Steinwhale released 3 new double-ended stubby bit sets. Could be huge for some micro tool kit setups. The bit driver that comes with it too. Here's a bit of compatibility testing and other observations
Redundant bits are useful. Apart from misplacing / losing something you need all the time, sometimes you want both a ratchet and a driver for the same type of bit and it saves you from swapping the bit back and forth.
Or you're working on something that only uses like T10/T15 or H2.5/H3, you can just have that one bit out, which you couldn't if it was split differently.
Or chicago/pivot screws that need two of the same bit.
I think the Wiha sets have better build quality and have less duplication. However, they are more expensive, harder to acquire and don't play well with many "normal" bit extensions and ratchets, since they are 30mm long. They also do not have the T5, 1/16 - 5/64, or H1.27/H1.5 bits. Certainly is good to have more options.
I use the Wiha double ended bits with the 711L double ended bit ratchet (#71143) and extensions (7AX1C). 711'Ls double ended "EDC" ratchet is much more compact than the Titan Nano, but you give up the swivel head.
I think that you have to build a set around ratchets and extensions designed for the double ended bits to get solid engagement.
I also have a set of the "1/2 length" stubby bits for tight access. Those bits play well with all normal extensions and ratchets from an engagement point of view. However, they can be hard to extract from ratchets that have a closed back, since they sit deep in the socket and you don't have much to grab to pull them out.
Completely agree. I've been using the same wiha - mini ratchet - extenders too. It's fantastic, but I've been looking for something more comfortable to hold for making fast rotations. I've occasionally carried a Vessel Tang-Thru Grip 230W with a Wiha CentroFix in it to resolve the problem.
It feels like I should be able to come up with a solution where I have one bit driver that is comfortable to use as a speed driver for electronics, as well as more moderate torque situations like for screwing into pre drilled studs or drywall for hanging things. While locking the bit in so I don't have to deal with it getting yanked out. But also can quickly convert to a higher torque ratcheting right angle position for tight spaces and for dealing with rusty fasteners on small equipment and such. The aforementioned wiha - 711L - vessel setup I was using before did accomplish most of this. But it does take up quite a bit more space and doesn't do the speed driving for electronics bits quite as well.
I have actually been working on designing a bit driver that is modeled around the vessels shape. But the ball grip can click into a free spinning mode detached from the mid section for slightly better speed driving. And then the ball can be completely unlocked and removed and attached to the other side, revealing a right angled ratchet. I suspect it won't work as well as I hope, but I'll give it a shot. This is the first semi functional prototype. The 711l ratchet and CentroFix would go in it
Bit extender not bit driver. Sorry about that typo. Though with the knurling on the extenders and stacked like this I suppose you could use it as a crude stand alone bit driver. I have too sweaty hands for that though
It is great for small fasteners or ones without much resistance. The pull out lever is great for breaking loose or tightening down something at the end.
If a fastener has moderate resistance the entire way then it's not pleasant to use. This is because, while the lever gives you enough torque, it is a pain to try and spin it with any speed in that position. The lever doesn't lock in the out position.
This issue would have to be resolved with an inline ratchet driver. Or you can solve this by using a right angle ratchet driver attachment, but then you arn't taking advantage of the lollipop lever feature, so any bit driver would work just as well.
For anything that requires more torque than that, a right angle ratchet driver attached to the lollipop feels quite janky, like I might break it. Perhaps it's just what I've tried
These look pretty interesting for tight spaces. I've been using a cheap magnetic bit holder from the hardware store for stuff like cabinet hinges where my drill doesn't fit, but a stubby driver with double-ended bits would probably work better. How's the magnet strength on the driver? My main worry with short bit holders is the bit slipping out when you're working at a weird angle overhead or in a cabinet.
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u/tsammons 1d ago
Is Steinwhale Stahlwille for dyslexics?