Tool Review: Pittsburgh 69470 4-in-1 Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Excellent grip
 +   Easy to change bits
 -    Metal insert comes out sometimes when removing shaft


4-in-1 screwdrivers are a dime a dozen.  Harbor Freight sells the Pittsburgh 69470 4-in-1 screwdriver for $1.99, which is a fair price.  It's actually a 6-in-1 screwdriver; you can remove the driver bits and use the shaft as two different-sized nut drivers.

The 69470 screwdriver comes with two double-sided chrome vanadium steel bits.  There are two Phillips sizes (PH1 and PH2) and two slotted sizes (3/16" and 1/4").  The handle is reversible, so that the three bits that aren't being used are stored inside the driver.

The bits are decent quality and work well.  The screwdriver is not magnetic.  The handle is mostly textured rubber, and provides excellent grip.  The bits and steel shaft are easy to remove, and all you have to do to change bits is reverse either the bits or the shaft (or both).

The main problem with this driver is that the metal retaining insert that holds the shaft in can easily slide out along with the shaft itself.  When you are removing the shaft, if you twist it even slightly, the metal insert can be removed along with the shaft, which will prevent you from flipping the shaft around and using the other side.  You'll have to put it back in the same way you took it out, then remove it again, making sure to draw it straight out.  As long as you slide the shaft out perfectly straight, you won't have an issue, but if you turn it even slightly while removing it, the insert can remain fixed to the shaft and come loose from the handle.

This driver is very similar to other 4-in-1 or 6-in-1 drivers.  It's a good driver to throw in a drawer or glove box in case of emergency.  If you are looking for a good-quality screwdriver to use every day, the Pittsburgh 69470 is not what you are looking for, but for $1.99 it's a good extra screwdriver to have around.  If you do need to carry it in your pocket, it's not too heavy.  It's listed for $6.49 on Amazon.com.  For that price, you can buy a much better screwdriver.