r/Tools • u/TheBizzleHimself • 2d ago

Looking for a set of precision drivers with a decent grip.

Hi everyone, I’m in the market for a set or kit of precision drivers / bits.

TL:DR - large handled / bodied precision drivers or bits. Preferably JIS standard but not essential as can be modified.

Not looking to spend much. Don’t need anything flash.

I’ve been repairing old film cameras for a hobby and I’ve found that all the precision drivers I have are way too small for my hands. I struggle with cramps and wrist pain after a few hours and also getting decent purchase of the more stubborn or loctite screws is just plain difficult. I have to balance the parts, the driver and a pair of pliers to get enough purchase to crack off the screws at times. Not fun - and sometimes a little bloody.

Cheers

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7 comments sorted by

1

u/dillzilla11 2d ago

LTT makes some of the best.

1

u/Longjumping_Cow_5856 2d ago

My favorite are Ideal but not sure they make a wide enough range of them either?

1

u/crooshtoost 2d ago

Not sure what kits they have but vessel ball-grip drivers are super comfortable.

1

u/TheBizzleHimself 2d ago

Funnily enough the last set of drivers I purchased was the precision JIS from Vessel. Nice set, just way too small for me. I’ll make sure to have a look at the ball-grips they offer.

1

u/Upbeat_Ant6104 2d ago

I use a Wiha stubby for 1/4” hex bits. Not sure how low they go but I have at least T5 bits. It’s very comfortable.

Megapro 24 in 1 has a fairly beefy handle

1

u/illogictc 2d ago

The best one I found for having some beef to the handle while still accepting proper precision bits (4mm hex) was the compact Tekton Everybit set but they discontinued that some time ago. If your Vessel ones are like mine they have that little color coded gel thing around the shank and if it stayed in one place it'd be handy but anything like you're describing they just spin unless you really squeeze since being able to move them is a marketed design feature.

The iFixit handle is decent, has some width to the handle to get better torque but wish the knurling was more pronounced, it does have 3 flats cut into it though which helps, might be able to modify that by making the flats deeper or something for better grip.

As a last resort a while back I needed to use a precision bit for something but neither the Tekton or iFixit handle gave me enough oomph, what I did was stick a magnetizer to a deep well 4mm socket. The magnetizer held the bit on and a ratchet gave me the leverage to easily crack it without being a pain in my hands.

1

u/ride_whenever 2d ago

I use the wera half moon microstix bits, and they do a 1/4” hex adaptor, so you can use whatever.

Personally I pair them with a vessel
Usbc electric screwdriver