Best and or strongest tip screwdriver???

[TURNA]

Tried a search first, but the search feature just gave me every topic with the word screwdriver in it.

I am sure it has been discussed here 1000 times so if someone can post a link to the thread

or

post there opinion on a brand of screwdrivers that would be great.

Thanks

 

[willjogervais]

I love my wera's. They have great tips. There are many more great ones out there but these are the best I've had and much cheaper than the snap on that the fanboys rave about

 

[TURNA]

are those the softfinish style

 

[gdocktor3]

Of all mine, I like Wera, Vessel and Snap On, in no particular order, but the Vessel's are growing on me more and more. Hear good things about Proto Duratek.

 

[matt stott]

I gotta say that I love my PB Swiss drivers- for fit and finish and strength and comfort. For me, next in line (and not far behind at all) are Vessel and Wiha's offerings. While I have a bunch of Wera stuff, I can never seem to get comfortable with their handles, but the tips are top notch.

But for pure brute strength of tips: Snap-on. I have a large flat blade driver that I leave in a shop classroom- it basically has been used as a chisel for the last year or so, I don't think it has turned a screw in over a year. Kids BEAT on this thing all day long- with hammers, as a pry bar, as an all-purpose punch, etc, and the tip is still in great shape. I only had to dress the tip on a stone once in that time, and it was pretty minor.

Anyway- if a strong tip is your top priority, you can't go wrong with Snap-on.

 

[Mr_B]

Wera are pretty good for your money, so is gedore 3c hammer through set if want something bit more rugged .

 

[KnurledNut]

A google search will provide better results.

In the search box type:

Site:garagejournal.com (enter search criteria here)

For example:

Site:garagejournal.com best screwdrivers

 

[TURNA]

I am looking more for strength of tips.

More so for the smaller sizes.

My old red white and blue Craftsman 1/8 blade just isn't cutting it anymore.

 

[toplessHO]

I dont think anything could live thru the abuse Ive given this one better.
Old Klein Ive had for last 40 yrs or so.Ive filed the tip so many times its an inch shorter.
Now its only duty is lock nuts and chisel. The other intact one is about 15 yrs old and most of its duty is strictly screwdriver.
The new black tip ones have a hardened tip that will fail. Why cant they just leave well enough alone?
The other reason I like these is the square shank made for a adjustable wrench

 

[T45]

There was some empirical testing on this subject, but at most I would say its irrelevant bordering on misleading. All of the data were 10% hi/low on the averae for the top tier of quality; also all were approx 2x DIN orwhatever standard. Which means that ultimatel strength is irrelevant as a decision variable. some bend and some fracture but they all fail pretty much at the same point.

The best variables for picking screwdrivers for me come down to (A) tip geometry and quality control; adn (B) handle ergonomics and overall driver design.

 

[Infinia]

I am looking more for strength of tips.

More so for the smaller sizes.

My old red white and blue Craftsman 1/8 blade just isn't cutting it anymore.

Hi
What do you mean by not "cutting it"
I find that people that break screwdrivers then complain, are using the wrong size blade or just plain not using it for its intended purpose E.g tiny prybar. In my 'pro box' my most used flat blade screwdrivers ( Xcelite brand ) straddle that actual blade size, The craftsman aint really 1/8!!.
IMO yer asking the wrong questions*, describe exactly what yer doing with it 1st, then ask what is a better choice. Also 'cabinet style' is more useful in smaller sizes! Is the pocket clip important?
My most useful garage smallish pry tool is an old Stanley pro with a custom ground tip.
*asking for Best / Strongest generic tool is not really helpful in a forum, unless youre just asking for typical web fanboy responses. IMO then a poll is what you want. LOL

 

[JonnyMac]

My pb swiss tips are definitely stronger than my hard handled snap on philips

 

[gdocktor3]

Hi
What do you mean by not "cutting it"
I find that people that break screwdrivers then complain, are using the wrong size blade or just plain not using it for its intended purpose E.g tiny prybar. In my 'pro box' my most used flat blade screwdrivers ( Xcelite brand ) straddle that actual blade size, The craftsman aint really 1/8!!.
IMO yer asking the wrong questions*, describe exactly what yer doing with it 1st, then ask what is a better choice. Also 'cabinet style' is more useful in smaller sizes! Is the pocket clip important?

*asking for Best / Strongest generic tool is not helpful in a forum, actually causes troll wars.

I've chipped corners off 1/8" and 1/4" screwdrivers before. Multiple times actually. I have a hard handle Snap On with broken tip right now.

