Multi-purpose tools are any Pro’s best friend. They reduce the number of tools you need to carry which maximizes the space in your tool bag. I’m tempted to say that tools like the new Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver reduce the weight in your bag. If I’m honest, however, I’m really going to fill the space with other tools. But hey, it does mean I can fit more in there!
The question with any multi-use tool is whether or not the quality is present for each application it’s designed to handle. Like we mentioned in our review of Klein’s 6-in-1 Ratcheting Stubby, the Swiss Army knife is good at a lot of things, but great at none of them. Pros need great tools, not trade-offs.
Design
On the surface, the Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver looks like a classic Klein. It features black cushion grip overmold surrounding the yellow handle. A steel shaft extends out just over 3 inches. It gives the screwdriver an overall length of 9-1/8 inches with a bit installed.
Spare bits are hidden in a storage area in the handle. Simply pull on the rotating base to expose them. The bits are held securely and are not difficult to remove or replace with a bare hand. It does become a bit more challenging to manipulate the bit storage with a gloved hand.
Each of the seven bits come double-sided. The tool stores six in the handle. The seventh bit stays in the shaft. That’s fourteen functions, so where’s the fifteenth?
The shaft itself gives you a 1/4-inch nut driver to wrap it up.
You’ll notice the handle has a slightly wider diameter than classic Klein Screwdriver or models like their Switch Drive line. It’s only about 1/8 inch more, but it is enough to notice if you go from another Klein driver to the 15-in-1.
Included Driver Bits
There are three models within the Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver line, each with specific setups depending on the job.
Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver Classic
- Model: Klein 32290
- Philips: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted: 4 mm, 6 mm
- Square: #1, #2
- Torx: #10, #15, #20, #25
- Combo: #1, #2
- Price: $29
Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver Tamper-Proof
- Model: Klein 32291
- Hex-Pins: 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″
- Spanners: #6, #8, #10, #12
- Torx-Pins: #10, #15, #20, #25, #27, #30
- Price: $29
Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver HVAC
- Model: Klein 32292
- Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted: 4 mm, 6 mm
- Torx:#10, #15, #20, #25
- Square: #1, #2
- Schrader Valve Insertion and Core Removal
- Price: $29
Our Take
The Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver is really about as good a design as you could ask for with a multi-bit driver. The slightly larger handle diameter doesn’t feel unnatural and I only really notice when I’ve just had another driver in my hand.
Build quality is up to what we expect from Klein and I really don’t see any points of concern with normal use. The storage area does have some give to it and I can see how it could be broken if abused while in the open position. Since the base rotates fully rather than locking, there is the potential that debris could get in there and loosen the connection to the point it could slide open on its own. But that would take time and a user that really doesn’t take care of his tools.
The solution that has yet to be figured out is what to do with the extra bit when you’re using the shaft as your 1/4-inch hex nut driver. For the time being, it’s either force the user to pocket it until they’re done or lose one of the double-ended bits to leave an open spot in the handle. I’ll take the pocket option and keep a more versatile driver.
The Bottom Line
The Klein 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver is a solid design that helps open up space in your bag for other tools. It’s going to be better suited for working in clean environments rather than ones where you’re likely to introduce debris into the storage area. With prices hovering around $30, replacing fifteen individual tools makes this a pretty good bet for just about any tradesman.
