Segmented bit holder and driving tool including the same

Abstract

A driving tool may include a first screwdriver having a first hexagonal opening at a first end, a second hexagonal opening at a second end, and a first magnet disposed between the first hexagonal opening and the second hexagonal opening, and a second screwdriver having a third hexagonal opening at a third end, a fourth hexagonal opening at a fourth end, and a second magnet disposed between the third hexagonal opening and the fourth hexagonal opening. The first magnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force from the first screwdriver to the second screwdriver to couple the first and second screwdrivers together.

Description

[0001] SEGMENTED BIT HOLDER AND DRIVING TOOL INCLUDING THE SAME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to bit holder devices such as screwdrivers or other tools for applying torque to fasteners.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Driving tools, such as screw drivers, often have a drive end that includes a conventional interface for providing drive energy to a fastener (e.g., a screw). Thus, for example, the drive end may have a standard interface such as a flat-head, Phillips-head, hex-head, torx-head, slotted-head, star, etc., that is inserted into a fastener such as a screw so that torque can be applied to the driving tool and transferred to the screw. These standard interfaces may often also come in various different sizes, which creates a relatively large number of potential shapes that need to be accounted for when considering what tool to use to drive a particular fastener since the best fit is likely to produce the best results and avoid stripping the screw. In the more recent past, individual drive ends have been manufactured with hex shafts that essentially can be used as bits or bit heads that are insertable into a hex receiver on a driving tool (e.g., screw driver) or may even be inserted into a drill or other powered driving device.

[0006] These bits are, while quite useful, also relatively small and can be easy to lose or misplace. Moreover, the screwdrivers that are made to interface with these bits tend to be relatively large and heavy, and the storage of the screwdriver may be separate from the bits thereby complicating the finding of each when a job is to be done. Thus, it may be desirable to provide an improved design that is just as convenient in terms of the ability to provide the ability to switch out drive ends with different characteristics, but that is also lighter and provides for storage and reconfiguration that is easy and intuitive.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0008] According to some example embodiments, an example driving tool is provided. The driving tool may include a first screwdriver having a first hexagonal opening at a first end, a second hexagonal opening at a second end, and a first magnet disposed between the first hexagonal opening and the second hexagonal opening, and a second screwdriver having a third hexagonal opening at a third end, a fourth hexagonal opening at a fourth end, and a second magnet disposed between the third hexagonal opening and the fourth hexagonal opening. The first magnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force from the first screwdriver to the second screwdriver to couple the first and second screwdrivers together.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, a driving tool may be provided. The driving tool may include a first bit holder segment having a first sleeve segment defining a first cylindrical body and including a first driving channel and a first stacking channel disposed opposite the first driving channel, where the first bit holder segment further includes a first magnet disposed in the first sleeve segment to retain a first bit having a driving head retained in the first driving channel. The driving tool may further include a second bit holder segment having a second sleeve segment defining a second cylindrical body and including a third driving channel and a fourth stacking channel disposed opposite the third driving channel, where the second bit holder segment further includes a second magnet disposed in the sleeve segment to retain a second bit having a second driving head retained in the second driving channel. The first and second sleeve segments may be combinable to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener. The other of the second bit or the first bit may operably couple the first and second sleeve segments together and transfer torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

[0010] According to another example embodiment, a method of making a driving tool may be provided. The method may include forming a first sleeve segment comprising a first cylindrical body and a first magnet to retain a first bit, forming a second sleeve segment comprising a second cylindrical body and a second magnet to retain a second bit, forming a driving channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments, forming a stacking channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments opposite the driving channel, and combining the first and second sleeve segments to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener. The other of the second bit or the first bit operably couples the first and second sleeve segments together and transfers torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0012] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a segmented bit holder according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the segmented bit holder of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the segmented bit holder of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a segmented bit holder having a slot for receiving a magnet according to an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section view through the segmented bit holder of FIG. 4 with a plug retaining the magnet in the slot according to an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section view through the segmented bit holder of FIG. 4 without both the plug and the magnet in the slot according to an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a driving tool according to an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a multi-part segment sleeve according to an example embodiment; and

