Title says it all. I'm looking for a very good set of precision screwdrivers. The current need for them is to disassemble camera lenses. I am a college student, so price is a factor, but I also like good tools. So, which are the best and which are the best value?
Best precision screwdrivers?
- Thread starter Stanger
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danc333
Well-known member
In my opinion wiha witte and wera (All German brands) make really good reasonably priced precision drivers. I do small electronic stuff and I like the wiha set that I have.
I don't know if this would give you all the sizes you need, but I have one of these and the quality is pretty good IMO. It's made in Taiwan, but we now know that they can make some pretty good tools (plus the price is fair)
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100074336
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100074336
TheToolMan
Well-known member
Wiha hands down
billymade
Well-known member
Hands down Wiha (good non-ergonomic) and Wera (good ergonomic)!
Wiha: http://www.wihatools.com/pro_Precision.htm
Wera: http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?ID...&HTML=wera_products/wera_products_hybris.html
These guys sell Wera: http://www.louzampini.com/Wera-bits-and-Accessories-s/88.htm
Wiha: http://www.wihatools.com/pro_Precision.htm
Wera: http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?ID...&HTML=wera_products/wera_products_hybris.html
These guys sell Wera: http://www.louzampini.com/Wera-bits-and-Accessories-s/88.htm
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CAT_serviceman927
Well-known member
I've got the torx version of that. It seems to stand up pretty well, but then again I think I've used it like 3 times since I got it 2 years ago or so.
chevy302dz
Well-known member
These are the best I have used.
http://www.moodytools.com/
http://www.moodytools.com/
The nicest ones I have used are Klein. They are exactly like the larger black rubber handled screwdrivers, only miniature. I really like the way they feel. I'm sure any of the better brands would be just as good, These are just my preference.
magick
Member
I've got a couple of wiha's, they're well built and nicely finished. I am however under the strong impression that wera ones are more comfortable to use.
I think that I might buy a set of wera's in the long run (I only have two wiha's that I had to buy to disassemble my laptop)
I think that I might buy a set of wera's in the long run (I only have two wiha's that I had to buy to disassemble my laptop)
billymade
Well-known member
I have Wera and Wiha drivers; you can grip the Weras much better and loosen stubborn small screws! I like both of mine!
Well, I bought the HD Husky for today. I wanted something immediately for the evening. It is a nice little driver for the money. I think I will get Wera when I decide to buy a real set though. Thanks for the tip on the Husky, it worked out great and my lens is fixed. Thanks for all the input everybody.
Cool - glad it worked out for you!!
From my work, I've noticed that all the Zeiss factory reps and most independent microscope repair guys all use Wiha. In fact it seems that more often than not, when a service rep for any of the other equipment we use shows up, its a Wiha driver of some sort that gets pulled out to do the job.
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
If some guy came over here to fix something and he pulled out his wiha, I would tell him to put it away and zip back up, because we don't swing that way.
senlow
Well-known member
If some guy came over here to fix something and he pulled out his wiha, I would tell him to put it away and zip back up, because we don't swing that way.
That's a new one. I've never heard anyone call it a wiha. Of course I would send any repairman away that pulled out his strap-on.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I have a Husky screwdriver set like that, and I also have another interchangeable precision screwdriver set by General.
If I were looking for the best precision set I could find, I would probably buy a PB Swiss set:
http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/category/electronics-screwdrivers-precision-screwdrivers?
If you’re looking for good screwdrivers on the cheap you can't beat Klein. If you want about the same quality, a name and a warranty (may be different from dealer to dealer) go with snap on. But outside of those two i don't think much else is worth it. Please note that Klein has a good name and are preferred by electricians.
Josh
Josh
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Had a good name. Been hearing complaints on quality from electricians in this area.
I know Iam about 4 years late...but I just noticed that NASA uses Wiha!
Been watching the NASA MAVEN Magnetometer video on youtube when in the background you can see the technician using the Wiha ESD safe Precision Screwdriver. Here is the video, see for yourself at about the 1:24 mark.
Been watching the NASA MAVEN Magnetometer video on youtube when in the background you can see the technician using the Wiha ESD safe Precision Screwdriver. Here is the video, see for yourself at about the 1:24 mark.
