Milwaukee Tool has expanded their nut driver lineup with new sizes – 9/16″ in 2-9/16″ and 6″ lengths.
Now seems like a good time to remind everyone about the full line, which includes sizes from 1/4″ to 9/16″ in several lengths, partly because otherwise there’s not much else to say, but mostly because I didn’t keep up to date and was surprised at the existing selection.
I am most familiar with Milwaukee nut drivers in insert-bit lengths, designed for use with bit holders.
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Milwaukee also has 1-7/8″ length, power bit-style nut drivers, for use with cordless drills and impact drivers without needing additional accessories.
I have a couple of these, and they’ve given me no reason to complain over the years.
They also have 2-9/16″ power bit nut drivers – I don’t think I’ve seen this length.
It probably doesn’t need to be said, but these nut drivers give you a little extra reach compared to the 1-7/8″ bits.
There are also 6″ power bit-style nut drivers.
As mentioned at the start of the post, they’ve added a new 9/16″ size in 2-9/16″ and 6″ lengths.
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Here’s what’s new:
- 6″ Magnetic Nut Driver 6pc Set, 49-66-4567 – $34.97
- 9/16″ X 6″ Mag Nut Driver, 49-66-4588 – $11.99
- 9/16″ X 2-9/16″ Mag Nut Driver, 49-66-4538 – $6.99
There will also be 10pc bulk packs for both lengths.
The other sizes available are: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 1/2″. Following are the existing sets I could find:
- 5pc insert bit set, 49-66-4563 – $14.97
- 3pc 1-7/8″ set, 49-66-4561 – $11.49
- 4pc 1-7/8 set, 49-66-4562 – $12.97
- 4pc 2-9/16 set, 49-66-4566 – $17.45
You can also find the individual sizes separately. Some are also available in 3-packs.
All are color-coded for easy size identification, and feature an embedded magnet for nut retention. They’re impact-rated and have a chamfered socket edge.
ETA: January 2025.
eddiesky
I could use a 6″ set in Metric (5mm-10mm) for PC building. Not impact though! I have a screwstick for building/taking apart PCs… motherboards have 5mm standoff and either 1/4″ or smaller screws.
Anyone know of similar metric version down to 5mm? I can only find short/stub sets.
AP
Wiha might have something like that. Maybe check some German manufacturers over at https://www.kctool.com/
Wayne Ruffner
This set goes down to 4mm. Over $60 but no doubt reliable.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-76086-Piece-Metric-Driver/dp/B07613FZPN/
Might be more appealing for PC building, only $10.
https://www.amazon.com/SWANLAKE-20PCS-Driver-Impact-Metric/dp/B0B48X7V14
fred
https://www.wihatools.com/products/inch-nut-drivers-power-blade
Cheaper if you buy directly from Wiha – $45.59 plus about $9 shipping
Wayne Ruffner
The metric set’s only hair cheaper from Wiha directly, and then there’s shipping to add.
https://www.wihatools.com/products/metric-nut-driver-power-blade-set
eddiesky
Thanks Toolguyd folks! I knew I could count on your experience! I’ll look into the Wiha sets!
Chris
Wiha definitely does have what you’re looking for. I recommend finding a better supplier though.
https://us.rs-online.com/product/wiha-tools/27786/73660041/
Stuart_T
Megapro has a set of metric nutsetter bits:
https://shop.megaprotools.com/products/metric-impact-nutsetters
My only complaint with these and some others is that they are really shallow. If the screw shaft extends much beyond the nut you can’t reach it. There are deep-socket nutsetters available in fractional sizes but I’ve not seen any in metric.
fred
Makita makes ones in 10mm size (75, 150, 300 and 700mm long)
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-B-52532-B-52532-Lava-Varilla-150/dp/B08H5NLWKD
They also make ones in 13mm and 17mm sizes
Jared
The Felo Smart M-tec nut drivers also accommodate nuts on long shafts – and they’re pretty slick! They have spring-mounted magnets on long hollow shafts, so it also holds the nut in position while you start it.
I have a set with the convertible screwdriver/T-handle and it’s awesome. Pricing isn’t cheap though.
fred
Here’s a link to the Makita UK page that shows their offerings. Amazon seems to sell them on both sides of the pond – with sourcing via Amazon.UK They look pricey.
https://www.makitauk.com/search?search=1&search_code=&tm_submit_search=&svalue=hollow%20socket
Saulac
Your comment on the shallowness bought an interesting question as to why these are called “nut” drivers/setters because as you mentioned they do not work well for nuts and virtually no one will try to use these to drive nuts (Your example though could be a true nut setter because they seem to be deeper than normal)
fred
The ones I remember that we used were called “Big Willy”
https://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/SB/Big-Willy-Nut-Drivers.htm
eddiesky
I would use for screws aka motherboard fasteners, that are phillips#2 but also a bolt-like head. The standoffs are a bit taller and could use less shallow but those are mostly tightened at lowest torque.
