New Proto Professional Screwdrivers vs everyone else

[Davefr]

New Proto Duratek Screwdrivers vs everyone else

I picked up a set of the new Proto Duratek screwdrivers during the recent Zoro 1 day coupon sale. I thought I'd evaluate them compared to some others.

This is a non scientific/totally subjective evaluation. I made no attempt to evaluate the tips/shanks/handle durability.

I used three criteria with 1 being worst, 5 being best:

1. Overall how they feel
2. How they respond to lots of torque (ie removing stubborn screws)
3. How they respond to speedy turning (ie ease of quickly removing already loose screws)
4. Overall Score

New Protos: 3,5,4,12

SO/Williams: 4,5,3,12
(hardhandles)

Wiha: 4,4,5,13

CM Pro (old): 2,4,4,10

CM Pro (new): 3,4,3,10

CM Acetate: 2,3,4,9

SK Round: 1,2,4,7

Proto (old): 3,5,3,11

Felo Ergo: 5,5,5,15

PB Swiss: 5,5,5,15

Witte Wood: 3,3,5,11

Klein (rubber): 5,4,5,14


I know these new Proto handles are extremely solvent resistant. However in doing so the handles are very slick. The handles have a texture but even with the texture they're slicker then non textured hard handles like SO and Williams. (I think it could be an issue with oily hands)

PB Swiss and Felo Ergos came out on top with Klein rubber handles and Wiha as runners up. (Kleins get complaints for soft tips though)


Here's the lineup:

Closeup of Proto Handles:

 

[Farmall450]

They're quite aesthetically pleasing, however, I think I'll stick with SO for now!


Is there a ratcheting variation?

 

[zkling]

Which do you like better the BP swiss or Felos?

 

[Dust Devil]

You forgot to include the best handle on the market currently (Snap-on Instinct soft) in your survey.

IMO The Instinct handle bests my other favorite Wiha soft finish. The rest are just decent screwdrivers. Nothing compares to snap or Wiha steel. Nothing.

 

[Davefr]

Which do you like better the BP swiss or Felos?

That's a tough one. I think PB Swiss has the best tips/shanks. (especially their slotted which have parallel surfaces vs tapered. However the overall feel of Felo's is a tad better. They're a little fatter in the back which fits the cup of the hand better. I also like Felo's little flat areas on the handles. (feels better then Wiha's which are closer to totally round).

Felo's lettering rubs off pretty easy. That means after some typical use you won't be able to read the tip size from the handle. (not that big a deal though)

The other consideration is that Felo's Ergos only seem to be avail in sets. There's no source for singles that I know of.

However PB Swiss has tons of different styles available as singles. Unfortunately you can no longer get them direct from Amazon.

You forgot to include the best handle on the market currently (Snap-on Instinct soft) in your survey.

I only included what I have in the drawer. I don't have any Instincts.

 

[Dust Devil]

Dave are screwdrivers a big part of your daily tool useage?

 

[organ]

More and more I believe that Williams screwdrivers are Snap-on rejects... the shafts are always canted.

 

[organ]

That's a tough one. I think PB Swiss has the best tips/shanks. (especially their slotted which have parallel surfaces vs tapered. However the overall feel of Felo's is a tad better. They're a little fatter in the back which fits the cup of the hand better. I also like Felo's little flat areas on the handles. (feels better then Wiha's which are closer to totally round).

Felo's lettering rubs off pretty easy. That means after some typical use you won't be able to read the tip size from the handle. (not that big a deal though)

The other consideration is that Felo's Ergos only seem to be avail in sets. There's no source for singles that I know of.

However PB Swiss has tons of different styles available as singles. Unfortunately you can no longer get them direct from Amazon.



I only included what I have in the drawer. I don't have any Instincts.

Chadstoolbox sells Felo singles.

 

[internetdude]

More and more I believe that Williams screwdrivers are Snap-on rejects... the shafts are always canted.

I have a snap-on that is cant also, doesn't bother me a bit. I just bought a set of 8 Williams, they are high quality, not all of them are cant, just a few, but they work just fine.

 

[organ]

I have a snap-on that is cant also, doesn't bother me a bit. I just bought a set of 8 Williams, they are high quality, not all of them are cant, just a few, but they work just fine.

I own a set of Williams too. Doesn't really bother me but how hard could it be for them to fix?

 

[MJB24]

Chadstoolbox sells Felo singles.

As does Ash at german-hand-tools.com

I even bought individual Ergo torxs

 

[justme-]

How would you compare these Proto top the last (?) generation red and gray handle ones? I have some of a set of those and so far like the grip.

 

[oldldh]

As much as one would want to keep up with what's "New and Improved"...


I think...


I'll stick with my Proto Professional Yellow Handle Classics...


For the foreseeable future...

 

[wrenchr]

Same as the mac screwdrivers. I have a set and like them.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I picked up a set of the new Proto Professional screwdrivers during the recent Zoro 1 day coupon sale. I thought I'd evaluate them compared to some others.

This is a non scientific/totally subjective evaluation. I made no attempt to evaluate the tips/shanks/handle durability.

