I've been looking for ages at options for a pocketable EDC bit driver. After trying a few I've found the best is a very simple but very capable solution, way better than those specific EDC bit drivers like LeverGear Bitvault (£40), CRKT Pocket Driver Stash (£45), James Brand Cache River (£60), Maratac nub (£20 but tiny and smooth, not really fit for purpose). It's the basic small Wera 813. 78mm/3 in long, about the size of a Bic lighter. Usual Wera ergos and quality. Can use as stubby just with 1/4 in bits, add an extender for more reach. £10 on the bay. However I've just realised that the Wiha product is just an adaptor/extender which I don't need, the Anex handle looks good too, but they're only available from Japan and the p&p is exhorbitant.
Yeah, I've been wondering if it's worth importing tools from Japan to sell at more reasonable prices than buying one-offs. But I don't know how much demand there'd be. I have considered the Wera 813 but I'm not ready to give up my Centrotec/double-sided bits just yet…
@@theahmadperson I don't see the point in you getting the Wera 813 (doesn't take double sided bits) as you already have the Anex handle. As far as I can see it takes standard 1/4 in bits without the Centrotec adapter? So you already have that option.
Depends what you mean. It seats until the ball bearing hits its detent but isn't fully retained there, and continues to seat further down (fully "bottomed-out" but held only by friction) It's fairly secure but this is why I mentioned wanting to glue it in at the time; Pulling up on the Centrofix to eject can sometimes pull the adapter out back to the detent.
@@theahmadperson Thanks. I suppose I could cut a section of an old hex bit as a spacer to let it bottom out and be secured by the detent. I'd hate to have to keep up with that little piece tho! A Japanese video reviewer suggested this handle was not too robust. Any thoughts?
@@johncarpenter6275 it's plenty solid but not the most ergonomic in this scenario (too narrow). I much prefer using the Anex compact ball head (non-ratcheting), which also has a little stronger retention, but that won't fit in this pouch.
@@johncarpenter6275 ah, it's the 3780 to which I'm referring, that's my favourite with the Centrofix. My 397 doesn't live up to expectations, and I'd like to try a 3775
Not sure if it's misalignment or a bent shaft, but yes, the Centrofix has more runout than you would expect. You really don't notice it in a hand tool, though!
Thank you for sharing this video, it helps us understand what we need better.
I've been looking for ages at options for a pocketable EDC bit driver. After trying a few I've found the best is a very simple but very capable solution, way better than those specific EDC bit drivers like LeverGear Bitvault (£40), CRKT Pocket Driver Stash (£45), James Brand Cache River (£60), Maratac nub (£20 but tiny and smooth, not really fit for purpose). It's the basic small Wera 813. 78mm/3 in long, about the size of a Bic lighter. Usual Wera ergos and quality. Can use as stubby just with 1/4 in bits, add an extender for more reach. £10 on the bay.
However I've just realised that the Wiha product is just an adaptor/extender which I don't need, the Anex handle looks good too, but they're only available from Japan and the p&p is exhorbitant.
Yeah, I've been wondering if it's worth importing tools from Japan to sell at more reasonable prices than buying one-offs. But I don't know how much demand there'd be.
I have considered the Wera 813 but I'm not ready to give up my Centrotec/double-sided bits just yet…
@@theahmadperson I don't see the point in you getting the Wera 813 (doesn't take double sided bits) as you already have the Anex handle. As far as I can see it takes standard 1/4 in bits without the Centrotec adapter? So you already have that option.
@@simonh6371 right, that's why don't have/stopped considering it :)
Just uploaded a new short on my full EDC kit, check it out if you're interested
@@theahmadperson I will check it out, thanks, and I'll subscribe if I already haven't.
annex what series is that?
Does the Centrofix bit fully seat in the Anex handle?
Depends what you mean. It seats until the ball bearing hits its detent but isn't fully retained there, and continues to seat further down (fully "bottomed-out" but held only by friction)
It's fairly secure but this is why I mentioned wanting to glue it in at the time; Pulling up on the Centrofix to eject can sometimes pull the adapter out back to the detent.
@@theahmadperson Thanks. I suppose I could cut a section of an old hex bit as a spacer to let it bottom out and be secured by the detent. I'd hate to have to keep up with that little piece tho!
A Japanese video reviewer suggested this handle was not too robust. Any thoughts?
@@johncarpenter6275 it's plenty solid but not the most ergonomic in this scenario (too narrow). I much prefer using the Anex compact ball head (non-ratcheting), which also has a little stronger retention, but that won't fit in this pouch.
@@theahmadperson I have the Anex 397, 3775, & 3780, which I all really like. Each take bit shanks in ~40mm.
@@johncarpenter6275 ah, it's the 3780 to which I'm referring, that's my favourite with the Centrofix. My 397 doesn't live up to expectations, and I'd like to try a 3775
Was yours misaligned?
Not sure if it's misalignment or a bent shaft, but yes, the Centrofix has more runout than you would expect. You really don't notice it in a hand tool, though!