Done any house hold wiring lately?
Recommend me a screwdriver set
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Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I tried a Craftsman set based on his tests just to see. Not this set, but... These are the same screwdrivers being sold on eBay. But Craftsman diamond tip. If I want a beater and they grip like there's no tomorrow... His testing showed them to be pretty tough but I have not beat on them enough to find out. They show pretty much no wear so far. Frankly, I expected the diamond coating to wear off. I also have diamond coated snap-on bits but I have not tried them yet
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Notgrownup
Well-known member
I mean, duh! HARBOR FREIGHT for the win….
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
To use for house tasks or car repair or?
I find myself using 6-in-1s around the house, vs dedicated drivers for car repair. I have some old Craftsman, approx 15yr old USA SK, newer USA Tekton, Doyle demo drivers, Klein, Vessel.
I prefer the USA SK out of what I have for car repair. Although I haven't (yet) gotten any Snap Ons. And the Doyles are nice to beat the **** out of.
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I use slotted drivers for screws daily….and I don’t use slotted drivers for prying.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
JIS drivers work better than Phillips drivers on every screw they fit into, in my 40 years of using screwdrivers
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
This link has pictures
Daitool | Build Better
As a global reference site for tools and supplies of Japanese brands, we meet the needs for high quality tools of small and medium companies in the construction, carpentry, gardening and industrial sectors.
daitool.com
That said, see post #4 by @BrandonV in this link on garage journal.
Is JIS is an old outdated standard | The Garage Journal https://share.google/HRmTpvRX31IRX1HN2
I recently read that even new vessel is modified from the original JIS standard. Stubby rember where so take it for what it is worth.
The general assumption is that you will not damage a Phillips screw with a jis driver but a Phillips driver might damage a jis screw.
I was always worried about having only the outside edges applying pressure increasing the likelihood of damaging the driver but I have not noticed this in practice... And I might have heard one person claim they had a problem with a jis driver in a Phillips screw but for all I know he really had pozie screws. With the new standards it should not matter. Even the new tektons cousin to use the new integrated works with them all tips.
M.Jay
Well-known member
Very impressive!
To be honest, I use them for both, like probably most people. Some nice ones for actually turning screws and some old worn ones for everything else one shouldn't use them for.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I believe the OP mentioned that he wanted easy warranty and not to spend Snap on money. How's easy is it to warranty PB Swiss, Williams, and Vessel screwdrivers?
If you're going to beat these screwdrivers up, my first recommendation would be to get a set of DEMO DRIVERS from whoever for abusing and save your decent screwdrivers for better tasks.
My screwdriver recommendation used to be Proto Duratecs but, the South Carolina plant shut down awhile back so, they're not an option.
I don't know what screwdriver handle shape you prefer, and I'm hung up on ease of warranty so, I'm out. get the demo drivers and perhaps a 1/4 flat tip and a PH#2 from some of the recommendations above to try out. Good luck in your quest
If you're going to beat these screwdrivers up, my first recommendation would be to get a set of DEMO DRIVERS from whoever for abusing and save your decent screwdrivers for better tasks.
My screwdriver recommendation used to be Proto Duratecs but, the South Carolina plant shut down awhile back so, they're not an option.
I don't know what screwdriver handle shape you prefer, and I'm hung up on ease of warranty so, I'm out. get the demo drivers and perhaps a 1/4 flat tip and a PH#2 from some of the recommendations above to try out. Good luck in your quest
lbhsbz
Well-known member
Yes, JIS is an obsolete standard, but it's still better in every way than a damn phillips...which are mostly useless IMO. Play semantics all you want. I've not torn up a single head on single "cross" type screw since I switched to JIS drivers. Phillips drivers are OK for wood screws I guess, but even on the rare occasion I run into those, as JIS driver works perfectly.This link has pictures
Daitool | Build Better
As a global reference site for tools and supplies of Japanese brands, we meet the needs for high quality tools of small and medium companies in the construction, carpentry, gardening and industrial sectors.
That said, see post #4 by @BrandonV in this link on garage journal.
Is JIS is an old outdated standard | The Garage Journal https://share.google/HRmTpvRX31IRX1HN2
I recently read that even new vessel is modified from the original JIS standard. Stubby rember where so take it for what it is worth.
The general assumption is that you will not damage a Phillips screw with a jis driver but a Phillips driver might damage a jis screw.
