Help Choose Precision Screwdriver Set!!

[Stuey]

Okay, so I'm looking to upgrade my precision screwdriver set. Right now I have a cheapo set from Radio Shack, and a few loose drivers, but I want a semi-complete or complete set.

I narrowed it down to the following brands:

Wiha
Felo
Witte

I like Wiha, but their selection is a bit overwhelming. My options are either a 8 pc set for $25 (including 000, 00, 0, 1 philips, and 1.0 2.0, 3.0, 4.0mm slotted in a tool roll) or a 6 pc slotted (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0mm) + 4pc philips (000, 00, 0, 1) for about $3 more.

There's also Felo, but I'm not so sure about whether they're a better choice that Wiha.

Then, there's Witte. I've never used Witte before, and while I know they're reputable, I'm having trouble sourcing a set. These seem to be much costlier than both Wiha and Felo put together.

If you don't like the options in the poll, please feel free to offer other brands/sets/recommendations.

Interchangeable drivers are not out of the question, but I prefer standalone drivers.

 

[Merkava_4]

Make sure it's got the little cap that spins on top for resting your index finger; very importante'.

 

[Stuey]

They all have free spinning caps.

ARGH! I've now added SK and Eklind to my considerations!

Eklind
SK

Help!

 

[billymade]

I like my Wiha's but you left out the most ergonomic, easiest to grip brands out there.... WERA's!

Wera Kraftform Micro Screwdriver

http://www.powertool-box.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=20
http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?ID=122508276216&HTML=wera_en_2.htm

 

[Merkava_4]

Hey you know, I think I got one on file, I'll be right back.

 

[Merkava_4]

Here you go.

 

[Danglerb]

I'd just wait for the fall sales to kick in and buy something nice and cheap.

The spinning cap isn't to rest your finger, its for the ball of the knuckle on your palm, pressure and control.

 

[billymade]

No offense but I wouldn't recommend the Craftsman precision screwdrivers...

 

[Merkava_4]

No offense but I wouldn't recommend the Craftsman precision screwdrivers...

I haven't been able to find any for a long time; the ones I do have though, fit the screw real well.

 

[Stuey]

I have a few Craftsman hex drivers - they ****. I haven't used them since purchasing Bondhus ones.

Hmm, Wera, eh? Are there any major reputable retailers that carry their sets?

 

[Merkava_4]

I have a few Craftsman hex drivers - they ****.

Why?

 

[garfunkle24]

Hmm, Wera, eh? Are there any major reputable retailers that carry their sets?

Here you go:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14094

That's the set I have and I really like them.

 

[joenero]

I've broken the c-mans quite easily at the plastic piece that the metal shank goes into. Definitely unimpressed, would not recommend for any type of regular use.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking the C-MANs I have are made by a different company than whoever is making them now, because they're sweet.

 

[Stuey]

Craftsman's "precision" drivers' shaft bends, and the spinning top is/was very clunky.

Any other retailer besides chads? Given what I've heard about them, I'd rather shop elsewhere, or the time being at least.

 

[billymade]

I'm not familiar with this company but they do have them.... http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=51993

 

[Stuey]

I saw that vendor via google as well. If it's a choice between unknown vendor and a brand/retailer I know, I'd probably just go that route. Plus, if it's via Amazon or Sears, I could use a credit card reward gift card rather than cash.

Another problem is that I don't want to place an order only to find out that the set will only be shipped after first being ordered from Wera by the retailer.

 

[billymade]

In that case, you probably should call ahead and see if they have "stock on hand" before ordering...
You might email them and see if there are some other dist. or online vendors we are missing.....

Wera Tools Inc.
3-730 South Service Rd., Stoney Creek, Ontario
Canada, L8E-5S7

Tel.: +1 (0)905 - 643 - 66 00
Fax: +1 (0)905 - 643 - 66 04
E-Mail:
[email protected]

 

[Danglerb]

Do you just want some little screwdrivers, or do you have a specific application?

