Current recommend for a regular screwdriver set?

[pizza]

I really do prefer hard handles

i'd go vessel in power grip handle or pbswiss in classic or multicraft handle. both work well on JIS.

Power Grip Screwdriver No.4500(Ph No.2 x 100) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

www.vessel.co.jp

Power Grip｜Screwdrivers｜HAND TOOLS | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

www.vessel.co.jp

Screwdrivers – PB Swiss Tools

Die Schraubenzieher und Schraubendreher von PB Swiss Tools haben sich bereits millionenfach bewährt. Exzellentes Schraubwerkzeug mit Schweizer Qualität.

www.pbswisstools.com

Screwdrivers – PB Swiss Tools

Die Schraubenzieher und Schraubendreher von PB Swiss Tools haben sich bereits millionenfach bewährt. Exzellentes Schraubwerkzeug mit Schweizer Qualität.

www.pbswisstools.com

classic:

multicraft:


(available with or without hex bolster)

 

[CGarage]

For 99% of my screwdriving needs, I use either a Snap-On or Vessel bit holder with bits. However today I ran into a situation where I need a dedicated Phillips (actually JIS, but Phillips will probably work) screwdriver to disassemble a table radio with recessed screws. Somewhere I have a set of Craftsman screwdrivers that I bought in the early-mid 90s, but they're not accessible to me. Maybe 10 years ago I bought a set of Williams black handle screwdrivers but my ex has those.

Buy another set of Williams? If not, what? Vessel? Other? thanks for opinions.

For your use case, this is the best option. Without question.

Vessel Famidora TD-800 - high praise from a man with 150+ screwdrivers...

Ever in search of the better mouse-trap, I have accumulated over 150 premium screwdrivers from all over... Wiha Germany? Both the red and blue handles. Witte Germany? Yep. Bahco? Been there, done that. Felo Germany? Yep. Love them. Good old German quality. Hazet Germany? Got a 6 piece set and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[woody 73]

This is coming from a man that has more screwdrivers than a hardware store...

Look for comfortable handles, I don't care for the ball type handles, but a lot of people love them. I like the cheaper set of Williams screwdrivers, (snap on looking set).

I know people like the pb Swiss, but how would I ever warranty that stuff?

For working on the Japanese cars, the vessel screwdrivers are tough to beat.

Dam, now I know why I need 10,000 more of them.

 

[liliysdad]

I am just a trashy guy who typically works on trashy old American stuff....but I have been really happy with the Tekton drivers I have had. I like their hard handle as much as the SO/Williams, and they have held up so far.

 

[CGarage]

This is coming from a man that has more screwdrivers than a hardware store...

Look for comfortable handles, I don't care for the ball type handles, but a lot of people love them. I like the cheaper set of Williams screwdrivers, (snap on looking set).

I know people like the pb Swiss, but how would I ever warranty that stuff?

For working on the Japanese cars, the vessel screwdrivers are tough to beat.

Dam, now I know why I need 10,000 more of them.

Did you read the OP’s use case?

 

[NoahG]

I have absolutely taken the Vessel pill. They just simply fit the best in any cruciform drive shape coming out of east Asia.

 

[tamaraw]

Did you read the OP’s use case?

Looking at the responses here, I think a lot of people didn't. (Tekton, Harbor Freight, Grace, vintage SK, etc.)

For anyone else reading this, OP needs them for a JIS application.

 

[CGarage]

Thank you for proving my point.

 

[pizza]

I know people like the pb Swiss, but how would I ever warranty that stuff?

in my case, it was easy. i emailed them directly ([email protected]), and they forwarded the request to a US distributor. IIRC pbtools.us responded to my email and took care of it.

 

[Hakeem]

Looking at the responses here, I think a lot of people didn't. (Tekton, Harbor Freight, Grace, vintage SK, etc.)

For anyone else reading this, OP needs them for a JIS application.

To be fair, the thread IS titled “current [recommendations] for a regular screwdriver set”

Anyways, based off the rave reviews from all I’ve ordered a single PH2 Vessel Megadora. I’m interested to see if it works as well on standard Philips fasteners as it does with JIS.

 

[bobg03]

I’ve looked at two things on the Cat website at my local dealer. Both are way more. The screwdriver set you linked was $59.

The picture for the 4 piece set in the description is shown as a 5 piece, the 4 piece set is $42.**
The 6 piece set is $59.**

You have to go by the description not the picture.

 

[mgeoffriau]

Another JIS option, I bought this Sunflag set a while back and really like it. Very solid construction and excellent fit and grip from the tips.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG9QR6J2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[LOW1]

One screwdriver? One project? Go to Walmart, Menards or Harbor Great, spend $3.00, finish your project, and then go back to what you have always done.

You do not need anything more or better.

