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 Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver is my favorite screw driver solution for a compact tool kit. I’ve had it for some time now and purposely held off on mentioning it here until I could test the Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Driver as a potential lower cost alternative. While the Tekton is functional, everything about the Engineer DR-07 is a step above.
The Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver is a Japanese manufactured replaceable bit screw driver that accepts bits at either end of its “L” shaped handle. The 10 included bits and bit carrier are of excellent quality and well marked both on the bit carrier and the bits themselves. The included bits are very much like standard 1/4″ shank bits but slightly longer. However, the DR-07 will accept standard bits though they sit slightly deeper in the bit holders.
The bits are retained via a detent and spring steel collar. This set up applies solid tension even on bits that aren’t notched. The spring steel collar is thicker and provides better tension than the one found on the Tekton version. The bit holders are also magnetized which is a nice touch.
The Tekton version of this tool has a hard plastic cover on the handle but the Engineer DR-07 features a very resilient rubber handle that feels great in the hand. The rubber is molded over an entirely steel structure beneath for strength. The DR-07 also has finer knurling on the bit holders that allows good grip and fine control when turning a screw.
The beauty of this driver is the offset design. This “L” shape keeps the tool very compact but allows the user good reach and the ability to apply a lot of torque when necessary. This one is what you will find in my EDC Tool Roll more often than not. It is one of the few compact drivers that can actually reach screws like an AR-15 grip screw and still provide enough tool to hold onto when loosening or tightening the screw.
I should note that, like the previously profiled Tekton driver, this tool does NOT ratchet. For some reason, almost everyone who puts hands on this thing thinks it is going to ratchet but it does not.
Everything about this tool screams quality. The chromed finish is smooth and seemingly very durable. The bit holders have great tension and use robust parts to retain the bits. The grip is very comfortable in the hand. The included bits and bit holder are some of the nicest I’ve seen included with a tool like this. I own a handful of tools from Engineer and this is what I have come to expect from them.
Where to Buy: I’ve never seen this tool anywhere but online. I purchased mine from Amazon for around $26 shipped. It shipped from Japan which took about 3 weeks to arrive but it was worth the wait given that it is easily my favorite compact screw driver. As of the time of this writing, the price has dropped significantly to around $17 shipped on Amazon: Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver
You may also be able to find a deal on auction sites. Be advised, these will ship from Japan most of the time so expect to wait.
Alternatives: We’ve reviewed a number of other compact screw drivers in previous installments of The EDC Tool Roll (click the links below to read the reviews):
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
Do you have a compact driver that you prefer or any other tool you want to recommend? Tell us about it below.
