Harbor Freight Pittsburgh PRO screwdrivers……...

[Strouty]

UPDATE: THEY ARE THE REGULAR SET, NOT PRO VERSION.


I was working at my Dad's shop, he loves Harbor Freight, I was using one of the biggest screwdrivers in the set and………..

My all powerful hand did this:







When it happened, I thought I had turned the screw, then I thought the handle slipped, then I realized I had destroyed the thing. The handle actually spun, but the tip stayed in place. I was not using it as a prybar or anything weird. I was expecting the tip to get destroyed, never expected the handle to break in my hand. It worked much better after I broke the handle off, I used a hammer to pound on the end of it then a wrench to turn the screw out.

 

[Farmall450]

A testament to their fine quality.
Honestly I'd return it for your dad's sake, or get him a set of Williams

 

[paramud]

I have the set and like them. But that is pretty funny. You get what you pay for.

 

[MattVette89]

Wow. Glad I don't own any of those.

 

[Strouty]

My dad is proud of his Pittsburgh PRO tools, he could easily buy any tool he wants, but he likes to buy cheap stuff. I guess it gives him something to do when they break.

 

[defektes]

A testament to their fine quality.

As some would say, great for the price!

 

[Red996]

Good screwdrivers are a relatively small investment and make all the difference. I don't know why anyone would try to skimp there. But that is a really sad way to break a screwdriver. I thought HF was trying to step it up with their pro line.

 

[tweedlestan]

A testament to their fine quality.
Honestly I'd return it for your dad's sake, or get him a set of Williams

Yes, and I've had the same exact thing happen to Snap on as well.

 

[whyNick?]

Are you sure that's a Pittsburgh Pro? It looks like one of their non-Pro models to me. Not that any screwdriver should break that way...

 

[panknuckshovel]

Sixty five cents down the drain

 

[Strouty]

Are you sure that's a Pittsburgh Pro? It looks like one of their non-Pro models to me. Not that any screwdriver should break that way...

The writing was all worn off, I just thought it was the pro version. Regardless the screwdriver is a POS.

I checked the website, they are the regulars, sorry. I am guessing that I could probably do the same thing to the pro version though.

 

[kctyphoon]

Wow, you ruined a, what looks like, "well used" screwdriver that cost a whopping $1.75 I think? You can buy the entire pro set for like $8.. Looks like he's gotten his money's worth out of it..
I have a drawer FILLED with craftsman screwdrivers at home, and the only ones I use are the pittsburg pro's. I believe they were rated higher then some sets costing 4x as much.. I say " money well spent on that one" considering other screwdrivers can break or get lost just as easy..

I think it's also safe to assume that it was a really stubborn screw.. After all, it is a $2 screwdriver, so can't expect it to hold up like a one from a $100 set..

 

[wild cowboy]

I am still trying to break my set of Pittsburgh Pros, and I am rough on screwdrivers. No luck breaking them or hurting any of the tips yet.

also, the Pros are blue colored when they are Phillips - the one you broke is just their 99 cent ones.

 

[Kracin]

OH NO, a tool broke... somebody call HF customer service and demand a 25% off coupon.


but really though, it was a cheap screwdriver, if it lasted a year its probably fine. you can pick up a set of screwdrivers for free when you buy anything in the store. so go buy 6 more replacements for .50 next chance you get.

 

[Scimmia]

I think everyone here knows that the large majority of stuff at HF is total ****, and the screwdrivers are no exception. There are some good ones, the one you broke is not one of them. Pretty simple.

 

[HaroRider]

I have a lot of HF, but my go to screwdriver set is Snap On..then craftsman no HF screwdrivers for me.

 

[bcradio]

My Pitt Pro screwdrivers have been very durable so far. I just personally don't like the way they fit screw heads (Phillips that is). They seem very loose fitting compared to my others.

 

[kctyphoon]

You can easily tell the people that badmouth the pittsburg pro screwdrivers have never even tried them.... Nobody is calling them snap on quality, but when independent websites and or magazine test them and rate them better then some other well known brands, maybe it's worth trying. I mean really - if your willing to spend over $100 on snap on's why not spend $8 and see for yourself before posting "they are junk".. Half the people I work with almost specialize in breaking parts off boom trucks and digger derricks that cost $200,000.. Are the trucks junk too, or is it user error trying to make them do things beyond what they are made for? Maybe next time realize it's a $1 or $2 screw driver and put the wrench on it first? Had you done that you would have wrote a post saying "wow, I had a screw so tight I needed a wrench to turn the screwdriver after i hammered it in, and the damn thing worked"

 

[Kracin]

You can easily tell the people that badmouth the pittsburg pro screwdrivers have never even tried them.... Nobody is calling them snap on quality, but when independent websites and or magazine test them and rate them better then some other well known brands, maybe it's worth trying. I mean really - if your willing to spend over $100 on snap on's why not spend $8 and see for yourself before posting "they are junk".. Half the people I work with almost specialize in breaking parts off boom trucks and digger derricks that cost $200,000.. Are the trucks junk too, or is it user error trying to make them do things beyond what they are made for?

you tellin me that all those forklifts with bent forks weren't factory defects cause the guy driving it said he literally "didn't hit nuffin at all"...?

