$60 Screwdriver set for my son--Recommendations

[BrandoJames]

I'm embarrassed to admit I sent my son out into the world with very few tools. I gave him my '09 Ford Ranger when he graduated med school. The only tools he has is what came with that truck--a cheap Craftsman mechanics set, a breaker bar for changing a flat, jumper cables, and a flashlight.

I recently sent him a set of Knipex Cobra pliers ($89 via Amazon). Would also like to send him a nice screwdriver set (soft grip) for around $60. Any suggestions would be appreciated, set should include both slotted & phillips. Thanks.

 

[fang123]

Gearwrench or SK ?

 

[Antique Engine]

Proto. 66 dollars before coupon. Made in USA. Soft handle. These are absolute jewels. I love mine.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-screwdriver-set-slottedphillips-8-pc-j1208sc/i/G5291115/

Williams. 44 dollars. Made in USA by SnapOn Industrial. They are hard handle. I have a set of these too. They're the exact same screwdriver that SnapOn sold under their brand 25 years ago.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/williams-100p-8md-assorted-screwdriver-set-8-pc

Tekton. 40 dollars. Made in USA. They are hard handle though.

https://www.tekton.com/phillips-slo...antity=1&blade-finish=chrome&piece-count=8-pc

 

[fang123]

Proto. 66 dollars before coupon. Made in USA. Soft handle. These are absolute jewels. I love mine.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-screwdriver-set-slottedphillips-8-pc-j1208sc/i/G5291115/

Williams. 44 dollars. Made in USA by SnapOn Industrial. They are hard handle. I have a set of these too. They're the exact same screwdriver that SnapOn sold under their brand 25 years ago.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/williams-100p-8md-assorted-screwdriver-set-8-pc

Tekton. 40 dollars. Made in USA. They are hard handle though.

https://www.tekton.com/phillips-slo...antity=1&blade-finish=chrome&piece-count=8-pc

I have 2 sets of the Proto's. Mine are most certainly not soft grip.
But if something has changed with the Durateks grip, then yes, Proto all the way.

 

[Citation]

What sizes are you trying to hit? For larger work I recently picked up some Tekton set off Amazon. It was a killer deal for around $20 but the price was short term. It had 3" and 6" slotted and Phillips (#1 and #2). Sometimes you can't reach a screw with a typical bit driver. But that doesn't cover things like star and square drive.

Much of the time I use a ratcheting bit driver. I have a cheap one in the house and a nicer one in the garage. A bit driver with all the strange sizes can be a lifesaver.

Finally, what about the small sizes? Phillips #0, 00 and 000?
I have Weha driver's that are nice. I also have a cheap Chinese bit driver set (~1/8" drive) that isn't great quality but it's still useful since it has lots of small sizes that are used in electronics (hex, star, 3 point etc).

Basically what is the need will shape the answer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I am "old school". I still like the "original" Craftsman screwdrivers. You can pick up a nice set for $20-$30 at Ace or Lowes. Wait a couple of week for Father's Day sales.

 

[drtyler]

Yeah, nothing soft about the Proto Duratek handles. I have several sets and they are excellent screwdrivers. Highly recommended.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Proto. 66 dollars before coupon. Made in USA. Soft handle. These are absolute jewels. I love mine.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-screwdriver-set-slottedphillips-8-pc-j1208sc/i/G5291115/

Williams. 44 dollars. Made in USA by SnapOn Industrial. They are hard handle. I have a set of these too. They're the exact same screwdriver that SnapOn sold under their brand 25 years ago.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/will... Old man says, “Huh. Now where’s my wallet?”

 

[lardy1]

I bought a couple Tekton hard handled screwdrivers out of curiosity. I like them but don't need them. Anyway, their other handle option might fit your bill.

 

[BrandoJames]

What sizes are you trying to hit? Basically what is the need will shape the answer.

My son just needs the most common sizes & tips. I think a 6" shank and smaller for both slotted & phillips will work. For a slotted tip, the 1/4" and smaller is fine. For phillips tips, not as familiar with the different size specs. I own some Vessel JIS screwdrivers for my two Toyotas, but that's not a good fit for his Ford Ranger.

 

[BrandoJames]

I am "old school". I still like the "original" Craftsman screwdrivers. You can pick up a nice set for $20-$30 at Ace or Lowes. Wait a couple of week for Father's Day sales.

Hey Wizard, do you remember those Craftsman USA soft grip screwdrivers. I think they were made by Pratt-Read out of Illinois. I loved those old soft grip screwdrivers. They're hard to find now. The last time I saw them was at a local Ace Hardware about 2 years ago.

