Best Small Screwdrivers for Road Warriors

I am working on a new series of blog posts, essencial things that I use and need on the road. Some of these are new and some are old. All of these things I've learned from traveling to 48 states and over 20 countries in three continents.

Today's tip - Small travel screwdrivers.

My definition of any travel tool is:

• it's truly a handy tool that has wide use
• it's bulk and size and weight must be minimal
• it's cost is minimal in case you have to donate it to TSA (no Leathermans)
• it's easy enough to replace (not your Grandfather's pocket knife)

Because of this I usually end up getting cheap tools at the Dollar Tree or Maxwell St. Flea Market that cost a few bucks each. The problem with this is that they are usually junk.

A few weeks ago when I was in Micro Center I came across these Picquic screwdrivers. They are GREAT!

They are small, in some cases "tiny" as noted. They don't weigh much but the quality is where it counts - the business end.

My favorite is the Picquic Tiny Turner (the green one). It has 7 tips that come with it.

• Phillips #0
• Phillips #00
• Small slotted bit
• Even smaller slotted bit
• Torx T5
• Torx T6
• Torx T8

The tips, although they look like normal hex end replaceable tips are much smaller than normal ones. They are very good quality and come with all the small size tips that are difficult to find while on the road and even more difficult to find if you want one with quality. The smallest slotted screwdriver is good for glasses. The Torx T6 is the size you need to take your Apple Mac Book Pro apart to replace the hard drive. You will also need the Phillips #0 which is also included.

I don't need to replace the hard drive on my laptop that often but If I was out on the road finding a 2.5" SATA dive might be easier than finding a Torx T6 bit.

Next up is the Picquic Stubby. As the name suggests it is a stubby screwdriver. Not always the most comfortable to hold but this one is about as good as it gets. The interchangeable bits, six of them, are standard size so you could use them in another tool if you wanted.

The Picquic Stubby has the following sizes:

• Phillips #3
• Phillips #2
• Phillips #1
• Slotted 1/4"
• Slotted 3/16"
• Torx T15

These are all pretty popular sizes. Between the two you have a great set. I might want to add a Torx T10 because that is a popular size with some small electronics.

They cost under $10 each, work great and are super easy to travel with.

So what is with the Picquic name? It's based on the idea of how they work - pick quick. You might find it goofy when you first get them that there is no place to store the main bit. That is by design. The Stubby for example has 5 storage holes for 6 bits. Seems like a game of musical chairs. That's the idea. One bit is always "stored" ready to go at the business end of the screwdriver. When you take that bit out and slide it in the hole on the back you replace the next bit you want to use. The same motion stores the current bit and ejects the new tip. Clever but slightly confusing at first.

If you can't find them in your local store then you can order them online but they are a little difficult to find still.

Comments

[Agus Mardiana]

A very interesting tool.
Unfortunately in my country who have not yet as well as this.
So for me, I always prefer to bring Victorinox in my purse or pocket.