Please help me pick out a screwdriver set.

[terabyte]

I'm looking for something of high quality but I don't have tool truck budget. I also don't want to spend forever tracking seals on the Bay of Fleas.

I also want something a little better than the Craftsman Professional I want now. Those are not going to waste as they are going into my track toolbox. So...

SK 79700 - 13 Piece Tri-Molded Combination Screwdriver Set $64
http://www.amazon.com/SK-79700-Tri-Molded-Combination-Screwdriver/dp/B0017R7ERM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224436608&sr=8-5
SKT79100 - 0.98" Tri-Molded Keystone Slotted Screwdriver; SKT79101- 4.92" Tri-Molded Keystone Slotted Screwdriver; SKT79102 - 4.92" Tri-Molded Keystone Slotted Screwdriver with Hex Bolster: SKT79103 - 5.91" Tri-Molded Keystone Slotted Screwdriver with Hex Bolster; SKT79104 - 7.87" Tri-Molded Keystone Slotted Screwdriver with Hex Bolster; SKT79110 - 2.36" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver; SKT79111 - 2.36" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver; SKT79112 - 3.94" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver; SKT79113 - 4.92" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver with Hex Bolster; SKT79114 - 1.00" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver; SKT79115 - 6.00" Tri-Molded Phillips Screwdriver with Hex Bolster; SKT79120 - 3.94" Tri-Molded Cabinet Slotted Screwdriver; SKT79121 - 4.92" Tri-Molded Cabinet Slotted Screwdriver.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31axloQ%2BJoL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Wiha Cushion Grip #30297 12pc Set
http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/302serie.htm
Slotted:1/8, 5/32, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/4
Stubby Slotted: 1/4"
Phillips: #0, #1, #2, #3, & #2 stubby

Wiha Cushion Grip #30299 20pc Set $115.44
http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/302serie.htm
Slotted: 1/8,5/32,7/32,1/4,5/16
Pozi: 1,2 Phillips: #0, #1, #2
Square: 1, 2, 3
TORX: T6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25,T30

Wiha Professional 40pc Set $205.66
10-Slotted 3/32, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 17/64, 5/16, 3/8"
4-Long Slotted: 3/16 x 6", 3/16 x 8", 1/4 x 6", 1/4x 8"
2-Stubby Screwdrivers: Slotted 1/4 x 1.5" Phillips #2x1.5"
4-Standard Phillips: #0 x 2.3", #1 x 3.1", #2 x 4", #3 x 6"
3-Long Phillips: #1 x 8", #2 x 6", #2 x 8"
2-Pozidrive: #1 x 3.1", #2 x 4"
13-Torx: T6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 40, 45, T50
1-Bit Holder: Accepts 1/4" Standard Screwdriver Insert Bits
1-Tool Box: Stack-On 16" Tool Box With Tote Tray
http://www.wihatools.com/images/3K_and_ACO/46099pix250.jpg

[wrenchr]

I'd go with the SK set!!

[Stuey]

What's your budget, and what are your needs?

I'd get this 12 pc SK expert2 set (http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tools-12-Piece-Screwdriver/dp/B00061SNJI/) which is currently going for $57.50.

Also, if you go for the SK set you linked to, you may want to buy it from Amazon directly. The price is a bit higher $78 vs $64, but shipping is free, and Amazon directly has a great return policy. After shipping from the 3rd party vendor you linked to, the Amazon direct price is only $2 more.

[Speed-Racer]

I would pick the williams with the black handles. Just like the Snap-on's, do a search for williams screwdrivers to find the pics and review.

[terabyte]

What's your budget, and what are your needs?

I'd get this 12 pc SK expert2 set (http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tools-12-Piece-Screwdriver/dp/B00061SNJI/) which is currently going for $57.50.

Also, if you go for the SK set you linked to, you may want to buy it from Amazon directly. The price is a bit higher $78 vs $64, but shipping is free, and Amazon directly has a great return policy. After shipping from the 3rd party vendor you linked to, the Amazon direct price is only $2 more.

Thanks for the heads up on the shipping. My needs... I work on Japanese bikes and cars as a hobby. I want a set that is complete as I'll need (admittedly I need very little torx but once in a while the crop up.)
I really need stubby handled drivers and the set you posted doesn't include them. I know for the money saved I could get them separately...

My budget is $200ish max but I'd like to keep it under $150
Why would you recommend the Expert2 over the ones I posted?

[Stuey]

I recommended the Expert2 based on price per driver.

In reality, since your needs are so specific, you may just want to buy your components separately.

