Craftsman 41586 Stubby Screwdriver: A Small Blade with Full-Size Control

Introduction

Some tools earn their spot in a drawer by being unusual rather than powerful. This stubby Craftsman screwdriver is exactly that kind of tool. It pairs a very short 5/16-inch slotted blade with a full-size handle, and the result is something that feels better in the hand than the spec sheet suggests.

At roughly 10 dollars, it is an inexpensive addition, but it solves a real problem: when you want control over raw reach, a long driver gets in the way.

What Makes the Craftsman 41586 Different

Most stubby screwdrivers shrink the handle along with the blade, which means less grip and less torque when the fastener fights back. This one takes the opposite approach. The blade is cut down to a stubby length, but the handle stays full size, so you keep the grip surface and leverage of a standard driver.

The result is essentially a standard screwdriver with the middle of the shaft removed. To our knowledge, Craftsman is the only company making this format for a standard slotted fastener; other tool brands offer similar stubby designs for different fastener types. Older examples of the Craftsman version are marked Made in USA, though current production may differ.

Everyday Uses That Suit It

The short blade shines wherever a full-length shaft is simply too much driver. Removing small coin batteries from tight compartments is a good example: the short blade gets in close without the long shaft levering against the surrounding housing.

It is also a good match for delicate fasteners such as nylon fasteners or aluminum screws. Working close to the fastener reduces the chance of the blade slipping out of the slot and marring the material, which is a real risk when you are applying pressure far from the tip with a long driver.

Grip, Torque, and Precision

The appeal is the combination of torque and control. Because the full-size handle gives you plenty of purchase, you can apply meaningful torque on a stuck fastener, while the short blade keeps your hand near the work so the driver stays seated in the slot.

It also works surprisingly well as a light pry tool. Popping things loose, lifting a clip, or easing a panel apart are all tasks where the short blade and solid handle handle the job in a controlled way. It is a pry bar in a good sense, used gently rather than as a substitute for a proper bar.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The obvious trade-off is reach. This is not the driver for recessed fasteners, deep housings, or any job where the shaft has to clear surrounding parts. It is a companion tool, not a replacement for your full-length 5/16-inch slotted driver.

Availability can also take some effort. Current models may be available through local Craftsman retailers, and older versions occasionally show up on secondhand marketplaces such as eBay.

Buying Advice

Buy this if you regularly work on small fasteners, battery compartments, or delicate assemblies where precision matters more than reach. It is the kind of tool that costs very little and quietly saves you from slipping off fasteners or fumbling with an oversized driver in tight spots.

If your work mostly involves large construction screws or recessed fasteners, skip it. But for a bench tool that earns its keep on detail work, this stubby is an easy recommendation.

Conclusion

The Craftsman 41586 is a clever twist on a standard tool: full-size grip, stubby blade, and a lot of control in a package that costs around 10 dollars. For detail work around the shop, it is one of those small tools that ends up in your hand more often than you expect.