What are the best screwdrivers?

theamcguy · Aug 5, 2010

I started buying tools in the early 70s then it was either Snap-On, Mac, or Craftsman. I started with SO. I have used and liked SO screwdrivers since then and they have performed well. Lately though with the net there is a poliferation of screwdrivers from Europe that look to be better. So what are the best brands for comfort, torque and fitment to the screw. SO leaves a little on the table on fitment to slotted screws. They are great for Phillips but some slotted screws feel a little loose. Thanks.

tonydanzah · Aug 5, 2010

look in the tools from the old world thread.

Bolster · Aug 5, 2010

See also this ongoing thread re Phillips #2 drivers:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71018

We're discussing Snap-on, PB Swiss, Felo, Wiha, Wera, Williams, and other top brands...

Moose-LandTran · Aug 5, 2010

I'd go with Wiha.

Thedroid · Aug 5, 2010

I don't think the euro drivers are any better. I own a set of Wera and also a set of Wiha in addition to two sets of SO's. I prefer the SO's to either. I've been wanting to try the Witte and the PB Swiss, not because i'm looking for something better than any of the others, but because I like screwdrivers.

doug.j · Aug 5, 2010

I don't think there is a best. It seems to depend on the screw for the best fit. From just a durability perspective most quality brands seem to be pretty good. I like the feel of the handles on the Wiha and Wera but the old SO ones are nice because they don't roll when you set them down.

Bolster · Aug 5, 2010

A hardened bit, made of tough quality steel that can withstand the hardening, that fits tightly. Whomever makes that screwdriver, is a winner.

So far, I think the anti-cam-out designs are more marketing than substance, but I could be wrong; I see a lot of people swear by them. But it's unknown if it's the anti-cam-out features, or the hard/tough/fit quality that makes them winners.

mrholeshot · Aug 5, 2010

I've used a lot of differant brands and I like Snap-On the best. There are some really great screwdrivers out there. I bought some Husky pro that are really great. Nice screwdrivers for a modest price. I liked the two I bought so much I picked up the rest I needed to make up a set I wanted

GeorgiaHybrid · Aug 5, 2010

I prefer Snap-ons but my second choice might sound a little crazy with me reaching for Sears pro drivers.

ZRX61 · Aug 5, 2010

CK from Germany

mrholeshot · Aug 5, 2010

GeorgiaHybrid said:
I prefer Snap-ons but my second choice might sound a little crazy with me reaching for Sears pro drivers.

I have some of those and they are pretty nice.

wafrederick · Aug 5, 2010

I have Witte screwdrivers which have the Matco brand on them and seem to be good screwdrivers.I like my Snap On screwdrivers the best.I have one rule with my Snap On screwdrivers: Hands off and they don't leave my toolbox.

treasureseeker · Aug 5, 2010

I have most of green handled Wera and a set of the Yellow and a lot of Wiha. I have had Snap -Ons and don’t see a noticeable difference of the three other than handles and cost.. I like the look of the Wera’s the best. The color pattern reminds me of the old fallout shelter signs I remember from the sixties where if you bent over your desk during a nuclear attract you were suppose to survive. The people who wrote the signs may have already been exposed.

3 at 8 · Aug 5, 2010

mrholeshot said:
I've used a lot of differant brands and I like Snap-On the best. There are some really great screwdrivers out there. I bought some Husky pro that are really great. Nice screwdrivers for a modest price. I liked the two I bought so much I picked up the rest I needed to make up a set I wanted

I really like these too. I never owned any Husky products before. I bought the six peice set about a week ago ($20). I can't tell you about the longevity but I really like the handles. They seem to give me the best balance of both torque and spinning; and I own some nice ones like three diferent Whia styles, Felo yellow and black handle, and the Williams black handles. I am adding the Husky Ph#3 and 8" ph#2 next time I run into HD.

bentt · Aug 5, 2010

theamcguy said:
...SO leaves a little on the table on fitment to slotted screws. They are great for Phillips but some slotted screws feel a little loose. Thanks.

Since you mentioned Slotted screwdrivers I'll recommend the PB Swiss Tools. Mine fit tight and don't cam out or slip. Also, the corners are rounded/beveled to prevent damage to material when using counter-sunk head screws. As an added benefit, if you do happen to slip, the rounded corners resist that decorative scratch to your new wood finish, clear coat or flesh that is normally associated with traditional (sharp cornered) Slotted screwdrivers.

Check out the link below illustrating theirs features.

http://www.pbtools.us/parallel_tip.html

Keep · Aug 5, 2010

I have PB Swiss and Wright drivers along with some craftsman and mastercraft. For slotted either of the first two would be great.

PB swiss grinds their tips parallel so they fit the slot better.

Wright are made from same steel they make chisels from, they are very tough, but the handles take a bit of getting used to.

Those Husky's remind me of Klein which I also really like.

Jeff · Aug 5, 2010

Wiha or Wera, I like them both.

crewchief888 · Aug 5, 2010

i always liked SO hard handles.

i have a few mac, SK, CM, and a couple of stanley cushion grip.

for .99 the HF straight blade i have in my service truck works pretty damn good too. :lol_hitti

the only time at work i used a screwdriver is to open a bleeder screw on a fuel filter...

