Buy Nut Drivers Online in Australia
Nut Driver Selection — Quick Reference
Nut drivers — SCREWDRIVER-STYLE handle with SOCKET TIP for HEX nuts + small bolts. Workshop + electrical + HVAC + automotive. Faster than ratchet + socket for small repetitive nut work. Metric + imperial.
| Nut Driver Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Standard Hollow Shaft | Pass through threaded rod |
| Solid Shaft | Heavier nut driving |
| Long Shaft (200mm+) | Deep access |
| Stubby Short Pattern | Tight access |
| Insulated VDE 1000V | Electrical safety |
| T-Handle Nut Driver | Higher torque + comfort |
| Metric Set 4-13mm | Workshop standard range |
| Imperial Set 3/16"-1/2" | US + AS imperial |
Critical: Match SIZE precisely — round-off damage on small nuts is hard to recover. Use HOLLOW SHAFT for threaded rod stud nuts. Brands: Wiha, Stahlwille, Bahco. Companion: screwdrivers, ratchets + sockets, hand tools.
Nut Drivers
A nut driver is a screwdriver-style tool with a hex socket on the end instead of a flat or cross tip — designed to drive small hex bolts and nuts in places a wrench or socket can't easily reach. They're the everyday tool for electrical panel work, electronics assembly, and small-fastener mechanical work. AIMS Industrial stocks nut drivers in metric and imperial sizes from the brands tradespeople trust.
Where nut drivers earn their place
- Electrical panel work — terminals, busbars, and small panel hardware where hex fasteners dominate
- HVAC and refrigeration — sheet metal screws, panel access, and small mechanical fittings
- Electronics assembly and repair — chassis screws, internal hardware, and component mounts
- Automotive interior and trim — small fasteners that don't justify breaking out a socket set
- General light mechanical — quick access where a screwdriver-style grip is faster than a ratchet
The sizes typically stocked
Metric nut drivers cover 4mm to 13mm hex (the common range for small electrical and mechanical hardware). Imperial covers 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Both metric and imperial sets are stocked to suit the work. Hollow-shaft nut drivers (with a through-hole down the shaft) accommodate longer fasteners that protrude past the nut — useful for studs and threaded rod work.
Brands stocked at AIMS
Wiha and Stahlwille for precision and electrical work — VDE-certified versions are essential where the work involves live circuits. Bahco for general trade use. Each brand offers individuals and sets — sets are economical for outfitting a kit, individuals let you replace the size that's seen the most use.
VDE for electrical work
If the nut driver is going to be used near live conductors, it must be VDE-certified to 1000V. The certification covers two-layer insulation, drop testing, and dielectric strength. A standard nut driver in an electrical panel is a serious safety risk — don't substitute.
Magnetic versus non-magnetic tips
Magnetic-tip nut drivers hold the fastener on the tool — the right choice for tight-access work where reaching the fastener with your other hand is difficult. Non-magnetic suits electronics work where stray magnetism could affect components, and applications around relays or magnetic-sensitive instruments.
Set or singles
A 7- to 10-piece nut driver set typically covers the daily-used metric or imperial range. Apprentices generally start with a metric set and add imperial as work demands. We stock both sets and singles, plus storage rolls and racks for organising the kit.
Need help speccing nut drivers for a trade or specific work? contact our team — we'll match brand, size range, and VDE certification needs.
People Also Ask — Nut Drivers
Q: What's a nut driver and when do I use one?
A nut driver is essentially a socket on a screwdriver handle — fixed socket sizes drive small hex-head fasteners, self-tapping screws with hex heads, and small bolts where a full socket and ratchet would be cumbersome. Common workshop sizes 4mm to 14mm. Used in electrical work, electronics assembly, automotive trim, and any application where small hex fasteners need to be driven without ratchet leverage.
Q: Nut driver vs small socket and ratchet — which is faster?
Nut driver is faster for shallow work and confined spaces where rotation needs to be continuous — the screwdriver-style handle spins freely without the ratchet click. A small socket and ratchet has more torque capability but the ratchet handle takes more space. Workshop standard: nut drivers for small fasteners (under M6), small socket and ratchet for larger fasteners or higher torque.
Q: What sizes should be in a nut driver set?
Metric: 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm covers most workshop and electrical needs. Imperial: 1/8 inch, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 inch. Hollow-shaft nut drivers let you drive threaded rod or stud bolt assemblies where the bolt protrudes through the nut. Magnetic-tip nut drivers hold the fastener for one-handed installation.
Q: Are nut drivers safe in electrical work?
Quality insulated nut drivers (typically rated to 1000V AC per IEC 60900) are safe for electrical work up to that voltage. Standard nut drivers are NOT insulated — never use them on live equipment. For electrical service work, specify insulated nut drivers and inspect the insulation regularly for cuts or damage. Damaged insulation invalidates the rating.
Q: Why does my nut driver round off the fastener?
Common causes: wrong size driver (slightly oversized cams the corners), driver socket is worn from heavy use (replace), fastener is corroded or seized (apply penetrant before driving), or excessive force on a worn fastener. For high-torque or seized fasteners, switch to a socket and ratchet for better leverage. Cheap soft-metal nut drivers wear faster than quality hardened steel — premium drivers last for years.