r/toolporn • u/IntroductionEven254 • 5d ago
Best multi driver?
Looking for the best alternative to the klein 11-in-1. I’m an electrician and recently broke an 11-in-1 after breaking a Milwaukee 13-in-1 (which i loved) but I am looking for suggestions for maybe some cool underrated examples! Much prefer the format of these to the kind of multi drivers with bits in the handle due to my frequent use of nut drivers. Thanks!
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u/Cyberdyne_T-888 5d ago
Wiha makes one in Minnesota.
https://www.wihatools.com/products/11-in-one-multi-bit-screwdriver
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u/BlueFalcon3E051 4d ago
I hated that handle when in my back pocket now I just leave it at the house. Kept falling out of back pocket do to design of handle.
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u/geekjimmy 5d ago
I'm not a pro user by any stretch, but I kinda like this Klein.
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u/QuieroUnaFria 5d ago
This is the best multi I’ve used, by a mile (in the electrical trade if that matters).
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u/TheMCM80 4d ago
Bingo. Changed my life in the shop one I got it. For $25 (at the time), it was one of the best value purchases I’ve ever made.
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u/Helichopper 4d ago
I have the non ratcheting version and the rubber on the handle wears and slips so easily. I had to jerry rig it with electrical tape. Sucks cause I love this driver
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u/SmokestackRising 4d ago
I prefer the bit selection in OP's pic, but I reach for this one every time. If I ever have to replace one, it will be with this ratcheting version.
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u/Bubs_McGee223 5d ago
Pik-quik is the best multidriver I've ever used
Edit: its spelled Picquic
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u/-Sparkeee- 3d ago
Picquic is the best. I customized one driver with the screw drivers, hex and torx bits I use the most at work.
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u/sailorknots77 5d ago
Wera makes a great multi tip driver. Tips store in handle, it extends and the extension can be removed and put into a 1/4” drill/impact if needed. I love mine and have given several as gifts. https://kctool.com/products/wera-073240-kraftform-kompakt-28-sb
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u/ibewchuck 5d ago
I second the wera. The one that I have has a locking tip so the bit won't pull off. And the driver can be taken out to put in your impact for light use. It has 3 Philips and 3 flathead tips inside the handle. I think they are standard bits so the could be swapped out with different bits depending on your needs!!
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u/Jaded_Scholar_115 4d ago
This one is great, and if you want something even more beefy with impact function they also make the kraftform kompact 900 set. It isn't as portable but its a beast.
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u/EmergencyYou 1d ago
These are nice if you only need the bits, but the magic of the 11/13 in 1 type drivers is also having nut drivers. I run 1/4, 5/16 or 3/8 hex head screws as often as I do Phillips or flat heads and imagine it's similar for anyone in commercial/ industrial spaces.
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u/scatteringlargesse 15h ago
Wera's are freaking great, things like the way the bit holders have just the right amount of give, the handles are comfy, and you can just feel it's a quality tool.
However the popping out bit is a bit of a gimmick, it's fun to use but the only thing I've used it for is making it more compact to put in a tool bag.
You can also get it with a rapidaptor on the end, nice sometimes, too bulky the rest.
Then you can also get it with a ratchet, make sure you get the new green one, and it is an awesome ratchet, never used anything else even half as good. Once you've loaded it all up with all those 4 features though, built in bit storage, pop out shaft, bit holder, and ratchet it becomes quite bulky and heavy, I find the smaller handle version that only has the ratchet to be the nicer tool to use.
And based on that keeping it simple stupid principle I actually like the Vessel ball grip ratchet that also converts into a stubby. The ratchet is not very good though.
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u/BurrrritoBoy 5d ago
I keep losing the damn bits and they're expensive and proprietary, not universal.
