Klein has come out with a couple of new combination-tip screwdriving products: #1 and #2 fixed-blade screwdrivers, a 2pc screwdriver set, an 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver, and #1 and #2 bits in 1″ and 3.5″ sizes.
So what do you use a combination-tip screwdriver on?
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Combination-head screws! These screws typically feature a combination Phillips and slotted recess. In theory, these screws could be turned by either Phillips or slotted screwdrivers – whichever one you have on-hand. They are commonly found on electrical devices, conduit fittings, and for some common installations.
Klein has found that, since these screws are designed to work with either Phillips or slotted screwdrivers, the fit might not always be perfect. A loose fit can lead to stripping, which can lead to immediate or down-the-road problems.
The new combo-tip screwdriver fits the entire screw head, by featuring both Phillips and slotted elements.
Users don’t have to use combo-tip screwdrivers on combo-tip screws, but it’s good to have that option, especially in USA-made tools.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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Model Numbers
- #1 screwdriver: 731-4
- #2 screwdriver: 732-4
- 2pc set: 32378
- 11-in-1 screwdriverL 32505
- Double-ended replacement bit: 32378
- #1 bit, 1-inch: C1-1-5
- #2 bit, 1-inch: C2-1-5
- #1 bit, 3.5-inch: C1-35-5
- #2 bit, 3.5-inch: C2-35-5
fred
As you say – a nice option for a USA-Made tool.
Milwaukee is selling ECX bits (48-32-4491 and 48-32-4492) – but these are made (as you might suspect) in China. Milwaukee also sells a 10-in-1 screwdriver with ECX – (48-22-2101) made in Taiwan.
If you like Wiha screwdrivers (made in Germany) there are Wiha 30700 and 30701 as options.
Stan
I own a American made Pratt-Read Combination driver drive size two and this has been really helpful when I’ve done some wood work and bathroom installing cabinets and even toilet seats as well.
I saw the Milwaukee version recently, but given this is made in China, I didn’t and likely won’t buy this. Now that there is an American made option from Klein, I am definitely interested in those.
Good job Klein for not outsourcing this product. I was nearly certain this was going to be made in Taiwan or elsewhere, but this is exceptional to see American jobs being utilized instead.
Eric
I have personally found that Mikwaukee’s ECX bits and drivers fit poorly. I look forward to trying these.
Alfredo Marquez
Me too… the geometry of the Milwaukee ECX bits is all wrong for my excellent quality LEGRAND 20 Amp outlets and also the LEVITON ones.
SteveR
Stuart–I have plenty of hex-bit drivers on hand, so I really would like to buy just the combo-tip bits. I would assume I’m not alone in this. Do they sell them separately (#1 and #2, in a 1-inch length), as replacements for lost/worn-out bits? Thanks.
Mike
According the the website, they will. They are in 5 Packs. I’d imagine it will just take some time for those to trickle down to the retailers.
I’ll be putting the double into my 11 in 1 as soon as I can buy one. I’ve held out on buying the Milwaukee one cause I’m a Klein guy when it comes to screw drivers.
Stuart
Yes – model numbers are found in the post above, below the video. As Mike mentioned, it looks like they’ll be available in packs of 5.
SteveR
Thanks, guys; I’ll look for them on amazon.com or my local Lowes/HD around the holidays.
Hank
Putting one of those into a power driver you are likely to break a lot of screws
Allen
Great, another tool I will have to buy.
When I have run across these heads I remember thinking, “just pick one, trying to be both is the worst of each.”
Chad
finally something that will work ( i hope !!)
gonna check this out
thanks
Derek
I really like the concept of the combo tip/ECX bits. It solves the problem of installing electrical outlets where you can’t really get enough torque with a phillips while slotted are just annoying and slip out. The combo bits are just really hard to find. I searched for a few hours and found very few options that weren’t obscenely priced.
