screwdrivers
- Thread starter hickmlg09
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Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Cman pros, love the handles.
G1GRANDEUR
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My personal favorite is Matco (Witte) screwdrivers.
Depends on the budget though.
Depends on the budget though.
canuckian
Well-known member
My favorite is snap on hard handles. Williams makes a set with the same handles for a decent price. I also like Wera screwdrivers. They're always on sale on amazon.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Hard-handled Williams. They are the black-handled drivers in this link:
http://industrialsupplydenver.com/screwdrivers.html
Scott
http://industrialsupplydenver.com/screwdrivers.html
Scott
I really like my Williams Black Hardhandles:
But based on reviews here, I picked up a couple sets of the Wera Lasertips for work:
Both a fairly inexpensive. The Williams seem durable and the hardhandles stay clean. The tips on the Weras are amazing (you can put a screw on the tip and suspend the driver from the screw!). But the laser grip stuff (not the tip itself) doesn't seem to hold up all that well.
But based on reviews here, I picked up a couple sets of the Wera Lasertips for work:
Both a fairly inexpensive. The Williams seem durable and the hardhandles stay clean. The tips on the Weras are amazing (you can put a screw on the tip and suspend the driver from the screw!). But the laser grip stuff (not the tip itself) doesn't seem to hold up all that well.
Hazet HEXAnamic available direct from Germany via Jens Putzier right here on GJ. Here's one of Jens' auctions: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hazet-802-5...049?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbf4d58e9
Wiha is another option: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CW84SA/?tag=atomicindus08-20 There are several variations available from Wiha. The one's I've linked here are a basic set.
Wiha is another option: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CW84SA/?tag=atomicindus08-20 There are several variations available from Wiha. The one's I've linked here are a basic set.
GoBlue
Well-known member
Matco for me...best of the best
slipjointed
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As far as value combined with durability, comfort, and quality, I find Wiha to be the best. The majority of their screwdrivers are German made afaik. I prefer Wera's handle design to Wiha's, but the tips on them just didn't last like I feel they should.
The Wera lasertip design is superb, but I feel that the durability went down when they switched them from German to Czech manufacture. I have a German made Wera phillips that has lasted through four Czech made drivers. I was on my third Czech-made Wera #2 phillips when my Wiha insulated #2 phillips driver that was purchased at the same time, was in need of replacing.
I like PB Swiss best of all, but their handles are just too small for me, even the larger Swissgrip version. If your father has more average sized hands, and you don't mind ponying up the cash, that might be a good option for him.
The Wera lasertip design is superb, but I feel that the durability went down when they switched them from German to Czech manufacture. I have a German made Wera phillips that has lasted through four Czech made drivers. I was on my third Czech-made Wera #2 phillips when my Wiha insulated #2 phillips driver that was purchased at the same time, was in need of replacing.
I like PB Swiss best of all, but their handles are just too small for me, even the larger Swissgrip version. If your father has more average sized hands, and you don't mind ponying up the cash, that might be a good option for him.
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
It really depends on your budget. I've become a big fan of Xcelites recently for quality American made drivers on the cheap. For higher end, you can't go wrong with Snapon hard handles. If you are looking somewhere in the middle, Williams is a knockout option.
slipjointed
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The Excelites are a bit dated, but they certainly are tried and true. I have a soft spot for them because my father was a technician, and he had Excelite screwdrivers and nut drivers on his tool pallets in his briefcase. They were the first brand of screwdriver I used as a child.
RodneyPierce
Well-known member
MAC, Snap-On, Williams, Pratt-Read, Klein, Wera, Wiha. Really cant go wrong with any of them. Just depends on how much you want to spend. I just got a set of "high visibility" screw drivers in neon green from McMaster Carr for under 50.00 for the 8 piece set. They are made by Pratt-Read. I have a thread on them just a couple posts down from this one if you wanted to check out what they looked like. But really, any listed here are going to get the job done for you, and reliably without wanting to "cam out" your screws.