I was always worried about having only the outside edges applying pressure increasing the likelihood of damaging the driver but I have not noticed this in practice... And I might have heard one person claim they had a problem with a jis driver in a Phillips screw but for all I know he really had pozie screws. With the new standards it should not matter. Even the new tektons cousin to use the new integrated works with them all tips.
Phillips drivers are stupid
whateg01
Well-known member
I was agreeing with you. Sorry I didn't make that clearer
NightSky
Well-known member
I like this heavy duty set by Wera. Actually the set seems to have been assembled by KC Tools.
Currently $77, so not inexpensive. But they feel great. The first review (Great set, suggest a few additions), by me, suggests a few additions.
Currently $77, so not inexpensive. But they feel great. The first review (Great set, suggest a few additions), by me, suggests a few additions.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I believe the OP mentioned that he wanted easy warranty and not to spend Snap on money. How's easy is it to warranty PB Swiss, Williams, and Vessel screwdrivers?
If you're going to beat these screwdrivers up, my first recommendation would be to get a set of DEMO DRIVERS from whoever for abusing and save your decent screwdrivers for better tasks.
My screwdriver recommendation used to be Proto Duratecs but, the South Carolina plant shut down awhile back so, they're not an option.
I don't know what screwdriver handle shape you prefer, and I'm hung up on ease of warranty so, I'm out. get the demo drivers and perhaps a 1/4 flat tip and a PH#2 from some of the recommendations above to try out. Good luck in your quest
If primary concern is warranty by something based in the United States.
So probably...
Tiers 1 and 2 be
Tekton is probably easiest, followed by harbor freight, and Craftsman or any tool truck (such a snap-on).
I personally had good luck with...
Williams, proto, and SK.
Expect most of the other large companies to be very similar for example, channel lock, wright, Milwaukee, proto, etc...
Although I had very good luck with Proto, I've never had good luck with Stanley. Last time I had a problem was something with Stanley I think I was supposed to Peck everything up and send it in. Hit my expense with a note. But that was years ago. Ended up fabricating my own part to fix the hand plane that was broken rather than dealing with them.
I expect anything out of the country that you do not have a local contact to be bothersome. I believe that knipex has a US presence so that's probably not so bad, I have no idea about things like vessel or wera.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I like my PB Swiss swissgrip set (not the new 2025 trilobular handles) so shop drpd.cc for those. And I have a bit driver from Toptul that makes me a believer in their handles / products. https://www.toptul.com/en/2-2179-170195/product/14PCS-Slotted-Phillips-Screwdriver-Set-id322992.html
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
What are you talking about? What part of household wiring uses a slotted screw other than the faceplate? IF you need to warranty a screwdriver because the faceplate screw damaged it ....
orangeblood
Well-known member
PB Swiss and never look back
I have a very wide array of drivers and handle types. It's hard to recommend drivers because it seems most people are more concerned about handle comfortability than tip quality or durability. It's a "To each their own" type of tool, in my opinion.
I personally like my Kleins as well as any but square feels good in my hand. I have a few different tri-lobe handles and they're alright but not my preference.
Tons of really good drivers out there and individuals aren't that pricy. I suggest buying a few samples to see what pleases your hand the most.
Happy hunting.
I personally like my Kleins as well as any but square feels good in my hand. I have a few different tri-lobe handles and they're alright but not my preference.
Tons of really good drivers out there and individuals aren't that pricy. I suggest buying a few samples to see what pleases your hand the most.
Happy hunting.
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,483
SO and Klein are nice.
I think it’s easy to spend more on screwdrivers than what you need. My “luxury” set is Klein. My daily users/can openers/sidewalk crack weeders/ keep in the junk drawer types are Menards.
All good enough for who they are for.
All good enough for who they are for.
four.cycle
Well-known member
did anyone mention Vessel ? 
richfinn
Well-known member
You don't warranty consumables like screwdrivers, just buy new ones when they wear out. Vessel Megadora (tang through) are very affordable and perfect for auto mechanics in my opinion.
If you want a couple of Phillips/JIS get the Vessel Impacta #2/#3
If you want a couple of Phillips/JIS get the Vessel Impacta #2/#3
mrb1
Well-known member
Nope. You're the firstdid anyone mention Vessel ?
four.cycle
Well-known member
Is KC Tool still peddling those green-handled Heyco sets? Those were a bit hit here when they were on sale.
Heyco green hard-handle 7-pc set $45.69
Heyco green hard-handle 7-pc set $45.69
M.Jay
Well-known member
77$? Damn, you guys really getting robbed in broad daylight.
