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Milwaukee Tool is quietly releasing a new line of multi-bit screwdrivers, featuring a new ergonomic handle design, built-in bit storage, and greater versatility.
One of the interesting and potentially very convenient features is that the bit holders are removable. They all have 1/4″ hex shafts that can be chucked into cordless drills or non-impact screwdrivers and other such tools.
Additionally, Milwaukee says you can insert screwdriver bits directly in the handles, for easier access in tight spaces.
The 1/4″ hex shanks are described as being “wrench-ready” for wrench-assisted turning if greater torque delivery is needed.
To my knowledge, all of these new screwdrivers are Milwaukee Tool’s first multi-bit drivers to work with insert-style bits.
Here are the new models:
14-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
- 14-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver – 48-22-2900
- 14-in-1 Torx screwdriver – 48-22-2907
- 14-in-1 hex screwdriver – 48-22-2908
- 14-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2903
27-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
- 27-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver – 48-22-2901
- 27-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2904
8-in-1 multi-bit screwdrivers
- 8-in-1 stubby screwdriver – 48-22-2910
- 8-in-1 stubby ratcheting screwdriver – 48-22-2913
2pc set – 48-22-2905, includes 14-in-1 and 8-in-1 ratcheting screwdrivers
ETA: March 2023
New Milwaukee 14-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
There are manual and ratcheting versions of the 14-in-1 screwdrivers.
From the product images, the two screwdrivers look to have very similar handles, but with the ratcheting driver being a little longer.
They each come with 13 screwdriver bits, plus the removable bit holder that doubles as a 1/4″ nut driver.
It looks like all of the 14-in-1 screwdrivers come with standard 1″ insert bits that can be swapped out at your convenience.
The 14-in-1 will be available in general purpose, Torx, and hex bit configurations. All versions have chrome-plated bit holder with magnetic retention.
The endcap has style markings, making it easy to grab the right tool the first time.
14-in-1 and ratcheting 14-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 1/4″, 3/16″
- Square #1, #2, #3
- ECX1, ECX2
- Torx T10, T15, T20, T25
- 1/4″ nut driver
14-in-1 Torx screwdriver sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″,
- Torx T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30
- 1/4″ nut driver
14-in-1 hex screwdriver sizes:
- SAE: 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″
- Metric: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm,
- 1/4″ nut driver
Price: $18 for manual, $20 for ratcheting
New Milwaukee 27-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
The 27-in-1 screwdrivers are just a little different, featuring double-ended screwdriver bits.
As with the 14-in-1 drivers, the ratcheting version is slightly longer to accommodate the gearing and direction selection switch.
The bit holder is also different, with a spring clip-style holder for bit retention.
The bit holder looks to be the same size as with the 14-in-1 screwdrivers, but with different clip placements.
With these 27-in-1 screwdrivers, you get 13 double-ended bits, plus the removable bit holder.
27-in-1 and ratcheting 27-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #0, #1, #2, #3
- Slotted 1/4″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 9/32″
- Square SQ1, SQ2, SQ3
- ECX1, ECX2
- Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
- Metric Hex 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm
- Inch Hex 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″
- 1/4″ nut driver
As the 27-in-1 screwdrivers cover a wide gamut of sizes, there’s just one bit configuration, with manual and ratcheting handle styles.
Price: $28 for manual, $30 for ratcheting
New Milwaukee 8-in-1 Stubby Screwdrivers
There will also be compact stubby-handle multi-bit screwdrivers.
The ratcheting version is slightly longer.
The 8-in-1 compact stubby screwdrivers also have removable bit holders and come with 7 insert bits that store in the handle.
A common feature across the line, you can remove the bit holder and insert screwdriver bits directly into the handle’s built-in 1/4″ hex socket.
8-in-1 and ratcheting 8-in-1 screwdriver bit sizes:
- Phillips #1, #2,
- Slotted 3/16″, 1/4″
- Square SQ1, SQ2
- Torx T15
- 1/4″ nut driver
Price: $16 for manual, $18 for ratcheting
Milwaukee Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set
At launch, there will be a 2pc set with the 14-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver and 8-in-1 compact ratcheting screwdriver.
Price: $35
Discussion
Milwaukee’s previous and existing multi-bit screwdrivers feature either bayonet-style shafts with reversible bits, or are designed around power-style screwdriver bits that can be removed and used with cordless drills and drivers.
Not to mince words, Milwaukee’s existing multi-bit screwdrivers are decent, but easily replaced with any number of tools from other brands.
These new multi-bit screwdrivers look more convenient to use, and while not groundbreakingly innovative, they do have some nice selling points. Plus, they pack more bit styles and sizes per tool, except for the compact/stubby drivers, which are evenly matched with their predecessor.
This looks to be a very good refresh of Milwaukee’s line of multi-bit screwdrivers.
Milwaukee’s product guide suggests that these new models will be replacing their existing power bit-style screwdrivers.
In my opinion, it’s nice in theory for a multi-bit screwdriver to come with longer power bits that can be used with a cordless drill or screwdriver. But in practice, it made the screwdriver handles thicker and heavier, and bit changes can be a chore.
With Milwaukee’s older style of multi-bit screwdriver, there were 6 bit-holding slots built into the handle. It came with 7 bits, one of which always had to be stored in the bit holder. As it turns out, this could be a benefit, as I always had to use the loose bit to push the one I needed free from its storage slot in the handle.
I think I’ll like these new drivers, but time will tell. Some of the features are lost on me, such as how the 1/4″ bit holder shaft is “wrench-ready.” But overall, I’d take these designs over many others.
The removable bit holder can be a convenient feature as well. However, it’s not impact-rated. There’s no mention of this either way, but I don’t know of any chrome-plated screwdriver bit holders that can be used with impact tools.
The pricing seems fair compared to industry-leading competitors’, but I’d expect a larger gap between manual and ratcheting versions.
I’ll probably pick up the 14-in-1 hex screwdriver the first time I see it in stores, and maybe the manual stubby driver too. I like that you can insert a bit straight into the handle socket for use in smaller spaces.
