2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I bought the Vessel impact driver, it's a beast! It has to rotate 30 degrees in the process, making quick work of most screws.
I never had great luck with those. They do work great on a lot of applications.
Snap-On screwdriver quality vs the others
- Thread starter troverman
- Start date
I bought the Vessel impact driver, it's a beast! It has to rotate 30 degrees in the process, making quick work of most screws.
I never had great luck with those. They do work great on a lot of applications.
Breaker49r
Member
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- Jan 4, 2023
- Messages
- 16
Which series of Vessel screwdrivers do y'all use/prefer?
CGarage
Well-known member
Depends on the application. The Megadora is most popular. I like the wood/composite handle version designed for automotive use.
The ratcheting screwdriver (crystal series TD-6800) is my favorite ratcheting screwdriver.
Dave455
Well-known member
Probably the Power Grip.
I think they are the best handles, and the blades they are fitted with are the highest quality.
The only downsides are that some of the styles are a little harder to come by.
Also, if you want a Power Grip Pozidriv (which I do) they come with cheaper polypropylene handles, which I don’t like.
As CGarage says, the Megadora are probably the most popular. Although the handles are textured, they are not hideously soft like some. They are also the only design (I think) that has the option of “jawsfit” tips, should you want them.
I had an opportunity to buy a lot of Megadora drivers at reduced price, so if I select Vessel drivers (usually when I want metric tips but don’t want to use PB Swiss) I’ll be using Power Grip slotted / Phillips, and Megadora Pozidriv.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Rust belt tools and techniques are different than (I was going to use THEN to joke around) what you guys in Arizona and New Mexico can use.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Personally, I'm a fan of Snap-on screwdrivers.
I bought my first set of Contour handled screwdrivers shortly after starting my career in 1988. I bought them from a coworker who had owned them for several years prior and they were in pretty decent condition still, but he wanted the Power Grips when they came out in 1988. They are the black handled ones center of the drawer. My handles on the Contours are still in very good condition and nothing like the issues posted above, although getting a little chalked out.
I then purchased a set of Power Grip red handled around 1990 and have had them ever since (left front of drawer). Then in 2008 when they released the Instinct handle, I bought a set and actually really like the Instincts. I know many people don't like the Instincts, but I actually do and use them quite a bit but prefer the way the Power Grips clean up after use so those are my "go-to" screwdrivers the vast majority of the time. About 5 years ago I purchased a set of "CAT" branded screwdrivers made by Williams, which are the exact same as Snap-on Power Grip and use them quite a bit too. I mainly use them now to get them worn and patina'd like the others.
I also have a set of Vessel that I bought about 12+ years ago for working on powersports equipment being JIS, but that is about all I've used them on as I usually reach for either the Instincts or the Power Grips out of habit. I had a set of Facom from about 20 years ago that I carried in my truck but also gave them to my son who carries them in one of his vehicles now. They were decent and I kind of liked them.
I have a few MAC misc. screwdrivers and like them, plus I had a set of MAC Gator National editions from about 25 years ago that I kept in the enclosed race trailer but I have given those to my son and he really likes them.
About 6 or 7 years ago I bought a set of Proto Dura-Tek's that came highly recommended here, which would be the same as the MAC-Grip, and absolutely hated them. Not sure what it was but they tore up my hands and I just didn't like the overall feel so I gave them to my son and he likes them.
I also have an old set of the Blue Point 4-sided amber handled screwdrivers and I really like them as well but don't use them very often as they are in a separate drawer due to my screwdriver drawer being overly full.
Personally, I've tried a few other brands over the years but keep coming back to my old faithful Snap-on's.
I bought my first set of Contour handled screwdrivers shortly after starting my career in 1988. I bought them from a coworker who had owned them for several years prior and they were in pretty decent condition still, but he wanted the Power Grips when they came out in 1988. They are the black handled ones center of the drawer. My handles on the Contours are still in very good condition and nothing like the issues posted above, although getting a little chalked out.
I then purchased a set of Power Grip red handled around 1990 and have had them ever since (left front of drawer). Then in 2008 when they released the Instinct handle, I bought a set and actually really like the Instincts. I know many people don't like the Instincts, but I actually do and use them quite a bit but prefer the way the Power Grips clean up after use so those are my "go-to" screwdrivers the vast majority of the time. About 5 years ago I purchased a set of "CAT" branded screwdrivers made by Williams, which are the exact same as Snap-on Power Grip and use them quite a bit too. I mainly use them now to get them worn and patina'd like the others.
