Good, Solid-Performing Mid-Grade, Screwdrivers?

[dustytool]

I'm an occasional home mechanic looking to replenish my modest** tool chest and am looking for guidance on where to buy a good, basic set of screwdrivers.

In looking around, I'm not finding much that looks like good, mid-range quality, reasonably priced and without retarded rubber overmolded or just plain weird handles.

I have some old USA-made Craftsman and USA-made Master Mechanic screwdrivers that I like, but neither Sears nor True Value seem to sell drivers this good anymore. I did sort of like the old Craftsman Pro screwdrivers with the all-black handles, but they are discontinued. Do not like the current red/black series handles.

I'm not too impressed generally with Stanley, ACE, Husky or their ilk, though the ACE Pro Series of screwdrivers strongly resemble Klein in fit, finish, quality control and appearance. I am considering those.

Are the Kobalt screwdrivers from Lowes any good? Harbor Freight? (doubtful)

Klein Tools perhaps? Channel Lock? I've no experience with either of them.

Any suggestions?



**Please don't chime in about Snap-On and the other high-end tool makers and your arguments for the long-term value of higher-priced tools. I'm interested in mid-grade/good value, not top-of-the-line. Deal with it.

 

[Jure]

wiha....

 

[osborn.ozzy]

wiha, witte, wera, felo, sk, williams

 

[dustytool]

Are there brick & mortar stores that commonly carry a selection of these brands? Or do I need to shop online for these?

I think I've seen SK at a local hardware store. The other brands I am unfamiliar with.

 

[bart1]

Hazet 810SPC for a basic set. Search eBay for GJ member jensputzier.

 

[Davo3]

Ace carries SK.

 

[impulse922]

not sure about the new stanley FatMax drivers, but the old ones were top notch.

 

[Skin]

As far as what you'll find in an actual brick and mortar store

Super low budger? Pittsburgh Pro (HF). They're cheaper than dirt and really arent bad at all.

Mid-Low tier Husky Professional (not to be confused with the basic husky screwdrivers), same as Cman Pro.

Beyond that i think you'll be shopping online since most retail outlets wont bother selling $8-$10/pc drivers.


Oh, Napa, check your stores and see if they have any of the blue and yellow handled screwdrivers. These were supplied by Witte, very good plain handled drivers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-7-pc-S...371?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4845b80dcb

 

[kippieland]

+2 for Wiha. Can get them at a good price at Amazon.

 

[dustytool]

I haven't seen the Husky Pro, but I'll look next time I'm at HD. I've read others say the Pittsburgh Pro are not bad. HF is not close by, however. Not sure where to find the FatMax drivers, but I've got a couple hardware store runs to make this week and will keep an eye out for them and the SKs.

I'll look into the Wiha, too. Probably only find those online.

Thanks, guys!

 

[dledinger]

Craftsman's current screwdrivers ****. I have some from the 80s that are great. If you need local, the FatMax are ok, as are the Kobalt professionals. You just missed the kobalt pros on sale for $9 and some change.

 

[dledinger]

Not sure where to find the FatMax drivers...

Individually, or in a large set at Walmart. I bought a #1 and #2 PH to throw in the kitchen drawer, and ended up putting them in the garage.

 

[buco]

I am a fan of Klein. However, based on reviews I'd sure like to hold a Felo

 

[87FoRunner]

Williams, Cman Pro, and I actually like my Channellock imports...

 

[TwoInch]

the lowes standard screwdrivers are USA made, but they are low quality, made by Great Neck. the lowes high end screw drivers are a tad better, but not great, and the handles **** in my opinion, and they are imported(taiwan or china, cant remember)

C-man Pro are what i would go for. not bad for the money, and local. thats my .02

 

[Jawn]

Pratt-Read is pretty inexpensive, USA made, and I've been happy with mine. A local True Value sells them, as well as numerous places online.

 

[SMKS]

Pratt-Read is pretty inexpensive, USA made, and I've been happy with mine. A local True Value sells them, as well as numerous places online.

I was also going to suggest Pratt-Read.


They're well-priced on Amazon.

 

[richfinn]

I love my Facom drivers, but I doubt they will sell them locally to you. The Williams ones on e-bay USA look good value if you like the old style Snap On.

 

[cascivic]

I love my wiha soft finish....up until 2 months ago a tool was a tool till i found this site...have now upped the ante and there are some deals to be found..but the high end stuff really is awesome and can be found somewhat reasonably with amazon/ebay. i couldnt beleive the bite i got with the wiha they will actually sit in the screw if you let go! handles are more on the smaller end if compared to cman pro or snap on instict style

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9XUHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Nickmm]

The wiha blue handled screwdrivers are about the best I've got so far. You can't make a comparison to this quaity made, well thought out screwdriver versus the cheap **** from some of the brick and mortor stores lines mentioned. One of the best parts is the tips are super strong and don't wallow out.

My next favorite would be the williams black handled drivers. 30 bucks for a good set, nice quality drivers and very comfortable.

I got 16 snapon screwdrivers for 85$ of ebay. Exceptoonal deal as well.

 

[Flatintoone]

I wouldn't think you'd have Menard's where you are, but if so check out their Masterforce screwdrivers (rebadged Pratt-Read).
We have Fleet Farm stores here that sell Felo. Several handle designs, and very reasonably priced.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

wiha....

