Strike through Screwdrivers?

[jeepnut24]

Im considering picking up some new German Made screwdrivers and see the Wera Chiseldrivers mentioned a lot here in threads. They are close to the same price as the next style down, kraftform?.

Anyways, what is the purpose of a strike-through option on a screwdriver? Do they really stand up to Chisel like use? Wouldn't that kill the tips real quick? I have noticed several brands that have this feature.

 

[Scout Driver]

Sometimes when working on something rusted, I will give the handle of the screwdriver a light to medium-light tap with a hammer to firmly "seat" the driver to the screw. Less likely to strip out a rusted screw. Maybe that is their intention for the strike-thru feature?? Just a theory....

Scott

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Screwdriver abuse...on those few occasions when I work on a car made after the Truman administration, I note that there are no stright-slot screws to be found. I also notice that I am unable to work unless I have a straight-blade medium screwdriver at hand exclusively fo all the things one is not to do with a screwdriver: Poke, scrape, prod, whack, etc. Abuse has become the only use for that tool, and its real use has disappeared into history!
On Phillips and relatives, the screwdriver slots are always full of rust, dead spiders, etc. A good whack with the screwdriver is often the only thing that will loosen the crud all the way down...the only thing that will go into a Phillips screw is the natching driver, closely pursued by a hammer.
Notice how few screwdriver reach their second owner in decent shape...the screwdriver is an expendable weapon.

 

[paul_f]

That's what I thought they were for, especially when the slot has paint in

 

[jeepnut24]

Ok that is what I figured they were for. Ill reserve my really old CMAN stinkers for that purpose. I just want a newer better quality set. The last set of CMAN was so poor that two of the blades broke on the first use.

 

[cruiser808]

Sometimes when working on something rusted, I will give the handle of the screwdriver a light to medium-light tap with a hammer to firmly "seat" the driver to the screw. Less likely to strip out a rusted screw. Maybe that is their intention for the strike-thru feature?? Just a theory....

Scott

Hi Scott - you may not be right, but that's exactly what I do with my screwdrivers, even if they don't have the strike-thru feature. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get the job done.

 

[Scout Driver]

Hi Scott - you may not be right, but that's exactly what I do with my screwdrivers, even if they don't have the strike-thru feature. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get the job done.

Hello cruiser808! I'm with you 100% There is a next-to-new set of Stanleys in many different sizes that I use pretty much just for the tuff and rusty jobs. There is too much risk involved when using a worn screwdriver on a really tuff screw extraction. Its not screwdriver abuse in my book either. Like you said, ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

Scott

 

[garfunkle24]

Besides helping to seat it in the fastener properly, giving the screwdriver a tap with a hammer can also help loosen the fastener, especially if corroded in position.

 

[FNFS2000]

Nows a great time to pickup the WERA set, its on sale almost half off at chadstoolbox and most other WERA distributors.

 

[jeepnut24]

Nows a great time to pickup the WERA set, its on sale almost half off at chadstoolbox and most other WERA distributors.

I couldn't find them on chadstoolbox, the navigation on their site is not to hot....


Are they still made in germany?


Edit: I don't see them for half off??? Am I missing something?

 

[the spyder]

Took me 10 sec

http://chadstoolbox.com/05018282006wera9326chsldrvrsdset4-sl2-phrack.aspx

 

[MrMark]

Nows a great time to pickup the WERA set, its on sale almost half off at chadstoolbox and most other WERA distributors.

It's a great set. I just got a set and I think they may become my favorite screwdrivers. Very high quality.

Great price.

Made in Czech Republic. Nothing wrong with Czech Republic. They make good stuff there. I have a Milwaukee drill from the Czech Republic that blows anything you can get nowadays out of the water.

 

[jeepnut24]

Took me 10 sec

http://chadstoolbox.com/05018282006wera9326chsldrvrsdset4-sl2-phrack.aspx

I found them too, but the navigation/layout on the site is lacking...

 

[superautobacs]

Strike-thru/blade-thru screwdrivers are not my go-to screwdrivers as they tend to be unbalanced in weight compared to a regular screwdriver. A handle-heavy screwdriver doesn't make it very user-friendly. I treat it as a specialty screwdriver, using it for those fasteners that I assume will need a little convincing for removal (rusted, metal screws). Typcially Phillips and Torx--that's all I have, in select sizes.

 

[mikevango]

Strike-thru/blade-thru screwdrivers are not my go-to screwdrivers as they tend to be unbalanced in weight compared to a regular screwdriver. A handle-heavy screwdriver doesn't make it very user-friendly. I treat it as a specialty screwdriver, using it for those fasteners that I assume will need a little convincing for removal (rusted, metal screws). Typcially Phillips and Torx--that's all I have, in select sizes.

i agree. i had a cheap set of blade thru drivers and sold them before i ever used them. they feel weird and heavy.

 

[jeepnut24]

These will be my new go to drivers...