A comparable set costs the equivalent of about 40 bucks here, with sales tax already included.
This made me chuckle. Good to know i am not the only one abusing old screwdrivers as weeding tools.
Lol. Sounds like a big no.
Outlet covers are all slotted, but the screws on all US switches and outlets are slotted with a square drive in the center. Same on breakers. Breaker panel covers. Really not much Phillips in US electrical.
I think the square drive was added years ago as an option. And you can kinda make Phillips work if that's all you have. But given the choice between Phillips or straight, straight works better, so you need it.
Just because someone else will mention if I don't: Electricians have a new screwdriver std called ECX that combines the straight and square into one bit type. I have one and it works as advertised. But for a couple reasons, sometimes its just easier to use a straight.
Electrical isn't the only place you find slotted screws. Lots of furniture type stuff with hinges use slotted screws. Maybe they are cheaper or look more traditional. A lot of hardware I buy imported from Asia uses slotted screws, maybe for cost reasons.
I can pretty much guarantee that if one ever decided to rid his or her tool box of the unneeded, unwanted straight blade screwdrivers or SAE sockets, that would be the next thing vitally needed.
Slotted screws abound on carburetors, and old hose clamps. Lots of slotted screws in the firearm world. Tons of slotted screws in vintage camping and outdoor equipment.
Slotted drivers are just as important as Phillips in my shop, sometimes more.
Slotted drivers are just as important as Phillips in my shop, sometimes more.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
This will likely be my last reply as it's just not worth it but here goes.
I'm on my second full house renovation and as such, full wiring including panel replacement. You are right old panels and receptacles used slotted screws YEARS ago. EVERYTHING electrical now is square / Robertson (for the Canadians). Breakers, panel covers, recepticals, mounting screws, you name it. Except for the faceplate.
The fasteners are actually multinational in design. It's a 3-in-1 design.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
You warranty a bunch of slotted screwdrivers turning hi and lo jets on leaf blowers?
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Sure. In your shop. And carburetors were last used in the US 40+ years ago on cars. Let's get the opinion of someone that restores Model T Fords.... because thats very relevant.
whateg01
Well-known member
I think you're thinking of op who wants the warranty. I don't see anything saying that carbs cause warranty needs. I think most of us would just toss the screwdriver and buy a better one if it came to that.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Right, so again, how many screwdrivers are you wearing out turning the hi and low jets on OPE? My point is that slotted screwdrivers and used for EVERYTHING except for their intended purpose almost always nowadays.
I completely agree.
NightSky
Well-known member
Doin' our part for the German economy!
I like this heavy duty set by Wera. Actually the set seems to have been assembled by KC Tools.
Currently $77, so not inexpensive. But they feel great. The first review (Great set, suggest a few additions), by me, suggests a few additions.
I have a similar set of the Wera 350SK/334SK. My set came with PH1, PH2 and 4 flat blade drivers, 2 small enough that they didn't have hex bolster on them. I added PH3 and a couple of PH0. Have all kinds of different screwdrivers, and I like these ones a lot too.
Not really comparing apples to apples. That is a heavy duty set that KC Tools put together, not the standard hex bolster set that Wera sells for ~$50 these these days. It comes with PH3 and 2 bigger size flat blade screwdrivers than the biggest size flat in the standard Wera set. Notice his set has all hex bolster flat blade, while mine (pictured above) came with 2 flats with hex bolster and 2 without (although they still have hex blades).
His set includes the following:
PH #1 x 80mm Phillips Screwdriver
PH #2 x 100mm Phillips Screwdriver
PH #3 x 150mm Phillips Screwdriver
4.5 x 90mm Slotted Screwdriver
7.0 x 125mm Slotted Screwdriver
9.0 x 150mm Slotted Screwdriver
My set, before the add-ons I bought, sells now for $50 on amazon (although I paid $35.61 years ago). It includes:
PH #1 x 80mm Phillips Screwdriver
PH #2 x 100mm Phillips Screwdriver
3.5 x 70mm Slotted Screwdriver
4.0 x90mm Slotted Screwdriver
5.5 x 100mm Slotted Screwdriver
6.5 x 125mm Slotted Screwdriver
The PH3 with Hex bolster alone is $15 separately, the 7mm flat is $15 and the 9mm x 150mm flat is $20 bucks separately. And those are all included in the KC Tools heavy duty set.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZEAP9C?tag=atomicindus08-20
Edit: noticed your location is Germany. Lol. That makes sense. But, like I said before, the standard Wera hex bolster sets are still around $50 here in the USA.
