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Screwdrivers! (the horse isn't dead yet)

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Dr.JohnnyFever

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Screwdrivers! Update - Good Wiha Deal! (the horse isn't dead yet)

Update: This was too good of a deal to pass up:

Wiha Heavy Duty Set + Linesman's Pliers for $32.19

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I have searched this forum and several others and there seems to be more heat than light concerning screwdriver quality.

It would help if brand names didn't change their out source mfgr every time the weather changes.

I'm looking for a new set of screwdrivers for my home shop / lab. They might get used for an automotive project or two but their primary purpose will be for assembly and disassembly of various projects ranging from robotics to weapon components.

I have fallen out of love with Craftsman over the years (having a ratchet replaced with a much inferior model will do that to you). I have stayed out of the Snap-On / Matco / Mac ballgame so far. I glanced at the Kobalt screwdrivers at Lowes but felt kind of iffy about them.

I have many Klein products (pliers, cutters, strippers, nut drivers) in my tool bag, but have not used their fixed blade screwdrivers. I also have Wiha insulated screwdrivers in the bag and have been very happy with them. (The bag stays in my truck, not the lab.)

Soooo, I am thinking about Klein, Wiha, and SK. Any comments on the quality differences between the three? Any other suggestions?

I like that the SK Suregrip has the hex bolsters (on some):

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Klein:
85078_icon.jpg


Wiha is available with hex bolster also:
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wilbilt

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The S-Ks are old-school bulletproof, but many don't like the handle design they borrowed from Snap-On (as did just about everybody else).

I don't think the Klein rubber handles perform very well when greasy and are harder to clean.

I am not a fan of soft grip tools in general, but I very much like the Wiha. On a similar note, have you looked at the Klein Journeyman series? A nice handle design, and I believe they all have the hex bolsters.
 
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kartracer55

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Im my opinion warranty service is key. Ill admit it, when I fix cars they become little pry bars. granted not tons of leverage but I do some questionable things for the sake of time ya know?

I have used SK at school and work and they seem to be holding up pretty well so far, although havent seen much use compared to the snap ons and matcos. The Matcos are witte's as I recall and I really like them. They dont have a hex on the shank but instead a hole in the handle to insert another screwdriver.

Overall, I still really like snap ons but they are pricey. May I suggest craftsman professionals?
 
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nissan_crawler

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wilbilt said:
The S-Ks are old-school bulletproof, but many don't like the handle design they borrowed from Snap-On (as did just about everybody else).
Click to expand...

Count me as one of those people. I would take craftsman before SK. i love my Snap-On soft grips, but, that's not what you asked about.
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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wilbilt said:
I don't think the Klein rubber handles perform very well when greasy and are harder to clean.
Click to expand...

That is what I'm afraid of. There is more than a slight chance that the handles could come in contact with hydraulic fluid or grease.

wilbilt said:
I am not a fan of soft grip tools in general, but I very much like the Wiha. On a similar note, have you looked at the Klein Journeyman series? A nice handle design, and I believe they all have the hex bolsters.
Click to expand...

I love my Wiha's but the handles look nasty after a couple of encounters with any kind of grease. While looks aren't as important as performance, I still don't like the place looking like Goober's Garage. :badteeth:

I will check out the Journeyman series:
JSD6K09_icon.jpg
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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nissan_crawler said:
Count me as one of those people. I would take craftsman before SK. i love my Snap-On soft grips, but, that's not what you asked about.
Click to expand...

I cringe at the thoughts of setting foot in a Sears store again. I suppose I could get over it.

I'm not religiously opposed to Snap-On if they are truly worth it. However, I'm not trying to do a job that has book billable hours, nor am I trying to fix a car/bike in between heats.

Breaking a screwdriver is an inconvenience for me - but in a project that has a duration of months, it isn't the end of the world. Comfort is a big factor - as is not damaging fasteners in the process of breaking a tool.
 
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speed bump

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The Klein handles are fine if oily. I use them everyday and the cleaning is as easy as any hard handled tool. As far as slippery goes I have never had them be slippery even after being dropped in oil or any other material that I happened to come into contact with on a refrigeration repair call.
 
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Danglerb

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I bought the Craftsman pro's and so far the tips have NOT lasted long, but Sears has replaced them without issue. I also have Wiha, one heavy duty with the metal cap, and a set of anti cam out drivers, and the quality is very good.

My view is find something that fits your hand well, and has a lifetime warranty, because screwdrivers wear out. As soon as real force is required I switch to a bit or bit socket.
 
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JayL

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Danglerb said:
I bought the Craftsman pro's and so far the tips have NOT lasted long, but Sears has replaced them without issue. I also have Wiha, one heavy duty with the metal cap, and a set of anti cam out drivers, and the quality is very good.

All the while I thought the craftsman pros had good strong tips. I almost bought these because these were on sale recently. How did you break the tips if I may ask. tks ....
Click to expand...
 
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brantjs

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Has anyone tried the Wiha microfinish drivers, either standard or extra heavy duty?

http://www.wihatools.com/500seri/534serie.htm

I was looking into some different options and saw these. Still not sure whether I'm going to go with their soft grip style or the microfinish. The microfinish should clean up easier, but I'm not sure how much grip they would have with oil/grease on them w/ the acetate handles.
 