X10- soft grip. I use at work
Eric

 

[Scout Driver]

Williams

Scott

 

[dustytool]

We don't have Menards here in Cali, but I'll be in Minneapolis in a couple weeks where they do. Fleet Farm is also in the area. I'll check 'em out if I have time.

 

[OEXL16B]

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Cman Professional or Home Depot Husky Pro brands.

 

[SS5150]

I'll second the Napa blue & yellow (Witte) screwdrivers. They're awesome, and the sets were 50% off a month or two ago, not sure if its still the case but at that price they're a great value.

 

[powertrip]

Mid priced and something you can touch in the store. Husky pro, USA made by western forge and probably one of the most comfortable grips. The orange and green HF pittsburgh pro are really quite nice. Taiwan made I believe. I use mine daily at work, comfortable grip. If you have a menards close, masterforce would worth a look. I too, like my set of black handled cman pros. The new red black handled ones i have are also nice. My opinion on screwdrivers is they are a wear item and you should have a local source for warranty issues. No fun in sending tools through the mail for an exchange.

 

[96snma]

I am really please with these
bigger sets are available

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5X2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Coach James]

Mine are a mix of these types:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_189954-930-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032AMIVO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C00BYM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.enderes.com/catalog/index.php?SCREEN=item&sid=UWEEClO9OdHnz4va&department=18&item=22

plus some old C-man and Stanley. The C-man and Stanley are lousy but the others are all good. The Enderes is great. The Pratt-Read I got at Northern Tool.


Coach

 

[Jawn]

plus some old C-man and Stanley. The C-man and Stanley are lousy but the others are all good. The Enderes is great. The Pratt-Read I got at Northern Tool.

Which Stanleys? I have used some of the US-made "100-Plus" drivers and thought they were great.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Went for years totally happy with Craftsman, then joined Garage Journal...

 

[5mall5nail5]

Having picked up a set of Felo drivers, I cannot use anything else!

 

[Butters]

I really hate cheap screwdrivers. I also really hate spending more than I need to.

Wiha soft handles are great. Not cheap, but not super expensive, but you can't really go wrong. The handles get dirty, if you care.

In a greasy environment, I like my Williams hard handles. They cost a bit less than the Wihas.

Cheaper still is the Wera Lasertips. I don't think the tips are quite as durable as the Williams or Wihas, but they are really nice for the price and the lasertips really hold screws nicely. For a general home set, they are a pretty good bargain.

 

[shoturtle]

I'm an occasional home mechanic looking to replenish my modest** tool chest and am looking for guidance on where to buy a good, basic set of screwdrivers.

In looking around, I'm not finding much that looks like good, mid-range quality, reasonably priced and without retarded rubber overmolded or just plain weird handles.

I have some old USA-made Craftsman and USA-made Master Mechanic screwdrivers that I like, but neither Sears nor True Value seem to sell drivers this good anymore. I did sort of like the old Craftsman Pro screwdrivers with the all-black handles, but they are discontinued. Do not like the current red/black series handles.

I'm not too impressed generally with Stanley, ACE, Husky or their ilk, though the ACE Pro Series of screwdrivers strongly resemble Klein in fit, finish, quality control and appearance. I am considering those.

Are the Kobalt screwdrivers from Lowes any good? Harbor Freight? (doubtful)

Klein Tools perhaps? Channel Lock? I've no experience with either of them.

Any suggestions?



**Please don't chime in about Snap-On and the other high-end tool makers and your arguments for the long-term value of higher-priced tools. I'm interested in mid-grade/good value, not top-of-the-line. Deal with it.

The kolbalt US ones are not to bad, the more expensive ones are not that good. The channel locks are about the same as the higher price cobalt made in china. The kleins are okay, better then kolbalt and channel lock from china. But klein tips are not as hard as the older ones. They cam out pretty quickly.

I would look at greenlee for another US brand option. But wiha, witte, felo, wera and the other german made ones have much better tips.

 

[metaldad]

Mine are a mix of these types:
http://www.enderes.com/catalog/index.php?SCREEN=item&sid=UWEEClO9OdHnz4va&department=18&item=22

enderes. USA. handles fit very well in my hand. good product.

 

[OEXL16B]

 

[SMKS]

I would look at greenlee for another US brand option. .

I'm not sure Greenlee screwdrivers are made in the USA. All the Greenlee tools I've seen are imported

EDIT- I just googled it, and I found multiple posts saying Greenlee screwdrivers are not made in the USA. The posts I found on GJ and on an electricians' forum says their made in Taiwan.

enderes. USA. handles fit very well in my hand. good product.

Enderes discontinued their regular screwdrivers, I believe. They only offer the multi-tip ones, which are probably rebranded.

 

[shoturtle]

That is why i said us brand, not made in the usa. The op ask for other options, so I just gave the op another decent screwdriver as it seem coo is not important with them mention of kolbalt and hf. Greenlee are decent screwdrivers.

 

[bcradio]

Whatever you do, DO NOT get the Channelock screwdrivers. They are horrible. The HF orange/green ones are light years better than those garbage drivers.

My vote is either Cman Pro or Wiha