I don’t mess with leaf blowers and such.
I don’t care about the warranty as much as the ability to replace the driver I like with another one just like it. That’s the hang up I have with Tekton. I bought pretty heavily into their drivers based largely on their commitment to US manufacturing. Now if I lose one or want a spare or a duplicate, unless there happens to be one on the shelf, I’m out of luck. The same is true of the warranty.
I have warrantied a couple of Snap On hard handle flat blade drivers, however. One got up against an exhaust manifold and melted a divot in the handle. The other got dropped into the fan shroud. Both were handled immediately.
All that said, my comments had absolutely nothing to do with warranties, but was instead made in response to the silly “flat head screwdrivers are obsolete“ statements.
It’s the same tired dribble that gets repeated when sockets and wrenches are discussed. “SAE is irrelevant,” followed by a dozen folks giving two dozen examples proving that SAE is still very relevant.
Everyone’s world is different. Some folks have no use for a flathead screwdriver, others use them to open paint cans, and there are a still a few that use them as intended on a daily basis.
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This thread is getting weird. Maybe worth changing the discussion slightly?
I like the 5 or 6 in 1 screwdrivers. I greatly detest the 10 in 1 screwdrivers. Just too fussy. I pull and the wrong bit comes out etc etc.
My first combination screwdrivers were Lutz or Enderes which are both unbreakable, but clunky and unsatisfying in ways I can’t describe.
This thing is a game changer. Ratcheting screwdrivers aside, this is my current favorite screwdriver. This probably belongs in every toolbox and every kitchen junk drawer. It’s not quite as long as it looks somehow.
I’d almost question why we have big sets of screwdrivers when these multi tip models, once hardware store junk, are now so good for general duty. The replaceable tips take the warranty discussion whole new places.
Unlike a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver, these bits pretty much never fall out. It’s a very rugged reliable set up.
I like the 5 or 6 in 1 screwdrivers. I greatly detest the 10 in 1 screwdrivers. Just too fussy. I pull and the wrong bit comes out etc etc.
My first combination screwdrivers were Lutz or Enderes which are both unbreakable, but clunky and unsatisfying in ways I can’t describe.
This thing is a game changer. Ratcheting screwdrivers aside, this is my current favorite screwdriver. This probably belongs in every toolbox and every kitchen junk drawer. It’s not quite as long as it looks somehow.
I’d almost question why we have big sets of screwdrivers when these multi tip models, once hardware store junk, are now so good for general duty. The replaceable tips take the warranty discussion whole new places.
Unlike a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver, these bits pretty much never fall out. It’s a very rugged reliable set up.
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whateg01
Well-known member
Now can we address this idiocy of calling a flat blade screwdriver a "flathead"? A screw is a flat head, as opposed to a pan head, or an oval head, or a socket head!
whateg01
Well-known member
I hate these things! I keep one in my travel kit, but only because having my whole wall of tools with me is a little impractical. Especially if I'm doing something where I need more than 1 type or size, it's a pita to have to constantly flip the thing around. And if one tip becomes damaged I can't just go to the store and buy another #2 Phillips bit. Sorry, I mean, I only use JIS. Yeah, that's what I meant! Like everybody else, I detest Phillips anything.
whateg01
Well-known member
You've probably never needed a 16mm or 18mm sticker, either
This thread is getting weird. Maybe worth changing the discussion slightly?
I like the 5 or 6 in 1 screwdrivers. I greatly detest the 10 in 1 screwdrivers. Just too fussy. I pull and the wrong bit comes out etc etc.
My first combination screwdrivers were Lutz or Enderes which are both unbreakable, but clunky and unsatisfying in ways I can’t describe.
This thing is a game changer. Ratcheting screwdrivers aside, this is my current favorite screwdriver. This probably belongs in every toolbox and every kitchen junk drawer. It’s not quite as long as it looks somehow.
I’d almost question why we have big sets of screwdrivers when these multi tip models, once hardware store junk, are now so good for general duty. The replaceable tips take the warranty discussion whole new places.
Unlike a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver, these bits pretty much never fall out. It’s a very rugged reliable set up.
I must have 8 or 10 of those, they have a long reach also
They work fantastic and you also have a nut driver ready to go