My two favorite screwdrivers

March 17, 20251 yr

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When I started my on-site repair business, I couldn't see hauling around 8 or 10 different screwdrivers in my tote. I tried one of the multi-bit ones, but when the phillips head got a bit stripped, I discovered that the inserts were proprietary so could not be replaced. I happened to see one at the checkout lane at my local computer store and snapped it up. The advantage was that the tips were standard 1/4" drive by 3" so could be replaced if ever needed. They came in various styles and even had a stubby version. They were made in Canada, so naturally, they had a #1 and #2 square drive, #1,2,3 Phillips, and a few slotted ones. One in my car tool kit also had a Torx.

Then, I struggled getting the rear screw of a center drawer glide out from the back of a shallow drawer opening. I used a 1/4" drive ratchet, but had a hard time keeping the bit in. Then I found this, for about $20, I think at a local hardware store. I loved it. It has a variety of bits and both SAE and Metric sockets. The little thumbwheels on the ratchet are handy for getting screws, nuts, and bolts started.

Over time, I added a few things like a Pozi-drive bit (for Euro Hinges), and metric Allen bits. The only problem was that it fell on the floor once and boke off the lid, so I had to make a box for it, that's worked fine.

It offered more toque than a regular screwdriver, and with Allen bolts, you don't have to remove the L-shaped wrench and refind where it fits. I could assemble RTA and knock down flat pack chairs in a fraction the time of someone else. It will also work with the QuicPic drivers if I need more length. And I've added an extension that works on both it and the QuicPic, and an 1/4" socket adapter that works with both as well.

And I have lots of replacement bits, should I ever need them.

Unfortunately, the Gearwrench 35 piece microdriver now appears to be discontinued but replaced with a bigger set with a larger ratchet.

However, there are dozens of similar kits from many manufacturers, Wera, Wiha, Harbor Freight, Klein, Hart, Milwaukee, Home Depot, Lowes, etc., etc., etc. If you go on Youtube and search microdriver, you'll be inundated. Many are featured in EDC (Every Day Carry) tool kits. Some are as cheap as less than $10 and some are over $150. Some only have 5 or 6 bits, some have dozens. some don't have sockets, some do but only metric or only SAE, some have both, some have screwdriver handles, some don't, Some have extensions that fit either the driver or the handle. So shop around and get what fits your need. And, like me, you can add to it what you need but it doesn't have.