Stanley 6-Inch MaxSteel Adjustable Wrench: online price comparison

When it comes to adjustable wrenches, the Stanley 90-947 6" MaxSteel adjustable wrench is a decent, middle-of-the-road model at an affordable price.  It has a comfortable grip, SAE and metric markings, and a max jaw width of just under an inch.  It can usually be found for under $7.00.

Below are some current online prices for this wrench.

• $6.19  .....  Amazon
• $6.19  .....  Jet
• $6.19  .....  Target
• $6.19  .....  Walmart
• $6.20  .....  Home Depot
• $10.02  .....  Tool Nut
• $10.55  .....  Toolup.com
• $10.99  .....  Kmart

Stanley pocket screwdriver: $2.99

The Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver is one of the best (if not the best) pocket screwdrivers on the market.  It features magnetic bits, a sturdy design, and windowed caps.  Amazon, Sears, and HD Supply Solutions are listing it right now for $2.99.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot often sell cheap pocket screwdrivers for $2 or $3, but this Stanley driver is a higher-quality driver that will last longer and perform better.

For comparison, here are some other current online prices for the same driver that the three sites listed above have for $2.99:

- $4.59:     Quill.com
- $6.79:     Staples.com
- $11.99:     Houzz.com

Read a full review of this Stanley driver here.

Stocking Stuffer Tool Deals

With the holidays just about upon us, you may be looking for small stocking stuffer gifts for someone you love (or just like).  If that person likes tools, here are some great stocking stuffer gifts that are on sale right now.

- Gerber Shard

The Gerber Shard is a handy little keychain tool.  Made of just one piece of sturdy metal (no moving parts) it includes cross and slotted screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a pry bar, and a box cutter.  It typically sells for about $6 or $7, but right now both Amazon and Walmart list it for $4.33.  Some Walmart stores are selling a combo pack of the Shard plus a Gerber Mini Paraframe pocket knife for about $10, but this deal doesn't seem to be available online (at least not yet).

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver

This small Stanley screwdriver fits in the palm of our hand but is full of functionality.  It's a good ratcheting screwdriver, and it's magnetic, which is a rare combination for under $20.  It also comes with six common bits, which can be stored in the driver's handle.  Amazon and Target both have it for $4.79 -- a good deal.

- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Another Stanley driver, this one is designed to be carried in your pocket.  There are several similar models of pocket screwdrivers, but none of them compare to this one in terms of quality.  This pocket driver is well-made with magnetic metal bits, and anyone who reaches for a screwdriver in a pinch will appreciate having this pen-sized driver in their pocket.  Often sold for $6 or $7, it's listed at just $2.99 right now on Amazon and $3.00 at Walmart.

- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

If you still haven't found a good stocking stuffer, how about a set of three thumbwheel ratchets?  Thumbwheel ratchets are great for working in tight spaces, and this Pittsburgh Pro set can't be beat price-wise.  Each ratchet fits a different size socket: 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Harbor Freight sells this set for $6.99 -- cheaper than most thumbwheel ratchets cost by themselves.

For more details on any of the tools listed above, click on the link below to read a full review:

- Gerber Shard
- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Stanley ratcheting stubby screwdriver on sale on Amazon

The Stanley 66-358 stubby ratcheting multibit screwdriver is a solid tool for $5 or $6.  It's hard to find a good ratcheting screwdriver that's also magnetic, but this one is.  It comes with multiple bits and storage for all of them.

Right now on Amazon, this driver is on sale for $4.07, the cheapest price I've seen it sold for so far.  Read a full review of it here.

Online price comparison: Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

The Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver is a solid ratcheting screwdriver.  It comes with multiple bits and has a locking bit holder.  It's ratcheting action is not super-precise, but it's adequate for everyday use.

Right now online, you can get the Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver from these websites:

- Ace Tool:     $9.38
- Global Industrial:     $12.25
- MSC Direct:     $13.13
- Amazon:     $13.20
- Overstock:     $32.99

For $10 or so this screwdriver is a good buy, but if you're spending more than $10, I'd recommend going a little higher in price and getting a nicer driver, maybe a magnetic one or one with finer ratchet control.

Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver on sale on Amazon

Stanley's 66-344 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver, possibly the best pocket screwdriver on the market, can be purchased right now on Amazon for just $2.39 (eligible for free shipping).  That's a great deal for this pen-sized screwdriver, and is about half of what it's often listed for online.  The interchangeable bits are magnetic and the driver stands up well to use.  (Full review here.)

First Impressions: Gerber Vise and Stanley STHT71699 Multi Tool

Home Depot recently had some tools on sale, so I picked up two tools I'd had my eye on for a while: the Gerber Vise and the Stanley STHT71699 Multi Tool.

I bought the Vise because I wanted a small multi tool I could carry for work -- something lightweight with a good pair of pliers, a knife, and a Phillips driver.  I currently carry the Gerber Mini Suspension-P, but the cross driver is not easily accessible, and I wanted something a little lighter.  The Vise seems like it will do the trick, at least so far.  The pliers feel flimsy, but I'll see how they hold up.  The Phillips driver swings out a lot easier.

The Stanley multi tool looks kind of neat online, but is not very awe-inspiring once you hold it.  The tool feels cheaply-made, the slide mechanism is jerky, and the sharp jab saw is very close to being exposed even when it's all the way closed up.  Not a good first impression, but I'll use it and see how functional it is.  It only cost $6.45 so I'm not expecting big things from it.

Tool review: Stanley 10-099 Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife

Key Features:
 +   Extra blade storage
 +   Reliable slider
 -   Not much grip


Utility knives come in all shapes and sizes, and offer many different features.  If you are looking for a standard, bare bones, no-frills utility knife, the Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife (model #10-099) is right up your alley.  It's a gray metal utility knife that typically costs about five or six bucks ($5.42 on BuilderProtection.com right now, $6.59 on Staples.com, $7.28 on Amazon.com).  It has a slider along the top to extend and retract the blade, and not much else.

The Classic 99 utility knife is not feature-rich, but it will get the job done.  It's a sturdy, solid knife with a slider that rarely gets stuck.  You can extend the blade to two different positions and retract it easily.  When you need to change the blade -- or if you ever need to lubricate the slider mechanism -- the knife casing comes apart easily with the removal of just one Phillips screw.

One feature the Classic 99 knife does offer is extra blade storage.  You can keep a few extra blades inside the knife casing, toward the back.  If you only store one or two blades in there, you can sometimes hear them rattling around as you carry or use the knife, but if that gets annoying you can always fill it with more blades, or buffer the blades with paper, cotton balls, or whatever you have laying around.

This 6" utility knife is good to have in a tool bag or tool box, but it may be a little heavy to carry around in your pocket all day.  It's significantly heavier than a box cutter or a plastic utility knife.  It has a small hole in the bottom of the handle so you can hang it from a nail or peg, or keep it on a key chain.

Unless you work in cold weather a lot (in which case the exposed metal will be cold against your hand) or you need a knife that offers more functionality, the Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife is a good, simple utility knife that will most likely serve you well for a long time.  The knife comes with three carbon alloy steel blades and Stanley's limited lifetime warranty.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, Feb 2013)

Tool Review: Stanley 10-788 InstantChange Retractable Knife

Key Features:
 +   Good grip
 +   Extra blade storage
 -    Blade doesn't slide out quickly


A utility knife is a staple of any complete home tool box.  For many people, it's used every day at work.  There's nothing wrong with a "standard" metal utility knife, but if you want something a little bit better and don't mind paying a few bucks more, check out the Stanley InstantChange Retractable Knife (model #10-788).

The InstantChange retractable knife is similar to other utility knives; it holds a razor blade that can be extended or retracted with a flick of the thumb.  But this knife has many more features that make it an attractive purchase.

Rather than just being a long piece of hard metal, this knife has a plastic handle on the bottom side, a rubber grip on the top side, and a rubber thumb rest near the blade.  These features make the Stanley knife more comfortable both to hold and to use.  The thumb rest in particular is nice when you do a lot of cutting, or when you have to cut through something tough.  The rubber and plastic grip pieces make the InstantChange knife a good utility knife to use outdoors in the cold, rather than an all-metal knife that can feel freezing, even after using it for a while.

