New MAC Tools Screwdrivers

[Jtels85]

I thought this was interesting. I was perusing the MAC website and ran across these. There are multiple sets, in multiple colors and configurations. I was under the impression that the Duratek’s were shifting production from the USA to France, and that would be that. Had no idea a whole new line was being introduced. They look Facom inspired, almost similar to Craftsman V-Series tool styling. It looks like SB&D is making their tool lines all look the same.

 

[KnurledNut]

Interesting.
If you search "All Products" by "Date, New to Old", they are recently listed.

Looks like they bred the older Macsimizer drivers with the Mac-Grip (Duratek) drivers, and this is the hybrid offspring.

 

[KnurledNut]

When i first opened this thread and saw the handle design, i had instant flashbacks of the long-obsolete SK Tri-molded screwdrivers...

(Obviously there is no connection between the two. Just reminiscing!)

 

[Fedwrench]

I still have a couple of those made in Slovenia SK screwdriver sets.

The new MAC screwdrivers remind me of a limited run Dewalt Screwdriver from a year or two ago. Tiny bolsters. I really like the Durateks.

Does anyone know what shape the new handle is? trilobal, round, rectangular, or something else?

With an 8 piece Duratek set on sale in flyer 8 with a free pocket knife for $214 and change, I'm thinking the new 9 piece set hails from Taiwan

 

[Jtels85]

I just took a flying leap out of the healthcare field and took a job with a local heavy equipment company. There’s a MAC truck that shows up on Wednesday’s, although the service techs go l on it and I haven’t been yet. It may be time to introduce myself and see if he has a set I can buy. I kinda want them.

 

[Jtels85]

Update: Got on the MAC truck for the first time today and holy cow was that thing stocked!! I inquired about the new screwdrivers and the guy said he hasn’t seen them yet, but he is aware of them.

He did have a couple 8 piece screwdriver sets of the Duratek style, in orange and green, made in France now.

I got a set of Expert reversible ratcheting wrenches just because I’ve been wanting a good 8mm - 19mm set, no skips.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'd assume the new ones have a more profitable margin percentage than others, hence their introduction.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I personally don’t like the look of them. I like the old ones better. Just my opinion though. I wish they would bring back the old hard square handles like my Snap-on. We don’t have a Mac dealer unfortunately.

 

[Xcursion88]

I hate screwdrivers...
I own the simple orange handled Snap-on screwdriver set...

I still hate them.

Not the brand or design but screwdrivers themselves.

Give me torx or give me death

 

[Professional Tool User]

Unless the new Mac screwdrivers have new features that make them superior to the competition, I don't get what the fuss is about. I'd much rather spend the money on cordless tools.

 

[metaleltr]

When i first opened this thread and saw the handle design, i had instant flashbacks of the long-obsolete SK Tri-molded screwdrivers...

(Obviously there is no connection between the two. Just reminiscing!)

There may actually be a connection there. Facom owned SK prior to Ideal Industries.

 

[F-22]

I still have a couple of those made in Slovenia SK screwdriver sets.

Cool, I didn't know they exported tools to the US from our tiny little country.
I think we do have some top end metal processing industry here, I know lots of german car parts are made down here (alloy castings, iron casting, milling, tool and die making... There's even a factory that makes high end steel castings).

I assume the SK screwdrivers were made by Unior though. Unior still makes a lot of tools here, though I think they import and rebrand some taiwan tools too... They certainly make sockets, ratchets and wrenches here.

 

[KnurledNut]

Cool, I didn't know they exported tools to the US from our tiny little country.
I think we do have some top end metal processing industry here, I know lots of german car parts are made down here (alloy castings, iron casting, milling, tool and die making... There's even a factory that makes high end steel castings).

I assume the SK screwdrivers were made by Unior though. Unior still makes a lot of tools here, though I think they import and rebrand some taiwan tools too... They certainly make sockets, ratchets and wrenches here.

They were made by Oplast. They still make screwdrivers for other brands, including that same profile.
I had no clue we had a Slovenian here.

 

[F-22]

They were made by Oplast. They still make screwdrivers for other brands, including that same profile.
I had no clue we had a Slovenian here.

Oh cool, I never heard of Oplast. I do of course have lots of Unior tools and am 100% certain some of the screwdrivers I own were made by them though. Just a few months ago I was wondering - these Oplast Unior screwdrivers had a really nice grip and I wondered why the new screwdrivers are way more generic and ****** in comparison. Now I see that grip is patented by Oplast as Kraftgrip so that's why.

Coincidentally, the new Unior screwdrivers are also have very generic tip quality - they do the job but definitely aren't what they used to be.

 

[F-22]

Man, I'm amazed I never heard of them. Not sure whether or not they still make Unior screwdrivers, but the new ones seem different. However, they definitely make stuff for Hazet, Gedore, Wiha, Felo... Top end stuff! They seem to have a nice ratcheting screwdriver patent, and do a lot of VDE insulated tools.