Help Choose Precision Screwdriver Set!!

[Merkava_4]

Merk, seeing how you are willing to buy killer Snap-on tools; you really should "treat" yourself 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....

Does that screwdriver of mine look anything like the new Craftsman drivers in the store?

Do the new drivers have the long blades?

Do the new drivers come in colors?

Do the new drivers have vapor blasted tips?

Back when I got mine, they were only available in black. I'm thinking mine are made by a different company than the new ones are now.

 

[billymade]

http://www.generaltools.com/Departments/Screwdrivers.aspx
They don't sell yours anymore; they were identical to the models that general tool sells. I don't know who their OEM is or was but those screwdrivers are history at Sears... the ones they sell now are an embarrassment, IMHO.. They look similar but the quality isn't there; they either changed OEMs or the the quality went down or something.... hell, the "better" ones weren't that great to begin with! I ended up buying pretty much all the precision screwdrivers that Sears sold at one point, then I tried to use them: the machining on the tips was poor (would not grip/hold fasteners), the metal was soft and the handles didn't grip well; I returned all of them for a refund (back when there was the open ended satisfaction warranty, pre-kmart era) and ordered my Wera's! I was not dissappointed! I recommend for precision screwdrivers... German goodness all the way!

 

[Brookesy]

Well don't know about you guys but i got myself these.

 

[Merkava_4]

They don't sell yours anymore; they were identical to the models that general tool sells. I don't know who their OEM is or was but those screwdrivers are history at Sears... the ones they sell now are an embarrassment, IMHO.. They look similar but the quality isn't there; they either changed OEMs or the the quality went down or something....

Yeah, back when I got mine, they all had the long blades with the blasted tips. I haven't gotten anymore because the new ones at Sears all have short blades and chromed tips. I got all mine from Orchard's Supply Hardware.

I've got just one Wiha screwdriver; it's a Phillips #00 for my little remote control car.

 

[Frank Elson]

I reckon mine are 20 plus years old.
Brass handles an'all.
Dunno who made them, as usual.

 

[Stuey]

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

Twenty years from now? Heck, I cannot even imagine how many more brands I'm going to try in the next 20 years! Since I'm not a pro, S-O would require me to mail the tool back for warranty anyways.

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

Maybe Bahco? I believe they're under the S-O umbrella though, so technically S-O would be their own OEM. I cannot seem to find much info on Bahco precision drivers, so maybe it's not them. How many companies manufacture in Spain, though?

 

[Pedro-snapon]

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

67.25 doesn't sount that bad to me ... but then again i don't know the prices of a wiha or wera set....

Well don't know about you guys but i got myself these.

those are made by sir... didn't even know we had it with the bluepoint name... I have had huge successes with these and my customers... they are very very durable

 

[vssjim]

I haven't had any trouble from the craftsman pros I have had for years but if I was going to choose between the above trhee it woulf be Witte or Whia both are good choices.
I not going to buy the Blue Point stuff, no thanks.

 

[MAD]

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

Acesa is part of Snap-on and they make the Blue Point screwdrivers in Spain. They would be my guess.

http://www.acesa.net/ingles/index.htm

 

[Vinko]

A few years ago, I bought some basic Wiha (red cap) off an Ebay seller who has a lot of Wiha kit. Torx, phillips, slotted. Have used them for electronics, small machinery, and eyeglasses. They're good for me. But those Wera look nice too.

I remember the old Radio Shack brand from the 70's.

 

[eschoendorff]

Well don't know about you guys but i got myself these.

Damn.. that set don't look half-bad. Actually, it looks like it would be a joy to use.

 

[Stuey]

Damn.. that set don't look half-bad. Actually, it looks like it would be a joy to use.

It does look kind of interesting. The only thing is, when I google "blue point precision screwdriver set" I get this thread as the #1 hit. I'll dig it up on S-O's site later. I think I'm still leaning heavily on the W brands, but I still cannot find a comfortable source for the Wera Kraftforms.

 

[Merkava_4]

It does look kind of interesting. The only thing is, when I google "blue point precision screwdriver set" I get this thread as the #1 hit.

That be the boomerang effect.

 

[Flash21]

It does look kind of interesting. The only thing is, when I google "blue point precision screwdriver set" I get this thread as the #1 hit. I'll dig it up on S-O's site later. I think I'm still leaning heavily on the W brands, but I still cannot find a comfortable source for the Wera Kraftforms.

Once you dig it up, please share the link!

 

[garfunkle24]

It does look kind of interesting. The only thing is, when I google "blue point precision screwdriver set" I get this thread as the #1 hit. I'll dig it up on S-O's site later. I think I'm still leaning heavily on the W brands, but I still cannot find a comfortable source for the Wera Kraftforms.

At the bottom of this page: http://www.sourceesb.com/Distributors/Wera-Tools.asp there is a link to another U.S Wera supplier. It links to http://www.iisusa.com. I had a hard finding Wera on there, but maybe try calling them?