Check these ones out. They come in bright green and bright orange and are kinda retro. The seem like very nice drivers and fall into your budget. And they are Made in the USA!
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128197
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128197
canuckian
Well-known member
$50? I still stick with my initial recommendations
Williams
http://www.amazon.com/Snap--Industrial-Williams-100P-8MD-Screwdriver/dp/B002NH5F30/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323312125&sr=8-2
Wera laser tips
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Lasertip-Professional-Screwdriver/dp/B0001NQQCM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323312239&sr=1-1
Wera chisel drivers - I have those and they're a great set
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Chiseldriver-Pound-Thru-Screwdriver/dp/B0001NQQCC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323312333&sr=1-3
Williams
http://www.amazon.com/Snap--Industrial-Williams-100P-8MD-Screwdriver/dp/B002NH5F30/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323312125&sr=8-2
Wera laser tips
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Lasertip-Professional-Screwdriver/dp/B0001NQQCM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323312239&sr=1-1
Wera chisel drivers - I have those and they're a great set
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Chiseldriver-Pound-Thru-Screwdriver/dp/B0001NQQCC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323312333&sr=1-3
Scout Driver
Well-known member
RodneyPierce
Well-known member
The Williams are very nice drivers as well. Like I posted above. Pratt-Read, Williams, Wera, Wiha. All of them fit your price range. I personally cant stand the handle on the Wera drivers. The way they fit in my hand, drives me crazy. I much prefer the Pratt-Read/McMaster drivers listed above, or Williams, also posted above. I prefer the "MAC" hard handle style, but williams is also very nice.
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mlittle29
Well-known member
Klein for me! Love the grips.
fivespdcat
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The wiha is a really nice set for under $50. I would go with those, actually I did for myself!
SMKS
Well-known member
To the OP:
How large do you want the set to be?
I don't think you have to spend too much to get a decent set, depending on how many pieces you want.
I bought a bunch of these sets for Christmas presents for my friends. They're Wera's budget line. They have a hard plastic handle and are made in the Czech Republic. I got them from a different site that was having a sale, not Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XITE7E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If I was buying a low-priced but decent set for myself, I'd get these. They should be made in Germany.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002FTA4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Now, if warranty is a concern for you, I'd go with the Williams. Williams has mail-in warranty service.
With Wera, you're probably out of luck if you have a warranty problem, but you shouldn't have any trouble with them.
Wiha tools does also have mail-in warranty, but European companies are often more strict with warranty replacements.
How large do you want the set to be?
I don't think you have to spend too much to get a decent set, depending on how many pieces you want.
I bought a bunch of these sets for Christmas presents for my friends. They're Wera's budget line. They have a hard plastic handle and are made in the Czech Republic. I got them from a different site that was having a sale, not Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XITE7E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If I was buying a low-priced but decent set for myself, I'd get these. They should be made in Germany.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002FTA4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Now, if warranty is a concern for you, I'd go with the Williams. Williams has mail-in warranty service.
With Wera, you're probably out of luck if you have a warranty problem, but you shouldn't have any trouble with them.
Wiha tools does also have mail-in warranty, but European companies are often more strict with warranty replacements.
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Krokodil
Well-known member
I would recommend Wera.
Stuntmonkey
Well-known member
As an electrician I love Klein and Wiha.
As a home mechanic/hobbyist/whatever I love my green hard handled snap ons.
As a home mechanic/hobbyist/whatever I love my green hard handled snap ons.
dwm
Well-known member
What kind of work do you envision him doing with them?
I ask because my go-to screwdriver is a Snap-On ratcheting driver. 9 times out of 10, I'm using it instead of my Wiha heavy-duty MicroFinish, Wera chiseldrivers, older Wera Rockos, Klein soft-grip, Wiha SoftFinish or Snap-On Instinct drivers. I only reach for a non-ratcheting screwdriver when I can't use the ratcheting (the larger shaft doesn't fit down into small recessed holes). The Snap-On ACR Philips tips put most every other Philips tip to shame for all-around use, and they're much cheaper to replace than an entire driver. There's enough bit storage in the handle of the SSDMR4 models to handle most tasks, and it comes with 5 bits (2 slotted, Philips #1 ACR, Philips #2 ACR, Torx T15). The driver is built to last; my most-used one is more than 20 years old and still works great. $62, but lifetime warranty that'll likely never be exercised.
