Good screwdrivers for the money? [Archive]

icnsltmfg

08-01-2007, 02:47 PM

I have search the forum but have not found a good thread on screwdrivers. I am looking for a traditional set of complete screwdrivers. I looked on line and saw the Craftsman Pro's, and the SK SureGrips. The 21 piece SK's are $189, and the Craftsman 25pc for $135. What else is out there. I like good quality, good feel. Is there better for less money, or do I need to spend a bit more than $200 for a nice set.

kythri

08-01-2007, 03:06 PM

Heh...

Me, I buy the non-Pro Craftsman stuff, but I'm not using them daily. I've never had a problem with the fit/feel of them.

The Craftsman Pro stuff feels real nice, and I wouldn't turn down a set of them, but for my needs, I don't see the point in spending that much for them. I may change my mind, and shell out for a set, just to see if it's really worth it...I can always relegate my non-Pro stuff to the mobile toolbox... :D

Now, on a completely unempirical level, I'd buy the Craftsman Pro set you mention over the SK set, and I'll tell you why: If you need to get something warrantied out, you can take the Craftsman stuff to your local Sears.

SK is great stuff, and I drool over their website whenever someone links to it, but, at least around here, the warranty service appears to be a phone call and the mail (shipping broken tool back, receiving replacement by mail).

A lot of people around here like the Snappy screwdrivers (and they look real nice), and if you go that route, that means you have a tool truck to replace stuff with, which is potentially as handy, or handier, than the Craftsman/Sears warranty. You'll probably spend considerably more, though.

dxdexter

08-01-2007, 03:13 PM

I consider Klein to be the best I have ever used. The rubber grips allow you to apply a great turning force (torque) and are large enough to fit the entire length of my hand without some fingers not on the handle.

I also have a few white hard handled Snap-on's remaining from a set bought around 1984 which performed well, but I still prefer the Klein's.

These can be purchased at Home Depot here in Canada and I assume the US or at most industrial electrical supply shops.

george4

08-01-2007, 03:21 PM

Hard to beat Craftsman on sale for bang for the buck especially for non-professional guys. Klein and Snap on make real nice stuff though if you want to spend more.

Elroy

08-01-2007, 03:42 PM

79rallysport

08-01-2007, 04:39 PM

Klein's are really nice, but on the newer drivers the tips are too soft for everyday use, and I do use mine daily. These days even the cman's have tougher tips.

I hate to say it but I think that Klein's quality is slipping a little to increase profits. I'm not saying Klein isn't any good because they make some of the best tools, they're just not quite as good as they used to be.

brianpgriset

08-01-2007, 04:53 PM

Wiha makes some of the nicest screwdrivers I've used.

http://www.wihatools.com/

Good prices, and they ship fast. There a few threads about them on here.

kidney

08-01-2007, 05:14 PM

I'm in the same boat. The only thing that I dislike is all the extra stuff they try to toss into their screwdriver sets. I already have a torx driver, pry bar..etc etc. I really wish the Craftsman pros were offered in all the same sizes as their cheap ones. I would have no problem dropping that kind of cash on a 40 piece set that offered all the those sizes. I'll probably go with the Craftsman ones mainly for ease of warranty. I have been looking at a set by Mayhew, too. I just want a set that wont wear out in a few months of use. I've bent more cheap Craftsman's than I care to remember.

eschoendorff

08-01-2007, 06:16 PM

Okay, I'll admit that I was skeptical of the whole Snap On thing, but then I bough a couple soft grip Snap On screwdrivers at a <gasp!> pawnshop. I got a flat tip and a #2 phillips ACR. I reach for those before any other screwdriver in my collection (Klein, Craftsman, Craftsman Pro, SK, FACOM, Witte, Cat's Paw (Mayhew), Stanley... you get the idea.

You don't need 8000 screwdriver (I should know, I have about 8000), just some real good key pieces. And this set fall below your $200 price:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=72235&group_ID=3446&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

After that set, I would buy the 10pc Cman Pro set ($59.99). They are actually really good. And if you can find some older FACOM screwdrivers, those are real nice too.

Fast Orange

08-01-2007, 06:27 PM

Best bang for the buck-Klien They've got specials going right now for 7 and 8 piece sets for about $40.00. The tips are still pretty tough,if you do break one while using it as a screwdriver,they will replace the whole driver instead of just the blade,and they're comfortable to use.
Price is no object-only the best will do-Snap On If you want a phillips screwdriver that will get a bite when everything else will strip the head out,get a SO phillips. I don't know if it's the serrations on the tip or if they just fit better,but the SOs get a good bite and don't strip out,even on badly rusted screws.All of the tips seem to last longer before they round off ,the handles of both the soft grip and hard grip drivers allow a better,more comfortable hold and better leverage.
I haven't tried either the Craftsman Pro or the SKs-they may be every bit as good as my current "picks"-next time I'll give them a shot.

