Acetate Handled Screwdrivers (but strike through, full tang, demolition, hammer cap)

[NoChinaToolsEver]

I am an avid collector of strikeable screwdrivers. I have a specific interest in Acetate handle strike cap drivers (in which there is limited supply) This photo is of my unused collection. I have other phillips and torx... Im specifically hunting a Wera that has a strike cap with acetate handles. Im able to find PB Swiss with acetate handles but not with acetate handles and strike cap. Same with the Wera, Heyco, Sandvik, etc... CK tools appears to be the only EU company with both acetate + strike cap.
Japan, however has a decent selection of both acetate handles + strike caps. Tone (Japan) has a grey + red set that I ordered from Ebay and im waiting on it. Of course we all have the VESSEL branded red acetate screwdrivers. I posted a photo of my collection on the table. All of the others will be screenshots from Google. Most of which are from other markets globally. I NEED HELP FROM YOU OLD GARAGE HEADS TO HELP ME FIND MORE European acetate handled strike throughs. Hell, I will even accept some USA made drivers, given they are both acetate + strike cap.
Australian companies like Sidchrome, Kincrome and AUS Stanley have some amazing acetate strikers but its dang near impossible to get them shipped to the US.. plus they are outrageous.

Think "Sidchrome" the red acetate strikers
Or "Kinchrome" blue handle
Or "VESSEL" Red 4500 Powergrip series (Which I have in my collection)

 

[seber]

Given the fragility of acetate, I'm surprised anyone makes a strike through with it.

 

[Dave455]

Given the fragility of acetate, I'm surprised anyone makes a strike through with it.

I’ve always found that the tendency of acetate to shatter is somewhat overstated.

By “acetate” I assume that we are talking about cellulose acetate here.

I have many screwdrivers dating from the 1970’s and before with cellulose acetate handles, and none have shown any indications of shattering. I’ve seen quite a few vintage ones too, including many that have been abused, and while I won’t claim I’ve never seen any damage, you have to work at it!

There’s no doubt that “CAB” (Cellulose Acetate Butyrate) is the more shatter resistant material, hence it’s use in chisel handles, but with CAB comes that awful smell, and I can’t help feeling that cellulose acetate is the better material for the majority of screwdrivers.

Marples, some years ago, even made small chisels with cellulose acetate handles, and those seem to have lasted fine.

Maybe there are differences in the quality of cellulose acetate?

I have a fair few of the C.K. drivers (the yellow handle driver in the O.P.’s picture, made by Heyco) and the Vessel, and consider them among my better drivers. Certainly waaay ahed of any soft grip shite!

 

[neophyte]

Given the fragility of acetate, I'm surprised anyone makes a strike through with it.

The acetate used for screwdriver handles can in many cases be hit repeatedly with a hardened steel sledge hammer, and only wind up a bit dented.
Chemical resistance is a bit of a problem in dome industries, since acetone melts the acetate, but impact resistance is not.
I’ve never tested it, but the acetate may be more durable than the nylon used for some screwdriver handles.

 

[Toold_up]

I have two, both green, one #2 philips, one slotted which the tip has been heated and bent and used as a mini pry bar and paint can opener (strike cap works wonders for closing the paint can lid).

 

[Mr. Tool]

.....not European I think but....

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

.....not European but....

Thank you! I still want them! I just ordered some! Screw it! Lol

 

[Mr. Tool]

Thank you! I still want them! I just ordered some! Screw it! Lol

Way to go my man!

Like you, I also have a love for tools with acetate handles and have a small collection of them in various tool styles.

Here are a few of what I've got to show, though I still have quite a few more that I just haven't pictured...some from various other manufactures, etc.

 

[Dave455]

Way to go my man!

Like you, I also have a love for tools with acetate handles and have a small collection of them in various tool styles.

Here are a few of what I've got to show, though I still have quite a few more that just haven't pictured...some from various other manufactures, etc.

Nice stuff! Really nice…!

For general purpose use you can’t better a cellulose acetate handle in my opinion.

Maybe an opaque nylon (such as the classic Snap On / Williams) are preferable in greasy conditions, but that’s about all.

I approve of Vessel offering them as their “top end” drivers.

I have quite a few, the purple ball hex probably seeing the most use. I don’t know why more manufacturers don’t colour code the different tips. The reality of the modern world is that we end up with a bench of slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx, and the quicker we can identify them the better.