I also have a set of Vessel that I bought about 12+ years ago for working on powersports equipment being JIS, but that is about all I've used them on as I usually reach for either the Instincts or the Power Grips out of habit. I had a set of Facom from about 20 years ago that I carried in my truck but also gave them to my son who carries them in one of his vehicles now. They were decent and I kind of liked them.
I have a few MAC misc. screwdrivers and like them, plus I had a set of MAC Gator National editions from about 25 years ago that I kept in the enclosed race trailer but I have given those to my son and he really likes them.
About 6 or 7 years ago I bought a set of Proto Dura-Tek's that came highly recommended here, which would be the same as the MAC-Grip, and absolutely hated them. Not sure what it was but they tore up my hands and I just didn't like the overall feel so I gave them to my son and he likes them.
I also have an old set of the Blue Point 4-sided amber handled screwdrivers and I really like them as well but don't use them very often as they are in a separate drawer due to my screwdriver drawer being overly full.
Personally, I've tried a few other brands over the years but keep coming back to my old faithful Snap-on's.
Totally agree 100%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.
Breaker49r
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- 16
Tool truck brands, regardless if they're actually the best, are a non-starter for me.
It seems, at minimum, Vessel and PB Swiss are 2nd best based on anecdotal feedback here and PF's review. I REALLY don't like the printed barcode on the PB Swiss' and price-wise Vessel seems like a steal in comparison.
That said, unlike most other tools, "feel in the hand" seems to be a major component in the buying decision. Perhaps I just need to buy one of each...
It seems, at minimum, Vessel and PB Swiss are 2nd best based on anecdotal feedback here and PF's review. I REALLY don't like the printed barcode on the PB Swiss' and price-wise Vessel seems like a steal in comparison.
That said, unlike most other tools, "feel in the hand" seems to be a major component in the buying decision. Perhaps I just need to buy one of each...
Dave455
Well-known member
The printed barcode only appears on PB Swiss drivers that are sold without packaging. PB Swiss offer both options,
Even if you get the bar coded ones the bar code wipes off with a trace of spirit.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I didn't want to piss off anybody from the North. Truth is we just use a normal #3 screwdriver and they come right out no problem.
thool
Well-known member
FWIW, Project Farm has a pretty nice video on the subject.
Breaker49r
Member
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- Jan 4, 2023
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- 16
Good to know! Thx
chris142
Well-known member
Check out Klein screwdrivers.
Breaker49r
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I've watched that a few times. I think he missed a few things:
1) He didn't test/measure fastener fitment
2) He didn't use the full-tang version of the Vessel, knowing he'd be doing hydraulic press test... (Odd..)
3) Didn't include Snap-On. Would of liked to see how it compares and then correlate that to the anecdotal recommendations
4) Although highly subjective, comfort should of been included as it's a huge component.
richfinn
Well-known member
It's a fact of life you will eventually mess up your nice clean shiny screwdrivers (especially if you fool about with cars).
It's seems to me you can pay up front and use the tool truck warranty (if you have a Snap-On driver) or just buy the Vessel Megadora/Impacta set (with the striking caps preferably) and buy reasonably priced replacements when you inevitably mess one up (if you don't have a tool truck).
I've done it both ways and I don't think there's much in it quality wise to be honest (although I'm no screwdriver expert, I've been wrenching a long time and I like the grip on the Vessels better personally and the Phillips/JIS/DIN pattern is better for what I work on).
I also secretly think the P B Swiss Ratchet screwdriver is better than the Snap-On hard handle (although my Snappy managed 35 years of abuse).
I've had all kinds of Snap-On screwdrivers over the years from the old square hard handles to the Instinct ones they sell nowadays and none of them is worth three times the cost of a Vessel IMHO (although warranty service might be to others).
It's seems to me you can pay up front and use the tool truck warranty (if you have a Snap-On driver) or just buy the Vessel Megadora/Impacta set (with the striking caps preferably) and buy reasonably priced replacements when you inevitably mess one up (if you don't have a tool truck).
I've done it both ways and I don't think there's much in it quality wise to be honest (although I'm no screwdriver expert, I've been wrenching a long time and I like the grip on the Vessels better personally and the Phillips/JIS/DIN pattern is better for what I work on).
I also secretly think the P B Swiss Ratchet screwdriver is better than the Snap-On hard handle (although my Snappy managed 35 years of abuse).
I've had all kinds of Snap-On screwdrivers over the years from the old square hard handles to the Instinct ones they sell nowadays and none of them is worth three times the cost of a Vessel IMHO (although warranty service might be to others).
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I almost forgot that I have an old set of Matco hard handle screwdrivers from the 80's as well. I bought them just before I started my career from a pawn shop. I LOVE the feel of them. Unfortunately, I don't particularly care for the color as they are green so they reside in the Jeep's tool kit. My thinking is when using them off-road if I drop one maybe it will be easier seen. 
