Compact double ended bits

[Vidar]

I came across this sale of double ended bits a while back. I like compact double ended bits as it is less to carry for the same function, but often they are silly expensive. Anyway, Wiha seems to have some sets of these. Here are the 5 I found. (With label is someone else wants to looks for them).

[AzteCypher]

 

[ReamerPunch]

There is a tiny driver branded Steinwhale with double-ended bits that are shorter than regular bits. I might get it.

[Vidar]

That seems like a nice compact one. Good find! 

[Grand_Banana]

There is a tiny driver branded Steinwhale with double-ended bits that are shorter than regular bits. I might get it.

I have the Steinwhale.  It’s probably worth it when it’s $10 on sale on Amazon.  Otherwise, I’m not sure I’d trust it outside of low torque applications.  I use it for example at home on those 4mm bolts for MDF furniture.

I’ve done a little bit of testing using it with the included extender and the craftsman mini ratchet.  Fits well.

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Here’s the bits and extender.  Included extender on left and a generic identical one on the right.  The included bits are tiny. 

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You can see from the below image that the included extender and the generic extender fit the bits identical.  I have a bunch of the random extenders from drills and ratchets that all seem to fit the same only if it has a magnet. The bits will fall out with a magnet.

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The steinwhale bits do not fit the Leatherman ratchet driver! 

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[gravelmonkey]

Possibly a daft question, but what ratchet driver are you all using these bits in?

It appears the model numbers are:

77780
77781
77782
77784

But alas, it appears these only come in imperial hex sizes??

[Vidar]

Not a daft question as they will not attach to many bit holders. Wiha who makes these naturally also makes tools that hold these. I suspect a magnetic holder with some depth will also work. I don't know if they have the ratcheting style of tool your prefer. I think I've seen short double ended bits like this from others too, so there might be more sources.

As for only imperial the 1/4 inch hex bits standard size is indeed imperial, and I've only seen these for the 1/4" standard. Other double sided bits exists for 4mm hex precision bit standard. I'm not aware of any double sided bits for the 8mm hex bit standard. Leatherman and Nextool (and maybe more) make their own non-standardized flat holder double ended driver bits.

(Nice pictures Grand Banana - somehow I've overlooked this until now. Interesting tiny bits!)

[gravelmonkey]

Not a daft question as they will not attach to many bit holders. Wiha who makes these naturally also makes tools that hold these. I suspect a magnetic holder with some depth will also work. I don't know if they have the ratcheting style of tool your prefer. I think I've seen short double ended bits like this from others too, so there might be more sources.

As for only imperial the 1/4 inch hex bits standard size is indeed imperial, and I've only seen these for the 1/4" standard. Other double sided bits exists for 4mm hex precision bit standard. I'm not aware of any double sided bits for the 8mm hex bit standard. Leatherman and Nextool (and maybe more) make their own non-standardized flat holder double ended driver bits.

(Nice pictures Grand Banana - somehow I've overlooked this until now. Interesting tiny bits!)

Great answers, thanks! Had a peek at the wiha website but no obvious bit holders specifically for their double ended bits. I think trial and error will have to be the solution.

Another space-saving rabbithole I'm going to look at is the precision 4mm bits, available up to PH2, 4mm hex, 4mm flat and T20 torx. Not found a source for PZ2 yet. I figure the 4mm can replace at least 8 of my 1/4" bits if I'm putting together a "comprehensive" kit Vs "minimalist". Would need an adaptor, which subtracts points..... I can see a spreadsheet coming along 

[Vidar]

4mm precision bits typically come in big sets with lots of bits of all kinds. I'm sure the sites of Primes and Alis have plenty to offer. And there are some nice handles with double ended bits inside available too. (There is a 24 in 1 with double ended bits in the handle that is quite nice. Not the cheapest, but nice, and rotating top which tend to be helpful in actual use with these).

As for holders for those 1/4" double ended ones a 1/4" hex socket with holding function will likely do the trick too. (I only have those in metric so I can't check).

A note about a 4mm bit holder adaptor is that they can often do double duty as a 4mm hex socket driver as well. (Not uncommon size in electronic sized parts).

[lister]

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The steinwhale bits do not fit the Leatherman ratchet driver! 

I'd say they fit to well... 

[pfrsantos]

I'd say they fit to well... 

 

[cody6268]

Been looking for these as I want to fit Torx in my Ozark Trail Multiforce without adapters. I'm guessing these don't have ball bearing retention, though? The Multiforce has a magnet in its extension, but not the driver itself.

The Industrial set should do nicely for what I need. Also, getting a 3D printer next month (assuming the FlashForge prices stay low in July), so I'll probably print up a holder.

[Mike]

I know this is a bit of a zombie thread, but thought some might like to know. These fit the newer Milwaukee Fastback 6 in 1, the model where the bit driver has the ball detente, not the older style with the snap ring bit holder. The bits are slightly shorter than the one that comes with it, but stick out plenty and work just fine.

[fullbreakfast]

There is a tiny driver branded Steinwhale with double-ended bits that are shorter than regular bits. I might get it.

I have got that. The driver is nothing special but the bits are quite decent, though I haven’t used them a lot. You can put them in a standard bit socket but the head does not protrude much and it can be a chore pulling them out with fingers, as there is not much to grip. Life is easier if you use them when pliers are to hand.

EDIT: I somehow missed Grand_Banana’s far more comprehensive post on this. Oh well.

[Brock O Lee]

These Wiha double ended bits are excellent. They are the same length as the Leatherman 2D bits. They fit in the LM bit extender.

[nakken]

Great idea. I’ve always preferred regular bits over the 2D ones, and this would barely add any bulk