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a method of forming a driving tool according to an example embodiment.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0023] As indicated above, it may be desirable to provide an improved design for employment of bits of different types and shapes into a convenient and cost efficient driving tool. Example embodiments may provide such an improvement by virtue of a segmented bit holder design. In this regard, the design may include individual segments that are easy to manufacture (e.g., via molding of resin or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which may be fiberglass reinforced in some cases), and that are designed to both hold individual bits and allow stacking with other segments. The stacking of the segments forms a driving tool of variable length with the length depending on the number of segments stacked. The segments each include a driving channel and a stacking channel at opposite ends thereof aligned with each other coaxially. The driving channel receives a driving bit oriented with the bit head outward and ready to engage a fastener (e.g., a screw head). The stacking channel receives the bit head of an adjacent segment and effectively combines the two segments together such that the two segments form a handle for the driving tool with the driving head of the forward-most one of the segments being exposed for driving with respect to the fastener. In some cases, the segments may include therein, an embedded magnet that assists in retaining the segments in connection with each other by magnetically attracting the driving head of the rearwardly positioned driving head (i.e., the driving head in the stacking channel) for retention in the stacking channel. Other segments may be similarly added to extend the length of the handle. Any number of segments may be added for storage and / or usage. The combination of features described herein provides the unique capability to create a general purpose driving tool that stores bits conveniently in an easy to manufacture form that also provides unique stacking capabilities that can perform well in numerous different contexts. Some structures that can employ example embodiments will now be described below by way of example and not limitation.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a bit holder segment 100 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the bit holder segment 100 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a cross section view taken along a longitudinal axis of the bit holder segment 100. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that the bit holder segment 100 may include a bit 110 that includes a driving head 112 and a shaft 114. The shaft 114 may be hex shaped (i.e., have a hex shaped transverse cross section) although other shapes are possible. The shaft 114 may further include a base portion 116 that is received in a segment sleeve 120 of the bit holder segment 100. The driving head 112 of this example has a Phillips head. However, as noted above, the driving head 112 could have any of multiple different shapes (e.g., flat-head, Phillips-head, hex-head, torx-head, slotted-head, star, etc.) and sizes, so the driving head 112 shown is merely one example.

[0025] Turning more specifically to details of the reception of the bit 110 in the bit holder segment 100, the base portion 116 (and sometimes also other portions of the shaft 114) may be received in a driving channel 122 formed along a longitudinal centerline of the segment sleeve 120. The driving channel 122 may be formed to have a hex shaped transverse cross section that is slightly larger in width than a width of the base portion 116 such that the base portion 116 fits relatively snugly inside the driving channel 122. Moreover, the driving channel 122 may have a depth measured from a first end 124 of the segment sleeve 120 that is at least equal to a length of the base portion 116 and, in this example, is actually deeper than the length of the base portion 116.

[0026] On an opposite side of the segment sleeve 120, a stacking channel 126 may be formed, and the stacking channel 126 may be formed to have a hex shaped transverse cross section that is also slightly larger in width than the width of the base portion 116 (and shaft 114) of the bit 110 such that the base portion 116 and shaft 114 of the bit 110 also fit relatively snugly inside the stacking channel 126. Moreover, the stacking channel 126 may have a depth measured from a second end 128 of the segment sleeve 120 that is at least as long as a length of the driving head 112 and a portion of the shaft 114. The stacking channel 126 is provided to engage and retain the driving head 112 and the shaft 114 of a next instance of the bit holder segment 100 in order to bind multiple instances of the bit holder segment 100 to form a driving tool.

