Not really a "woodworking" tool, but still one of my favorite tools

[kmealy]

I bought one of these sets a few years ago, mostly to work on the back screws for drawer glides that need repaired.

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85035-35-MicroDriver-Set/dp/B0062FSAVI

 

It's turned out to be one of my favorite tools and most-used screwdrivers.  Some of the things I like about it.

* better in tight spots than a "stubby" screwdriver

* more torque when needed

* fast ratcheting action, especially over those L-shaped allen wrenches that you need to remove and reset every partial turn

* can press down with your other hand on the ratchet and really help with partially stripped heads

* knurled wheel so you can finger start nuts or bolts and get the threads right

* standard 1/4" drive lets you use longer or other accessories, available elsewhere

* lots of drive types right there.   No  more looking for that T-15 Torx driver or 10mm wrench somewhere

 

I've supplemented mine with some other drives that come in handy

* metric Allen drives

* Pozi-driv for those Euro-hinge adjustments

* #0 Robertson

* some magnetic drives for when I really have an inaccessible screw or nut

[lew]

That is a nice tool set. Thanks for the idea!

[Grandpadave52]

Thanks for the review Keith and usage ideas.

[HandyDan]

That is a nice set.  Lots of bits to choose from since one type of screw head can't be agreed on.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

It does look handy, and would beat the heck out of using a 1/4" drive ratchet/socket with the driver bits. That works, but not very well.

[kmealy]

6 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

It does look handy, and would beat the heck out of using a 1/4" drive ratchet/socket with the driver bits. That works, but not very well.

Besides fitting in tighter spaces, the bit stays in the driver.

 

I also use a Pic-Quick multi-drive screwdriver.   Since they both take standard drive bits, I can use the Pic-Quick bits in this, tool.   It's my second-favorite screwdriver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Picquic-X-7-Multi-bit-Screwdriver-Assorted/dp/B0018IV8WM

[kmealy]

Well, recently, I watched a YouTube video on some guy's EDC (Every Day Carry) tool kit.  It was something that was about the size of a shoebox.  One of his featured tools was a Wera microdriver set that was similar to my old GearWrench set, but had fewer sockets and more driver bits.  It also had a screwdriver type handle in addition to the "microdriver."   Looks like a nice set but 4 or 5 times the cost of my set. 

 

Well that dropped me into a rat hole and I started getting a whole bunch of more YouTube videos on the subject.  I have seen a few store-brand (and Craftsman) kits at the box stores and even Wal*mart, but none ever looked as nice as my original set.  It's still one of my favorite and most-used tools.   Then one of the videos showed the Harbor Freight offering.  And "microdriver" seems to be a newly minted term (unless I'm out of the mechanic's vocabulary)  ICON is apparently a same factory made of another brand (VIM).  The ratchet has an extension you can put on the drive end, to extend the handle, to make a long straight non-ratcheting, or a T-wrench.  But no sockets. And doing some research, the VIM drive at Wal*mart is about the same price as the complete kit, including bits and a nice case at Harbor Freight.

 

It appears that my original set is now either very hard to find or is discontinued and upgraded with six more pieces, a bit extension and pivoting head.  It's about twice the cost of my original set.  Nice case, though.

 

 

One of the videos surveying microdrivers alone (for airplane mechanics), seemed to like the older GearWrench version the best.

Edited December 26, 2024 by kmealy

[kmealy]

Well, YouTube has pushed me down the rabbit hole.  Since I watched a couple of videos, now I get more just like it in my feed every day.  I don't think it's worth it for me to buy any of these.  But I might someday build a bigger box for my set.   BTW, I've also saved an IKEA hex drive, you know, just in case.