Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Introduces Professional Grade Hand Drivers

Over the last couple of years we’ve seen Milwaukee join the ever growing group of power tool companies launching lines of new hand tools. Recently we got our hands on some of the latest hand tools including some very nice drivers including: Torx Key Driver, Hey Key Driver, Hollow Shaft Nut Drivers and a 10 in 1 Multi-Bit Driver. For a complete list of all the new hand tools please visit their new Hand Tools Section.

After opening the packages it’s clear that Milwaukee is focusing on a quality product built to last for tradesmen.  They are also clearly focused on offering skews that fit niche tasks across varying trades. It’s very obvious that they are taking hand tools as serious as they do power tools. I spent several days checking out some of the new offerings as you’ll see below. To get a full idea of all the new tools please visit their website.

Milwaukee 10-in-1 Square Multi-Bit Driver (Model 48-22-2102)

Simply put I think every single person in the trades should have a quality multi-bit driver in their tool box or belt. This model offers a wide range of bits including: 1/4″ nut driver, SQ#1, SQ#2 and SQ#3 square drivers, #1 and #2 Philips Drivers, and 1/4″ and 3/16″ slotted drivers.

First off let me say that I love the handles on all these new Milwaukee hand tools. They are extremely comfortable and easy to get a really good tight grip on. I also like the built-in wire stripper which may seem useless unless you’re an electrician but the fact is most of us strip wires from time to time and more often than we care to think about. I also like the chrome plated bits rust protection. Drivers like this are especially prone to rust as they are often used in all sorts of weather and site conditions. Markings on each of the bits (size/type) are easy to read and a welcome detail.

I do have one small complaint/suggestion for Milwaukee with regard to this tool and the Hex/Torx Key Drivers. The bits in my opinion are too long. Any slight movement in the bit socket results in quite a bit of lateral movement at the bit tip. The length of the bits seems per-determined by the length of the storage handle. While this is a “cool” way of storing them I think the benefit is all but used up with the excessive bit movement.

The flip side of this argument may be the fact that these bits can all be used in your 1/4″ Power Groove tools like the Impact Drivers and other tools that accept the Groove Bits. So if you carry this tool in your tool belt along with a 12V impact driver you could easily swap bits which is pretty sweet.

Milwaukee Hex Key Driver Model (48-22-2104)

The Hex Key Driver (available in both SAE and Metric; 48-22-2106) is a tool I’ll use OFTEN! I hate Allen Wrenches (of course they work in places that a driver will not…but still) so this seven bit driver will come in handy.   It offers the following bit sizes: 1/4″, 7/32″, 3/16″, 5/32″, 9/64″, 1/8″, and 7/64″. It also by nature offers a 1/4″ nut driver.

This driver also includes the wire stripper but it also goes another step further and offers magnetic tips. VERY nice feature and probably the one I like best besides the super comfortable handle. In this application the length of the bits doesn’t bother me as much, probably because square tips seem to “stay put” much better than other tips.

Milwaukee Torx Key Driver (Model 48-22-2103)

The Torx Key Driver offers seven bits including: T30, T27, T25, T20, T15, T10, T8 and a 1/4″ nut driver which serves as the bit tip. This set also has the magnetic tips and wire stripper.

Milwaukee SAE Hollow Shaft Nut Driver Set (Model 48-22-2404)

My favorite out of this set of new hand tools from Milwaukee is the SAE nut driver set. The set features 9/16″, 7/16″, 5/16″ and 1/4″ drivers. The socket head fits 4 different heads including: Hex, Square, 12 Point and Spline.

This is a perfect set as it contains some of the most used socket sizes. They are very strong and I’ll say it again, I LOVE the handles. I really appreciate that Milwaukee is filling out all the odd tools in addition to the every day tools. This set here gets an A+ from me.

Overall Impression

Milwaukee has really impressed me with the new line of hand tools. They have clearly listened to users that want high quality specialty tools that make their jobs easier. I highly recommend  all of these tools even with a few minor suggestions I’d like to see them consider.

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