I used three criteria with 1 being worst, 5 being best:

1. Overall how they feel
2. How they respond to lots of torque (ie removing stubborn screws)
3. How they respond to speedy turning (ie ease of quickly removing already loose screws)
4. Overall Score

New Protos: 3,5,4,12

SO/Williams: 4,5,3,12
(hardhandles)

Wiha: 4,4,5,13

CM Pro (old): 2,4,4,10

CM Pro (new): 3,4,3,10

CM Acetate: 2,3,4,9

SK Round: 1,2,4,7

Proto (old): 3,5,3,11

Felo Ergo: 5,5,5,15

PB Swiss: 5,5,5,15

Witte Wood: 3,3,5,11

Klein (rubber): 5,4,5,14


I know these new Proto handles are extremely solvent resistant. However in doing so the handles are very slick. The handles have a texture but even with the texture they're slicker then non textured hard handles like SO and Williams. (I think it could be an issue with oily hands)

PB Swiss and Felo Ergos came out on top with Klein rubber handles and Wiha as runners up. (Kleins get complaints for soft tips though)

Reminds me of my crescent dura drivers handle wise at least.

SK (facom) octopus drivers feel the worst? You might have a gas leak in your house, those are awesome drivers.

 

[cgv69]

To each their own. I also recently picked up a set of Proto Duratek screwdrivers from Zoro and I can't say that I agree with your findings.

While I don't have as many different brands to compare them against as you, I do have other brands/handle types including SO HH's. I am sure there are "grippier" drivers out there but I don't find the Durateks to be as slick as you do. I also have SO HH's and I don't find the Duratek slicker but then again, my hands aren't generally greasy or oily when using them.

Surface texture is only one aspect that effects how well you can grip a handle. Shape, size and features such as grooves and flat spots all contribute. I won't say that the Proto's are the best handle I've ever felt but so far I've found them to be a good, well executed design.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste. You rank grip on the Kleins very high were as I don't care for them very much. Yes, the rubber makes them grippy but I don't care for the shape. Like everything else YMMV?

 

[Davefr]

SK (facom) octopus drivers feel the worst? You might have a gas leak in your house, those are awesome drivers.

I can't stand them. On the outside they look pretty similar to Felo's and Wiha's but they feel very awkward when holding them. They do nothing well.

However like I said, this is all very subjective. Everyone's hand size and grip is different.

As much as one would want to keep up with what's "New and Improved"...


I think...


I'll stick with my Proto Professional Yellow Handle Classics...


For the foreseeable future...

I agree. The old yellow Protos are very good screwdrivers. I wouldn't replace them.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a set of the Proto Durateks and they have become my favorite screwdriver. I have the 8 piece set with bolsters and the long set. I've used them covered in coolant, oil, and ATF without experiencing any slickness. It's the shape of the handle that I like most. It delivers max power without fatigue and is very durable. The MAC versions may have the better handle color but, I love my Protos.

 

[bonneyman]

Nice write-up!

My screwdrivers are a mix of old classic brands (Stanley, Malco, Wera, SK, Bonney, Xcelite, etc.) that were picked up over time as things broke or wore out. About the closest thing that I have to a "set" of drivers is the old Proto yellow collection I have going.

But those new Durateks look nice.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Those screw drivers look really nice. I was debating about getting the craftsman professional drivers but then I found on ebay(from zoro) that you can get the 8 piece set of the duratecs for $57. Looks like a smoking deal on some good drivers. I currently am using the olds school proto yellow handled drivers and really like how they feel in my hands so hopefully they will be a good addition. The only thing I don't like about the yellow handled ones is they do not have hardended tips which makes me want to get their new dura tecs! I have not purchased them yet but will post up once I get them.

 

[Davefr]

Those screw drivers look really nice. I was debating about getting the craftsman professional drivers but then I found on ebay(from zoro) that you can get the 8 piece set of the duratecs for $57.

Given a choice between CM Pros and Proto Durateks, I'd definitely go for the Durateks.

The only downside would be warranty. For a tool like a screwdriver that gets worn and abused, the CM warranty can be hard to beat.

 

[Brownsfan]

Not when they are discontinued. As far as warranty is concerned. The Proto drivers are superior to the craftsman pros. I own both and while I like the craftsman handles better the business end of the proto is far better. Especially the phillips. The slotted im not really sure. I have not used a slotted driver as a screwdriver in a long time

 

[fourtythree]

Ahem...

 

[platform389]

You forgot to include the best handle on the market currently (Snap-on Instinct soft) in your survey.

IMO The Instinct handle bests my other favorite Wiha soft finish. The rest are just decent screwdrivers. Nothing compares to snap or Wiha steel. Nothing.

Another vote for this. The Phillips diamond tip versions are best in the world.

http://store.snapon.com/SearchResults.aspx?q=sgddp50br&departmentId=0&departmentName=All&Min=0&Max=0&FieldId=0&FieldValue=

 

[Davefr]

Another vote for this. The Phillips diamond tip versions are best in the world.

http://store.snapon.com/SearchResults.aspx?q=sgddp50br&departmentId=0&departmentName=All&Min=0&Max=0&FieldId=0&FieldValue=

Are SO Instinct tips different (ie stronger/more durable) then SO/Williams hard handle tips?

