Electricians need the right-hand tools to get their job done. Over the years basic electrical tools have seen a lot of improvement to bring about the development of specialized tools. Every electrician, however, cannot do without the basic and best nut drivers for electricians.
Electricians need nut drivers because they need to tighten fasteners, bolts, and nuts. Nut drivers are used to tightening or securing a nut in place as well as to remove a nut. A nut is a hexagonal fastener that comes with a bolt.
Nut drivers and screwdrivers, at first glance, look identical because of their cylindrical handles. The difference between these tools lies in their tips or ends. A nut driver comes with a hexagonal opening that fits the nut. Torsion force is used to tighten or undo the nuts. At the head of a nut driver is a socket and a hollow shaft to allow a shank. The shank is what threads a nut.
Nut drivers come in different standard sizes to match a wide range of nut sizes. They are either hand-held tools or steel drill bits used with an electric driller.
Here are some of the best nut drivers for electricians.
Klein Tools Magnetic Nut Driver Set (647M)
This 7-piece nut driver set from Klein Tools is equipped with 6-inch shafts which are chrome-plated to prevent corrosion. The nut drivers come with magnetic tips for easy and securing fitting on the drivers’ heads of the fasteners during filament application.
These nut drivers come with cushioned handles for comfort and greater torque. These nut drivers (except the 3/16” size) also feature full hollow shafts for easy use on long bolts.
Pros
- Each driver comes with a magnetic tip.
- Equipped with an anti-rust and chrome-plated shafts.
- Handles are the cushion for comfort and for greater torque.
- Handles are color coded for easy size identification.
Cons
- Magnetic tips are not so durable.
- Hollow shaft holes are somewhat small for the applicable nut size.
The Klein Tools Magnetic Nut Driver Set (647M) consists of ½” 7/16’ 3/8” 11/32”/ 5/16” ¼’ and 3/16” nut drivers.
Greenlee Nut Driver Set (0253-01C)
This Greenlee Nut Driver Set includes 7 nut driver pieces each with a 3-inch hollow shaft for easy handling of longer bolts. The hollow shafts are rugged allowing clearance for screws. All of the nut drivers are chrome plated for corrosion resistance. The drivers are also equipped with 6-point sockets at the tip for a more accurate fit on the fasteners.
These nut drivers come with cushioned and non-slip handles for comfort and good torque. Handles are color coded for easy identification of driver sizes.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- 6-point sockets for the précised fit of fasteners.
- Handles are soft, cushioned and slip-resistant for a comfortable grip.
- Chrome- plated finish for rust and corrosion resistance.
Cons
- These drivers are insulated.
- Tips are not magnetic
The Greenlee Nut Driver Set consist of 3/16”, ¼”, 5/16”, 11/32”, 3/8”, 7/16” and ½” nut drivers.
Milwaukee Mag Metric Nut Driver Set (48-22-2517)
This 7-piece Milwaukee Mag Metric Nut Driver Set comes with a thread-thru design for long bolt application and threaded rod unlimited depth. These drivers are hollow from the top all the way to the bottom.
These nut drivers are easy to use and handle. Shanks are made from forged steel for more durability. As an added feature, the shanks are wrench-ready.
Pros
- These magnetic drivers ensure a secure fit in fastening applications.
- Drivers are chrome-plated for protection against rust.
- Comes with universal driver heats that can fit 4 times more fasteners.
- Ideal for long bolts.
- Handles are color coded for easy identification of the needed size.
Cons
- Does not come with a carry on case.
The Milwaukee Mag Metric Nut Driver Set consist of 5mm, 5.5 mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 110mm and 13 mm size nut drivers.
Craftsman Standard Nut Driver Set (9-4196)
This 7-piece Craftsman Standard Nut Driver Set (9-4196) comes with 6-point drivers. They come with hallow and deep shafts which is important when working with long screws. They are a nice heft in the hands, too because they ensure a firm grip when turning sockets screws and nuts.
These standard Craftsman nut drivers feature allow steel shafts and sockets. These durable drivers are color coded for easy identification.
Pros
- Color-coded drivers for easy identification
- Easy grip handles
- 6-point drivers
- Comes with a carry rack.
Cons
- Plastic carry rack is not too durable.
This Craftsman Standard Nut Driver Set consists of 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 1/2″ nut drivers.
Buying Guide for the Best Nut Drivers for Electricians
Nut drivers are for nuts as screwdrivers are for screws. The special tips and hollow shaft are what would separate a nut driver from a screwdriver. To make a nut driver work for you long term, here are some things you need to look out for in the tool.
Durability
Durability refers to the life span of the nut driver. Of course, the proper use and care of the tool also dictate how long it will last but buying a nut driver that is durable will give you years of use even when abused.
Quality
A superior quality nut driver will save you the time and money of constantly buying replacements. Take extra care in inspecting the material the handles of the nut driver are made of as this is the part that easily breaks. It is best to choose a nut driver that comes with a chrome-plated shaft as it prevents corrosion build-up.
Sizes Available
Choose a nut driver that is suitable for the task on hand. Most nut drivers come in sets. A good set should include sizes ranging from ¼” to 7/16”. The size 9/16” is also a good nut drive size but is often sold separately.
Styles
Be careful to choose nut drivers in styles that are comfortable. T-shaped handles provide a better grip. Ratcheting handles are also available.
Some nut drivers also come for recessed magnets for easy holding of fasteners. Some also do have flex shafts for easy bending of the tool around obstructions.
Some nut drivers come with a spinner handle (handle and shaft with a ¼” drive fitting at the end) for interchangeable sockets. This means you have a single handle to hold different sizes of nut drivers. A spinner handle, however, does not come with a hollow shaft so one handle that comes with interchangeable shafts in each available size is a better option.
Each of the 4 sets of nut drivers reviewed above is a pretty good addition to any electricians’ set of tools. The Milwaukee Mag Metric Nut Driver Set (48-22-2517) (see full specs) comes out as being the best nut driver for electricians.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is one of the leading tool manufacturers in the world. The Milwaukee Mag Metric Nut Driver Set is user-friendly just like all Milwaukee tools. What sets these drivers apart are the universal driver heats that can fit in 4 times as much fasteners.