I also have an old MAC Comfort Grip set with red handles, much like the Gator Nationals that I gave my son but the Gator Nationals were bright green. I keep these in my truck's tool kit but I may rotate them back into the shop's main toolbox and put some of my other less used ones in the truck tool bag.
I also have an old MAC Comfort Grip set with red handles, much like the Gator Nationals that I gave my son but the Gator Nationals were bright green. I keep these in my truck's tool kit but I may rotate them back into the shop's main toolbox and put some of my other less used ones in the truck tool bag.
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Wrench97
Well-known member
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I'm going to hope this is a troll post, for the sake of my sanity.
PMD1966
Well-known member
I have some screwdrivers labeled Irwin. Solid steel from one end to the other. Wood slabs riveted on the sides. 50 years old and still work.
Madjik Man
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msharley
Well-known member
Nessism
Well-known member
Vessel Megadora's are my go-to screwdrivers, the JIS cross point jobbies. The Impacta units are indispensable too.
I recently bought a PB Swiss #2 after watching the Project Farm review, and I have to admit, the tip is even better than the Vessel's, in terms of tightness to a new screw. The handle is smaller, though, which doesn't fit my hand as well. Either way, they are amazing.
I lusted after those red handle Vessel's, with the through tang, but I'm sure they are heavier, and that won't do me much good since I turn a lot of screws in a session.
The woodies are likely my next purchase. Damn, what am i doing to do with all these screwdrivers?
I recently bought a PB Swiss #2 after watching the Project Farm review, and I have to admit, the tip is even better than the Vessel's, in terms of tightness to a new screw. The handle is smaller, though, which doesn't fit my hand as well. Either way, they are amazing.
I lusted after those red handle Vessel's, with the through tang, but I'm sure they are heavier, and that won't do me much good since I turn a lot of screws in a session.
The woodies are likely my next purchase. Damn, what am i doing to do with all these screwdrivers?
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plinker
Well-known member
I like the hard handle Snap-on screwdrivers in general, especially the mini tip ones. That said, They aint what they used to be, seem to break/wear out more often then I remember my Dad's doing. Good example is I bought a S-O T10 for tpms sensor screws, I think the shank was replaced three times over about a year and a half (and he didnt show up for half that time). I picked up a Matco/Witte T10, still working fine after three or so years and who knows how many screws driven. It is getting a tad worn lately. I was impressed enough to buy the flat/phillips set and the full torx set from Matco.
For automotive use, screwdriver use is a bit sporadic, I prefer bit screwdrivers in general, so That's what I use most of the time. They dont always fit though, steering column cover screws on older Fords is an example. Easier to get a correct bit then have a few bazilion screwdrivers on hand, Lot of good options from Zypher, Vessel & others for bits.
For automotive use, screwdriver use is a bit sporadic, I prefer bit screwdrivers in general, so That's what I use most of the time. They dont always fit though, steering column cover screws on older Fords is an example. Easier to get a correct bit then have a few bazilion screwdrivers on hand, Lot of good options from Zypher, Vessel & others for bits.
Dirty-mik3
Member
I'm honestly all over the place.
Metric:
+ drivers are exclusively Vessel (full set of super cushion gel, and megadora impacta's for stuck fasteners only)
- drivers are mostly PB Swiss & Wiha
SAE:
+ drivers are mostly Felo (ergonic) & Matco (top torque II)
- drivers are mostly Felo (ergonic) & Matco (top torque II)
Bits:
1/4" Metric bits are mostly PB Swiss & Vessel
1/4" SAE bits are mostly Milwaukee
4mm micro bits are exclusively Wiha & Vessel
After trying most reputable brands out there, I can very confidently say that if I started again my first purchases would be:
Metric: Vessel 700/KIT-10
SAE: Felo 400-7 Ergonic Screwdriver Set
1/4" Bits: PB Swiss C6-992 90 Bit set
4mm bits: Wiha 75977 MicroBits Set
1/4" driver: Wiha centrofix
The first thing I reach for is always the Felo ergonic (best handle ever made, excellent bit geometry & strength).
If I'm confident its going to be a JIS cross type, the Vessel gel's are the obvious choice. With anything under + 1 / - 4.0 / H 4.0 / T 15 size I'm going straight to the Wiha micro bits.
