Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The quest for the perfect pocket tool kit continues! The vast majority of tool recommendations that I have received have been for drivers and a handful of readers recommended the Wera Kraftform Kompakt (KK) 10 especially after I reviewed the Kraftform Kompakt 25. The KK 25 is basically a full size screwdriver that collapses down to a more pocketable size. The KK 10, the subject of this installment of The EDC Tool Roll, is a true pocket screw driver. It starts small and stays small.

The Wera KK10 is barely larger than a tube of chapstick so it fits in even the smallest tool kits. However, unlike many small drivers, you can actually get some work done with it. The handle is wide enough that you can apply decent torque and it is comfortable to hold thanks to Wera’s ergonomic design.

The KK 10 uses the same Wera designed Rapidaptor bit holder found on the KK25. It is the best I have used. It holds the bit positively, releases them easily by lifting the collar, and the collar rotates freely so you can sort of pinch it there to hold the bit in the fastener as you turn.

Wera’s bits are of excellent quality. The KK 10 will accept any standard 1/4″ shank bits so you can customize your kit based on the fasteners you encounter (especially handy for your range bag). Wera provides an assortment of 9 bits with the tool: 2 TZ Slotted bits – 1/8”, 7/32”; 2 TZ Phillips bits – PH1, PH2; 2 TZ Pozidriv bits – PZ1, PZ2; 3 TZ TORX bits – TX10, TX15, TX20. The included T15 Torx bit is especially nice since that size is common for scope mounts.

The KK 10 comes with a slick plastic holder that I promptly put away in a box somewhere. It is just larger than I really need in my kit. I can easily store the handle and bits (in a small bit holder) separately so they take up less space. However, the case really is quite nice and may be useful to some.

Where to Buy: I can’t find these in any brick and mortar store in my area but there are a handful of sources online. It is worth shopping around for the best price. Ebay sellers often have good prices on these but, Amazon had the best deal when I bought mine: Wera Kraftform Kompakt 10 on Amazon

I should also note that Amazon prices change all the time. It is actually a little cheaper now than when I bought mine.

Alternatives: As much as I like the KK 10, I think I still prefer the Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver and it’s price seems to be dropping like a rock on Amazon. It’s “L” wrench shape makes it easier to apply torque but the bit holder on the Wera Tools is almost too hard to resist. Both options are very well made and work great in a compact tool kit.

Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945) (This is nearly identical to the DR-07 but with lower, though still acceptable, quality)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

Do you have a compact driver that you prefer or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below.

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The EDC Tool Roll series has generated more reader email than just about anything that has ever been on the pages of JTT. You’ve really come through for me with recommendations. Several emails have asked when I was going to include a flashlight in this series and I typically responded that I was hesitant to do so because I think most of us are already carrying a flashlight. Reader James R. changed my mind when he showed me the Nebo Tools series of pocketable work lights. I wish I would have known about these years ago.

To call these lights “flashlights” does them a disservice. They really have more in common with your typical work light that you would find on a small stand or tripod… except these fit in you pocket or small tool kit. Like a work light, they are designed to be used hands free. You can obviously hold them in your hand but they really work best out of your hands.

They have a rotating pocket clip that allows you to clip the light to your clothing (shirt pocket, collar, etc.) for hands free use and then aim it where you need it. The clip is also magnetic so it can cling to ferrous surfaces like your vehicle, your tool chest, or even the 74″ PTO snow blower that are getting ready for winter (ask me how I know). They can be stood on end on a level surface.

Here is a trick I figured out that is probably the most versatile way these can be used. I’ve found that I can stick them to a steel tool as ballast so that I can place it on any surface without worrying about it tipping over. I can direct it anywhere I need it in this configuration. It works really well when stuck to a handgun magazine on the range if you need to light up an admin area during low light training and it takes up about the same amount of room as a marker in your range bag.

A long, wide LED emits 170 lumens of light. This ribbon like emitter is used, rather than a smaller point of light in the center of an optic or reflector, to create a wall of light with no discernible hotspot. It lights up a room evenly from a distance or can be used to light up your work piece up close without washing out thanks to the lack of hotspot. I get about 3(ish) hours of continuous runtime before I swap batteries.

There are a number of similar lights on the market and, honestly, it can be hard to tell which ones are decent so I was happy to have a direct recommendation of the Nebo Tools line. They are dirt cheap ($7-8 a piece for the model shown) and seem to be of decent quality. They also have a solid review history.

The lights shown in this review are the Larry C model. They take 3 AAA batteries and are fairly compact but they are long(ish) since the batteries are installed end to end. They just barely fit in my tool kit. There are a number of other lights in this format with different battery configurations offered by Nebo Tools including more compact models that take two batteries.

Where to Buy: I’ve seen similar lights at some brick and mortar hardware stores. I purchased mine at Amazon because that was the easiest place I could find the Nebo Tools brand that was recommended to me. I purchased a 3 pack for just over $7 a piece ($21.01 total) including batteries!

Nebo Tools Larry C 3 Pack on Amazon (this is an affiliate link)

These lights are available in a variety of colors, battery configurations, and bulk packs (this is an affiliate link).

Alternatives: Similar lights are available from a number of brands – just make sure you don’t overpay and that they will work hands-free all the ways you need them to. You could also use the EDC light you are already carrying.

Do you have a compact work light or other tool that want to recommend? Tell us about it below.