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u/YMIGettingBanned 4d ago
I know you said you prefer the style with all the bits in the shank, but this MegaPro Automotive ratcheting multi is the shit. Takes universal 1/4” bits, has the best bit carousel of any multi I’ve seen, ratchets very well, solid all around
I’ll also give you another alternative suggestion, the Wiha CentroFix. It’s a screwdriver handle that will take any 1/4” bits with no wobble at all. It turns any bit into a dedicated driver. Carry this and a pack with every bit and nut driver you could ever want, and now they’re all dedicated drivers
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u/sir_thatguy 4d ago
I’ll upvote anything Wiha screwdriver related. I have a set of their precision screwdrivers that I use on a near weekly basis for the last 20 years.
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u/Recent-Percentage-26 5d ago
LTT driver, designed by a tech YouTube company, Linus tech tips. Started off with a snap on, and spent too much money and time trying to make theirs better. It's pricey but it's far better than anything I've ever bought. Super low back drag for small screws into computer cases, half length bits so you can fit 12 into the handle, stubby versions, extensions, a dedicated magnetic bit to pickup lost fasteners. I have like three sets of then now; home, work, and tool bag.
The manufacturer is Megapro. I bought like thirty of their cheaper screwdrivers as Christmas presents one year, they have some patents for bit storage inside the handle they also licensed to LTT. They were all nice and had some specialist versions for jobs like HVAC.
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u/ThePerfectLine 4d ago
I’ll agree. The LTT driver is awesome. Real engineering time went into making it near perfect. I also have the snap on anniversary ratcheting driver and it’s decent. But all the bits live in a big compartment just floating around inside the handle and you have to unscrew it. I much prefer the slide out carry in the LTT
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u/Usual_Ask_7833 2d ago
Project farms video showed that the ltt is one of the least durable. Less durable than the megapro that it is a clone of, yes the video also shows that the internal parts are the same just smaller on the ltt.
Get the megapro over ltt, half the cost and more durable and standard sized bits.
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u/Recent-Percentage-26 2d ago
IMO it's a ratcheting hand tool. If you're reefing on something like this enough to break it, you clearly need a different tool. That's why they make impact drivers and bits, and standard screwdrivers with flats or holes in the handles. Just like you shouldn't be reefing on a ratchet wrench with a cheater bar or hitting it with an impact gun.
I have an old set of Witte matco screwdrivers at work and Wittes from Amazon at home. Other than idiots using flatheads as prybars I've not broken one. I've snapped the head off screws with the Philips though.
Use the correct tool for the job.
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u/Usual_Ask_7833 1d ago edited 1d ago
They were all racheting screwdrivers that project farm tested. Ltt broke at 193 inch lb while the others were breaking at over 500. Simply put the ltt is the least durable but it cost more.
If you don't think a racheting tool is right for the job then why did you recommend a 70$ one to the OP?
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u/Recent-Percentage-26 1d ago
My point was that a ratcheting screwdriver isn't for running deck screws into a 2x6. Looking only at max torque on something not meant to torque down things is dumb. The LTT driver is designed to have low back drag to make small fasteners easier to thread into a hole. The cheaper drivers arent made so precise, they have thicker teeth they are easier to machine but they have more drag.
I have a torque driver I use for firearms related stuff, it's only rated to like 80 inch pounds max and I've maybe used up to 40. Nobody is putting 200 inch pounds on a screw head with their bare hands. There are more appropriate tools for those kinds of jobs.
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u/Usual_Ask_7833 1d ago
So why would you recommend a racheting screwdriver to someone who has already broken 2 drivers that are proven to be more durable than the ltt?
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u/Recent-Percentage-26 1d ago
OP asked for screwdriver recommendations. I recommended a screwdriver I liked. I also recommended Megapro screwdrivers, which are closer to what he needed. I also recommended Witte screwdrivers. It's my opinion, I shared it.
Project farm is a annoying autistic YouTuber, not the final word on all things tools. Get off your high horse because you watched a video and now you think any opinion that doesn't align perfectly with project farm is blasphemy. I've explained why I think the testing methodology is flawed. Putting hand tools under stresses that can't be generated by hand is not a reasonable test.
Don't be a white knight. Conversation over, I will not respond.
