A couple of months ago while shopping at Lowes, I grabbed a package containing an assortment of fasteners for less than five bucks. Another shopper pointed out to me a different package of fasteners for the same price, but which also contained a free promotional bit driver.
I put away the package unopened for later use and forgot all about the bit driver inside. Last week I needed an anchor for hanging a picture frame, so I opened the package and rediscovered the little bit driver. I've been using it around the house and have started to really like it.
Unfortunately, I don't have a working camera at the moment. So, for now I'll describe it, then try to add some pics later on.
Pocket sized, black plastic-bodied bit driver. Hollow handle contains six bits and one bit extension that snap into plastic clips. Comes with three slot head and three Phillips, but will take any standard size bit. A door in the handle swings open to expose the hollow storage area. Handle cross section is basically rectangular, but with rounded corners.
Dimensions:
Handle - 1.5" wide x 1" deep x 2" long
Overall - 3.5" long
Bit extension - 2" long
Top of handle has an eye molded in with attached metal split ring for lanyard or keychain attachment. Bottom of driver is molded around a metal bit holder which extends 1.5" from bottom of handle.
This little driver is quite sleek so it slips easily into a back pocket. Flat enough so that I forget it's there until needed. The rectangular shape of the handle helps with applying torque. So far I've used it to drive several big woodscrews, remove and tighten nuts on a chainsaw, and remove the doors from an old refrigerator.
It seems to be very tough with not much to go wrong. The one concern I have is with the molded hinge on the plastic door - seems thin and likely to fail eventually from plastic fatigue. If that happens, I'll use a couple of stout rubberbands to hold the door in place, but it'll be less handy for quick access to bits.
I found an old cordura sheath that fits it perfectly, and also has room to carry a couple of nutdriver bits that are too large to fit into the handle.
This is certainly the best free tool I've ever had. It's handy enough that I'd actually buy one if they were available for sale. I checked back in the fastener aisle where I got it, but they seem to be out - at least for now.
Anyway, if you happen to be at Lowes, it might be worth looking for these in the fastener aisle. The price is right.
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