You may want something more or better. That is certainly fine and understandable. But don’t pretend that the reason for that is your radio project.

 

[CGarage]

Some thoughts and advice based on the bad advice I have seen shared in some instances in this thread:

1) Despite that Vessel and Sunflag, as well as other Japanese manufacturers make JIS tip screwdrivers, which is a different tip-profile from Philips, I find that the JIS tip (it *looks like* a Philips) outperforms the standard Philips tips we are used to seeing on US and European screwdrivers.

2) The Japanese are the masters of the microchip and electronics. Any electronics work I am doing, I generally reach for Japanese tools first. I do have Micro-precision electronics tools from US and European manufacturers, but I am going for Japanese tools first. And I have not been disappointed.

3) There are many posters here who have a distinct bias towards US brands. Nothing wrong with that. The strong bias is so acute that it prevents them from trying anything new, especially if it is imported and made outside of their beloved ‘Made in USA’ territory. It is hard to accept this advice because it is not based on worldly wisdom or any experience outside of their limited frame of reference. Please keep this in mind.

 

[Davefr]

One screwdriver? One project? Go to Walmart, Menards or Harbor Great, spend $3.00, finish your project, and then go back to what you have always done.

You do not need anything more or better.

You may want something more or better. That is certainly fine and understandable. But don’t pretend that the reason for that is your radio project.

The OP is dealing with JIS fasteners. Have you ever seen a JIS screwdriver in those stores?

 

[CGarage]

Failing to read, also the OP’s post title, seems to be a problem that is an epidemic here.

 

[n8n]

^^What he said. When it comes to Phillips and JIS nothing beats Vessel. Vessel will fit great in Phillips or JIS. Other brands may fit one or the other but may not fit both quite as nicely as Vessel.

I have Vessel bits that I use for working on stereo gear and I agree.

I actually pulled the trigger on a Vessel set although I'm probably going to have to find my Harbor Freight cheapies to get this job done as I doubt they'll be quick what with the longshoremen getting ready to go on strike.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have Vessel bits that I use for working on stereo gear and I agree.

My go-to is long bits and an assortment of handles. Compact and versatile.

 

[n8n]

Follow up: I bought the Vessel wood handled, through tang 6 piece set from eBay seller JPanime. I finally used them today as I needed to disassemble a table radio that had lots of recessed case screws. Did I pay too much? Probably. Did they work perfectly and make me feel like I'd bought great quality tools? Absolutely.

Amazingly they took something like 5 days to show up from Japan. I wish I could get stuff from two states away as quick.

 

[Submariner733]

No experience with JIS.

However, I do not have confidence in Williams hard handle screwdrivers:
>>> Handles uncomfortable in my grip
>>> 3/16 keystone slotted actually measures 7/32
>>> 3/16 cabinet slotted have petite handles
>>> First time I used the 1/8 slotted the tip snapped

I currently utilize the Proto Durotek screwdrivers and have experienced good results.
My high runners are PH2 and 3/16 cabinet /industrial

 

[n8n]

Another thought: if I had one complaint about the Vessel screwdrivers it would be that they don't have hex bolsters. That is one thing I liked about the Williams ones.

however given the comment above I may look elsewhere for dedicated screwdrivers. That said I think I have some Snap-On Pozidriv ones and a handful of old Xcelite Phillips that I've picked up along the way so I really may not need any. At some point I need to pull everything together and figure out where the holes are.

 

[username2]

If I were starting from scratch instead of owning Way Too Many Screwdrivers, I'd be sorely tempted to get a couple of really good bit holder handle things + some bits and a small prybar. The bits would probably be PB Swiss, but that's not a religion. Naturally, some of the bits could be six inches long if you like. The bolsters are kind of cool, but I think you could do just as well with a square end in the handle (or a t-handle bit holder).

 

[n8n]

If I were starting from scratch instead of owning Way Too Many Screwdrivers, I'd be sorely tempted to get a couple of really good bit holder handle things + some bits and a small prybar. The bits would probably be PB Swiss, but that's not a religion. Naturally, some of the bits could be six inches long if you like. The bolsters are kind of cool, but I think you could do just as well with a square end in the handle (or a t-handle bit holder).

That's what I currently use for most stuff, I have the Snap-On both regular and stubby and also the Vessel "Crystalline". The dedicated screwdrivers are for situations where I can't get one of the aforementioned into a spot. And yes, I have Vessel JIS and straight bits, PB Swiss Pozidriv, and then a Harbor Freight bit kit for everything else.

 

[dscheidt]

If I were starting from scratch instead of owning Way Too Many Screwdrivers, I'd be sorely tempted to get a couple of really good bit holder handle things + some bits and a small prybar. The bits would probably be PB Swiss, but that's not a religion. Naturally, some of the bits could be six inches long if you like. The bolsters are kind of cool, but I think you could do just as well with a square end in the handle (or a t-handle bit holder).

