Micra/Squirt bit driver idea

[Andreas]

It occurred to me that the old way of attaching a bit driver in between the handles might work on the Micra and Squirt LM models.
Did some sketchups to illustrate





There are three "versions" possible: Full bit driver, microbit driver, and flat LM driver. Option 2 and 3 would allow for a much smaller carry package. Using a flat bit driver, it might actually be able to make an adapter that fits somewhat in the bit holder itself (though takes up more than one slot

Someone with skills (evil510, J-sews) would prob be able to manufacture from scratch, but the way I imagine getting this to work would be to get an existing bit extender (for option 1-2) and make a cut in the handle, then insert the metal plate that fits in the LM and secure with screws or something.

Any thoughts?

[ryan1835]

for all the effort i doubt its worth it you wont get much torque from that

[Andreas]

That's my fear, hence the microbit driver option...

[Shorty66]

Get the topeak ratchet instead.
Its a powerful tool and with your bit driver you would carry an accessory aswell.
With the ratchet you are equipped for about 90% of the screwings you do.

[Andreas]

Ok so I think it's best to continue this in this thread.

This morning I found out that if you grind the sides of the flathead screwdriver/bottle opener on the Squirt, it will fit the bit adapter I have from a fake Gerber Suspension, which attaches to the Phillipshead driver on the multitool it came with. I did this to my PS4 with this result:




So I ventured out to find if the official for the ST300, Juice, Fuse etc would also work. Some well equipped fellow forum members replied yes in [url=http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,22537.0.html]this thread and some more discussion came from it.

That lead me to an idea of a "kit" that fits a whole range of stuff. It would consist of the existing removable bit driver, which would also fit on the Squirt models. That puts the Squirt in the same category of bit capable tools as pretty much any Leatherman (with various adapters), be it the old large bit adapter, the removable bit driver for the flat bit extender (for the Charge, Skeletool etc).

The new part my idea includes is a small hexagonal tube that turns any normal hex driver into a microbit driver, which is smaller at 4mm "diameter". Such small bits are uncommon but actually standardized, and you can find various kits. The Victorinox Cybertool/Swisschamp bit driver also uses these 4mm bits. They are often more "delicate" and are available with smaller tips than normal hex bits, intended for electronics use and such. Personally I have this kit:





Here are some 3D Google Sketchup shots of my idea:




parts pulled apart. From the back: Squirt PS4, removable bit driver, microbit convertor tube, 4mm microbit



convertor tube inserted into removable bit driver




all the parts included the 4mm microbit "asembled"

[Shorty66]

Thats a nice idea and impressive sketchup modelling

[Andreas]

Thank you, I actually had the model from the first bit driver idea and played with it throughout the day to learn the program. Fun, but also annoying to get it to do what you want. Starting to get the hang of it with all the different ways of bending shapes, which makes it more fun to post the results when it actually looks not too shabby

Anyways, I actually made myself a microbit driver. Not like the one in the model, because that one would have to be manufactured from scratch. Instead I "disassembled" the one that came with the microbit kit, which actually almost fit the Phillips head screwdriver  I swear LM is doing this on purpose to hive me something do do First the bottle opener fit a standard hex bit adapter, now the phillips fits this... Awesome!

The result works. Well. Very well. Got 150+ bits of various sizes and shapes to use with the PS4 now! Will be using the microbits mostly so I don't apply too much torque using large bits on large screws and ruin anything 

So, pics:

[evil510]

Some nice ideas there Andreas. Shortly before I began the bit card project, I made an adapter that converted the large bit driver into a 1/8" bit driver. It worked well enough and I was even able to store 2 bits for every one of the normal ones. I opted to make bits that would fit the large bit driver since I was removing the small bit driver and wanted to come up with a system that would work with all of the larger tools that I have. If I find pics of it, I will post them.....

~ evil ~

[Neil]

That looks good   Have you given it a test run yet?  How do you find the driver being off to one side affects use?  I know I find that an issue with the larger Cybertool models.

