Best Screwdrivers

[DRider]

I'm new to Garage Journal, but I have read a number of articles on tool recommendations in the past. I'm a tool junkie/collector and lately have been obsessed with screwdrivers and have amassed quite a collection. I came across this video on YouTube, which has an excellent comparison of most of the top brands. Here is the link:

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To summarize the comparison, PB Swiss, Wiha and Wera came out on top of most of the tests. He did not include SnapOn. I have SnapOn, Wiha, Wera, GearWrench and have recently added PB Swiss and Vessel. I think PB Swiss feels the best in my hand - love their grips. The Wiha heavy duty set feels heaviest and most robust. I would say that the Wera grips feel second best and then the Wiha. I don't like the square feel of the SnapOn screwdrivers, but they do allow for a lot of torque. I also have a few Vessel Megadora that feel great in my hand. However, those were sort of middle of the pack in the tests. It comes down to personal preference on how they look and feel, but I guess you can't have enough good screwdrivers. Here is a photo of the screwdriver drawer minus the PB Swiss except for one of them.

 

[four.cycle]

Hello DRider and welcome to the site!

It does not appear that you own enough screwdrivers.

 

[Legion Prime]

Try checking out General Tool Discussion, there are loads of screwdriver threads there.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/screwdriver-recommendations.494303/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/not-another-screwdriver-thread.492861/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...crewdriver-set-for-daily-proffesional.496831/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/ratcheting-screwdriver-collection.487608/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/recommendations-on-hex-screwdrivers.487092/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/favorite-screwdriver.484408/
That's just a few to get you started and I have little doubt you'll find more as you poke around.

 

[four.cycle]

OH! and by the way.... Bowers Tool is running a Deal of the Month right now if you're looking to acquire some Vessel !!!

 

[DRider]

Hello DRider and welcome to the site!

It does not appear that you own enough screwdrivers.

Yeah, I just figured out I don't have any long reach screwdrivers. I thought I was done.

 

[DRider]

Try checking out General Tool Discussion, there are loads of screwdriver threads there.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/screwdriver-recommendations.494303/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/not-another-screwdriver-thread.492861/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...crewdriver-set-for-daily-proffesional.496831/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/ratcheting-screwdriver-collection.487608/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/recommendations-on-hex-screwdrivers.487092/
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/favorite-screwdriver.484408/
That's just a few to get you started and I have little doubt you'll find more as you poke around.

Good info, thanks.

 

[kabinenroller]

I have old and new Chaftsman, Snap On, and a variety of other brands. When I need a screw driver I now reach for my Vessal’s every time, they are comfortable and work extremely well.

 

[DRider]

I agree, they feel very nice in the hand. I may get a few more. They are inexpensive, but very well made.

 

[nadogail]

I really like the Stanley Fat Max screwdrivers.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Still looking for a moderately priced set of gunsmithing screwdriver or 1/4" hex bit. For use on small engine carburetor s.

 

[mhejl]

Still looking for a moderately priced set of gunsmithing screwdriver or 1/4" hex bit. For use on small engine carburetor s.

Brownells Magna-Tip USA-made (Zephyr or Apex?) screwdrivers/bits are really the only answer for gunsmithing and they have brand-specific sets (e.g. S&W revolvers). There really is the perfect size for anything. I haven't tried Wheelers. Chapman bits are proprietary and only fit their drivers.

I have this set with a bunch of add-on bits, and it is easy to get replacements:

BROWNELLS MAGNA-TIP 44 BIT PROFESSIONAL SCREWDRIVER SET | Brownells

Every gunsmith knows no two screw slots are ever exactly the same. Because so many factories use outside vendors for screws, slot sizes can vary, even within the same model of gun. If you want to be professional about your work, you custom grind e...

www.brownells.com

For the more general question, I've had SO hard and comfort, Wiha, Wera, Witte, Vessel, PB, Felo, and a bunch of others. I grab the Vessel Megadoras more than any of the others combined. The knurled shaft is the "killer app" - why don't more companies do this?