The blade can be removed easily -- just extend the blade, hold down the yellow button, and remove it.  A new blade (or the other side of the same blade) can be installed just as simply -- hold down the yellow button and push the blade all the way in.  Both the yellow release button and the slider on top of the knife can stick occasionally, but this doesn't happen often and it doesn't significantly affect performance.

This knife has room to store extra blades, so you'll always have a spare on hand.  The extra blades can be stowed in the base of the knife, and they can be accessed quickly and easily, without having to use any tools.  There is a hole at the bottom of the handle, so the knife can be hung from a hook, peg, or nail.

There is a slit cut into the base of the knife, exposing a tiny portion of the razor blade, which allows this knife to be used for cutting string.  If you do a lot of string cutting, this could be a useful feature.  The blade is recessed enough that there's no risk of injury from the exposed edge.

Aside from being practical, the Stanley InstantChange Retractable Knife looks a lot more appealing than other utility knives.  The gray metal and black plastic and rubber pieces fit well together, and the knife curves slightly, which makes it stand out from many other knives.  This knife would be a great addition to any tool box, and it would make a good gift for anyone who needs a durable utility knife.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, February 2013)

Tool Review: Stanley 42-240 Pro I-Beam Level

Key Features:
 +   Three bubbles so you can make easier checks
 +   Long reach allows for leveling multiple items together


A good level is an important part of any home tool kit. You could always go out and buy a cheap portable level, and for most jobs it would probably be sufficient, but the Stanley Pro I-Beam level (model #42-240) is well worth the $10 or $15 investment. It's a sturdy, reliable level that will provide accurate readings for a long time.

This level is long—24 inches—so unlike smaller levels it can be used to measure between two things on a wall, such as matching picture frames or two sides of a towel rack. That's a nice feature to have, and you often don't think about it until you need it. Although it's two feet long and made of metal, the level doesn't weigh a lot, so it can easily be carried around.

The level has three vials to test whether a surface is level or plumb. There is a horizontal level in the center and a vertical level on either side, so you can stand the level on an end and have a vial right there to check. There is also a slot cut into the top of the level so you can lay the level on its side in tight spaces and still be able to check the bubble.

The level is reliable in everyday use, and Stanley claims it's accurate to 0.0015 inches per inch (or 0.15 millimeters per meter), which seems very likely. You can easily check the accuracy of the two vertical levels because they both should give the same reading every time, and the horizontal vial can be checked like any vial by turning the level upside down and seeing if it shows the same reading.

In addition to working well, the level looks nice too. It has Stanley's traditional yellow-and-black coloring, and it is shaped like a long I-beam. There's a black plastic cap on either end to protect both the level and the surface you place the level on. The level has a durable aluminum construction and it holds up well over time.

Unlike many modern levels, the Stanley Pro I-Beam doesn't have a lot of fancy features or attachments. There's no pull-out tape measure or laser sighting, and it doesn't even have a magnet so you can stick it to a metal shelf. All it has are three accurate, reliable vials and a hole at one end to hang it from a nail or peg. With the Stanley Pro I-Beam, you won't be disappointed.

(Originally published on Helium.com, March 2013)

Tool Deals on Amazon

With Black Friday just passed and Cyber Monday coming up, there are a lot of great deals to be found online.  Here are some tools that can currently be had for lower-than-normal prices on Amazon.com:

- Irwin Pocket Level, $2.63

This pen-sized pocket level was listed for $3.09 last week -- not a huge discount, but cheaper is still better.  If you use a level a lot, this one doesn't weight much and can clip onto a pocket, belt, or strap.

- Stanley All-In-One Screwdriver, $3.58

This simple screwdriver with 4 bits and two hex nut driver sizes is normally sold for about $5 on Amazon.  It's a good screwdriver to throw in a drawer or glove box, because it has several standard-sized bits included.

