Hart, a TTI brand, makes some interesting hand tools, such as quick-adjust c-clamps, hand clamps, and interchangeable handle system tiling tools. The brand is historically known for their hammers.
Now, Hart has come out with some new screwdrivers, including a rather interesting-looking double-ended multi-bit driver.
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The Hart double-ended screwdriver (HPTS01) has a quick-access button, which when pushed, allows the bit-holder shaft to slide through the handle. Their product images don’t show this very well, but the inside of the screwdriver handle is hollow. So, the shaft protrudes from one end, and with a push of the button and one-handed action, the front end becomes recessed, and the opposite end is now exposed.
What this does is allow you to quickly switch between two different bits. Each of the 7 included bits are double-ended, but the double-ended shaft design allows you to access the two different bits without having to do any bit or shaft reversals.
Yes, it sounds a little gimmicky, but it could perhaps be a problem-solver for certain users or applications.
The Hart multi-bit screwdriver also has a built-in wire stripper and bender that’s sized for wire up to 12 gauge.
Price: $15
Buy Now(Multi-Bit Screwdriver via Home Depot)
Compare(via TTI Outlet)
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The driver is $10 at TTI’s Direct Tools factory outlet.
Hart also has a 16pc variety screwdriver set, with a little of everything, HSD16MIX. It comes with a mountable screwdriver storage rack.
They don’t actually tell you the sizes, but it looks to have Phillips, slotted, and maybe square screwdriver styles, as well as a 6pc mini driver set.
Price: $40
Buy Now(16pc Set via Home Depot)
Compare(via TTI Outlet)
TTI’s Direct Tools factory outlet has it for $20.
Lastly, there’s a Hart 55pc screwdriver set, HSD55MIX.
The larger Hart screwdriver set looks to come with 12 screwdrivers, 2 bit-holding screwdriver handles of different sizes, and a whole lot of insert bits and bit adapters.
It also looks to have a magnetic pickup tool, or something that looks just like that. The case is mountable, as with the 16pc set.
Price: $50
Buy Now(55pc Set via Home Depot)
Compare(via TTI Outlet)
TTI’s Direct Tools factory outlet has it for $30.
Discussion
The Hart double-ended multi-bit screwdriver caught my attention with its unique design. Yes, it does seem a little gimmicky, but I figured it was worth posting about, just in case it’s *exactly* what someone might need.
The other Hart screwdriver sets look to have some appealing aspects, such as their wall-mountable storage cases that have handles and keyhole slots, and the color-coded handles.
I wouldn’t have expected to see Hart screwdrivers, but then again, neither did I expect to see a Ryobi tape measure. Ryobi also now has a couple of hammers, and that might be a post for another time.
Nathan
not too surprised leads me to ask. How many of the Hart labeled screw drivers have a milwaukee counterpart. I could see a lot of cross/rebranding there.
Meanwhile – if priced right and had the right bit ends – I would get one of those for the kitchen drawer. Right now I use a irwin or whatever braded double bit driver – or whatever they are called. philips and slotted – 2 double bits one on each end of a shaft. flip the shaft for philps – again to the slotted. flip the bit for #1 or #2 or 3/16 vs 5/16 or some variation of that.
I would give this a try I think
Jared
Doesn’t seem too gimmicky so long as the shaft is held firmly enough that it doesn’t push in if you bear down on it. Could be handy in some cases to switch back and forth really fast.
Nate Bezanson
And one-handed, unlike the usual bit-flip maneuver that really takes two.
I could see myself using that quite a bit, if it would hold a small (7mm or 8mm) nutdriver in one end. That would need a fair-sized recess in the back of the handle, though, so I’m not holding my breath.
Stuart
A gimmick doesn’t have to have a negative connotation.
If this were a regular multi-bit screwdriver, would it have caught my attention? Probably not.
Yadda
Very different. Addresses the need to change bits quickly and repeatedly in a unique way. I will check it out.
Matt J
TTI outlet seems kind of odd. Some stuff is great deals, other stuff seems like you could get brand new equivalents of their blemished stuff at HD for less.
TonyT
If you want a good deal at Direct Tool Outlet (the TTI outlet) you need to be patient, and wait for a deal on what you’re interested in.
I’ve gotten some sweet deals from DTO, but if you’re not careful, you can pay more than you would for new at HD.
Charles
So if the shank is poking out of the other end, then the side you grip has the remaining bits sticking out. Sounds to me like there may be some blood involved if you aren’t careful.
Stuart
Why would you think that the inactive bit pokes out of the handle in a way that impedes the comfortable use of the tool?
John
In the picture the stored bits appear to poke beyond the end of the housing.
Charles
Correct. I guess it could be the photo, but it sure seems like they stick out.
I’d also be curious as to how easy the bits are to remove. I once had something similar and the bits were nearly impossible to remove.
I think I’ll stick to my Wera
Charles
In this photo from Amazon (the Hart website doesn’t have a picture of the “second” position) https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71EUKP6hp0L._SL1500_.jpg one can clearly see that the bits protrude from the (now top) of the handle just where your palm would be. Looking closely at the screwdriver in the packaging also shows the shiny bits poking out.
If this is correct, then it is an awful and dangerous design
Wayne
Too bad and sad that Duron or Husky no longer makes retract a bit screw drivers, 10 years ago it cost $20, then the price went up to 30. I am willing to pay $50 for one even if this thing only lasts 6 months for daily use.
Thom
The HSD55MIX set looks like a good beater set but not at the $50 Home Depot price. Maybe they will drop the price for Father’s day to be closer to the TTI outlet $30 which is much more realistic.
The What?
I’ve liked every tool that I’ve used from Hart thus far. Especially the hammers. I’ve got the trowel/float set & the 2-in-1 nailset also. Haven’t let me down yet. The side nail puller they incorporate into their framing hammers is ingenious & everybody that makes framing hammers needs to pick up on it and figure out a way to incorporate something similar into their hammers. So I’m anxious to try this screwdriver out and see if it’s worth the money. Just about every multi bit screwdriver has a hollow handle and maybe Hart found a way to make switching bits easier by utilizing the space inside of the handle.
Flotsam
As far as I always knew Hart was known for its hammer, especially the California Framer. I understand that sells very very well. Also their axes and mattocks.
I bought a smaller framer when it went on sale on directtoolsoutlet for $10. I think they are discontinuing it now but i managed to get a set of their tile tools, which they called Quick-Tach. the floats & trowel use a common handle which saves an incredible amount of space. I think its a very innovative idea, too bad they are getting out of that game.
Jp
Damn all sold out by the time I read this post. I wanted the first one. The one day I didn’t check toolguyd.com early in the day.
Jerry
I know this post is old, but our nearest Wall Mart had these on sale. I can say after a bit of messing with it a bit that I kind of like it. The shank slides through the handle very freely, meaning you can switch from side to side easily with one hand. The button that releases the shank is recessed enough not to be bumped accidentally during use yet is easy to use. It does take a second to find by feel but can be done ‘blind’ easily enough.
The bits do NOT protrude past the handle in use, but the way they areheld in place allows for a small amount of movement so they can protrude past if you hold it with the bits oriented down but they fall back flush or slightly below with the slightest pressure. Bits are secure enough, and I think the bit of loose news makes them easier to remove. The latch that holds the shank one way or the other seems strong enough but I haven’t used it much to know long term durability. Same with the bits, seem good but no idea on long term durability.
In short, it seems gimmicky at first but for some people the gimmick would be useful. Probably wouldn’t have bought it at regular price, but marked down under $10 I think it was well worth it.