The 10 Best Mini Screwdriver Sets
Special Honors
Moody 56-Piece Deluxe The Moody 56-Piece Deluxe is quite an investment, but it offers plenty of upgrades over cheaper models. For one thing, the storage case is aluminum, rather than flimsy plastic, and for another, it has electrostatic discharge safe handles for your peace of mind when working with delicate components. centraltools.com
Editor's Notes
November 09, 2020:
We've kept a range of mini and precision screwdriver sets here, with the popular Wera Kraftform Micro and Wiha 4-Piece still taking the top spots.
But, for those repair workers who must have a wide range of bits available, we've added two choices, the iFixit Mako Driver Kit and the Oria 106 Piece. In fact, the makers of the iFixit kit claim to have scoured thousands of repair guides to ensure that they've included all the bits you could need, including hex, tri-point, flathead, pentalobe, and more. These models replace the StarTech Tool Kit and the Sourcingbay Multipurpose. Although these aren't necessarily bad choices, they don't have the longevity to compete with the others you'll find here.
One notable omission is the Klein Tools Precision 4-in-1. The Klein Tools name is generally known for quality, but this particular tool has a slight issue, with many users finding that the bits come loose too easily.
Finally, we've kept one electric option, the Ruputas Wowstick 1F Pro. It's loaded with features, but it does have two small drawbacks. For one thing, the light turns on only while the device is in use, so you can't use it independently of the actual screwdriver, and for another, the case holds just one set of bits. This makes it more compact than it would otherwise be, but can lead to frustrating transport, unless you're using a tool bag or tote.
May 27, 2019:
In this day and age, almost everyone will benefit from having a mini screwdriver set in the house, so we've opted to keep both pricer, pro-style models, as well as less expensive "put it in a drawer and forget about it" types. As to the former, the Wera Kraftform Micro still comes out on top, as it's one of the most durable kits you can buy. Combine that sturdiness with the rapid twisting action, and you have a set that can handle the demands of those who make a living with their tools. And unlike some top-quality options, the case is just as robust as what's inside. There's also the Wiha 4-Piece and the Greenlee Precision, both of which are excellent for hobby and general use. If you need more bits in a wider variety, we like the Oria Magnetic and Tekton Rescue, but these aren't made to durability standards that are quite as high. Finally, we decided to add one electric option, the Ruputas Wowstick 1F+, which comes with over 50 bits. It's not cheap, but it is lighted and comes with a magnetic mat, so it's a fine option for those whose vision or dexterity could use a little boost.
The Mighty Mini Screw Driver
Magnetic screwdriver tips are particularly important for the person working with delicate electronics, as a dropped screw can mean a damaged circuit or resistor.
If you regularly work with electronics, jewelry, or small mechanical devices in the course of a hobby or for your profession, then you are well aware of the importance of owning a fine set of miniature screwdrivers. The rest of us will become painfully well aware of the absence of such a set whenever we need to replace the batteries in a small toy, tighten the arm that has shaken loose on a pair of eyeglasses, or attempt to fix a gadget in the kitchen.
With a good set of mini screwdrivers, you can tackle most of the small repairs daily life presents to you, opening up a child's toy to look for a loose wire, replacing the bulb in a flashlight or lantern, or even tinkering with a device like a laptop or tablet, provided you know what you're doing. Choosing the right miniature screwdriver set involves first thinking about the likely uses your little tools will see.
If you only predict using your diminutive phillips head screwdriver for replacing the batteries in a radio or remote control and using those little flatheads for repairing glasses or tightening loose screws on picture frames or knickknacks, then by all means choose a basic and inexpensive screwdriver kit. Most small screws encountered in common devices such as toys and speakers will easily succumb to the small tools in a basic set, which usually comes with fewer than a half dozen different screwdrivers with bits in two or three different sizes.
If, for some reason, you see no need for a more varied kit, but you will likely use these tools all the time -- perhaps you're someone who works in an electronics repair shop, for example -- then invest in screwdrivers that have hardened, reinforced tips. Tiny screwdriver bits bend easily with heavy use, and that can compromise their ability to function while also increasing the risk of damaging the hardware you're trying to service; screwdrivers that have lost their proper shape are more likely to strip a screw's head, leaving it stuck in place or unable to be reinserted. Look for tools that have been heat-treated to increase their durability or that are made from robust materials like tungsten carbide or even titanium.
For the serious hobbyist or professional who works with miniature screwdrivers on a daily basis, making the investment in a set with multiple different tips is critical. And make sure to choose screwdrivers made from durable materials. Magnetic screwdriver tips are particularly important for the person working with delicate electronics, as a dropped screw can mean a damaged circuit or resistor. Also, consider the shape and design of the driver (the handle, e.g.) your set comes with if you are considering an option with bits that can be swapped in and out. Some drivers have rotating caps that allow for smooth, constant twisting motions; others telescope outward to give extra reach to their user. Features such as these may be priceless for some craftsmen, while other people will actually want screwdrivers with a static design (non-removable heads and a single, solid handle) to ensure the highest level of control.
Tips For Removing a Small Damaged Screw
The frustration of extracting a damaged screw is magnified when the hardware in question is exceedingly small, as is the risk of inadvertently damaging the device in which it is lodged.
You can often sink a slightly larger screw into the damaged hole created by the forced extraction of the smaller hardware to rescue the device in question later.
Once it's clear your miniature screwdriver is no longer properly twisting a screw, immediately stop trying to loosen the screw; you will only make the existing damage worse by wearing down the already misshapen metal. If you are trying to remove a small phillips head screw, you can first see if a flathead screwdriver can lodge itself into the damaged phillips hardware, catching an edge in the metal and allowing you to gently turn the screw.
If that fails, consider applying a minimal amount of lubricant, which is especially effective for a screw set into metal threading. Be sure the liquid will not damage or stain any nearby components. Another approach to try in tandem with lubrication or independently is to add a bit of extra material into the head of the damaged screw, filling in the area the screwdriver bit will enter. A piece of tinfoil, a bit of steel wool, or even a strip of a thin tape or section of a rubber band may help.
If a screw is beyond the point of loosening using these screwdriver augmentation tips, it's time to consider alternatives to removing the screw: you might have to destroy it in place. It should be easy enough to find a fine, strong drill bit that can grind up a small screw. A titanium nitride-tipped bit will make short work of most hardware, for example. You can often sink a slightly larger screw into the damaged hole created by the forced extraction of the smaller hardware to rescue the device in question later.
A Few Small Tools With a Big Impact
The craftsman who prizes his or her diminutive screwdrivers will also appreciate having a few other tiny tools in the toolbox. First and foremost, anyone who regularly makes minute repairs or adjustments should consider investing in a great work light and in a magnifying tool. The better one can see what they're doing, the more efficiently and reliably the work will turn out.
In terms of actual hand tools, a good pair of needle nose pliers with fine, slender tips is always good to have on hand. These pliers can help you place small screws in position or remove them if they need to be plucked back out of a hole before tightening. Most pairs of needle nose pliers also have a wire cutter built into the lower half of the jaws, a useful option for those working with electronics.
And if your project involves any hammering of small nails, don't attempt to use a full-sized framing hammer for the job. A miniature hammer, such as a tack hammer, is priceless when you are working with small metallic components that could easily be damaged by one strike delivered with too much force or too little precision.