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver, $4.24

This driver is a good stubby screwdriver.  It ratchets, has magnetic tips, and comes with several different bits, as well as storage for those bits in the handle.  The Stanley stubby ratcheting driver usually costs $5 or $6 on Amazon.  You can read a full review of this driver here.

- Leatherman Wingman, $19.96

The Wingman is one of the cheaper Leatherman multi tools that you'll find, but it's not a cheap multi tool.  It has many tools built into one -- pliers, knife, screwdrivers, bottle opener, etc.  The Wingman is typically sold on Amazon and in Home Depot stores for around $30.

- Wiha 1000-Volt Magnetic Driver, $22.85

If you do any work around live electricity, an insulated screwdriver is a good thing to have.  This one from Wiha comes with both slotted and Phillips bits, with internal storage in the handle for 8 bits.  It normally sells for close to $30.

Tool Review: Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool

The Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool (item #FMHT72414) is the same tool as the DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool.  The only real differences are exterior body style and coloring.  I've already written a full review of the DeWalt multi tool (which you can read here) so I'll focus on the differences between the two tools for this review.

The Stanley T16 is darker in color than the DeWalt MT16.  Where the MT16 is yellow with black accents and silver tools, the T16 is dark gray with black accents and black oxide tools.  The pliers on the DeWalt are black, and the pliers on the Stanley are silver.

Like the MT16, the Stanley T16 is a solid multi tool for its price.  It has strong, well-made pliers, a good locking knife, and functional screwdrivers.  The tools are all easily accessible, and the spring action on the pliers is very good.

The only non-aesthetic difference I've found is that the handles for the DeWalt's pliers are slightly more contoured, providing a little better grip.  The Stanley pliers have a decent grip, but the handles are less textured than those on the DeWalt, making it a little easier for your hands to slip.  Some of the interior finish on the Stanley tool was already starting to flake off upon removing the tool from its package, but that's a minor issue.

The Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool is a good multi tool for around $15 or so.  I bought mine at Lowe's for $17.98 (on sale from $19.98).  I've only seen it so far in-store at Lowe's and on the Lowe's website, so it may be a Lowe's exclusive, or it may just not be marketed widely yet.  I give the T16 4 out of 5 stars, a much better multi tool than the Sheffields and generic brands that you'll find for around the same price.

Tool Review: Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Bits lock into place
 +   Easy to adjust ratchet
 +   Plenty of storage for bits
 -    Bit storage cover doesn't feel very durable


I'd been looking for a good all-in-one, everyday-carry screwdriver recently.  The two screwdrivers I mainly relied on -- the Craftsman Auto-Loading Screwdriver and the Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver -- were both good drivers, but I had recently received an Amazon gift card and what better way to spend it than on a new screwdriver?

The Craftsman is still one of my favorite drivers, but it doesn't ratchet.  The Kobalt is highly functional, but a little too bulky to carry.  Enter the Stanley FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver (model #69-189).

The FatMax ratcheting screwdriver is very affordable -- only $8.15 on Amazon.  It comes with six bits:

- two square bits: #1 and #2
- two slotted bits: 1/8" (3mm) and 1/4" (6mm)
- two Phillips bits: #1 and #2

There is storage for all six bits in the handle, as well as room to store two additional bits so you can add other bits that you use often.  The bits are all standard hex bits, so they are easily interchangeable with other bit sets.  The bits are strong, and may chip slightly during use but hold up well.

The FatMax driver is not a light driver, and it feels heavy in your hand.  Almost all of the weight is in the handle, so it gives you added power when turning the driver.  It has a three-position ratchet, for loosening and tightening as well as a locked position.  The ratchet direction is easy to change during use.  The ratchet isn't a precision ratchet -- by feel, it seems to have 16 teeth -- but it works well enough for most applications.

The bits lock into the tip of the driver, which is a neat feature I'd never seen before.  Push the textured lock ring up to remove or insert a bit, and let it slide back down to lock the bit into place.  It's easy to install and remove bits, but the lock holds them securely in place.

The handle is designed in the black and yellow Stanley colors, with alternating rubber and plastic panels.  The rubber gives you good grip when turning the driver, and the ratcheting function is very easy to adjust.

