This is the new Craftsman Z-driver screwdriver set, which is based around a super low-profile L-wrench bit holder.
I bought a Craftsman L-shaped screwdriver bit holder once, and the magnet popped out of the short end the first time I used it. I’ve been searching for a replacement since then, and this looks like it might fit the bill.
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The Craftsman Z-driver has 2 bit holders, one on the short arm, and one on the long arm. Both 1/4″ hex openings have magnets within, for bit retention. It works with standard 1″ screwdriver insert bits, and presumably longer bits too, although that would defeat the Craftsman Z-driver’s low profile intent.
Craftsman doesn’t mention just how short the low profile end of the Z-driver is, but they do say that the 90° position gives you 11x more torque than when a bit is used in the straight position.
The Craftsman Z-Driver set comes with the following bits: Phillips #1, #2, #3; Slotted 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″; Hex 3mm, 4mm; Torx T15, T20.
It also comes with a combination bit and tool holder case.
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Price: $15 $10 on sale
Buy Now(via Sears)
First Thoughts
I want one, and will make it a point to buy one the next time I’m at Sears. Let me rephrase that: this will give me a great reason to go to Sears for the first time in a while.
Low profile screwdrivers and screwdriver bit holders aren’t useful all of the time or for general purpose use. But when they get pulled from a tool drawer, toolbox, or tool bag, they’re often the only thing that’ll do the trick.
The design looks good, and the price is right.
I don’t quite see what makes this a Z-driver, though. Where’s the Z? Is the driver’s short end slightly angled? I can’t tell from the product images. Is it because Z-driver sounds better than L-driver?
Ooh, is the Z-driver handle shaft hex shaped so you can use a wrench, adjustable wrench, or pliers when a bit is being used in the straight position and extra torque is needed? Nice!
fred
Neat
Looks like it has some applications.
I often use a 1/4 inch ratcheting box wrench with an insert bit – but you can not exert any force along the axis of the bit.
The same could be said for the Wera 8001A bit-holder ratchet
– but the Husky 66604 set might be an alternative:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Microdriver-Set-16-Piece-HRWMD16PCSAE/202934673
as might be the Ez-Red 4S04:
https://www.amazon.com/Red-4S04-Quarter-Stubby-Ratchet/dp/B009PJPEAS
Stuart
There are plenty of bit ratchet options out there, ranging from inexpensive to premium. Here are just the ones I’ve covered on ToolGuyd before?
Craftsman Bit Ratchet
Beta Tools Bit Ratchet Review
Wera Bit Ratchet Comparison
Topeak Ratchet EDC Bit Wrench
As well as low profile screwdrivers that can fit in spaces even this Craftsman Z-driver might be too big for:
Anex Low Profile Hex Drivers
Snap-on and Anex Low Profile Screwdrivers
Husky Offset Combination Screwdriver
fred
This must be a popular tool type – because as you say there are lots of variations on the theme.
I’ve used the Anex ones and the can get you out of a jam sometimes.
Some others that may be worth a look – come from VIM Tools (Durston). They make some half-cut sockets and bits. Their VHZ77 set comes with short (5/8 inch long) bits (insert bits are typically 1 inch long) and a ratchet handle that looks a lot like the Husky 66604. Vim also sells just handles in different lengths: HBR3, HBR4, HBR5 and HBR12
Anex also sells a ratchet bit holder handle #425
Gearwrench has their 85035 set
Neiko sells a set 03044A
Powerbuilt’s 940478 looks more like a stubby teardrop ratchet, as does the Maxcraft 60199, Tekton 1485 and Titan 11203 set, 11212 and 12101
I’m sure there are others
Stuart
I’ve got that Gearwrench 85035 too. It’s somewhere…
The downside is that you pay extra for all the sockets. I don’t think I have ever used that Gearwrench Microdriver with sockets. Maybe someday.
Charles Stopczynski
I purchased perhaps 12 years ago from HD the HUSKY #64723, Ratchet socket set. This is a MICRO 1/4″ HEX BIT DRIVER. Having both a 1/4″ and 5/16″ reversible ratchet drives. The 5/16″ end uses an insert with a 1/4″ hub for 1/4″ sockets. The 1/4″ end will take all 1/4″ hex bits.
I carry the basic assortment plus 2 or 3 others in a small metal container in the side pocket of my tool bag. Priceless.
While the above is no longer a current model HD does sell a somewhat larger set. Couple this with a great assortment of 1/4″ hex bits and you can get most anything apart.
fred
Chad’s Toolbox is having a 10% off on Wera sale today (10/21) using code WERAMADNESS
It might be an OK sale for some Wera bits – but this set:
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Kompakt-Zyklop-Ratchet/dp/B01CILZXRI
works out to about the same price
dll932
Some years ago I bought a ratcheting bit driver that’s low profile like this. Can’t find a name on it. On the opposite side of the bit socket is a 1/4″ drive for small wrench sockets as well.
bob
Try this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Ratchet-Swisstool-Spirit-Multi-Tool/dp/B004UOOZ6M/
Nathan
how much narrower will this be than the engineer wrench.
looks to be nearly 1/2 the depth. when I’m in that tight I use 1/4 socket and my thinnest 1/4 drive ratchet set. usually.
