Best screwdrivers for restorations and general use.

[Sanderguy777]

I'm looking for a couple long ones (basic #1-3 Phillips and maybe ⅛-5/16" common), a couple stubbies and a complete set of regular length ones. I don't mind if they all match, so if one brand doesn't have it all, I can get

These will be used for restoration projects and general use. I like my Wera kraftform insulated ones, but I want another set for restoration specifically, that can handle chemicals and all (I use wd40, brakleen, and the like).


I'm leaning toward Wera since i like their handles and how well they work, but I'm curious if there is another brand that has more variety in length or is better about chemical resistance than the rubberized handles

Thanks.

 

[no704]

Run what u have, they are consumables. If it doesn’t fit right, make it fit right or don’t use it.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Expensive, but I love my Snap-on hard handles. Great tips and handles. Also they have them branded as William’s but then all the color variations aren’t available if that’s important to you. Great with chemicals though the wording will fade which I hate. Maybe Tekton would be a good option too. Plenty of options out there I’m just listing my favorites. Personally never been a fan of brands like Wera, Wiha, Felo, etc but that’s just my opinion of course.

 

[Sanderguy777]

Run what u have, they are consumables. If it doesn’t fit right, make it fit right or don’t use it.

Well that's just fine. I WANT to spend money, but YoU won't help me! Fine, BE that way!

LOL

Expensive, but I love my Snap-on hard handles. Great tips and handles. Also they have them branded as William’s but then all the color variations aren’t available if that’s important to you. Great with chemicals though the wording will fade which I hate. Maybe Tekton would be a good option too. Plenty of options out there I’m just listing my favorites. Personally never been a fan of brands like Wera, Wiha, Felo, etc but that’s just my opinion of course.

Do you have any experience with Tekton and whether they fit well?
Why don't you like the "nice, German-made" brands? experience or just think they are hype? (I personally like the Wera, but I'm curious if there is a reason to not get more of them.)

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Well that's just fine. I WANT to spend money, but YoU won't help me! Fine, BE that way!

LOL

Do you have any experience with Tekton and whether they fit well?
Why don't you like the "nice, German-made" brands? experience or just think they are hype? (I personally like the Wera, but I'm curious if there is a reason to not get more of them.)

The Tekton fit really good. I’ve got some of their extra stubby screwdrivers I was really impressed how they fit. And the German drivers it’s really just I don’t like the feel of the handles nothing wrong with quality. I will say Witte handles are nice like the Witte branded and Matco branded and I don’t normally like soft handles but that is one handle I do like.

 

[Sanderguy777]

The Tekton fit really good. I’ve got some of their extra stubby screwdrivers I was really impressed how they fit. And the German drivers it’s really just I don’t like the feel of the handles nothing wrong with quality. I will say Witte handles are nice like the Witte branded and Matco branded and I don’t normally like soft handles but that is one handle I do like.

Do you have any of the regular tekton? The stubby are hollow ground, but the rest aren't.

Do you think the German handles would be ok with the cleaners etc?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Do you have any of the regular tekton? The stubby are hollow ground, but the rest aren't.

Do you think the German handles would be ok with the cleaners etc?

I don’t own any personally of the regular no. I have used a lot of them though.

I think the Wera would do the best with cleaners and such. They seem like they are a harder rubber or plastics than the rest. The Witte/Matco would probably not be a good choice for it. Neither would the wood handle Felo.

 

[Sanderguy777]

I don’t own any personally of the regular no. I have used a lot of them though.

I think the Wera would do the best with cleaners and such. They seem like they are a harder rubber or plastics than the rest. The Witte/Matco would probably not be a good choice for it. Neither would the wood handle Felo.

Thanks! I think I'll get the Wera. The handles are nice, and I know they grab screws well. Tekton seems to be ok, but like maybe the handles don't do great. Maybe I'll get their long version in the hard handle, and the Wera as the basic ones.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Take a look at Williams hard handle screwdrivers. Made in the same factory as Snap-on hard handles, but sold at a fraction of the price. They only come in black, but are otherwise identical.

