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anyone have any suggestions. I’m a technician and carry torx drivers, phillips, etc in my gator bag. The torx (due to design) is really vulnerable to getting banged up and I’m afraid sooner than later, the tips will start rounding off.
Any tips on how you guys overcame this. My option was to get a tool roll but from the designs I’ve seen, it won’t hold well due to length of driver, size of handles, etc.
The IQ Vise has angled jaws, a simple locking mechanism, and solid holding power.
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Replies
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John- I have a handle/bit set that I keep as a 'pristine' condition. Use only for finish hardware and the like. Consists of ratcheting magnetic driver and an extensive, complete set of bits (even has Torx security bits, the kind with a hole in the center which you can use to open phone and cable interface boxes). There's probably about 30 different bits included. All this in a good plastic storage case with an individually labeled slot for each piece. Paid about $30. This is the good stuff and made by Sioux. Purchased from Western Tool Supply here in the Northwest.
*Check with Newark Electronics, McMaster-Carr, or your local electronics supply. Most hardshell electronics boxes have pallets inside with spaces for individual tools. They also have Cordura bags (like a nylon canvas) that zip closed.Personally, I prefer the Cordura bags. They fray within a year or two, but they're lighter, and the tool slots are also made of Cordura and won't tear out. I haven't had a problem with the plastic slots in the hardshell bags, but they still look weak to me.
*Have you tried plastic wall anchors over the tips?
*Maybe some short lengths of flexible tubing to slip over the tips? Diameter snug to the shank of the tool.
*I think I will just spring for one of those Ideal Tuff Tote bags. It's a leather bag setup with ALOT of screwdriver loops built into it. Hefty price at $180 dollars. I didn't find a tool wrap that fit the bill. The other option was try to make little tip covers as my main concern was the torx drivers anyway. I attempted to use heatshrink tube and it was okay, but still not good enough. If anything "hard" banged against it, I'm pretty sure the tip would eventually round off.BTW, if you guys are intersted, WIHA makes some nice stuff. IMHO, the softfinish grip is nicer than Klein, and the tips are better than Snap On.
*I've opened this thread at least three times now. All I keep thinking every time is... How is is that you can round the tips on your screwdrivers, while carrying them around, before you have the chance to round them from normal use ???I mean, geez, I'd have to have the friggen screwdriver sticking out my pocket for about three years, banging into stuff, before I would ever see even half the wear on the tips that I get from actualy putting them to use 3 or 4 times.What do you do ? Never use them ? Carry them around as some sort of status symbol ? Have sword fights with your coworkers ?b : /
*Mr Pita stole my idea...Tubing keeps my mechanical pencil tip from bending. Never had a problem with naked bits wearing down in my bag, though.
*At one point I worried about similar problems. If the drivers are terribly expensive or seldom used the tubing trick may be the way to go.I learned from an old timer several ways of handling this issue. 1) Buy quality. Klein, Greenlee, etc. The steel seems harder, tougher and the handles are made to do real work. Even under hard usage with minimum care they will stand up far better than cheaper products.2) Clean and inspect once a week. Replace as needed.3) Store in roll up or tool pouch away from abuse.4) Remember that tools are made to be used and have a limited lifetime. When a driver becomes worn, but not useless, retire it to a backup tool kit for home or helper. Keep a rough set in the truck for use on those tough jobs that would eat up a good set.5) You shouldn't have to baby your tools. Care for them but use them. If you spend more time caring for the tool than you do using it you aren't using the tool. The tool is using you.Hope this helps.