Customer Reviews

IRWIN 2051100 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Screwdriver

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Multi Screwdriver:

+ Works fine

+ Durable

+ Comfortable

+ Bits aren't too tight or loose

- Bulky

- A bit heavy

- Wide shaft inhibits access to tight areas

This is a must have for anyone who is just looking to be handy around the house, to the person who uses hand tools fulltime. I especially like using this for doing electrical work as I can quickly switch between a regular screwdriver, a phillips screwdriver, and a square drive. This allows me to handle all screwdriver tasks with a single tool and the switching from one to another is so fast and the product is really well built. I noticed that the guy who installed my satellite TV used this same tool. Highly recommended.

Here is one tool that everyone needs at one time or another. It has nine different heads included here.

Remember when you'd have to grab the Phillips head and regular screwdriver or other various types? Well this multi Screwdriver has them all inside! You just pull off the one head, turn it over and you have a different type or size. Need a different one, then you pull out the whole piece and there is another, turn that around and there is another. Yes, I know it sounds confusing, but it's almost like a magic act how Irwin put this together.....and it works!

The one issue I've run into is that at times when my hands are sweaty it's difficult to pull out some of the parts. When that happens I'll just use a cloth or such to get a grip.

The other thing is I like how how this feels in your hand. It's a good weighed rubber grip.

This is a top-notch multi-bit screwdriver. I've tried several brands and types, and I own a few of them, including the Klein 32477 10-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut Driver. I'll give away my ending - this Irwin is better than most other competitors, and at LEAST as good as the Klein!

I think the most common problem with this type of multi-bit driver, including other brand-name models, is slop somewhere between the handle and the bit. In the worst cases, I've had bit shanks or shafts completely strip out, so I could turn the handle without turning the bit. This Irwin is at the other end of the spectrum - all the bits and size adapters fit perfectly into their receptacles, so there's NO noticeable slop while using the screwdriver. They're not so tight that they're difficult to remove, though - they simply fit exactly as they should. It's very impressive, and besides the weight of the tool, you can hardly tell you're using a multi-bit driver. The Klein is also very good, but if anything I think it fits just a little looser - there's a tiny bit more slop present. Not enough to impede functionality; just enough to notice.

I also find the selection of bits in this Irwin to be very useful. For most household tasks, I don't have any need for Torx bits, as found on the Klein.

As I mentioned above, this screwdriver feels very substantial. It's not so heavy that it's tiring to use for basic jobs, but you can tell there's a lot of metal there. With so many tools in one package, I'd be suspicious if it weren't heavy! Other reviewers have mentioned that the main shaft is quite thick - of course it is. There's a 3/8" driver bit, and 8 other tools, so it's not going to be skinny. If you need a thin lightweight screwdriver, you should use a standard single-bit screwdriver. Everything is a matter of compromise. But if you want a single screwdriver to to do a variety of jobs, maybe to keep in your kitchen drawer or your car, this is an excellent choice!

Of all of my screwdrivers, the Irwin feels the most solid and well built. It's true that it only has 4 screwdriver bits but Irwin didn't call it a multi-bit screwdriver, they called it a multi-tool! It has the most common 6 bits and 3 nut drivers. I included a photo that displays how the entire tool is put together with all the bits and nut setters. I love the grip on the handle and how well it feels in my hands. It could use a slight size reduction, but otherwise it's perfect. I also like the stacking configuration of the bits. To change out the bits, you don't have to unscrew a cap, like my Craftsman, which saves some time.

I like that it does not have magnetized bits because I use mine when working inside my computer, just to be safe. One reviewer complained that the Irwin should ratchet for the price, but I disagree. Irwin does not advertise ratcheting and it is a good value despite not having this feature.

The Irwin doesn't come with gobs of bits, is not magnetized, does not ratchet, doesn't load bits automagically, or make your coffee. What it does, is provide a very good set of basic bits and nut drivers in an attractive, durable and comfortable to use package that offers a lot of versatility. Sounds good to me.

I've had this Irwin 9-n-1 tool for about 8 months now and like it a lot, however I abused it so I came back to Amazon to order another one. How anyone can complain about this tool is beyond my imagination, especially since I'm a hard-core critic. The comment about the Klein brand being better is utterly ridiculous.

Many have not figured out the HIDDEN functions of this tool so they say it does not have 9 functions. The next paragraph explains each function and where it can be found.

Follow these steps, slowly one by one, to understand the 9 functions of this tool:

1. pull out the main CHROME shaft (the HANDLE is considered part #1 of the 9 functions)

2. now take the chrome shaft and PULL OUT BOTH ends (you now have 3 more parts)

BREAKDOWN OF THESE 3 PARTS: (ignoring the empty handle)

1) the EMPTY chrome shaft is a NUT driver containing TWO HEX ends (#2 & #3 of 9 functions)

2) one end contains a PHILLIPS and a regular SCREWDRIVER blade (#4 & #5 of 9 functions)

3) the other end contains 2 REMOVABLE sets of DOUBLE bits on each end (#6, #7, #8, & #9 of 9 functions)

I keep this tool in my kitchen junk drawer for household use. It comes in handy for working on computers, tightening an occasional loose door knob, and other miscellaneous uses. The handle is very comfortable capable of plenty of torque. I for one, will stick with Irwin - not Klein. (overpriced)

Cheers,

Jeff

I am an electrician for a coal mine in Canada and I think this is the best possible tool to have on you at all times. There are similar products out there (Klien, Fuller, Westward, etc.) But this driver has 2 huge advantages. The 5/16 size to your main phillips flat and the 3/8 nut driver. I take the Irwin 9in1 over the Klien 10in1 hands down.

This multi-tool has proven to be a versatile mainstay of my daily use tools as a commercial electrician. The three nut drivers are readily accessible, as long as you have a handy place to keep some of the pieces. It also seems very solidly built as it has been in constant use now for about 4 months and shows no signs of failure or excessive wear. I think I'll be getting another one of these if I ever need it. Great tool!

I use a multi-driver daily in my trade. This is the best driver I have ever used. It can even be used for light chiseling with a hammer. I will remain loyal to this driver for as long as I can still find it. It doesn't have the two near- useless star bits like the Kleins, but adds a 3/8" driver. Best buy at whatever the cost. I can no longer find it at any of the local hardware stores here. I hope that changes.

I have used other brands and found that the Irwin 9-in-1 is the best. I work overseas as an electrician. I need to buy 3 at a time (shipping is free then)because all the local nationals want one. I pass them out as gifts. I have never worn one out, they just disappear.