The blue 5100 “precision” series are fairly new I think. I sense some of these in my future, as if I need more screwdrivers…!

Now that I think of it, KTC offer acetate handles with striking caps too.


Sadly, both Elora and Wiha have discontinued their acetate handles. I suspect it’s cost saving disguised as improvements. In England we call that “being pissed on and told it’s raining”.

I think Elora have discontinued their acetate awls too, but Felo offer awls, and many other tools, with practical red acetate handles.


Heyco and Facom both continue to offer their patterns. Heyco manufacture for a lot of other brands too.

Facom used to offer a grey acetate handle with a striking cap, but they are discontinued. I notice however, that the same tools are still available from SAM, which is where I suspect that pattern originated.

I see these a bit in the aerospace world, but then I do fly an Airbus….

 

[tarbellb]

.....not European but....

Thank you! I still want them! I just ordered some! Screw it! Lol

Where are these made?

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Where are these made?

In the Country that shall not be named. The Big Chin! The home of the Egg Roll and cheese wontons.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Nice stuff! Really nice…!

For general purpose use you can’t better a cellulose acetate handle in my opinion.

Maybe an opaque nylon (such as the classic Snap On / Williams) are preferable in greasy conditions, but that’s about all.

I approve of Vessel offering them as their “top end” drivers.

I have quite a few, the purple ball hex probably seeing the most use. I don’t know why more manufacturers don’t colour code the different tips. The reality of the modern world is that we end up with a bench of slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx, and the quicker we can identify them the better.



The blue 5100 “precision” series are fairly new I think. I sense some of these in my future, as if I need more screwdrivers…!

Now that I think of it, KTC offer acetate handles with striking caps too.


Sadly, both Elora and Wiha have discontinued their acetate handles. I suspect it’s cost saving disguised as improvements. In England we call that “being pissed on and told it’s raining”.

I think Elora have discontinued their acetate awls too, but Felo offer awls, and many other tools, with practical red acetate handles.


Heyco and Facom both continue to offer their patterns. Heyco manufacture for a lot of other brands too.

Facom used to offer a grey acetate handle with a striking cap, but they are discontinued. I notice however, that the same tools are still available from SAM, which is where I suspect that pattern originated.

I see these a bit in the aerospace world, but then I do fly an Airbus….

I love this. Thank you. Im aware of Facom but have never seen this. Please see about a model number for me. I will reverse image search this. Seriously, thank you!!! This is why I posted this thread here. You guys are awsome. "Normies" can't help me. Actually I think I bore people when I talk about demo screwdrivers.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Nice stuff! Really nice…!

For general purpose use you can’t better a cellulose acetate handle in my opinion.

Maybe an opaque nylon (such as the classic Snap On / Williams) are preferable in greasy conditions, but that’s about all.

I approve of Vessel offering them as their “top end” drivers.

I have quite a few, the purple ball hex probably seeing the most use. I don’t know why more manufacturers don’t colour code the different tips. The reality of the modern world is that we end up with a bench of slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx, and the quicker we can identify them the be

In the Country that shall not be named. The Big Chin! The home of the Egg Roll and cheese wontons.

with that said, i still love the blue + and the price makes them cheap enough to feel silly for buying them and taking a few to work for meter boxes and brick removal (electric work)




The blue 5100 “precision” series are fairly new I think. I sense some of these in my future, as if I need more screwdrivers…!

Now that I think of it, KTC offer acetate handles with striking caps too.


Sadly, both Elora and Wiha have discontinued their acetate handles. I suspect it’s cost saving disguised as improvements. In England we call that “being pissed on and told it’s raining”.

I think Elora have discontinued their acetate awls too, but Felo offer awls, and many other tools, with practical red acetate handles.


Heyco and Facom both continue to offer their patterns. Heyco manufacture for a lot of other brands too.

Facom used to offer a grey acetate handle with a striking cap, but they are discontinued. I notice however, that the same tools are still available from SAM, which is where I suspect that pattern originated.

I see these a bit in the aerospace world, but then I do fly an Airbus….

In the Country that shall not be named. The Big Chin! The home of the Egg Roll and cheese wontons.

with that said, i still love the blue + and the price makes them cheap enough to feel silly for buying them and taking a few to work for meter boxes and brick removal (electric work)

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Way to go my man!

Like you, I also have a love for tools with acetate handles and have a small collection of them in various tool styles.

Here are a few of what I've got to show, though I still have quite a few more that just haven't pictured...some from various other manufactures, etc.

