Klein has recently come out with new heavy duty thru-handle nut drivers (thank you Neil for the heads-up/reminder!!).
Features include magnetic tips, hollow shafts and handles for use on threaded rod of any length, Klein’s classic cushion handle design, and color-coded size identification.
Nut driver sizes are also designated on the ends of the tools, for easy IDing when reaching into a tool bag.
Here’s a snippet from the press release:
“These nut drivers are designed for flexibility, with the hollow-through shaft, said senior product manager Raul Rosales. “Each nut driver is formed from a single piece of cold-formed steel resulting in a solid piece of metal that can withstand a great amount of torque.”
Without a hex bolster or socket recess in the end cap – not impossible but difficult for a pass-thru handle – it’s going to be tough to exert “a great amount of torque.
I missed the hex bolster at first, and you might have too. Look closer. There’s a huge hexagonal section formed into each nut driver’s shaft, which can be used with a wrench when higher torque delivery is needed. They call it “wrench-assist.”
The new Klein nut drivers are available in 6 sizes. They will be sold individually, and in sets of 4 and 6 drivers.
- 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2” and 9/16”
- 4-piece set, 635-4, comes with 1/4″ thru 7/16″ sizes
- 6-piece set, 645-6, comes with all sizes
Pricing: $86 for the 6-piece set
Buy Now(via Amazon) (Looks to be coming soon)
Buy Now(6pc set via Home Depot)
Compare(Klein Standard Nut Drivers via Amazon)
Klein Promo Video:
First Thoughts
Everything about these new Klein heavy duty nut drivers looks great, although the pricing is a bit higher than I would have expected. (But they’re still lower priced than the Proto nut driver set I had my eye on before springing for a Wera set.)
The pass-thru feature should come in handy when working with threaded rod, or even just longer bolts. Color-coded end caps and tips are a plus – even essential to some. And the extended length wrench-assist hex bolster is a surprising but welcome feature for when higher torque delivery is needed.
Nice work, Klein.
We’re still waiting on confirmation as to whether or not they’re made in the USA. Considering the $85+ price for the 6-piece set, I would expect it.