I just need long extended because of deep cases and reach.
Dan
From a fellow pc builder. Be careful using impacts to install standoffs and mother board screws with any sort of power tool. Your best bet is a Vessel electronic screwdriver or something similar.
Jason
Agreed. I have the Megapro nutsetters in both US Customary and Metric, but I don’t use them as often as I’d like because they’re too shallow.
Vards Uzvards
Husky metric set, but with handles:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-MM-Nut-Driver-Set-7-Piece-106300070/204663527
Grokew
Those husky nut drivers have relatively thin handles, not a good thing If you have big hands, or if you have issues with your wrists. That said, they are durable, the color coding is useful once you get familiarized with it, the sizes are clearly marked, and the handles are beautiful (especially the SAE ones, with their clear handles).
Vards Uzvards
For larger hands this V-Series set would work better, but it’s missing 5mm and 7mm sizes (and recently at Lowe’s it went for about half of the Amazon.com price):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5W4KRRY/
This one (Williams, 4-14mm) would be even better, for larger hands as well, but it’s pricier still:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VMPMR8/
ChipBoundary
IFixit has tool sets specifically designed for working on PC’s and electronics, even has but driver heads. Highly recommend them.
https://www.ifixit.com/products/mako-driver-kit-64-precision-bits
Mason M
They also have Malco-esque flip drivers for 1/4″x5/16″, and 5/16″x3/8″. Got a set from my local Johnstone on impulse. I wasn’t impressed.
MARTIN A GARDNER
When will Milwaukee make hollow 6″ nut drivers for mineralax straps or for All thread so that you can sync the all thread into the nut driver I know Klein makes one. I was wondering if Milwaukee would make one?. Having so much electrical equipment it would be great impact 6 to 8 in hollow. Nut driver for my drill would be great thanks Milwaukee
Grokew
They have the hollow core nut drivers.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/48-22-2507
But it seems like you want something more like the klein tools 328091, or a modified 32500HDRT (with a hole drilled at the end of the handle) paired with the 65400 pass through socket set.
fred
On a tangentially related note – there are wrenches and drivers to turn threaded rod:
https://mccinter.com/threaded-rod-wrenches/
Ko-Ken also make (or sell) 1/4-hex shank drivers for studs and/or threaded rod
And – there are several folks who sell drivers specifically made to drive Sammy’s
https://www.kljack.com/strut-hangers-and-fittings/rod-hangers-sammys/sammys-installation-tools/
Stuart
Yes! I saw those recently – threaded rod wrenches, but by a different brand – and it blew my mind a bit.
fred
The Vessel ones – have a pivoting handle:
https://www.amazon.com/ZW-4/dp/B001HPNAPO
Nathan
I was going to say the name is wrong to some degree they are more hex head screw drivers.
But I say that. Am I the only one that used a 1/4 hex to square and 1/4 drive sockets mostly. I have a few nut drivers but mostly from a box of screws or something nothing I’ve ever bought on purpose. I only ever see people use them to run in things like sheet metal screws or tapcons
Bill
Klein Tools makes a similar set, #32950, but with a hollow shaft to allow for a deeper nut setting.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/nut-driver-bits/hollow-magnetic-color-coded-ratcheting-power-nut-drivers-7-piece
Roberto
I have purchased or inherited a lot of standard and metric sockets over the years. I know they aren’t impact ready, but, I have them on hand.
I bought a set of square drive adapters in a couple lengths. They do the trick for me.
This set is heavily discounted at the moment.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-Drive-Impact-Driver-Socket-Adapter-Set-6-Piece-HISKDRAPT6PC/309495870
josh
Went for the husky bite set you posted during blk friday. Hope they turn out nice, put them under the tree “from” kids.
40$ for sae and metric, little box seemed worth a try. seems still up.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/go-home-depot/p/Husky-BITE-SAE-Impact-Ready-Interchangeable-Nut-Driver-Set-with-Cushion-Grip-Handle-10-Piece-HBND10PCS/326447210%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
saw here…
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/home-depot-black-friday-2024-tool-deals/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
NoahG
Nice. I use a lot of 3/8” lag screws and a 9/16” nutsetter is a handy item.
Eddie
The klein 6″ magnetic drivers are the best. Superior magnetic retention as the magnet increases in size with every bit instead of jus the same 1 that fits in 1/4″ bit. Game changer. Use them daily and never go back to anything else again. Also there is a hex bolster at the bottom where you can slide a socket on it to make it longer. I actually have 2 sets and made 1 a dedicated 3/8″ drive set by welding sockets to the end of them. Obviously if you break the shank it can be fixed because of this. No other bit is like this. And its already available now in lowes or amazon and its $5 cheaper then milwaukee. Its a no brainer
Bill
Does anyone make a medium length nut driver set like the Milwaukee 2-9/16” set, but with a hollow shaft?