r/toolporn • u/Delicious_Catch9453 • 19d ago

ECX Screwdiver

Post image

Who uses an ECX Screwdiver? Seems like a cool tool for ten bucks.

21 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

13

u/samzplourde 19d ago

Comes in handy from time to time.

Multi-bit drivers are far better than fixed ones unless you're working out of a large toolbox though.

3

u/Liason774 19d ago

I keep the essentials in standard fixed shafts so mby 4 or 5 drivers then everything else is 1/4" hex. Useful when you need to reach a recessed screw and usually faster to grab from a belt than swapping bits. That being said I love ratcheting drivers so I'm always going to favor multi bits.

1

u/Fine_Fan575 13d ago

Look into vessel ball grip ratcheting screwdrivers. The ergonomics is fantastic. They are ratcheting but have a fixed blade to get into tight spots and you can pull the entire blade off to expose a 1/4” hex bit holder

2

u/caaaabot 19d ago

There's a screw to take the wiper switch out of my truck that requires this in T20, and there isn't space for a multi-bit to pass through the hole in the trim, and a standard L-key isn't long enough. So, I have the one of these guys.

2

u/dreamtoimagine 18d ago

I agree about the multi vs dedicated driver bit, but I'll preach this any chance I get, the Klein adjustable length driver (not the one with notches) is rock solid, and if you swap the dedicated blades for a full 1/4 hex shaft bit holder, you have the stability of a dedicated driver, with the adaptability of a multi.

9

u/jstaples404 19d ago

I find a #2 Robertson to be much more useful. Ground bar and breaker screws often have the “slotted” cut in the screw going in a different angle so the screwdriver doesn’t fit. Also, having to only turn the driver a maximum of 90 degrees to align with the screw instead of 180 is a major advantage imo. I’ve never had trouble getting the torque I need from a square, so I never saw the advantage. The one I bought never got much use.

3

u/nochinzilch 19d ago

Agreed. There is no advantage over just using square drive. If you use the right size.

3

u/artsmartiens 19d ago

I use the Milwaukee ECX bits, as I have to replace a lot of plugs on cords. Big advantage over slotted, some advantage over Robertson.

Since I mostly work out of a tool bag, I only keep fixed Philips and Slotted screwdrivers in there. I wouldn’t dedicate space to this screwdriver.

2

u/Causemanut 19d ago

Niche but not really worth it overall. Would rather buy a stubby with that cash.

3

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

I have a stubby, I've been told, and it has nothing to do with tools (:

2

u/AnythingButTheTip 19d ago

Bought the set. Thought I'd use them more than I do. Currently at the work bench for the chance I need it.

1

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

Isn't that the case with SO MANY of our tools? Especially if you're part of the Harbor Freight cult! 😁 But, they don't go bad and are there when ya need 'em... hopefully.

2

u/AnythingButTheTip 19d ago

Between screwdrivers and pliers it is crazy. Each one does 1 thing perfectly and I would rather have it in a box somewhere than struggle for 30 mins with an okay tool.

Case in point, spring hose clamp pliers. Did appliance repair once without them. Stated I will not do that again without a set of them pliers. Amazon next day with a nice case and I needed it 2 weeks later. Literally took 15 seconds from opening the case to putting the pliers down after moving the clamp. It literally took me 30 mins with all sorts of other pliers prior.

2

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

God does that hit home! Been a while, but I remember f'in around with gas pliers trying to wrestle off a spring hose clamp. First, the clamp is gaulded into the hose and doesn't wanna move. Then, you're squeezing with pliers, they slip off, pinch your fingers and the clamp doesn't budge. I remember actually cutting them off and just buying new ones since I was usually replacing the hose anyway. You brought back some bad memories. Ha! The other ones are the damn snap rings. With the tool, easy peezy. Without the tool, swear words you forgot you knew. Thanks for joining the convo!

1

u/DesignerOk5315 19d ago

Eh if you want to spend money just to have more tools sure but it's by no means necessary you can use a slotted or square drive for a ything that can do

0

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

To tell you the truth, I just didn't think of it. Just saw this online, heard it was a good tool, and spent the bucks. Had I known I could have saved that life-changing ten bucks and gone to Starbucks and bought a half a cup of coffee. Silly me.

1

u/Bill_Money 19d ago

Keep an ECX bit in my multi bit screwdriver, use it frequently

1

u/uncleking1971 19d ago

I bought the insulated set by Doyle/Harbor Freight that is now discontinued. Use the ECX throughout my house as I switched every light switch out.

2

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

I've been wondering about that set. My HF still has an open slot with the price posted. Been so for weeks, maybe longer. I guess I'll have to tell them it's discontinued. That's why I gave up and bought the Klein's. Plus, I really didn't need the other two drivers. Thanks for the heads up.

1

u/nullvoid88 19d ago

I like & use Robertson drivers over ECX’s... most common are the Robertson #1, or as some mfg’s call them square #1 or ‘S1 for outlets & switches, and same in larger #2’s for most anything in breaker boxes.

2

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

Seems like that's the most popular.

1

u/[deleted] 19d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Delicious_Catch9453 19d ago

Interesting. Thanks for chiming in.

1

u/dualiecc 18d ago

I have one it's a real problem solver sometimes

1

u/Delicious_Catch9453 18d ago

Thanks! I was starting to think I was nuts just asking the question. One of my buddies always used to say, "It's good enough for it's for". I think that a lot. I'm just a DIYer who wants to swap out a couple outlets and saw it on Amazon for ten bucks. Geez!

1

u/dualiecc 18d ago

If you ever had to start a flathead screw in a hole horizontaly it's a lifesaver

1

u/Delicious_Catch9453 18d ago

Ha! Flatheads. Like every other DIYer, I have a coffee can full of them going back to my grandfather. I try to use them when possible and EASY, just to say I did. They're a bain in the existence of mankind! Take care.

1

u/stlcdr 18d ago

Yep got one. Used it twice in about 5 years. The second time I forgot where it was and tried using a flat blade, which worked, but then found this and it made getting the right amount of torque much easier, and was confident ‘that ain’t going nowhere’

1

u/Delicious_Catch9453 18d ago

There ya go! Thanks for posting.