There is a world of options when it comes to nut drivers. Some can be used with impact drivers or cordless drills, and others can be used by hand in the same manner as you would a screwdriver.
This set by Klein, model 32950, has dual functionality – it comes with impact-rated hollow shaft nut drivers, and a screwdriver handle that they can be used with.
That seems like a versatile set, as you can use them with a drill or impact driver, or manually, whatever the job calls for.
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The set comes with 6 sizes – 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, and 9/16″, each with a 5″ long shaft with a 3-3/4″ long hollow core for working with nuts on bolts or threaded rod.
Each nut driver has a built-in magnet for fastener retention.
Klein says that the screwdriver handle has a ratcheting feature, which you might or might not like. You might be able to use these with other 1/4″ hex bit handles or screwdriver bit holders, but it’s on you to find one that’s compatible.
Price: $50, $30 for just the bits
At the time of this posting, Amazon has a promo where you get $20 in credit when you spend $99+ on eligible tools, including this Klein set.
If you don’t want the ratcheting handle, you can get a 6pc nut driver set (32930) for a bit less at other retailers, BUT the nut drivers in this set are NOT hollow.
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It looks like Klein nut drivers with 2 colored stripes have hollow shafts, and those with continuous colors have solid shafts.
Thus, if you want the hollow shafts you can get the 6pc set with the handle, and just keep the handle in safe place, or buy the nut drivers bits separately.
Saulac
It probably worth noting that the handle latches into the shaft at the small cut ( Klein proprietary?) and not the standard 1/4 hex attachment. The small cuts enable the extendable shaft on some screw drivers. This means the handle can not be used with 1/4 hex attachment, at least not safely.
Bill
Interesting note on the small cut issue. A few months ago I purchased the 32930 set, but I never really noticed the extra cut in each of the bits.
Earlier today I ordered the hollow shaft set #32950, where, as you say, the only problem would be in using the Klein handle with non-Klein bits.
Thanks for the update.
Bill
Saulac, I tested your conclusion on using the Klein handle from this kit, with other standard 1/4” hex bits that don’t have the small/secondary cuts that are present on the Klein bits in this kit.
What I found was that if you fully insert each bit, past the initial locking point, all bits held firmly and couldn’t be dislodged, even with a vigorous push and pull. What I didn’t test was what might happen after hours of driving fasteners in and out. So I’m not discounting your observations, I just couldn’t duplicate your findings in my limited testing.
Saulac
Bill, looking inside the handle, I saw 3 tiny balls to latch into the small cuts. This explains the approx 1/4 inch axial movement when I tried to get them hold standard 1/4 hex accessories with the big cut. BTW, when I say 1/4 hex accessories I some how did not think about the 1 inch bits (or is it bitches ? because I hate those) which do not have the big cut, but sometimes have the small cut. So yes, this handle can hold a 1 inch bit very securely. But not the longer bits.
James
This set is brilliant. The handle is so-so (the ratchet dial seems to accidentally change modes on me), but the bits are fantastic and while you don’t always need a hollow bit, there’s never a situation where it’s inconvenient, so these are my go to in several bags. IMHO these are the best nut driver bits on the market, and if I’m wrong, I want to know what I’m missing!! Eager for them to launch a metric version.
Kris Petrie
I’ve carried impact bits and some type of handle in my work pants pockets for years. First it was a Malco Connext and more recently a stubby Felo.
For this specific set if I have room for a 5″ bit and full size handle why wouldn’t I use my impact?
Farkleberry
I think of these things as most used by HVAC and electrical guys in awkward/congested situations. It’s easy to strip out screws into sheet metal using an impact.
If you’re removing a big nut or driving a 9/16 head bolt, impact would seem easier.
Farkleberry
How well do the magnets work, and how durable are they on the hollow shaft versions?
It seems most of the time the nut drivers are driving bolt/screw heads, but is the only disadvantage to the hollow shaft the price?
There are lots of expansive import sets for cheap, but magnet issues seem the biggest gripe. I know Klein is consistently high quality.
I doubt hollow vs solid strength is a consideration, given the 1/4″ drive with the quick change cut.
James
The magnet is great. It holds strong in my experience, which is most of the sizes fairly frequently, although rarely 1/4”.
A bit of discussion about use case, and I just read the comments on the Milwaukee nut drivers Stuart recently posted.
For me, it’s usually (95%) on my impact, and I use them on bolt heads, nuts, pipe hangers, etc. I’m not sure why but I strongly prefer a 6” but most of the time, except when I don’t have the space. I think part of it might just be that I can have them all sticking out of my pouch and quick access, where I always seem to be fumbling for the smaller bits, or taking them in and out of rails.
I have a Veto DP3 that holds my impact and 6” bits for every head type, as well as shorter bits, bit drivers, extensions, 90 degrees, etc. I keep the ratcheting handle in the pouch as well, so that when I encounter a delicate situation, I’m covered. Although I also keep 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2” socket adapters on the pouch, I strongly prefer using a nut drivers for any size that’s covered, not least because I have it on hand…
Farkleberry
Thanks for that info.
