Alternative to Craftsman Professional screwdrivers

[MrDomino]

Hey guys, I've been out of the game for a while but I'm looking to build up a small toolbox for taking to the race track. I don't want to pillage my regular box so I'm ordering new sets of tools for the smaller toolbox. Mostly I've been sticking with things like Craftsman sockets, etc. because they're pretty reliable for my purposes.

However, I hate the base Craftsman screwdrivers (not only the smell but the ergonomics as well). I just checked and it looks like they don't sell their "professional" line of screwdrivers anymore. While I'm somewhat disappointed because I liked them, there's not a Sears near me any more so it's not that big of a deal.

What are good alternatives?

 

[Fedwrench]

Let's see, Williams hard handles, Wiha, wera, witte, usually get mentioned.

I would also throw out Tekton and Capri.

 

[yjWrangler]

New SK screwdrivers are identical to the Craftsman Pros

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007U0HP6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[potato]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-Screwdriver-Set-16-Piece-26759/206485263

these get high praise and cheap.made in USA
toolguyd did a review. http://toolguyd.com/tekton-usa-screwdrivers/

 

[catron44]

SK has the same handle in green instead of red.

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[kythri]

I have the following in my shop:

Craftsman Professional red/black dual material handles (the most recent Craftsman Pro style)
Craftsman Extreme Grip
NAPA Professional yellow/blue handles, originally made by Witte, nearly identical to their "Maxx" line
Wiha red/black SoftFinish

I've also recently added some Vessel Megadora "JIS" drivers, to see what all the fuss is about.

If I was starting over and buying new today out of what is available, I'd start with SK CushionGrip, which are identical, save for the color, as the Craftsman Pros.

Past that, I think I really like the Witte enough that I'd look at their Maxxpro line, but new prices definitely seem higher than other brands.

If I was looking for stuff less expensive, I'm not at all dissatisfied with the Craftsman Extreme Grip stuff.

I'm happy with the Wiha that I have, as well. No complaints from any of them, honestly.

 

[MrDomino]

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning toward the SK set right now because they're pretty much identical to what I'm used to but I'm going to look in to everyone's recommendations further before buying.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Tekton USA
PROTO Duratek
Witte Maxxpro Plus
PB Swiss

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning toward the SK set right now because they're pretty much identical to what I'm used to but I'm going to look in to everyone's recommendations further before buying.

Skip Amazon if you decide to go with the SKs, and pick them up through Epstein's (harryepstein.com).

I love my CM Pros (but plan on selling them off). I went with the Proto Duratek screwdrivers, and couldn't be happier.

 

[Wamsutta]

You won't find a better set of screwdrivers for the money.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-8MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

 

[Aberdale]

I'm really liking the Wihas I bought a few years ago. And Vessels for JIS asian phillips applications.

 

[sr71]

Look at Eastwood: Very comfortable marked handles, reasonable $, don't roll around, holes in handles for hanging, magnetic tips, handle material helps prevent slipping + you can put a wrench on the shank + lifetime warranty. On downside they are not made in USA. I really like them.

 

[Davefr]

Proto Duratek (better then SO at a tiny fraction of the price)

HF Pittsburg Pro (excellent value for a "usable" set)

 

[PR1Gneon]

There's a lot of Craftsman Pro screwdriver sets on ebay.

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[kythri]

There's a lot of Craftsman Pro screwdriver sets on ebay.

For ridiculous prices...

 

[John in OH]

I'd also suggest you take a look at the Carlyle screwdrivers from NAPA. I've been pretty happy with the ones I've used recently. They aren't very expensive and there's a NAPA in every town.

The NAPA Real Deals flyer for Q1 of 2018 has an 8-piece set on sale for $40.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8

 

[PR1Gneon]

For ridiculous prices...

He is looking for the Cman Pro and didn't said anything about price.



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[kythri]

He is looking for the Cman Pro and didn't said anything about price.

While he didn't say anything about price, if you want to get semantic, he's not looking for Craftsman Pros specifically, he's looking for alternatives, since the Craftsman Pro drivers are no longer made.

At those prices, he's better set going with the SK CushionGrip instead of NOS Craftsman Pro.

 

[dakota9498]

I have the following in my shop:

Craftsman Professional red/black dual material handles (the most recent Craftsman Pro style)
Craftsman Extreme Grip
NAPA Professional yellow/blue handles, originally made by Witte, nearly identical to their "Maxx" line
Wiha red/black SoftFinish

I've also recently added some Vessel Megadora "JIS" drivers, to see what all the fuss is about.

If I was starting over and buying new today out of what is available, I'd start with SK CushionGrip, which are identical, save for the color, as the Craftsman Pros.

Past that, I think I really like the Witte enough that I'd look at their Maxxpro line, but new prices definitely seem higher than other brands.

If I was looking for stuff less expensive, I'm not at all dissatisfied with the Craftsman Extreme Grip stuff.

I'm happy with the Wiha that I have, as well. No complaints from any of them, honestly.

No do you like the Vessel screwdrivers? I was looking at their motorcycle kit, since most of my wrenching is done on my two Kawasakis.