Pushed my Luck with Malco to Failure: The ConNEXT3 ratcheting bit driver sets backdrag slop record! 

There really is something about clear handled screwdrivers that makes you want to collect them, isn't there. Too bad Malco dropped the ball on this one, bitholding screwdrivers are probably the one thing i can't get enough of, and i do like that handle.

that little stubby... made my own! 😼 had an extra stubby Craftsman Phillips, yanked out the bit and epoxied a Snap-On 1/4 Bit holder in could use any bit holder but it's what I had back when I could afford Snap-On

I have the Malco ConNEXT1, the standard size of the stuby you showed and a non-locking Crecent CRW25N, bought form Amazon several years ago. They only get used once in a blue moon but I like them both. The Crecent can sometimes get into tighter spaces like recessed screw on radios.

Hello again, Doc Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I have only one Knipex pliers in my box. A Cobra pliers, and they have been been good 👍 I also a Vampliers four piece pliers sets that rocks. As well as having others. It's all about having options! Again thank you 👍

I've been looking at that Malco stubby and regular length handle locking bit spinners. I made my own by just press-fitting a locking bit holder into an old Craftsman 1/4" Acetate Stubby handle screwdriver, and that has worked well, however, I really like the look of the Malco.

The Wiha centrofix screwdriver is the best bit holding screwdriver for a solid feel! Also, to my knowledge the range of bit shank type it will work with is unmatched.

That Ideal screwdriver looks to have the chuck mechanism originally manufactured by Insty-Bit (possibly defunct, their "website" is still up but consists of a single page) and now sold as bit extensions by Bosch and Diablo. The best bit extensions available, in my opinion.

Looks like there's a standard handle version like the stubby called the connext1. I might buy both of the non-ratcheting versions. I really hate all the magnetic handles I have.

I was surprised that you can’t use standard 1” hex driver bits in these - you really need the longer bits, as shown in your video. I should have returned them while I could…I still don’t see any information on the Amazon product page about that limitation. 😮

I really want to get the connext 1.

I have the non-ratcheting malco and it’s nice. But if you want something in that form factor, I would get the Hazet with the rolgear mechanism. It’s pretty fat because it has bit storage, but rolgear is the best ratcheting mechanism. I wish there was a short version of the gedore without bit storage.

That's a bummer it's nice looking but just don't stand up to the name on it. Thanks for the heads up Doc

Can you check out Klein Tools 32950 next? Seems comparable "kinda"

Life is to short for cheap tools.

Supposedly, the Malco drivers used to be much better, but then they got bought out and moved manufacturing. From what I recall though, the ratcheting one was never considered to be all that great. I'm pretty sure that shaft is generic and gets used on a bunch of Chinese Amazon screwdrivers. Now go all the way down the rabbit hole and get a CentroFix.

they are still around? thought malco went out of business

This is just a cheap mechanism already available. I have something similar from vessel, if I remember you have it, with the bit storage in the handle,much better than this.

I’ve tried a lot of ratcheting drivers. The only one that stays around is the Snap-on, because of its great tolerances.

The low tooth count is what lends to its strength. Refinement has nothing to do with working ability "so what" if a bit moves slightly.... If strength is what the marketing is shouting at you, then why would you expect it to be something else?

You really have way too much times on your hands Doc ! I mean really how, how much back drag it t has .... As long as it holds a bit and does what it is supposed to do , who gives a rats ass how much back drag it has . I have been an automotive technician for over 25 years and i have removed more fasteners and installed more than you have probably ever seen ...... An not once did I stop and think of how much backdrag the tool had that i was using ! I have SnapOn , Mac and Matco nutdrives and screwdrivers , some are better than the others ... But derpending on what you are removing or installing , you have a special tool for every application and I will tell ya "Nothing" has to do with "Backdrag " !!! When you are purchasing a bitdriver on the ideas of how the clear handle looks , I think you are buying it more as a trophy, than you are buying it to perform as a tool !!!