Our friends over at KC Tool sent over a bunch of tools for review that I’ve been interested in checking out. The first one that I wanted to look at is this Wiha 75093 ESD safe micro bit screwdriver set.
The set comes with a #280 screwdriver handle, a bit holder extension, and 14 precision screwdriver bits.
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What’s it For?
I have more precision screwdrivers than I have fingers and toes, and that’s just talking about my Wiha drivers and not any of the other brands in my best precision screwdrivers post.
But sometimes it’s more convenient to have an all-in-one (or at least a many-in-one) precision screwdriver that you can keep at a remote workstation or in your tool bag.
This one comes with 14 handy bits, and an ESD safe screwdriver handle. The ESD safe part means it is conductive and dissipates static so as to reduce the chance of zapping sensitive electronic components you might be working near.
Important Note
You can NOT use the screwdriver handle without the extension handle. Yes, these bits can fit in there, but with any pressure the bit will become permanently embedded inside the handle, rendering it useless. You have been warned.
Included Bit Sizes
- Slotted 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm
- Phillips #00, #0 and #1
- Torx T6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 20
- 100 mm bit extension
The Handle
Like most other Wiha precision screwdrivers, this one is made of hard plastic and has a free-spinning cap that allows for turning and better control.
At the front is a spring-tension 4mm extension holder that can grip the extension shaft securely, even if it’s not seated in all the way. This means you can get a little extra reach if you need it.
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The included handle is compatible with Wiha 4mm blades, such as the included bit extension and Wiha’s longer bits. If you want a handle that is natively compatible with Wiha 4mm bits, without having to use an extension, you’ll need something like the 75801 screwdriver handle.
The Bit Extension
As mentioned, you cannot use bits with just the included screwdriver handle. Well, you can, but you shouldn’t. The risk of getting a bit stuck below the surface is simply too great.
The extension’s bit holder socket has a light wire spring inside that helps prevent bits from falling out. It exerts very light pressure, but just enough to keep bits in there.
While I think a magnet might have been better, magnets are a no-no when working near certain electronic components. Wiha does offer separate magnetic extensions, if you’re interested (75901).
The Bit Cartridge
You get a neat 14-slot bit cartridge that slides right over the screwdriver extension shaft. Remove the extension first if you want to remove or attach the bit cartridge. In many cases you could use the screwdriver with the bit cartridge in place.
Removing bits is relatively easy. What works for me is using my nail to pull the bit out a little, and then prying it up. To put them back, I slide them in.
The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict
I like the 75093 set quit a bit. I’ve been curious about it for the longest time, and now I know that it’s a decent multi-bit precision screwdriver.
One thing that surprised me is that the handle plus extension is a little longer than I expected. I will definitely be picking up the 75801 screwdriver handle when I place an upcoming order with KC Tool. For most applications, I think the extension’s added height is a great advantage, but I know there will be times when I want a shorter pairing.
The good news is that this set gives you a great assortment of bits, and a good screwdriver handle and extension pairing. The driver is comfortable to use, although I remove the bit cartridge for critical applications where I need maximum control, as it makes the handle a bit front-heavy and unbalanced.
I also like that I can use this handle with Wiha screwdriver blades. Their bit blade sets come with a slightly different handle (28001) with collar lock for easier height adjustment, but I think that this one might make a nice backup. So if I buy the hex blade set and need to use two sizes back and forth, I don’t have to buy another handle. But I probably won’t, as I bought separate Wiha inch and metric precision hex screwdriver sets last year. But I have been thinking about getting some longer Torx drivers…
Sorry, back to the point. I think this is a very good multi-bit precision screwdriver package. It’s not without a compromise or two, but its convenience is undeniable. I am also quite happy to find that it comes with a useful assortment of bits.
If I grow my assortment of Wiha 4mm precision screwdriver bits, and I probably will, I would swap out the T10, T15, and T20 for hex bits, and maybe the Phillips #1 for a #000 bit. Or maybe not, as these are still good bit sizes for my needs.
Verdict: A great most-in-one precision screwdriver package with nice bit selection, ESD safe handle, and useful (and required) bit extension.
Price: $20 at KC Tool
KC Tool offers free shipping on $50+ orders.
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Note: Due to the better-than-anywhere else sale price, this screwdriver package sells out often. The review sample took 1 week to arrive. If it’s out of stock when you want to order, contact KC Tool for an ETA.
Thank you to KC Tool for providing the review sample unconditionally.
Dennis
This is a great screwdriver. I have 2 of them. Unfortunately the second, while good is not as nice as the first. If you look at the pictures on KC Tools website, they show 2 different screwdrivers under the alternate views heading. The one on the left is the older one. The older one has a little locking mechanism to hold onto the bits. The one on the right is the one they will send you (no locking mechanism). With no locking mechanism it’s still a good micro screwdriver, but not as good as the old model….
Derek
I was looking for a compact set of micro screwdrivers and ended up going with the Felo 280 series. They’re expensive but I really like them a lot. They are stronger and fit better than the cheap Craftsman set I was replacing. I bought 2 different sets to cover many types and I put the 2 handles and 12 blades into a small ziploc bag so it is very compact. I would prefer a cloth roll but probably need to make my own and I just haven’t found the effort.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E62NXW
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E664YG
My Felo setup seems nicer than the Wiha because mine can reach deep (4″+) into small diameter holes. The Wiha bit holder would prevent that.
AC
When did they replace the nice German-made bit holder this used to come with, with the crappy Chinese-made one?
Sam Alleman
For those who are silly enough to try using the bits directly in the handle, you can get them out by prying off the collar spring and ball bearing that hold the bit extension in place. Be very careful not to lose the ball bearing. Good luck.
Jean Claude Provencher
Il semble y avoir un peu de confusion,
Est il possible d’utiliser les embouts drive-loc IV Wiha de 4 mm , directement, avec
le manche antistatique Wiha 280 et sans autre adapteurs.
Merci
Stuart
No; in my experience you must use the included bit holder extension in order to work with short 4mm bits.