Felo Ergonic, Tekton, etc for drivers?

[akatsuki]

Anything in the more budget (under $40 a set) category of screwdrivers out there I should be looking at?

Couple different options I’ve been eyeing:

1. Felo 07157 53167 Ergonic Slotted and Phillips Screwdrivers, Set of 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012CRXU0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2. TEKTON 26757 Slotted and Phillips Screwdriver Set, 12-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US26JU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Advantage is the Tekton set includes stubbies which are nice. But I like holes in the handles to hang them places sometimes.

I’d love to get a striking car/bolstered set but that seems to typically run $100ish for a good quality set.

 

[measuredtwice]

If you have $40 to spend, I'd recommend Wiha. Either softfinish or microfinish or insulated, depending on your needs/preferences.

Fleetfarm has a 5 piece set of their entry level Felos for $8.99. Menards.com has the 5 piece set of wood handle Felo for $20 with free shipping (it's a couple bucks more at Fleetfarm). Fleetfarm runs 10% off or free shipping coupons occasionally. Menards often runs 11% off rebates.

I don't know why but people seem to get stuck on sets. Unless you get a deal, you are likely better off buying drivers individually to get what you want. KC tools has 10% off and free shipping over $50 so you might expand your budget by $10. Individually pick out the exact drivers you want from Wiha and you'll have the perfect set.

You might also look at Vessel on the Japanese Amazon --> amazon.co.jp

 

[stonesfan68]

I have the Felo Ergonic set and really like the handles.

 

[Kasal]

Witte manufactured in Germany and fit your budget

 

[BMack37]

Felo is just about the best screwdrivers you can buy but the grips are going to be personal preference. Wiha, Witte and Gedore are also great. Personally, my favorite are Felo, Gedore and Witte. PB Swiss is definitely up there but the handles are a little small.

The Tektons are overpriced at current Amazon pricing. They are made in the USA but they're clearly a budget screwdriver.

 

[BarryWells]

As usual.
Proto

 

[Wamsutta]

But I like holes in the handles to hang them places sometimes.

Get some German made screwdrivers then. Those Germans can't function unless they put holes in their screwdriver handles.

 

[drtyler]

Proto Duratek are quite good.

As usual.
Proto

 

[visionguru]

If you can wait for a sale, this Carlyle set can be had for $20~30.
Whatever you pick, avoid those German garbage--Felo. I have a set of Felo screwdrivers, they are the worst: soft metal, stripping screws. Even the cheapest Made in China ones don't have such issues.

 

[PiperCub49]

Whatever you pick, avoid those German garbage--Felo. I have a set of Felo screwdrivers, they are the worst: soft metal, stripping screws. Even the cheapest Made in China ones don't have such issues.

Strange that you've had this experience. LOVE my wooden handled set. Bought a set for my Dad too and he also loves them. In fact, they worked great tearing down a carb today!

 

[Jtels85]

Proto Duratek are quite good.

Third vote for Proto Duratek. If your budget is $40, I suggest taking a look at the many diamond tip screwdriver sets that are available. I have the Gearwrench, Duralast and Husky sets, all around really great quality!

 

[Yarpo]

Those felo screwdrivers look awesome for the money! I might even buy a set LOL.

I own 6 different sets at this point (They always go on sale I guess...) and the only ones I dislike are the Tektons due to the handle. Obviously this is personal preference and not a knock on the screwdrivers themselves, they appear decent, tho I haven't used them much so I can't say for certain. My favorite are my Wiha and Gearwrench ones due to handle size/simplicity, followed by my Williams and Carlyle, followed by Craftsman and then followed by my Tekton.

Here's the Gearwrench set, I've got pics somewhere but they appear to be almost identical to the Carlyle minus the different handles, so worth considering if you don't want to wait for the real deals flyer. I'm a fan of any set that has a stubby as well, very useful for anything automotive and automotive interior.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM5ZIU0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Davefr]

You need to go out and fondle some because it's pretty subjective.

I like Wera, Proto Duratek, Williams hard handles and PB Swiss but the PB's are outside of your budget.

HF Pittsburg Pros are also pretty decent.

 

[woody6904]

If you can wait for a sale, this Carlyle set can be had for $20~30.
Whatever you pick, avoid those German garbage--Felo. I have a set of Felo screwdrivers, they are the worst: soft metal, stripping screws. Even the cheapest Made in China ones don't have such issues.

X2 on the Carlyle, best bang for buck out there when on sale. This 8 piece set has a great selection of usable sizes. Liked the design so much jumped on the Powerbuilt Pro Tech set which are the same other than colors.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collecti...injection-screwdriver-set#BcY5vsiE7zekdLEp.97

 

[Professional Tool User]

At around that price point, I'd go with Wera. If you have a local distributor that puts their Wera screwdrivers on sale, $40 should get you a 6 piece set of striking screwdrivers. If not, the regular ones are around $40.

