[Review&QnA] iFixit Mako Driver Kit - 64 Precision Bit Set for Electronics Repair

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	[Review&QnA] iFixit Mako Driver Kit - 64 Precision Bit Set for Electronics Repair GotoProduct About this item COMPLETE: This precision bit set includes a 4 mm aluminum driver with magnetic bit socket, knurled grip, and swivel top for easy operation - plus 64 precision bits and a flexible extension. UNIVERSAL: Huge variety of bits designed to fix devices like iPhone, PC laptop, MacBook, iPad, camera, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, desktop computer, Android, Chromebook, phone, tablet, gaming console, Dell, watch, glasses, jewelry, and other gadgets! ENGINEERED STORAGE: Thanks to the foam insert and magnetic closure of the case, tools, components, and bits can be safely stored and transported. Additionally, the inside of the lid serves as a sorting/organization tray. MUST-HAVE: Whether you are an advanced IT business technicians or household hobby repairer, this perfect gift for holidays and birthdays so your favorite fixer can replace tech parts like screens, batteries, hard drives, motherboards, joysticks, and more. Covered by iFixit's Lifetime Warranty. Easy-to-Open Magnetized Case Lid with Built-in Sorting Tray 150 mm Flex Extension 4 mm Aluminum Bit Driver 64 x 4 mm Screwdriver Bits Super smooth swivel cap keeps you turning and turning and turning. Tough aluminum handle with ergonomic, knurled grip makes sure you can turn any screw. Fits 4mm screwdriver bits. Magnetic bit holder transmits magnetism through the screwdriver bit, helping you handle all those tiny screws. Step-by-step repair and installation guides Q&A forum with more than 100,000 problems solved Tools designed by repair professionals especially for electronics repair A community of repair pros from around the world that share knowledge, tips, and tricks World-class customer support
Review
★★★★★ What the 54 bit kit should've been! And new findings with a particular bit! Verified Purchase Being as though this item isn't in stock with Amazon at the time of this review I ended up buying mine directly from iFixit. I already love their 54 bit kit, but wasn't too fond of the aluminum driver with rubber o-rings, big hands make things a bit tedious to work with a slippery driver. This new 64 bit kit knocks the older one out of the park with the updated driver, the casing, bit placement, and added selection of bits. While noticing some slight changes in a particular bit, read more for details. For starters I love the new packaging, it gave me the experience that I was opening a brand new cell phone, this is a box I will definitely be keeping to the side. Also, their brand new aluminum driver, which has knurling near the tip for better traction when having to tighten up and loosen those stubborn yet delicate screws. I love the three sided profiling of the driver near the mid section which also operates as an anti-roll feature, it also allows you to get a real purchase on the driver. It reminds me of that Home Depot Husky 8-in-1 screwdriver with the red rotating end cap and gray body model #74501, **sigh** it's such a shame they discontinued that model. Ok, back to this review; and to top it off the rotating end cap of the new iFixit driver is on a ball bearing, allowing even more control when tightening screws! Now the next thing they did with this case had the nerd in me geek out, because they thought of everything when designing this case, its no longer that flimsy plastic dollar store material the 54 bit kit shipped in (sorry iFixit but I'm being honest, and know you guys had to keep cost down. But hardcore geeks want a good looking product too!). For starters they now use magnets to attach the lid to the base of the case. I then thought hmm, magnets, wouldn't the lid come off if inadvertently nudged? Nope! they added a small lip on the inside of the case to prevent that from happening! So being intrigued that they paid that much attention to detail I was like ok iFixit you guys have my attention. Especially with something so minuscule as the added lip to prevent the lid from slipping off; if magnets lost contact. So, when you open the case up there is a grid like pattern on the inside of the lid which can also be used as a screw/parts tray, and if that's not your thing you can then attach the lid to the bottom of the case with, guess what! more magnets! so now everything serves a purpose! I also love the way the bits are now presented, its akin to how their Macro Bit kit is setup. No more rubber inserts with five other bits attached to the one you're only looking for. Now you have the bit type and its size embossed into EVA foam for a much neater and professional look. I also believe taking this route allowed the 64 bit kit and overall 2016 pro tech tool kit to be a lot shorter than its predecessor, by using EVA foam they essentially have a blank canvas to work with, assign bits to their allocated spots and not have to deal with the restraints and unnecessary material brought on by using the rubber inserts that the 54 bit