If this is not your first visit to ToolGuyd, then you have probably heard about or used ball-tip hex drivers. Some of you might have even heard about or used ball-tip Torx drivers.
The ball-shape screwdriver tips help improve fastener access. Instead of having to mate a screwdriver bit tip to a fastener straight-on, ball tips allow you to achieve a solid connection from a range of angles, allowing users to reach around obstacles or obstructions.
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But have you ever seen ball-tip square/Robertson screwdrivers?
Bondhus offers a set of (4) ball-tip square screwdrivers, model 11640, that features a similar ball-shaped profile as their popular ball hex drivers and bits. As with ball hex drivers, these ball square drivers can be used as a wider range of angles at times when you cannot quite approach a fastener from a perfect 180° angle.
This isn’t the kind of tool you would want to use for higher torque fastening tasks, but the typical width of the screwdriver handles make higher torque difficult to accomplish anyway.
A set of 4 drivers with #0, #1, #2, and #3 ball square drivers will set you back $13.
These drivers are made in the USA. If you’re not familiar with Bondhus, all you need to know is that they specialize in hex and Torx drivers and make some mighty fine products. Bondhus drivers are quite good and affordably priced.
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Buy Now(via Amazon)
There appear to be two versions of this set – the hard plastic-handled version shown above, and a more recent soft-handled version.
You might not have a choice if you order online, but some dealers might be clear as to which version they carry. If you do have a choice, the soft-touch ergonomic screwdrivers would be my pick. This is the set that Amazon appears to carry.
fred
Bondhus also makes Torx (they call them “Star” – probably since they don’t have a license for the Torx name) ball-end drivers in 2 different sets (13546 and 13532)
http://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-13532-BallStar-Screwdrivers-T9-T40/dp/B000E7XJIY
joe
Seems like a great way to strip out a screw head
Richard
Interesting. Affordable enough to toss into my wish list.
Not sure I’d ever really use them when a regular Robby would likely do just fine.
Jim Felt
This is a great find! I’ve used Robertson headed screws for decades and every so often kinda wished these ball tips existed. But never researched for them.
And obviously they aren’t for 99% of my square drive use. But that 1%…
Ain’t the internet grand. Now I know and now I 1-Clicked on the endless river and they’re coming in a day or two.
So thank you!
Jim
Looks interesting. Unfortunatley, Amazon only seems to carry the black & red non-color coded versions. At a minimum, the top cap should be color coded to represent the industry standard sizing. I will search for the hard plastic version. Otherwise, a wrap of colored electrical tape around the shank will suffice.