Best Phillips driver on a SAK

[RebelRAM]

After a week of use, I have decided that the end mounted Phillips driver is better than the mid mount Phillips driver on most SAKs. On the Explorer it allows for much better clearance in reaching screws in tight places. On a Tinker or other such models, because the handle forms a T shape when the Phillips is deployed, it is much harder to turn the driver in tight places.

I had read a few reviews that mentioned that the end mounted driver head shape was more likely to round out screw heads compared to the traditional mid mount Phillips, but in my experience that has not been the case. The end mount head seats firmly into place on most Phillips screws that I tried. Basically anywhere a #2 Phillips was needed, the end mount Phillips driver works quite well, it even works well on #1 Phillips head screws. Length of reach was also very acceptable. Not as long as the driver tool on the Cybertools, but still a very acceptable length. So end mount Phillips on a SAK, definite thumbs up IMO!

For now I plan to rotate my Explorer with my Super Tinker as my EDC SAK. Four layer SAKs are about as thick as I want to carry in a pocket though. I am also finding that having a magnifying glass is more useful than I first thought.

[Retinator]

I also prefer the end type of phillips. The middle 90 degree is ok for some things but poor for tight spots. It is great for torque though.

I've never tried (or even have) the flat phillips, but would like to know how they are out of curiosity.

Hey I'd rather have the phillips than the corkscrew But I admit the corkscrew has come in handy maybe twice for me.

[jhitch]

I have also had great luck with the end mount phillips and had no problems with rounding.

I also could not live without my corckscrew as it gets used weekly (only corkscrew in the house and we like our wine!) so that's another nail in the coffin of the mid mount phillips for me.

[powernoodle]

On the Explorer it allows for much better clearance in reaching screws in tight places. On a Tinker or other such models, because the handle forms a T shape when the Phillips is deployed, it is much harder to turn the driver in tight places.

You are so right about this, and its why I carry an Explorer. The end-mounted phillips is much better.


Photo courtesy of smartknives.com.

[CLHC]

Does the one on the SwissTool Spirit count? That's a solid performer in my memo!

[RebelRAM]

I'd say a SwissTool phillips counts!

Does anybody know if any of the Wenger models have an end mount phillips? I would think that would be a really cool setup to have on one of the Evo models.

[Retinator]

For an end mounted philips try this one, evo grip and all

http://www.wengerna.com/browse/produ...&sub_cat_id=84

Some interesting ideas they have, though in Canada they are hard to find.

[Marduke]

Well....... it's more Victorinox's ideas since they bought Wenger...

[Retinator]

Well....... it's more Victorinox's ideas since they bought Wenger...

OMG when did that happen?

<<----------- Noob

[Planterz]

I prefer the Cybertool bits to anything on other SAKs.

[Marduke]

OMG when did that happen?

<<----------- Noob

Who you calling a noob?? Some people honestly don't know that Victorinox bought Wenger back in April of 2005

[Retinator]

Who you calling a noob?? Some people honestly don't know that Victorinox bought Wenger back in April of 2005

No no no, the arrow was supposed to be pointing at ME.

And I honestly didn't know they were bought out.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Marduke]

My mistake. Onward with the show...

[guyg]

The flat phillips is ok for smaller screws that are not real tight. 2 grip points instead of 4. Nice item on LM Squirt, etc.

[Daniel_sk]

I never understood why do they put a corkscrew on every single SAK? I'm missing the 90 degree phillips on my Spartan model (along with the key ring), it would come quite handy in some situations...
The Explorer looks good, all tools I need, that's the next SAK I'm going to buy.

[Illum]

I never understood why do they put a corkscrew on every single SAK?

In Switzerland its a custom to drink corked and bottled wine...sure its made somewhere in US...but customs still apply

I don't really care which orientation it is [mines a "tinker" model but has been noted as a "fieldmaster"] its too short for my needs

I've used the corkscrew to carve materials like wax...but mine I'm not much of a corked wine fan I never used it in its intended purpose

[Marduke]

I never understood why do they put a corkscrew on every single SAK? I'm missing the 90 degree phillips on my Spartan model (along with the key ring), it would come quite handy in some situations...
The Explorer looks good, all tools I need, that's the next SAK I'm going to buy.

A 90 degree phillips on a Spartan is called a Tinker. It's the only difference, and the tinker is one of the most common models. Most people use the corkscrew (if not for wine) for things like picking apart knots and such.

[guyg]

I dont own a Vic that doesnt have a corkscrew. I use it to open wine when we have company.