Screwdriver handles; domestic or imported?

[Josh Hex]

I'm sure the topic of screwdrivers has been beaten to death in some form or another; however i wasn't able to find anything pertaining to my dilemma.

It's time for a new set of drivers at work. As a diesel tech, I don't use them terribly often compared to other tools, but when i do use them they usually disappoint.

My craftsman drivers are holding up ok but frankly they feel awful in the hand. And smaller drivers tend to make my hands cramp up.

For this reason, i'm looking strictly for a fatter handled driver. I've used coworkers' SO soft handle instinct drivers and they feel great. The big, 3 sided handle fits perfectly in my hand, lets me put a ton of torque on the fastener without actually having to "lean into" the driver to keep it from slipping, like i have to with my CM drivers.

My problem is that $150 for a 8 piece driver set that doesn't even include longer drivers, or a #3 phillips is kinda' steep in my book. And i'm never one to spend that much on SO tools when a suitable substitute can be had for much cheaper.

So thus I have my eyes on Wera drivers. They seem fairly priced, good quality, and their handles seem to be pretty big, and are designed around fitting perfectly in your hand. Does anyone have any experience with both of these drivers? How do they compare?

A couple problems i have with the Wera drivers is that i can't seem to find a set that comes in a tray. Most of them seem to come in racks. And that they also seem to suffer from the same issue snap on sets have, and don't come with a #3 philips, or any longer tipped drivers(something around 8"), unless i'm missing a set.

So, am i missing any other options in drivers? I've looked at drivers like Klein, SK, gear wrench, etc etc but their handles are either too small or unergonomical.

 

[WittHay]

What i did was buy screwdrivers individually. Not the cheapest way but i got exactly what i needed.

I bought the Snap-on Instinct hard handle Phillips from 1 to 4. The hard handles are more oil resistant and a little easier to clean. With them I very seldom need to use a wrench on the bolsters

I use the old style Mac hard handles for slotted. They seem to have the most grip when working around coolant and oil lines. The handles are hard enough that you can hit them and use them as mini prybars

 

[gdocktor3]

The SK hard handles are like pry bar handles on the bigger screwdrivers. I love them. The Wera screwdriver handles aren’t big imo. They’re shaped to fit the contours of your hand, so they get thinner in spots. All n all they’re good, but in my experience the tips wear out quickly. Have you considered Williams? The handles are the same as the old Snap On hard handles which have lasted a long time for most mechanics and they’re a fraction of the price.

 

[M1Firehawk]

You just described a Tekton screwdriver. Made in the USA.

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8504F using Tapatalk

 

[pepi]

These threads are a hoot, folks having all this trouble making up the mind and confused over a screwdriver .....

OH boy just wait until some need a pencil or some other really complicated tool... one with moving parts.

Is it any wonder why it takes some weeks to change a door knob, not after seeing these type of post .......

LMAO

Greg

 

[Josh Hex]

These threads are a hoot, folks having all this trouble making up the mind and confused over a screwdriver .....

OH boy just wait until some need a pencil or some other really complicated tool... one with moving parts.

Is it any wonder why it takes some weeks to change a door knob, not after seeing these type of post .......

LMAO

Greg

Confused over screwdrivers? You, my friend, seem to be confused over the purpose of this forum.
For people who use their tools professionally, this thread and 30 minutes of my time could mean the difference between spending $150 - $200 only once instead of twice.
Like i mentioned, i have problems with my hands cramping up while using my current drivers. If i go out and spend money on a good set of drivers that i have the same problem with, naturally i'll be right back here where i started; Looking for another set.
If all i did is tighten up cabinet doors and replace the batteries in my son's toys, i wouldn't think twice about using a free HF set.
But i use my drivers multiple times a week; often in compromising body positions. So it is worth it for me to take the time to ask around for the best set for my application.
Was that less confusing for you?

The SK hard handles are like pry bar handles on the bigger screwdrivers. I love them. The Wera screwdriver handles aren’t big imo. They’re shaped to fit the contours of your hand, so they get thinner in spots. All n all they’re good, but in my experience the tips wear out quickly. Have you considered Williams? The handles are the same as the old Snap On hard handles which have lasted a long time for most mechanics and they’re a fraction of the price.

I was a little worried about the size of the wera handles. Like i said previously the handle is designed to fit in your hand, but even with that said i still might have issues holding a smaller handle. And if the tips wear out quick; that might be an issue. I don't mind replacing them since they're only about 8 bucks a driver. But i don't want to have to be doing it too often.

I never knew Williams still was in production of the old style SO drivers. My girlfriend's dad had a set of those SO drivers from the 80s and they have held up well, and feel solid. I might look into those.

You just described a Tekton screwdriver. Made in the USA.

No way; i had no idea Tekton's drivers were made in the states. Looks like a good, comprehensive set can be had for only about 70 bucks. I might actually pick up some to replace my CM drivers at home and in my jeep's tool kit. The only real reservation i have is no strike-through cap, but then again my CM drivers don't have that either and they do alright.

 

[archirelic]

If you're looking for larger handled drivers, that include a Phillips #3, and are budget friendly and available most everywhere...I'd look towards the Napa Carlysle sets.

For example:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8GR?ref=MA==

The handles are comparable to Snap-On with regards to size.

[I own both + Wera + a ton of other drivers]

 

[shawndp]

If you're looking for larger handled drivers, that include a Phillips #3, and are budget friendly and available most everywhere...I'd look towards the Napa Carlysle sets.

For example:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8GR?ref=MA==

The handles are comparable to Snap-On with regards to size.

[I own both + Wera + a ton of other drivers]

I will second the Napa / Carlyle screwdrivers being a good choice. I have Craftsman and Instincts and the Carlyle were supposed to be a substitute till my SO dealer could get me green Instincts. Long story short, they have become my favourite set.

 

[BMack37]

I think you'd like the Gedore, Wiha or Felo screwdrivers. The Wera grips aren't as large as they look. All German sets lack a PH3 but they're available, pretty much every brand has the same sets except Wiha, they have larger sets.

You might be able to check out the Wihas in person if you have a Sears nearby. Some stores stock the Wiha insulated set, normally they only carry one because they're poor.

This question is why I take this picture...well that and I have a screwdriver set problem, the sad thing is all but the Klein are parts of a set and a lot are extra PH2s I buy separate to replace the one from a set when it gets worn:

BTW, I'm not sure it's apparent in the picture but the only PH2 sized screwdriver with a smaller grip than your Craftsmans are PB Swiss.

 

[Josh Hex]

I think you'd like the Gedore, Wiha or Felo screwdrivers. The Wera grips aren't as large as they look. All German sets lack a PH3 but they're available, pretty much every brand has the same sets except Wiha, they have larger sets.

You might be able to check out the Wihas in person if you have a Sears nearby. Some stores stock the Wiha insulated set, normally they only carry one because they're poor.

This question is why I take this picture...well that and I have a screwdriver set problem, the sad thing is all but the Klein are parts of a set and a lot are extra PH2s I buy separate to replace the one from a set when it gets worn:

BTW, I'm not sure it's apparent in the picture but the only PH2 sized screwdriver with a smaller grip than your Craftsmans are PB Swiss.

Aha! You have no idea how much that picture helped! No wonder my CM drivers sucked so much to use.
Well my options definitely look a lot broader now; in fact i don't think i'll go with Wera at all now, given all the options i have!