Recommend me a buy it for life and hand it down screwdriver set

[lardy1]

Witte closeout at Haus Of Tools. I'm not in the market so didn't compare prices but I find Haus Of Tools is typically competitive before sale prices. I really like the couple of Witte that I have. Like others, there are various grades.

Witte Closeout Sale

Find the best quality tools from around the world with a strong emphasis on tools made in Germany, the USA, Japan and many, many more countries! When you buy from the Haus of Tools, you're getting the finest tools made by mankind.

hausoftools.com

 

[four.cycle]

^ that's a screamin' deal on those sets!

 

[BombShelter]

Manual screwdrivers aren't obsolete, there's just many better electric versions. Plus I'm tired of feeling the old carpal tunnel kick in after a few minutes of screwing.

Just like drilling, screwing has become much easier, embrace the tech.

Personally I've got Felo but never use them, my small Wiha non-conductive sets get used much more but I'll be moving on to one of the electric micro-drivers soon.

 

[L.Cheapo]

To me, screwdrivers are a very personal decision. It's all about what fits your hand comfortably. For me and my XXL paws, that's old school Snap On hard handles. For someone else that might be something soft grip. Or something else entirely.

It's hard to go wrong buying any of the premium brands today. That's why I think it's all about how the tool feels in your particular hand.

 

[liliysdad]

embrace the tech.

I do everything in my power to do exactly the opposite. It’s not always possible, but I try.

 

[nicks78camaro]

What are you doing that you warranty two screwdrivers a year?

 

[Jack_K]

Shoot, looking at some of the other dudes’ drivers here in the shop…there’s a whole lot of tradies who do the same thing.

Yeah, it is way more than the average person. I work with people who use screwdrivers all day and they still haven't worked it out.

 

[Rinspeed]

What are you doing that you warranty two screwdrivers a year?

Apparenty buying junk.

 

[four.cycle]

Waiting for @Etchase to give us a review on those fancy-schmantzy Vessel wood-handled full shank drivers he got the other day.

 

[mikey03]

Honestly I just was thinking I hardly ever use a screwdriver. I had to use one to remove a Philips head screw that’s in a plastic anchor in some concrete wall. I didn’t bother trying my impact, I think it would honestly cam out, it’s in there real tight.

On cars there’s not alot of Philips head screws. At least not the ones I work on. There’s a few here and there but honestly not alot.

smaller precision stuff where you can’t use a impact is most common for me tbh

even like drywall screws in drywall anchors I’ll use a impact and just feather it and be real careful

 

[Monte]

@Monte

Aren’t there small German companies that specialize in screwdrivers only?

sure

Sora www.sora-schraubendreher.de
Schröder https://walter-schroeder.de/en/
Athlet https://www.rotec.tools/de/produkte/athlet/groups/g+view (+ other stuff)
HKR http://www.hkr-werkzeuge.de/en/index.html (+ hammers)
Arndt https://www.arndt-tool.de/

(The Athlet brand was owned by Wuro https://www.wuro.de/ and sold to Rotec. Wuro closed the factory. I don´t know if the new Athlet tools are still made in Germany or Holland now)

 

[gahrajmahal]

When I went to school I needed to understand “the why” about a subject. So far everyone has given you opinions, which are very good here on the GJ. Most instructors could not explain the critical thinking behind a particular thing, like Phillips head screwdrivers. What are the different types of screws and how does the tip engage with it etc.

Here is a thread I started on a technical article created by Tekton called "JIS vs Phillips: Understanding Tip Geometry, Myths, and Fastener Compatibility" Nov 2025

Tekton technical article, "JIS vs Phillips: Understanding Tip Geometry, Myths, and Fastener Compatibility" Nov 2025

I'm on Tekton's email list and just received this interesting article about Phillips screwdrivers. I really love the great Blueprints shown and the easy to read, side-by-side comparisons between the different "country standards". SCREWDRIVERS JIS vs Phillips: Understanding Tip Geometry...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[tremiso220]

Mac screwdrivers are good. Taiwan made isn't a deal breaker. They're still quality. SK and Williams are US made and bulletproof.

 

[Dave455]

sure

Sora www.sora-schraubendreher.de
Schröder https://walter-schroeder.de/en/
Athlet https://www.rotec.tools/de/produkte/athlet/groups/g+view (+ other stuff)
HKR http://www.hkr-werkzeuge.de/en/index.html (+ hammers)
Arndt https://www.arndt-tool.de/

(The Athlet brand was owned by Wuro https://www.wuro.de/ and sold to Rotec. Wuro closed the factory. I don´t know if the new Athlet tools are still made in Germany or Holland now)

A friend of mine has a set of Sora drivers.