Proto Duratek screwdrivers are apparently are very resistant to chemicals.

 

[tamaraw]

The Vessel 4500 series look pretty nice; tang-through design with striking cap, round shank for clearance with integrated hex bolsters higher up, and hard plastic handle. The crosshead tips are JIS compatible which could be a plus depending upon what you are working on. I own the Megadora 930's which are similar but with softer plastic and rubber handles.

There's also the option of going straight for wood-handled drivers. Felo and Nepros make a good looking set.

 

[CGarage]

Nothing else fits like a Vessel.
Go with them.

 

[darkzero]

I agree, I'd choose Vessel. I like my Weras & Matco Wittes but I like my Vessels more. As said above, nothing much really fits better.

 

[CS454]

Vessel and Felo.

 

[lardy1]

Asking for recommendations in here (particularly on screwdrivers and ratchets) is like taking your **** out in the henhouse.

There are literally dozens of very good brands of screwdrivers on the market. If you're happy with a brand, I suggest you stay with it. Screwdriver handles are a very personal preference and if you found a grip you like, run with it. Wera are very good drivers.

 

[Dave455]

The blades of the Wera are first class. Very durable and suited to the task.

My only observation is that if you are doing restorations, you’re going to be working with crusty stuff, dust and dirt, and of course the chemicals you mentioned. The handles of the Wera are probably not best suited to this environment. Even if the soft areas are chemical resistant (mine are certainly fine with WD-40) they’re still going to attract dirt and don’t wipe clean easily.

I would advise some sort of hard handle. I’m loathe to recommend any particular make, but the Williams are commonly recommended here and that’s sensible advice.

If you are working on things with metric sized screw slots then metric drivers will fit better, and vice versa!

 

[CJM8515]

Williams hard handles.

 

[woody 73]

I bought a set of the tekton and they seem a bit "wonky" in my opinion not sure what kind of grind they are using on the flat blade?
I do not own the Swiss brand screwdrivers as of yet (give me some time). But I do like the duratek from proto.

All the above screwdrivers are fantastic, I go for the handle that fits my hands and the Duratek work for me, plus the fit and finish are very good.

 

[Sanderguy777]

The blades of the Wera are first class. Very durable and suited to the task.

My only observation is that if you are doing restorations, you’re going to be working with crusty stuff, dust and dirt, and of course the chemicals you mentioned. The handles of the Wera are probably not best suited to this environment. Even if the soft areas are chemical resistant (mine are certainly fine with WD-40) they’re still going to attract dirt and don’t wipe clean easily.

I would advise some sort of hard handle. I’m loathe to recommend any particular make, but the Williams are commonly recommended here and that’s sensible advice.

If you are working on things with metric sized screw slots then metric drivers will fit better, and vice versa!

Yeah, that was one thing I didn't like about the insulated Wera set I have. The handles are yellow rubber and red plastic. The rubber isn't yellow anymore, it's brown LOL. that's why I'm looking for a set specifically for restoration jobs. Then it doesn't really matter. I rarely use them for anything else, but when I do, I don't eat them to carry grease and stuff over to my woodworking projects or something (the dirty handle doesn't really bother me as far as looks are concerned, but those chemicals can really mess up finish ans things.)

 

[Davefr]

Proto Durateks if chemical resistant handles are important.

 

[Sanderguy777]

I bought a set of the tekton and they seem a bit "wonky" in my opinion not sure what kind of grind they are using on the flat blade?
I do not own the Swiss brand screwdrivers as of yet (give me some time). But I do like the duratek from proto.

All the above screwdrivers are fantastic, I go for the handle that fits my hands and the Duratek work for me, plus the fit and finish are very good.

