Milwaukee screwdriver "tactile identification"?

[dwasifar]

Today I was watching the maniac over at Project Farm destroy some screwdrivers in the name of science, and among the sets he tested was this Milwaukee set:

Among the other claims Milwaukee makes about these drivers is this "tactile identification" thing:

"Tactile identification, a new-to-world MILWAUKEE® innovation, allows you to accurately select the correct driver without looking."

It doesn't go into a lot of detail about that, though. I'm guessing it's a combination of feeling those little molded + signs in the Phillips handle ends to tell Phillips from slotted, and then the size of the handle to distinguish the size of the tip. Does anyone have these to verify that's how the tactile identification works? And how do you like them?

 

[Kscardsfan]

I just carried a good ole Klein 11 in 1 so I always had the right driver in my hand lol.

 

[Ton ton]

I just carried a good ole Klein 11 in 1 so I always had the right driver in my hand lol.

Great reply.

 

[javyLSU]

I've used them and they're good drivers. You can feel the difference in the markings on the handle without looking. Phillips drivers have small crosses molded in while the slotted drivers have a ring around the end of the handle. The handles are comfortable, and I really have no complaints. The only reason I didn't buy them is because there are so many great (and affordable) American options for screwdrivers. If that's not a concern of yours, these are certainly good screwdrivers.

 

[dwasifar]

I've used them and they're good drivers. You can feel the difference in the markings on the handle without looking. Phillips drivers have small crosses molded in while the slotted drivers have a ring around the end of the handle. The handles are comfortable, and I really have no complaints. The only reason I didn't buy them is because there are so many great (and affordable) American options for screwdrivers. If that's not a concern of yours, these are certainly good screwdrivers.

It actually is a concern for me. I'm not an absolutist about it, but I prefer American-made when possible.

What do you recommend? I have the Channellock 10-piece set with the blocky acetate handles, and I like them a lot, but I'm always willing to learn about something new.

 

[JradM]

Seems like a good idea to me. Why not?

I'd appreciate a protruding symbol on the handle. That would make it easy to touch up if the paint wore off too.

I wouldn't want it somewhere that would cause a grip hotspot though.

 

[dwasifar]

Seems like a good idea to me. Why not?

I'd appreciate a protruding symbol on the handle. That would make it easy to touch up if the paint wore off too.

I wouldn't want it somewhere that would cause a grip hotspot though.

It is a good idea, I was just curious about the execution. I think @javyLSU answered that though.

 

[javyLSU]

It actually is a concern for me. I'm not an absolutist about it, but I prefer American-made when possible.

What do you recommend? I have the Channellock 10-piece set with the blocky acetate handles, and I like them a lot, but I'm always willing to learn about something new.

My recommendation would vary depending on what you're using them for. I've got set of Kleins for anything in or around the house, especially when doing electrical. For automotive, I've got a few sets of Snap-on in both hard handle and soft grip variety. The Snap-ons are my favorite - the Phillips drivers have tiny teeth on the blade that really grip the fasteners well, and I enjoy the grips (both the Instinct soft grips and the old style hard handles). I use them all, just depends on how dusty/greasy/messy I expect the task to be. I still have the first set of acetate clear handled Craftsman screwdrivers I owned growing up, but they are so uncomfortable and slippery that I don't use them for anything but a pry bar or disposable driver when needed.