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Felo Tools, any good?

Legion Prime

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Joined
Sep 5, 2018
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740
Location
Leelenau County MI
Looks good! Linseed oil is excellent on wood. I also like the blue PPC handles. I do prefer black tips instead of full chrome but I haven't found the red PPC handles (they have black tips) for anywhere near as cheap.

Fleet Farm occasionally runs a free shipping coupon but I haven't seen one in 2020 yet. My favorite FF coupon is the $10 off $50 in store. Haven't seen that one in 2020 either though.

Unfortunately the closest FF to me would involve driving an hour down to Muskegon and taking the ferry across Lake Michigan. LOL I'll keep an eye out for free shipping though, I really have grown to like Felo's handle shape.
 
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Joined
Feb 12, 2020
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24
Location
Greenville
I think Felo only make screwdrivers and bits so any other Felo tools are rebranded from other manufacturers. Pliers are NWS. Not sure who make the sockets. Ratchets look to be Taiwan. I think the wooden handles for the screwdrivers are made by Drechslerei Zimmer who also make the wooden handles for Wiha, Facom, Format etc.

Now that I look at my socket set....only the driver says made in Germany. The ratchet and sockets say chrome vanadium. Bummer.
 

OMMP

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Joined
Mar 9, 2018
Messages
198
It's confusing because Felo's COO says made in Germany for the box/packaging but clearly the 1/4" ratchet and maybe the sockets aren't made in Germany.

Well, I do not mean this as a provocation, or bad joke - but that could mean COO for box/packaging solely...
 

svranjic

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Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Messages
76
Location
United Kingdom
Witte look proper quality! Thanks for the suggestion.

I have bought multiple sets from this ebay seller and postage is on the slow side but I rate them very highly. You also get a free gift. Well I did anyway with each set I bought over the course of a few months.:bounce:
 

winnievan

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Nov 18, 2018
Messages
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OR
I'll put in my vote for Felo drivers -- I found most of my Felo drivers on eBay -- someone must have had overstock -- and I think I paid about $3-5 per driver.. at that price I bought a bunch of flat heads that I'll probably never use -- and the bottle opener -- even have PZ1-3 and SQ1-3 - some long PH2 drivers, etc. that are seldom used but it's nice to have 'em.

Here's most of my collection laid out on a foam workout mat I got on FB market for $10 bucks...
1644186671841.jpeg
The PZ1 was in the house getting some work done -- so don't mind that extra missing slot - this foam is still a work in progress!

I predominately use my PH3 driver to break loose plugs from powder coated assemblies -- and the Ergonic handle is so nice in the hand in high load situations -- it really does mold to your hand and they clean up relatively nice, too. In short -- I absolutely love the Ergonic Handles.

I highly recommend the Ergonic K-Handle, too- check Amazon.de or eBay and buy it from Europe -- you can get the kit for about $70. It's a bit heavy -- but it is a sweet piece of kit and is VERY versatile.

1644186477908.png

I also really (really) like Vessel Drivers -- I have a bunch of Megadora Impact and the 970 Demolition Flathead in the picture above -- they really are unique drivers with a tang and a 12* rotation with a wack of a hammer. They do great on rusted or stuck screws -- but aren't quite the same as a manual impact.

The other Vessel drivers I *love* are Ball Grips -- The Vessels are a bit weird looking -- but give one a shot -- I just ordered a haul of them from Amazon.co.jp -- and again -- they were incredibly affordable for the quality -- you can get normal drivers for like under $5 each -- and if you do a big haul shipping isn't too bad spread across the whole lot. I think this set below on Amazon.jp is like $12... which is amazing quality for the $$$.
1644187503688.png

The Ball Grip Ratchets are cool -- the tang pops off and leaves you with a stubby ratcheting bit driver -- and you can get them for like $10 from Amazon.co.jp -- or just a bit more on Amazon.com -- https://amzn.to/3B1RFTy
1644187699020.png

I've been pleased with the Vessel Crystalline Ratcheting Screwdrivers -- both the stubby and the full-sized unit -- I honestly prefer this ratcheting driver to my Snap-On... and it costs $21 bucks with 16 Vessel bits... it might be the best deal ever..
1644187729367.png


I haven't flexed much with Wera -- but I do have two bitholders in Kraftform Kompacta series. They're nice -- but I think the ergonmics are a bit off (for my hand nonetheless) since the bitdrivers have a larger circumference than the normal Kraftform drivers. I definitely like the stubby better than the full-sized unit -- but the Bayonet Rapidator on the big one is pretty handy -- it works great as a driver for 1" bits or something to travel with, etc.