SO/Williams hard handles (and others like them, like Tekton) are my least favorites. Witte tri-lobe handles are a favorite.

 

[CraigStu]

I have a lot of common screwdrivers. What I use most are SnapOn w/ replaceable tips.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Of course we need lots of different lengths, etc so I have regular screwdrivers as well. But I hate worn tips especially phillips, so I like to replace just the tip not the whole tool.

 

[niget2002]

The best screwdriver is the one that's within reach when I've already crawled under the truck.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

My personal preferences are Klein for garage/automotive work, Wera for electrical work, and a Lenox 10-in-1 in my back pocket every day at work.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

This is the screwdriver I use over 90% of the time. Long lasting, good tips, and it is also a 1/4 inch and 5/16th inch nut driver.

Quality tool. Since you are talking best, this would be the best go to screwdriver. Everyone should have a couple in various kits.

Lutz 6-In-One Screwdriver

Lutz 6-In-One Screwdriver - 26000G

www.acmetools.com

 

[CraigStu]

This is the screwdriver I use over 90% of the time. Long lasting, good tips, and it is also a 1/4 inch and 5/16th inch nut driver.

Quality tool. Since you are talking best, this would be the best go to screwdriver. Everyone should have a couple in various kits.

Did you forget a link?

 

[JradM]

Somewhat obscure, but my favorites are the Irazola-made Bahcos.

Super sharp tips, the most comfortable handles I've ever used (that ball shape in the middle is great for turning with your fingers), very robust, hex bolsters, available with through-blades... Everything about them feels high quality to me.





I also like Vessel - but these Bahcos are the BEST.

 

[Rickkyyr8]

For me personally, I think it goes; PB Swiss, Wera, and then Snap On. Something about the PB Swiss. The quality is unreal. I own over 100 screwdrivers myself with multiple brands so I’ve used quite a bit

 

[JradM]

By the way, about the Project Farm video that was mentioned in the first post, I like those videos a lot and value the work he does - but, the value is in the data he provides, not necessarily the conclusions.

Yes, tip fit and durability are important considerations. However, it's not like he's testing every screwdriver on the market and all their various permutations. There's also factors that don't weigh into the tally. E.g. what if you like one brand's handle shape, ease of cleanup or need special features like a go-through shaft or hex bolster? Vessel Megadora's are like a different category of tool. Nepros is so beautiful it seems a shame to use them on screws.

Again, not to dismiss the valuable data in the videos - that's something to consider too, just not the whole picture.

There are times when PB Swiss's flat ground flat-blade screwdrivers are simply the best possible. Other times, I might actually prefer a Wera laser tip.

I suppose what I'm really saying is that a buyer ought to consider their particular use for a screwdriver before deciding what's the best.

 

[M6erfan]

"Best" is in the hand of the user. To each, their own.

 

[richfinn]

I like Vessel but I only really work on vehicles, I like a striking cap and a chunky handle for seized up screws, I have some Wiha and some Snappy mini screwdrivers for smaller delicate high precision work like ragging on busted electrical connectors or prying open stuff that's never supposed to be opened again by humans like BCMs

 

[Grokew]

Somewhat obscure, but my favorites are the Irazola-made Bahcos.

Super sharp tips, the most comfortable handles I've ever used (that ball shape in the middle is great for turning with your fingers), very robust, hex bolsters, available with through-blades... Everything about them feels high quality to me.





I also like Vessel - but these Bahcos are the BEST.

Somewhat obscure, but my favorites are the Irazola-made Bahcos.

Super sharp tips, the most comfortable handles I've ever used (that ball shape in the middle is great for turning with your fingers), very robust, hex bolsters, available with through-blades... Everything about them feels high quality to me.





I also like Vessel - but these Bahcos are the BEST.

Search results for: 'Supertorque'

Williams’ heritage of high-quality, industrial-focused tools continues to deliver a brand of tools that is ready to work. Whether in the field, suspended at height or in the plant, we are performing along side you everyday.

www.williams-industrial.com

Just a color swap.