 

[Fedwrench]

Strike-thru/blade-thru screwdrivers are not my go-to screwdrivers as they tend to be unbalanced in weight compared to a regular screwdriver. A handle-heavy screwdriver doesn't make it very user-friendly.

I would agree with you if we were taliking about Wiha models. However, the strike at top on a wera chisel driver is more like the head on a nail and adds no significant weight to the handle balance. You just have a yellow and black handle . As for where the screwdrivers are made, after the first contact with sweat or any automotive fluid, brand and origin markings disappear.
The Wera Chiseldrivers are a great all round screwdriver set. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[jeepnut24]

Yeah, from what I hear they are one of the top screwdrivers and I really want a quality set...

I would agree with you if we were taliking about Wiha models. However, the strike at top on a wera chisel driver is more like the head on a nail and adds no significant weight to the handle balance. You just have a yellow and black handle . As for where the screwdrivers are made, after the first contact with sweat or any automotive fluid, brand and origin markings disappear.
The Wera Chiseldrivers are a great all round screwdriver set. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[bindernut]

Hmmmm, whenever I feel the need to smack a screwdriver, i grab my handy dandy Snap On 3/8" drive impact driver. It's a godsend for loosening stuck screws. It's something I always grab if I head out to work on something.

 

[MrMark]

I would agree with you if we were taliking about Wiha models. However, the strike at top on a wera chisel driver is more like the head on a nail and adds no significant weight to the handle balance. You just have a yellow and black handle . As for where the screwdrivers are made, after the first contact with sweat or any automotive fluid, brand and origin markings disappear.
The Wera Chiseldrivers are a great all round screwdriver set. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have both Wiha and Wera now with the striking cap feature. Fedwrench is exactly right. The strike cap does not affect the Wera. The Wiha, on the other hand, are very handle heavy and a little easy to drop because of the balance problem. The Wiha striking cap model drivers are, however, the stoutest screwdrivers I have ever seen.

 

[scottmlew]

The Wiha striking cap model drivers are, however, the stoutest screwdrivers I have ever seen.

+1

If you are going to have only 1 set, I'd go with the Wera Chiseldrivers, but if you're going to do a heavy duty set and then a normal use set, I'd go with the Wiha Extra Heavy Duty Softfinish and then your personal preference (I'm partial to PB Swiss) for the standard drivers.

 

[Monte]

The Wera series 900 "chiseldriver" , in this case a PH2 size, is only 33 grams heavier than the comparable PH2 driver from the series 300 without striking cap. You also have to consider the higher weight of the hex blade and add the hex bolster, so i think they are well balanced and not too heavy. Actually i like the more "solid" feel of go-through drivers. Also the competitors drivers from Felo and Witte (Witte Protop II Impact, PH2 = 122 grams) are also not too heavy and feel good too.
And also $32.99 is pretty cheap, actually too cheap not to buy them , they`re worth 50$ or 60$ ...
(or exactly $56.18 retail )

 

[jeepnut24]

What are the comparable Felo drivers? Im not familiar with any of them really.

 

[scottmlew]

I'd say the 550 series, but I much prefer the Wiha or Wera for heavy-duty strike-through drivers.

 

[Monte]

@jeepnut24

the Felo series 550

 

[cruiser808]

Thank you so much Monte for your expertise! Bottom line, what brand do you recommend?

 

[jeepnut24]

Yes, I was going to ask him the same question. Two concerns with the Wera drivers, the crazy big bump in the middle of the handle and they aren't actually made in Germany.

 

[MrMark]

The handles on the Felo 550 are a little small for me. Average large hands.

 

[FNFS2000]

Yes, I was going to ask him the same question. Two concerns with the Wera drivers, the crazy big bump in the middle of the handle and they aren't actually made in Germany.

It actually fits your hand perfectly, grab a clump of clay, its how they designed them... I was quite fanatically worried(as many of my past posts testify)about the move across the border from Germany to the Czech republic. I now have many of both, and cannot tell the difference, besides the finish upgrades from the new equipment across the border, the gold tips, and some other little things. WIHA is the most questionable thing at least here in the US for c.o.o. that stuff comes in from everywhere. I decided to try out some pliers to compare them to knipex and they were made in vietnam(marked in small print on the packaging)

 

[MrMark]

I have never had any Wiha that wasn't made in Germany except for their bit holders, and they were upfront that they didn't make them. I have NEVER had anything bad from Wiha. All companies sell things they don't make. So, I don't get your irrational and almost fanatical hatred of all things Wiha. Wiha usually blows the Wera and Witte stuff away to be honest.

 

[TheGrooveking]

You Europeans get all the cool tool designs.

TheGrooveking

 

[Monte]

@cruiser808:
I think that`s a matter of personal taste. I recommend the Felo drivers but for MrMark for example the handle is too small, so the Weras would be a better choice for example.
What I like about the Felo handles is that they are rubber coated so you have a good grip, they are not round, but have 6 flats built in the handle so i think the torque transfer is better and for me i also like the handle size.


