This Milwaukee 8-in-1 compact ratcheting screwdriver looks to be an easy buy at just under $15.
It’s basically a stubby version of their ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver, featuring 7 1/4″ hex insert bits and a 1/4″ nut driver that doubles as a bit extension.
Milwaukee adds that the nut driver gives the screwdriver a “wrench-ready hex shank for wrench-assisted turning.”
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Here are the screwdriver bits it comes with:
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
- Square #1, #2
- Torx T15
- 1/4″ nut driver
The bit holder extension can be removed to give the stubby screwdriver a more compact length.
The bit holder and screwdriver bits can also be used with a cordless drill or screwdriver.
I typically avoid inexpensive ratcheting screwdrivers, based on too many mixed experiences I’ve had in the past, but Milwaukee’s have been decent.
This particular model came out in 2023 when Milwaukee refreshed their multi-bit and ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver lineup. (See Milwaukee is Launching 8 New Multi-Bit Screwdrivers.)
The $15 price tag puts this in “impulse buy” territory, where I’m not sure I need a stubby ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver, but I’m sure I could use one.
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The tool is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Price: $14.97 (at the time of this posting)
Reg. Price: $17.97
Model no. 48-22-2913
Tim B.
Hmmmm… can’t tell from any of the pictures, but do you know if that bit holder / nut driver stores anywhere when not “in use”?
Looks like a pretty respectable design, overall. Some MegaPro-ish queues. Going to have to see if I can put my hands on one.
Stuart
I’m fairly certain that it doesn’t, buy you should be able to swap in a different bit holder or extension if you lose it.
Jared
Assuming the magnet retention is reasonably strong, I presume you would just leave it in the business-end of the screwdriver.
Ted Kitch
I purchased one and it does not have anywhere to put the bit while not in use.
It works fine. Getting the top open to access the bits is a little tricky, but I would expect that to loosen up with usage.
I feel like it was worth the money
Cullen
I impulse bought the full-size version of these months ago but ended up returning them because the back-drag force in the ratcheting mechanism was so stiff it basically functioned as a non-ratcheting screwdriver. I tried another one to make sure it wasn’t just a defect in the one I picked.
Any idea if these stubby drivers are better with the back-drag compared to their big brothers?
Tonya Lillie
I bought one, and have had no problem with the back-drag. In fact I have really loved it, its far better than an older ratcheting screwdriver I have. But I only bought mine recently. Perhaps they have changed something?
Jared
You should try a Rol-gear screwdriver. It’s the only ratcheting screwdriver I get along with.
If I have to hold the screwdriver shaft with my fingers to help the ratcheting mechanism – I would prefer not to have a ratchet screwdriver.
I’m sure it’s probably not the ONLY low backdrag ratcheting screwdriver, but it’s a good one and not very expensive. For example, it ratchets machine screws into fresh electrical boxes no problem – that’s an activity that comes to mind where other ratchet screwdrivers don’t work.
Matt
Craftsman (Sears) sold one, that I still have, that has some sort of friction ratcheting mechanism because so far as I can tell it does not have teeth. It’s been my favorite for over a decade and is very worn, but I have not been able to find another – nor have I figured out who actually made it. Had no idea it was rare or appreciably different from competitors at the time…
Dan G
I had a bunch of multi-tip Klein security bit drivers (non ratcheting) for years. When Milwaukee started coming out with their ratcheting versions of basically the same thing I bought a few- including this one to try out. I found I didn’t like them as much as I wanted to. The Klein bit compartments had a much stronger hold which is reassuring that it won’t open unexpectedly, additionally I found the ratcheting really didn’t do much for me on the Milwaukee as it felt very wobbly and loose. Plus as far as the stubbies go the non-ratcheting Klein can be collapsed down to a more stubby state and isn’t that the point?
Wayne R.
I’ve got one of the Vessel ratcheting Ball-handle screwdrivers. It’s fantastic, and the ball pops off the shaft to make a stubby ratcheting driver. Other than no bit storage (that I don’t care about), it’s the best, really.
jsbson
I have a Vessel as well. Very nice.
Mark. M
I impulse bought the Klein ratcheting stubby…maybe at HD when they were clearing out the electrical aisle tools? Anyway, it’s super handy. More so than I thought it would be. If I didn’t have it I would jump on this M version.
Saulac
I first learned about the idea of sharing a long extension between a screwdriver and a driver from Klein tool. Pretty good idea. Now I want a screwdriver with a 1/4 hex (internal) slot at the end of the handle. You just stick your short bit into the slot. The whole screwdriver would spin…quickest way to swap between short and long bit. Why can’t I think of anything that has 1/4 internal hex?
