Why do you need a multi-bit screwdriver? Wouldn’t a regular set of screwdrivers—or better yet, an electric drill with a full set of bits—handle your farming needs just as well or better?
Actually, a multi-bit screwdriver serves a useful and versatile purpose in the toolkit of any farmer. Here are three reasons why you need one…
1. They Can Drive & Remove Many Different Types of Screws
A regular screwdriver is sized to fit a particular style and size of screw; perhaps a small Phillips-head screw, or a large flat-head screw. To drive or remove screws of different sizes and types, you need to have multiple screwdrivers on hand.
In contrast, a multi-bit screwdriver features a single handle with interchangeable bits, which can usually be stored on or within the screwdriver for convenience. Depending on the number of bits it comes with, you can tackle a wide variety of screw shapes and sizes just by switching bits. Perhaps it’s a 6-in-1 screwdriver, or an 8-in-1, or an 18-in-1. Whatever the number of options, a multi-bit screwdriver offers a lot of versatility in a small package.
2. They’re Lightweight, Portable & Inexpensive
While larger and bulkier than a regular screwdriver, multi-bit screwdrivers are still lightweight and portable. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so it’s not unreasonable to have multiple around. You can toss one into the toolbox of your tractor and forget about it until you need it, keep one in your garage for odd jobs around the house and farmyard, and put one in the barn for similar purposes.
A lot of times you’re going about your day, working on farm projects, and you don’t know what types of screws you’ll need to drive or remove. You might be mowing around a pasture fence when you notice some mild fence damage; to fix it, you need to remove a Phillips-head screw and drive it into a different location. Guess what? That multi-bit screwdriver in your tractor toolbox probably has the right bit for the job and you can repair the damage right then and there.
3. The Bits May Be Compatible With Your Electric Drill
While this isn’t guaranteed to be the case every time, there’s a good chance the bits that come with your multi-bit screwdriver can also be used by a typical electric drill. When paired with an electric drill, a multi-bit screwdriver becomes a convenient carrying case for extra bits and backup if the drill battery runs dry.
It’s worth noting that the inverse probably isn’t true; electric drill bits probably won’t be compatible with your multi-bit screwdriver, since a typical multi-bit screwdriver requires bits of a specific diameter and attachment style while an electric drill can accommodate multiple diameters and styles. But that’s okay since the main point of a multi-bit screwdriver is that it comes with lots of compatible bits.
If these three reasons haven’t convinced you why you need a multi-bit screwdriver… perhaps you should purchase one anyway and give it a try yourself. You might be surprised by how handy they can be.
This article was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