kit utilized. And lastly the quality of the bits are what you'd expect from iFixit they are made from 6150 tool steel, the security bits have perfectly centered holes, the bits have an outstanding finish and hold up to the task! Also backed by their lifetime warranty makes it a no brainer to add to your set of tools. Buy it once buy it for life! Ok, I'm pretty much a stickler when it comes to my tools and their quality, if something is as not it should be I will not hesitate to pick up the phone and express my concerns. Now that I've had this 64 bit kit for some time now, and have used it and have been able to make comparisons to other products that I own, here are my findings. The pentalobe bits in this 64 bit kit are actually spot on as they should be! I compared the pentalobe bits in this 64 bit kit to several of my Wiha products and other iFixit products that I own, such as their 54 bit kit, and their Pro-Tech Screwdriver kit. I can honestly say the pentalobe bits in the 64 bit kit are how they should be. When comparing this 64 bit kit to my Wiha products they were pretty much on par with the machining, as far as the pentalobe bit having round edges and a nice fit, as those of you who pay attention to detail like myself should know the pentalobe bit has rounded edges, not pointed like a torx. I compare them to lilly pads. So after noticing they finally fixed this matter with the bits I then compared the 64 bit kit to my 54 bit kit and noticed the pentalobe bits were different. The 54 bit kit pentalobe bits had more of a sharper edge, something similar to a torx bit, minus one tooth of course. So I then said ok, lets take a look at the Pro-Tech Screwdriver set, and those were as they should be, the pentalobe bits were rounded and not pointed. If you look in my uploaded images you can see the three pentalobe bits and how rounded the edges are. ***MORE INSIGHT TO 6150 TOOL STEEL*** After taking some time to find what 6150 tool steel is all about, I managed to come across this site (...) and here's an excerpt from the page: "The 6150 grade has chromium and vanadium added to import greater impact hardness. This grade has low distortion properties and is easily heat treated and will harden to C-55 ' C-58 Rockwell range." I then thought well a HRC (Rockwell Hardness of steel measured on the C scale) of 55-58 cant be that bad as S30V steel has about the same rockwell range, and is considered to be a premium steel for knives (...) offered by brands like Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, and even Kershaw to name a few. So after finding this out, it really got my gears going, and I came across Wihas website (...) where they state their bits are at a HRC of 59-61. Now this is not to bash iFixit, but to line them up in comparison with a well known trusted and reputable brand. So if you cant afford the higher end Wiha tools, or cant justify their prices then I'd highly suggest the iFixit line of tools as from my perspective they're the next best thing in line. Way to go iFixit! This one is a winner!   ★★★★★ Precisely crafted bits with TONS of longevity Verified Purchase You wouldn't think it matters... one screwdriver bit is as good as the next, right? NOT EVEN REMOTELY THE CASE!!! This is my second iFixIt screwdriver set in three years. The first one was beaten to hell and people walked away with a lot of my bits... and two months ago I purchased a very highly rated; no name brand bit kit that was almost exactly like the last iFixit kit that I had, but as usual, they were sub-par. I don't know where iFixit gets their bits made, or if its just a simple matter of them having extremely high standards of their manufacturer, but these bits are ... PRECISE ... for lack of a better word ... and I can't quite explain how amazing it is using bits like this compared to cheaper brands other than to say that the difference is absolutely noticeable... you wont strip a head on a screw EVER with these bits as long as you're using the right one for the job. And they have longevity ... after three years of hard daily use on my last set, they still worked as good as they did on the first day. Do you pay ten bucks more for this set over the generic crap? ABSOLUTELY! Is it worth three times that price? YOU BET!!! Paying the extra ten bucks should not even be a consideration if you're looking to buy something like this ... it's just a no-brainer ... don't even hesitate, just get them. I promise you that you will not be disappointed ... not even a little.   ★★★★★ I love using this tool set Verified Purchase I needed to replace the disk reader in my Wii - unfortunately there are several tri-wing screws in the Wii so I bought a less expensive set of "security bits". The only problem with the less expensive set is that they were 1/4" bits and wouldn't reach into some of the holes in the Wii case. I wish I would have bought this set to start with - here's why: 1) The bits are smaller and have long, narrow shafts to reach into screws at hard to reach places 2) The top of the case has little dividers so that you can put your screws and other parts into separate sections so if you put them into the compartments in the order that you remove them then reassembly becomes much easier because you don't have to try and find which screw goes where - they are all laid out in order for you. 3) The high-density foam that holds the bits in place makes the bits visible, easy to remove and replace. 