Snap-On screwdriver quality vs the others

[troverman]

I'm an automotive mechanic. Most of my tools are Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. I'll admit I've bought some Icon tools - the quality seems fairly good especially at the price, but the big kicker is you can just go to HF with a broken tool and they replace it on the spot. Sort of like Sears / Craftsman years ago.

Anyway, I realized I don't have much in the way of screwdrivers. I've never really paid much attention to them, just bought run of the mill Craftsman / Stanley / Kobalt, etc. The blades break on the flat tip ones, and the flutes wear out on the phillips models.

I have a very few Snap-On screwdrivers, the Instinct models with the hard grips. My opinion is that they seem like a decent quality screwdriver but nothing special. Yet I think I paid something like $31 per screwdriver for like a #3 phillips or similar sized flat tip.

I recently ordered a set of PB Swiss flat tips (6 screwdrivers), a set of Vessel Megadora 8 piece mixed +/-, and a set of Felo 7-piece mixed +/- with the wooden handles. I have taken delivery of all except the Felo screwdrivers. In my opinion - having only examined them but not used them - both the PB Swiss and the Vessel and much nicer screwdrivers than the Snap-On units. Of these two, I really like the Vessel. I'll cast judgement on the Felo when they arrive, they look to be a work of art.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pinemarten]

+ for Vessel. My go to for screws on Japanese stuff. Anex screwdrivers are also very nice. I prefer the Anex 397 for a ratcheting screwdriver, and I have a two different types of Snap-on screwdrivers.

 

[Jicle]

Yeah definitely do not pay snap on prices for screwdrivers. The best screwdrivers in the market are PB swiss, Vessel, Witte, Wera and they are all cheaper than snap on. Snap on may even use Witte screwdrivers and just re brand them. Unless I am remembering wrong. Either way don't do it!

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have SK and Hazet screwdriver sets. There are a few SnapOn drivers also. I like them all. I think Hazet may be better than the others.
The picture is of a government design screwdriver that has been overtightened 50%.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

With snap on in general, you're buying a high quality tool with infinite warranty replacement built into the price. If you're breaking flat screwdrivers by prying, look into straight striking prybars. MPBS10AG as an example.

I use mainly Williams USA, and Vessel. Numerous of my coworkers have snap on screwdrivers, which certainly are good tools. The generic store brands you described previously are all pretty low quality, so basically anything is an improvement.


The equation of snap on screw drivers is the same as many of their tools. Will you wear out or break enough to overcome simply replacing another brand as they wear out or break? If snap on is $30, and another brand is $10, you need to be confident to warranty that screwdriver 4 times.

 

[troverman]

I own a variety of snap-on striking pry bars from 12" to 48" but there are times we all commit a little sin and use a screwdriver in a way it shouldn't be used out of convenience or sometimes necessity. I actually have a pair of Dewalt striking screwdrivers which I've abused and they've held up well.

 

[CGarage]

Vessel

 

[pelletman]

Yeah definitely do not pay snap on prices for screwdrivers. The best screwdrivers in the market are PB swiss, Vessel, Witte, Wera and they are all cheaper than snap on. Snap on may even use Witte screwdrivers and just re brand them. Unless I am remembering wrong. Either way don't do it!

Don't know about now but Matco sold rebranded Wittes, and I love those

 

[richfinn]

Vessel

 

[Dave455]

As always, it depends…!

If you use slotted drivers a lot, then you will know that some screw slots are Imperial sized, others are metric.

If you’re working on Imperial sized screws, you need Imperial sized drivers to avoid damage. The question I would ask is “what’s best?”

Having been using such drivers for several decades, I don’t think there are anything better than the older style Snap On “hard handles”

The blades are superbly forged, superbly finished, and there isn’t a better handle material for greasy environments. I know aircraft engineers who have had the same drivers for 20 years plus, and wouldn’t use different.

Are the Snap On worth it? Well, they were to me a few years back, when I bought the ones I have. Would I buy them now? Perhaps not. Would I pay the same for the “Instinct” handles? No, they’re a cheaper, low density, material and the drivers should be cheaper.