Watches and guns for example have special screwdriver sets.

These are nice ...
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/productdetail.aspx?p=509

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=439523

http://www.tztoolshop.com/FB_Catalog_Screwdrivers.html

 

[Merkava_4]

Craftsman's "precision" drivers' shaft bends, and the spinning top is/was very clunky.

I went out and looked at mine again; they don't match the description you describe. Believe me, if there was something wrong with a Craftsman product, I'd be the first to let you know.

 

[joenero]

Same style of the ones you posted the picture of?
Use them, don't abuse them, but actually just give them some frequent/regular use. I can tell you that anyone that does work with small electronics for a living would probably consider those to be junk. I don't usually rag on c-man too much, but this is one product that isn't fit to be considered "professional."

Actually, I had an example of a broken one on hand. Keep in mind the one that broke was a small flat tip that's soul purpose was to remove dirt from under my fingernails. It broke doing that, which is hardly what I consider to be abuse. Yeah the camera phone stinks.

 

[eschoendorff]

I went out and looked at mine again; they don't match the description you describe. Believe me, if there was something wrong with a Craftsman product, I'd be the first to let you know.

That's actually true folks. Really.


As far as precision screwdrivers... if I were in the market I would definitely check out PB Swiss:

http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/category/electronics-screwdrivers-precision-screwdrivers?

 

[Stuey]

Nope, no specific demands, I'm just looking to upgrade and have a decent set on hand for future needs.

I actually did check out PB Tools' offerings, and I'm not too impressed with the driver designs. I did find 4 piece sets for $12 or so, one without spin caps, and the other an ESD dissipating set with spin caps. I figure I may get one of those sets to complement whatever other sets I purchase.

Another one of my goals is to try out different brands. I don't have any Witte, Wera, or Felo tools, so if I try one brand's precision drivers, I'll try another brand's full size ones.

I think I'm leaning towards Wiha just because I know they're reliable, and they're easiest to acquire.

 

[billymade]

If you are tending towards the Wiha line; you might want to look at the new Pico Soft Tactile Grip Screwdrivers they came out with; I think it is their attempt to have a more ergonomic style handle with improved grip and turning power. That was my main criticism of their traditional version of their screwdrivers; I work on computers quite a bit and torx screwdrivers in particular seem to come up being being tight and hard to loosen at first. The Wera have great ergonomics and turning power because of this; I can loosen every tiny torx screw with the Wera's where with other brands I cannot because I cannot grip the handle good enough. The new pico style would probably better because of this!

Pico Soft Tactile Grip Screwdrivers



http://www.wihatools.com/pro_Precision.htm
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hi?url=search-alias=tools&field-keywords=Wiha+PicoFinish&x=20&y=20

The set that I have always lusted after but never purchased; has a cool clear plastic holder to house all your "precision tools"!

Wiha Master Tech Bench Top 50 piece Racks
50 Precision Repair Tools In a Plexiglas Bench top Storage Rack "Work Station Ready"
http://www.wihatools.com/900seri/92190Rack.htm

Tools Included
10 Slotted
4 Phillips
10 Nut Drivers
10 Torx Drivers
6 Metric Hex
10 Inch Hex
1 Chip Lifter

 

[Stuey]

I saw the picofinish set - they have an 8 piece set for $27, not too bad. Decisions, decisions!!

 

[nordstar]

I love my Whia's. I am a PC/electronics repair tech among other things. I first bought the Whia 6 piece set half common half Phillips. Then I bought a torx 15 and a 1/4" nut driver. They are really high quality and feel like they can take a bit of torque. I plan on buying more of their stuff. I haven't had a chance to try any of the other options out there except for the junk.
________
Expert insurance

 

[MAD]

I went out and looked at mine again; they don't match the description you describe. Believe me, if there was something wrong with a Craftsman product, I'd be the first to let you know.