A less common manufacturer, but really nice. The handle shape is quite unique (though similar to some of the Heyco) but works, and the handle material seems long lasting.

I might choose these in preference to the better known Wiha.

 

[Hohn]

I like hard handles but I hate acetate. That's why I loved the Tektons so much with the high glass content.

 

[Rc_Guy]

On the market for a buy it for life and hand it down screwdriver set. My son is interested in being a mechanic but has years to go before he can even work. I'm a shade tree weekend warrior type and just need screwdrivers that I don't have to warranty out all the time. Currently using the newer Craftsman screwdrivers and I have to warranty out about two per year at Lowes. I have a good deal on a 9-peice set of Mac comfort grip screwdrivers but from what I understand these are now made in Taiwan. Snap on is a little over my budget. Trying to remain around $100-150. Any suggestions? Will the Mac's do alright even if they're made in Taiwan? I even looked at the Wera Chiseldriver set for $60 thinking the rigidity of these would come in handy.

What do you do with a screwdriver that you have to warranty it out?

I’ve got some craftsman screwdrivers that I think I’ve had for 40 years and they still work perfect, but all I use them for is putting in screws.

 

[four.cycle]

Here is a thread I started on a technical article created by Tekton called "JIS vs Phillips: Understanding Tip Geometry, Myths, and Fastener Compatibility" Nov 2025

there's also some extensive detailed research on "JIS" posted here somewhere by @BrandonV

So far everyone has given you opinions

Correct. The vast majority of which boil down to "personal preference": "I like this handle"/"I don't like this handle"
Every one of these "which screwdriver should I buy?" threads is the same.
As to the "opinions" - it would be imprudent for the reader to dismiss out of hand any comment here - we're all working in different environments, working on different jobs.
My screwdriver use last week was pretty much limited to removing and replacing a few switch plate covers and a doorknob to repaint a bathroom - all I needed was a standard 1/4" slotted and a P2 phillips - and any ol' crappy screwdriver would get the job done. (In the photo below you can see the owner's screwdriver that I found out in the tool shed.)
Bottom line: any ol' screwdriver will get the job done 99% of the time, but .... do you like the handle?

Still waiting for @Etchase to tell us what he thinks of those new Vessels, though... I'm intrigued, and after my experiences last Sunday am about ready to abandon "bits" and "bit holders" - at least those which don't retain the damn bits. (There might be some free tools out on the curb later today.)

 

[gahrajmahal]

Four.cycle, I reread the thread I had made and the answers were very technical compared to the ones in this thread. Although, I have enjoyed reading all 97 comments on this one. I find myself choosing screwdrivers with replaceable tips. I do like learning new things.

 

[nafets47]

.... am about ready to abandon "bits" and "bit holders" - at least those which don't retain the damn bits. (There might be some free tools out on the curb later today.)

I feel the same way currently. I just want a bit holder that will hold bits but not to the point I need pliers to pull them off because of retaining rings. I tried the Zephyr ZM60 and it is a nice medium with the o-ring retention but I don't like how hard it is putting a bit in the thing. Going down the rapid hole currently on this one.

 

[David99]

That robot will need its attitude screws adjusted now and then.

By the way, consider Wera drivers, too.

If they are too loose or have fallen out the robot may not any adjustments!

 

[jd_1138]

Anything you buy will be good for life, nobody used manual screwdrivers anymore. Get a Makita Impact Cordless and a few of those cheap bit sets when they come up for sale and you'll be 10x more happy.

I have 100's of boomboxes and Walkmans (with a million screws), outside of the tiny JIS microbits, almost everything is done with an impact driver. I did put together a ball-rebounder the other day, I was too lazy to grab the impact, but it reminded me of why I have several cordless tools around the house.

Yikes be careful with impact drivers -- could easily strip out housings, screws, etc. with delicate items I prefer a manual screwdriver so I can feel when a fastener is already snug.

I see a lot of people on YouTube using impact drivers when it seems a manual would be better. I'm talking fasteners with just a few threads and low torque requirements. A manual screwdriver weighs a lot less, so that's one benefit besides less chances of stripping things out.

 

[four.cycle]

just got a note from @Etchase.
Regarding those new wood-handled Vessels with the full-length shank:

Flying home today, and will look at those vessels in detail tomorrow.