 

[rick carpenter]

My Milwaukee 2nd gen cushion grips are serving me very well. I ordered the basic set online at our HD then later ordered a couple of longer cabinet tips and a long #2. Over $40, but not too bad. My 1st gen insulated electrical set is the 3-piece set that HD carries plus 2 square drives I ordered, probably around $45.

 

[designer485]

I grab my Felo ergo screwdrivers for anything clean, they are my first choice. I love the feel of the handles and the tips are great. For anything dirty, I grab my Snap-On or Williams hard handles.

I also like Wera, Wiha and PB Swiss but don't own full sets of any of them.

 

[GrayEngineer]

I have tried a bunch of screwdriver brands, and of the two that you are interested in I have nearly every Tekton screwdriver (I'm only missing the Robertson drivers). I really didn't need the Tekton screwdrivers, but I like there handles and I feel that they are good quality. The warranty from Tekton is awesome, so that's something to consider.

I don't have Felo screwdrivers, but I have heard that they are good quality.

I have well over a 100 screwdrivers, and comparing the Tekton to Wera/PB Swiss/Wiha/Snap on/Vessel/Matco(Witte)/etc. I feel that the Tekton can hold their own against them. Cost vs performance the Tekton's standout. My favorite brand over all is Wera because across all of the tip types they perform well, especially the torx drivers.

 

[username2]

I've got or had Felo wood handles, the higher end Wihas,old hard handle Wiha, Wera chiseldriver, and I think that my best screwdrivers have been PB Swiss...at least so far as the business end is concerned.

The Wihas are better at opening paint cans though.

edit: Now that I thought of it for a minute or two, and I don't use this stuff for a living, if I started from scratch I'd probably buy the Wiha heavy duty set:

https://www.wihatools.com/screwdriv...extra-heavy-duty-slotted-phillips-8-piece-set

a matching bit holder and a nice big set of PB Swiss bits.

If I got stuff way more dirty, hard handles would make more sense of course.

 

[measuredtwice]

RE the Tekton screwdrivers, keep in mind that the shafts aren't chrome plated. They are black oxide. You will need to keep them oiled or waxed if you don't want them to rust. Love that Tekton is making drivers in the USA. And Kudos for listing the thickness of the slotted drivers. I've never seen them except in photos but I prefer a more conservative looking handle otherwise I'd pick up some. But handles that look like they were designed for Alien vs Predator movie props seem to be popular with tool manufacturers these days--haha!

RE PB Swiss, it's not going to be in the OP's budget.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

If you can wait for a sale, this Carlyle set can be had for $20~30.
Whatever you pick, avoid those German garbage--Felo. I have a set of Felo screwdrivers, they are the worst: soft metal, stripping screws. Even the cheapest Made in China ones don't have such issues.

Interesting post there.
I agree - recently bought an 8-piece set of the Carlyle Phillips drivers from a forum member.
Holes in handles? Check
Comfortable grips? Check
Good metal on tips? Check check
It is really nice to have same tip size on multiple lengths of driver. And the cost per is pretty good with a whole set.

 

[username2]

RE PB Swiss, it's not going to be in the OP's budget.

Oops. Sorry, you're right.

I bought this set a few years back for under 50 bucks...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ8DB2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and assumed they might still be available. Honestly, I think I could lose all my other screwdrivers and be fine with just this.

 

[akatsuki]

Thanks for all the tips - The Durateks look pretty promising even if they don't have holes in the handles. The Carlyles might be interesting to check out as well!

 

[M6erfan]

Oops. Sorry, you're right.

I bought this set a few years back for under 50 bucks...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ8DB2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and assumed they might still be available. Honestly, I think I could lose all my other screwdrivers and be fine with just this.

Really? 24k gold plated? Just what the OP wants... Lol

 

[akatsuki]

I am not opposed to some bling. But doubt I can do it under $40

 

[akatsuki]

This is a bit more pricey but you get hex bolsters. Reviews seem to indicate some poor QC.

Williams 100P-8MD 8-Piece Premium Mixed Screwdriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

This is a bit more pricey but you get hex bolsters. Reviews seem to indicate some poor QC.

Williams 100P-8MD 8-Piece Premium Mixed Screwdriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a few Phillips I bought a while back, overall I’m happy with them. Did manage to wear one of them out trying to turn to many rusty screws. Planned on getting a new shaft from snap on but haven’t gotten around to it. Don’t own any flat blades, so can’t comment on them.

