Introduction: Pocket Screwdriver
I'm not big on having things attached to my key chain, but I do like having a screwdriver readily accessible. One never knows when a screwdriver will be needed. And yes, I know a pocket screwdriver can be found anywhere; however, I wanted one that I could choose and change the tips at will. This pocket screwdriver has a magnetic bit holder, and can store 1 large or 2 small tips in the handle.
Step 1: Parts
This was made mostly out of lamp parts.
Material:
1 - magnetic screwdriver bit holder
1 - 1/4-28 screw
1 - lamp wire nipple
4 - couplings for lamp nipples
1 - decorative coupling for lamp nipple
1 - reducing bushing for decorative coupling
1 - reducing bushing (lamp nipple thread to 1/4-28 bolt thread)
1- cap for lamp nipple
1 - locktite
1 - tube of PC-11 epoxy
Tools:
Drill press
Hacksaw
3/8" tap and die
1/4-28 tap
File
Step 2: So It Begins
Thread the reducing bushing onto to large end of the decorative coupling Then thread the lamp nipple through the coupling leaving enough of the nipple protruding out of the one end to attach the cap. Use some locktite to keep the coupling and the bushing in place. Using a drill press drill a hole through the center of the decorative bushing . After the hole is drilled tap it with a 3/8-24 fine thread tap.
Step 3: Step 2
Run some locktite along the entire length of the lamp nipple.
Put the cap on the small end, and then thread the 4 coupling onto the long end of the lamp nipple. (Note that the last coupling extends past the length of the nipple.)
Step 4: Adding the Cover for the Bit Storage
Put some locktite one the 1/4-28" bolt and tread it into the small bushing. I had to tap the thread in the small bushing to 1/4-28. It was some unknown thread, but it was close enough to 1/4-28 that I didn't need to drill it. DO NOT put locktite on the small bushing. Thread the small bushing into the coupling that is sticking out past the lamp nipple. Now you have a cap for the bit in the storage area.
Step 5: The Magnetice Bit Holder
Cut the magnetic bit holder with a hacksaw. Then thread it with a 3/8-24 die.
put a hex bit in the end, and thread it into the the assembled handle. I used PC-11 epoxy on this part to hold it into place. After this is set in place and the epoxy has cured, file the top of the magnetice bit holder to match the contour of the decorative coupling.
Step 6: The Finished Product
I love this little screw driver. It fits perfectly in the little pocket above the normal pocket in my jeans.
As you can see the handle can store either 1 large hex bit or 2 small ones. I like variety so I only use the small bits. I keep 2 in the handle and 1 in the magnetic bit holder.
If you like, please vote for the pocket sized contest.
Thank you!
Participated in the
Pocket-Sized Contest
33 Comments
1 year ago
Story time… first I love this. Good job. I’ve searched high and low for the pocket driver I want to carry every day. All of them are too fat in the handle, don’t accept full sized bits, are too expensive like the $100 bit bar in-line, or $60 James Catche River. Are out of production like the snap-on mini driver or CKTRT getaway driver, or don’t have extra bit storage, or don’t have interchangeable bits, or hard to find/source like the Bitinit screwdriver that seems on production but no one carry’s them, or not quite sturdy or long handled enough like the mini keychain holders, or it’s some bespoke thing on Etsy for a wild price. I actually went a bit mad trying to find one and spent waaaay too much time looking, because it’s one of those things that feels like it should absolutely exist and have lots of options for like under 10 bucks: just a slim bit full sized bit handle. Simple. No brainer product that should be able to be found all over …but it’s impossible to find. After hours of searching I found something on countycomm that is reasonable, but I like this better because is DIY and brass. I think I tap two tiny holes for a pocket clip it will be perfect.
Next up, trying to find another thing that doesn’t exist: a very minimal bit case for extra bits. Just one inch wide and long enough to keep 5 or so bits with a lid. No plastic grabber arms or extra bulk or an extension spot. Just one inch bits in the smallest possible case that can sit in the pocket and carry with no jagged bit edges sticking out to snag on things. A pool cue pocket chalk holder might work but it might be too small outer diameter is 1.18” - if anybody find one you’re a better seeeke than me. I’ve spent hours lol. Best option is the Etsy myeverydaycarry 7 but card holder but it’s not quite right. Relies on O-rings and the spacing makes it bulky.
12 years ago on Introduction
Hehe...... Lamp wire nipple.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Please stay mature on here. ;)
13 years ago on Introduction
Nice Ible. Just one question. What happens when you need a flat headed screwdriver bit? All I see in the pictures are Phillips head bits.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It's a Philips world, my friend. I personally prefer flathead to Phillips, because, although they slip, slotted screws are harder to strip.
13 years ago on Introduction
hey you knoiw the little bit driver well cut the grey bit off the end with a hacksaw about 1 cm from the silver bit then glue it into a 6.5mm socket then attach it to a ratchet and you have your own coupler
14 years ago on Introduction
You know what... Yeah, you COULD get one from a Hardware store.... BUT I bet hard cash it wont be as satisfying or as aesthetically pleasing to use as that one! that is one FINE lookin, pocket driver kit! Im gonna give ya a very rare (for me) 10/10 for that one! Bloody Gorgeous!
14 years ago on Introduction
Gotta give props, the whole point if instructables is to make something from scratch or break something to make it your own. This is an perfect example of that. If the answer to this ingenuity is "you could just buy the same thing at a hardware store", you're missing the point if this site in the first place. Excellent work!!
14 years ago on Introduction
there is really no point in this. you could probably get a more efficient and smaller one from a hardware store. but good instructable
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
No point but he had the satisfaction of doing it himself and may have learned something that will help him on the next project.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You know, Give the guy a break, this is a cool "steam punk" looking screwdriver. if you want to support the CHICOMs, go ahead and buy their products. This would be a cool thing to make when the cheap screwdriver from China breaks and you have a handful of pieces left. Instructables is about innovation and imagination (something sorely lacking from our country right now). Please keep this in mind before dissing somebodies work. BTW - There really isn't any purpose to "modding" an Altoid box either. I don't understand the point of all these things made from Altoids boxes, but you know what, if you want to do it, that is cool, Just please respect other people's work. Jim
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thank you
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
there may not really be any point in making this for utilitarian purposes, but it sure looks way cooler than any commercially manufactured miniature screwdriver set, and unlike most of them, you can store the bits inside the handle.
14 years ago on Introduction
Agreed. Altho, when I see the pic- I can't help but see the contraption as a smoking pipe too! : )
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
My wife says the same thing!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Ah, you beat me to it. :P
14 years ago on Introduction
I think It's just an okay idea, because what about areas where there is little space, so maybe it would be a better idea to do the same thing, but with the tip of the screw driver on top instead of the side, or add two magnetic holders, one on the side, and one on the top... you know for areas where you have little room to play with.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Stores make both straight and angled screwdrivers for different reasons. There are many places that angled screwdrivers can fit into that straight ones can't , and there are also places angled ones can't fit into that straight ones can. They both have there place in the tool world. This is an idea I implemented and I didn't make it solve all the screw driver problems in the world. I like angled screw drivers for their size and the torque that can be applied to to them.
14 years ago on Introduction
Very cool, I wish that you had the option of putting the bit on the end though. That way it would let you get into tighter spaces, but wouldn't allow you to get a good handle on it.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
It does have the option as far as I can tell, the end is the same threads as the bit holder.