Given a choice between a screwdriver, and a bit driver, I will pick the proper screwdriver every time. Bit holders ****. All of them, some more than others. They're great for stuff you need to carry, or for having 700 tips available because we can't just pick on drive style and use it. But for normal use, they are not as nice as a proper screwdriver. You end up needing three or four bits to do many jobs, and you have to keep track of them, flip from one bit to another after every screw, the bits come out at inconvenient times, won't come out when you want them to, etc. Yes, better bit holders are better, and ratcheting is great for many applications, but they still have these problems. my mobile kits and tool belts have a bit driver or 11-in-1, but at the bench or working on a car in the garage, I'm using real screwdrivers the fast majority of time.

 

[username2]

Given a choice between a screwdriver, and a bit driver, I will pick the proper screwdriver every time. Bit holders ****. All of them, some more than others. They're great for stuff you need to carry, or for having 700 tips available because we can't just pick on drive style and use it. But for normal use, they are not as nice as a proper screwdriver. You end up needing three or four bits to do many jobs, and you have to keep track of them, flip from one bit to another after every screw, the bits come out at inconvenient times, won't come out when you want them to, etc. Yes, better bit holders are better, and ratcheting is great for many applications, but they still have these problems. my mobile kits and tool belts have a bit driver or 11-in-1, but at the bench or working on a car in the garage, I'm using real screwdrivers the fast majority of time.

So is this a screwdriver or a bit driver?

 

[four.cycle]

Another thought: if I had one complaint about the Vessel screwdrivers it would be that they don't have hex bolsters.

yes, they do. they're not so easy to find

Or hey, you can go cheap with these lovely

Made by Hong Kong Robust Deer Tools Co., Limited - yours for only $26.99 for a set of seven! ($3.86 USD each)

 

[Hakeem]

My experience with the Vessel so far has been favorable. The tip seems to be well-made and harder than usual, as it exhibits very little wear. The sharp knurling on the shank is a nice feature, too.

I’m not crazy about the handle, though. There’s not enough give in the handle for my liking. The Klein comfort grip is what I’m used to, and is my favorite style … comfortable, secure in the hand, and enough squish to it to promote “gorilla mode”. I understand this is not ideal for mechanics, as grease & grime would accumulate in the ridges.

Still though, I like them. I think I’ll get the whole set at some future date. Thanks to all for the recommendations

 

[n8n]

yes, they do. they're not so easy to find

Or hey, you can go cheap with these lovely

Made by Hong Kong Robust Deer Tools Co., Limited - yours for only $26.99 for a set of seven! ($3.86 USD each)

I bought the wood handle ones, not the ones you linked - I knew what I was getting into. I thought that I'd like that handle shape better after looking at them. I also had to go through eBay and get them from Japan. Whatevs, buy once cry once right?

My experience with the Vessel so far has been favorable. The tip seems to be well-made and harder than usual, as it exhibits very little wear. The sharp knurling on the shank is a nice feature, too.

I’m not crazy about the handle, though. There’s not enough give in the handle for my liking. The Klein comfort grip is what I’m used to, and is my favorite style … comfortable, secure in the hand, and enough squish to it to promote “gorilla mode”. I understand this is not ideal for mechanics, as grease & grime would accumulate in the ridges.

Still though, I like them. I think I’ll get the whole set at some future date. Thanks to all for the recommendations

Ah, see, I like HARD handles. Like the old Craftsman or Xcelite screwdrivers. I guess this is why there are so many different options

 

[Etchase]

The Craftsman 8 piece v-series set if you can find them at Lowe’s for $20 is the deal of at least the year.

 

[Ohio Andy]

My experience with the Vessel so far has been favorable. The tip seems to be well-made and harder than usual, as it exhibits very little wear. The sharp knurling on the shank is a nice feature, too.

I’m not crazy about the handle, though. There’s not enough give in the handle for my liking. The Klein comfort grip is what I’m used to, and is my favorite style … comfortable, secure in the hand, and enough squish to it to promote “gorilla mode”. I understand this is not ideal for mechanics, as grease & grime would accumulate in the ridges.

I'm curious which ones you tried?

These have a shifter handle... And knurling so that you can easily spin it with your fingers. Very nice

MEGADORA | Grip | Screwdrivers | PRODUCTS | VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vesseltoolsusa.com

This next version is a much harder handle, but they're easier to deal with if you have hands coated in oil and grease

WOOD-COMPO | Grip | Screwdrivers | PRODUCTS | VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vesseltoolsusa.com

They also have a super cushion grip and I have never tried so I cannot comment them at all

Cushion Grip | Grip | Screwdrivers | PRODUCTS | VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vesseltoolsusa.com

The same is true on the ball grip, but I think those are not standard screwdrivers

BALL GRIP | Grip | Screwdrivers | PRODUCTS | VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vesseltoolsusa.com

 

[bwringer]

Amazing how much personal taste plays into this.