1644187773313.png 1644188000129.png


I bought some Wiha's to test in my hand -- and returned them the same day -- the fit and finish just didn't strike me as the same as the "other" German brands -- it was kind of one of those "hard pass" moments.

Nevertheless -- I'm happy to have nice screwdrivers (and probably too many of them) -- and I'm pretty committed to saying Felo and Vessel work for me and will work for me when I need to replace them given their modest cost.

Honestly -- the tips on the Vessel drivers are insanely nice and might even edge out the Felo in the Phillips/JIS pattern -- I like the Vessel ball handle for more "precision" work -- but if I need to reef on a screw -- I'm grabbing the Ergonics -- unless of course I need the impact action from the Vessel Impacta.

I'm sure PB Swiss is nicer -- but the value isn't there for me.

Vessel makes incredible impact bits, too -- although I use this set as insert bits in my various hand drivers --
1644187155493.png

I also have one of these Wera bits checks -- and I love those too -- especially the Rapidator (Rap-i-Daptor? -- how cute) -- it really is the bees knees for keeping your 1" bits from sticking in the screw -- but it isn't technically impact rated so don't push it too hard -- it works great in my M12 Screwdriver...
1644187349495.png

My suggestion is buy a PH2 in every brand you want -- use 'em and then you'll learn what you like. Worst case -- you'll have a lot of nice of your most used driver -- and I think you can get a better idea for tip quality on a PH2 than, say, a T25 or Square -- since those screw designs are just so much less likely to cam out.
 

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Ton ton

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 16, 2019
Messages
4,592
Location
Page County,VA
I'll put in my vote for Felo drivers -- I found most of my Felo drivers on eBay -- someone must have had overstock -- and I think I paid about $3-5 per driver.. at that price I bought a bunch of flat heads that I'll probably never use -- and the bottle opener -- even have PZ1-3 and SQ1-3 - some long PH2 drivers, etc. that are seldom used but it's nice to have 'em.

Here's most of my collection laid out on a foam workout mat I got on FB market for $10 bucks...
1644186671841.jpeg
The PZ1 was in the house getting some work done -- so don't mind that extra missing slot - this foam is still a work in progress!

I predominately use my PH3 driver to break loose plugs from powder coated assemblies -- and the Ergonic handle is so nice in the hand in high load situations -- it really does mold to your hand and they clean up relatively nice, too. In short -- I absolutely love the Ergonic Handles.

I highly recommend the Ergonic K-Handle, too- check Amazon.de or eBay and buy it from Europe -- you can get the kit for about $70. It's a bit heavy -- but it is a sweet piece of kit and is VERY versatile.

1644186477908.png

I also really (really) like Vessel Drivers -- I have a bunch of Megadora Impact and the 970 Demolition Flathead in the picture above -- they really are unique drivers with a tang and a 12* rotation with a wack of a hammer. They do great on rusted or stuck screws -- but aren't quite the same as a manual impact.

The other Vessel drivers I *love* are Ball Grips -- The Vessels are a bit weird looking -- but give one a shot -- I just ordered a haul of them from Amazon.co.jp -- and again -- they were incredibly affordable for the quality -- you can get normal drivers for like under $5 each -- and if you do a big haul shipping isn't too bad spread across the whole lot. I think this set below on Amazon.jp is like $12... which is amazing quality for the $$$.
1644187503688.png

The Ball Grip Ratchets are cool -- the tang pops off and leaves you with a stubby ratcheting bit driver -- and you can get them for like $10 from Amazon.co.jp -- or just a bit more on Amazon.com -- https://amzn.to/3B1RFTy
1644187699020.png

I've been pleased with the Vessel Crystalline Ratcheting Screwdrivers -- both the stubby and the full-sized unit -- I honestly prefer this ratcheting driver to my Snap-On... and it costs $21 bucks with 16 Vessel bits... it might be the best deal ever..
1644187729367.png


I haven't flexed much with Wera -- but I do have two bitholders in Kraftform Kompacta series. They're nice -- but I think the ergonmics are a bit off (for my hand nonetheless) since the bitdrivers have a larger circumference than the normal Kraftform drivers. I definitely like the stubby better than the full-sized unit -- but the Bayonet Rapidator on the big one is pretty handy -- it works great as a driver for 1" bits or something to travel with, etc.

