Meet the Wiha Ultradriver, a 26-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver. It features an interesting bit storage magazine that looks to make bit selection quicker and easier than with other multi-bit screwdrivers you might have used in the past.
From the promo video (embedded below), it looks like the bit storage magazine is spring-loaded and pops out with a press of a button.
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And the front bit holder looks to have a locking bit holder, or at least a spring-action unlock mechanism, for quicker bit changes.
But, here’s the catch… it uses what look to be proprietary double-ended bits. (Uch!) There’s no word as to whether it can also work with standard 1-inch insert bits, but I hope it can.
So that’s where the 26-in-1 comes from.
There’s a certain utility and efficiency boost in working with double-ended screwdriver bits, but I generally just don’t like ’em.
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Wiha is offering 3 Ultradriver styles, with slightly different bit loadouts and aimed at different user types.
- Tradesman (77790): Phillips, Slotted, PoziDriv, Square, Hex Inch, Hex Metric, Torx
- Technicians (77791): Phillips, Slotted, PoziDriv, Square, Torx
- Industrial (77792): Phillips, Slotted, Hex Inch, Hex Metric, Torx
Price: $37 to $42 each ~$26-27 each (June 2019 update)
The bits are also available separately, and at pretty good pricing. A full set of 13 replacements is $13 via Wiha directly, or $4 per pair of different sized bits, or $10 for a pack of 10.
The screwdrivers are said to be made in Germany.
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First Thoughts
I really like the look of the Wiha Ultradriver spring-out bit storage compartment, and the quick release locking bit holder.
If these drivers can also work with standard 1″ screwdriver bits, I’ll be in for one – probably the industrial model.
And with that model, I’d likely only change out maybe one of the Torx bits (the 2 largest sizes) for something else – Robertson #2. But… the only way to get a Robertson #2 is with a 10-pack or full 13-piece replacement loadout. I hope you can see why I really want this to be able to work with standard 1/4″ hex 1″ bits.
The pricing is a little high for a non-ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver, but you’re not exactly going to see spring-out bit storage magazines and locking bit holders on entry-level models. Hopefully the price will come down a little with time.
Nathan
honestly I use my ratcheting handle less and less – since if I know going in I’m driving a lot – I reach for a motor device.
but – it would be nice. I’m sure that will let you put 1 inch bits in the holder you’ll just lose the 26 diversity. meh I don’t need all that. I like the bit lock – that’s a nice feature
Curtis
The bit holder is really similar to their 71496 SlimFix 1/4″ hex bit holder if you’re just looking for that feature.
Jordan
Standard 1″ insert bits as well as 2″+ Power Bits do not work with the Ultra Driver. They will fit and lock in place, however, they move around (up and down).
We sell the Ultra Driver bits individually instead of the 10-pack only. Search by the same part number. Individual bits are currently $0.85 each on our website.
http://www.kctoolco.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=ultra+driver OR
http://beta.kctoolco.com/search.php?search_query=ultra%20driver§ion=product
Nathan
so you need a bit that had the divot in the perfect center of the bit – like those do.
when you say they move up and down – are we talking about significantly or say a hundreth or so. IE little slop but they torque fine.
that might be just handy too.
Jordan
Significantly. There are a few insert bits that are held in place fairly well, however, the bit still travels up and down some — due to the short overall length of an insert bit (1″), the tip barely sticks out of the UltraDriver bit holder. Power bits (2″+) move up and down significantly.
Adam
Ugh, Philips.
I’ll pass.
Toni
Is there still a need of Phillips tip?
In Europe Pozidriv is becoming really popular, I can’t remember the last time I used my Phillips screwdriver… and you ?
Stuart
Phillips is very much prevalent in the US.
Toni
How would you rank the tip popularity in the US?
I don’t know if there was an existing survey about this. This would be interesting to know
Stuart
If I had to guess, I would say that Phillips is the most popular fastener style.
Rock Hound
What I would love is an all micro/precision bit screwdriver set with all of those little specialized electronics bits. I am currently using a cheap-y one I bought for a couple dollars from a vendor at Dayton Hamvention that has several bits held in the handle, but I still constantly need extra electronics security bits. The handle of the one I have both doesn’t have room for more bits, and also you have to spill all of them out to search though them.
If Wiha makes a micro/precision only sized version of this tool I would seriously consider buying it.
Koko The Talking Ape
You can’t buy 1″ bits that would work? I have a set of small Torx (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) bits that will work with any standard handle (which would not include this Wiha model.)
Adam
Tekton makes a really nice electronics size screwdriver & accessory kit.
Bruce
It’s a rare problem I can’t get finished up with an 11 in 1.
Mike
I agree, my Klein 11 in 1 has been all I’ve needed for 99% of jobs.
Darrin
Wihatools.com Is offering free shipping for September if your order includes one of the drivers
Koko The Talking Ape
Agree completely: proprietary bits = bad. But at least here you get a bit of extra function, in that the double-ended bits are smaller, and allow this driver to be 26 in one, instead of 13 in one. Of course, you can always carry more bits in your toolbox, bag, or pocket.
Paul Allen
These bits are on a standard 1/4″ drive so they will work in any deep magnetic bit holder or impact driver. They also work perfectly in our Centro Fix power bit holder #71480. The Klein bits are also proprietary as are the MegaPro, and their replacement bits are twice the price of the Wiha. I think 26 bits is a bigger better deal and I’ve been carrying my Ultra Driver around the barn getting 100% of the jobs covered. If we can reduce the price in the future we will do it. I like the value at $36.98 but we could sell a lot more at $29.98 or $19.98. What is the right price?
Paul Allen
Hint: to use 1″ bits you just need a 6mm thick spacer behind the bit. Normally the notch on an insert bit is 9mm from the end, the Wiha double bits are 30mm long and have the notch centered at 15mm from either end. If you use a small disk magnet your 1″ bit will also be magnetized.