We’ve used Klein Tools for years and the company seems to have been setting the standard for electrician’s tools as long as I can remember. Most recently, we were given their new line of Klein Tools Multi-Bit Screwdrivers in various sizes and configurations. Of these, we tested out the Heavy Duty Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver, the Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver, two Extended-Reach Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Drivers, and the Stubby Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver. All have a similar look and feel, with rubber overmold and bit holders that will handle a variety of sizes and bits.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best screwdriver sets article for our top picks.
Klein Tools Multi-Bit Screwdrivers Model Numbers
- 32557- Heavy Duty Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
- 32558- Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
- 32559- Extended-Reach Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
- 32560- Extended-Reach Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
- 32561- Stubby Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
Using the Klein Tools Multi-Bit Screwdrivers on the Jobsite
When you look and hold these Klein Tools Multi-Bit screwdrivers you’ll notice right away that they are both versatile and durable, two words you don’t generally hear together when it comes to electrician’s tools. Usually, you get one or the other. Each one of these screwdrivers has at least 6 different uses, and 2 of them have around 10. These drivers have notably soft rubber grips, which help you to really hold on to the driver, regardless of what’s on your hands or whether you’ve got yourself extended or in close quarters. Plus they are really comfortable, giving you the ability to use them all day long without killing the palm of your hand.
First up was the Klein Stubby Multi-Bit Screwdriver which, in my opinion, is the most versatile tool of its type in the market. Trust me I looked. This stubby contains both 3/16″ and 1/4″ flat head tips, #1 and #2 Phillips tips, and even 1/4″ and 5/16″ nut drivers. This tool is great when you get into tight situations. After hours it helped me install an IKEA curtain rod (my wife really liked it) that had a screw on top which was positioned a scant 4″ from the ceiling. Not only could I get the screwdriver in place, I had enough room left to actually gain some leverage.
Commercial Use
On the commercial side, it also came in handy when we had to run temporary power to some portable units while remodeling a recreation center. I had a 2″ NM conduit body LB underneath the portable. However, I only had 5-inches clearance between the LB opening and the ramp going up to the door. It was an awkward angle, but, because of the versatility of the stubby, it worked perfectly.
More importantly, it kept me from having to get under the portable. There was about 6″ of standing water thanks to tropical storm Debby. After spending several weeks with it, I really have nothing bad to say about this tool. It is a driver that I think will quickly become a very important part of your everyday tool kit.
Klein Heavy Duty Multi-Bit Screwdriver
The Heavy Duty Multi-Bit screwdriver has a lot to offer for just a single tool. It has all of the bits and drivers the stubby has. It then adds square head tips, a 3/8″ nut driver, and a 3/8″ hex driver. I have used this tool for a lot of different things at work, from trimming out walls with receptacles and switches to driving concrete screws for strapping panels to the wall.
If you are going to be trimming out walls they also make one of these tools as a Ratcheting Multi-Bit tool.
It makes putting in receptacles and switches a lot easier and faster. You can move on to the next project more quickly (time=money). This tool will ratchet both ways, but it also works like a regular screwdriver. You can disengage the mechanism just put the rotating center control in the middle. If you need to pick up a new screwdriver, these may save you some room as well as time.
Klein Extended-Reach Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver
The Extended-Reach Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver has also been very useful. This held especially true when reaching for screws located in tight spots. Klein makes 2 different versions of this tool with different tips. One has both sizes of Flat and Phillips head tips. The other one has the #2 Phillips, 1/4″ Flathead, and the #1 and #2 square head tips.
I discovered that these tools work very well in panels more than anything else. It helped me terminate breakers a lot more easily than a regular screwdriver would have. Also, one more thing I would add about this driver is that the bits stay in place throughout the day. In the past, I have used other multi-bit drivers that slip. You wind up losing the tips, but this one hangs on to them pretty well. A couple of weeks later, I had the pleasant surprise of discovering all of my bits were still with me.
Conclusion
Overall, I was very impressed with these Klein Tools Multi-Bit screwdrivers. I have used them for a good solid 3 weeks and they have taken a lot of abuse with screwing in well over 100 concrete screws and terminating over 170 breakers. Klein really did a remarkable job of putting thought into each one of these screwdrivers and the multi-bit phenomenon is gaining ground as more and more contractors are trying to work smarter and lighter and looking for ways to cut down on the number of tools they carry around in their backpacks and tool pouches. If you’re an electrician or involved in any sort of daily maintenance routine, these screwdrivers can save you a lot of time and hassle.