I really like Wiha screwdrivers and would recommend them over SK. I have not tried the cushion grips, but I tried the ACO ones (similar to the complete blue handled set you mentioned last) and haven't found a driver style that I like more.

What about hex drivers? If you need any of those, I'd recommend Bondhus.

If you don't need Torx too often, I'd say buy an all-in-one style driver and/or a handle with bits. It really doesn't make sense to purchase a complete set of Torx drivers if you'll only use two sizes for five minutes a year.

If you need stubbies, you could always buy a set and then just the stubbies that you plan to use often.

[Bolster]

I would pick the williams with the black handles. Just like the Snap-on's, do a search for williams screwdrivers to find the pics and review.

I've been trying to find the Williams screwdrivers but nobody seems to have them in stock. Do you know of a source?

[Fedwrench]

I have the smaller SK combination trimold set and it's ok. I would look at what sizes you use the most rather than the number of pieces in a given set.

I like my Wera set and my Wiha drivers too. The Williams hard handled screwdrivers are nice and people are buying them up as Snap on replacements. You may have better luck finding a unicorn then those screwdrivers right now.
I recommend the following sets:
http://www.wihatools.com/special_05.htm
http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12074
http://www.amazon.com/Felo-0715750707-Slotted-Phillips-Screwdrivers/dp/B000E62NX2/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224447690&sr=1-27

If a great warranty is your most important requirement, stick with the Craftsman Pros when they're on sale. Good luck in your quest,:beer:

[a390st]

Witte. They give me the best torque of anything I've tried, and I've tried a lot. I like the Snap On hard handles a lot, but they are a little small to get optimum torque, for me. If you haven't tried Witte, do yourself a favor before buying anything else. You may not like them, but it's worth a try.

[wilbilt]

I bought a smaller set of the Wiha style pictured. I really liked them.

Unfortunately, so did my daughter, and she promptly absconded with them. It's OK, she's worth it.

Now I need to buy more. ;)

[Danglerb]

I bought the Craftsman Pro set, and one of the blades twisted with not that much force used. I like the Wiha ACO set, but most of the time I just grab whats handy be it SnapOn or Harbor Freight.

OTOH any screwdriver that gives me the slightest trouble gets tossed or returned.

[Stanger]

I like my Williams(Snap-On) and Cman Pros. The Williams clean up easier and seem to have harder tips, but I can get more torque on the fastener with the Cman Pro since the handle is so large and grippy. Plus, I don't worry about breaking a Cman screwdriver since it can be replaced easily.

[Stuey]

I bought the Craftsman Pro set, and one of the blades twisted with not that much force used. I like the Wiha ACO set, but most of the time I just grab whats handy be it SnapOn or Harbor Freight.

OTOH any screwdriver that gives me the slightest trouble gets tossed or returned.
I just purchased a Cman Pro set as well, and they look absolutely terrible! I'll take photos for a review at some point. The metal is pitted in some areas, and in others, the chrome looks rough and inconsistent. Since I have a lifetime warranty on them, I'll use them until they need replacing. Then again, I've been on a screwdriver mission lately and will likely try a few more brands, so the Cmans won't see as much use as they could.

[JayL]

So far these are the screwdrivers that I had purchased.

http://www.amazon.com/Felo-0715716052-Slotted-Phillips-Screwdrivers/dp/B000E60MKI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224467204&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E62LSO

http://www.amazon.com/Felo-0715750707-Slotted-Phillips-Screwdrivers/dp/B000E62NX2/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224467257&sr=1-27

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00998671000P?vName=Tools

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944013000P?vName=Tools

If it was me I'll choose the SK Set on Op's first post over the Craftsman Pros.

[Uncle Buck]

I would pick the williams with the black handles. Just like the Snap-on's, do a search for williams screwdrivers to find the pics and review.

Yup, there is the smart money. I hate ergo handle drivers, they all look like something cooked up to pleasure the Mrs! :wtf:

[JayL]

Yup, there is the smart money. I hate ergo handle drivers, they all look like something cooked up to pleasure the Mrs! :wtf:


LOL .....:)

OP might want to check these Mayhews too. From previous posts some members here seems to have something good to say about these cats paws.

http://www.toolsource.com/cats-paw%C3%A2%C2%84%C2%A2-capped-screwdriver-10pc-p-98652.html

[Bolster]

I've been trying to find the Williams screwdrivers but nobody seems to have them in stock. Do you know of a source?

Hate to quote myself, but...Williams, anybody?