Zeke
Well-known member
Found this thread this evening not on a GJ search but at a search on the Google for "best mini screwdriver". Just for the record there was a thread here that mentioned Moody and Felo. But Wiha had a Phillps only set of P1. P0, P00, P000 which covers my needs for about 20 bucks.
I disassembled a camera today and just about boogered a couple of screws using some off-the-shelf P0 that I happened to have. I did look at my Kobalt mini set under a microscope and almost threw the whole lot out. But, there are a few things in the set that will do OK on the truck where I'm not usually working on cameras.
But the quality of the Phillps 00 bit was so bad that I'm glad I never had the need. Guaranteed to volcano your small screws.
I disassembled a camera today and just about boogered a couple of screws using some off-the-shelf P0 that I happened to have. I did look at my Kobalt mini set under a microscope and almost threw the whole lot out. But, there are a few things in the set that will do OK on the truck where I'm not usually working on cameras.
But the quality of the Phillps 00 bit was so bad that I'm glad I never had the need. Guaranteed to volcano your small screws.
I've had the small Wiha Phillips for a couple of years. Good stuff. Just in case anyone sees this older thread, ..... and was wondering if the quality is still decent.
Zeke
Well-known member
I received my Wiha's today and immediately took the P 0 to the microscope. Not on a lot of high power, I want to see the whole tip. Not as great as I thought it should be but I'm sure they will serve me better than what I had.
What did I see that was disappointing? No hand finishing of the tip. I thought I might lightly go over the tip with a jeweler's file, but then again, I should see how they go first.
What did I see that was disappointing? No hand finishing of the tip. I thought I might lightly go over the tip with a jeweler's file, but then again, I should see how they go first.
Hmmmm, I am a big fan of Wiha in general, been using them for a couple of decades, but there have been some concerns about quality lately. My P000,00,0 screwdrivers are PB Swiss, only because they were on sale at the time I bought them
I've been using Klein tools for over ten years for electrical work and I have noticed a difference between the older screwdrivers and the newer screwdrivers. The newer screwdriver tips seem to be softer and more brittle. I have twisted a few tips on flat head screwdrivers and also chipped the corners off. The Phillips drivers tend to fail in the typical fashion of getting notches worn in the middle of the ribs.
The Klein mini drivers I have are from soon after they introduced them. They have been OK, but the tip geometry on the flat head drivers is not ideal for precision screws. They use a keystone blade shape where the top of the blade flares out wider than the shaft diameter. Also the blades are tapered rather than hollow ground. For some applications this doesn't matter, and these drivers are better than a lot of readily available small drivers. For precision work though I reach for my Wiha set instead of the Klein mini drivers.
I have not noticed a big difference in quality in other Klein tools, just the screwdrivers that seem to have gone downhill. Klein is still my choice for lineman's pliers and is neck and neck with Knipex and Channellock for other types of pliers.
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The Klein mini drivers I have are from soon after they introduced them. They have been OK, but the tip geometry on the flat head drivers is not ideal for precision screws. They use a keystone blade shape where the top of the blade flares out wider than the shaft diameter. Also the blades are tapered rather than hollow ground. For some applications this doesn't matter, and these drivers are better than a lot of readily available small drivers. For precision work though I reach for my Wiha set instead of the Klein mini drivers.
I have not noticed a big difference in quality in other Klein tools, just the screwdrivers that seem to have gone downhill. Klein is still my choice for lineman's pliers and is neck and neck with Knipex and Channellock for other types of pliers.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Personally, I never thought to look for "the best" precision screwdrivers, since they're just something I'd use for tiny screws. It came up the other day that I wanted to take apart some blind spot mirrors with recessed miniature screws, and all I was comparing between those at HFT were their dimensions. I went with the classic slim set. The swivel on the end was useful in my palm too (which made them feel precise enough at the finger tips).
Same goes for blind spot mirrors vs the wide ralley panel ones, comparing those I picked up three single adjustable mirrors on clearance at AutoZone. One at first, but the track bracket didn't fit my window (probably why the were on clearance), so I took it off and slid the remaining arm under my sun visor to hold it in place above and behind the rear view mirror. Then did the same for two others on either side, tilted to give me a view out all of my windows in either direction (over all better angles than a full width ralley mirror, showing the sidewalk there even, and the middle one picks up the rear blind spot a bit sooner on both sides). Now I'm a precision driver, but ironically I'm moving my head around like Stevie Wonder (and dark sunglasses make up for lack of visors).