The Stanley FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver is heavier than I expected it to be, but it is a very good driver that could be an everyday screwdriver.  The only improvement I could reasonably expect on this driver would be to add a strong magnet to the tip, so the bits would be able to attract and hold screws, but you could easily add that capability by attaching a magnetic bit holder.

First Impressions: Stanley FatMax Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver

I just got the FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver in the mail yesterday, and already I'm liking it.  I bought it to hopefully use as an everyday screwdriver, and it looks up to that task so far.  The bits lock in place nicely, it has plenty of storage in the handle -- you can even store more bits than came with the driver.  It did come with two square bits, which it didn't say in the description and I won't use much, but they will be replaced with other bits.

I'll post a full review after using it for a while, but for $8.15 I'm glad I bought this driver (at least, so far).

Tool Reviews: Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set

Stanley is a reputable brand, known for good-quality tools. The Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set definitely falls into that category. The set comes with three different size sockets: 5/8", 3/4", and 13/16". These are three common sizes for spark plugs (the last size fits many lawn mower spark plugs) so it's a good basic set to have if you plan on changing or removing plugs. All three of the sockets use a 3/8" drive, so you'll need a 3/8" drive ratchet or an adapter.

The sockets are solidly-made, with Stanley's Max-Drive design for better performance. They won't damage your plugs, and they do a good job of both loosening and tightening spark plugs.  They seem very well-made, and so far have held up well over time.

The sockets come in a small sturdy plastic case which can be stuffed in a tool bag or hung from a wall or peg board.  The case can be hard to open at first, but it gets easier with use.

Amazon sells the Stanley spark plug socket set for $9.55, which is comparable to many other socket sets, and with the Stanley sockets you'll be getting good-quality tools that will last a long time. Eventually, you may want a larger spark plug socket set, but if you're just starting to work on engines or you don't work on a wide variety of engines, this set should work out well.  I give this spark plug socket set 4 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Epinions.com in slightly different form, November 2012)

Tool Review: Stanley 66-358 Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Magnetized to hold screws
 +   Good bit storage in handle

 -    Ratchet dial is counter-intuitive


Screwdrivers come in all shapes and sizes.  It used to be that you would have a whole set of screwdrivers, all different sizes and bit types, but now many tools combine multiple screwdriver heads into the same tool.  One multibit screwdriver takes up a lot less space, and if it's a decent one, it will serve you well and last a long time.  The Stanley stubby ratcheting multibit screwdriver (model# 66-358) is one of the good ones.

This Stanley stubby screwdriver is larger than many other stubbies.  It measures in at about 4.5" with a bit (4" without one).  It's still small enough for many tight jobs, but it's also a decent size to use as a main screwdriver whenever you need to reach for one.  It's a little heavier than non-ratcheting stubbies, but the ratchet function is worth the extra weight.  It has a solid rubber grip that's comfortable to hold and a plastic body, and the tip is magnetized to help hold onto screws.  The magnet works well, but after several years my driver has started to lose its magnetism.

The screwdriver comes with six bits: a 1-point Phillips bit, two 2-point Phillips bits (which is good because that's the bit that most people will probably use most often), a 1/8" slotted bit, a 3/16" slotted bit, and a 1/4" slotted bit.  It's a ratcheting driver, and you can engage this capability easily by twisting the top part of the screwdriver.  It has three positions -- one for tightening screws, one for loosening screws, and a middle "locked" position for when you don't want the ratchet to kick in.  With the six available bits plus the ratcheting action, this driver is good to have for many jobs.

One extremely nice feature of this particular screwdriver is the way the bits are stored.  Many multibit screwdrivers have a cavity in the bottom where you can stick the bits you're not using, but then you have to poke through them when you need to find a different bit.  With this screwdriver, the bits fit perfectly into grooves set into the cap, so when you unscrew the cap you'll have all of the extra bits sitting neatly, head up, so you can see exactly what you have and find what you need quickly and without hassle.

Stanley has built a solid reputation when it comes to tools, and this multibit screwdriver lives up to that reputation.  The Stanley stubby ratcheting multibit screwdriver can be purchased in-store from Home Depot for about five or six bucks, or it can be found online at Amazon.com for $5.33 (eligible for free shipping).