 

[JradM]

Search results for: 'Supertorque'

Williams’ heritage of high-quality, industrial-focused tools continues to deliver a brand of tools that is ready to work. Whether in the field, suspended at height or in the plant, we are performing along side you everyday.

www.williams-industrial.com

Just a color swap.

Nice! Thanks for the heads-up. I didn't realize they sold this under the Williams brand too - probably easier to source that way.

 

[rancherbill]

Nice collection. To be honest I don't use my screwdrivers that much for screwing anymore.

I use my impact or drill for most driving. I use demolition screw drivers for prying and chiseling.

 

[pizza]

I came across this video on YouTube, which has an excellent comparison of most of the top brands.

there's so many issues with that vid, but it's nonetheless entertaining. par for the course for project farm.

 

[Sumboodie]

Many of my screwdrivers are used for things other than screws. Scraping, pulling o rings, prying, etc.

I'm sure the $20+ each screwdrivers are nice, but it hurts much less to use a $5 screwdriver! And there are plenty that are great too.... IE price doesn't necessarily mean they are good or bad.

I'm not sure where the heck the #2 Phillips gnome is in my garage, but that guy had to have like 7 or 8 screwdrivers by now. I very rarely lose tools, but for some reason most of my #2s are gone. Have a metric boat load of #1 and flat heads though haha.

 

[nbpt100]

Still looking for a moderately priced set of gunsmithing screwdriver or 1/4" hex bit. For use on small engine carburetor s.

Take a look at Champan. Not sure if you would consider them moderately priced? They have a variety of kits that meet gun smithing and small fastener needs.

It is personalized. My first Screw drivers where Acetyl handle Craftsman circa 1985. It was all I knew for a long time. I only use them now if I have to. They still make them the same way and people still buy them. They are a home owner grade in my opinion.
I have some Top Tul with with striking cap, hex bolster, magnetic and they have great qulity tips. Well worth the money You will all laugh at this but I also bought a set of Cal Hawk Demo screw drivers for like $16 for 8 in the set. I keep them in my travel bag and I beat the **** out of them. they have been great for the applications and cost. And If I loose or break one I won't be mad at myself.

Also, HF has what they call a Pittsburgh Professional set that a lot of people on here have been very pleasd with. I use the number 2 a lot on semi stripped or questionable philips. Has very good quality magnetic tips. Well worth the $9.99 for the set. I have purchased 3 of those sets to spread out between my travel bag, basement shop and back yard shed. My only disapointment is it does not come with a #3 philips. Again if I loose one or break one I will not be upset at all.

If you need JIS Vessel seems to be the go to. I hardly need that and the same with Pozi drive. When I have a need I have a lot of bit drivers. I use Torx more than either of those combined. For Torx I really like my Carlyle set. My only gripe is that the markings easily wore off. Nice comfortable tri-lobe where you can get good grip and torque.

Depends what you need them for, as about 5 folks have already said. I did not see the PF video but have seen a lot of his work. For what he has to work with and a self funding budget he puts in a ton of work and does a great job. Like with any testing, often times the test identifies flaws that you can address in a second round.

 

[Dave455]

Nice! Thanks for the heads-up. I didn't realize they sold this under the Williams brand too - probably easier to source that way.

I don’t normally like soft handles on screwdrivers, but the Irazola / Bahco are definitely one of the better ones. I’d second the comments about the tips being decent.

One of the things that I like about these though, is that the driver handles are colour coded according to the tip. I know this is less common in some countries, but using both Pozidriv and Phillips I need to be able to tell them apart quickly. The Williams branded drivers omit this though.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Take a look at Champan. Not sure if you would consider them moderately priced? They have a variety of kits that meet gun smithing and small fastener needs.

The Chapman bits are reasonably priced, but I need ones that are over 2" long.

My first Screw drivers where Acetyl handle Craftsman circa 1985. It was all I knew for a long time. I only use them now if I have to. They still make them the same way and people still buy them. They are a home owner grade in my opinion.