George

kidney

08-01-2007, 06:39 PM

I just want a standard screw driver that wont bend at the tip. I was taking apart a fairly old circular saw to replace the cord and bent just about all my long craftsman drivers. The cheaper Craftsman ones seem to be only good for cleaning the dirt from under my nails.

bmwpower

08-01-2007, 07:11 PM

SpiderGearsMan

08-01-2007, 07:20 PM

I got those

jimmycrackcorn

08-01-2007, 07:20 PM

The bolsters on the shank you can use a wrench, for that extra torque....

GDA

08-01-2007, 09:40 PM

I got that set too. The phillips bite is amazing. Handle thumb/finger indent is just right for a full turn of the wrist and allows you to regrip back in the next indent. I got mine for $80 shipped off Ebay.

boiler7904

08-01-2007, 09:46 PM

I bought one of the smaller sets of Craftsman Pros a couple of years ago and add to the set as the need arises. Not as painful to the budget that way. My only complaint is that the indentation in the handle (near the shaft) feels odd in my hand.

As much as I like the Craftsman Pros, my most used screwdriver is an Irwin 9 or 10 in 1 that I picked up at Lowes last winter. Comfortable grip. Screws don't cam out too much. Beats carrying a bunch of drivers around for a one or two minute job.

kartracer55

08-01-2007, 09:54 PM

I use regular craftsman screwdrivers at home, they get the job done. My philips is pretty chewed up, so I will be exchanging it for another one at sears next time I go. The new craftsman screwdrivers are marked PR instead of WF, so Im curious as to how they hold up. I got two new ones in a little socket set they had on sale (30$) that I bought for in my trunk, and the appearance seems to be better, but I will find out on the other ones.

Snap On's regular ones are good but they too will break like any other brand. Matco (witte) are pretty nice as well. The Matco's use an awesome tip and they have a 7 piece set for under 200$ which will cover you for pretty much every job you encounter. The set is will thought out. They are pretty comfortable, not amazing, but you can get decent turning force.

I do not like black rubber gripped screwdrivers because I have a few where the rubber actually starts to twist around the plastic handle inside.

mulepackin

08-01-2007, 10:51 PM

My "set" is just the old basic Craftsman (love that smell). Have several Kleins as well. That being said, I have really been eyeballing the Wiha heavy duty with hex bolters, full length shaft, driving caps on the handle ends, and ergonomic grips. I don't believe in using drivers as a chisel, but tapping on them while twisting can really make the difference in getting out a recalcitrant fastener. These drivers would allow that plus torquing withe a wrench.

Uncle Buck

08-02-2007, 05:36 PM

79rallysport

08-02-2007, 05:56 PM

You guys are a bad influence, you talked me into trying the SnapOn drivers.

*sarcasm*thanks a lot guys

SpiderGearsMan

08-02-2007, 06:31 PM

I got some facom ergogrip off ebay 8 years ago , real nice

Stanger

08-02-2007, 09:12 PM

I think it is hard to beat Crafsman's 10 pc. $60 pro set. It should be going on sale at the Thanksgiving sale for half price. Thats right, a pretty good set of drivers for just $30. I know I'll be getting them...
Grant

eschoendorff

08-02-2007, 11:18 PM

I got some facom ergogrip off ebay 8 years ago , real nice

I have a similar 8pc FACOM set. I keep it for posterity. :thumbup:

chevy302dz

08-03-2007, 02:20 AM

I prefer the old hard plastic handled S/O. I also like the S/O smaller plastic handles they made say 20 years ago. With that said I have a bunch of Craftys in the box as well, no complaint with them either.

The square handle SnapOns were nice, the best screwdrivers I bought recently were a set from Pratt Read.

Uncle Buck

08-03-2007, 04:16 PM

I heard the hype about Snap-on screwdrivers for a while...then I bought a set of the Soft Grips. What a difference! Screws come out with ease thanks to the anti cam out tip design and the grip allows you put as much torque as needed on the fastener. I'm sold. Price? Regularly $90-95 on eBay for the set below.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/objects_lg/48400/48376.JPG

Those soft grips look nice, but I just prefer the old hard plastic handles. I had a friend who is tight with mr snappy turn in an old plastic broken handle on a screwdriver for me so the warranty would be honored and he replaced it with one of those soft handle jobs. I did appreciate getting it replaced, however I am not onboard with the whole soft handle thing. I guess I am too old school.

Itzkwik

08-03-2007, 04:40 PM

I guess I am too old school.
Naw, just old and grumpy.

Uncle Buck

08-03-2007, 04:45 PM

Naw, just old and grumpy.

You been jawin it up with the Junkman?:headscrat :spit:

markb1

08-03-2007, 06:10 PM

As an electrician my #1 tools are screw drivers, used every day all day and it's been klien for the last 30 yrs.