(Originally posted on Helium.com, February 2012)

(UPDATE: As of 4/11/15, the price on Amazon is $4.24)

Tool Review: Stanley 84-096 5" Needle Nose Pliers

I've always been impressed with Stanley hand tools. They look good, get the job done, and hold up well over time. The Stanley 84-096 Needle Nose Pliers are no exception.

They resemble many other pairs of needle nose pliers I've seen and used in appearance. However, their quality makes them stand above average needle nose pliers, and it's obvious once you use them. The jaws are long and the tips are tapered so you can use them in tight spaces, but the pliers are strong enough for more than just precision work. The spring tension is excellent. The handles are coated in a soft material that makes them easy to grip and prevents slipping. The teeth are strong and well-formed. Despite their strength and sturdiness, the pliers are very light -- much lighter than any other needle nose pliers I've ever held. These small, easy-to-use pliers get 4 out of 5 stars. They are above-average pliers that are typically sold for about the same price as average pliers. You can probably find these pliers most places that Stanley tools are sold. Amazon.com lists them for $3.89 right now (a good deal) and they are eligible for free shipping.

Tool Review: Stanley 84-519 12-in-1 Multi-Tool

Stanley makes several multi-tools — tools that are no larger than your hand and fold out into pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and other implements.  Multi-tools are very handy to carry with you, because they give you mobile access to many tools without taking up as much space as all of those tools would individually.  You can't very well carry two types of pliers, three screwdrivers, a saw, and wire cutters around with you, but you can have all of those tools, and more, in your pocket or on your belt with Stanley's 12-in-1 Multi-Tool (model #84-519).

This multi-tool is similar to multi-tools from other brands.  Folded up, it's slightly larger than a pocketknife, not too heavy, and it comes with a pouch that you can attach to your belt.  The tool doesn't open with one hand like some other multi-tools do, but it's not hard to open.

In its most basic form, the Stanley multi-tool opens out into a pair of long nose pliers, which can also be used as curve jaw pliers and wire cutters.  The pliers move freely and have adequate handles and strength, but if you're used to spring-loaded pliers you'll be disappointed with these.  There are no springs and no tension.

In addition to the pliers and wire cutters, the multi-tool folds out into a large knife, a small knife, a Phillips screwdriver, two flathead/slotted screwdrivers, a file that can also be used as a flathead screwdriver, a bottle opener, and a double-serrated saw.  All of these tools function well and are easy to access.  The knives and saw are not razor sharp but are sharp enough for most jobs.  When using any of the screwdrivers, you can fold the tool in such a way that it almost gives you a straight screwdriver shaft to grip and turn, and provides additional leverage.

The tool is made of stainless steel, light gray with a black fabric pouch.  The tension on each of the tools is not adjustable, but they all slide out fairly easily.  Sometimes when folding out the knife, two of the screwdrivers will start to unfold as well, but otherwise the tools all fold out independent of each other.

The Stanley 12-in-1 Multi-Tool is not a top-of-the-line multi-tool, but it certainly holds it own among the many different models available.  It gets a solid 3 out of 5 stars.  It's a good value if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool, though not as heavy duty as a DeWalt multi-tool, and it provides a lot of function without sacrificing appearance.  Amazon.com currently lists this tool for $12.10 (eligible for free shipping) -- a fair price for what you get.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, January 2013)

UPDATE:  This multi tool is listed on Amazon by a third-party seller, for just $4.88, plus $4.99 shipping.  Even with the shipping charge, it's still cheaper than the price quoted above, sold from Amazon directly.

Stanley tool reviews

Levels:
- Stanley 42-240 Pro I-Beam Level

Multi Tools:
- Stanley 84-519 12-in-1 Multi-Tool
- Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool

Pliers:
- Stanley 84-096 5" Needle Nose Pliers

Screwdrivers:
- Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Stanley 66-358 Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

Socket Sets:
- Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set

Utility Knives:
- Stanley 10-099 Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife
- Stanley 10-788 InstantChange Retractable Knife

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.