[0027] The segment sleeve 120 may be a cylindrical body that extends from the first end 124 to the second end 128. The cylindrical body may be made of resin that, in some cases, is reinforced with fiberglass. The segment sleeve 120 may therefore be injection molded in some cases. The stacking of multiple instances of the bit holder segment 100 via the respective instances of the bits 110 of each of the bit holder segments 100 is facilitated by the conformal nature of the bits 110 with each of its own driving channel 122 and the stacking channel 126 of an adjacent bit of an adjacent instance of the bit holder segment 100.

[0028] In some embodiments, the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 may be one continuous channel of the same width, extending entirely through the segment sleeve 120 from the first end 124 to the second end 128 along the longitudinal centerline of the segment sleeve 120. Moreover, in some embodiments, the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 may be formed by a single machining operation involving material removal from the segment sleeve 120. However, the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 may also be formed (either as one channel or two) in the molding process.

[0029] In an example embodiment, an embedded magnet 130 may also be included in the segment sleeve 120. The magnet 130 may be disposed at any desirable point along the length of the segment sleeve 120 between the first and second ends 124 and 128. Thus, for example, in some cases, the magnet 130 may be disposed at a longitudinal midpoint of the segment sleeve 120, and therefore may be half way between the first end 124 and the second end 128. In such an example, the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 may have substantially equal lengths on opposite sides of the magnet 130. However, other examples may provide the magnet 130 closer to the first end 124, and therefore shorten the driving channel 122 relative to the length of the stacking channel 126. The amount of the bit 110 that is to be exposed from the driving channel 122 will dictate how long the stacking channel 126 must be, and therefore also dictate the positioning of the magnet 130 (i.e., to achieve the corresponding lengths of the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122).

[0030] The magnet 130 may be molded into the segment sleeve 120 in some cases. In this regard, the magnet 130 may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical body of the segment sleeve 120, and may be centered within the segment sleeve 120 relative to lateral sides of the segment sleeve 120 to be coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the segment sleeve 120. The magnet 130 of FIG. 3 is shown to include a hollow center (e.g., opening 132). The hollow center may allow formation of the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 as one continuous channel after molding (e.g., via one machining operation) that passes through the opening 132. However, given that the stacking channel 126 and the driving channel 122 may be separately formed, the magnet 130 of some embodiments may not have the hollow center, and may instead have a relatively short (in axial length) but otherwise continuous cylindrical shape.

[0031] The magnet 130 may be molded into the segment sleeve 120 as noted above. However, in other examples, the segment sleeve 120 may have a slot 200 cut into a side of the segment sleeve 120. The magnet 130 may be inserted into the slot 200 and a plug 210 may cover the slot 200 and retain the magnet 130 therein as shown in FIG. 4. Meanwhile, FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross section views from the side perspective with the magnet 130 and plug 210 installed (FIG. 5) and removed (FIG. 6) to further demonstrate the location and positioning of the slot 200, the plug 210, and the magnet 130 according to an example embodiment.

[0032] Although the relatively tight fit of the base portion 116 in the driving channel 122 may facilitate holding the bit 110 in retained contact with the segment sleeve 120, the magnet 130 also attracts the base portion 116 toward the magnet 130. The additional attraction force provided by the magnet 130 may also ensure that if the driving channel 122 wears over time and the connection with the base portion 116 loosens as a result, there will be no noticeable reduction in the ability of the driving channel 122 to retain the bit 110 therein due to the attractive force of the magnet 130 to the base portion 116. The magnet 130 will also attract and facilitate retention of the driving head 112 and shaft 114 of a next instance of the bit holder segment 100 in the stacking channel 126 to bind multiple segments together to define a driving tool.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates multiple bit holder segments (e.g., a first bit holder segment 300, a second bit holder segment 310, and a third bit holder segment 330) forming a driving tool 340. The first bit holder segment 300 has a first bit 302 that is exposed and available for driving a fastener. The second bit holder segment 310 has a second bit 312 that is received inside an instance of the driving channel 122 of the second bit holder segment 310, and inside an instance of the stacking channel 126 of the first bit holder segment 300. Notably, the second bit 312 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6 since it is not visible. The dashed lines simply represent where the second bit 312 generally lies within the first bit holder segment 300. The third bit holder segment 320 has a third bit 322 that is received inside an instance of the driving channel 122 of the third bit holder segment 320, and inside an instance of the stacking channel 126 of the second bit holder segment 310. Notably, the third bit 322 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6 since it is (like the second bit 312) also not visible. The dashed lines simply represent where the third bit 322 generally lies within the second bit holder segment 310.