 

[Infinia]

I've chipped corners off 1/8" and 1/4" screwdrivers before. Multiple times actually. I have a hard handle Snap On with broken tip right now.

I thought you used 1/4 bits on tools now ( cordless drills)
I have a med sized screwdriver I custom ground the tip as my go-to smallish pry tool. Kept temptation among the small good guys.
I have a tired old Snap-on and Proto #1 PH , even good stuff just doesnt last.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm talking the blade size. Like cabinet tips. 1/8" 3/16" 1/4"

 

[Infinia]

I'm talking the blade size. Like cabinet tips. 1/8" 3/16" 1/4"

I think gun smiths know the landscape on slotted flat head stuff, most folks grab any old size. Correct fitment is everything then they wear down.
Why any engineer would specify a slotted fastener, even on cheap mainstream stuff Torx or Robertson seems the way forward.

 

[TURNA]

Hi
What do you mean by not "cutting it"
I find that people that break screwdrivers then complain, are using the wrong size blade or just plain not using it for its intended purpose E.g tiny prybar. In my 'pro box' my most used flat blade screwdrivers ( Xcelite brand ) straddle that actual blade size, The craftsman aint really 1/8!!.
IMO yer asking the wrong questions*, describe exactly what yer doing with it 1st, then ask what is a better choice. Also 'cabinet style' is more useful in smaller sizes! Is the pocket clip important?
My most useful garage smallish pry tool is an old Stanley pro with a custom ground tip.
*asking for Best / Strongest generic tool is not really helpful in a forum, unless youre just asking for typical web fanboy responses. IMO then a poll is what you want. LOL

I'm using it as a screwdriver and it is not a pocket clip type.

There would be no reason for a poll if I already knew the brands.

If I was a fan boy I would have just got a snap on off the truck.

 

[Infinia]

I am sure it has been discussed here 1000 times so if someone can post a link to the thread

indeed
poll says http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=273

 

[T45]

I'm using it as a screwdriver and it is not a pocket clip type.

There would be no reason for a poll if I already knew the brands.

If I was a fan boy I would have just got a snap on off the truck.

If youre using craftsman...?

Just about any german brand is a huge step up. besides that, vessel and pb swiss. For usa snap on and maybe proto + apex and zephyr bits.

Any of those is fine. Screwdrivers are wear items and they all are disposable at some stage in their life. So dont buy huge sets, just by 3-4 very good ones you can keep some money to replace them.

that would be my .O2 CENTS

 

[Infinia]

Once you get screwdrivers up from junk level status, they aren't really much diffences in strength. Buy a larger set whos handles you like and replace as needed. If you only have 3 good ones chances are great they wont fit. Whatever you think "good" means, if you don't know, then you may have to buy many to find out
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320273

 

[bassbone52]

Proto Duratek are working well for me.

 

[TURNA]

I was looking at the Proto's but there website clearly states the handle is made in USA. Says nothing about where the shank is made.

Also see that the Matco screwdrivers made by Witte.

I really wish they still made the all black Craftsman Pro screwdrivers

IMO those were great

Anyone ever hear of Gedore a German company?

 

[T45]

I was looking at the Proto's but there website clearly states the handle is made in USA. Says nothing about where the shank is made.

Also see that the Matco screwdrivers made by Witte.

I really wish they still made the all black Craftsman Pro screwdrivers

IMO those were great

Anyone ever hear of Gedore a German company?

witte are german and some of the best at any price, relabeled under matco, stahlwille and knipex and napa/before carlyle. Gedore is a big 3 german tool company--my guess is gedore is decent given competion from hazet and stahlwille in that market--but not personally familiar with them.

 

[zendriver]

Since we are not talking price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

Awesome screwdrivers, as good at the Cman Pro and Snap On screwdrivers I have

 

[TURNA]

Since we are not talking price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

Awesome screwdrivers, as good at the Cman Pro and Snap On screwdrivers I have

No 1/8

 

[doogdoog]

One tip is to use valve grinding compound in the slot to help prevent slipping.

 

[openwheelracing88]

I like Klein for home electrical work. Some how they fit better.
I like Wiha for most other stuff.

 

[bob15]

I think gun smiths know the landscape on slotted flat head stuff, most folks grab any old size. Correct fitment is everything then they wear down.
Why any engineer would specify a slotted fastener, even on cheap mainstream stuff Torx or Robertson seems the way forward.

Gunsmith's use hollow ground screwdrivers, but are somewhat more brittle than run-of-the mill truck/hardware store type screwdrivers

 

[Wamsutta]

The priority for me is the other end of the screwdriver; the handle. I've got to have a comfortable handle.