[Speed-Racer]

For Williams try www.all2ools.com, www.powertoolbox.net(hard site to search). www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com , list other online dealers, the prices are not as good as the first two. I agree, for some reason it is very hard to find a good source for the tools. Please post if you find a better source for Williams tools

[terabyte]

You guys have me thinking really hard about the Williams. I searched and read every thread on here about them. I'm going to call both sites listed about about placing an order and checking if they are in stock.

http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=17116
http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=17117

Only thing missing would be a stubby flat head. I looked on the JH catalog and they make one with a square shaft to boot.

[terabyte]

I bought the Craftsman Pro set, and one of the blades twisted with not that much force used. I like the Wiha ACO set, but most of the time I just grab whats handy be it SnapOn or Harbor Freight.

OTOH any screwdriver that gives me the slightest trouble gets tossed or returned.

I have CMan Pro and I hate them. I have the latest generation with the red\black handles. I wish I had never returned my black handled ones.

[olds88]

I actually would go for the S-K, but not the one's you have pictured, I'd buy the SureGrip series. The handles are similar to the traditional Snap-on hard handles...... they are just as good to grip and they come in a nice shade of green!.......... my only reservation is that (the one's I've seen on my local independent tool truck) are Made in France. I have no problem with something made in France. But just the same when there are US made choices that are just as good, it makes it a difficult purchasing decision, for me. On the other hand, it's not like the French are taking over the US screwdriver market, unlike Japanese cars, or Chinese-everything-else.

[eschoendorff]

What's your budget, and what are your needs?

I'd get this 12 pc SK expert2 set (http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tools-12-Piece-Screwdriver/dp/B00061SNJI/) which is currently going for $57.50.

Also, if you go for the SK set you linked to, you may want to buy it from Amazon directly. The price is a bit higher $78 vs $64, but shipping is free, and Amazon directly has a great return policy. After shipping from the 3rd party vendor you linked to, the Amazon direct price is only $2 more.

I have the Expert 2s and love them. So does my wife... I actually bought them so that she would have something decent to use around the house.

They are made in France and are top-notch... just like every other Facom-sourced SK tool that I own. The QC problems with SK are from the American side of things. The French stuff is always nice out of the box.

I would also look at the new Klein Journeyman screwdrivers....

[eschoendorff]

Witte. They give me the best torque of anything I've tried, and I've tried a lot. I like the Snap On hard handles a lot, but they are a little small to get optimum torque, for me. If you haven't tried Witte, do yourself a favor before buying anything else. You may not like them, but it's worth a try.

Crap. Forgot about them. You can get them as NAPA Pro at just about any NAPA store... I like them almost as much as my Snap Ons. In fact, in the garage, I reach for either the Witte/NAPA or the Snap Ons first. Between the two... I go for whatever is closer.

[terabyte]

I got both Williams 6pc sets on the way. I also added the SDS-62 stubby flat head with square shaft. Lead time is an estimated 2.5 months so maybe I'll get them for xmas.

So old school Snap-On quality 13pc set for $80. You guys really hooked it up so I think I'm going to get a second smaller set for "clean work". Something different so I can do a review/comparison...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SJi9IZsOL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Felo-6pc-Ergo-Screwdriver-FEL53167/dp/B0011WLT8S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224483578&sr=1-1

or

http://www.amazon.com/Felo-0715750174-Slotted-Phillips-Screwdrivers/dp/B000E60OEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1224513848&sr=1-2

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51x5UnjrsYL._SS500_.jpg

[Bascat]

Has anyone tried these?

http://www.toolsource.com/3kdrall-high-torque-screwdriver-p-78575.html

The quality of Stahlwille is usually superb, but the multiple compound handles worry me a little- price is also a hefty $110 for an 8 piece set.

[jniolon]

I've been looking too.... Crapsman don't impress me... so I bought these $78.76...free shipping

Amazon just emailed that the shipping tracking #

waiting for the brown truck.....:thumbup:

john

[Uncle Buck]

I got both Williams 6pc sets on the way. I also added the SDS-62 stubby flat head with square shaft. Lead time is an estimated 2.5 months so maybe I'll get them for xmas.

So old school Snap-On quality 13pc set for $80. You guys really hooked it up so I think I'm going to get a second smaller set for "clean work". Something different so I can do a review/comparison...



Atta boy, I will even forgive you for also getting those damned awfull Ergo (lets diddle the Mrs) screwdrivers! :lol_hitti

[autoace]

You say you want better than Cman Pro, but don't have truck tool money??? Cman Pro are not that cheap and I have Freightster stuff that was stronger. Throw the Cman ones in your track box and buy Snap-on's Instinct drivers or they still sell the traditional ergo hard handle in black. Another great set are the Cornwell driver sets made in Germany by Witte, they are very durable and on sale for about 100bucks A.A.