If I primarily needed Philips drivers, then the equation changes again, and if I needed metric slotted then you are definitely better off with something different.

I’m not a huge fan of soft grips, they’re not suited to automotive use, but PB Swiss, Vessel, Felo, Heyco, Facom, KTC and a dozen others all make perfectly good hard handle drivers at a fraction of the price of Snap On.

I think the Megadora’s are comparable (ish) with Snap On Instinct. Not much to choose between the handles, the slotted tips are metric (which could be good or bad), the “Jawsfit” Phillips (and Pozidriv) tips fit better than Snap On, but long term I think the Snap On blades are better.

If you compare the “Powergrip” (different blade and handle) then I think they are comparable to (or better than) the Snap On Instinct - for a fraction of the price, provided you don’t mind metric tips.

 

[Wrench97]

The first Vessel screwdriver I bought was the megadora impacting JIT for Honda rotor screws great tool made a believer out of me I bought the straight blade sizes.
I do tend to abuse screwdrivers as prydrivers so far I have enough sacrificial junk that I haven't abused these yet............................

 

[minke]

I have SK and Hazet screwdriver sets. There are a few SnapOn drivers also. I like them all. I think Hazet may be better than the others.
The picture is of a government design screwdriver that has been overtightened 50%.

That looks suspiciously like a corkscrew.

 

[CJM8515]

buy the williams hard handle set, 100% same as snap on for 100 bucks

i love vessel too

 

[Steve_P]

I like Wiha, Williams US, Vessel... All are extremely durable and a bargain compared to SO. And I've owned a few SO drivers in the past. And they are awesome. But OMG $$

 

[brtsvg]

Another +1 for Vessel. My go-to screwdriver.

 

[Fly YX]

Have a couple different brands that I use at work Snap On SK Tekton and Wera yellow I like the Wera but if I had to do it over again I would probably go with Tekton hard handle. They are made in USA. And seem to work well.

 

[Tostal]

My Snap-On original hard handled screwdrivers went bad - plastic handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of others tools where they were stored. Snap-On dealer (when I eventually could get hold of him) refused to warranty them, so no more Snap-On screwdrivers for me.

T~

 

[yellowbox]

I can't believe I have never heard of vessel screwdrivers , I'm intrigued
I like the looks of em ....

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Personally I like Snap-on and Matco screwdrivers. Snap-on has to be hard handles though not a fan of the instinct handle. I have never been fond of Vessel I don’t feel they are superior to Snap-on and I don’t like the handles. My work screwdrivers are Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Craftsman USA, Tekton, and I have a Hart one I found. Maybe some other brands mixed in too.

 

[AEAdam]

The instinct handles are simply superior for their torque transmission. If you need to crack free corroded stuff, you need instincts period.

If the torque is lower, pick what you want. For automotive, I think you’d be nuts to not have a set in your box. Should they be your only set? No. When do I choose something else? Low torque, spinning screws in and out, household, carpentry, electrical, electronic.

Mini grip instincts should be a really stupid tool. Who needs that high torque handle for a mini screwdriver? I love them.

Note: I’m tall and my hands are pretty long I guess. Instincts may feel better to taller people. They might be too big for normal sized people.

Edit: I should have mentioned torque is related to hand fatigue. For older workers, for guys whose hands are fatigued at the end of the day, you want instincts, not textured cylinders designed for people with small hands.

 

[908Jim]

Williams Endurogrip are widely believed to be rebadged snap-on square hard handles if you want snap on quality without the price. I own a mix of drivers including a large set of snap on instinct and I think they're very nice drivers but you pay a lot for the truck warranty service.

Matco rebranded the Witte Max and I have used them quite a bit. Very ergonomic but no hex bolster. This site has crowd favorites that change every few years and lately it is vessel which makes a good quality driver at a good price but good luck with the warranty.

I think the best thing you can do is keep a set of these handy for when you need your flathead to do things other than driving screws. They have held up remarkably well for me.

Screwdriver Set, 8 Piece

Amazing deals on this 8Pc Screwdriver Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[CGarage]

For automotive environment, I think this is the best:

https://vessel.co.jp/userfiles/handtools/300_fl_E.pdf

 

[AEAdam]

For automotive environment, I think this is the best:

https://vessel.co.jp/userfiles/handtools/300_fl_E.pdf

Respect your opinion.

