We’re in the middle of a pocket tool bonanza and as a pocket tool junkie – I’m in hog heaven. These days it seems like everywhere you turn someone has a new widget or gizmo designed to fit in your pocket and allow you to be a little handier or prepared in your day-to-day life. I’ve benefitted from this period of innovation and have expanded the amount of tools I carry on me to the point where all my pants and shorts have additional tool pockets. But within this world of wonder; in the pile of pry bars, streamlined flashlights, knives, and multitools – no one has effectively addressed the need for an accessible bit driver.
Enter the Bit Bar from Big Idea Design.
Currently blowing away its Kickstarter goal, the Bit Bar is a highly functional, practical screwdriver and bit holder machined flat with a pocket clip so it can slide into your pocket and be there when you need it, without adding much in the way of bulk. Made from Grade 5 Titanium alloy or Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon, the Bit Bar isn’t the first of its kind – but it appears to be the most well thought out; primarily because it securely holds the bits in a compact package that slides right into your pocket – though that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Bit Bar comes complete with 8, standard, ¼” bits, which can be swapped out and replaced via a quick trip to the hardware store. These bits are held in place, within the tool cavity by a magnetic bar, which you push to expose and access the individual bits you need. This feature eliminates the hassle of having to fish through your pocket for bits that might have fallen out and allows for easy access when you need them.
Additionally, though not directly part of the Bit Bar, Big Idea Design has created a 1/4″ ratchet which attaches to the Bit Bar for larger jobs that require more torque. The ratchet has three angle settings for ease of use, and will accept any ¼” bit or socket. Though this isn’t designed to fit in your pocket like the Bit Bar itself, it does expand its uses exponentially. Paired together you have a seriously powerful torque wrench, which utilizes a titanium handle. This ensures that you’ll snap the bits before anything else breaks. Why the heck hasn’t Stanley or Craftsman thought of this sooner? This is outside of the box thinking at its best.
If I am going to carry a tool around with me, I need it – and all of its parts – to be easily accessible. I doubt there’s ever going to be an emergency situation where I need to reach for the Bit Bar to tighten a screw, but the convenience that this tool offers is unlike anything that we’ve seen thus far. Even the big dogs out there with their myriad of multitools and years of design work haven’t been able to come up with something as utilitarian and effective as the Bit Bar, and additional ratchet driver.
If you’re someone who relies on tools to get you through the day and you like to work smart, and not hard, head over to the Bit Bar Kickstarter page and pledge. If not, wait a few months – as it’s obviously coming to market.