4) The driver has a good feel to it. 5) The bits are high quality, precision bits. 6) There is a good variety of bits that should handle most electronic repair needs This is the same set that comes with the iFixIt Pro Tech tool kit but at half the price (but it doesn't include the spudgers, anti-static wrist strap, tweezers, and some other tools that you may already have). It is a pleasure to work with this tool set. If you are working on electronic devices I suggest getting this set instead of one of the less expensive 1/4" bit sets because sooner or later (in my case MUCH sooner) you will find the 1/4" bits are just too fat for what you need. The organizer tray cover alone makes it worth getting this set. You can tell that the people who designed this set actually repair things and made a set that makes it so that you can focus on fixing things and not have to worry about your tools.   ★★★★★ Best screwdriver kit for small electronics, period. Verified Purchase I couldn't be more pleased with this kit. I'll address each part: Case - The magnets combined with the interlocking ridge along the edge hold the lid firmly in place without making it difficult to remove. The grid molded into the underside of the lid makes it an excellent tray for small screws. - If you need to step away from your project and want to keep the screws from getting accidentally scattered, the lid can be attached to the rear of the main case. - The high-quality foam liner holds the tools tightly without making them difficult to remove and replace. Handle - Retains bits securely without making them difficult to change. - Very nicely machined, with no rough edges and knurling that's easy to grip without being overly aggressive. - The top swivel isn't just a crimped-on piece of pot metal or cheap plastic. It is a machined, bead blasted and anodized piece of aluminum riding on a BEARING. Flex Shaft - Sturdy, with free-spinning collars on each end. - The input and output sockets are machined to the same high standards as the handle. - The bit holder on the shaft uses a spring clip to retain the bits, rather than a magnet. It seems like a downgrade at first, but then you realize it hold the bit much tighter than the magnet in the handle, reducing the chance of it getting left behind in a place you can't get your fingers into. Bits - Machined (not sintered) from proper tool steel, then coated to prevent corrosion. - Torx range starts at T2 where most start at T3. - JIS bits are the miracle you didn't know you needed. All those tiny Phillips screws that you've been stripping out? Those are JIS. You're welcome. On top of all this, iFixit provides a lifetime warranty. You just can't beat it.   ★★★★★ Perfect for Nintendo Switch Verified Purchase Bought this kit specifically for replacing the backplate on my Nintendo Switch, and it worked fabulously. There is some misinformation out there as to what size screwdrivers you need, and this kit has the correct Y000 triwing bit. Also, if you're anything like me and bought a cheaper kit that did not have the correct bit size and stripped out your screws partially, this kit also has the Y00 triwing bit which I could use to still take out and put back in those stripped screws. The kit also has the correct sized Phillips head bit you will need. The build quality is great, the foam handle on the screwdriver is awesome for carefully gripping those tiny screws, and the underside of the case lid has a little checkerboard design that you can use to keep the different screws that you take out separated from each other to eliminate user error when reassembling. So in short, save your time, money, and sanity and get this kit if you are working on your Switch.   ★★★★★ I kinda just feel fancy when i use it. Verified Purchase Quality tools and I probably should have just purchased the giant set, but this one include pretty much everything you need for general repair of toys and electronics. Even some PC repair and maintenance. Just got tired of buying cheaper sets that either fail due to softer bits, or included 5 of the same size of a certain bit when i needed the size up/down. The only problem i've ever had is when i'm trying to open up something with screws down in deep narrow holes where even the extension is too wide to get the bit where I need it. I'm sure they have a tool for this and I'll gladly buy it when I get tired enough of finding myself in that situation.   ★★★★★ A near-perfect kit, far better than any of the alternatives! Verified Purchase This kit quite literally has everything I've ever wanted in precision screwdrivers. I own 30+ precision screwdrivers of a variety of types, and up until now they all had one thing in common: they're terrible. Most are cheaply made and have tips that bend or wear rapidly with use, are uncomfortable, have small handles (often made of cheap plastic) and the top pressure rest either binds with the rest of the handle or is immensely uncomfortable or both. When I first came across the iFixit interchangeable bit precision screwdriver (from another iFixit kit) I realized right away that this was hands down the best precision driver I'd ever used. The handle is comfortable, all rotating parts are smooth, the weight is good in your hand, the grip solid without being uncomfortable, and the slender magnetic bit holder minimizes the working radius at the tip (allowing it to still get into tight places!). The bits are well built and will last, precision made out of quality steel (not the cheap stuff I've gotten from bit kits in the past). The variety of bits in this case is fantastic - everything you need for any project (and more!). I primarily bought it for the pentalobe and the torx bits, but its collection is big enough that I shouldn't need to buy any additional bits for that one random time when you encounter the strange headed screw. The rest of this kit is a pleasure to use. The case is solid, and clips shut using magnets at the corners (a pleasant surprise). And it's really convenient that it becomes a parts tray to keep the screws wrangled. The bits are presented in a foam insert with engraved symbols and lettering to help you remember which bit goes where (and what you might be missing...), in addition to being engraved on the bits themselves. The included flexible extension is fantastic, and has the same smoothness of rotation as the handle with two spinning grips (one at the top, one at the bottom) to extend the overall kit capability. The angled presentation of the bits is surprisingly nice, being both visually appealing and useful in the sense that it's easier to find the bit you're looking for. I've even found that while working on a project I can replace a bit I'm still using into the case and simply angle it the other way so that it doesn't get lost and I can grab it out again quickly. I don't know if it was designed with that in mind, but it's convenient. There are a couple of basic 'normal size' bits included that work with this handle so that you're not left in the cold for other small screwing projects with less precise screws if this is the only thing on hand, but larger screwdrivers are probably better for that (though these bits can likely go places full-size bits in a normal interchangeable screwdriver can't). The included adaptor for normal size bits to these size bits (that allow these bits to be used in a larger interchangeable screwdriver) will work, but isn't great because it lacks an internal magnet. All things considered, I would seriously recommend this kit to anyone in need of a solid set of precision screwdrivers. Don't settle for the plastic crap; I regret every single precision driver I've bought before discovering this kit.   ★★★★★ Are you kidding me? You haven't bought one yet... Just get one NOW!!! Verified Purchase Seriously, I have been repairing small electronics for decades now, over 30 dang years, and I will say this is probably the best deal and collection you can get for simple to even complicated repairs. It has a crapload of bits, but essentially everything you will need as opposed to the next larger offering, though I am still considering getting that for my dungeon downstairs. I keep this upstairs literally in the kitchen since a lot of promptu repairs occur at the dining room table, but I have not been let down. This is top notch/quality material and manufacturing. It not only feels comfortable but is very strong and bits do not let go of screws. It has a great deal of bits too, 64 in fact. It pretty much covers all the phone and laptop screws you will encounter and even has some socket ones too. Nice touch. The flex shaft i have yet to use as the regular screwdriver/handle for the bits is quite perfect size/length IMHO. I literally have no gripes about this set, and that is a rarity for me. Ifixit has astonished me each time I get a tool from them(or set). I bought the first set they had(that I was aware of) with the actual screwdrivers for each type of screw including torx. I used the heck outta that one, as it came with a type of synthetic fiber wrap up with velcro and pockets for each driver. It has stood the test of time, and the only thing you can discern its age by is the incriptions identifying the different types since I have essentially worn them all off, except for a few. I knew that this set was going to be special with that one preserving itself so well. For real though. GET ONE(or two). You will not regret it... Especially for the price and prime shipping LOL!!!   ★★★★★ Top Quality Precision Screwdriver Set Verified Purchase There were many precision screwdriver sets to choose from on Amazon, but I'm glad I decided on the iFixit Mako Driver Kit. The lid is ingeniously magnetized onto the case, and it stays on tightly. The driver handle and flexible extension are top quality, as are all of the included 64 bits. Although made in China, you can tell that the company has high standards for production. When I bought the kit, I thought the bits were held in place by being pushed into some styrofoam in the case, because that's how it looked to me in the photos. I was more than pleasantly surprised when I saw that each bit was held in place by actually being magnetized to a metal plate that runs under the styrofoam. And it's not really styrofoam -- it's more like a hard plastic/rubber/foam insert. It will definitely stand up to years of use. This is a beautiful kit. It costs more than most, but I think it will be worth it.   ★★★★★ Don't cheap out on tools Verified Purchase I like trying to fix my electronics myself. Easier than ever with cheap parts on Amazon and numerous how-to videos. This tool set is exactly what I needed. I've purchased several cheap tools to get a one off job done, like replace a cell phone screen or fix the track pad on a mac pro and I've always thought that the tools kinda sucked but they got the job done. I needed a P2 pentalobe driver to take apart my current phone to try to fix the GPS and was about to purchase another cheap tool when I remembered my recent struggles trying to unscrew a link on my watch to adjust the bracelet because the cheap precision screwdriver was so crappy. Enough is enough. I am very happy with this set. It's reasonably priced, has all the bits I'll ever need, and is even guaranteed for life. The bit driver is excellent and the bits work 100x better than the cheap stuff. I should have purchased this a long time ago...   See more reviews
Custom Questions & answers
Question: will it work on 32 bits computers as well? Answer: No. These are for the more modern 64-bit computers. The reason other posters have not mentioned is because there are a total of 64 bits, or pieces. 32-bit computers use kits that have just 32 bits. You need the smaller version of this kit for those.   Question: Hi, made of which materials? Answer: Hi Kasandra! Here are the compositional materials for the kit. 4 mm Bit Material: S2 Steel Bit Driver Material: Anodized Aluminum Bit Case Material: Recycled ABS Bit Case Foam Material: EVA Flexible Extension: Rubber Composite Let us know if we can further assist and thanks again for your interest. Happy Fixing!   Question: Is the driver handle ALL metal in this kit, unlike the cheap plastic one that comes in their other kits? Answer: The driver handle in this kit is indeed all metal--more specifically, aluminum.   Question: Does this have Security torx bits? Answer: It has Torx Security #'s TR6, TR7, TR8, TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20 and TR25 only.   Question: Does warranty cover stripped or snapped driver bits? Answer: Yes, as long as it occurs under normal/intended use.   Question: How sturdy is the tray that holds the bits? (Example: Do I have to worry about them falling out accidentally) Answer: It is a foam based tray, so the bits stay in place, even if you turn the tray upside down. They won't fall even if you shake the tray while upside down. Also the lid is held in place by magnets. Very nice tool set. Just get it!   Question: Are the bits hardened for this price? Answer: Yes they are hardened   Question: Why are these so expensive??? Answer: It's ultimately decided by market forces and our E-commerce team regarding pricing. One thing to consider is that items listed on Amazon have different costs and fees associated with their listings. Further, items listed on Amazon may be fulfilled by a warehouse with different fees than the items fulfilled from our primary warehouse located in California. We do our best to offer affordable prices where we can, but it's ultimately decided by a combination of factors, such as supplier vetting and production, iFixit quality assurance, lifetime warranty for every component of the kit, comprehensive, US-based and EU-based customer support, market supply and market demand.   Question: isn't the flex extension supposed to be magnetic? Answer: It uses an internal wire spring clip (fits in those notches you see on the end)...works well. The only time it doesn't work so well is if you happen to have a strong magnet that you brush up against and it may like the bit more than the extension does. One good thing about these not-top-quality screw bits is that they will take a magnetic charge a little better, so you can magnetize and demagnetize them as needed, if it matters when you need the flex.   Question: Will the nut drivers allow clearance for tightening nuts on raspberry pis (3b+ in particular)? many cluster kits involve this function. tia Answer: You probably already figured this out by now but yes, these nut drivers are super thin-walled and will fit just fine with normal hex washer head screws. There is one hole that has a cap alarmingly close to it, so be careful on that corner. I don't think you could grind these bits appreciably any thinner if you wanted to try - very good. They're about the same as the ones in the Tekton kit if you're familiar with those (these may be just a smidgen thinner and they are nicer quality than the Tekton).   See more questions