No hex bolster is an instant hard pass for me for automotive. Wouldn’t even consider them.

 

[kb1982]

I like the Tekton "alien phallus" drivers for the run of the mill. That funky handle really allows you to get some serious grip with them, even with dirty hands. My precision drivers are Wera.

 

[AJHD]

Respect your opinion.

No hex bolster is an instant hard pass for me for automotive. Wouldn’t even consider them.

Vessel makes hex bolster versions...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1QZFT?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[GreaseDog355]

For years I swore by Craftsman screwdrivers. I have a drawer full of miscellaneous Craftsman screwdrivers, from losing and/or breaking them. I'd wait until the big set went on sale super cheap, or on clearance from an open box. Cornwell ran a screwdriver trade in sale like 13 years ago, $X off when you trade in your old screwdrivers... I rounded up a set of broken and worn screwdrivers, marched to the Cornwell truck and collected my new screwdrivers. That 8 piece set has been with me since, and has been flawless.

 

[CJM8515]

I can't believe I have never heard of vessel screwdrivers , I'm intrigued
I like the looks of em ....

once you work on anything asian made you will realize why american phillips screwdrivers cam out and damage the JIS screw heads

 

[KnurledNut]

The thread makes me think of the old Facom era S-K green hard handles...

 

[AEAdam]

Like just about every other tool, I guess I feel screwdrivers are deceptively complicated.

For automotive, obviously you need the right sized tips, as has been mentioned. Both Phillips and straights come in different non-interchangeable configurations.

Handles should engineered for the purpose. Rounder handles are better for precise adjusting and speed. Lumpy handles are better for torque. Different handle materials work better with gloves, or when slippery. Some handles (like instincts) have areas designed to accommodate multiple holds/uses. Last, they need to fit your hand.

I prefer round shanks to square or hex because I sometimes guide the tool with my other hand and I find the facets distracting.

Last, there are additional features like hex bolsters or striking caps that can be essential for some applications.

For automotive, I’d choose heavy duty over refined, hex bolsters, maybe striking caps, lumpy handles. I think automotive screwdriver sets should include torx and maybe allens.

No criticism of my friends here, but sometimes we praise a tool for one aspect (e.g. strongest wrench) without appreciating the tools that do many things well. To find the right screwdriver, one needs to address all the aspects above. Screwdrivers are more than tips and comfy handles.

 

[Wamsutta]

I like these electrician screwdrivers when I want to spin a screw out real fast.

 

[pelletman]

My Snap-On original hard handled screwdrivers went bad - plastic handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of others tools where they were stored. Snap-On dealer (when I eventually could get hold of him) refused to warranty them, so no more Snap-On screwdrivers for me.

T~

Send them back to Snap On, call customer service

 

[Stobal]

Just thought I would chime in. I don’t use a lot of flathead screwdrivers because I don’t use them much but occasionally something comes up that requires a flathead. There is nothing worse than an ill fitting flathead so about 10 years ago I bought a Wheeler gunsmithing set that included a plethora of hollow grind flat head bits in all sizes. It has served me very well for the rare occasions I encounter a flathead screw. The set I have is an older version of this one:

Wheeler 72 Piece Professional Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set

The durable bits found in this screwdriver set are made from high-grade tool steel hardened to 56-58 Rockwell C. A custom-molded box houses the contents...

ads.midwayusa.com

 

[AEAdam]

My Snap-On original hard handled screwdrivers went bad - plastic handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of others tools where they were stored. Snap-On dealer (when I eventually could get hold of him) refused to warranty them, so no more Snap-On screwdrivers for me.

T~

Doubt that would happen here, even for very old screwdrivers. There is an unreasonableness to our business expectations here. I’ve witnessed it several times on GJ.

I suspect the screwdrivers you are talking about could be 50 yrs old. Here, people would have the chutzpah to demand new ones and they’d get them. There, I could see a dealer shaming a tech looking to warranty abused or antique tools. If fact, I saw that in the UK a few times.