[Andreas]

I'm so used to the Skeletool and Wave that it doesn't both me in the slightest I do see what you mean though, but I haven't used "normal" screwdrivers for so long I don't really remember it.

[Neil]

Alas it bugs me   On my personal CT I made a point of centralising the driver.  Even then I'm not too happy.  My favourite CT is my single layer one   I'd really like a good quality pocket screwdriver but I've been disappointed with all the ones I've tried

[Andreas]

What do you mean by pocket screwdriver? One that will fit the 4mm bits?

[Neil]

Yes, I've got three at the moment.  None really tick all the boxes for me though.

[Andreas]

There was one that came with the 4mm bit kit I got. Plastic one where you were supposed to insert the long metal bit with the bit holder at the end:
http://www.clasohlson.no/Archive/Images/Products/Hi/40-7432_2010-07-12_105026_333.jpg (plastic thingy on the right)
Of course that bit holder is not with my PS4. It will probably fit your spare CT bit holder if you want it  

[Neil]

Got one similar   But thanks for the thought   I'm just a fussy/picky so and so really     Its the reason I first started pulling SAKs apart.  Scary thing is, even though I can put together whatever combination I want these days... I still can't make my perfect SAK

[Andreas]

Have you ever modded (or even used) any 111mm ones? Can't say I've seen very many of those in your threads

[Neil]

Rarely and rarely due to the lock I can't casually carry 111mm round here   There might be some pics around somewhere of when I shrank and a 111mm blade and put a stud on it.  Never finished that knife though beyond a casuall bolting it together.. got bored

[Andreas]

Ah, I didn't know the UK had laws against locking blades! I just shipped a Skeletool to a friend in the UK a couple of days ago (He's also called Neil :O). Will that be an issue to carry then? It's for sale on amazon so I figured it was fine

[Neil]

So long as he has provable good reason to carry (i.e. for work) its not an issue but casual carry is not allowed.

[Andreas]

Ah good. I think he plans on using it for cycling and maybe at work, so it shouldn't be an issue then 

[Neil]

Fingers crossed

Its why I got rid of my Skeletool though.  I kept nearly leaving the house after using it with it hung from a belt loop     

[Andreas]

You should consider getting a Style CS with pliers 

[Neil]

LoL

[superpaco]

Thank you, I actually had the model from the first bit driver idea and played with it throughout the day to learn the program. Fun, but also annoying to get it to do what you want. Starting to get the hang of it with all the different ways of bending shapes, which makes it more fun to post the results when it actually looks not too shabby

Anyways, I actually made myself a microbit driver. Not like the one in the model, because that one would have to be manufactured from scratch. Instead I "disassembled" the one that came with the microbit kit, which actually almost fit the Phillips head screwdriver  I swear LM is doing this on purpose to hive me something do do First the bottle opener fit a standard hex bit adapter, now the phillips fits this... Awesome!

The result works. Well. Very well. Got 150+ bits of various sizes and shapes to use with the PS4 now! Will be using the microbits mostly so I don't apply too much torque using large bits on large screws and ruin anything 

So, pics:

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Jeez, I really wish I could look at these pictures. Just reading about it is not doing the trick...

[ReamerPunch]

Get the topeak ratchet instead.
Its a powerful tool and with your bit driver you would carry an accessory aswell.
With the ratchet you are equipped for about 90% of the screwings you do.

It's nice to see that the Topeak Ratchet got recommended seven years ago, just like it pops up today. Must be good. 

[ironraven]

bit necro, but I just checked against my PS4. The file and the bottle/can openner driver should work with 1/4" socket, but it would be restricted to low torque only. You could use a 4mm socket and metal putty (like JB Weld), using the small bits to keep the amount of force possible down. Kinda like https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=54514.0

Of course, a thumb driver bit holder makes more sense to me with a mini-tool.