1644187773313.png 1644188000129.png


I bought some Wiha's to test in my hand -- and returned them the same day -- the fit and finish just didn't strike me as the same as the "other" German brands -- it was kind of one of those "hard pass" moments.

Nevertheless -- I'm happy to have nice screwdrivers (and probably too many of them) -- and I'm pretty committed to saying Felo and Vessel work for me and will work for me when I need to replace them given their modest cost.

Honestly -- the tips on the Vessel drivers are insanely nice and might even edge out the Felo in the Phillips/JIS pattern -- I like the Vessel ball handle for more "precision" work -- but if I need to reef on a screw -- I'm grabbing the Ergonics -- unless of course I need the impact action from the Vessel Impacta.

I'm sure PB Swiss is nicer -- but the value isn't there for me.

Vessel makes incredible impact bits, too -- although I use this set as insert bits in my various hand drivers --
1644187155493.png

I also have one of these Wera bits checks -- and I love those too -- especially the Rapidator (Rap-i-Daptor? -- how cute) -- it really is the bees knees for keeping your 1" bits from sticking in the screw -- but it isn't technically impact rated so don't push it too hard -- it works great in my M12 Screwdriver...
1644187349495.png

My suggestion is buy a PH2 in every brand you want -- use 'em and then you'll learn what you like. Worst case -- you'll have a lot of nice of your most used driver -- and I think you can get a better idea for tip quality on a PH2 than, say, a T25 or Square -- since those screw designs are just so much less likely to cam out.
Those vessel ball drivers are sick. I love them.
 

winnievan

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 18, 2018
Messages
115
Location
OR
Those vessel ball drivers are sick. I love them.
Yeah -- they surprised me so much. They look kind of gimmicky -- but they are incredibly comfortable and give great dexterity -- I bought this one as one to throw in my junk drawer in the kitchen:
1644210423906.png


... which turned into a whole collection in the tool box.

Plus -- honestly I think value-wise -- Vessel has the best tips -- especially the phillips/jis. There's better out there -- but not at the price.
 

visionguru

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Joined
Jan 2, 2017
Messages
1,233
Location
Chicago
Yeah -- they surprised me so much. They look kind of gimmicky -- but they are incredibly comfortable and give great dexterity -- I bought this one as one to throw in my junk drawer in the kitchen:
1644210423906.png
I have exact that. Nice but the paint markings on this screwdriver is sad, all rubbed off after minimal use.
 
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Mohawk Dave

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Joined
Oct 7, 2012
Messages
5,068
Location
SoCal
I have a mixture of the Felo Ergonic 6 Pc. Torx Screwdriver Set, and then Wiha Hex screwdrivers at my gunsmithing workbench. I love all of them.

I have pretty much all Snap On Instinct in the shop...love them too.

All high quality, just have to find what feels good in your hand. For example, I have large hands and the Wera Kraftform is not comfortable; too small of a design for me I guess...
 

winnievan

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Joined
Nov 18, 2018
Messages
115
Location
OR
Yeah I think once you step up beyond "budget" screwdrivers (looking at your Harbor Freight Freebies) -- you really get a good feel for what it *should* feel like -- and even then -- some people swear by Ergonics, other by PB Swiss, others say Snap-on Hard Handles (I can't stand 'em) -- there's so many things that go into what works for your unique ergonomics with hand tools.

I think the Felo Ergonics have the nicest handle in the game for me -- but there's something about palming that Vessel Ball style driver and spinning it with my fingers that works great.

Honestly -- I'd probably ditch my Wera Kraftform Kompacts if they made a Vessel Ball style ratcheting bit holder. It'd be slick if they made it like this one that is only available in Japan from SK11 -- it's a ratcheting 1/4" hex with a removable shaft that also contains a 1/4" hex insert bit retainer. It separates like the other Vessel ratcheting ball drivers that have the PH or SL on the end. See the pictures below if that sentence doesn't make sense.
1644219126412.png ---> 1644219162869.png
Would be the perfect tool if they could hide 6 or even 4 bits in the handle like Kraftform Kompakt stubby:
1644219310190.png

It'd be a stubby AND full length AND a slim 1/4" hex driver (just the extension handle without the ratcheting ball) -- all-in-one! I'd probably buy 100 of them and give 'em out as presents. It would just be so damn useful to have such a multi-function tool in such a tight package for everyday around the house type stuff -- or in every glovebox and desk, etc.

I have exact that. Nice but the paint markings on this screwdriver is sad, all rubbed off after minimal use.
Yeah -- that's happening on mine too -- minimal use on this one too. Although I did use it to destroy some drywall while our basement was flooding -- definitely not the right tool for the job :haha:.


