Husky 8-in-1 Precision Screwdriver
I've encountered many precision screwdriver kits intended to help you get past the tiny screws that keep you out of the most interesting parts of electronic equipment. Most are poorly made. I have long used tools similar to the jeweler screwdrivers previously reviewed on Cool Tools. The metal grooves in the shaft wear on your fingertips after awhile, making longer projects a real pain. You also can't exert quite as much torque, since each tool is so spindly. They don’t come close to the usefulness and execution of the Husky 8-in-1.
The Husky 8-in-1 uses removable, double-sided, magnetized bits, and stores them all inside the driver handle. The result is a versatile, compact, easy-to-carry tool. The best part is knowing that everything you need is contained in one small organizer.
The Husky's handle is made from rugged, squared-off plastic and is easy to grip without being clumsy or too large for practical use in narrow spaces. It also has the rotating top you'd expect for this kind of tool, allowing you to apply pressure on one axis while rotating the driver from another. Thoughtfully, the handle tapers to a long, narrow metal shaft for access to out-of-the-way screws. The most satisfying part is how cleanly the bits engage with the screws. They fit perfectly every single time.
Husky makes a Phillips/slotted version and a Torx version. Having both sets gives you 16 screwdrivers that can pry loose just about any tiny screw you might encounter in an electronic device. For the low price and lifetime warranty, they’re tough to beat.
Phillips/Slotted version available from Home Depot
Torx version also from Home Depot
Manufactured by Husky Tools
Favorite (15)
Harvey
Pros: great tool
Cons: It rusts if it even sees water across the street. Keep it oiled. Of course, it's so cheap, you could buy another.
Craig C
I have this tool, and agree, it is a very good tool. I have experienced my share of lame "precision" tools, and this one is remarkable and that I am still using years later. Two thumbs up.
sfmitch
I have this tool and I am a fan.
I would definitely recommend it.
Mark
I have the torx version and it's been able to tackle every kind of hard drive imaginable. Great tool to have around the office.
James
I own both the Philips/standard and the Torx versions of these screwdrivers and can't disagree-they are great tools. I initially found the Torx version when I was looking for a T4 bit to work on some cell phone. This was the ONLY screwdriver I could find with a T4 bit, outside of purchasing a $100 precision screwdriver kit.
My other 'go-to' screwdrivers are Xcelites. The difference in feel between the more expensive drivers and this Husky model are night and day. The Husky does the job, but for long sessions or for reaching deeply sunken screws, the Xcelites are much more comfortable, have longer, thinner shafts and a much smoother thumb swivel. The Husky can develop more torque on its own with it's larger barrel, but the Xcelites have the hole in the barrel to insert another driver or similar object to develop more torque.
Solid screwdriver, especially for the price. I carry them in my laptop bag since they are small and extremely versatile.
Julian Cullan
Bought one in a pinch, used it, threw it away two days later.
Typical Home Depot Chinese knock-off junk tools-
Precision? NOT!
I'll stick with the good stuff-
http://www.wihatools.com/
http://www.bondhus.com/products/screwdrivers/body-0.htm
Gabe
Tip:
Mine came with a 3-hole plastic insert in the handle -only allowing storage for 3 of the 4 bits.
Use your needle nose pliers to pull out the 3-hole insert in the handle and you can then store all four bits in the handle when not in use.
michael
I own this and the torx version.
Both very good tools.
Andrew
I also have a Wiha set, the slotted/Phillips/Torx set pictured here: http://www.wihatools.com/200seri/269e_boxsets.htm
They are excellent quality, but, I do hate it that the plastic carrying case doesn't let me keep the driver shaft in the plastic handle when closing it for storage. This means you always have the overhead of attaching and detaching whatever shaft you are using, which is a little annoying. I don't disassemble computers every day, so this tradeoff is okay for me.
Colonel Panik
Handy tool, take mine everywhere.
Wayne
I have both versions of this driver and they are great to have around. I like how compact the set is when you remove the insert and can keep all 4 bits in the handle.
If I were dealing with small screws all day long, I'd go for a higher-quality tool like the Wiha or Xcelite but this is a tremendous value for the occasional use.
Jason
I got mine from,
http://www.dealsshoppie.com/product/search.php?ID=B00004RH2E&product=DeWalt+DW2163HEX+37-Piece+Fastener-Set
Henry S
Looks OK, but the magnetized bits might not be a good idea for working on a computer.
Wayne
I don't think they are actually magnetized (mine isn't) but in any case, the amount of magnetic force from normal magnetized bits is small enough to be inconsequential around computers.
Michael Brown
Had one of these for quite awhile. I guess what I like most about it is not the everything-in-one-kit thing (which, after all, lots of other tools offer) but how Goldilocks the handle is, as reviewer notes. It's just the right size, shape and weight for this kind of small work.
Mo
I have one of these. It is OK, but the blades are not heat treated well. Mine has one blade broken already, and I didn't pry with it. I guess I will ask for a replacement later.
jimmy
I have a better version of the same husky tool. Instead of small reversible bits, there are long reversible shafts about the same length of the handle. This let's you extend the shaft up to about 3-4 inches beyond the handle for deep screws, as the end of the handle screw-tightens like a drill chuck versus just snapping into the hex end of the handle.
Comes with torx, hex, phillips, flathead. It is awesome. Much better than this 8-in-1 version.
Josh Motto
Very Cool Tool!
My PC Repair shop has had two of the regular type and two hex, and we always pick up these first for any disassembly work. Great from start to finish. Always nice to have an all-in-one tool that actually works!
okto
YES.
One of my few absolutely essential tools. And it's so damn cheap.
Jonathan Adams
Lowes sells something almost identical under the Kobalt brand; similarly made in China. Since I was there, I bought 3 for various locations where I might need them.
Sear has a Craftsman labeled version, with fewer bits. Reviews are less than stellar, but, since it's a Craftsman, replacements are always free: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941706000P?vName=Tools&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Screwdrivers