Tool Review: RadioShack 6400187 23-Piece Mini Tool Ratchet Set

Key Features:
 +   Good bit/socket selection
 +   Good grip
 -   Can't turn ratchet position to off


RadioShack sells some neat tools, but they are often over-priced.  The RadioShack 23-Piece Mini Tool Ratchet Set (model #6400187) is no exception.

This set includes a small ratcheting offset driver, a set of bits, and a set of sockets.  There's also a 2" bit extender.  It's a good variety to keep around the house or in a tool bag.

There are 12 bits of several different types: three slotted bits, three Phillips bits, three star bits, and three hex bits.  The nine sockets are all SAE sizes, ranging in size from 5/32" to 1/2".  The bits are a little more rounded than you'd like to see, but function well enough.  The sockets are good and fit nicely onto the driver.

The driver itself has a good rubber and plastic handle that provides a decent grip.  It ratchets easily, and the ratchet direction can be changed with a slide switch.  There is a small plastic thumbwheel that can help in tight places where you can't swing the driver around.

Switching from the bit driver to the socket wrench is simple, and you can have both a socket and a bit attached at the same time if you want.  To use the socket wrench, you just remove the black plastic thumbwheel.

The 2" extension bar is just barely magnetic.  I don't know if it's supposed to be, because the packaging doesn't say, but it looks like every other magnetic extension bar I've seen.  If it does have a magnet, the magnet is horrible, or way too small, because it only just barely picks up very small screws.

The case that the set comes in is good, and can be used to store the tool and sockets in.  It is easy to open and easy to access the bits and sockets.  It has a hole at the top so you can hang it from a hook or peg.

This tool had a list price of $13.39 when I saw it.  However it must not have been selling well, because it was on clearance for just $1.47.  For $1.47, I'd snatch it up every time -- the bits and sockets alone are worth that price.  However, I wouldn't pay any more than $4.00 or so for this tool set.  It's a decent extra set to keep in case of emergency, but it's not worth anywhere near $13.39.  RadioShack.com was selling it for $10.97 (not sold on the site anymore) and Amazon.com has it for $9.97, both of which are overpriced for what you get, but are still better than the in-store list price.

Tool Bench tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set

Tool Review: Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set

The saying "you get what you pay for" holds true sometimes more than others. With the Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set (SKU# 178179) that maxim definitely applies.

The Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set is sold at Dollar Tree discount stores for a dollar. Any time you see a screwdriver with 12 attachments for a buck, you're probably right to be wary.

In theory, this set is nice. It comes with a driver, seven bits, and five sockets. The bits include one slotted bit, one Phillips bit, two star/Torx bits, two hex bits, and one 1/4" drive adapter (for the sockets). The packaging is very nondescript, and doesn't specify what sizes any of the bits or sockets are. The Phillips bit looks like it's probably a #2.

The sockets look okay, and they work okay, but the bits look soft and poorly-made. The star bits, even before their first use, are rounded at the top edges, so they will probably slip during use. The sockets fit loosely onto the 1/4" drive bit, which makes taking them off easier, but doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for their use.

This screwdriver's main selling point is that it can store all of the bits and sockets in its plastic handle. Half of the handle swings open, revealing 12 holes for storage. All of the bits and sockets are easy to take out and reinsert. The handle is held shut by a flimsy piece of plastic that barely latches over a small plastic tab, and it looks as though the plastic latch piece will break off after a handful of uses.

The driver itself is not particularly well made. The hole where the bits fit in is extremely shallow, and doesn't provide a lot of support for the bits themselves. The bits also fit loosely into the hole, and there is a significant amount of wiggle room.

All you really need to know about this tool is that it's sold for $1. Unless you are experiencing an emergency where you absolutely need a screwdriver and you don't have more than a dollar in your pocket, this driver and bit set is a waste of money. An argument could be made that it's worth the price for the 1/4" drive adapter bit, if you happen to need one, but you'd probably be better served spending a little more on a quality adapter.  I give this screwdriver 1.5 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Bubblews.com, January 2014)

Craftsman tool reviews

Drivers:
- Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver

Tool Review: Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver

It used to be that everyone with a tool box had a good pair of screwdrivers that they relied on. Now, however, screwdrivers that don't have changeable bits are becoming less and less common. People are turning toward multi-bit screwdrivers because of the convenience of having more than one bit at your fingertips. One good multi-bit screwdriver that I've had for a long time is the Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver.

Many multi-bit screwdrivers come with a case or holder for the bits that aren't currently being used.  However, this Craftsman driver stores all the bits internally, in a revolver-like cartridge inside the driver. If you want to switch bits, all you have to do is retract the handle, twist it until you find the bit that you want (the cartridge is clear so you can see each bit) and then push the handle back in.  Switching between bits could not realistically be made much easier.

This autoloading screwdriver comes with six bits -- three slotted bits and three Phillips bits -- but the bits can be removed and replaced with other standard-sized bits.  If there is a bit you don't use often, you can replace it with one that you do. Each bit is clearly marked with its size.  The three slotted bits are sized 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4", and the three Phillips bits are marked P1, P2, and P3.  All of the included bits are good quality and have held up well over time with moderate use, even under high-torque conditions.

This driver doesn't have a ratcheting function, but it is magnetic. The product description on Craftsman's web site states that it's non-magnetic, but the driver I have is definitely magnetized, and it does attract (and hold) screws.

If you are looking for a high-end expensive screwdriver, the Craftsman autoloader is not that driver. But it is a handy screwdriver to keep in a glove box or somewhere close by, when you're not sure exactly what size and type of screwdriver you'll need for a particular job. The bits are sturdy and durable, and the case is plastic but it's easy to grip and turn. It would make a good gift for a new homeowner or someone who doesn't own a lot of tools. On the Craftsman website, this driver has a customer rating of 4.37 out of 5.  Personally, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.


This version of the driver is outdated now, and Craftsman has updated it slightly.  The handle of the newer model (same model number, sold on Amazon for $28.26) is more textured, but otherwise the driver looks the same.  You can still get the older version from FineHomeBuilding.com for $20.00.

Amazon also has other brands of autoloading screwdrivers that look identical to the Craftsman (other than coloring and logo).  I can't attest as to these drivers' quality, but they do look the same, and they are much cheaper.  The Triplett driver sells for $11.97, the KR Tools driver is listed for $14.99, and there is an unbranded version for $14.88.

(Originally published on Helium.com, January 2013)

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.