For reasons which defy all common sense and logic, I am seriously considering BUYING more screwdrivers, and those look interesting. Really would like to know what you think about them.

Probably the result of my failing to pull the correct tool out of my bag (which I discovered was with me all along) when I was working on a job 150 miles away and resorted to a cheapie NON magnetic "bit holder" thing and ended up dropping both the #10 x 3" wood screw AND my P2 phillips bit down the sink drain - never to be seen again.

(Pedestal sink with a sketchy install and I was NOT about to tear into it - NOT my problem. Building goes on the market Tuesday. The new owner can deal with it.)

(The extra 135-mile drive back and forth to Aberdeen was to buy both the 'Titan' magnetic telescoping pick-up tool and the "performance tool" flexible claw/magnet pick up tool, neither of which were successful in accomplishing the task (of removing the screw or bit.)

So yeah.. I left a booby-trap for the next guy, but the option was attempting to remove an entire pedestal sink assembly in a 70-year-old building that had been jackassed in by somebody in the past - I wasn't about to screw around with it out in the woods. Sink drains just fine.
So kill me.

I will be going through any and all tools here which are "bit drivers" and any found to NOT retain the bits will go into the scrap metal pile.

 

[Steve_P]

There's 100 threads on this with always the same 10 answers. I'm a Wiha fan. Project Farm has at least one screwdriver test.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Wonder what would happen if you took those ten brands, set up a "poll" and had everyone for for their favorite. Might be an interesting experiment.
Because yes, every one of these "which screwdriver?" threads is always the same. Every time.

 

[Monte]

A friend of mine has a set of Sora drivers.

A less common manufacturer, but really nice. The handle shape is quite unique (though similar to some of the Heyco) but works, and the handle material seems long lasting.

I might choose these in preference to the better known Wiha.

if you should visit germany....:

https://www.bauhaus.info/schraubendreher-sets/schraubendreher-set-basic-home/p/22569824

Schraubendreher-Set SL/PH/PZ 7-teilig

Schraubendreher-Set SL/PH/PZ 7-teilig: für verschiedenste Schraubarbeiten geeignet, Klinge aus robustem Chrom-Vanadium-Stahl und schwarz brünierte Klingenspitzen für höchste Passgenauigkeit.

toom.de

 

[WildBill]

I do like the Wera stainless screwdrivers with laser cut tips.

Those are my favorite ones. Because they grip so well they don't get worn/damaged from slipping around, so the last a really long time. I've switched two big electronic mfg companies over to using them on their production lines. They seem to last forever and the assemblers really like them.

For rougher automotive work I have the sears diamond tipped ones, they are almost as grippy and are really beefy.

 

[f121]

What do you do with a screwdriver that you have to warranty it out?

I’ve got some craftsman screwdrivers that I think I’ve had for 40 years and they still work perfect, but all I use them for is putting in screws.

Phillips wear if they’re used in the wrong size screw, or if a Phillips is used in a pozi/vice versa. Occasionally the tips sheer entirely, even when using the correct driver for the screw. Flat heads twist. Ultimately they’re a wear item.

For me they either need to be cheap enough I just throw them away when they’re worn (wiha vde) or have lifetime warranty. Handle design is the deciding factor, I can get more torque into the triangular shape of an instinct handle, and spin it more easily, than a square or round handle.

 

[Dave455]

if you should visit germany....:

https://www.bauhaus.info/schraubendreher-sets/schraubendreher-set-basic-home/p/22569824

Schraubendreher-Set SL/PH/PZ 7-teilig

Schraubendreher-Set SL/PH/PZ 7-teilig: für verschiedenste Schraubarbeiten geeignet, Klinge aus robustem Chrom-Vanadium-Stahl und schwarz brünierte Klingenspitzen für höchste Passgenauigkeit.

toom.de

Thank you!

I must admit it’s the “hard handle” ones that I like the look of!

I have seen sets of them on ebay, but not at present.

Do you know of any other sources in Germany?

 

[Etchase]

@four.cycle Im a sucker for wood handle screwdrivers, I really like Vessel cross head bits, and frequently find it useful to pound on the end of a screwdriver, so these vessels tick all the boxes for me. Very good looking set. High gloss finish which might not age unscratched, but time will tell. I have several wood handle screwdrivers that are 75 years old, so these could certainly be passed down, but might need a fresh finish, which is pretty easy to do. There are 6 groves in the handles, so the smooth finish, isn’t a problem, not that these would be my first choice in an oily environment anyway. The working ends seem identical to my other Vessels, JIS but are not shark tooth. Always good to have a set of metric flat blades as well. I personally will only use soft blow hammers on these to preserve the good looks as long as possible. No Bolster, but you can always twist the handle with some channel locks. All the tips come magnetized.