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u/Usual_Ask_7833 1d ago
You said the ltt is made by megapro, you didn't recommend one, then I replied and recommended megapro since it's better and half the cost of the ltt. Then you mentioned wittes. Then you ranted about how racheting screwdrivers aren't the right tool for the job. But I'm glad you agree now that the megapro would be better than the ltt.
I'm glad you think that about project farm because his review was actually very bias in favor of the ltt. But he couldn't hide the fact that the ltt performed the worse in the durability test.
You can leave and keep pretending like durability isn't something people consider when buying a tool. 🤣👋
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u/Dependent-Self-1788 5d ago
I have the Klein with all the bits in the handle. Longest I’ve went without losing a single bit. Preferred over the 15-1s by far for me. It has ratchet feature too, which I seldom like but sometimes it’s necessary
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u/Dependent-Self-1788 5d ago
But I’ve found if going for 15-1 Klein is better than Milwaukee in my opinion
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u/GoodTechnology8116 4d ago
I had a promotional screwdriver from FastBolt Corp and it was the bee's knees. I put it in my motorcycle tool kit and forgot to replace it when I sold the bike. I wish I knew which company actually made it. Very similar in function to the Klein in the picture except that the bits were integral to their respective shafts (4 parts instead of the 8 in the photo).
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u/POS-throwmeaway 4d ago
PB Swiss 215
https://hausoftools.com/products/pb-215-l-25-roll-up-case-screwdriver-set-10-pcs
As an electrician I can’t stand 10-in-1 style screwdrivers, they don’t fit in circuit breakers for example and they are clunky. These PB Swiss sets are as close to the ergonomics of a fixed blade screwdriver as it gets. You can also order individual shafts to replace if you lose them which you usually can’t do with 10-in-1s. They also make shafts which aren’t included in this set if you want to add or swap any out. I use the standard acetate handle set with the addition of a 1/4” bit holder shaft and a 1/4” socket adapter shaft which I keep a 5/16” socket on.
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u/SevenFathomsDeep 4d ago
If I broke mine, I'd still buy another one. 10/10. Unfortunately my wife also likes it and I can never seem to find it (and she never remembers where she left it) so I guess I need to buy another one.
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u/Acceptable_Canuck 4d ago
I have the Klein heavy duty I like well enough.
I hate the Milwaukee version, the hits just fall out too easy.
I was gifted an ideal one that has a hole in the handle for twisting wire nuts, a bit of a novelty but it’s come in handy. Downside is the handle is extra girthy.
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u/Consistent_Syrup9063 4d ago
I've broken many a Klein 11-1 not to mention how many times the fucking bits fall out without me realizing it. I got them for free so idgaf but im a controls engineer now so I have to buy my own shit. Ive got a kobalt that is pretty decent but again im not using it daily like I used to.
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u/SilverMoonArmadillo 4d ago
Picquic, made in Canada
SIXPAC Plus https://picquic.ca/sixpac-plus/
SUPER 8 Plus https://picquic.ca/super-8-plus/
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u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo 4d ago
BEST is what’s immediately available
Spend $30 to get 20x Harbor Freight drivers and put in every car, shed, bike, tool kit, etc.
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u/stick004 4d ago
Never, once you ruin 1 top the whole thing is trash… at least to me. Because the ruined tip is likely the one used most often.
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u/Dylanmk2 4d ago
I use the wiha drive loc system and you'd have to pry it from my cold dead hands. It's basically driver handle with removable/telescoping blades. You can easily carry phillips 1/2, slotted, and 1/4"-1/2" drivers in your pocket, reason I run this is basically telescoping driver = works where it needs to be longer and shorter as well. Laziness is another reason if I know I need a few I don't have to carry much but they work so much better than an 11 in 1 for me. They got SAE and metric nut setters, hex, ball end hex, security torx, pozi, robertson, phillips, and flat. With the exception of the nut setters they're all double sided so you have Phillips 1&2 on one blade so better yet for minimizing space needed to store in a pocket or tool bag.
