My favourite multidriver

[Number_35]

Disclaimer: I've always been the guy who doesn't like multi-drivers - cheap substandard plastic screwdrivers with a hollow handle with a whole bunch of soft or brittle or rust-prone metal bits that I lose.

However, 15 or 20 years ago I saw these at Canadian Tire and bought a couple. Still going strong. I don't use them on cars, but keep one in the house and one in tne bike tool bag.

Here it is with all four 'bits' retracted:


Here's the end, hard to read in this photo. It says "DURA-DRIVE" and "MADE IN UK".


Here are all four legs extended, for demonstration only. There's a medium-sized blade, a medium-sized Phillips, a Robertson #1, and a Robertson #2. (May have been manufactured specifically for the Canadian market, with Robertson screws being very popular here.)


Here's the Phillips extended:


Here's how it's held in place while in use:


Ingenious, I wish they were still available, perhaps in sets of three or four with different ends available.

 

[maxdustington]

You bet Canadian market only if it has both robbies.

Oh, the old days when Canadian tire sold quality tools. Did you know Gray made mastercraft wrenches once upon a time?

 

[AZjeff]

Great design. It looks well used. The handle must be made of tough stuff for the tension pins to not break out after 20 years of use.

 

[Number_35]

Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Great design. It looks well used. The handle must be made of tough stuff for the tension pins to not break out after 20 years of use.

Agreed, I have an Allen (hex) key multidriver of similar design, and broke the largest (8 mm) arm when I put too much force on it. If you can break it by hand, it's underbuilt.

 

[Number_35]

Originally Posted By: maxdustington
You bet Canadian market only if it has both robbies.

Oh, the old days when Canadian tire sold quality tools. Did you know Gray made mastercraft wrenches once upon a time?

I wonder if they put different arms in for different markets. I would love to have one of four Phillips, one of four Robbies, one of four blades.

Actually, with the demise of Sears I have bought a few tools from Canadian Tire. Princess Auto's PowerFist line is pretty low-end, but their ProPoint tools are pretty good.

 

[Trav]

Interesting design although it doesn't look like it would take hard use like a quality bit and holder.

 

[853okg]

I used to be that guy too until a buddy left a MEGAPRO with me. Now I can't imagine not having one.

 

[Trav]

I have one from Klein, its looks like it came from a dollar store on sale but its good quality despite the .10c rubber handle cover.

 

[Number_35]

Klein tools are very well regarded in the electrical trades. Still made in the US as far as I know.

 

[EdwardC]

I've never had one that I really liked, but I've never had a half decent one, just cheap ones. I might have to try out a Megapro or Klein (or something else that costs more than $3).

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Number_35
Klein tools are very well regarded in the electrical trades. Still made in the US as far as I know.


It is is USA made but that rubber handle cover still blows.