I LOVE THE ANEX No. 9210 I circled it. I see you have it in the collection.. thats currently in my Ebay cart now. That Japanese shipping is starting to get expensive. Somehow the screwdriver just looks Japanese lol. It looks like its wearing one of those cool Japan hats!

 

[Nessism]

What does one do with a through-tang cross-point screwdriver?

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

What does one do with a through-tang cross-point screwdriver?

Helps reshape a stripped Phillips by hitting the screwdriver with a hammer

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Nice stuff! Really nice…!

For general purpose use you can’t better a cellulose acetate handle in my opinion.

Maybe an opaque nylon (such as the classic Snap On / Williams) are preferable in greasy conditions, but that’s about all.

I approve of Vessel offering them as their “top end” drivers.

I have quite a few, the purple ball hex probably seeing the most use. I don’t know why more manufacturers don’t colour code the different tips. The reality of the modern world is that we end up with a bench of slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx, and the quicker we can identify them the better.



The blue 5100 “precision” series are fairly new I think. I sense some of these in my future, as if I need more screwdrivers…!

Now that I think of it, KTC offer acetate handles with striking caps too.


Sadly, both Elora and Wiha have discontinued their acetate handles. I suspect it’s cost saving disguised as improvements. In England we call that “being pissed on and told it’s raining”.

I think Elora have discontinued their acetate awls too, but Felo offer awls, and many other tools, with practical red acetate handles.


Heyco and Facom both continue to offer their patterns. Heyco manufacture for a lot of other brands too.

Facom used to offer a grey acetate handle with a striking cap, but they are discontinued. I notice however, that the same tools are still available from SAM, which is where I suspect that pattern originated.

I see these a bit in the aerospace world, but then I do fly an Airbus….

as usual, I cannot find a way to get the SAM grey acetate to ship to the US. You Brits and Europeans are so lucky you guys have access to so many EU brands. I've even checked ebay and no one has it for sale. Thank you for helping me discover the SAM though! Ive never heard of it. Ive heard of Facom though. But not SAM

 

[Dave455]

I love this. Thank you. Im aware of Facom but have never seen this. Please see about a model number for me. I will reverse image search this. Seriously, thank you!!! This is why I posted this thread here. You guys are awsome. "Normies" can't help me. Actually I think I bore people when I talk about demo screwdrivers.

Model numbers, from the SAM website, below.


SAM offer quite a range of acetate handles.

 

[Dave455]

as usual, I cannot find a way to get the SAM grey acetate to ship to the US. You Brits and Europeans are so lucky you guys have access to so many EU brands. I've even checked ebay and no one has it for sale. Thank you for helping me discover the SAM though! Ive never heard of it. Ive heard of Facom though. But not SAM

SAM can be a bit difficult as they are not well known outside France. Historically a big supplier to the French government.

I have purchased some SAM tools in France, but even there they are not common. Much less so than say Facom.

They are available in the U.K. through “Radio Spares” - a big electronic component supplier, but that’s not much help in the U.S.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Model numbers, from the SAM website, below.


SAM offer quite a range of acetate handles.

Dude, you're awsome. I was able to reverse image search the driver. Just no luck on Global shipping. Dang.... Ive got a Grey Tone (Japan) branded one on the way that looks similar. But I like that SAM one better than the Tone one that I ordered last week. It should be here soon and I will upload a photo of it.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

SAM can be a bit difficult as they are not well known outside France. Historically a big supplier to the French government.

I have purchased some SAM tools in France, but even there they are not common. Much less so than say Facom.

They are available in the U.K. through “Radio Spares” - a big electronic component supplier, but that’s not much help in the U.S.

Hey! Thats a start. I will give it a try! Thanks bro

 

[Dave455]

Dude, you're awsome. I was able to reverse image search the driver. Just no luck on Global shipping. Dang.... Ive got a Grey Tone (Japan) branded one on the way that looks similar. But I like that SAM one better than the Tone one that I ordered last week. It should be here soon and I will upload a photo of it.

I don’t know where the SAM drivers originate. They are a relatively small company and some tools are outsourced.

Having said that, some SAM tools remain French made, and very nicely so, when the Facom versions are now from Taiwan.

The Facom acetate drivers are definitely French made however, as are all their screwdrivers, but they don’t offer striking caps on the acetate handles. Nice tools though.

 

[Twisted Sid]

I have two, both green, one #2 philips, one slotted which the tip has been heated and bent and used as a mini pry bar and paint can opener (strike cap works wonders for closing the paint can lid).