[0034] Each of the first, second and third bit holder segments 300, 310 and 320 includes a corresponding instance of the segment sleeve 120 described above. The combination of the first, second and third bit holder segments 300, 310 and 320 to form the driving tool 340 effectively employs the combined instances of the segment sleeve 120 to form a handle of the driving tool 340. To facilitate gripping of the handle of the driving tool 340 external surfaces of the segment sleeve 120 may be provided with a surface treatment (e.g., ribs, grooves, or other rough or uneven surface features). Moreover, in some cases, the surface treatment may be provided on or as a reinforcement jacket 400, which may extend around an outer circumference of the cylindrical body of the segment sleeve, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, which shows a cross section view of an alternative design for a segment sleeve 410, the segment sleeve 410 may include a first portion 412 and a second portion 414. The first and second portions 412 and 414 may be molded or otherwise formed separately of durable materials including metals, and may thereafter be welded, screwed, glued, clamped or otherwise affixed together after insertion of magnet 420 into a space dividing driving channel 422 from stacking channel 426. In some embodiments, the reinforcement jacket 400 may be provided to clamp, or otherwise assist in holding, the first and second portions 412 and 414 together. The reinforcement j acket 400 may also be magnetized in some cases to further assist in attracting and holding bits in the dividing driving channel 422 and / or the stacking channel 426. Although the reinforcement j acket 400 is shown in FIG. 7 to extend around the outer circumference of the cylindrical body portion of the segment sleeve 410, reinforcement could be provided internally. Thus, for example, reinforcement bars 430 may be inserted inside the cylindrical body portion of the segment sleeve 410 to add to the rigidity and strength of the segment sleeve 410. Like the reinforcement jacket 400, the reinforcement bars 430 may be magnetized to improve the ability of the segment sleeve 410 to attract and hold bits in the dividing driving channel 422 and / or the stacking channel 426. The reinforcement bars 430 of some embodiments may be disposed to reinforce the driving channel 422 and / or stacking channel 426. Thus, for example, the driving channel 422 and / or stacking channel 426 may be lined with reinforcing metal to strengthen the part when torque is applied.

[0036] The segments sleeves 120 and 410 shown in FIGS. 1-8 may be varied in certain ways in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. However, FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of one example method of making a driving tool in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the method may include forming a first sleeve segment comprising a first cylindrical body and a first magnet to retain a first bit at operation 500, forming a second sleeve segment comprising a second cylindrical body and a second magnet to retain a second bit at operation 510, forming a driving channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments at operation 520, forming a stacking channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments opposite the driving channel at operation 530, and combining the first and second sleeve segments to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener at operation 540. The other of the second bit or the first bit operably couples the first and second sleeve segments together and transfers torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

[0037] Although not required, the method described above may be modified, or additional operations may be included. Some example modifications are described below, and may be combined with each other in any suitable combination. In this regard, for example, forming the first sleeve segment may include molding the first sleeve segment with the first magnet therein dividing the driving channel from the stacking channel. In an example embodiment, forming the first sleeve segment may include molding the first sleeve segment and machining a slot into which the first magnet is inserted to divide the driving channel from the stacking channel. In some cases, forming the driving channel and the stacking channel each may include machining a hexagonal opening in the first and second sleeve segments. In an example embodiment, machining the hexagonal opening may include machining the hexagonal opening through an opening in the first magnet.