Any way you cut it - there's some nice tools being mentioned in this thread and I don't think most DIYers need to fork over the cash for the super high-end stuff when it comes to screwdrivers to get good performance. Felo and Vessel are really great products for the money IMO - certainly is why I ended up on them as a semi-pro/side-hustle/DIY type guy. The Felo's (and the Vessels) have exceeded my expectations. I think Felo's bit sets are overpriced IMO -- but other than that -- they make really nice drivers.

In fact -- even if my tools did pay my living. I'd rather stick with Vessel and Felo for drivers and save my hard earned cash for high quality tools in other realms -- like ratchets, extensions, presses, measuring tools, etc.
 
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Orangina

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Joined
Apr 17, 2021
Messages
312
Location
Germany, Berlin
I have only some 1970s reversible screwdrivers from Felo (founded in 1878) at car on-board tools
(typical long time part of all on-board tools sets of Volkswagen, Porsche and Mercedes etc) ...

b73cd42eb54e81e84250a68c68f68340.jpg
f5062c0b1c6fbd04ef22bf94ea38eefb.jpg
 
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HenryAZ

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Joined
Sep 18, 2012
Messages
1,054
Location
South Congress AZ
Felo Ergonic is my goto for bit drivers (which I prefer over screwdrivers for most general use). The best is the Felo 64539 Ergonic K Handle Ratcheting Screwdriver, ratcheting and pivoting head, with stops at 90-45-0-45-90 and quick release bit function (mentioned and pictured above as part of a set). It is one of the few ratcheting drivers I've found that does not move the ratchet position dial too easily while working (at least the way I work). Also I have the standard and stubby magnetic bit drivers, and a bit driver with a sort of stiff rubber shaft for some flex use.
 

mopar66

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Joined
Feb 15, 2011
Messages
595
Location
RI
I have the 1/4 T-Handle and love it. I got the Ergo ratcheting drive handle/driver at KC Tools on their 20% holiday sale for like $12 or something. I am also a fan of KC Tools. Like someone else mentioned orders packaged well, shipped quickly, and good customer service.
 

winnievan

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Joined
Nov 18, 2018
Messages
115
Location
OR
Yeah KC Tools is great. Prices are a bit higher than other retailers -- but they do a great job and that black friday 20% is nice.

In other news -- Vessel is coming out with a Ratcheting Ball Grip bit holder... I emailed them last night and then they sent me this:

Image 1.pngImage 2.png

I'm pitching them the idea of adding a bit carousel in the ball (or somewhere on the tool) -- but I'm guessing the form factor won't allow it.

I was thinking of buying a replacement P3 shaft for the existing ball driver and trying to modify it -- but this is going to be way better!
 

winnievan

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Joined
Nov 18, 2018
Messages
115
Location
OR
Felo Ergonic is my goto for bit drivers (which I prefer over screwdrivers for most general use). The best is the Felo 64539 Ergonic K Handle Ratcheting Screwdriver, ratcheting and pivoting head, with stops at 90-45-0-45-90 and quick release bit function (mentioned and pictured above as part of a set). It is one of the few ratcheting drivers I've found that does not move the ratchet position dial too easily while working (at least the way I work). Also I have the standard and stubby magnetic bit drivers, and a bit driver with a sort of stiff rubber shaft for some flex use.
Yeah this tool rocks -- I actually just decided to launch a YouTube spinoff related to my side-hustle business -- Tool Tuesday -- and I decided to feature that Ergonic K Handle as my first video:


Felo makes nice tools.... and those are Stahlwille sockets -- so I like that they didn't try to reinvent the wheel just for this box -- just added some high quality sockets from a great manufacturer.
 
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username2

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Joined
Aug 22, 2016
Messages
970
Their tools strike me about like any of the other European manufacturers. The interchangeable blade + handle sets-in-a-box are cool (the ones I have can put the blade in the side of the handle). I had a metal box ratchet/socket set and the ratchet was trash, sockets where made out of house. I doubt if they are superior to Stahlwille/Hazet/PB (for sure)/Wurth/Wiha/Wera but seem fine. Most of the handle preferences for any of this stuff can be answered by getting another of their line.
 

winnievan

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Nov 18, 2018
Messages
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Yeah -- honestly -- I'm not sure I'd want a Ergonic handle on a serviceable ratchet anyways, even if the internals were great -- it'd be awfully bulky in the handle.
 
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