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Underdog

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Fedwrench

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brantjs said:
Has anyone tried the Wiha microfinish drivers, either standard or extra heavy duty?

http://www.wihatools.com/500seri/534serie.htm

I was looking into some different options and saw these. Still not sure whether I'm going to go with their soft grip style or the microfinish. The microfinish should clean up easier, but I'm not sure how much grip they would have with oil/grease on them w/ the acetate handles.
Click to expand...

I prefer the older microfinish models. They had hex shaft blades that you could spin easily between thumb and finger without the metal striking cap. Anyway, the extra heavy duty drivers are too heavy for me. The metal striking cap design makes the screwdriver handle heavy and I don't like the balance. The nonslip grip works quite well covered in oil though and I've never had a problem with brake clean or other chemicals melting the handle.
The microsoft grips are great screwdriver but, like all soft grip tools, they stay dirty once they get dirty. For me the Wiha drivers fit my hand well and are very durable. The weak link would be trying to warranty one. There are no local dealers.
 
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PowderKeg

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Those Wiha microfinish drivers look real nice, but the price is getting up towards Snappys. Think I'm gonna give the Williams a try when they get back in stock.
 
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eschoendorff

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Check out the NAPA Pro screwdrivers at your local NAPA. Made in Germany by Witte... they have proven to be a really nice general purpose screwdriver, if you don't want to go Snap On:

IMG_0031.jpg


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wilbilt

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speed bump said:
The Klein handles are fine if oily. I use them everyday and the cleaning is as easy as any hard handled tool. As far as slippery goes I have never had them be slippery even after being dropped in oil or any other material that I happened to come into contact with on a refrigeration repair call.
Click to expand...

I found that oils would get in between the plastic handle and the rubber overlay and was difficult to get out. After a while, I had some of the rubber handles that kept slipping off.

I don't know if it was due to brake fluid or some other chemical causing them to swell, but I eventually tossed the outer handles.

Just my experience.
 
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a390st

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I have the Matco screwdrivers made by Witte. They are great, and I the handle design really lets me get tough screws loose. I have used them for a long time and have only broken one. I was using it as a screwdriver, too, as they are too expensive to pry with or abuse. Now, I will tell you this...I ruined a number of screw heads with cheap screwdrivers before I got these. After getting these, I get the screw out instead of stripping the head. I have a couple of SO screwdrivers, and just can't seem to get the same torque on it as the Witte ones. It is the handle design. Screwdrivers are one of those things that you really need to try because different ones work best for different people.
 
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Stanger

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If I were looking for new screwdrivers I would be looking at those Felos, Facoms, and the Klein Journeyman. I would love to try any one of those drivers.:drool:
 
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brantjs

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Fedwrench said:
I prefer the older microfinish models. They had hex shaft blades that you could spin easily between thumb and finger without the metal striking cap. Anyway, the extra heavy duty drivers are too heavy for me. The metal striking cap design makes the screwdriver handle heavy and I don't like the balance. The nonslip grip works quite well covered in oil though and I've never had a problem with brake clean or other chemicals melting the handle.
The microsoft grips are great screwdriver but, like all soft grip tools, they stay dirty once they get dirty. For me the Wiha drivers fit my hand well and are very durable. The weak link would be trying to warranty one. There are no local dealers.
Click to expand...

So, would those be the microfinish equivalent of the softfinish heavy duty ones? The softfinish have 3 grades...round shaft regular duty, hex shaft heavy duty, and hex shaft metal striker extra heavy duty. I was leaning toward the heavy duty in the softfinish because I don't see myself beating on them very often, but was leary of the cleanup on the grips that the microfinish doesn't have to deal with.

Oh, and as far as prices...if you can look it up by the part # (much easier), it looks like www.chadstoolbox.com has the best prices by far (~$40 off the heavy duty wiha 8 pc microfinish set).
 
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Fedwrench

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brantjs said:
So, would those be the microfinish equivalent of the softfinish heavy duty ones? The softfinish have 3 grades...round shaft regular duty, hex shaft heavy duty, and hex shaft metal striker extra heavy duty. I was leaning toward the heavy duty in the softfinish because I don't see myself beating on them very often, but was leary of the cleanup on the grips that the microfinish doesn't have to deal with.

Oh, and as far as prices...if you can look it up by the part # (much easier), it looks like www.chadstoolbox.com has the best prices by far (~$40 off the heavy duty wiha 8 pc microfinish set).
Click to expand...

Yes, Wiha used to sell the microfinish in three grades as well, and my favorite was the heavy duty. The Wiha handles without the striking cap can withstand some beating without damage. A little 409 sprayed on a screwdriver handle cleans it up nicely and doesn't take too long. I usually toss my oily tools into the cuda for a cleaning but, the heat and soap combination isn't kind to softgrip tools. I've never used Chadstoolbox. I got mine direct from Wiha when they were on sale.:thumbup:
 
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eschoendorff

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Stanger said:
If I were looking for new screwdrivers I would be looking at those Felos, Facoms, and the Klein Journeyman. I would love to try any one of those drivers.:drool:
Click to expand...

