[[dsetoolset]]

A few users have asked for a review of the 101 piece socket set (from dick smith), so here we go. There are 99 “bits”, most of which are warranty voiding bits.

• Flat blade - 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16”.
• Phillips - #0, 1, 2, 2 Drywall, 3, 4.
• Square - S0, S1, S2, S3
• Torx - 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.
• Pozidrive - #0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
• Hex (SAE) - 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16”.
• Hex (mm) - 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8mm.
• Clutch - 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4, 7/32”.
• Security Torx - 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40.
• Security Hex (SAE) - 5/32, 9/64, 1/8, 7/64, 3/32, 5/64”.
• Security Hex (mm) - 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm.
• Tri-wing - 1, 2, 3, 4.
• Spanner - 4, 6, 8, 10mm.
• Torque - 6, 8, 10mm.

The blue case is simple, made of one piece of moulded plastic. The plastic catches are simple, and i think will probably be the first to break. Having said that, the case seems pretty sturdy. The built in handle combines both halves, meaning if the latch breaks, the bits wont fall everywhere. Inside all the only 2 things that are not attached properly is the actual screwdriver handle, and the rubber container that holds 32 of the small pieces. Everything is surprisingly secure, meaning when you open it up, the little bits wont be scattered in the bottom of the tray. The bits seem to be quite firm, meaning you need a good hand to pull them out :) . The bits attach to the screwdriver handle through use of a small ball bearing, that pops into a groove on the bit, and holds it in place. There are no magnets, meaning you can use it on computer devices with no issues.

A few things i’ve noticed

If you’re working on a small narrow item, this won’t work. All the bits are around .8cm wide to fit into the screwdriver mount, therefore if you need to squeeze the screwdriver in a really tight spot, it wont work. Having said that, the actual bit is .8cm long before it actually becomes wide. So you’ve got a bit of leeway. The screwdriver is ratchet style, that can be adjusted for both left and right turns, as well as been locked into place. The set also comes with an “extender” so you can squeeze the bits into tight spaces – around 5cm long. However it’s useless if the hole is smaller than 1cm, as the “extender bar” wont fit.

Trials Item 1 – i picked up a 24 hour timer and tried to unscrew the device. I tried a tri-wing style screw and stripped the head off the screw quicker than anything. The actual screw driver seems fine, I’m guessing the bit didn’t match, or the thread is reversed, so you actually turn anti clockwise to unscrew it. Mistake made, lesson learnt.

Trial 2 was a Linksys router. A lot more careful, i picked up the torx bit and applied by hand. When it looked tight, i added the screwdriver handle and twisted it straight out, easy.

Other observations Shopping trolleys (the $1 ones) seem to have a bit on here. There seems to be a very poor selection of absolutely tiny Phillips point screw drivers. There are heaps of flad heads, but only a few Phillips heads.

What will break first? I suspect the things that will break first are the suitcase catches, followed by the ratchet mechanism on the screwdriver. However these are only guesses.

Would i buy again? Yeah probably, it seems like it will last a while, even if the case doesn’t last, i’ll just get a rubber band. The case holds the bits in properly, something which im very happy about, so the bits don’t fall everywhere when you open the case up.

Questions?

Click “edit this page” and add them below

Livert: Any chance you could take a photo of the set? I wanna see it up close before I make the trip to DSE this pm.

Davo: I only have a webcam atm, see below. :) http://i41.tinypic.com/2qk80mw.jpg - the case, sitting open http://i41.tinypic.com/16bbmg3.jpg - screwdriver handle http://i42.tinypic.com/f3dq85.jpg - scredriver with a “bit” installed http://i39.tinypic.com/kd1lxs.jpg with the “extender” http://i39.tinypic.com/2gt2hhs.jpg - the case from the outside.

Livert: Thanks. +1 for effort. Will get myself a set soon.