I do not know who made those Craftsman Professional precision screwdrivers but they are definitely different than the ones Sears has now and are made by General. The Pro ones were longer and the tips were not chromed. The handle was the same style but they were better. I don't think they sell them anymore.

 

[MAD]

Moody precision screwdrivers are supposed to be good. I do not have any though.
http://www.moodytools.com/

 

[Merkava_4]

I do not know who made those Craftsman Professional precision screwdrivers but they are definitely different than the ones Sears has now and are made by General. The Pro ones were longer and the tips were not chromed. The handle was the same style but they were better. I don't think they sell them anymore.

Now that matches the description! I have a strong suspicion that the older screwdrivers like the ones I have were made by Wiha. I'm gonna be loading some pictures of them later on; stay tuned.

 

[Merkava_4]

 

[billymade]

Merk, seeing how you are willing to buy killer Snapon tools; you really should "treat" youself to a set of Wiha's or Wera's; you of all people should be able to appreciate the kraut goodness that these brands offer....

http://www.wihatools.com/200seri/266sets.htm
http://www.wihatools.com/200seri/267pico.htm

 

[autoace]

The WERA's look good, but I have not used them before, I like the Wiha ones I bought, you cannot go wrong with the Wiha brand. I'm assuming the Wera's are USA or German??I'm on a quest to abolish Asian fare masked as high end, so the Wera's may be a qreat choice if they are USA or German, but I wouldn't buy them if they we from any place else.

 

[Pedro-snapon]

http://image.snapon.com/sotin/pdf/sgde70.pdf

snappy?

 

[Stuey]

http://image.snapon.com/sotin/pdf/sgde70.pdf

snappy?

For that price, one can get a Wiha and Wera set!

 

[Tallboy]

I've been in the market for a couple sets of precision tools - one to keep at home and one to keep in the office toolbox.

Anyone have any knowledge of Aven tools? I've seen them when searching MSC's catalog.

This 15 piece set goes for around $65:

 

[Stuey]

I've been in the market for a couple sets of precision tools - one to keep at home and one to keep in the office toolbox.

Anyone have any knowledge of Aven tools? I've seen them when searching MSC's catalog.

This 15 piece set goes for around $65:

I won't buy Aven tools until I can find solid reviews of their products. I've seen some of their tools in person, and noted that they were made in Pakistan and seemed to be ofdecent build quality, but I haven't used them and wouldn't spend personal cash on them if other quality alternatives are available.

Plus, I'm not a fan of Aven due to their vague labeling practices.

LINK

They throw "USA" into some product numbers, but don't mention exact country of origin.

 

[Tallboy]

I won't buy Aven tools until I can find solid reviews of their products. I've seen some of their tools in person, and noted that they were made in Pakistan and seemed to be ofdecent build quality, but I haven't used them and wouldn't spend personal cash on them if other quality alternatives are available.

Plus, I'm not a fan of Aven due to their vague labeling practices.

LINK

They throw "USA" into some product numbers, but don't mention exact country of origin.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

I've looked and have yet to come across a decent US or German made kit similar to the one above - with an assortment of pliers and screwdrivers, but will keep looking. Grainger peddles one by Westward, but I am unfamiliar with them as well.

 

[billymade]

autoace, Wiha and Wera are both genuine German made quality tools (both brands of which I own and use; they are awesome!); you will not disappointed with the precision, quality and performance of these brands!
http://www.wihatools.com/
http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?ID=122522645917&HTML=wera_en_2.html&LANG=EN

 

[Speed-Racer]

Twenty years from now, which company will provide a free replacement for a broken tip? Even thought I really dislike the funny handles they have on the current full size screwdrivers and ratchets, my money would be spend on the Snap-on. If the price is about the same, I bet the Snap-on will be a better choice for quality and to warranty/service the product in the future.

What brand will retain the most resale value?

Good luck

 

[billymade]

I wonder who the OEM is for the Snapon screwdrivers; says that are made in Spain! Who makes screwdrivers in Spain?