PSA: Stop buying those fancy 12-in-1 screwdriver sets for house work

I used to grab those multi-bit screwdrivers off the shelf for home repairs. They always seemed like a good deal at $15, but the bits strip out after a few uses. Now I just buy a pack of individual screwdrivers from the bargain bin for $8 total. They last way longer, and I don't have to hunt for the right bit when I'm on a step ladder. The handle on the multi-tool always felt too fat for tight spots anyway. Has anyone else given up on those combo kits for basic stuff like changing a door handle or tightening a hinge?

2 comments

2 Comments

sagew5012d ago

Those $15 kits at the hardware store are actually fine if you use them for light stuff like tightening a loose screw on a toy. The bits strip because they're made from soft steel, not because of the multi-tool design. Have you tried a higher end brand like Wera or just sticking with the cheap singles?

claire_wells8711d ago

Oh man, you hit the nail on the head. I've been down that road with those cheap kits more times than I care to admit. In my experience, the soft steel is the real killer - they'll round out on the first screw that's got any kind of thread locker or rust on it. I've had better luck buying individual bits from a brand like Bosch or DeWalt when they're on sale. You get a harder bite and they don't spin out as easy, even on tight spots. Take it from someone who's stripped more screws than I'd like to recall, a couple bucks extra saves a headache down the line.