Wiha came out with new made-in-USA multi-bit screwdrivers a few months ago, and I ordered one in each of the 6-in-1 and 11-in-1 variation.
To start off, I should clarify that the handles are made in the USA, and the screwdrivers shafts and bit tips are made by Wiha’s global manufacturing partners. These are made in the USA with global materials, and so it seems the handles are built here and the screwdrivers are assembled here, with the metal components imported.
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Overall, the quality seems quite good, and I was pleased with both the handle and the screwdriver bit and shaft components.
Screwdriver and Nut Driver Sizes
6-in-1 (model 77890)
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
- Nut Drivers 1/4″, 5/16″
11-in-1 (model 77891)
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
- Torx T20, T25
- Square #1, #2
- Nut Drivers 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″
The Handle
The handle has a comfortable and familiar feel to it. It is a bit large and bulky, but there are not hot spots or exaggerated bumps. Its bi-material construction features hard plastic that’s extensively covered with a soft grip material covering.
The curvature of the handle is slight, but allows your palm to wrap around it easily and comfortably.
If you don’t like large-handled screwdrivers, this one isn’t for you.
Personally, I prefer smaller screwdriver handles, but there are also benefits to the large diameter. To me, standard screwdriver handle sizes offer greater feedback and even control. Here, you get greater torque transmission with the larger handle.
Compared to common individually-sized screwdrivers, which usually have smaller handle diameters – except for the largest sizes – you should have greater ease when tightening driven fasteners or loosening stuck fasteners.
For a general purpose screwdriver, the tradeoff between sensitivity and torque transmission isn’t a big deal. These Wiha multi-bit screwdrivers are about convenience, after all.
The Screwdriver Shaft
I liked that the bits felt strong and secure. There’s a noticeable “click” as they pop into position with firm pressure, but it’s easy to remove and reverse bits by hand.
With some multi-bit screwdrivers, the ball detents loosen up with time, and removing the shaft from the tool inevitably results in bits and parts falling out. That has not been the case here, and I’m optimistic that it won’t happen. The ball detents seem perfectly tuned to provide just the right amount of retention.
Which One to Buy?
If it comes down to preference, I prefer 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers. If I know I’ll need a greater bit selection, I carry a bit holder and an assortment of 1/4″ hex insert bits, or a multi-bit screwdriver with built-in storage loaded with the bits I think I might need.
I feel that a 6-in-1 is generally quicker and easier to use, despite having fewer bits. I’ll mostly use multi-bit screwdrivers for their Phillips and slotted bits, sometimes the nut driver sockets. If I need a particular bit in an 11-in-1, I might end up having to take out all the bits to find the one I want.
8 screwdriver tip sizes can also be limiting, and you can’t customize the bit selection, at least not with this 11-in-1. So, even with more sizes, are these the Torx and square sizes I’ll need?
However, I feel that the 11-in-1 is a better value than the 6-in-1.
The 6-in-1 is $16, and the 11-in-1 is $20. The $4 difference isn’t enough for my slight style preference to stand up to the 11-in-1 seeming like the better value. If the 6-in-1 was a little less expensive, might preference might win priority. But given the current pricing, I think the 11-in-1 is the better value.
Price: $16 for the 6-in-1, $20 for the 11-in-1
Buy Now: 6-in-1 via Amazon
Buy Now: 11-in-1 via Amazon
Alternatives
The Klein 11-in-1 (32500) will likely be the Wiha’s fiercest competitor. You can find this Klein multi-bit screwdriver on Amazon for $15.
Compared to the Wiha, it really just comes down to handle preference. Do you want the old-school-style cushion grip-wrapped handle, or a more modern dual-material handle with a larger in-hand feel?
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