Astro 9509 Go-Through Screwdriver Set

[Hinrix6]

I purchased an Astro 9509 Go-Through Screwdriver Set due to the high reviews on this forum as well as other reviews online. I have to say, they are great feeling screwdrivers. They are very heavy, and have powerful magnetic tips. One thing that I found concerning is, upon close inspection, the steel cap doesn't appear to be connected to the blade even though one of the features listed is, "Solid steel cap and hex go-through blade extending through entire handle permits no loss of impact energy from a precise hammer blow to loosen screw." I went a step further and measured the resistance between the cap and the blade with my Fluke DMM. The result was "OL." The cap and shaft are not in contact with one another.
Perhaps this is part of the design, and they come in contact when that "precise hammer blow" occurs.
Has anyone else noticed this on their set?
I am still very happy with the set, as they are extremely well built, and I honestly won't be hammering on them anyway...just wanted to share my observations.

 

[Sanny81]

That's interesting. I've been wanting to pick these up and saw Summit has them for $12 now so I grabbed a set. Look forward to checking them out. How do you like them after using them?

 

[exmaxima1]

That's interesting. I've been wanting to pick these up and saw Summit has them for $12 now so I grabbed a set. Look forward to checking them out. How do you like them after using them?

I bought a few sets from Summit on that deal but would recommend them. They are too heavy for extended use, but the worse thing is the feel of the plastic handles-- they feel sticky or low tech. Its surely the type of plastic they use, but in any case I gave both sets away.

 

[Sanny81]

Mine arrived today. They do feel nice and are pretty heavy, wasn't expecting to have such weight to them. I also did a resistance test and they aren't solid from cap to blade.

Oh yeah and the handles smell exactly like plastic toy dinosaurs I had as a kid back in the 80s lol.

 

[dodge610]

I just ordered a set of those to replace some well used HF screwdrivers. Hope i did not make a mistake.

 

[Kensgarage]

I never much went around sniffing screwdriver handles much but my set gets a pretty good beating.
I reach for them first instead of getting stupid on a $20 driver. They're on pegboard with the cheapo wrenches, not in the box.
Last I saw the largest flat was in the midst of shoeing a horse !

 

[WhataTool]

I read this thread and considered everyone's thoughts. Then googled the model number and see them being sold for $13.50 plus shipping.

Are you guys serious? The fact that they're even worth mentioning means they are a steal. We're hooking up Fluke's to $20 screwdriver sets? Must be GJ

 

[Sanny81]

We're hooking up Fluke's to $20 screwdriver sets? Must be GJ

Well when you put it that way yeah it's a tad crazy

 

[jlh92]

I picked up this set via Amazon last week. Haven't had a chance to really test them out but they are frick'n heavy and feel good in the hand. I'd recommend them pending further testing.

 

[bonneyman]

Since the steel shanks go all the way through the handle to the end I'd have to assume they're heavier than your standard hardhandle. Plus the Amazon review states they are a two-part composite handle that resists all sorts of chemicals. Decent looking profile to the handle as well.
Unless they break during your first week of use I'd have to say they look like a deal. But if they're "too" heavy that can go against day-long, daily use.

Has woodstockva done a review on them?

 

[Kensgarage]

If you can lift it with one arm it's never "too heavy"

 

[popparoach]

Made in china,smell like china.