Which would be more useful: A 1/4" hex bit driver or a 1/4" square socket driver

[fyrstormer]

I'm wondering if the forum has an opinion on which type of driver would be more useful on a SAK? ("wondering if the forum has an opinion" 🤭) I know the Cybertool has a hex bit driver, but it's 4mm, which is...not particularly useful in North America.

[Barry Rowland]

I'd take the driver, especially with all the Torx head, etc bits out there nowadays.  I remember the Wenger mountaineering knife , made with titanium scales I believe, that had slots for bits in the scales.  The exact name of it isn't coming to me yet 

[fyrstormer]

I'd take the driver, especially with all the Torx head, etc bits out there nowadays.  I remember the Wenger mountaineering knife , made with titanium scales I believe, that had slots for bits in the scales.  The exact name of it isn't coming to me yet 

The hex bit driver, as opposed to the square socket driver, you mean?

[Barry Rowland]

Yes

[nate j]

I'm wondering if the forum has an opinion on which type of driver would be more useful on a SAK?

I’d take the hex bit driver over the square socket driver.  Carrying a 1/4” bit (or a couple) isn’t out of the question, but if one is carrying/bringing along square drive sockets, a dedicated socket wrench is probably along as well.

I know the Cybertool has a hex bit driver, but it's 4mm, which is...not particularly useful in North America.

I find it extremely useful, but primarily with the Victorinox bits.

I remember the Wenger mountaineering knife , made with titanium scales I believe, that had slots for bits in the scales.  The exact name of it isn't coming to me yet 

https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Titanium+Ueli+Steck

There were a couple of variations on that theme, and also some 130mm knives with the scale bit driver, like this one:
https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Del%C3%A9mont+RangerGrip+Boatsman

[IMR4198]

There is the Horn type.  Best wishes.  G
 

Screenshot 2024-12-14 133304.jpg (Filesize: 73.09 KB)

[Antti Lammi]

you mean integrated drivers or removable drivers?

[Zanza]

I'd take the driver, especially with all the Torx head, etc bits out there nowadays.  I remember the Wenger mountaineering knife , made with titanium scales I believe, that had slots for bits in the scales.  The exact name of it isn't coming to me yet 

You mean Wenger Titanium Ueli Steck 

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=85644.msg2165356#msg2165356

[Barry Rowland]

That's it

[Farmer X]

That Ueli Steck is high on my list of dream SAKs!

When I was working in aviation maintenance, I avoided bit drivers. The bits are much more likely to present a FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard. And not too long ago, I left a bit holder under the hood of a car I was working on, and didn't realize it until well after the car had left the garage.

In other words: dedicated drivers work better for me, and couldn't say which sort of bit driver I'd prefer.

[SteveP]

I did a post back in 2021 about a 1/4 inch hex bit converter that came with a Winchester multi-tool that fits great on the inline Phillips of a SAK:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=87335.msg2241594

With the converter you can use any 1/4 inch screw driver hex bit, nut driver hex bit, (with an adapter) sockets, even an extension bar for more reach.

Way down at the bottom of the thread is info on finding the converter on AliExpress, at least back in 2021.   

[Antti Lammi]

i have adapter for SAKs, its adapter from some set i cant recall but it fits over phillips and its quite good (little wobbling)  but if i had to choose driver for 91mm SAK  i would maybe choose socket driver like on SOG since i have adpter for it and i could change sockets to 1/4" bits.

[Huntsman]

To comment on the OP post question:

I have never heard of a square bit driver - Are we talking about the female socket that takes a male screwdriver bit ?
All my bits on my regular tools and socket sets all have a hexagonal male connection - Like on the Ranger n the above image

The Vic cybertool is great of course for small tasks with its own custom bits

[DavZell]

I'm in North America and use 4mm bits a lot.  You can get large sets with a wide variety of bits for pretty little money.  The common usage has increased, I think, because of the so-called electronic repair bit driver kits.  For many younger people (aka not me), they might need/use one of these before getting "real" tools.  They are the standard for small usb powered screwdrivers, too.

One advantage they have is that they can get into smaller places than 1/4" bits while still having PH2 and PH3, for example, for larger screws.  Another is that they have many metric sizes in different types, which has been more important over the last decade+.  You can also carry more bits in a given space - even keychain pill holders, for example.

One disadvantage (less so with the CT) is that the handle/drivers aren't usually as robust as 1/4" handle/drivers.