Over at Kickstarter, there’s a new titanium screwdriver bit and key ring EDC tool combo that just reached its funding goal.
The product is quite simple – it’s a double-ended screwdriver bit that’s made from a titanium alloy. It ships complete with a Ti key ring to carry it with.
But isn’t titanium somewhat soft? Doesn’t it wear quicker than steel? Yes, but the makers say the heat-treated Grade 5, Ti-6Al-4V is way tougher than an average steel screwdriver.
Advertisement
They also say that the screwdriver can be used beyond everyday fastening tasks. Additional applications include opening packages and boxes, use as a mini pry bar, and as a bottle opener.
The bit itself has a Phillips #2 tip on one end, and a 15/64″ (6mm) wide slotted tip on the other. It’s about 1″ long (0.98 mm, or 25 mm), and the hole in the center is 0.145″ (3.7 mm) wide.
A pledge of $10 will get you (1) bit plus (1) key ring, and free shipping.
Remember, Kickstarter is not a store, it’s a fundraising platform. Your pledge of $10 does not guarantee that you’ll received the promised “reward.”
More Info(via Kickstarter)
Campaign ends 7/30/2015 at 10am ET.
Advertisement
First Thoughts
I find myself overly skeptical about the Titanium Pocket Bit, but that’s possibly partly due to other media sites’ overwhelming praise for it.
While this looks like something I might be convinced to add to an existing key ring, I wonder about how comfortable and practical it would be to actually use the darned thing.
This is the same complaint I have about the Engineer Bit Pit, which works far better as a screwdriver bit holder than a screwdriver handle.
But looking at the video again, the project creators don’t seem to have much difficulty using the screwdriver bit when it’s attached to the key ring. So maybe it is of practical use after all.
The bit has a straight cylindrical shaft, and so you can’t use it with 1/4″ hex bit holders or other such tools. That’s kind of a bummer.
I don’t know, this just seems like the kind of tool that looks great on your keychain and in your pocket, but lets you down when you need to actually use it. But I’m not very convinced of this, and find myself teetering between being critical and being optimistic. What do you think about the Titanium Pocket Bit?
Pete
Seems useful for the times i needed SOMETHING and had NOTHING to work with. Im sure other readers will have whipped out their 48 in 1 leather-gerber multi-tool and taken care of buisness.
SteveR
I’m going to agree with you on this. I also don’t put sharp things like this in my pants pockets, for obvious reasons. All screwdriver manufacturers warn you not to use their product as a pry bar. It could slip and cause injury to the user, and will degrade/muck up the tool over time. If needed, I can (and have used) a key on my key ring to slit open a package or box.
I watched the video and, yes, they did all the things they say it does. As such, it depends heavily on hand strength and dexterity to make it work. The product appears to be aimed at college students who can’t otherwise afford to purchase regular tools. The P-51 (designed many decades ago for our military forces) is a safer alternative for several of these uses, and it has a folding bottle/can opener.
It’s interesting, I suppose, but I wouldn’t have a need for it.
Ed M.
Why not drill a hole in an existing double sided bit?
Stuart
Because steel isn’t as hip as titanium.
Yadda
Point granted, but is titanium an improvement worthy of a monetary upgrade. I like you am very skeptical of the need for this improved version of a tool that basically already exists in several other incarnations and metals.
HoboPete
I guess its a good last resort idea.
But why would i spend $10 and not just get
Dewalt DW2024B6 #2 Phillips and #8 Slotted Double-Ended Bits (6-Pack) for $2.99
and drill a hole thru the middle to put on my existing keyring?
Eric
I agree with you. But there are lots of people that don’t own a drill press and drill bits good enough to get through a screwdriver bit.
HoboPete
Sorry ED, i didn’t refresh my page and you beat me too it.
Dan
Screwdriver bits are hardened steel, you’d probably want at least a cobalt bit to drill through one, and a good drill press. That drill bit could tie up 10 bucks right there and you’d still have a tool that will rust in your pocket over time. I’d probably try diying this too anyways, they do sell stainless insert bits, if you could find a combo philips/flat that would be a good candidate for this. the longer 1.5 inch bits would be better for prying open paint can lids and whatnot too.
pete
mega pro has stainless bits you can buy.
Yadda
There are so many of these type tools on the market. Using titanium to differentiate yourself from the pack isn’t really an improvement worthy of my capital.
One of the better ones is Screwpop.
http://www.screwpoptool.com/screwdriver.html
Jerry
Personally, I think I would rather have something like this, rather than nothing, when I needed a screwdriver. However, I think I would rather drill a hole in one of the flattened Leatherman bits., and put it on a ring. It is more compact, and the large flat would make it easier to grab with pliers, if you had them, and apply more torque.
Stan
Seeing as no one else has stated this, I guess I’ll be to. For $10, you won’t be losing that much money, but at the same time, this item will let you down. I guess this is a cool concept, but this will never work as well as shown in that video or will be that comfortable to use.
Naturally this item is imported and if you are in a real pinch this might work, but I just don’t see this as a being that useful. After all, this is novelty item and I am surprised these “inventors” are encouraging to use a slotted driver as a prybar.
Just seems as if they are welcoming a lawsuit in the making should anyone become injured in using this slotted end as a prybar. Yes, most of us have used a tool improperly before, but most, if not all manufacturers strongly discourage that.