[0038] Some example embodiments may therefore provide a driving tool. The driving tool may include a first bit holder segment having a first sleeve segment defining a first cylindrical body and including a first driving channel and a first stacking channel disposed opposite the first driving channel, where the first bit holder segment further includes a first magnet disposed in the first sleeve segment to retain a first bit having a driving head retained in the first driving channel. The driving tool may further include a second bit holder segment having a second sleeve segment defining a second cylindrical body and including a third driving channel and a fourth stacking channel disposed opposite the third driving channel, where the second bit holder segment further includes a second magnet disposed in the sleeve segment to retain a second bit having a second driving head retained in the second driving channel. The first and second sleeve segments may be combinable to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener. The other of the second bit or the first bit may operably couple the first and second sleeve segments together and transfer torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

[0039] The driving tool of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the driving tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the first bit may include a first shaft received and retained in the first driving channel, the second bit may include a second shaft received and retained in the second driving channel, and the first and second bit holder segments may be combinable such that the second driving head is received and retained in the first stacking channel with the first driving head exposed to drive a fastener, or such that the first driving head is received and retained in the second stacking channel with the second driving head exposed to drive the fastener. In an example embodiment, the first magnet divides the first driving channel from the first stacking channel and attracts the first bit, and the second magnet divides the second driving channel from the second stacking channel and attracts the second bit. In some cases, the first sleeve segment may further include a third magnet disposed to extend parallel to the first driving channel and the first stacking channel in the first sleeve segment, and the second sleeve segment may further include a fourth magnet disposed to extend parallel to the second driving channel and the second stacking channel in the first sleeve segment. In an example embodiment, the first magnet may be disposed to extend parallel to the first driving channel and the first stacking channel in the first sleeve segment, and the second magnet may be disposed to extend parallel to the second driving channel and the second stacking channel in the first sleeve segment. In some cases, the first sleeve segment may include a first portion including the first driving channel and a second portion including the first stacking channel, the second sleeve segment may include a third portion including the second driving channel and a fourth portion including the second stacking channel, the first and second portions may be joined together to enclose the first magnet, and the third and fourth portions may be joined together to enclose the second magnet. In an example embodiment, a first reinforcement jacket may extend around an outer circumference of the first sleeve segment, and a second reinforcement jacket may extend around an outer circumference of the second sleeve segment. In some cases, the first magnet may be molded into the first sleeve segment and the second magnet may be molded into the second sleeve segment. In an example embodiment, the first magnet may be disposed in a slot formed in a sidewall of the first sleeve segment, and a plug may retain the first magnet in the slot. In some cases, the first and second bits may each define a different type or size of driving head.

[0040] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A driving tool comprising: a first screwdriver having a first hexagonal opening at a first end, a second hexagonal opening at a second end, and a first magnet disposed between the first hexagonal opening and the second hexagonal opening; and a second screwdriver having a third hexagonal opening at a third end, a fourth hexagonal opening at a fourth end, and a second magnet disposed between the third hexagonal opening and the fourth hexagonal opening, wherein the first magnet is configured to apply a magnetic force from the first screwdriver to the second screwdriver to couple the first and second screwdrivers together.

2. The driving tool of claim 1, wherein the first screwdriver comprises a first bit including a first shaft and a first driving head, the first shaft being received and retained in the first hexagonal opening, and wherein the second screwdriver comprises a second bit including a second shaft and a second driving head, the second shaft being received and retained in the third hexagonal opening.

3. The driving tool of claim 2, wherein the first magnet divides the first and second hexagonal openings and attracts both the first and second bits, and wherein the second magnet divides the third and fourth hexagonal openings and attracts the second bit.

4. The driving tool of claim 3, wherein the first and second screwdrivers are combinable such that the second driving head is received and retained in the second hexagonal opening with the first driving head exposed to drive a fastener, or such that the first driving head is received and retained in the fourth hexagonal opening with the second driving head exposed to drive the fastener.