The Facoms are very nice.... here is a quick comparison:

IMG_0604.jpg


Or, you could get the S*K Expert IIs (basically Facom - available at harryepstein.com - VERY nice comfy screwdrivers):

screwdriver-1.jpg


Another alternative if you want to beat the **** out of some screwdrivers, are these Mayhew Catspaw drivers. Metal capped... but made in Taiwan. :(

garagecrap1.jpg


garagecrap2.jpg
 
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Kevin54

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I have a full set of Kleins in my box at work and to be truthful, I really don't care for them. Not that they are hard to clean, I just don't think the fit on screws is all that good. Seems like the blades of the standard drivers is either too large or too small. My Craftsmans seem to have way better fit. But the blades on the Kleins are tough. I have yet to break or mess up any of the Phillips ends.
 
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LoneGunman

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As an electrician who has used Klein everyday for over 12 years I can say with authority, Klein changed something, they do not hold up any more and do not fit like they use to. Klein drivers don't last 9 months anymore and no I dont beat on them, I use a beater screw driver just for that purpose. I have been using the same two Wiha drivers for over a year now and they have NO wear.

In the service department in the company I work for we have 8 electrician, after trying Wiha's 6 have switched to them.
 
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bchee

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eschoendorff - you have too many screwdrivers!:lol_hitti

They do look nice, though. Especially those NAPAs.

I don't understand what demolition drivers are for, in particular, the phillips head.
 
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Lightning

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I like the Wiha screw drivers better than Snap On. They feel better in my hand and are very durable. They also have some micro tip drivers that are useful for eletronic work.

Wiha also has replaceable face dead blow hammers that are excellent quality.


The Wiha dura bits are very tough and wear resistant if you are interested. They are more expensive than regular bits but better quality.
 
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philw

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My favorite phillips has been my Snap-on soft grip. I really liked it so I picked up a #1 in the Instinct. After using both I think I like the soft grip better.

The Snap-on #1 slipped the other day when I was taking apart a Proto 1/4 ratchet. It didn't fit very good. I didn't think the screw was a #0 size so I grabbed my Wera #1 and it fit tight and pulled the screw right out. Didn't have a Snappy #0 to compare to see if it would have fit better but I doubt that it would have.

I love the Wera handles, best I've used. I recently picked up this set because I wanted a good slotted set to help me pull apart a 1950 slightly rusty Briggs engine. The Wera's worked great. The ones I have are the chisel drivers which can be struck if necessary.
They are less expensive than Snappy. I think the 6 piece set was in the high $30 range. The bigger slotted run about $10-18 each.

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64merc

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philw said:
My favorite phillips has been my Snap-on soft grip. I really liked it so I picked up a #1 in the Instinct. After using both I think I like the soft grip better.

The Snap-on #1 slipped the other day when I was taking a part a Proto 1/4 ratchet. It didn't fit very good. I didn't think the screw was a #0 size so I grabbed my Wera #1 and it fit tight and pulled the screw right out. Didn't have a Snappy #0 to compare to see if it would have fit better but I doubt that it would have.

I love the Wera handles, best I've used. I recently picked up this set because I wanted a good slotted set to help me pull apart a 1950 slightly rusty Briggs engine. The Wera's worked great. The ones I have are the chisel drivers which can be struck if necessary.
They are less expensive than Snappy. I think the 6 piece set was in the high $30 range. The bigger slotted run about $10-18 each.

2584195945_bf76269ece_o.jpg
Click to expand...

My experience has been that the #1 size screw head is very particular. All the screwdriver brands seem to fit a little different. I try to have different brands on hand and find the one that fits best. I think the worst I have tried recently was a new USA made Husky clear handle screwdriver. Boy that thing sucked. The best was using the #1 size bit on a Husky mulit-bit precision screwdriver. That thing is really nice for the price.
 
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Fedwrench

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JayL said:
I seem to be buying mostly GearWrench products these days. Anybody tried their screw drivers?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00991648000P
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They're ok but, nothing special. They're light, comfortable, taiwan made, and all labeling disappears with the first contact with brake clean.The little speed ridges are good for spinning. I don't think they would last for the long haul. Shop around as pricing is all over the place.
 
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Stanger

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Which number of screwdrivers in a set (Craftsman Pro series) is the best bang for the buck?
Click to expand...
The best deal is when they put the $60 10pc. set on sale for $30. Can't beat it.
 
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russlaferrera

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Dr Johnny Fever, In addition to everyones suggestions No one has addressed the "weapon" screwdriver useage. Most weapons (long and hand guns) use hollow ground screwdrivers to disassemble/assemble the weapon.

Should the screwdriver slip,damage will surely result. IMO buy a set of gunsmith screwdrivers.
 
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Dr.JohnnyFever

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russlaferrera, I already have the "superset" from Brownells for nicer small arms work and it is very good for that purpose. However, I have most my stuff divided into general purpose gunsmithing, datacom, and robotics/R&D and try not to mix them too much.

(That is just for small tools - drill press and such do multiple duty.)
 
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