My Craftsman screwdrivers were bought in the 1970s. Most have had warranty replacement, at least once. I needed a long thin screwdriver to adjust the carburetor setting on a single cylinder engine while it was running. I bought a Craftsman from ACE.All of them have served me well.

If you need JIS Vessel seems to be the go to.

Got a #1 and a #2

 

[Ton ton]

The best screwdriver is the one that's within reach when I've already crawled under the truck.

Well said.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Honestly, my cm made in USA acetate handles, maybe it's nostalgia but I just always go for them & I have plenty of new sets of other brands, but always go for them. I have bought 2 lifetime supplies & them some, put them in every box or bag.

 

[nbpt100]

Honestly, my cm made in USA acetate handles, maybe it's nostalgia but I just always go for them & I have plenty of new sets of other brands, but always go for them. I have bought 2 lifetime supplies & them some, put them in every box or bag.

I understand what you are saying. There are plenty of jobs around a house where just about any screw driver of the proper shape and size will do. It is when you are working on rusted equipment, hard to reach screws, or turning a lot of screws where fatigue becomes a factor. That is where quality stands out. As the example the old wizzard shared. Any screw driver of the proper length will work for that low torque application.
I have a history of tendonitis in my wrists. Having a good fitting rebberized handle with tri lobes makes a difference when you have a dozen screws to turn or they requrire higher torque to loosen or tighten. My craftsman philips have always seemed to wear out faster than any other name brand that I have. When we had a Sears around I would get them replaced but that is not so easy any longer. It depends a lot on what you are using them for. That is my take anyway.

 

[ZRX61]

CK HD Classics

 

[ultgar]

There are still a few days left with the Facom screwdriver sale (US only)........really cheap pricing if you get to the $300+ level. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/screwdrivers408.xls

 

[DRider]

Here is the updated screwdriver collection, although I did order a few more. I am done. I counted over 100 screwdrivers and some are not shown here. I found that even if you have several different brand sets, that most have similar lengths, so I need to buy some longer reach screwdrivers. Yes, more redundancy in sizes, but the longer shafts may come in useful for certain projects. In watching the video again, and trying the various screwdrivers in my hand and in a screw to see if they stick, I would say you can't go wrong with PB Swiss, Wera and Wiha. SnapOn also **** in the screw. The Vessel did not, but it is JIS. I like the feel of the Vessel. I used a #2 Philips and inserted it into a screw horizontally and most of the drivers would just stick out of the screw without holding or supporting it, except the Vessel and the extra heavy duty Wiha, but that is because the handle is so heavy and beefy due to it being a tang-thu with a striking cap.

 

[Ton ton]

Thank you for the update on screwdrivers. Screwdriver threads really are the best garage journal has to offer.

 

[alien]

I have always liked my Klein cushion grip screwdrivers for most of my screwdriver needs.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’m a hard handle guy unless it’s the Witte/Matco handles then I like the soft handle. My preference is the Snap-on hard handles in Power Blue, Pearl Blue or Teal. But as long as it’s a Snap-on hard handle I’m a fan. Snap-on has the best tip and I just walk on the truck and get it warrantied if needed. Found several on eBay and the pawn shop and gotten them fixed. I’m also a fan of the Duralast screwdrivers from Auto Zone they have a good tip as well. I can’t stand the instinct handle but that’s just my preference. I also like the old Craftsman acetate handles as well. Tips aren’t the best but I like the handles. I have never really been a fan of the Wera or Wiha or PB Swiss or none of them. Just not for me.

 

[DRider]

I wish that he would have included some of the professional truck tool brands in the screwdriver test so we could see how they hold up. I agree that SnapOn is very good, but I don't find the instinct handle that comfortable. But you can get a lot of torque on it.

 

[bonneyman]

I prefer the old Proto yellow handles. Second best are Snappy black hard handles.

P.S. Here's my set of Proto's. Only missing 5 screwdriver part numbers!