 

[CGarage]

Just thought I would chime in. I don’t use a lot of flathead screwdrivers because I don’t use them much but occasionally something comes up that requires a flathead. There is nothing worse than an ill fitting flathead so about 10 years ago I bought a Wheeler gunsmithing set that included a plethora of hollow grind flat head bits in all sizes. It has served me very well for the rare occasions I encounter a flathead screw. The set I have is an older version of this one:

Wheeler 72 Piece Professional Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set

The durable bits found in this screwdriver set are made from high-grade tool steel hardened to 56-58 Rockwell C. A custom-molded box houses the contents...

ads.midwayusa.com

This might work for a weekend warrior, but the bits in this set do not impress me. I bought it thinking it would be better quality. It was not.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Like just about every other tool, I guess I feel screwdrivers are deceptively complicated.

For automotive, obviously you need the right sized tips, as has been mentioned. Both Phillips and straights come in different non-interchangeable configurations.

Handles should engineered for the purpose. Rounder handles are better for precise adjusting and speed. Lumpy handles are better for torque. Different handle materials work better with gloves, or when slippery. Some handles (like instincts) have areas designed to accommodate multiple holds/uses. Last, they need to fit your hand.

This is more or less why I like having a variety kicking about in the drawer. Some Craftsman Professional (the soft grip, hex bolstered, Western Forge ones), some Klein, some PB Swiss hard handles, some Wera Kraftform and even some Wiha. Sure there's overlap, but sometimes one will outperform the others by a significant margin, so it's good to have options instead of being locked in to one style/brand.

No criticism of my friends here, but sometimes we praise a tool for one aspect (e.g. strongest wrench) without appreciating the tools that do many things well. To find the right screwdriver, one needs to address all the aspects above. Screwdrivers are more than tips and comfy handles.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[CGarage]

My Snap-On original hard handled screwdrivers went bad - plastic handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of others tools where they were stored. Snap-On dealer (when I eventually could get hold of him) refused to warranty them, so no more Snap-On screwdrivers for me.

T~

I find this hard to believe…..

“The plastic hard handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of other tools”.


I have hard handle PB Swiss, Facom, and a few vintage Snap-On and have never had this problem of the off-gassing causing rust to other tools.

 

[Stobal]

This might work for a weekend warrior, but the bits in this set do not impress me. I bought it thinking it would be better quality. It was not.

Like I said, I never use flathead screwdrivers. If it was a regular occurrence I would but PB Swiss as their flatheads are too notch works of art. For my uses the relatively cheap set has served me very well and I haven’t broken or deformed a bit yet. Maybe the quality went down but I have zero complaints about my set and the cost is less than two dedicated quality drivers. I absolutely can say that every other flat head bit I have tried including wera, felo, has let me down but I think it’s less a matter of quality and more a matter of finding the perfect fit for the intended screw. The wheeler sets are very comprehensive in this regard. Also the hollow ground flathead is vital if the screw you are turning is somewhat soft and either overly shallow or overly deep. Your mileage may vary.

 

[CGarage]

I agree- you need to find the perfect fit for the screw head and driver to work together.

The Brownell’s bits are far nicer than the Wheeler.

 

[Boogerman]

My Snap-On original hard handled screwdrivers went bad - plastic handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of others tools where they were stored. Snap-On dealer (when I eventually could get hold of him) refused to warranty them, so no more Snap-On screwdrivers for me.

T~

I find this hard to believe…..

“The plastic hard handles started off-gassing and rusted a load of other tools”.


I have hard handle PB Swiss, Facom, and a few vintage Snap-On and have never had this problem of the off-gassing causing rust to other tools.

Had one I got in the 90's do that; corporate Snap-on warranted it this week no problems; haven't received the replacement in the mail yet, but they confirmed. They warranty those routinely; it's a known problem.

 

[CGarage]

Had one I got in the 90's do that; corporate Snap-on warranted it this week no problems; haven't received the replacement in the mail yet, but they confirmed. They warranty those routinely; it's a known problem.

That picture looks to me like the handle failed.

I have never heard of off-gassing causing rust to other tools.