Same goes for blind spot mirrors vs the wide ralley panel ones, comparing those I picked up three single adjustable mirrors on clearance at AutoZone. One at first, but the track bracket didn't fit my window (probably why the were on clearance), so I took it off and slid the remaining arm under my sun visor to hold it in place above and behind the rear view mirror. Then did the same for two others on either side, tilted to give me a view out all of my windows in either direction (over all better angles than a full width ralley mirror, showing the sidewalk there even, and the middle one picks up the rear blind spot a bit sooner on both sides). Now I'm a precision driver, but ironically I'm moving my head around like Stevie Wonder (and dark sunglasses make up for lack of visors).
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JettaGetUpandGo
Well-known member
I purchased this Whia set last year sometime after using a friend's and have been extremely impressed with it. Prior to that I had some off brand ones that stripped every screw I used them in, then bought a set of acetate handled Craftsman. The Craftsman were better, but still stripped screws very easily.
The tips on every screwdriver I have used from the Whia set so far just fit. There is no slipping/stripping and the handles are easier to hold.
This set is pricey, but includes absolutely everything you could ever possibly need (except pentalobe for iPhones and some other newer electronics, but they are available separately). http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-master-technicians-51pcs-precision-set-p/92191.htm
Zoro sells a similar set that comes in a metal stand instead. It's a good deal when they have their 20/25/30% off days: https://www.zoro.com/wiha-tools-precision-screwdriver-set-combo-50-pcs-92190/i/G4974112/
The tips on every screwdriver I have used from the Whia set so far just fit. There is no slipping/stripping and the handles are easier to hold.
This set is pricey, but includes absolutely everything you could ever possibly need (except pentalobe for iPhones and some other newer electronics, but they are available separately). http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-master-technicians-51pcs-precision-set-p/92191.htm
Zoro sells a similar set that comes in a metal stand instead. It's a good deal when they have their 20/25/30% off days: https://www.zoro.com/wiha-tools-precision-screwdriver-set-combo-50-pcs-92190/i/G4974112/
jmcf1949
Well-known member
Bought a set of Felo precision screwdrivers from Crawford Tool in Atlanta awhile ago and so far they have been great. I've pushed them hard a few times too. Crawford has great prices too.
G1GRANDEUR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2009
- Messages
- 2,094
i can't comment on other brands, but i am very happy with wiha and price is very reasonable.
neophyte
Well-known member
Does nobody love Moody?
I bought a set of JIS bits and a handle, and they seem to fit screws precisely.
The handle is an ESD plastic material with a spinning top.
I actually liked the ergonomics better than on the Wiha precision screwdrivers I bought.
I’m somewhat of a Wiha fan, so liking the Moody ergonomics better was surprising.
Moody makes a few different handle designs.
The ESD plastic, an aluminum design, and a nickel plated steel design.
The company is located in Cranston RI.
http://www.moodytools.com/MTI_Contacts_4.html
I bought a set of JIS bits and a handle, and they seem to fit screws precisely.
The handle is an ESD plastic material with a spinning top.
I actually liked the ergonomics better than on the Wiha precision screwdrivers I bought.
I’m somewhat of a Wiha fan, so liking the Moody ergonomics better was surprising.
Moody makes a few different handle designs.
The ESD plastic, an aluminum design, and a nickel plated steel design.
The company is located in Cranston RI.
http://www.moodytools.com/MTI_Contacts_4.html
riceaterSLC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2011
- Messages
- 89
I’m a big moody fan. They were recommended here and I’ve been using their precision screwdrivers for a couple years. They work well.
seber
Well-known member
I have a set of Wiha, Craftsman, and Bergeon. They are all very good but when I get into something critical like a watch, I reach for the Bergeon. It isn't even a question.
orangeblood
Well-known member
^what he said
No, I hate Moody. They're dollar store quality and a terrible design.
Wera is the absolute best and no-one even comes close. They actually put some serious thought into the design. You can go from high torque to high speed just by moving your thumb and forefinger from the hexagon hump to the skinny part of the handle. (like shifting gears)
The rotating cap is nice and wide (ie comfortable in your palm) and rotates smooth as silk.
Wiha is #2 only because of the breadth of their offering. (their Pico series are much better then their std. ones). They should move the entire lineup to the Pico design but it still won't be as good as Wera.
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