Good #1 Phillips Screwdriver

[Shane6377]

I’m looking for a good #1 Phillips screwdriver. I have Klein #2 and #3 Phillips drivers that work well but found the #1 to be soft and deformed very quickly.

I’ve also have mid-80’s Craftsman USA screwdrivers but again fin the tips don’t hold up.

I’m just a DIY’er but use my screwdrivers for everything from electrical to automotive and every odd job in between.

I don’t have many options locally so will most likely have to order online. No access to tool trucks either. I’ve been looking into either SK green hard handles or Witte Maxxpro Plus (same as Matco). Does anyone have experience with either of these... specifically the #1 Phillips size. Any other option I should be looking at?


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[Zewnten]

Have the Matco, hasn't stripped it yet. I also really like my Carlyle, has held up rather well.

 

[plinker]

I dont think you could go wrong with either brand. The Witte's are likely a bit better. Couple guys I know swear by the Matco ones.

These S-K screwdrivers would be equivalent to the Craftsman pro screwdrivers (decent), Warranty may be quicker/easier with S-K. The hard handle type have clunky/oversized handles from what I understand.
https://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tool-86336-Screwdriver/dp/B0096PFTEW/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EEPD3GXTNDZ5Q4WD9KB1

Williams has a couple sets that may be worth looking into as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-100P-8MD-8-Piece-Premium-Screwdriver/dp/B002NH5X2I/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1534903932&sr=1-1&keywords=williams%2Bscrewdriver%2Bset&th=1


I prefer insert bits for the most part when possible.

 

[PassnThru]

Get some JIS screwdrivers. If you are using a #1 phillips a lot then they will solve your problem. Even a JIS that is physically bigger than a #1 phillips will work better.

 

[Wamsutta]

The best is going to be Snap-on or PB Swiss.

 

[Shane6377]

What 1/4” bit holder are you using with the insert bits? That might be a good option too.


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[dkroth]

You're welcome.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TGAMC6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

.

 

[Wamsutta]

Holy Smokes! I can't believe three of us posted all at 7:23PM !

 

[4xdog]

+1 on that Vessel. They're the only "Phillips" I use anymore.

 

[COO USA]

Wera makes great screwdrivers, Carlyle from NAPA are also great. Williams, Snap On, Bit inserts from McMaster in anti cam out, Vessel, all great choices.

 

[zktk01]

For the Vessel

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would just go with Wera. They are reasonably priced, the tips are decent, and I personally like their soft handles. As for those who like Vessel, I honestly don't find anything special about the Craftsman rebrands I bought.

 

[M6erfan]

Vessel, Wiha, PB Swiss.

 

[Shane6377]

Thanks for all the feedback. Several have recommended Wera but I have some of their torx drivers and don’t care for the handle. Doesn’t fit my hand well at all.


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[rlitman]

+1 on that Vessel. They're the only "Phillips" I use anymore.

+2 That's the best #1 Phillips out there right now.

 

[vpd66]

Vessel without a doubt!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Wera.

 

[apdxyk]

Vessel 220 ball grip is simply addictive


PB-Swiss

 

[jeffmoss26]

I really like my wooden handle Felo screwdrivers. I use them daily and have no complaints!

 

[californiaHank]

I mainly work on electronics and optical equipment and use #1 cross head drivers more than anything else. I've got a lot of #1 drivers.

I have Facom (France) , Hazet (made by Witte,Germany) , and Vessel (Japan).
All three have first rate tips.
Splitting hairs, I think that the Witte are the nicest tips, followed by Facom, and then Vessel.

All three have 'JIS' or 'DIN' shaped tips, rather than traditional Phillips.
IMHO, they all work better in US-style Phillips screws than traditional Phillips drivers - less camout on 'difficult' screws.
They all also fit Japanese style cross head screws where most US makes will damage them.

I think that Facom has the nicest handle shape/size for #1 screws. The Hazet/Witte has a somewhat more beefy handle and they're good for corroded fasteners, but aren't as 'spinnable' as the Facoms. What you like depends a bit on your hand shape & working style, I guess.

 

[seang81]

Vessel without a doubt!

Vessel for me also.

While you're at it...consider buying one of these also:
Vessel Megadora 980 Impacta P2x100 #2 Cross Point Impact Screwdriver

I dont really use it as an impact, more as an all around #2 phillips/jis. It has a little weight to it, feels great in the hand, and just grabs those types of fasteners better than anything else I've used.

I've been very happy ordering from Fast Japan US....either ebay or amazon

 

[GrantCee]

I didn't believe the Vessel hype either until I bought a set of the 100 series wood-handled screwdrivers. Today, they're my go-to whenever I need a Phillips driver.

There are some rare cases where they don't fit perfectly, and when that happens my Wrights usually do.

 

[American Locomotive]

Another vote for the Vessel. I personally have the "Woody" composite wood ones - great for grease and oil.