I’ve used a couple of small screwdriver bit holders before, but these fingertip bit holders from Lee Valley look to be the smallest I’ve ever seen.
You get a set of 3 plastic (PP) holders for just under $8, each measuring 1/2″ wide x 11/16″ long. They’re barrel-shaped, grooved for grip, and also have a built-in rare-earth magnet.
The integrated magnet actually serves two purposes. First, the magnet helps with screwdriver bit retention, letting you use 1″ insert bits – this is an obvious and typical feature. Second, Lee Valley says that the magnet lets you store the bit holders on any ferrous surface.
What this means is that you can attach one to your refrigerator (or at least those that magnets work on), your tool box, your tool cart, or any other such ferromagnetic steel surface.
They’re red, which should help with spotting them for easy retrieval.
The bit driver handle’s small size of course means it’s best suited for low-torque applications, but there are still plenty of uses, such as for turning the screws on a light switch cover plate.
They also demonstrate its usefulness for woodworking plane adjustments.
I’ve seen larger metal-body fingertip screwdriver bit holders before, and own one or two Craftsman-branded ones. They’re definitely useful, and it could be argued that they’re a better value at only slightly higher pricing. But, these plastic ones from Lee Valley has two big selling points in my opinion.
First, being able to stick them to magnetic surfaces is a big deal. There are a lot of times when I need a small screwdriver bit for something quick and light-duty, and it would help to have a small screwdriver bit holder at the ready. I haven’t tried these yet however, and can’t comment as to whether they can still stick to a ferrous surface with a bit loaded in – that sure would add to their convenience.
Second, the small size makes these bit holders easy to stash in a pocket, tool bag, tool pouch, or wherever else. Other fingertip drivers are small, but these look much smaller. For some people, that could make a big difference. Let’s say you’re working in a tight space, or want to minimize the weight being carried where every gram counts – that’s where these might shine.
At just under $8 for 3, the bit drivers come out to be $2.65 each, which seems fair for a piece of shaped plastic with a magnet embedded inside.
Price: $7.95
Buy Now via Lee Valley
Compare: Finger Bit Drivers via Amazon
See Also:
Any other mini or fingertip bit drivers you could recommend?
