Why no 1/4" drivers?

[SteamKit]

I'm wondering why more multi-tool companies don't build their tools to take a standard 1/4" bit in a system similar to the LM proprietary flat bit thing. It wouldn't be that much wider and so many more bits would be available for it. I've seen SOG's but you need a converter from the socket to 1/4" when to use sockets, I'd honestly rather go the other way around because seriously who EDC's a box of sockets anyway?

-Kit

[Sea Monster]

A socket thingy takes up significantly less space than a 1/4" drive thingy, since a socket thingy is only 1/4" to start with.

A 1/4" drive thingy would take up the whole handle on most tools.

I suppose you'd argue that it adds infinite drivers, and that to be a fair trade off...


Anyway, I'm a oft-stated opponent of the "Having hundreds of tiny, losable pieces is a good idea" theory, so take my opinion with the vitriolic disgust with which it is delivered.

I would consider more openly a Swissgrip (?) angle, with the 1/4" cutout in a handle or somesuch.


And don't forget there is always the Leatherman Universal bit Exchanger, or whatever they call it. (discontinued?)

[american lockpicker]

Schrade did something like that with the "Premium" Tough Tool except it uses the larger bits like the ones in the Klein 5 in 1 screwdrivers.

[Anthony]

The Leatherman Crunch has a standard bit holder.  Pretty comfortable to use also.  Unscrew the knurled knob (what's the official name for this part?) and that hole is where you click in your bit!

One knockoff tool I had in the standard PST pattern had a 1/4 bit driver...I tore the tool apart but kept that impliment...fits well in a SOG If I ever wanted to use it

[J-sews]

It made sense to add the 1/4" driver to the Crunch, as that handle had no room for blades anyhow. But on most other tools like Nomad said it would take up the entire handle.

I would rather have several dedicated screwdrivers than one bit driver. (personal preference)

[american lockpicker]

The pocketwrench II uses 1/4 bits but only nutdriver bits seem to work well...

[DaveK]

Unscrew the knurled knob (what's the official name for this part?) and that hole is where you click in your bit!

The user's guide refers to it as the "adjusting screw".

[AndyTiedye]

The little CRKT Guppie has an integral 1/4" bit driver.
So do the WengerGrip, PocketGrip, and New Ranger Touring 174.

These bit drivers are built into the tool body.

[prime77]

If you can find a cheap knock-off tool called the Outdoor Edge Trek Tool it as a 1/4 driver of good quality that will fit the SOG PowerLock. But it will take up the whole handle.

[Anthony]

Prime, that's the same impliment I have

I think the multi it came in was part of a (cheap) air compressor kit for a car.  You plug the thing into your cig lighter and it supposedly could put air in your tires

There was no name on the multi.

[DaveK]

This looks as good a place as any to show off Tarrodemierda (Mikko's) handywork:









Works really well!

[Smitty44]

We do have good talent out there!!!

[SteamKit]

I like that mod. What I think would be truly neat is if SOG released a tool much like that one people have been apparently fitting from the nameless multitool. Granted I'm not one for small easy to lose pieces, but I don't worry about 1/4" bits because with something like the SwissTool sheath they fit neatly and snuggly in a little card right in it's own little pocket.

-Kit

[AndyTiedye]

Easy-to-lose bits are less of an issue if they are cheap and can be replaced at any hardware store.

[Leatherman123]

How much torque could it handle, Dave? 

[DaveK]

How much torque could it handle, Dave? 

A fair bit I reckon. It's pretty solid.

[Neil]

That's an excellent mod!  Now to try and fit one into a SAK 

Neil

[AndyTiedye]

That's an excellent mod!  Now to try and fit one into a SAK 

Neil

There is one SAK that already has a 1/4" bit driver built-in.

Wenger New Ranger Touring 174

Of course, the WengerGrip and PocketGrip also have it.

All have the hexagonal hole in the body.  They use a backspring for tension to keep the bit in place.

The WengerGrip additionally provides a bit adapter for confined spaces.

This fits over the long 3mm screwdriver.   This bit adapter will also fit
on the Alinghi, which has a similar screwdriver.   (Anyone know how to
get that bit adapter separately?)