SSDMR4BO (orange)
SSDMR4B (black)
I ask because my go-to screwdriver is a Snap-On ratcheting driver. 9 times out of 10, I'm using it instead of my Wiha heavy-duty MicroFinish, Wera chiseldrivers, older Wera Rockos, Klein soft-grip, Wiha SoftFinish or Snap-On Instinct drivers. I only reach for a non-ratcheting screwdriver when I can't use the ratcheting (the larger shaft doesn't fit down into small recessed holes). The Snap-On ACR Philips tips put most every other Philips tip to shame for all-around use, and they're much cheaper to replace than an entire driver. There's enough bit storage in the handle of the SSDMR4 models to handle most tasks, and it comes with 5 bits (2 slotted, Philips #1 ACR, Philips #2 ACR, Torx T15). The driver is built to last; my most-used one is more than 20 years old and still works great. $62, but lifetime warranty that'll likely never be exercised.
SSDMR4BO (orange)
SSDMR4B (black)
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For the money? Hands down, Wiha. Especially at Amazon prices...
This 12-piece set is $55 shipped.
I also have their nut drivers and torx drivers. The Wiha's are almost always my first choice in a drawer full of other options (Snap-on, Craftsman Pro, etc)
This 12-piece set is $55 shipped.
I also have their nut drivers and torx drivers. The Wiha's are almost always my first choice in a drawer full of other options (Snap-on, Craftsman Pro, etc)
Seems like everyone love the klein and wiha on here so far.
RodneyPierce
Well-known member
Make sure you try the Klein on for size first. I dont like how big the handles are on there drivers. But, they have one of the best tips around. Just if they could do something with that rubber gripped handle.....
W650Mike
Well-known member
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20
A lot of good suggestions here, but the Williams would be my choice and Amazon has a good price.
Since it's up in another tab...I guess I might as well get a set for myself! Merry Christmas to me!!!
A lot of good suggestions here, but the Williams would be my choice and Amazon has a good price.
Since it's up in another tab...I guess I might as well get a set for myself! Merry Christmas to me!!!
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I'm a fan of Klein and Snap-On. Phasing out the Craftsman.
Jawn
Well-known member
Take a good look at Pratt-Read. USA made and inexpensive.
greasemonkey44
Well-known member
call me the oddball but i really like husky pro from home depot
they are fairly cheap; very easy to warranty; and very comfortable
and the best part is they are us made
they are fairly cheap; very easy to warranty; and very comfortable
and the best part is they are us made
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Forgot about those, I have a few that I like as well.
Unless your father is a "tool conisour" I'd stick with the easy to warranty locally available ones like Cman or Husky or SK, but that's just my two cents!
No offense, but I'll disagree with the Husky Pro recommendation. I bought the set at HD. Since they're US-made, I really wanted to like them. Although I liked the handles, the #1 and #2 phillips had sloppy fastener fit, and cammed out easily when significant force was applied. I'd rate them on par with the Craftsman (non-pro) screwdriver sets.
I ended up buying the 12-piece Wiha set shown in pfbz's post, and the difference is huge. Tight fastener fit, no camming out, nice handles.
For a lot less money, my favorite all-in-one screwdriver is the Klein 32476, available in HD for around $9.
I ended up buying the 12-piece Wiha set shown in pfbz's post, and the difference is huge. Tight fastener fit, no camming out, nice handles.
For a lot less money, my favorite all-in-one screwdriver is the Klein 32476, available in HD for around $9.
Hank McMauser
Well-known member
I like the NAPA branded witte scredrivers, I have an old red handled vaco(klein) screw holding flat tip screwdriver that I love breaking out when I encounter flatheads(not often unless removing switchplate covers in the house while painting)