Tool Review: Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Some people can't leave home without a screwdriver in their pocket. Folding multi tools are nice, but if you use a screwdriver a lot, a multi tool can't compare to a "real" driver. Pocket screwdrivers abound, some better than others, and one good one is the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver (model #66-344).

This screwdriver is shaped like a pen and is about the same size — a little over 5" long. It even has a pocket clip like a pen does. There are two caps, one on each end of the driver, and under each cap is a double-sided screwdriver bit. There are two Phillips bits (1 PT and 2 PT) and two slotted bits (5/32" and 1/8"). Each bit can be easily reversed, and either bit will fit in either side of the driver.

One of the features that makes this pocket driver stand out from other similar drivers is the fact that the two bits are magnetic enough to attract (and hold) small screws. It's nice to have a magnetic screwdriver on hand, especially for tiny screws that can easily fall and get lost. The magnets are strong enough to attract most normal-sized screws, though for large screws the attraction may be too weak.

This driver has a nice look to it. It's mostly black, with the yellow Stanley logo on the body and the pocket clip. Except for the bits, the driver is all plastic on the outside, so it doesn't weigh much at all. The body of the driver has a nice grip that makes it easy to apply force when turning a screw. There is a hole toward the tip of each cap that allows you to see which bit is facing out on that side without having to remove the cap.

Since the driver is mostly plastic, the bit holders may stretch out over time, causing the bits to not fit as tightly, and possibly even fall out. This is a common problem with this style of pocket driver, and it affects other brands as well, including the General Tools model 744 pocket screwdriver.

While it's a good driver for turning screws, it's not the best choice to use as a lever or small pry bar, such as for popping off tough covers or removing E-clips. Because the bits are solid metal, they will push against their holders as you apply sideways force, and eventually the plastic slots will stretch, causing the bits to not fit securely. But overall, the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver is a well-made tool, superior to many other pocket drivers and a great value for its price.

This driver is -- by far -- the best pocket screwdriver I've used.  I've reviewed about four or five different models, and this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.  The bits are magnetic, the driver is well-designed, and it holds up much better over time than other models.  I give the Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This Stanley driver is available on Amazon.com for $4.29.  You can often find other pocket screwdrivers that look similar to this one for less, but the quality difference is easily worth the extra couple of dollars.

(Originally pulished on Helium.com, February 2013)

UPDATE: As of 6/7/14, Amazon has dropped the price of the Stanley 66-344 pocket driver to $2.79, which is an amazing deal.  Most comparable drivers, which are all inferior in quality, sell for about $2 or $3, so to get this driver for under $3 is a steal.