The Best Nut Driver Sets to Replace Your Typical Ratchet
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Klein Tools 631 Tool Set Nut Driver Set -
Greenlee Nut Driver Set -
Husky 7 Piece Nut Driver Set -
CRAFTSMAN 7-Piece Spline Nut Driver Set -
Stanley 62-546 7-Piece Metric Nut Driver Set -
Buyer's Guide
A nut driver is a tool used to tighten nut, bolts and other fasteners. It looks nearly identical to a regular screwdriver; only it features a socket on the head of the tool. They’re a really common tool and are good to have around because they’re quicker to use than finding a ratchet, locating what socket you need, finding an extension bar if necessary, fitting them all together and then finally loosening or tightening the fastener you’re working on.
Since nut drivers come in only one, unchangeable size, I will be focusing on sets for the list of the best nut drivers in 2022. To help make jobs easier, each of the sets I have included comes with at least six different drivers. This gives you a wide variety of drivers to work with, which makes working on differently sized fasteners easier. Furthermore, all of the drivers in each set are marked (either by color coding or easily identifiable markings) so that identifying what driver you’re about to use is easy as can be.
To make your set purchase easier on the wallet, each of the sets I have included can be bought for fewer than $50 and comes with a warranty. This makes whatever tool set you choose a lot easier because you can have faith you’re getting great quality tools for a decent price.
Best Nut Driver Set of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Klein Tools 631 Tool Set Nut Driver Set - Best Nut Driver Set Overall
The Klein Tools 7-Piece Nut-Driver Set - 3'' Shafts is the best set of nut drivers under my criteria because it has a fully hollow shaft. This allows you to work on longer screws that you normally wouldn’t be able to with a solid shaft. Furthermore, the tip of each driver is magnetic. That is useful because you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping and losing a fastener after removing it. Another great thing about this set is that each of the drivers has a cushion gripped handle. This makes it more comfortable to use by cutting back on hand fatigue, thereby allowing the user of the tool to apply more torque. That makes this a great option for professionals.
Greenlee Nut Driver Set - Runner Up
The GreenLee 0253-01C Nut Drivers, Set 7 Piece is one of the top nut driver sets because like the Klein Tools set above, all of the drivers inside have hollow shafts. I also like that the socket head on each driver is six point. This gives you a more accurate fit around fasteners, which makes the set more valuable because the tools are more efficient. Additionally, each of the drivers included is chrome plated, which makes them rust resistant. This is a good feature to have if you want your set of nut drivers to last as long as possible.
Husky 7 Piece Nut Driver Set - Honorable Mention
The Husky Nut Driver Set (7-Piece) is a surprisingly solid set of nut drivers. The best thing about them is that they’re way cheap for how strong they are. This is great if you’re on a budget. The shafts of each driver are nickel chrome plated. As mentioned above, this makes the tools rust resistant. It also makes them easy to clean up should any spill happen. Another great thing I love about the set is that the handle of each driver is made from butyrate, which makes them sturdier by making them chemical and solvent resistant. When combined with the established criteria, the above-mentioned facts make this a heavy-duty, long lasting set to consider buying.
CRAFTSMAN 7-Piece Spline Nut Driver Set - Consider
The Craftsman7 pc. Standard Nut Driver Set is a great set to look over because for starters, the handles are made from plastic, which is durable and very long lasting. The shafts are polished as well, which makes any accidental spill very easy to clean up. Like the GreenLee set, the socket on each driver is six point, which is a great feature to have for the reasons I mentioned above. Finally, I like that this set comes with a small zipper case for storage. It’s a little feature, but it’s cool to have something to store the tools in to help protect against damage while in your toolbox.
Stanley 62-546 7-Piece Metric Nut Driver Set - Best Nut Driver Set
The Stanley Hand Tool 62-541- 6-Piece Nut Driver Set is the final nut driver set on this list because for one, the drivers in the set are constructed from one piece. This makes each tool stronger and all but eliminates the concern of accidental breakage. Like the GreenLee set above, each of the drivers in this set is nickel chrome plated. As I mentioned above, this helps to protect against rust and makes the tools easier to keep clean.
Buyer's Guide
To loosen nuts and bolts, you need the help of a nut driver. The best nut driver set includes durable nut drivers that make loosening nuts and bolts relatively stress-free. In the review section above we highlighted the best nut driver set in 2021, however in this section of the article we would be showing you all the factors and features you need to look out for when choosing a nut driver set.
What is a Nut Driver Set?