I, for one, loathe and detest hard handles, and if possible, I hate clear or translucent hard handles even more. The acetate handles especially are just ridiculous, because they melt in the presence of super-common stuff like gasoline and brake cleaner.

Of course, you also don't want super-squishy handles either, especially since the lower quality examples will absorb oil and gasoline and suchlike and get disgusting, or fall apart.

The OP's choice of the wood handled Vessels is an excellent one. Those are extremely nice.

Given a choice between a screwdriver, and a bit driver, I will pick the proper screwdriver every time. Bit holders ****. All of them, some more than others. They're great for stuff you need to carry, or for having 700 tips available because we can't just pick on drive style and use it. But for normal use, they are not as nice as a proper screwdriver. You end up needing three or four bits to do many jobs, and you have to keep track of them, flip from one bit to another after every screw, the bits come out at inconvenient times, won't come out when you want them to, etc. Yes, better bit holders are better, and ratcheting is great for many applications, but they still have these problems. my mobile kits and tool belts have a bit driver or 11-in-1, but at the bench or working on a car in the garage, I'm using real screwdrivers the fast majority of time.

Agreed on all points. Bit holders are wobbly wibbly shite, all of them.

 

[vwpieces]

I was in the market for some JIS screwdrivers. While Vessel is highly recommended I ended up with a version I think Suks.
Any hint of oil or sweat the handles are slippery. Avoid the Armor Grip.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Follow up: I bought the Vessel wood handled, through tang 6 piece set from eBay seller JPanime. I finally used them today as I needed to disassemble a table radio that had lots of recessed case screws. Did I pay too much? Probably. Did they work perfectly and make me feel like I'd bought great quality tools? Absolutely.

Amazingly they took something like 5 days to show up from Japan. I wish I could get stuff from two states away as quick.

I may have missed the details, but which particular style did you get?

or

I'm guessing first image as I don't think you mentioned composite handle material.
I went for the 2nd style earlier this week and I'm hoping they show up as fast as yours!

 

[Steel_Rain]

The Craftsman 8 piece v-series set if you can find them at Lowe’s for $20 is the deal of at least the year.

How are these? I had the chance to buy a set at Blowes last week, but held off because the handles look like bloated roadkill.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I was in the market for some JIS screwdrivers. While Vessel is highly recommended I ended up with a version I think Suks.
Any hint of oil or sweat the handles are slippery. Avoid the Armor Grip.

Ugh. I love every driver Vessel makes but these. Some of the Facebook groups love these but I could I wouldn't like the handle material or design.

Have the handles broken in at all? I hear they get better when worn in.

 

[vwpieces]

Ugh. I love every driver Vessel makes but these. Some of the Facebook groups love these but I could I wouldn't like the handle material or design.

Have the handles broken in at all? I hear they get better when worn in.

Haven't used them enough to break them in. Mostly only use the #3 JIS on Old motorcycles. Very limited use, 2 bike builds. Not used in last 8 months. But slippery suks... especially on #3 Phillips. Makes me not want to use them at all.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Haven't used them enough to break them in. Mostly only use the #3 JIS on Old motorcycles. Very limited use, 2 bike builds. Not used in last 8 months. But slippery suks... especially on #3 Phillips. Makes me not want to use them at all.

Good to know.

 

[Etchase]

How are these? I had the chance to buy a set at Blowes last week, but held off because the handles look like bloated roadkill.

They are very good. The grip fits my hand very well. The large PH4 really lets you put some torque into it, if you can find a fastener to try it on. I tend to like squarish handles, and Proto Duratech or whatever they are called. It’s a personal fit of course. It’s $20 for high end screwdrivers. Treat yourself. They make good Christmas gifts too, so if you don’t like them, someone will.

 

[Ditchdigger]

I'd like to say thanks for the SunFlag driver set recommendation. I bought the last set available and while I am pleased enough with the drivers themselves, I am more surprised by the fact that they have proven that the stainless "phillips" sheet metal screws that Fastenal fills our bolt bins with are in fact JIS.

Comparing the fit between a new SnapOn #1 phillips and the #1 JIS is a night and day difference. We always just thought the screws sucked.

 

[four.cycle]

I was in the market for some JIS screwdrivers. While Vessel is highly recommended I ended up with a version I think Suks.
Any hint of oil or sweat the handles are slippery. Avoid the Armor Grip.

I hope you communicated that to Vessel.
A similar report came from the new blue-handled "Channellock" screwdrivers: slippery when wet. Big no-no when it comes to screwdrivers.