I didn’t think about the quick access. Now that you mention it, shorter bits are fiddly at best when my cheapie split leather tool bags try to swallow them.
A nice long rigid bit seems nicer than sockets wobbling around on extensions.
I picked up a couple of the Klein all in one stacking sets on sale to stash around, but I’m guessing I should’ve gone for the dedicated long bits if they’ll actually get some consistent use.
James
I didn’t mention this, but the color coding on nut drivers is also awesome, in particular when switching between say 7/16 and 3/8 or 1/2 where the correct size is not obvious at a quick glance when you’re swapping sockets of the same color..
MM
I like color coding on tools, but it really bothers me how it is implemented most of the time. I would prefer it if they followed the color spectrum linearly rather than jumping around. For example, maybe the smallest socket is red, the next smallest is orange, then yellow, then green, etc, and you’re finally up to violet for the largest one.
Let’s say you grab a socket and you accidentally picked the wrong size. You know you need one that’s slightly smaller. If the colors are random then you have to memorize what color it is. If the colors follow a standard progression you can just pick the appropriate color relative to the one you have. If you grabbed the green socket and it’s too big? Yellow is the next size down, no need to learn the code of that particular set.
Jared
That is an excellent suggestion. Now the color coding system will bother me too MM.
Wayne Ruffner
The color coding on these bits matches the color coding on their everyday nut drivers for each size, too, it appears, so picking it up the code shouldn’t be too weird.
Nate
Seems to be the same color code as used by Craftsman for decades and apparently others as well. Yes it jumps around, but I already knew 1/4″ would be red and 7/16″ would be brown, because that’s what I already reach for.
Jared
In the first image there appear to be lines on the flats inside the socket. Do these have a flank-drive, ASD, RBRT – type design? That would be cool.
James
I can’t post a photo here but there are definitely “vertical” lines inside the drivers and the shoulders seem to be sophisticated, although I know nothing about this so can’t provide anything useful there… I never noticed the lines until you mentioned it but I’m in my shop right now looking at them a little closer than ever before lol
Count me in as someone who will now be annoyed by the color coding chosen. In fact what’s got me in the past is that different brands use different colors for my treasured 5/16”. All the ones I started with were green, but now I’ve got at least 3 different colours, including yellow in this Klein set, and that bugs me to no end.
Jared
Good to know! That’s an interesting feature.
John
With a magnetized nut driver, is it problematic to dislodge a nut from the driver after removing a nut from a bolt?
James
Not problematic but you do need a thread to pull the nut out frequently. Generally there’s a thread nearby to use this fb if your removing a nut so this has never bothered me.
Lorne Moe
The Magnet is kinda a pain in the ass as it hold the nuts and you can’t shake them out…
9/16 I used twice in a 1/4 impact and it snapped the driver was 2 months old…no warranty just a run around!
Mark. M
For a tool bag, for a dedicated use, maybe. I would be afraid I’d lose one and then I’ve got an incomplete set (unless they sell singles, maybe I missed that part). For a shop setting a set of hollow shaft drivers are pretty inexpensive (I have some but rarely use them). For a tool POUCH, the Klein 32910 is arguably a better choice. Not as handy re: the hollow shaft of this set but still impact-adaptable, more compact, and less likely to lose one of the heads. Plus the way the head slides off the holder/magnet, it’s way easier to clean metal shavings, kind of like the Malco version.
James
Until your bolt or threaded rod protrudes and you have to go to your truck to get a deep socket, or your bandsaw to cut the excess bolt off….I used to carry a set of hollow nut drivers in my truck for this purpose….now this set sits in my impact pouch and I’m more secure 😆
Greg
it’s actually very hard to find these kind of nut drivers with hollow feature for longer bolts Harbor freight made some years ago that I bought up before they stop carrying them. Good job Kleinwain
Nate
Lowe’s and Acme have the hollow set for $49 too.
nigeldh
Home Depot has something similar on sale – no ratchet handle, no color coded drivers.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-BITE-SAE-Impact-Ready-Interchangeable-Nut-Driver-Set-with-Cushion-Grip-Handle-10-Piece-HBND10PCS/326447210
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-BITE-Metric-Impact-Ready-Interchangeable-Nut-Driver-Set-with-Cushion-Grip-Handle-10-Piece-HBND10PCM/326447207
Jared
IBEW apprentice here.
I added this driver to my tool pouch about 9 months ago. I get some derisive comments from journeyman, but they’ll gripe about anything.
The bits perform well and I like the ratchet, though it is worth noting that you can slide the 3 position selector to the middle to turn off the ratchet and just operate it like a regular nut driver.
Also worth noting, this kit is NOT made in the USA, though it seems to be holding up better than the 602-7 demo flathead that I bought at the same time, and that one claims to be US made.