Several times per week, I need a screwdriver. Usually it’s while I’m sitting around with my family – maybe a toy needs new batteries or I need to do something computer or electronics related. Sometimes I’m sitting at my desk working. Most of my tools live in the basement, but we tend to keep a random assortment of mini screwdrivers in the junk drawer. The ‘random assortment’ is typically a motley crew of screwdrivers thrown together from other sets that has a screwdriver or two that has gone missing. Often, I need to go to the basement to look for the appropriate tool. The screwdrivers in the junk drawer also don’t help me if I happen to be at the office. My EDC backpack is usually nearby, at home and at work, so I am looking for a compact set that I can carry in my backpack or as part of my on-body EDC kit.
In testing & evaluating multi-tools and what’s available, I have not found many options that include screwdrivers/bits that are small enough for my usual needs … that is until I found the MININCH Tool Pen.
MY OBSERVATIONS
I’ve been carrying and using the MININCH Tool Pen for the last 4+ weeks. Here are some thoughts:
- The Tool Pen is six-sided, which prevents it from rolling away
- The diameter, shape and texture of the Tool Pen is superior to the mini-screwdrivers I’ve used from a functionality standpoint – no striped out screw heads nor screws that are too tough to remove.
- Most of the multi-tools I’ve carried don’t have bits or screwdrivers that are small enough for my needs – the Tool Pen has worked well!
- Tactilely, I like the finish and heft of the Tool Pen.
- If you lose a bit, you can order a replacement here: MININCH Accessories / Spare Parts
- If you prefer to carry a screwdriver in your pocket, this may be a bit larger than you want – due to size and having a cap with a clip, I think that the Tool Pen mini may be the better choice for pocket carry. If you carry your screwdriver off-body, the Tool Pen is a great choice.
- I am afraid of losing the cap, I wish it fit securely to the the end of the Tool Pen.
- If you are switching out bits, you need to work through the entire assortment bits that are in the pen in front of the one that you want to use.
BOTTOM LINE
- I’m still hoping to find a true multi-tool that will meet my needs, but it appears that I may need to carry a dedicated screwdriver or screwdriver instead. The MININCH Tool Pen is my favorite so far. This would have been an ideal tool when I was working IT and taking computers apart several days per week.
FUTURE TESTING
- I’m confident that the Tool Pen will hold up through whatever I put it through, but only time will tell.
