It was nearly 2 years ago that Klein first came out with glow in the dark tools. These high-visibility tools are designed to be easily located when working in dark or dimly lit places.
While initially a little skeptical about how useful these Hi-Viz glow in the dark tool handles might be, I have since been a little more accepting.
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Let’s say you’re working in a ceiling, closet, attic, or other dimly lit space. Sure, you might have a flashlight, but it’s a lot quicker if your tool simply glowed to indicate its position. I could see how glowing handles are easier to find after you’ve put them down for whatever reason.
Klein is expanding their glow in the dark tool line with several new screwdrivers.
- Phillips #2, 603-4GLW
- Slotted 1/4″, Cabinet Tip, 605-4GLW
- 6-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver, 32451GLW
The 6-in-1 screwdriver comes with Phillips #1 and #2, Slotted 3/16″ and 1/4″, Nut drivers 1/4″ and 5/16″.
The new Hi-Viz screwdrivers’ phosphorescent handles can be charged up in natural or artificial lighting to provide a bright glow that can last for 30 minutes or more.
Prices: $13 and change for the individual drivers, $16 for the multi-bit driver.
Buy Now: Phillips #2, Slotted 1/4″, 6-in-1 Multi-Bit
Klein also makes Hi-Viz pliers, cutters, and wire strippers with glow handles.
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Here’s a Klein promo video:
Josh
It’s also pretty handy if you drop one, a black light will make them glow but not kill your night vision
Stuart
The idea is to charge them up first, before use, with a high powered flashlight or work light, or natural sunlight.
I don’t think a black light will help with the glow.
A black light, which emits UV light, will generally make fluorescent materials glow. Phosphorescent materials might sometimes glow with black light illumination, but tend to work best with visual light absorption.
Bruce
Black light most certainly will make these glow in the ceiling even if they’ve been hiding there for two days… Don’t ask me how I know..
Nick
I like the concept, but I’m a little skeptical about this product.
I keep all my drivers in various job specific tool bags or in my tool chest. For these to work, they need to absorb light.
I like the idea of being able to see them working in attics. I’ve dropped a few tools into blown in insulation before and finding them has been a challenge.
porphyre
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=magnet+on+a+stick
Nathan
2 minor nits.
1) wish they’d put a black band in the middle so that normal visibility is equally improved. (the light greenish and yellow plastic blend a bit and depending on what is might sit on – could disappear to some people)
2) wish they sold it as a ratcheting bit holder and on other tools. pliers etc.
Hang Fire
There’s probably a small market for these, but I doubt they’ll stay on the market for long. In this age of cheap LED illumination, a lighted screwdriver- maybe rechargeable- would make more sense.
Bruce
I’ve had the glow handle side cutters for quite a while now, super handy working in the ceiling. When working, I’ll often set tools down on the ceiling as a temp work surface. The handles will charge up plenty just working in a flashlight beam. Then when you set them down, they are very easy to find without having to pan around with the flashlight.. Saves a lot of time. When they come out with the 11 in 1, that’ll replace my current 11 in 1 in the tool box.
John
Seems like a bit of a gimmick to me. I don’t work inside ceilings or attics so I don’t see any advantage.
What I could use is glow in the dark bolts and screws and fu king clips, which would be handy!
Robert Choate
I like the hi viz but the handles on the screwdrivers slip once the screw gets snug…. not allowing you to tighten securely. I’m leaving mine at home for “around the house” tools and going back to the original for my daily tool bag.