Best 2013 value in decent precision screwdriver set?

[GoodEnough]

I need another set, and I normally buy the cheap $5 set.
I guess I could get another cheapo set.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11pc-Precis...S_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item35c1e46b9c

I think I might as well invest in a "good" kind. One and done.
$25 seems a lot for some screwdrivers I might not use very often.
Is there something between $5 and $25 for Wiha/Wera?

Any good deals out there in 2013?

 

[scaron]

what tips do you need? zoro tools has the xcelite M-60 for like $15; i really like it. klein sells a few sets of precision drivers, instrumentation screwdrivers, really, one with long handles, one with short handles, but then, you are starting to get into the territory of a smaller wiha set, pricewise.

 

[Brownsfan]

Sears has a really nice and pretty complete set. Can't remember the specifics or price but I bought it and it's great. And USA made.
http://m.sears.com/index-g.html#/details/guest/00938836000P?source=online
I just couldn't recommend something and not have specifics

 

[zkling]

I have the craftsman precision I think it is called set. Bought it years ago, came in a vinyl pouch with a good assortment of styles. I've been happy with it. What style of tips are you looking for? Cman also sells them individually. The only thing I don't like is I wish the flat tips were hollow ground, but.

I think this is the current equivalent.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00941633000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

 

[gtermini]

The Wiha set is top notch. Well worth the money. $25 on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiha-7-pc-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-26190-/310389197571?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item4844a34b03

There are some shameless knock-offs on there too for around half the money:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-In-1-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-Kit-Tools-/140702681378?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item20c2888922
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-/370728837969?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item5651292351

And I also see TEKTON has a set in the same price range as the knock-offs:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Michigan-IndustriaL-TEKTON-9-pc-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-NEW-/200981949827?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item2ecb752d83

This all comes down to how often you will reach for one of these. If it's everyday, buy the good ones and be done. Otherwise buy a cheaper set and hope they hold up.

Greyson

 

[split150]

--- OOPS, I didn't click on the other links until after I posted this. I didn't realize by saying precision you need a small set. ----

This is what I'd get. Wera 6 piece set includes slotted and Phillips for $15 plus shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Phillips-Screwdriver-6-Pieces/dp/B000XITE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383876622&sr=8-3&keywords=wera+screwdriver

 

[Super Sport]

I used a work-supplied Wiha set at my last job...definitely top notch! I've been looking to buy their large 50pc set, just don't wanna foot the bill!

The Craftsman precision drivers have a pretty bad reputation for breaking in half. They have the lifetime warranty though, so I guess if you don't mind running to Sears every so often...

 

[GoodEnough]

Thanks for the ideas.
These might be a better value for a weekender who might only use them a few times a year.

What are some of the most common uses for precision screwdrivers?
Are there many applications in automotive work?

 

[GoodEnough]

I don't know what tips I need.
Just basic screwdriver stuff.
Any use on cars?
I needed to open a calculator, so I realized I wanted another set handy.

 

[cinco]

As a hobbyist watchmaker I use AF screwdrivers - good quality, replaceable tips and half the price of brands which aren't that much better. I don't know if they make anything in phillips, though. Not much call for anything other than flat in the world of antique watches.

 

[nanofrog]

Thanks for the ideas.
These might be a better value for a weekender who might only use them a few times a year.

What are some of the most common uses for precision screwdrivers?
Are there many applications in automotive work?

I use Wiha as well (electronics use for me).

Even for a few uses, they're worth it IMHO, as they're far less likely to strip out the head of the screw (lets you get it open; screw sizes users usually don't have lying around if unable to reassemble). Getting the item fixed will be cheaper than buying a new one, so they can actually pay for themselves after just a couple of uses depending on the cost of a replacement item.

 

[GoodEnough]

Yea, I can see too large a screwdriver head stripping a small screw.

 

[nanofrog]

Yea, I can see too large a screwdriver head stripping a small screw.

Even a lot of precision screwdrivers of the correct size can strip out the screws as they just don't fit properly. Combine this with the fact the screws are usually made of very soft metal, and the screw gets ruined.

 

[doodah man]

Has anyone used this set?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006OBFHM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[boosteddsm92]

I have this http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-75093-Handles-Slotted-Phillips/dp/B002PJ3IYE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1383884016&sr=8-5&keywords=wiha+precision+screwdriver. It's excellent, I only need it every so often but works very well.

 

[kidney]

The Craftsman precision drivers have a pretty bad reputation for breaking in half. They have the lifetime warranty though, so I guess if you don't mind running to Sears every so often...

I have a few torx drivers sitting in my desk with just that problem. Actually I think they broke just from me looking at them.

I'd go with the Wiha drivers. I use their hex drivers quite a bit at work.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I need another set, and I normally buy the cheap $5 set.
I guess I could get another cheapo set.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11pc-Precis...S_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item35c1e46b9c

I think I might as well invest in a "good" kind. One and done.
$25 seems a lot for some screwdrivers I might not use very often.
Is there something between $5 and $25 for Wiha/Wera?

Any good deals out there in 2013?

Precision wise there should be but you'll get less versus store stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018AO0W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLPGBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't think they're "one and done" per se, though the tips should be more durable. I'm cheap, for precision work I use the home depot stuff (the hdx brand with the black tips) and a stanley set and I actually use these somewhat frequently for electronics. I wouldn't have a problem paying for either of the better made sets from either of these manufacturers it's just that I hate ordering stuff online without looking at it in store and no one locally stocks either of these brands (that I know of).

After the holidays (if you want to) you can usually find the home depot hdx sets on clearance for around 4-5 bucks (or even now) and they usually have precision sets as well which include smaller torx sizes. I just bought another set recently for 4 bucks. Big set. If you're going wera/wiha you could keep these around as a backup/fill in for random stuff that you won't use so much. Extended use you should go wera because the handles look more comfortable in my opinion. I have some wiha torx stuff, it can be kind of spartan on the lower end line; still great drivers though.