I like the round rubber grip (comfortable and you can spin them fast) but as stated earlier the tips are soft. I round over a philps and straight blade about every 3 or 4 months but they're only about $6.00 each.

I've got more than a few laying around.

Mark

84TurboBuick

08-04-2007, 08:56 AM

I've used them all....and to be honest the 2 Sets of Snap-On's I bought are so good that I cry at all the screws I have stripped over the years using "Crappy" screwdrivers. When it comes to screwdrivers Snap-On's motto is true...."There is a Difference"

wilbilt

08-04-2007, 09:38 AM

My "set" is just the old basic Craftsman (love that smell). Have several Kleins as well. That being said, I have really been eyeballing the Wiha heavy duty with hex bolters, full length shaft, driving caps on the handle ends, and ergonomic grips.

+1

I have a bunch of old Craftsmans (what smell?), and have some Kleins as well. I don't like the Kleins very much for automotive work, as the round rubber grips are slippery when greasy.

I recently bought a new set of Wihas, which I like very much, but my daughter has already absconded with them.:wtf:

eschoendorff

08-04-2007, 10:11 AM

.

I recently bought a new set of Wihas, which I like very much, but my daughter has already absconded with them.:wtf:

Funny you should mention that... My wife is very fond of my SK FACOM... uh... these ones:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/eschoendorff/screwdriver-1.jpg

wilbilt

08-04-2007, 10:26 AM

Funny you should mention that... My wife is very fond of my SK FACOM... uh... these ones:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/eschoendorff/screwdriver-1.jpg

...Oh.....:headscrat ...:eek2:

l_bilyk

08-04-2007, 08:51 PM

Those soft grips look nice, but I just prefer the old hard plastic handles. I had a friend who is tight with mr snappy turn in an old plastic broken handle on a screwdriver for me so the warranty would be honored and he replaced it with one of those soft handle jobs. I did appreciate getting it replaced, however I am not onboard with the whole soft handle thing. I guess I am too old school.

Same here.. i hate the soft grip screwdrivers

wrenchr

08-04-2007, 08:57 PM

The soft grip get a gritty feel to them after using them. I prefer the plastic handle's, alot easier the clean up after a job!

MAD

08-04-2007, 09:54 PM

I have really been eyeballing the Wiha heavy duty with hex bolters, full length shaft, driving caps on the handle ends, and ergonomic grips.

Mayhew makes Screwdrivers similar to those Wihas called "Cats paw". I have not tried them but I thought I would throw in a plug for them since Mayhew is a local employer here in Western MA. Here are some links:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pelland/mayhewtools/index.php

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAY-66300.html

EDIT- THESE ARE NOT MADE IN USA-SORRY

Uncle Buck

08-04-2007, 11:25 PM

Man, that is the first time I have seen one of their catalogs, I have never seen one vender with so mant chisel offerings! Course it stands to reason since it is how they started and all.

kythri

08-04-2007, 11:55 PM

I have a bunch of old Craftsmans (what smell?),

You know, it's funny - I was just out in my shop, re-arranging the tool chests to fit some new stuff in/better organize what was there, and found myself sniffing screwdrivers.

Yeah, I'm weird.

Anyhow - it appears the older Craftsman screwdrivers that I have (the Western Forge ones) have "that" smell, but the newer stuff (Pratt Read stuff) doesn't have the smell.

The "clear" part of the handles on the WF smelly stuff is slightly yellowed, whereas the clear part of the handles on the newer PR stuff is not.

Wonder what that is that causes it... :headscrat

I didn't think to snort on the Xcelite or Jensen stuff that was in there - gives me something to do tomorrow, I suppose...

chevy302dz

08-05-2007, 02:26 AM

Mayhew makes Screwdrivers similar to those Wihas called "Cats paw". I have not tried them but I thought I would throw in a plug for them since Mayhew is a local employer here in Western MA. Here are some links:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pelland/mayhewtools/index.php

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAY-66300.html

I thought the Cats Paw screwdrivers were outsourced?

l_bilyk

08-05-2007, 07:44 AM

You know, it's funny - I was just out in my shop, re-arranging the tool chests to fit some new stuff in/better organize what was there, and found myself sniffing screwdrivers.

Yeah, I'm weird.

Anyhow - it appears the older Craftsman screwdrivers that I have (the Western Forge ones) have "that" smell, but the newer stuff (Pratt Read stuff) doesn't have the smell.

The "clear" part of the handles on the WF smelly stuff is slightly yellowed, whereas the clear part of the handles on the newer PR stuff is not.

Wonder what that is that causes it... :headscrat

I didn't think to snort on the Xcelite or Jensen stuff that was in there - gives me something to do tomorrow, I suppose...