I ended up buying a set of Milwaukee 2″ bits with a #1 & #2 ECX from HD. One thing that surprised me is they don’t correspond to phillips #1 & #2. The #1 fits a standard receptacle screw and the #2 is much bigger. I’m glad I didn’t special order a bunch of #2 from some random website.
Once they are available, I want to try some of the 1″ bits in my insulated bit holder.
Mike
This drives me nuts. Not the product, but the advertising and description. These combination bits do NOT properly fit combination phillips/slotted screw heads, they fit and are intended for robertson/slotted or robertson/slotted/phillips combination heads. The voiceover in the video somewhat alludes to that but then shows using a phillips and slotted driver on the conduit fitting, never showing a robertson.
Probably it isn’t shown for good reason. Those types of screws are intended to primarily be driven by a robertson driver with the slotted and phillips cutouts added for convenience. If they used a robertson driver in the video it wouldn’t slip. And since the robertson driver won’t slip, the combination bit is useful for…?
Milwaukee’s ECX bit gets a lot of complaints of poor fitting and breakage for the same reason. They will physically drive phillips/slotted heads but all the torque is delivered via the end of the wings at their corners. Eventually the bits snap apart at those areas.
Nice to see the multi-bit drivers being made in the USA, though!
Allen
Learn something everyday, never saw the Robinson part.
Steve
on the large conduit fittings – a black robertson (#3) doesn’t slip one bit
Jason
I have been using the ECX bits for awhile and they definitely will break on the wings if you apply too much torque. The #1 and #2 sizes do not match up with Phillips #1 and #2 so that is an annoyance as well. I like my Milwaukee 11-n-1 driver, but I also like my Klein drivers better. I understand why in most electrical components that having a universal screw is useful and prevents from having to carry around multiple screwdrivers, but usually when I’m working on electrical I am carrying several screwdrivers anyways. Either way I’m glad to see somebody other than just Milwaukee making drivers with these bits now.
Noah
I’d be very happy if electrical manufactures just ditched the combo head screws and went fully Robertson. Combo screws suck.
Pete
Looks cool. However I really like the Milwaukee electrician multi bit(15 in one or something)
Same bits, strippers and a wire bender all in one that your holding anyways!
Matt
Wiha makes a similar “terminal” screwdriver.
http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/307serie.htm
Mike
They’re in the stores. The 32505 multi-bit driver, plainly shown to be made in the USA in all the pre-sales literature, is identical to the 32500 except for the combo bits replacing the Torx bits. Which means:
“Assembled in USA of U.S. and imported components.”
Rick
If these bits fit combo heads properly and were available in the extended-barrel version that the 5-in-1 uses, I’d get one or more. If these bits are more “Robertson-y” and the normal combo screw heads are more “Phillips-y” then maybe a dremel with a narrow cutting wheel might be handy for a better fit.
Brock
So these Klein bits work on slotted/Phillips screws on outlets? I know the Milwaukee ECX does but I’d rather buy American if possible.
Thanks
xtra
Milwaukee ECX does not fit onto slotted/phillips screws actually they doesnt even access the head of the screws of my bike & also other screws what a waste of money my country currency is extremely high when it converted to dollars & vise-versa it cost more than 700+ from my debit card and about the same for customs once arrived front of my apartment door so now i am very confused about those screws that i cant handle them correctly after bought wera plus/minus #1 & #2 and now milwaukee #1*25 & #2*25!!
here are pics describe the problem
now what exactly bits do i need to loose & tight those screws??!! strange they are phillips/slotted but the problem is the tip of bit is too long that screw refuse to make the slot part to rest down over screw so is there a same bits but with short tip than this??!!
fargozombie
Check out Chapman Mfg. a US company, manufactured in the USA. The Chapman 1/4″ drive-bits fit my Klein 32500 bit holder and also have a ball-detent for a snug and secure fit. They sell all types of 1/4″ drive screw bit sets and individual bits. Very good quality…
Chris
I know this is an old post, but does anyone know why they discontinued these?