I think i might have had a set of these and loved them. Got them from my dads collection years ago. Tried looking for them last night and cant find them. I really hope they didnt grow legs

 

[Toold_up]

I think i might have had a set of these and loved them. Got them from my dads collection years ago. Tried looking for them last night and cant find them. I really hope they didnt grow legs

I hope you find them and they didn't wonder off to my garage!

I'll snap a picture of the pair next time I'm out there.

 

[Mr. Tool]

I LOVE THE ANEX No. 9210 I circled it. I see you have it in the collection.. thats currently in my Ebay cart now. That Japanese shipping is starting to get expensive. Somehow the screwdriver just looks Japanese lol. It looks like its wearing one of those cool Japan hats!

Thanks!
I've had the ANEX No. 9210 for several years now, it can definitely take a beating. I like using it when called for of course, it's very handy.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Where are these made?

In all honesty I didn't even look at the packaging from what country they were made in.

But I suspect the usual Asian country such as China, Taiwan, etc.

I purchased them from Home Depot...it was an online purchase.
I can understand an individuals reluctance to not purchase products from specific countries for personal reasons, etc.
Though for me personally, for this particular screwdriver set it didn't really matter to me what country they were made in.

In my collection of tools that I use I've got an assortment of tools that have been made from all over world, Switzerland, Japan, China, Britain, Germany, Mexico, France, Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Russia, etc....so really doesn't matter or concern me on where it's made from.
If I like it I buy it, plain and simple and not for anyone else's approval!

 

[Mr. Tool]

as usual, I cannot find a way to get the SAM grey acetate to ship to the US. You Brits and Europeans are so lucky you guys have access to so many EU brands. I've even checked ebay and no one has it for sale. Thank you for helping me discover the SAM though! Ive never heard of it. Ive heard of Facom though. But not SAM

If you really want it....hang in there, don't give up.

Some years back (before COVID) I had the same problem when I was trying to acquire a specific electronic's driver tool set made by Bernstein, located in Germany. It's a really cool set to own and yes tool handles come in cool yellow color acetate!

Iike you, nobody and their Grandmother wanted to ship it to me here in U.S.A. So I had to seek other alternatives.

I got lucky when I contacted a GJ forum member who lives in Britain and he was kind enough to purchase it for me and ship it to me!

Of course I paid for the cost of shipping and fee's, etc. and reimburse the funds for the cost of the tool set and all but it was all well worth it!

At least for me it was because I got EXACTLY what I wanted and was willing to pay for it.

All right....enough of this....now it's time for me to go out to my patio and grill some steaks along with enjoying some cold beer during the grilling process!

 

[KnurledNut]

A little different opinion, but I find acetate handles with rubber grips preferable for tradeswork as they provide some comfort for extended use and help absorb shock. I've done enough nerve damage in my hands over the years working that I appreciate anything that helps the cause.

Long before I got my striking cap Vessel bit handle, I substituted the plastic cap on my old Snap-on with a metal insert to make it more rugged. This model has ring retention only so no magnet to break. Being able to sacrifice the insert versus tossing the whole screwdriver has its benefits sometimes.

I have yet to come across ANY strike through screwdriver as unique as my Schlagrings (brass knuckles in English). IMO of course.

But the Cornwell exclusive iridescent purple Vessel's are really REALLY tempting me. So far, I have resisted.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

If you really want it....hang in there, don't give up.

Some years back (before COVID) I had the same problem when I was trying to acquire a specific electronic's driver tool set made by Bernstein, located in Germany. It's a really cool set to own and yes tool handles come a cool yellow acetate!

Iike you, nobody and their Grandmother wanted to ship it to me here in U.S.A. So I had to seek other alternatives.

I got lucky when I contacted a GJ forum member who lives in Britain and he was kind enough to purchase it for me and ship it to me!

Of course I paid for the cost of shipping and fee's, etc. and reimburse the funds for the cost of the tool set and all but it was all well worth it!

At least for me it was because I got EXACTLY what I wanted and was willing to pay for it.

All right....enough of this....now it's time for me to go out to my patio and grill some steaks along with enjoying some cold beer during the grilling process!