:wtf: stop sniffing screwdrivers :lol_hitti

wilbilt

08-05-2007, 08:38 AM

:wtf: stop sniffing screwdrivers :lol_hitti

eschoendorff started it. I was out sniffing my Craftsmans (WF) and Excelites several months ago.

I still say they don't smell any different than anything else. :dunno:

MAD

08-05-2007, 08:45 AM

I thought the Cats Paw screwdrivers were outsourced?

I assumed that since the similarly constructed Dominator pry bars were made here that the screwdrivers were too. I will give Mayhew a call tomorrow and find out where they are made. My apologies if I have been talking out of my butt on this one. Whether they domestic or not, I should know better than to make that kind of assumption in this day and age.

eschoendorff

08-05-2007, 08:58 AM

I assumed that since the similarly constructed Dominator pry bars were made here that the screwdrivers were too. I will give Mayhew a call tomorrow and find out where they are made. My apologies if I have been talking out of my butt on this one. Whether they domestic or not, I should know better than to make that kind of assumption in this day and age.

I bought a set. They are almost like demolition screwdrivers. Made in Taiwan, but also made to take a beating. Remember this?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5776&highlight=cats+paw

Uncle Buck

08-05-2007, 09:34 AM

eschoendorff started it. I was out sniffing my Craftsmans (WF) and Excelites several months ago.

I still say they don't smell any different than anything else. :dunno:

Craftys have had that nasty reek for at least most of thirty years! They are worse the newer they are!

wilbilt

08-05-2007, 09:43 AM

Craftys have had that nasty reek for at least most of thirty years! They are worse the newer they are!

I bought mine around 1980 or so. I guess they must be just about reeked out. :headscrat

Uncle Buck

08-05-2007, 10:20 AM

I bought mine around 1980 or so. I guess they must be just about reeked out. :headscrat

True, I think I had mine by at least 84 but I could probably pick up a bit of that old smell yet today if I tried.

MAD

08-05-2007, 04:10 PM

I bought a set. They are almost like demolition screwdrivers. Made in Taiwan, but also made to take a beating. Remember this?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5776&highlight=cats+paw

Thanks for the info eschoendorff and chevy302dz. That thread was a little before my time on this board. I guess that Made in USA pic I copied from the Mayhew home page should have a little disclaimer attached to it.

andor

08-05-2007, 06:03 PM

I guess I am too old school.

I guess on just the age scale I would be "new school" but i'm with you. I might try some SO rubber handles and keep them for backup but i think it'll be a looong time before I change my preferances from plastic Snap-On on the basis of toughness and cleanup. The only screwdriver i dont like are a few of the ones with the complex design anti-roll handles, they just seem to chew my palms up.

mulepackin

08-05-2007, 10:41 PM

I assumed that since the similarly constructed Dominator pry bars were made here that the screwdrivers were too. I will give Mayhew a call tomorrow and find out where they are made. My apologies if I have been talking out of my butt on this one. Whether they domestic or not, I should know better than to make that kind of assumption in this day and age.

Don't beat yourself up Mad. Reasonable assumption to make. It's just too bad we can't make em anymore.:sad: I've really been takin an interest in Mayhew stuff too, they are the manfs. of brass punches and drifts, which I think is are essential tools for driving on races, etc.

votawcg

08-06-2007, 06:54 AM

I currently use Wiha insulated screwdriver set..:beer:

icnsltmfg

08-06-2007, 11:30 AM

I am kind of torn between the Wiha 40 piece set http://www.wihatools.com/pro_3k_over_drive.htm Look at the bottom of the page, The SK 21 piece st http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8097

Or the Craftsman Pro 25 Piece

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pid=00947205000&cat=Hand+Tools,+General+Purpose&subcat=Screwdrivers&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1

For the Price, the SK and the Craftsman are pretty close, the Wiha looks like I will not need another driver again.

ColdDuckTime

08-06-2007, 12:46 PM

SteveU

08-06-2007, 02:44 PM

Toolwarehouse.net has the 21 pc SK set for 114.

icnsltmfg

08-06-2007, 03:08 PM

Toolwarehouse.net has the 21 pc SK set for 114.

Tooltopia has it for $100.99 and free shipping.

ColdDuckTime

08-06-2007, 04:16 PM

Tooltopia has it for $100.99 and free shipping.

$94.92 at Amazon w free/shipping.

Do I hear $90?

wrenchr

08-06-2007, 04:20 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3APIC&viewitem=&item=140144954136&rd=1
These are pretty nice. SK plastic handle's.

jweller

08-06-2007, 04:37 PM

the machinist at work turned me on to these.

http://www.vesseltools.com/shopping/index.php?cPath=21_24_37&osCsid=9e2c4e2de934b1146b043ae4afe670da

Vessel tools. the ball grip is unorthodox but they really let you put some force on them with your palm. They seem to wear pretty well also.