Stuart
I assume you mean this one: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/iheartengineering-engineer-l-wrench-driver-deal-102013/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I can’t say for sure without comparing the two side by side, but the Craftsman looks to be substantially shorter. But, it might not be as easy to use in general purpose applications where you might want more clearance for your fingers.
Satch
Stuart, that is exactly the model that came to mind when I saw this post. I have kind of obsessed over the Engineer model and had been looking for good vendors. The Crapsman may be a decent alternative.
Norm
The only thing I can think this is missing is a 1/4″ extension. I say this, because then you can apply more force if you use it in the short arm and are driving a fastener from the long end. I’ll probably pick one of these up.
Norm
And had a $10 off coupon, filled my cart to just over $20, it’s waiting to be picked up. Thanks for the heads up.
firefly
I have the Craftmans pass-through bit ratchet. The head is fatter because of the ratchet mechanism but I think it have a slightly lower profile because the bit pass through.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
More of the same. Nothing innovative here. You can only get so low on a 1/4″ bit.
The only way to make it a really low profile is to cut down the 1/4″ bits’ shank.
Yes, you do get more torque in the 90 degree position, but if the space is super tight, how do you get the bit in? If someone comes up with short 1/4″ bits made to fit existing low profile tools, that would help. Right now, my little Beta tools bit ratchet, is the lowest profile that I have for insert bits. The flaw is in the bits themselves.
Too long. I’m sure the shank can be cut down and still be strong. I may try cutting down a few 1/4″ bits myself to test.
fred
That’s the idea of the VIM half-cut bits – only 5/8 inch long – not 1 inch like most insert bits
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VHC77-77-Piece-Half-Stubby/dp/B005MVBGAU
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
HomeDepot has this VIM stubby bit set. I don’t need the entire set. I don’t see the bits sold separately. , so I may just cut down the bits that I need on mill and use them with my Beta bit ratchet.
fred
Yes – I think that there is a TV advertisement that asks “why buy the whole dinner buffet if you only want a piece of pie”
BTW – the set is cheaper at HD than on Amazon – but its out of stock online on the HD site.
fred
here is a source for the single bits:
http://www.tooloutfitters.net/?subcats=Y&pcode_from_q=Y&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&search_performed=Y&q=VHCT25&dispatch=products.search
Robert
The Z would be the Z of X,Y and Z.
X for horizontal in 2 dimensions.
Y for vertical in 2 dimensions.
Z height or elevation in the 3rd dimension.
colin smith
i like the teng(t1419) low profile racheting 1/4 inch hex set best . i have been using it for years and still going strong .
RC WARD
Better hurry before Sears goes out of business
Toolfreak
I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess this is A) Made in China and B) is a one-off tool for the holiday gifting season.
The only things I’m really wondering is what the eventual “sale” price will be ($9.99? $7.49? $4.99?) and whether any of these will still be hanging around in the stores in the first few months of 2017.
Anton
Does anyone make a 1/4″ bit that is a pen? Google images comes up with a 3d printed one but not much else. Should be completely doable in the 2″ length but more interesting in 1″ since you can swap one of the included bits for it.
Seems like it would make a nice every daily carry item.
William Adams
There’s the Mininch Toolpen Mini (I got a small clone off eBay), and the Bitly driver which was just launched in Kick/Quickstarter.
Ralph Brion
At the checkout counter they always put those cheap mini tools. Look for the locking pliers 2 or 3 inches in length, combine it with a #2 Phillips bit and you have a low profile 2 or 3$ alternative for something you do not use often as a DIY’er.
Zach R
I would buy today if it were insulated for electrical! Looking for some good lo-pro insulated tools. Any suggestions ?
fred
Cementex, Salisbury, and Wiha all make insulated L-Key hex wrenches. I’m not sure which ones have the lowest profile.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
Anex also makes some very nice quality low profile wrenches and ratchets.
Amazon.com
Mike
Cementex has a very limited selection of offset screwdrivers. Other than that, no. Working with limited access tools in or near live equipment is generally a very bad idea.
fred
Always better to work on the equipment dead – with 2 breaks and a ground in place, if possible – or work it “dead-as-alive” if there is some possibility that it might be inadvertently energized. I guess that sometimes its necessary to work live – glove (e.g. 4kV gloves) hand, face shield and other PPE in place – like the utility folks do. The tool insulation is also about not wanting to create a phase to ground or phase to phase fault.
Toolfreak
Looks like the sale price is going to be $9.99- it’s on sale now.
Stuart
Price dropped from $15 to $10.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
After looking this Craftsman over, I think I will buy an Anex low profile bit wrench. The Anex tools looks good and are Made in Japan.
Bob
Got my Z Driver in the mail today, good selection of bits. The whole thing is a little bigger than I expected but probably just my perception looking at the pictures. Can’t figure out why it’s called a Z Driver though.
Ball_bearing
Titan tools now has the Titan 16091 offset bit driver. It is similar to the Z-driver, but with a nice knurled area.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/titan/titan-offset-bit-driver/ttn0/16091
https://www.amazon.com/Titan-11PC-Offset-Bit-Driver/dp/B07VDB1BVG