The Instincts are 4X the price of the Proto Durateks. (ie $25/driver vs about $6/driver). That's a consideration!!

 

[Spudland_Dave]

IMHO, (no slam to the OP meant here) BUT if you want to rate a screwdriver based on the tips fit into a fastener, how they stand up to abuse & wear and such thats great...but rating something which is HIGHLY subjective to an individual like the Grips is a mighty hard thing to do. Even if you compared the same shank but in a different handle I bet the responses would be all over the place.
Buy what fits & feels good in YOUR hands when it comes to screwdrivers.

I like the "Torquiness" of my Macsimizer screwdrivers, but they feel akward when "free wheeling/spinning" them. My Instinct on the other hand feels fine when I speed down screws, but feels like I got more oomph with the MAC. Hard handles a great comprimise. Luckily I got all kinds!

 

[woody 73]

This is what I have found out that in the last few years the Kleins tips have gotten softer and Lord if I get some harsh chemicals on the rubber grips it is all over for them; although they make a great screwdriver for the electrical trade.

I tend to shy away from screwdrivers that need to be sent far away for warranty; so I do not own the Felo's, PB Swiss, or the Witte screwdrivers, although they look like a fantastic well made tool.

I would like to try the new proto screwdriver just waiting for the right time and money to pull the plug.

As far as the rest go they have served me well over these many years.

 

[1950mercury]

You forgot to include the best handle on the market currently (Snap-on Instinct soft) in your survey.

IMO The Instinct handle bests my other favorite Wiha soft finish. The rest are just decent screwdrivers. Nothing compares to snap or Wiha steel. Nothing.

I agree 100%

 

[nicksnothereman]

I can't stand them. On the outside they look pretty similar to Felo's and Wiha's but they feel very awkward when holding them. They do nothing well.

However like I said, this is all very subjective. Everyone's hand size and grip is different.



I agree. The old yellow Protos are very good screwdrivers. I wouldn't replace them.

That's the one. Facom octos are for bear paws.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Those screw drivers look really nice. I was debating about getting the craftsman professional drivers but then I found on ebay(from zoro) that you can get the 8 piece set of the duratecs for $57. Looks like a smoking deal on some good drivers. I currently am using the olds school proto yellow handled drivers and really like how they feel in my hands so hopefully they will be a good addition. The only thing I don't like about the yellow handled ones is they do not have hardended tips which makes me want to get their new dura tecs! I have not purchased them yet but will post up once I get them.

So I ended up getting a 6 piece Phillips set off of amazon for $42 with free shipping. I have held the durateks and they feel pretty good in my hands, and I would say are probably similar to the SO hard handles or Williams. I will be getting the 6 piece flat head set in the near future and will have to report back how they hold up to home/auto use. Seems like a good value screwdriver and is priced much lower than most other drivers of this quality.

 

[zcbauer89]

I like the Macs a little better simply because of the hex on the shank to put a wrench. But my favorite handles are the Wittes, or the Matco drivers, or Snap On hard handle, and I really like my SO instincts too. And as much as I hate to say it I really like the clear old school Craftsmans, I guess I am just used to them.

 

[woodstockva]

Nice job on the comparison! WOW you have a lot of different screwdrivers!!

I personally like the Duratek lineup the most at the moment. I think they are very comfortable & are impervious to all shop fluids.

 

[PT Doc]

Wiha textured handle and striker cap ftw!

 

[NorthSea92]

I actually sold my Snap On instinct torx drivers after buying the MAC set which is the same as the Protos.

The handles feel better in my hand, much less bulky

My favourite screwdrivers are the Facom protwist

 

[SASORacing]

The macs are great, I have the blue, what color do you have?

I have had them for a long time too, that style is a tried and true tested design and the grips are hard rubber and resist wear and tear.

 

[oldldh]

store.harryepstein.com/cp/Proto/PROTO-LG-SET.html

Behold...


18 pc Proto Classic Professional Yellow Handle...


For $ 65.00!!!


A smooth $ 3.61 per driver!!!

 

[decaf]

Ahem...

Jupp this is the best screwdrivers on this earth....

 

[Fedwrench]

You guys need to remember that there are at least a few different versions of the Duratek Screwdrivers. Some have hex bolsters for using a wrench, some don't. Some blades are round while others have square shanks. Some have full polished blades and others are satin.

The only real difference between the MAC version and the Proto versions is the handle color. Mac uses red/black, proto uses grey/black. Both brands are made in the same factory in South Carolina.

I was a diehard German made screwdriver with Wera and the old Wiha microfinish antislip handles with hex blades being my favorites until I tried the Durateks. Now the Durateks are my reach for first screwdrivers.

The yellow handled set from Epstein's linked above has got to be the weirdest collection of tip/blade length you can find. Nice drivers, just unusual sizes.