Tool Review: General Tools 744 Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Sturdy bits for precision work
 -    Very little grip
 -    Plastic will warp over time, causing bits and caps to fall off


It never hurts to have a screwdriver close at hand.  Slotted screwdrivers especially are useful for popping off e-clips, prying off plastic covers, or doubling as a blade to cut open boxes or packages.  There are many models of pocket screwdrivers you can buy and carry with you.  One of these is the General Tools Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver (model #744).

This pocket screwdriver is about five inches long -- about the size of a pen -- complete with a clip for hooking it onto your pants pocket or shirt pocket.  It comes with four interchangeable bits -- two slotted bits (1/8" and 1/16") and two Phillips bits (#1 and #00).  Each pair of bits are mounted onto a reversible plastic assembly which fits into either end of the screwdriver and has its own cover.  You can store the bits so that the two you use most often are protruding, and are easily accessed just by popping off one of the covers.

For a pocket screwdriver, the bits themselves are surprisingly sturdy.  When used as a lever against a metal rod with plenty of weight behind it, the screwdriver held up and did the job (even though the bit did bent slightly).  The two different sizes for each type of bit make the screwdriver useful in many situations.  When you need to change the bits, they slide out easily.  The screwdriver is lightweight and convenient, and can be handy to have in a pinch.

The caps on each end of the screwdriver are made with a lightweight plastic, and over time they tend to loosen.  Eventually they will become loose enough to fall off of the driver, both during use and storage.  The plastic shaft will also warp and loosen with use, causing the bits to fall out easily.  These two flaws are the main drawbacks to this pocket screwdriver.

Home Depot used to sell this screwdriver for about two bucks, and some stores may still do that.  (The HDX pocket screwdriver at Home Depot is the same thing, just branded differently.)  If you're looking for it online, Amazon.com lists it for $4.74, which is a lot of money for this pocket screwdriver.  You can also purchase it directly from General Tools for $2.74, which is a much more reasonable price but is still too high compared to other comparable drivers.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2011)