Phillips size 2 comparison

Felo handle length: 100.27 mm , Wera 108.75mm (deduct 5.7mm of the Felo handle for the round part of the handle where the blade enters.)
Largest circumference of handle: Felo 34.2 mm, Wera 36.8 mm

Phillips size 1 comparison

Felo handle length: 93.75mm , Wera 100.10 (deduct 5.7mm of the Felo handle for the round part of the handle where the blade enters.)
Largest circumference of handle: Felo 29.4mm, Wera 32.6mm

Wera: Round handle, Felo 6 flats, edges are rounded, round end cap.

Regarding Wiha:
It`s best to check out the english european Wiha website to see their original products: http://www.wiha.com/england

Yes their new pliers are made in Vietnam under german management but actually they`re pretty nice imho

 

[MrMark]

Monte, I see that you used the regular Felo, not the 550 in your excellent comparison. I imagine they are the same dimensions. For me, the Wera are a little small, but just a little, and the Felo seem slightly dainty. I will probably use the Chiseldrivers as my most used screwdriver. I like the Wiha heavy duty micro finish handle size the best and they would be my choice for automotive work where fluids come into play. But you are so correct, what is best depends on your particular hand size and feel.

Monte, the handle on the Felo 600 series seems perfect for my hands, do you have those as well? How do you like them?

 

[Chreese]

Monte,

any thoughts on the Gedore screwdrivers with striking caps?

Thanks,

Chreese

 

[jeepnut24]

Ive got small hands so that is why I was concerned. I just noticed there is no zero size in the WERA. At least that I can find....


Is there a good thread that covers the different German screwdrivers? I found one good thread, but not a lot of detail on the different options? A couple good comparison pictures, but again, not real details as to which driver is which brand.

 

[Monte]

Monte, I see that you used the regular Felo, not the 550 in your excellent comparison. I imagine they are the same dimensions.

Yes the catalog says 99 mm long handle for both versions in PH2. Handle design should be identical.

For me, the Wera are a little small, but just a little, and the Felo seem slightly dainty. I will probably use the Chiseldrivers as my most used screwdriver. I like the Wiha heavy duty micro finish handle size the best and they would be my choice for automotive work where fluids come into play. But you are so correct, what is best depends on your particular hand size and feel.

The larger sizes Wiha have a sligthly to big handle for me, thats why i choosed the Felo/Wurth version for me.

Monte, the handle on the Felo 600 series seems perfect for my hands, do you have those as well? How do you like them?

I don´t have the recent 600 VDE series, only a set of the regular older version, they should be the same size as the other 500 and 550 Felo drivers. I like the handle design but prefer the rubber coated 500/550 series. But for "hard handle" fans these are pretty nice i guess.

Wera PH2 , Felo PH2

Monte,

any thoughts on the Gedore screwdrivers with striking caps?

Thanks,

Chreese

I dont know , i only saw them in a package and i dont know how well they are balanced.
I also think they are no longer made here if you take a look at the newest gedore promo flyer which i posted in the "Tools from ...." thread. So i dont know....

 

[Monte]

Is there a good thread that covers the different German screwdrivers? I found one good thread, but not a lot of detail on the different options? A couple good comparison pictures, but again, not real details as to which driver is which brand.

i made this for you:

Some are rebadged like the one Hazet driver from Witte, the Sora driver is labeled as "Black + Decker", the Bahco drivers are probably made by Irazola, the red/black Wera driver is solely sold as "Format", the "Wago" screwdriver is probably not made by them etc. etc. but as a rough overview it should be ok.


Some screwdriver manufacturers from germany:

www.witte-werkzeuge.de
www.skg-werkzeuge.de
www.sora-tools.de
www.wera.de
www.wiha.com
www.hafu.de
www.walter-schroeder.de
www.felo.de
www.athlet-online.de
www.wuro.de
www.hkr-werkzeuge.de
www.gedore.de
www.fcw-cukiso.de
www.turnus.de
www.drehmax.de

others:

www.bost-tools.com
www.pbswisstools.com
www.beta-tools.com
www.bahco.com

 

[banditbigdog]

I've used a set of Wera yellow/black strike thru screwdrivers for 2+ years daily at work and they are most certainly worth the money.
The flat blades still have sharp edges and I've yet to break one or seen one break.
And yes, they do literally take a beating.
I've never seen one of my Tech's break one either.

We like em.
Wish they made other lengths available.

Tom

 

[caper]

I've been smacking my Snappy hard handles with a hammer for years.Haven't broken one yet.I figure since the dealer changes shanks that way there is little chance of me breaking one.I am getting soft in my old age though and have started using my plastic dead blow hammer instead of my ballpein.

 

[jeepnut24]

Wow, thanks Monte, I found your picture before, but had NO idea what I was looking at. I appreciate it. It only seems appropriate to work on a VW with German tools so I will be picking up a set of some here soon.