I heard really mixed reviews on the Tekton. Are you're the USA made ones? Or are they older? I'm wondering if they changed suppliers or something. I think I might get them just for regular use, but for this set I want the best grip available so I don't strip out a screw an can get more force.

Any idea where to get Williams? I only see them on "exclusive" websites where they want my sign in and the deed to my first kid LOL.

 

[Mr_B]

Williams hard handle set, basically vintage snapon hard handle .
Nice proper usable/abusable screwdrivers and large set can be sensible coin if hunt about .

 

[tool_scrounge]

I buy William's hard handle for work. They are a pretty good value

 

[Dave455]

Yeah, that was one thing I didn't like about the insulated Wera set I have. The handles are yellow rubber and red plastic. The rubber isn't yellow anymore, it's brown LOL. that's why I'm looking for a set specifically for restoration jobs. Then it doesn't really matter. I rarely use them for anything else, but when I do, I don't eat them to carry grease and stuff over to my woodworking projects or something (the dirty handle doesn't really bother me as far as looks are concerned, but those chemicals can really mess up finish ans things.)

It’s the only downside to the Wera. Shame, as in other respects they are ideal.

I have a few of the stainless drivers. Absolutely superb blades, and you can use them on cheaper screws without worrying about damaging plating, but I pretty much reserve them for woodworking and household repairs because of the handles.

Here are the drivers from my woodworking box. Even though they only get used for clean work, the hard handles of the other drivers fare better than the Wera.

I have a selection of older British made Stanley drivers. Years ago they were my go to drivers. I have better drivers now, but retain the old ones for working on older or rusted fasteners. Here’s my “grade two” drawer!

If I was buying specifically for restorations I’d probably go for the Williams, but I do prefer coloured handles (easier to find if dropped). I also like colour coding, but then I’ll often have Phillips and Pozidriv on the same bench, which is a recipe for confusion if you’re not organised!

 

[CGarage]

The Wera stainless steel drivers for stainless fasteners are great.

 

[username2]

My magpie tendency to acquire screwdrivers would like to own a set of these.

https://windhoektoolcentre.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/0/7/12079755/8120807.jpg?934

 

[Dave455]

The Wera stainless steel drivers for stainless fasteners are great.

Yes, they are.

I like them more than the Wiha.

But I think Wera are missing a trick by marketing them primarily for stainless screws.

They’re great for screws with poorer heads as there’s no plating or black oxide to damage, and superb for wet environments too!

 

[Dave455]

My magpie tendency to acquire screwdrivers would like to own a set of these.

https://windhoektoolcentre.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/0/7/12079755/8120807.jpg?934

The holy grail!

Wera drivers with the older (better) acetate handles!

Sadly, only available in South Africa, or the neighbouring areas, I believe!

I wish they would offer these as an option everywhere. Even at extra cost.

 

[username2]

The holy grail!

Wera drivers with the older (better) acetate handles!

Sadly, only available in South Africa, or the neighbouring areas, I believe!

I wish they would offer these as an option everywhere. Even at extra cost.

I'm not finding them on the South Africa Amazon page (they appear to be locally produced).

I do have a set of older Wiha hard handles (never-used nutdrivers and some screwdrivers, I think they're like a slightly more rounded Snap-on), but the search for the acetate Weras goes on.

 

[Sumboodie]

I'd love to find out who keeps disappearing my #2 Phillips screwdrivers. Somehow have 28 billion flatheads and #1 and #3s though.

Must be the same guy that disappears gloves, pencils, tape measures and socks too.

 

[Dave455]

I'm not finding them on the South Africa Amazon page (they appear to be locally produced).

I do have a set of older Wiha hard handles (never-used nutdrivers and some screwdrivers, I think they're like a slightly more rounded Snap-on), but the search for the acetate Weras goes on.

Wera South Africa list them (or at least they used to) and you will find them at online stores in South Africa.

Yes, they are made there. Not sure if Wera shipped the tooling there, or if they just never upgraded to the later patterns.