A nut driver set consists of a combination of different-sized nut drivers. This toolset is useful for tightening and loosening bolts and nuts of varying sizes.
A nut driver as a tool comprises a socket attached to a shaft and a cylindrical handle. It can loosen nuts through the hollow shaft that is attached to a shank.
What are the Factors and Features to Consider When Choosing a Nut Driver Set?
In your search for the best nut driver set, here are some factors and features you must look out for.
Quality
When choosing a nut driver set, ensure that the nut drivers in the set are made from premium quality steel. One of such high-quality steels is chrome vanadium alloy steel. It is tough, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and also has the ability to withstand repeated use.
You should also know that high-quality steel makes it easy for the nut driver to exert torque strong enough to loosen tight nuts and bolts.
Size
When it comes down to the size of the nut driver set, it is imperative you choose a nut driver set with sockets in the 3/16 to 1/2 inches’ range. With this wide range of options, no matter the size of the nut you intend to tighten or loosen, you can always be sure that one of the nut drivers in your arsenal will be suitable for the job.
Durability
Once you choose a nut driver made from vanadium chromium steel, check to ensure that the handle of the nut driver has integral flanges. This way, you can be sure that the handles won’t fail when in use. In addition to this, the tips of the nut driver should be durable and should not lose their shape easily.
Magnetic Properties of the Nut Driver
Only pros and a few hobbyists know how important it is to own a nut driver that can pick up nuts and bolts. A nut driver with magnetic qualities makes your job easier. You can easily use the nut driver to grab the nut and drive it into the bolt to secure the attachment instead of relying on your hands to keep the nut securely on the nut driver.
Shaft Length
In the nut driver selection process, you will need to also pay attention to the length of the shaft of the nut driver, since the length of the shaft affects the torque greatly. A nut driver with a lengthy shaft will have a lesser torque than that of a nut driver with a short shaft.
Removable Bits
In order to choose the best nut driver set, look out for nut drivers with removable and replaceable bits/sockets.
With a nut driver with removable and replaceable bits in your arsenal, you don’t need to worry about thrashing the entire nut driver if the bit gets damaged; simply get a new bit, and your nut driver will be as good as new. Lastly, remember to ensure that the bit and shaft connections are steady and not wobbly.
Comfortable Handles
When choosing any nut driver set, you should opt for those that feature handles with cushions. This is because the handle of the nut driver needs to feel comfortable, secure and slip-free in your hands during use.
What are the Different Types of Nut Driver Handles?
Spinner Handle
Nut drivers with spinner handles are for projects that require regular replacement of the nut driver's socket. These handles work well for people with limited storage space in their toolbox, and they are usually attached to a ¼ inch drive fitting.
T-Shaped Handle
Nut drivers with T-shaped handles have the shaft attached to a T-bar. This T-shape gives the user more than enough power required to torque the nut driver.
Ratcheting Handle
If speed is a priority, then the ratcheting handle is your go-to. This handle allows you to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts continuously.
Magnetic Handles
Nut drivers with magnetic handles are those nut drivers that have magnets placed in their shaft sockets. The presence of these magnets allows for easy pickup and fitting of bolts and nuts.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a nut driver and a screwdriver?
A: Although they both feature a cylindrical handle and seemingly serve the same purpose: to tighten and fasten, there is a wide difference between a nut and a screwdriver. As the name suggests, the nut driver is used for fastening nuts and bolts through hexagonal openings. In contrast, the screwdriver is used to fasten screws.
Q: Are 6-Point or 12-Point Nut Driver Sockets Better?
A: Both the 6-point and 12-point nut driver sockets are important; however, you use a 6-point nut driver more often because the 6 point nuts or hexagonal nuts are the most common. If you are strapped for cash, get the 6-point nut driver; if not, you can get both. Only get the 12-point nut driver if you are sure that you are dealing with a 12-point nut.
Q: Do Electricians Use Nut Drivers?
A: A nut driver is a must-have tool for every electrician. These tools are useful for tightening and loosening nuts and bolt fasteners.
Q: What Is a Drill Nut Driver?
A: A drill nut driver is a battery-powered tool for making holes and fastening nuts and bolts. In addition to this, this tool features a clutch that you can press to disengage the drill drive train once the drill reaches maximum torque.
Q: Should I buy a drill or impact driver?
A: Whether to get a drill or impact nut driver depends on the intensity of the job at hand. For example, if you need a nut driver for drilling holes occasionally, a drill nut driver will be fine. However, if the task at hand is a big project like installing subfloor boards, building a treehouse or building a deck, then the impact driver will be the best option for you.
