There are three features of Y-drivers that make them a popular EDC tool. Y-drivers offer an easy and convenient way to set up three of your most used bits ready for use, they provide added torque when you need it and they fit neatly and comfortably in the hand.
When is a 3-way tool a Y-driver?
3-way tools come in many forms, some with three driver bits, or drill bits, or allen wrenches, or sockets. So when is something a Y-driver, a Y-wrench, or a 3 way wrench? We hear all sorts of names being given to Y-shaped tools.
3 bit drivers + Y-configuration = Y-driver
Names like Y-screwdriver, Y-allen wrench and Y-socket wrench are clear and descriptive for fixed-head 3-way tools. When we say ‘Y-driver’ at 711L, we’re talking about a Y-shaped 3 way tool that uses removable hex bits. It seems clear to us because the 711L Y-driver has 3 bit drivers in a Y-configuration.
What makes Y-drivers popular EDC tools?
Popular EDC tools are functional, efficient and customizable, and the Y-driver is no exception to this. The core functionality comes from the added torque of a cross-bar that fits neatly in your hand. A Y-driver is effectively three T-bar drivers in one, which makes it efficient. Being able to select any hex bit combination you want enables you to customize your Y-driver any way you like.
Customize your Y-driver to make your own tools
The freedom of the Y-driver is that you can customize it into the tool you want by fitting different bits, which you can’t do with a fixed 3-way tool. You want the functionality of a Y-allen wrench, then just fit some allen bits into your Y-driver. The same goes for Y-screwdrivers and Y-sockets, of course. You can switch the loadout of your Y-driver for different tasks, making a custom bike tool, drone tool or PC tool with ease.
Y-drivers for bike mechanics
Fixed 3-way tools have a bit of a mixed following among bike mechanics because of their lack of flexibility. Y bit drivers let you mix and match between different types of bits, sockets and wrenches, so you can set up your Y bit driver with the set of allen wrenches and sockets that you use most frequently on your bike to solve this problem. This means you’ll most likely need a 5mm allen key driver bit in your EDC bike tools!
Using a Y-driver also enables you to include the useful functionality of hex end ratchet wrenches and torque wrenches to your set up. A common issue in bike mechanics is over-torqued fasteners when using tritools, especially three way allen wrenches. Adding an inline torque wrench between your Y bit driver and allen bit makes this a non-issue.
How does a Y-driver complement your EDC toolkit?
Y-drivers make a useful complement to any EDC toolkit for several reasons. The compact format, especially with bits removed, makes the Y-driver a portable torque tool that can be rapidly set up to give you more power when you need it for any task.
- Additional torque in a compact format
- Can be used to make a portable multi-function tool
- Compatible with other EDC tools for custom uses
Y-drivers make great portable multi-function tools
The interchangeability of bits lets you make a portable multi-function tool for specific jobs so you don’t have to have your full EDC toolkit open beside you – this is especially useful when you are outdoors or in a restricted space, like fitting a bulb in the trunk of your car or fixing your bicycle. If a job only requires three or fewer bits or tools you only need your Y-driver to do it.
Y-drivers remove the limitations of fixed three-way tools
The limitations of fixed three-way screwdrivers and tritools are removed when you have changeable bits. 3 way screwdrivers are not pocket portable, but a Y-driver is. Your 3 way Allen wrench can’t undo the crosshead screws on your PC, but your Y-driver can. You can add an inline ratchet or torque wrench to a Y-driver, but you can’t do that with a fixed-head tool.
Y-drivers by 711L: the humble 3-way tool reimagined!
The benefits of 711L Y-drivers over traditional 3-way tools are clear when you think about the increased functionality, customization options, compactness and compatibility that you get from a Y-driver compared to fixed head Y-tools on the market. A single 711L Y-driver and a selection of bits replaces any number of other 3-way tools in your EDC toolkit!
