Awhile back we reviewed some of Wera’s Kraftform screwdrivers. The handles were incredibly comfortable in the hand and the amount of science that went into them was remarkable. If you missed it, no worries, you can check out our Kraftform review.
Kraftform handles are available on many types of drivers. Today we’re taking a look at another Wera Kraftform driver, a multi-bit driver known as the Kompact 25 or the “James Bond Driver”. If you’re anything like me, at this point you’re wondering why they call it the “James Bond Driver”. I asked Wera the same question and they simply replied “you’ll see”. By the time the tool arrived I was anxious for an answer and I had it opened before the UPS man got back in his truck. It didn’t take long for me to realize exactly how it got it’s name.
The Scoop:
As I said, the Kompact 25 is a multi-bit screwdriver. At first glance it looks like any other multi-bit driver, but there is more to it than meets the eye. A quick push of a button on the butt of the handle and the handle itself snaps open to reveal on board bit storage of up to 6 bits. It’s clever, and it sure beats the old school screw on cap most other drivers with on board storage utilize. Out of the box it comes with 3 Phillips and 3 Flathead bits, but you could certainly use whatever bits you like. The “Rapidaptor” chuck locks bits securely in place and allows for easy insertion and ejection of the bits. It’s light years ahead of most magnetic retention methods. The included case is nice too. The heavy grade nylon with velcro closure is quality made and looks professional. It’s something you won’t mind having on your belt.
While the short stature, combined with the Kraftform design allows you to put crazy torque on the fastener, it may be a little short for some applications.
Not a problem. A quick pull of the collar and the Kraftform 25 springs into action. A spring loaded shaft takes this awesome little driver from 6″ to a full 8″ with a simple flick of a finger. Check it out
As an added bonus, further depression of the collar allows the shank (Wera calls it a “bayonet blade”) comes completely out of the handle. It is power tool rated as well, so you can use it in any powered 1/4″ hex driver.
The Verdict:
Wera is renowned for quality and innovation and the Kompact 25 appears to carry on that tradition. It works great, feels great in your hand, and looks great. I guarantee you’ll carry it around for at least a day or two just springing it into action. As multi-bit screwdrivers go, the Kompact 25 is as cool as it gets. It isn’t going to replace all of your other drivers, and the “Rapidaptor” chuck limits its use with recessed fasteners with the included bits, but as a general purpose driver it’s pretty sweet. In a glove box, desk drawer, kitchen drawer, or anywhere else where you’re looking for a lot of functionality without taking up a lot of space, the Kompact 25 has you covered. If James Bond were a real person, I’m sure he’d have no problem lending his name to this.
I don’t need anymore screwdrivers.
I don’t need anymore screwdrivers.
I don’t need anymore screwdrivers.
I don’t need anymore screwdrivers…
Travis–You showed us all of the hocus-pocus, gee-whiz things it can do in the video, but you didn’t say anything. I was disappointed that you didn’t hold it in your hand and tell us how comfortable it was, nor use it in a short demonstration of how competent it is at driving and removing screws. Does this driver have a ratcheting action? If it does, that wasn’t demonstrated. And how smooth is that ratcheting action? A comparison with a conventional bit driver would have brought out these finer points.
I’m more concerned about how well this (or any) hand tool works at the job it was intended for, rather than the bling that was built into it. Sometimes the bling affects a tool’s functionality, and I’d like to know that, too, before I spend my money. The write-up was very good, and I expected you would show us how well the product performs in the video. I’m not condemning the video, just saying that you might have done more in it to demonstrate the product’s capabilities.
Steve,
The Kompact 25 is not ratcheting and I certainly would have elaborated if it did.
Think I can use JUST ONE MORE.
Travis great write up on this cool looking driver. Wera is known for their screwdriving tools. I personally have a few Wera items & love them. I do have to admit that they are on the pricey side, they are worth it, but there are other alternatives. WIth that said, I have the following Wera tools:
1. Kraftform Kompakt (62) interchangable kit, love the steel, driver shaft, & case that comes with it. This kit comes with your standard bits, plus your security bits or specialized bits. Love it, because those security screws are showing up in more place now.
2. Kraftform Kompakt VDE(60) interchangable kit, they are rated at 10,000 volts, which I never find out if that is the case. It’s basically the same as the 62, but plastic coded. Another alternative for this set or the poor man’s kit is the DeWalt’s Vinyl Grip Insulated Set (DWHT66417), which I also own & beat the hell out of. These are rated at 1,000 volts, again, I don’t want to ever find out how that would feel
3. Rapidator (bit holder) & Bit-Check screwdriver bits (small hard plastic case that you can carry). These have to be the best bits around & they last forever in my humble opinion.
These are highly crafted tools and I was lucky enough to have found all the above items on Craig list for a steal otherwise I would have not even ventured into this realm. One day I will use them even more & scratch them up a bit more when my other screwdrivers run their course. Great investment. Laters TIA
Great detailed review Travis. Great video also. I see why they call it the James Bond driver.
Yes very 007!
I agree Juan. Wera makes some very nice stuff. Hope to be able to get some more Wera reviews in the near future.