The box says the handles are a little larger than normal, and I would agree. The P1 is 1 1/8 inch in diameter, and the P3 about 1 3/8. I’ve shown a few P2’s of other brands for comparison.

Vessel Premium Wood Handle Tang-thru Screwdriver (1006PBU)

* Premium wood handle with six grooves, delivering a refined lookand a secure, comfortable grip* Includes No.100 SL5.5x75mm, SL6x100mm, SL8x150mm, +1x75mm, +2x100mm,+3x150mm* Large heavy-duty end cap allows hammer striking for loosening rusted or stackedscrews* Original Cross-Point tip called...

www.harryepstein.com

 

[four.cycle]

Excellent. Thank you! Looks like only Epstein and "Haus of Tools" have them presently.
I'm going to call Nelson Bowers and see if he's going to bring them in.
Otherwise I'll go with Epstein.

I have gigantic hands, so "fat handle" works just dandy for me.

After a rather unfortunate experience on that bathroom painting job, I am in the process of weeding out any/all P1 P2 drivers/bits which are not magnetic or do not retain the bit. Cost me time and money having a silly little P2 bit fall out of the driver I was holding.

 

[Monte]

Thank you!

I must admit it’s the “hard handle” ones that I like the look of!

I have seen sets of them on ebay, but not at present.

Do you know of any other sources in Germany?

only Ebay....just a few....:

https://www.ebay.de/sch/i.html?_nkw=Sora+Schraubendreher+&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313

They are virtually non existant.....

 

[KnurledNut]

They are virtually non existant.....

Bondhus owns Heinrich Betz, the parent company of Sora screwdrivers.
These can be found branded as Bondhus in the USA from tool companies like Bowers.
https://bowerstool.com/

 

[drokihazan]

What are you doing that you warranty two screwdrivers a year?

I shatter at least two Snap-On tips a year in PH2, T15, or T20. Sometimes I twist the flutes on T20s as well.

 

[Wamsutta]

The one thing I should mention is that not all straight slot screws have the same size width slot.

For that reason, I have two separate versions of a 5/16'' wide straight slot screwdriver.

The MAC will have a tip thickness of 0.42'' while a Snap-on will have a tip thickness of .047''. Both 5/16'' wide blades.

You get the correct screwdriver tip to fit the head of the screw perfectly so that the screwdriver tip never slips out from the head of the screw, your screwdrivers will last forever.

 

[whateg01]

The one thing I should mention is that not all straight slot screws have the same size width slot.

For that reason, I have two separate versions of a 5/16'' wide straight slot screwdriver.

The MAC will have a tip thickness of 0.42'' while a Snap-on will have a .047'' thick tip. Both 5/16'' wide blades.

You get the correct screwdriver tip to fit the head of the screw perfectly so that the screwdriver tip never slips out from the head of the screw, your screwdrivers will last forever.

Which size is correct for opening paint cans?

 

[Wamsutta]

Which size is correct for opening paint cans?

Funny you should mention that. I saw an instructor in class open a paint can with a Snap-on screwdriver one day. I cringed.

 

[neophyte]

Funny you should mention that. I saw an instructor in class open a paint can with a Snap-on screwdriver one day. I cringed.

If a screwdriver can’t survive opening a can of paint, then the screwdriver is basically just a tool shaped object, rather than an actual screwdriver.
There might be exceptions for ultra sharp flat head tips made for incredibly narrow screw slots, be even still, a screwdriver should really be able to handle paint cans even if the screwdriver has a very narrow tip.

 

[Wamsutta]

If a screwdriver can’t survive opening a can of paint, then the screwdriver is basically just a tool shaped object, rather than an actual screwdriver.
There might be exceptions for ultra sharp flat head tips made for incredibly narrow screw slots, be even still, a screwdriver should really be able to handle paint cans even if the screwdriver has a very narrow tip.

I have Craftsman screwdrivers to open cans of paint.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Phillips wear if they’re used in the wrong size screw, or if a Phillips is used in a pozi/vice versa.

Or if they're the silver finished 1990s Craftsman Phillips drivers that a GJ member once described as being made of a "semi-metallic, cheese-like substance."

That was years ago and I still remember it as a more perfect description could not be crafted.

 

[four.cycle]

I have Craftsman screwdrivers to open cans of paint.

You mean they have uses other than opening paint cans?