 

[jg4660]

I think these are the best soft grip screwdivers out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W4LKR8D/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[steveo3002]

how close does $60 get you to a snap on ratchet screwdriver and box ?

it one tool i can honestly say ive used the hell out of it and would replace it if it went missing ,not up on u.s prices so maybe way out of the price range

 

[d.mcfarland]

What about a $10 bit set from Harbor Freight and a nice ratcheting driver? Then he has just about everything covered.

 

[Rickster]

Wiha, German made, nice screwdrivers. Here’s a $60 set; https://www.wihatools.com/softfinsh-slot-phil-7pc-set

 

[Davefr]

If they have to be soft/cushion then I'd get Wera. If you want the best, then get the Proto Duratek but they aren't soft. The other screwdrivers that are really nice are Vessel Woodies. They're actually a wood/resin composite handle and feel great. A lot of it is subjective as to how they feel to each person.

 

[nmk_61802]

Wiha, German made, nice screwdrivers. Here’s a $60 set; https://www.wihatools.com/softfinsh-slot-phil-7pc-set

I had the Wiha's, I found the tip size a little smaller than the American equals. I prefer the fit of the Wera's. They seem to be closer to the American sizes. I also like their handles a little more. $36

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001NQQCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For reference, I also have the Williams set (Nice), a Gearwrench Rachet set, Snap-On Rachet Driver, had Craftsman Pro's, Harbor Frieght but always go back to the Wera set

 

[liliysdad]

The Wera set above is my main set of drivers, and I love them. I am on the search for a set of drawer fillers, and I am pretty certain the Tekton hard handles is what I will order...if they ever get back in stock.

As for the handle and bits....to heck with that. There are scenarios where that works fine, like gunsmithing, etc....but anything automotive is a pain in the ****, and results in lost bits. Hopefully, they don't get lost anywhere crucial.

 

[Tallpilot]

I would rank my collection:
Snap-on soft Instinct > Wiha extra heavy duty > Wiha soft finish > Tekton tri-lobe.
There is an amazing selection of quality drivers out there today.

 

[BillK]

I am probably going to get flamed with this comment but . . . . I really don't like people getting me any kind of tools for presents. Unless of course I have dropped a hint to a particular tool Screwdrivers in my opinion are a very personal choice as far as type of handle etc. I personally do not like soft handle screwdrivers. Others love them. Its all a matter of feel. Same thing goes with wrenches, ratchets etc.

Get him a gift card and let him pick his own tools

 

[BrandoJames]

I am probably going to get flamed with this comment but . . . . I really don't like people getting me any kind of tools for presents.
Get him a gift card and let him pick his own tools

The difference between you & my son is that he wouldn't know the difference between Snap-on vs junk brand. If I send him a big box gift card, he'll probably waste money on cheap junk. I'd like to get him something of quality that will last a long time.

 

[belvedere]

I really like these...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ...MI47LWr7zK6QIVi4bACh0yDwHzEAQYASABEgKdH_D_BwE

 

[liliysdad]

I really like these...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ...MI47LWr7zK6QIVi4bACh0yDwHzEAQYASABEgKdH_D_BwE

Where are these made?

 

[Lassen Forge]

I really like these...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ...MI47LWr7zK6QIVi4bACh0yDwHzEAQYASABEgKdH_D_BwE

NAPA has these on sale a couple times a year for $20... I got a set as my shop drivers, expecting them not to last, but they have worn like iron. Serious beans... I did NOT expect a set that good.

Not sure the COO, but for the money, and for as bulletproof as they've been... ESPECIALLY when they're in the $20 tool grab bin, I don't care. The downside is you may have to go to NAPA and pick them up there, and send them yourself, but worth it? Absolutely.

 

[CJM8515]

I have the williams set, swear best screwdrivers. If you want soft handle the kleins are very hard to beat and excellent for the money too

 

[rick carpenter]

I'm very pleased with my Milwaukee set, the cushion grips work well. I added singles as the needs arose.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Fastening/Screwdrivers-and-Nutdrivers/48-22-2886

 

[Citation]

My son just needs the most common sizes & tips. I think a 6" shank and smaller for both slotted & phillips will work. For a slotted tip, the 1/4" and smaller is fine. For phillips tips, not as familiar with the different size specs. I own some Vessel JIS screwdrivers for my two Toyotas, but that's not a good fit for his Ford Ranger.

Does the Ranger use any Torx (start) drive? I know GM, Chrysler and the Europeans do.

Even though I didn't recommend them, I have a soft spot for the Williams hard handles because my dad had the Snapon version when I was a kid.

Just for reference, I bought this set when it was $22 and really liked it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US26JU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Something like this is also supper handy given all the odd fasteners we run into
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008HYVG6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BrandoJames]

Does the Ranger use any Torx (start) drive? I know GM, Chrysler and the Europeans do.