The blades are the older style though. They’re o.k, but I’d prefer the newer blades with the acetate handles.

Last time I was in South Africa Wera seemed to be promoting the soft handles, which are presumably imported.

 

[Dave455]

I'd love to find out who keeps disappearing my #2 Phillips screwdrivers. Somehow have 28 billion flatheads and #1 and #3s though.

Must be the same guy that disappears gloves, pencils, tape measures and socks too.

That will be gremlins!

They use those drivers to store 10mm sockets on….!

 

[sponfit]

Wera makes a set of all black screwdrivers without the rubber coating on them.

 

[Sumboodie]

That will be gremlins!

They use those drivers to store 10mm sockets on….!

I got smart on the tape measures a few weeks ago. Bought 2 12 packs off Amazon for about $25. Put a tape measure in every vehicle, the junk drawer, every bench, every toolbox, the shed, and still have a few spares.

 

[Dave455]

Wera makes a set of all black screwdrivers without the rubber coating on them.

Yes, I’ve seen those, but the last I saw appeared to be a cheaper line.

The handles were something like PVC, not the material the hard part of the regular handles are made from, and I think the blades were the older style too.

 

[Dave455]

I got smart on the tape measures a few weeks ago. Bought 2 12 packs off Amazon for about $25. Put a tape measure in every vehicle, the junk drawer, every bench, every toolbox, the shed, and still have a few spares.

That’s a good plan, and a great price!

But you won’t be able to keep an eye on 24 tapes simultaneously. They’ll sneak a few away….

 

[CJM8515]

Williams hard handle set, basically vintage snapon hard handle .
Nice proper usable/abusable screwdrivers and large set can be sensible coin if hunt about .

This is the exact set I have. The set with the bahco screwdrivers are worth the extra coin, them suckers are very nice, wear well and have come in handy A LOT.

I have a lot of different screwdrivers. I have an old yellow and black stanley set that honestly is nice and I dont mind abusing them. They are made of solid metal unlike all these new drivers with whatever the tip is made of. I also have a very nice rubber handle husky set-but they aint made for prying I found out, they have those new tips and they snapped right off so I put those away for now. I also have a CMan western forge set I like to use-but again the end of the flatheads are made of that chintzy metal and snap so no abuse to them.

Frankly all I use are vessel (CMan had a NICE rebrand of their impact screwdrivers btw if you can find them), the above mentioned williams set and my latest is some milwaukee demo type screwdrivers for prying lol.

My real go to though, if you want a good laugh: a husky branded 6 in 1. Ive lost a few, never broken any and the oldest one is in my old portable work box. Its done everything imaginable and never failed. They are like 6 bucks at home cheapo.

 

[Prospecter]

I have a bunch of other screwdrivers, but the two brands I reach for the most are my cushion grip Pratt and Read (still a few available from Epsteins), and these Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. Neither will help you spend a lot of $$$$, but I like how they feel and they seem to fit pretty well.

 

[2Busy]

I have a set of Wera chisledrivers, the yellow and black handles. They have ”poundthrough” blades and I use them for those tasks you aren’t supposed to use a screwdriver for (bought them because I didn’t want to abuse my PB Swiss set). So far the Weras have stood up to the chemicals that I use and all the punishment I’ve given them. Not sure if they have the longer sizes that the OP might be looking for but I’d think they’d do well in restoration projects, if that means pounding and prying.

 

[Sanderguy777]

My magpie tendency to acquire screwdrivers would like to own a set of these.

https://windhoektoolcentre.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/0/7/12079755/8120807.jpg?934

I'm getting very strong magpie urges myself LOL.

Can you get these in the US?

 

[Fedwrench]

Most everyone has given you great options. I'll recommend a set of demo drivers. You can buy them from many vendors. A flat blade and a Phillips#2 each with about a six inch long blade are common. They're meant to be beaten, used, and abused.