ElectroAtletico
Ive had it for 2 years. It rides the Tote bag next to the Knipex Cobras.
Meanwhile, the Klein equivalent…..somewhere in the back of shelf in the tool box gathering dust.
JR Ramos
Irritating. This was $14.97 or whatever at regular price for quite awhile until HD did a round of price increases on the order of 15% to 20% on a great many hand tools (not just Milwaukee) last summer. It was an artificial price increase, so to speak, and not preceded by an increase in their buying costs. This is the third (fourth?) time they have done this exact thing by about the same amounts each time since just before the pandemic began.
I was buying a couple of the demo screwdrivers that we had been getting for…well gosh, same prices here…14 and 17….$14 for awhile. Price tag on the peg said $14.97, price online said $14.97. I got to the register and they rang up $17.97, so I flagged a checkout monitor gal. They couldn’t figure it out and gosh what a circus it was to try to get the right price. lol. I must have hit the day-of price change or something but a week or so later the price online and on the peg did show that increase to $17.
I noticed the same thing with the M12 dremel tool. After the large increases they would put it on sale for the same amount it used to sell for.
This stubby is ok…not great. Good enough. Back drag is really strong, too strong, but the rest of it is pretty solid design and it feels good in the hand. Not a favorite but it’s better than the majority of the stubby ratcheters, imho. Good strong magnet. Butt cap rotates smoothly enough and seems to be holding up well to heavy pressure. I think it’s too fat for fast twirling but that does provide some grip and torque when you need it.
Stuart
It launched at $18. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-multi-bit-screwdrivers-2023-launch/%3C/a%3E I haven’t updated that post since it went up, otherwise I would have added in Home Depot links. (The launch post went up in February 2023 with a March 2023 ETA. Milwaukee products typically don’t go live on Home Depot’s website until they’re available to ship.)
There are times when the official price and street pricing don’t agree.
The M12 brushless rotary tool launched at $129 for tool-only, and $199 for the 1-battery kit. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m12-brushless-rotary-tool-2525/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Right now, I checked that post’s HD links, and the tool-only is $129, and the 1-battery kit is… also $129, with a $199 “was” price. The kit was the same price in December for Cyber Week.
Things would be much simpler if all products were always the lowest price they could consistently be sold for. Apparently case studies have shown that consumers don’t actually want that.
JR Ramos
Well now I want to go ask for receipts to look at past purchases…maybe I’m mistaken. On the dremel, I was referring to the previous/first version, which was I think $69 for a long time, then went to $74 and $79, then jumped to $99 bare. I do recall watching the pricing, out of “professional habit”, for awhile there wondering what HD was up to and why. (besides the MAP-crap…)
I think consumers are so beholden to the Sale Cycle that there’s no escaping it. We can probably blame Sears and JCPenney and Christmas for that. Or grocers in general…
Dave P
I’ve a lot of tools that I bought for specific applications or “that looks like it could really save me sometimes”, (which are impulse buys) but this isn’t it.
I will NEVER EVER again in my lifetime see a time when I’ll use a screwdriver that the bit can dislodge and fall out/down into an engine,/into a carburetor/in through a vent on something to down in somewhere where it will cause havoc and be a major issue to retrieve .
Lesson learned. Lessons cost money. GOOD lessons costs LOTS.
No detachable bit screwdrivers here EVER AGAIN.
Jeffrey
I get this.
As an electrician, I don’t prefer to use changeable tip screwdrivers at work. If a tip falls into something, and I have to get it out, it could turn a quick job into a long one.
I do carry a bit handle for uncommon bits, but it is not a first choice.
Wayne R.
Driver choice hierarchy for me:
1. Full-handled traditional drivers
2. Power Bit/locking bits, 4-6″ shaft, in a locking handle/tool
.
.
.
12. 1″ insert bits held by a locking collar
13. 1″ insert bits held by a magnet
I have all the shorty bits but I’m really reluctant to use them.
Matt
Screwdrivers can have specific uses. One of these in an automobile (especially the engine)? Nope.
On the latest discount furniture assembly project, as a general household tool, or in the emergency travel tool kit? Pretty nice.
TBH I’ve even started using the ratcheting screwdrivers in non-critical automotive areas (taillights, door panels, etc.). But still reach for the standard drivers in the engine bay.
Nathan
Huh or you know stuff rags in holes.
I have a megapro and a non ratcheting stubby. And I rarely use either. I use a ratchet with bit holder (swivel head) or I use a cordless ratchet or a other driver device. Rarely run a screw by hand today. If more than 4 or more than 1 inch long. Power drive. Just saves time and yes I mean minutes usually. But they add up. No it’s not for everything