Milwaukee has been hitting the hand tool market hard. They have been coming out with some innovative tools that save time. Not only that, they have been coming out with tools that have multiple functions which means the contractor has to carry less in their tool belt which saves weight and room. Who couldn’t use a weight break for their knees? We recently did a review of the Milwaukee Reaming Pliers that has more than one function.
Now it’s time to review one of their screw drivers, the 11 in 1 screwdriver. Again this has multiple functions. Besides the screwdriver, it has a gut hook and wire stripper built into the screwdriver. This makes it perfect for electrical work. The tool has the Milwaukee ECX bits, #1 and #2. Also has a Philips #1 and #2, plus a 3/16″ and 1/4″ flat head. Take the bits out and you have two nut drivers. Very cool.
Milwaukee isn’t the first to market with a multi tool screwdriver, but they do have the best one in the market. At least that’s my opinion.
This is a review I posted elsewhere. I’m just copying and pasting it here for what it’s worth. Just my opinion.
Robert
This driver is targeted at electricians and other field technicians who routinely work with wiring. It has a feel of quality that seems consistent with its price. Although anyone could use it, it’s more of a niche tool. It wouldn’t be justified by many who are looking for a “standard” every day driver.
What makes it interesting is two-fold. First, there is a wire stripper and bender that are handy for quick connections. While neither is precedent setting, they function efficiently and as advertised. The second thing is a double sided bit that is the primary focus of the tool. At present, the ECX bit is only available from Milwaukee. This is the only multi bit driver that has it. They are also available in standard screwdriver form, and quarter inch-hex versions for bit or drill drivers. The ECX is intended to be a more precise fit with fasteners that are common in wiring. That includes things like outlets, switches, conduit hardware, sheet metal ductwork, etc. Current wall outlets for example, have terminals with hybrid heads. They can be turned with Phillips, slotted, or Robertson tip drivers. Due to the combined intention, neither is necessarily perfect. The “problem” however, tends to be more theorized than real. This bit is marketed as a better solution. The issue is the hype surrounding it and whether it lives up to the hype. When you enter a specialized market and compete with traditional brands, especially when you target pros, you need more than hype. Fancy marketing doesn’t impress those people. To make a case for it, you need to show how traditional methods are inferior. In my opinion, that has not been accomplished. I think that it’s more about creating a problem to fit the solution.
Professionals would argue that drivers from the big suppliers routinely handle those tasks. They do it efficiently and in the absence of a specialized bit. When the same functions can be performed with bits already on the driver, why the ECX? In my opinion, it wastes useful space on that end of the shaft. It becomes redundant. A better alternative might have been a second insert with additional double sided bits. That could stand up against big competitors and make it a desirable alternative. Combined with the wire stripping and bending functions, it could be a formidable player. I think that Milwaukee has gotten too caught up in their own hype. I don’t believe they’ve established enough of a need for this bit. Although it’s a good quality driver, too much space is devoted to the arguably unnecessary ECX.