:beer:

impulse922 · Aug 5, 2010

i dont think you can really go wrong with any of the ones listed, it just depends on what grip and price range you prefer.

Davefr · Aug 5, 2010

For precision work I like PB Swiss. For general purpose I like Williams. (same as SO hard handles but at affordable prices).

If you find the old Craftsman Pro Black handles then get them too. (usually garage sale finds)

Just don't buy new Kleins - they're garbage.

impulse922 · Aug 5, 2010

see the amazon/pb swiss thread for deals.. there is still a good price on a 6 piece set.. :thumbup:

wafrederick · Aug 5, 2010

Williams is owned by Snap On and Snap On bought out Williams about 15 years ago just for the industrial tool market.I have SK screwdrivers which are made by Facom that I am very careful about since SK filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy

dede2897234 · Aug 6, 2010

ZRX61 said:
CK from Germany

ZRX61,

Would you mind posting pictures of your CK screwdrivers?

What makes CK screwdrivers better than any other screwdriver brand in your collection? Is it the durability of the tips and/or the handle design?

From which U.S. tool reseller did you purchase your CK screwdrivers?

Thanks,

Dave

Solid Lifters · Aug 6, 2010

Wera Chiseldrivers and Wiha ESD and Insulated. One for greasy, pounding work. One for electronics or electrical work.

Wiha is the better of the two, though.

e3pres · Aug 6, 2010

I know I'm in the minority here, but I like my Klein's. They have decent tips and I love the feel of the rubber covered handle. YMMV.

Monte · Aug 6, 2010

ZRX61 said:
CK from Germany

which series do you use ?? "Dextro" "Triton" , "HD classic/comfort" or this "SensoPlus" ?

Bolster · Aug 6, 2010

Monte said:
...this "SensoPlus" ?

With an R-rated name like "SensoPlus," and a handle shape like that, I gotta ask: which end of it do you use, and what do you use it for?

mrholeshot · Aug 6, 2010

e3pres said:
I know I'm in the minority here, but I like my Klein's. They have decent tips and I love the feel of the rubber covered handle. YMMV.

I love my Klein Screwdrivers. I was making up an electrical pouch for doing the electrical work in my shop (something all the time) and I bought some deadicated electricians tools for the pouch and I picked up a set of Klien Screwdrivers and Nut drivers at the same time. Excellant tools. I've given praise to them several times here on GJ

Bolster · Aug 6, 2010

I was at HD last night, wondering to myself if Klein isn't the last quality hand tool brand they carry.

dj spanners · Aug 6, 2010

Bolster said:
A hardened bit, made of tough quality steel that can withstand the hardening, that fits tightly. Whomever makes that screwdriver, is a winner.

So far, I think the anti-cam-out designs are more marketing than substance, but I could be wrong; I see a lot of people swear by them. But it's unknown if it's the anti-cam-out features, or the hard/tough/fit quality that makes them winners.

i use the s/o acr bits at work and find them great when new but they do wear out, i use a lot of stainless self tappers #2 pozi which are a bit softer than steel/zinc screws, and you can tell the difference "in the bite" between acr bits and standard bits/screwdrivers, i'm going to try some of the wera diamond dust coated bits next and see how they perform, you can also get full screwdrivers from wera with the diamond dust coating for anyone who doesn't like 1/4 hex bits.

Bolster · Aug 6, 2010

dj spanners said:
i'm going to try some of the wera diamond dust coated bits next and see how they perform, you can also get full screwdrivers from wera with the diamond dust coating for anyone who doesn't like 1/4 hex bits.

PB Swiss catalog has an interesting take on diamond dust, I'll try to post it...

JayL · Aug 6, 2010

I was contemplating to purchase some Wera Lasertips ( since I don't have this type yet) but placed it on hold. Lately I've been reading some comments here that the tips don't last that long.

superautobacs · Aug 6, 2010

I've had the Wera BDC series (diamond coated), bi-torsion 1/4" bits for a little while, and I've only used them by hand driving. The diamond coating on my first PH2 appears to have flaked off at the contact points some time ago, so they are relegated to a standard bit now. I've since purchased a brand new PH2 bit for those times when I may really need the feature to steer me out of trouble..

So, I try to resort to these special coatings/finishings (like laser etching) for tough jobs where I can forsee trouble. ....but sometimes you just gotta do with what ya got in hand. You can't be carrying your toolbox everywhere all the times.

dj spanners · Aug 6, 2010

dang... thanks for the replies on the diamond bits, those things arn't cheap over here in uk,

Monte · Aug 6, 2010

Bolster said:
With an R-rated name like "SensoPlus," and a handle shape like that, I gotta ask: which end of it do you use, and what do you use it for?

The screwdriver end for driving screws, the other end for my private pleasure

Monte · Aug 6, 2010

in a other thread i posted this pic. The tip of the Wera coated bit is already metallic grey as you can see

What are the best screwdrivers?

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