are a great deal, eveled , I’ve added many to my starter kit like the long shaft diamond tip bit for removing Remington rubber butt pads screws on their auto shotguns, the curved thick bits for large Redfield windage adjusting screws on their scope bases, a spanner bit for the M1 Garand windage knob screw (that might be a Wheeler bit?) and several others. And as you mentioned, if you break one which I have done they stock all of the bits individually so replacement is a snap.

 

[JB in SC]

Prefer the Bonanza /Forster for thin handgun/shotgun screws. Some Grace around here too. I have the Chapman set but the bits are not as tough as Brownell’s but do lock down. Never enough tools....

 

[eveled]

For work I found a Malco Connext driver handle. I have a set of magnetic drivers for it that lock in with a slide collar. Then the adapter to accept the 1/4 in bits. I keep bits in my pocket in a change purse thingy.

 

[KnifeRep]

Here's the iFixit Mako driver kit available on Amazon but you can also buy it from iFixit including just the driver which is $10 +shipping direct from iFixit. This 64-piece kit sells for $34.99 on Amazon, I think it's a great deal for what you get.

I added the Wiha 4mm Torx bit set because I wanted a full set of solid Torx bits, the set fits inside this iFixit kit on the left side with the lid installed

The lid makes a very handy storage tray

The driver is 4.5" long, the top feels like it rotates on ball bearings, not a sealed bearing

 

[KnifeRep]

For work I found a Malco Connext driver handle. I have a set of magnetic drivers for it that lock in with a slide collar. Then the adapter to accept the 1/4 in bits. I keep bits in my pocket in a change purse thingy.

View attachment 1290345

Those nut extensions are like the old Xcelite and Vaco 99-series driver systems but with a 1/4" shank, who makes the nut extensions, is that Malco too?

 

[eveled]

KnifeRep No not Malco. I found the set on line with free prime shipping. A generic set. They just say “super power.” Keep in mind they are magnetic and not hollow shafts. So they don’t replace true nut drivers. I’m very happy with this set up.

once you have the driver handle it opens up the true potential of this style bits. Other than just in an impact gun or drill.

I remember my Dad had a set of those xcelite drivers.