I don't remember the Ranger having any torx fasteners, but I was only doing basic DIY maintenance--brake pads, fluid & filter changes, serpentine belt, spark plugs, and some minor body work.

 

[McFarmer]

I have two sets of Felo, both excellent. I like the wood handled ones, I had to get a PH 3 to finish the set. The soft handled ones are also excellent.

 

[Briancapecoral]

If they have to be soft/cushion then I'd get Wera. If you want the best, then get the Proto Duratek but they aren't soft. The other screwdrivers that are really nice are Vessel Woodies. They're actually a wood/resin composite handle and feel great. A lot of it is subjective as to how they feel to each person.

I have the Wera and they are my favorite set. I didn’t realize that better screwdrivers were out there either until I found Garage Journal.

 

[Nineeightyone]

I don't remember the Ranger having any torx fasteners, but I was only doing basic DIY maintenance--brake pads, fluid & filter changes, serpentine belt, spark plugs, and some minor body work.

I believe the interior is riddled with them, based on reports from a buddy with an early 90's Ranger. I do Volkswagen things, so they're all over the interior of that.

It sounds like you're an excellent parent. Why not spend some time with your son, and guide him to a solid balance of quality and what he likes? $60 can carry you a long way. Personally I like the hard handles with bolsters from Williams and the Wera (ideally with striking cap, because you know it'll happen at some point or another -- then again, maybe take him over to Walmart and get one or two of those Hyper-Tough USA pry bars -- they're rebranded Williams I believe, and a hell of a good deal).

I'm not sure what retail outfits are out there, but MSC carries Proto, Lowe's has Craftsman if you're into that type of thing, Home Depot has Dewalt and Milwaukee, or there's always KCToolCo who's got a nice selection online, if he has a certain design/fit in mind. For other hand tools I'm sure you're aware Tekton is popular as a budget-minded tool, and definitely punches above its weight for the money.

 

[ecotec]

I would go with the Williams set that so many other people are suggesting. The ergonomics are wonderful. They are my favorite.

 

[alinc100]

I vote Wera. I have an expanded set in my main tool box. Bought the 6-8 piece set, then a #4 philips, then the torx. I like the Wera's.

 

[Mirage]

I'm very pleased with my Milwaukee set, the cushion grips work well. I added singles as the needs arose.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Fastening/Screwdrivers-and-Nutdrivers/48-22-2886

Big fan of these as well, had to order them since no one stocked this version.

 

[paulsomlo]

PB Swiss with the "Swiss Grip" handles: https://toollady.com/store/8244-p112513067.

$59.14 and 25% off that with code "WEREMEMBER2020" memorial day sale. Handles are semi-soft and feel really good in the hand.

 

[BrandoJames]

Why not spend some time with your son, and guide him to a solid balance of quality and what he likes? $60 can carry you a long way.

My son is 28 now, a first year resident at a children's hospital in a neighboring state. He's been working 72 hours a week, and his hospital's Covid19 guidelines have restricted travel by medical staff. My wife & I rarely see him now. He just moved into an unfurnished rent house, so he's buying used furniture and trying to set up the house on his days off. People think doctors make a lot of money, but first year residents don't make that much. I send him a package of tools every once in a while.

Many years ago, my stepfather (a decent, hardworking guy) gave me a toolbox filled with Craftsman USA tools the day I left home. It was a bitter winter day, and we had been arguing. He led me to the garage and said, "Take these tools, you're going to need them.".

He was right about that, the best gift I've ever received. I still have that box of tools.

 

[Legion Prime]

Personally I like Felo screwdrivers, I've got the wood handled ones among others. The Vessel Woodies are also nice, big fan of Vessel screwdrivers in general and the Williams hard handles are great. If you want a soft handle though take a look at the Felo Ergonics. Amazon has them for under $40.
Felo 07157 53167 Ergonic Slotted and Phillips Screwdrivers, Set of 6

 

[Ton ton]

I like Do it best brand of screwdrivers. Hard handle and made in China.

 

[m6z]

My current favorite is Vessel. The Tekton hard-handles are quality as well.

Ordered some more Vessel drivers and a single Duratek last night.


Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[JimH74]

I've been using some of the Wiha soft touch or whatever they're called and have been happy with. I also have the NAPA set which seems nice too. And the Wera basic set everyone talks about. Not real fond of how the Wera feels. They are my least favorite. I also have the older Craftsman set that everyone seems to have had. Don't like how they feel either. I have ordered a Vessel PH2 and absolutely love it. I have larger hands and it just feels like it fits best. I think I will be getting some more of the Vessel. Really like how their woodies look, but haven't actually had any in my hand. For what it's worth, I use screwdrivers as screwdrivers. I don't beat on or abuse them. Honestly, I think screwdrivers are a lot like handguns. Everyone's hands are different. You really have to try them to see what fits you best.