 

[kctyphoon]

So there's your set, 22 pieces for $13.. Minus 25% puts the cost about $10. So congrats - your badmouthing something that cost about 50 cents.. Call the better business bureau..

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

You can easily tell the people that badmouth the pittsburg pro screwdrivers have never even tried them.... Nobody is calling them snap on quality, but when independent websites and or magazine test them and rate them better then some other well known brands, maybe it's worth trying. I mean really - if your willing to spend over $100 on snap on's why not spend $8 and see for yourself before posting "they are junk".. Half the people I work with almost specialize in breaking parts off boom trucks and digger derricks that cost $200,000.. Are the trucks junk too, or is it user error trying to make them do things beyond what they are made for? Maybe next time realize it's a $1 or $2 screw driver and put the wrench on it first? Had you done that you would have wrote a post saying "wow, I had a screw so tight I needed a wrench to turn the screwdriver after i hammered it in, and the damn thing worked"

Just curious, how do you put a wrench on a Philips button head fastener?

 

[tweedlestan]

Just curious, how do you put a wrench on a Philips button head fastener?

Just curious, did you read his post?

 

[retDAC]

Just curious, how do you put a wrench on a Philips button head fastener?

Look at the pic in post #1. You would actually put a wrench on the hex bolster.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just curious, how do you put a wrench on a Philips button head fastener?

Yea the shank of the screw driver has a hex head right below the handle. Many of them do this, so you can apply extra torque to the shank without putting something (like a strap wrench or channel locks) on the handle.. I can't speak for the higher end driver like Snap On and MAC since I don't own them, but most screwdrivers just have a small blade that is pressed into the handle to apply torque, and the hex is there on the shank for that specefic reason..

Let me be clear though - im not saying the screwdriver should have broken. What im saying is - screwdrivers break, especially when your applying massive force to the handle of a 50 cent one.. So if he intends on using cheaper driver (like many of us here do) he needs to realize that, and take the precautions to keep them from breaking.. Call me crazy, but I'm actually a bit impressed the tip didn't break before the handle.. It's usually the other way around - so if he were to try again, using the wrench first - he would still have the screwdriver..

It's either that, or pony up for more expensive drivers.. But even that is no guarantee it wouldn't happen the same way.

 

[kctyphoon]

For your reading pleasure:

http://www.truckinweb.com/editorial/1303tr_ultimate_screwdriver_shootout_truckin_tough/viewall.html

Edit: and not to keep beating a dead horse, but you can obviously tell the handle is well worn, however if you zoom in on the tip of the screwdriver in his picture, it's in great shape considering the overall condition of the screwdriver. Can anyone really argue that's not worth the price?

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Just curious, did you read his post?

Look at the pic in post #1. You would actually put a wrench on the hex bolster.

Yea the shank of the screw driver has a hex head right below the handle. Many of them do this, so you can apply extra torque to the shank without putting something (like a strap wrench or channel locks) on the handle.. I can't speak for the higher end driver like Snap On and MAC since I don't own them, but most screwdrivers just have a small blade that is pressed into the handle to apply torque, and the hex is there on the shank for that specefic reason..

Let me be clear though - im not saying the screwdriver should have broken. What im saying is - screwdrivers break, especially when your applying massive force to the handle of a 50 cent one.. So if he intends on using cheaper driver (like many of us here do) he needs to realize that, and take the precautions to keep them from breaking.. Call me crazy, but I'm actually a bit impressed the tip didn't break before the handle.. It's usually the other way around - so if he were to try again, using the wrench first - he would still have the screwdriver..

It's either that, or pony up for more expensive drivers.. But even that is no guarantee it wouldn't happen the same way.

ahhh I see what you meant now, my apologies I misunderstood

 

[TheGrooveking]

You brute....

TheGrooveking

 

[Kracin]

For your reading pleasure:

http://www.truckinweb.com/editorial/1303tr_ultimate_screwdriver_shootout_truckin_tough/viewall.html

Edit: and not to keep beating a dead horse, but you can obviously tell the handle is well worn, however if you zoom in on the tip of the screwdriver in his picture, it's in great shape considering the overall condition of the screwdriver. Can anyone really argue that's not worth the price?

that review is odd, they said wera has no lifetime warranty... but they do have lifetime warranty against defects, and will replace anything that is broken during normal use. and they said they didn't have much variety, but i think wera offers a crapload of sizing and variety when looking at the others they compared to.

 

[Danglerb]

I wonder if somebody didn't use a hammer on that screwdriver in the past, would get that sort of damage started by bashing the handle into the shank.

Funny, I've never really considered "buying" a HF screwdriver, not with the free sets, but most of the time if I think about it I use a Snapon hard handle.

