Over at Kickstarter, there’s a new titanium screwdriver bit and key ring EDC tool combo that just reached its funding goal.
The product is quite simple – it’s a double-ended screwdriver bit that’s made from a titanium alloy. It ships complete with a Ti key ring to carry it with.
But isn’t titanium somewhat soft? Doesn’t it wear quicker than steel? Yes, but the makers say the heat-treated Grade 5, Ti-6Al-4V is way tougher than an average steel screwdriver.
They also say that the screwdriver can be used beyond everyday fastening tasks. Additional applications include opening packages and boxes, use as a mini pry bar, and as a bottle opener.
The bit itself has a Phillips #2 tip on one end, and a 15/64″ (6mm) wide slotted tip on the other. It’s about 1″ long (0.98 mm, or 25 mm), and the hole in the center is 0.145″ (3.7 mm) wide.
Here’s what the project creators have to say about their Titanium Pocket Bit:
A pledge of $10 will get you (1) bit plus (1) key ring, and free shipping.
Remember, Kickstarter is not a store, it’s a fundraising platform. Your pledge of $10 does not guarantee that you’ll received the promised “reward.”
More Info(via Kickstarter)
Campaign ends 7/30/2015 at 10am ET.
First Thoughts
I find myself overly skeptical about the Titanium Pocket Bit, but that’s possibly partly due to other media sites’ overwhelming praise for it.
While this looks like something I might be convinced to add to an existing key ring, I wonder about how comfortable and practical it would be to actually use the darned thing.
This is the same complaint I have about the Engineer Bit Pit, which works far better as a screwdriver bit holder than a screwdriver handle.
But looking at the video again, the project creators don’t seem to have much difficulty using the screwdriver bit when it’s attached to the key ring. So maybe it is of practical use after all.
The bit has a straight cylindrical shaft, and so you can’t use it with 1/4″ hex bit holders or other such tools. That’s kind of a bummer.
I don’t know, this just seems like the kind of tool that looks great on your keychain and in your pocket, but lets you down when you need to actually use it. But I’m not very convinced of this, and find myself teetering between being critical and being optimistic. What do you think about the Titanium Pocket Bit?