5. The driving tool of claim 4, wherein the first and second bits each define a different type or size of driving head.

6. The driving tool of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth hexagonal openings each have a same diameter.

7. A driving tool comprising: a first bit holder segment having a first sleeve segment defining a first cylindrical body and including a first driving channel and a first stacking channel disposed opposite the first driving channel, the first bit holder segment further comprising a first magnet disposed in the first sleeve segment to retain a first bit having a driving head retained in the first driving channel; and a second bit holder segment having a second sleeve segment defining a second cylindrical body and including a third driving channel and a fourth stacking channel disposed opposite the third driving channel, the second bit holder segment further comprising a second magnet disposed in the sleeve segment to retain a second bit having a second driving head retained in the second driving channel, wherein the first and second sleeve segments are combinable to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener, and wherein the other of the second bit or the first bit operably couples the first and second sleeve segments together and transfers torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

8. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first bit comprises a first shaft received and retained in the first driving channel, wherein the second bit comprises a second shaft received and retained in the second driving channel, and wherein the first and second bit holder segments are combinable such that the second driving head is received and retained in the first stacking channel with the first driving head exposed to drive a fastener, or such that the first driving head is received and retained in the second stacking channel with the second driving head exposed to drive the fastener.

9. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first magnet divides the first driving channel from the first stacking channel and attracts the first bit, and wherein the second magnet divides the second driving channel from the second stacking channel and attracts the second bit.

10. The driving tool of claim 9, wherein the first sleeve segment further comprises a third magnet disposed to extend parallel to the first driving channel and the first stacking channel in the first sleeve segment, and wherein the second sleeve segment further comprises a fourth magnet disposed to extend parallel to the second driving channel and the second stacking channel in the first sleeve segment.

11. The driving tool of claim 9, wherein the first magnet is disposed to extend parallel to the first driving channel and the first stacking channel in the first sleeve segment, and wherein the second magnet is disposed to extend parallel to the second driving channel and the second stacking channel in the first sleeve segment.

12. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first sleeve segment comprises a first portion including the first driving channel and a second portion including the first stacking channel, wherein the second sleeve segment comprises a third portion including the second driving channel and a fourth portion including the second stacking channel, wherein the first and second portions are joined together to enclose the first magnet, and wherein the third and fourth portions are joined together to enclose the second magnet.

13. The driving tool of claim 12, wherein a first reinforcement jacket extends around an outer circumference of the first sleeve segment, and wherein a second reinforcement j acket extends around an outer circumference of the second sleeve segment.

14. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first magnet is molded into the first sleeve segment and the second magnet is molded into the second sleeve segment.

15. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first magnet is disposed in a slot formed in a sidewall of the first sleeve segment, and wherein a plug retains the first magnet in the slot.

16. The driving tool of claim 7, wherein the first and second bits each define a different type or size of driving head.

17. A method of making a driving tool, the method comprising: forming a first sleeve segment comprising a first cylindrical body and a first magnet to retain a first bit; forming a second sleeve segment comprising a second cylindrical body and a second magnet to retain a second bit; forming a driving channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments; forming a stacking channel in each of the first and second sleeve segments opposite the driving channel; and combining the first and second sleeve segments to define a handle of the driving tool to expose one of the first bit or the second bit for driving of a fastener, wherein the other of the second bit or the first bit operably couples the first and second sleeve segments together and transfers torque from the handle to the exposed one of the first bit or the second bit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein forming the first sleeve segment comprises molding the first sleeve segment with the first magnet therein dividing the driving channel from the stacking channel.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein forming the first sleeve segment comprises molding the first sleeve segment and machining a slot into which the first magnet is inserted to divide the driving channel from the stacking channel.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the driving channel and the stacking channel each comprise machining a hexagonal opening in the first and second sleeve segments.

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