 

[GTO]

You can blow all the smoke you want about HF screwdrivers,they **** now always will ****.Not worth my time to drive to HF to buy them.
And yes I have tried them in the past.A former boss thought he would save some money onetime. Lol

 

[FriendOfYours]

You can blow all the smoke you want about HF screwdrivers,they **** now always will ****.Not worth my time to drive to HF to buy them.
And yes I have tried them in the past.A former boss thought he would save some money onetime. Lol

I've used my current set of Pittsburgh Pros for over a year now, every day, and very hard. All three guys in my shop use them as well.

My favorite set are my Wiha soft finish with striking caps. The tips on the P Pros are just as good. They last a loooong time. 8 bucks for a set? Hell ya. I've owned Wiha, Wera, Felo, PB Swiss, Snappy, Cman and Matco/Armstrong. The P Pros are great drivers

 

[panknuckshovel]

At least you know what to get him for christmas. You can even get him an "upgrade".

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/33-pc-comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-61255.html

 

[gungatim]

looks like a perfect opportunity to grab a piece of figured wood and turn a new handle. I have made several screwdriver handles for similar screwdriver shanks and given them as gifts...one of my favorites is made from the cheapo dollar screwdriver handles that come with the 2 interchangable tips. Pop off the ugly neon plastic handle and turn something nice from a piece of firewood on the lathe, add some copper or brass for a ferrule and voila!

 

[bczygan]

I love these threads.

They ****.

Do not.

****.

Best ever.

Neener neener.


No actual scientific testing.

Usually most of the people posting have never owned or used the item.

So what fun is it to read a thread like this?

First, it informs that all tools can be broken.

Second, it shows that there are lots of choices for tools at most any price point.

I can only report my own experience.

And I must qualify it.

I have never owned or used SO or Wera or any of the other expensive screwdrivers.

So I have no benchmark to compare against.

And any evidence I give is anecdotal at best.

I use Craftsman or Kobalt or any cheap screwdriver that comes to hand for general around the house work. They all work OK as long as I choose the right one for the job.

Most often I will use the free HF ones because I have them everywhere.

The other day I had a screw in a plastic anchor that was too tightly secured. Tried the HF thru bolster ones and a wrench. Leaned against the end with my body. It got them out when no amount of hand force on a regular one would do the job. Screws were those darned phillips ones.

Another instance of the right tool solving a problem.

If someone provides me a tool that does the job I need accomplished, and does so for a price, that's great. If they can make it a work of art as well, and do that at a cost I can justify, I'll get that too.

Tool arguments are kind of funny.

I'm just glad we have all these choices.

 

[Tronyadorable]

My dad is proud of his Pittsburgh PRO tools, he could easily buy any tool he wants, but he likes to buy cheap stuff. I guess it gives him something to do when they break.

In that case he could buy Chopfuo and fly to Laos every time one breaks.
Talk about having something to do !

 

[Jsf721]

I have a set of fellow that I got after I already owned the Pits Pros. Both still going strong. I don't lend out my better tools as I have learned the hard way. Some of the HF stuff is OK for my own use. The total **** I have gotten, I have returned or thrown out.

Mainly the 7 volt cordless screw gun. Only good for near zero tork.

 

[Strouty]

My point for this thread was to show the carnage. I had never, ever seen a screwdriver fail like this and I thought others would get a kick out of it.

KCTYPHOON did you even read my post? I do not, nor will I ever own any Pittsburgh PRO screwdrivers. I never expected anything out of these tools, they are not mine. All of the carnage was done with one hand in a twisting motion.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

 

[GTO]

I love these threads.

They ****.

Do not.

****.

Best ever.

Neener neener.


No actual scientific testing.

Usually most of the people posting have never owned or used the item.

So what fun is it to read a thread like this?

First, it informs that all tools can be broken.

Second, it shows that there are lots of choices for tools at most any price point.

I can only report my own experience.

And I must qualify it.

I have never owned or used SO or Wera or any of the other expensive screwdrivers.

So I have no benchmark to compare against.

And any evidence I give is anecdotal at best.

I use Craftsman or Kobalt or any cheap screwdriver that comes to hand for general around the house work. They all work OK as long as I choose the right one for the job.

Most often I will use the free HF ones because I have them everywhere.

The other day I had a screw in a plastic anchor that was too tightly secured. Tried the HF thru bolster ones and a wrench. Leaned against the end with my body. It got them out when no amount of hand force on a regular one would do the job. Screws were those darned phillips ones.

Another instance of the right tool solving a problem.

If someone provides me a tool that does the job I need accomplished, and does so for a price, that's great. If they can make it a work of art as well, and do that at a cost I can justify, I'll get that too.

Tool arguments are kind of funny.

I'm just glad we have all these choices.

See post #30,yes they **** and always will.Yes I have used them before(read post#30) and they have fallen apart in my hands before.

 

[Brownsfan]

I seriously love the HF fans. If one of their tools fail you obviously used it wrong. But if a similar thread is made about a more expensive higher quality tool they come out in droves bashing said tool and company. Then proceed try and shame the poster for buying expensive tools.that fail and should have opted for a cheap hf version because they are better for the money. The HF fans are beginning to be as bad.or worse than the snap on uber fans. I own a bunch of snap on and Craftsman and many other brands. I buy what works for me. I own some HF stuff too so im not biased to any brand.