I hope those steaks cooked great and the beer was cold. Thanks for the help. Yeah, I may need to make a few British friends on here. I will check out that Bernstein as well. Keep in touch. Im new here but I will add tou as a friend or follow you. Im from Birmingham Alabama by the way.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

A little different opinion, but I find acetate handles with rubber grips preferable for tradeswork as they provide some comfort for extended use and help absorb shock. I've done enough nerve damage in my hands over the years working that I appreciate anything that helps the cause.

A couple of my dedicated beaters:
View attachment 2523539

Long before I got my striking cap Vessel bit handle, I substituted the plastic cap on my old Snap-on with a metal insert to make it more rugged. This model has ring retention only so no magnet to break. Being able to sacrifice the insert versus tossing the whole screwdriver has its benefits sometimes.

View attachment 2523540

I have yet to come across ANY strike through screwdriver as unique as my Schlagrings (brass knuckles in English). IMO of course.
View attachment 2523541
View attachment 2523542

But the Cornwell exclusive iridescent purple Vessel's are really REALLY tempting me. So far, I have resisted.
View attachment 2523543

Haha yes the vessel iridescent set. It has probably tempted us all. $400+ on Ebay. My wife just stares at me everytime I even mention it. And THANK YOU!!! I am EXTREMELY curious about those clear acetate handles. Ive never even heard of the brand but im going to Google the hell out of them as soon as i post this reply... Thank you for introducing me to that model and brand!! This is why I posted this thread/topic. I knew you guys would be able to help me.

 

[woody 73]

you guys are fxxking killing me, just killing me, dang now I want more screwdrivers, if my wife caught me buying any more, she would divorce me.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

you guys are fxxking killing me, just killing me, dang now I want more screwdrivers, if my wife caught me buying any more, she would divorce me.

Welcome to my world buddy. I have to pay for her nails to get done a lot more often. Thats my trade off for a new screwdriver

 

[ecotec]

you guys are fxxking killing me, just killing me, dang now I want more screwdrivers, if my wife caught me buying any more, she would divorce me.

I have enough screwdrivers for many lifetimes, and I’m already too old to die young…

Screwdrivers are of the MANY categories (files, punches, chisels, extensions…) of tools that I cannot really justify buying any more of.

 

[Mr. Tool]

I hope those steaks cooked great and the beer was cold. Thanks for the help. Yeah, I may need to make a few British friends on here. I will check out that Bernstein as well. Keep in touch. Im new here but I will add tou as a friend or follow you. Im from Birmingham Alabama by the way.

Click on the link below (once you click, you might have to scroll down to post #12)....I posted, back in 2025, about that specific Bernstein driver tool set and posted pictures of the set.

Sadly though Bernstein still makes the driver tool set.....just not with the original yellow acetate handles (no acetate handles at all).
Yes those steaks were delicious and definitely the beer was cold!

Bernstein screwdriver

You know those tools that you pick up and think "Damn, this is a NICE tool!" It fits your hand well, is very well designed and of obvious high quality. This is one of those: It's also one of those tools that you then stop for a minute and think "But how the hell did it end up in my kit?" I...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Mr. Tool]

I have yet to come across ANY strike through screwdriver as unique as my Schlagrings (brass knuckles in English). IMO of course.
View attachment 2523541
View attachment 2523542

But the Cornwell exclusive iridescent purple Vessel's are really REALLY tempting me. So far, I have resisted.
View attachment 2523543

Yes!....both of these sets are cool looking ....never seen or heard of that Schlagrings brand before, interesting.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Yes!....both of these sets are cool looking ....never seen or heard of that Schlagrings brand before, interesting.

Lol. I just offered to purchase one of them from him. I hope it wasn't rude. Nice collection though. I like them a lot. They have that old west Germany marking

 

[Dankotaru]

Stanley sold some screwdrivers like you're looking for. They were made in England and marketed as Fat Max demolition screwdrivers in the USA. I've had mine for a long time, maybe 20 years or more. They've held up well. The acetate handles are complimented with a bit of rubber material on the sides for grip. Looks like they can still be found online:

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Stanley sold some screwdrivers like you're looking for. They were made in England and marketed as Fat Max demolition screwdrivers in the USA. I've had mine for a long time, maybe 20 years or more. They've held up well. The acetate handles are complimented with a bit of rubber material on the sides for grip. Looks like they can still be found online:

Awsome! Thank you

 

[mikey03]

Didn’t know I needed these until today. I might got a problem

 

[Steel_Rain]

Didn’t know I needed these until today. I might got a problem

It's GJ, so it's the opposite. If you saw those...and DIDN'T "need" them, THEN you would have a problem.