Metric:
+ drivers are exclusively Vessel (full set of super cushion gel, and megadora impacta's for stuck fasteners only)
- drivers are mostly PB Swiss & Wiha
SAE:
+ drivers are mostly Felo (ergonic) & Matco (top torque II)
- drivers are mostly Felo (ergonic) & Matco (top torque II)
Bits:
1/4" Metric bits are mostly PB Swiss & Vessel
1/4" SAE bits are mostly Milwaukee
4mm micro bits are exclusively Wiha & Vessel
After trying most reputable brands out there, I can very confidently say that if I started again my first purchases would be:
Metric: Vessel 700/KIT-10
SAE: Felo 400-7 Ergonic Screwdriver Set
1/4" Bits: PB Swiss C6-992 90 Bit set
4mm bits: Wiha 75977 MicroBits Set
1/4" driver: Wiha centrofix
The first thing I reach for is always the Felo ergonic (best handle ever made, excellent bit geometry & strength).
If I'm confident its going to be a JIS cross type, the Vessel gel's are the obvious choice. With anything under + 1 / - 4.0 / H 4.0 / T 15 size I'm going straight to the Wiha micro bits.
In auto repair screwdrivers get a hard time.
They consumable so buying wisely is advisable,
Striking cap styles like the toptul are nice and set prices are cheap, Williams hard handles in large set is pretty cheap, Japan sourced sets can be good buy for tip quality you get.
Really is a case of having beaters and quality fit sets for screw work only.
Snapon/mac only worth it if you got easy warranty potential as if not using warranty enough you quite simply wasting money .
They consumable so buying wisely is advisable,
Striking cap styles like the toptul are nice and set prices are cheap, Williams hard handles in large set is pretty cheap, Japan sourced sets can be good buy for tip quality you get.
Really is a case of having beaters and quality fit sets for screw work only.
Snapon/mac only worth it if you got easy warranty potential as if not using warranty enough you quite simply wasting money .
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Nope.
Nessism
Well-known member
I have a crosspoint Snap-On #2 with a sheared off tip I've been carrying around for way too long, hoping to warranty it some day, but I just came to realize that the original purchase receipt is needed for warranty claims. Who the hell keeps the receipt of every screwdriver they have purchased? Answer: Snap-On owners (I suppose). Well, not me. So much for lifetime warranty.
Have you tried contacting SO cust service? I bet they'd replace it without your proof of purchase. Just say you're not serviced by a local dealer. IME SO is pretty good about replacing one tool. If you're trying to send them a bucket of rusty garage sale finds or a very expensive tool that will likely trigger the "receipt needed" response. YMMV
Is a good chance can get it changed via customer service, takes bit of time/effort and doesn't go easy for everyone and sometimes need call more than once to get a helpful response .
US SnapOn warranty is pretty good, europe complete different game .
Personally if you don't have a local dealer then basic hand tools from snapon becomes less of a good buy on warranty basis .
You could buy other screwdriver sets like toptul hammer cap hex shank and self warranty multiple times for same cost as 1 snapon .
Self warranty never lets you down and no need for receipts or any other hoop jumping ...
Kurt4440
Well-known member
I have to slather my vehicle with Fluid Film every year or so, but, my dashboard and interior are pristine.
cycle61
Well-known member
Klein are slightly better than the cheapest box box options, but they’re not great. Also…they’re what nearly every electrician uses, so I tend to avoid them at risk of my tools getting mixed up with everyone else’s.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I've been buying and warranting Snap since the 70's never been asked for a receipt.
I like my Kleins. Good fitment and fairly durable (maybe not for auto work) and cheap enough to not stress over. I have a lot of different brands and don't really have a favorite. But the Kleins are like my everyday screwdrivers. Those and Williams.
Nessism
Well-known member
Who does the warranty for you? Guy on a truck?
In my case, I'm working in a different industry compared to when I bought the screwdriver, and we don't have snap-on trucks visiting our site. Any warranty claims I'd be able to make these days, would have to be done over the internet or phone.
cycle61
Well-known member
Also, this thread is well-timed. About two weeks ago my rental vehicle was broken into, and all my travel tools stolen. I’m rebuilding my kit from scratch. Not so much a financial concern, the company is paying for everything, but the logistics of replacing a set of tools curated over two decades is both annoying and an opportunity for some long deferred upgrades.
CGarage
Well-known member
dnschmidt
Well-known member
There are two sides to every coin. Out here if you don't have gangster window tint and a Dash Mat you'll pay the price. A ceramic coating on your paint doesn't hurt either.I have to slather my vehicle with Fluid Film every year or so, but, my dashboard and interior are pristine.
seber
Well-known member
Yesterday I stepped on the truck as I caught it getting ready to pull out of a local shop. Warranted two screwdrivers and a forty some odd year old wobble extension. No questions. Just a friendly driver. I guess I've been lucky but I've never had anything but good relations with Snap-on drivers. First started buying Snap-on some time around 1975.