Tinker and Fix "Dart" Hex bit driver

I've always liked using a small bit driver for jobs that don't need a lot of torque.  The bearing end sits in the palm of your hand and allows easy twist with a degree of precision.

The one I have been using is great, but it's always bugged me that it was just a little small for my hand.  I don't have particularly large hands (I'm a large in the Watson gloves we sell) but the driver was just a fraction short and small in diameter.

I had a look around to see if I could find a slightly larger one to no avail.  So I thought "how hard can it be to make my own one?"  Turns out harder than I thought ....

The "Dart" bit driver is the result of that project.  The end of lots of sketches and mock ups to get a design I was happy with.

I knew I wanted it to be made from brass but don't have a metal lathe or the skills to use one.  I managed to find a machine shop in Leicester that had the skills and more importantly understood what I was trying to achieve.

So the driver is made from solid brass stock.  It's 100mm long and the area you grip is 14mm in diameter.  It weighs just under 110 grams and has a nice hefty feel in the hand.

The driver end has been broached to accept standard 1/4 hex bits.  These are a standard size and readily available.  If you purchase the driver with the leather sheath it is supplied with three bits - a 3mm allen head, a PZ0 and a PZ1.  These are all relatively small sizes, which is were I find these sorts of drivers the most useful.  The end of the driver is magnetic so the bits are held firmly in the driver.

I've now switched from a wooden holder to a leather sheath/bit holder.  These are made from 2mm Veg tan leather and the current colour option is black and tan.  If you'd like a custom colour please just get in touch.

There's storage for 7 bits within a plastic holder.

You can purchase the driver on its own or with a leather sheath and bits

Three colour options to choose from:

- bright brass with a brass coloured bearing

- bright brass with a silver coloured bearing

- an "aged" version

- Limited Edition "Shipwrecked" patina version *

The Aged version is darkened using a chemical treatment.  This will polish up and develop its own character with time and use.  Likewise the bright version will dull off with use, unless you choice to give it a clean with a metal polish.

All three use a 608 bearing mainly used in skateboard wheels.  I've chosen to spec a greased version with a seal.  This means you get a smoother bearing action .... but not the endless spin of a Fidget Spinner!

* The "Shipwrecked" patina version was a bit of an experiment but I really like how its turned out.  These will be made to order so there will be an up to 5 day delay in shipping once you've placed the order (the brass needs to be in the solution for at least 48 hours.)  Expect the finish to change and develop with wear and use.