I did pick a set of Tektons for my brother. I haven’t had a chance to actually use them, but I did like the feel of the handles, as a first impression.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kngelv]

I picked up the Tekton set when they were like $19.00 on Amazon. They are decent but I don’t like the grips at all. At the current price I’d look in another direction.

James

 

[akatsuki]

I don't mind the Tekton grip that much, but I do think they are bit oversized, so my wife doesn't like using them when she has a project.

I may just push off til Black Friday or something to see if I can swing PB Swiss or something else fancy. I am not in a rush or anything.

 

[measuredtwice]

I don't mind the Tekton grip that much, but I do think they are bit oversized, so my wife doesn't like using them when she has a project.

I may just push off til Black Friday or something to see if I can swing PB Swiss or something else fancy. I am not in a rush or anything.

The sweet spot for PB Swiss is $70-$100 during a 30% off sale. Both US dealers have free shipping over $100. I got in on this years 30% off Memorial Day sale and the $100 requirement for free shipping was before coupon so you could get free shipping at $70.

Really nice stuff and at 30% off retail with free shipping it was a very good buy.

 

[M6erfan]

Agree. PB Swiss during the holiday 30% off sale is when I got mine a few years back. I got Torx and slotted sets. Great deal with free shipping.

 

[scubadoober]

I settled on Wiha after doing a little comparison of my own. You can read my thoughts here (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368011), but with that said my dad liked the Witte and my BIL liked the Wera. So at illustrates how personal the preference can be on a screwdriver handle. Order one in a P2 and use it for a while. You may end up spending an extra $15, but it could save you the cost of a whole set you hate. I need to revisit that thread and give a long term update.

 

[1950mercury]

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/5p...driver-set-ppc-handle-w-metal-cap-felo-31720/

These are awesome and a good price. I have felo, wiha,wera,pb swiss and jessel striking cap screwdrivers and these are 2nd to pb swiss. Not a fan of wiha #2 Phillips it's like the tip is to small

 

[M6erfan]

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/5p...driver-set-ppc-handle-w-metal-cap-felo-31720/

These are awesome and a good price. I have felo, wiha,wera,pb swiss and jessel striking cap screwdrivers and these are 2nd to pb swiss. Not a fan of wiha #2 Phillips it's like the tip is to small

Add $19 for shipping...

I've wanted to order a SS5 scraper from them but their shipping is pretty ridiculous

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have Witte, Wiha, Felo and some taiwan Kobalts.
The Kobalts are just barely a cut below the rest. The German big brands in my experience are all really close in quality, just comes down to handles and aesthetics for me. My wood Felos live in my desk, Wiha bits and handles are all I use for electrical work, Kobalts for greasy automotive and general shop. Wittes the same.

I could use another set or three...

 

[visionguru]

Strange that you've had this experience. LOVE my wooden handled set. Bought a set for my Dad too and he also loves them. In fact, they worked great tearing down a carb today!

Interesting post there.
I agree - recently bought an 8-piece set of the Carlyle Phillips drivers from a forum member.
Holes in handles? Check
Comfortable grips? Check
Good metal on tips? Check check
It is really nice to have same tip size on multiple lengths of driver. And the cost per is pretty good with a whole set.

I have the wooden handle Felo set: good looking, nut booster, can use a hammer to persuade....

It may sound harsh to call Felo "German garbage". Here is my experience:
I used the Felo #2 phillips to do some basic maintenance on a dryer. Somehow the screw driver keeps turning, but the screw was not moving. Then I noticed the screw head was kind of stripped, and the Felo screw driver head seemed to have little damage too.

Then I used my Craftsman cheapo, the screw was removed without a problem. Upon close examination, I found that the Felo are made with CR-MO steel, the screw drivers for whatever reason don't have a good edge to "bite" in to the screws. Since then, the Felos were downgraded to beater, especially when prying and needing a hammer to punch things loose.

The moral of the story: German stuff, if it is affordable, it's German garbage.

 

[IndyGarage]

My favorites are Felo and Wera. The Wera handle fits perfectly in my hand. I don't necessarily like the color, but they work. The handles can get pretty dirty when doing greasy work, but they clean up nice.

 

[rick carpenter]

This is a bit more pricey but you get hex bolsters. Reviews seem to indicate some poor QC.

Williams 100P-8MD 8-Piece Premium Mixed Screwdriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got the Williams 6-pc hard handle set in 2012 (~$55?) and added a few specific ones I needed. I've had/seen no qc issues with them at all. However, Milwaukee cushion grips are my go-to's now because my older hands when sweaty just spin around the Williams handles on the smaller drivers.