Long-time reader Joe sent us a comment recommending the Lutz 15-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver. Joe writes:
I was on vacation and had to assemble a ton of flat pack furniture and picked this up at the local Ace.
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I have used ratcheting screwdrivers before and they always seemed clunky and cheap. This little screwdriver made the job so much easier.
The Lutz 15-in-one ratcheting screwdriver does look to be quite a bit more compact than the ones in my toolbox, and at only $15 I may have to try one out. Thanks Joe for the recommendation!
Lutz 15-in-one Ratcheting Screwdriver via Amazon
Product Info via Lutz
Dan Richards
That’s my dad’s favorite screwdriver. My tendencies skew toward soft-grip drivers and I’m not fond of turnover bits but he liked his sample Lutz enough to put counter merchandisers full of them in all his stores a couple years ago.
Maya
Any tips on how to secure the bits in the screwdriver? Mine keep slipping out; I can’t get them to stay in. Thanks in advance.
Steve R.
Maya–I assume you mean you can’t get them to remain in the metal shaft. The shaft is non-magnetic, which means you have to push the bit in until the the little ball bearing on the bit catches and holds it in place. It’s the same principle as with a ratchet. If it’s still stubborn, try putting a little light oil on the bearing and squeeze it gently with pliers until it moves a bit more freely. There may even be a bit of light rust on the bearing (below the surface) that would require a spritz of penetrating oil to loosen it up. Trying one or more of these tips should get it to hold the bits securely. Incidentally, the 15th tool is the metal shaft itself; it can be used as a driver to turn 1/4″ hex nuts. Good luck.
Karen
Steve R! Brilliant! It’s always driven me nuts that bit falls out of the shaft! Haha! Just push it in ..! Duh!
JLF
Just what I needed to know! Thank you so much!
Victor
How do I eject the drill bit
Stuart
From the rear bit storage or the front bit holder? For the front, pull it out, and perhaps gently use pliers if it’s stuck. For the rear, you twist the part in the rear until the hole appears over the bit you want to eject.
Sally
I can’t get the bits to stay in need advice! Help
Rob K.
Great screwdriver!!! I believe I have three, all being used for past several years.
Highly recommend. Currently looking for double-ended bits. Be sure to get the
bits with the ball bearing!
Larry
I love my Lutz 15 in 1 ratchet screwdriver however my kids have lost all of the bits. Are replacement bits available?
Stuart
Yes. There are some places selling replacement bits online, but it might be more economical to buy a new screwdriver.
J
What is the difference the yellow and the blue Lutz 15-in-1 ratchet screwdriver?
Stuart
There’s no difference that I am aware of.
J
thank you 🙂
Melinda Booth
I’m having trouble getting the bit out of the screwdriver. What’s the trick? My husband used to do all this DIY stuff, but now I have to. It’s fun learning but frustrating when you can’t figure out how to use a tool.
Stuart
Some multi-bit drivers’ screwdriver bits can be difficult to remove by hand. I would try using pliers, gripping the flat part closest to the tool. Maybe use a rubber band between tool and bit to avoid potential damage?
Richard
How do you replace lost bits
Stuart
They sell replacement bits, and other brands’ *might* work if they’re the same exact size.
Laura
What if my bits don’t have a little ball bearing to keep them locked in. What to do??
Stuart
Included with the tool, or separate? If separate, you can search around for compatible bits with ball detent retention.