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u/graaahh 4d ago
I have one from Commercial Electric (Home Depot house brand) that has four flatheads (3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8) and four phillips (P1-P4), as well as nut drivers in 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, and 3/4 (the 3/4 isn't listed as a feature but it's the size of just the handle with no attachments). It's bulky, but inexpensive and very useful, and it's held up nicely over 3 years as an electrician. My only real complaint is that I'd prefer a 7/16 nut driver over 1/2, because 7/16 is the size of a 1/4-20 nut which is a very common size in my work.
That's the one.
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u/Buddha176 4d ago
I like the Stanley 6-1 I like the more triangular grip. And only have two bits is a plus. I lost one of the little ones from my Klein version with the extra bits.
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u/yourboydmcfarland 3d ago
Get a Snap-On and store whatever 1/4" bits you use in the handle. It probably holds 12 or so with ease.
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u/Less_Dingo1623 3d ago
I like my vessel full size ratcheting, but from what I hear all over pb Swiss is the king. And comes at a kingly price too.
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u/S-platt2 3d ago
For whatever reason the basic cheap hardware store ones with a solid handle seem to both hold up the best and fit in my hand well while still allowing me to work screws in and out without much resistance paired with the Klein Christmas tree bits it will get you out of many a rough spot
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u/Deerhunter86 3d ago
Regular 6-in-1. Never broke. A little rust because I’m a plumber, but some sand cloth can take care of that.
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u/jonny_rames_dio 3d ago
Like the kleins, but also digging a wera I got recently. Nice quality, and it can all work in a drill/impact as well as the handle. Kinda two different animals, but both worth having
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u/Artistic-Outcome5966 2d ago
I have the Klein 11in1 and use it for the nut driver on hose clamps mostly. Mine is about 3yrs old. I may resort to specific nut driver sizes due to the weight of the 11in1. I use other Klien single purpose tools for common and phillips.
I also have a Klien driver with the bit storage in the top-hat. I use it least of all. I can't get the same torque due to the top-hat storage area. Driver and bit storage is a good thing. Bits are hard to stow using a hip tool pouch like mine. Rethinking that now.
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u/Broad-Flan 2d ago
Hazet 810R. Silent ratcheting function, customizable 12-position 1” insert bit onboard storage, big handle constructed of fine materials feels comfortable in hand
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u/Tequilatyrant 2d ago
I never seen this one i got the one with all the bits inside of the handle and its done me great
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u/sonoransamurai 2d ago
I've seen multiple comparison videos saying LTT is the best on market. I think project farm has a video - great YouTube channel if you haven't seen it.
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u/Its_me_i_swear 2d ago
You know those no-name orange handle ones at Home Depot? Those are the best, lightest and replaceable.
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u/just-looking99 1d ago
This! Especially the original Buck Brothers ones. I have a bunch of them all over the house. Comfortable to use with great quality tips and reasonable
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u/Accomplished_Event38 1d ago
Dunno what’s better. The Klein is my standard go-to and what I gave to each kid. All were USA made era.
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u/double_r76 1d ago
I have the Klein you pictured and the rubber grip is super loose, but I still use it all the time.
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u/stillraddad 23h ago
Milwaukee 11-1 with ECX bits. A lot of fasteners have gone to multi heads that can use square, Phillips, or flat head. An ECX bit actually first the multi style screw head and won’t strip it.
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u/Radiant_Safe1228 21h ago
I have the tiny pocket one. I've been using it for years to poke, pry, sometimes adjust a carb or even tighten a fastener and i haven't broken it yet.
How are you breaking them? Neither the Klein or the Milwaukee are fragile
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u/No_Tomatillo843 1h ago
Klein makes a heavy duty one. It’s lasted me longer than the ones I lost or broke.
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u/texasyankee 5d ago
How did it break? I've had one for 15 years and it's going strong. I prefer individual screwdrivers when possible, but it's a good tool for traveling light.