I bought them locally at "House of Tools", but it seems this is a Canadian chain only. Maybe they would ship to you?

Edit: Also, how about this link: http://www.powertool-box.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=20

 

[joenero]

Just recently got a Snappy 7 piece precision set. Old style! They say made in the USA on the package so I'm happy! Only downside is the Philips only goes down to #00 which isn't too good for some really small electronics.

 

[Stuey]

Darn it, reviving this thread set me on the hunt for Wera again.

 

[shaunwhite11188]

from my person view dont waste your time with anytihng other tan ck i saw a review on GJ and everyone said they where the best one guy said they did a test at his work and ck came 2 but the first place winner was very hard to find and snap on came 4-5 i tihnk thats the right info they should last you a lifetime

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

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]

Let me know if anyone needs me to go pick up something and ship... I live 20 minutes from here

 

[garfunkle24]

Darn it, reviving this thread set me on the hunt for Wera again.

Stuey,

Try this

1. Go to this link: http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?ID=122698012512&HTML=wera_contact/repres_us.html&CATEGORY=CONT_VERT

2. Click "USA" on the left

3. Choose your state

4. Google the distributors

Not sure if you've been there already, but worh a try.

 

[Stuey]

garfunkle, your link's broken.

I checked the dealer locater again, and don't like the results. I'll likely order from an industrial supplier when I have the chance.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=4371177&PMT4NO=53786027

 

[FNFS2000]

my favorite drivers are from WERA, I got my last set here.

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14095

I had a bunch of stuff(over 50 odd and end bits and drivers) ordered at the same time, most of it was here in about 4 days. The rest took almost 3 weeks. I selected the option in checkout for split shipping, but they never charged me for the split shipment apologizing that it took so long for the last items to be "replenished by the factory" In the mean time I saw a lower price on something that was on sale at amazon, I emailed the link to it to them and they adjusted my order. I checked back a bit later and they changed the store price on it as well.

 

[superautobacs]

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

Acesa is part of Snap-on and they make the Blue Point screwdrivers in Spain. They would be my guess.

http://www.acesa.net/ingles/index.htm

MAD, it appears like Acesa could be the OEM for Snap-on/Craftsman's ratcheting screwdriver as well.

Here's two more manufactures in Spain that produce screwdrivers:
http://www.irazola.es/ingles/empresa.html
http://www.egamaster.com/


Stuey, have you decided on a set for yourself? I've been eyeing on the Wera set for some time now...and if I do get them, I'll want to make sure that I get the German made ones, before they get replaced by Czech made ones.

 

[FNFS2000]

WERA is definitely the way to go, I just got a set of these from the overstock sale at ChadsToolbox, they are an additional 5% off right now.

 

[Stuey]

Stuey, have you decided on a set for yourself? I've been eyeing on the Wera set for some time now...and if I do get them, I'll want to make sure that I get the German made ones, before they get replaced by Czech made ones.

I have a set of Wittes and Wihas that I picked up and have been putting through their paces.

I might pick up a set of the Weras if Small Parts ever carries them again - they've been on backorder since early December.

From what I can tell, the Wihas are good enough that I have no need for anything "better."

 

[FNFS2000]

whats small parts?

Chads has them, and apparently a bunch of them, they have been in their overstock sale for a couple weeks.

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=ADVSEARCH&Page=1&txtSearchAllWords=WERA+2035&txtSearchExactPhrase=&txtSearchWithOneOfTheWords=&txtSearchWithoutTheWords=&intLowestRating=0&lngLookinCategoryID=620&txtSortOrder=1&intResults=25&btnSearch=Search&AdvSearchAction=GOFETCH

 

[Stuey]

whats small parts?

Chads has them, and apparently a bunch of them, they have been in their overstock sale for a couple weeks.

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=ADVSEARCH&Page=1&txtSearchAllWords=WERA+2035&txtSearchExactPhrase=&txtSearchWithOneOfTheWords=&txtSearchWithoutTheWords=&intLowestRating=0&lngLookinCategoryID=620&txtSortOrder=1&intResults=25&btnSearch=Search&AdvSearchAction=GOFETCH

Yes, but since I don't need them, I'd rather wait. Small Parts is a vendor that sells independently and through Amazon. If I recall correctly, they were $20 back when they were in stock. That's $20 no tax, free shipping. Chad's charges shipping.

Under MSC's currentl sale, they're $21 or so, but I'd rather not have to pay tax and shipping. Plus, I'm also eager to give the Kraftform 300 series a try. I also want the Kompakt 25 for review purposes.

Plus I have credit card reward points that I can redeem for Amazon gift cards. In other words, buying through Small Parts will result in zero out-of-pocket costs, or lowest if I pay with cash instead of gift cards.

Plus, I basically want them for review purposes at this point. Since it's a "want" and not a "need", I'm willing to wait for lower prices.

I'll keep your mention of Chad's in mind though, and will check back there in the future if my desire to purchase the Wera set escalates further.

 

[NugeConstruction]

Sounds good, garfunkle24; I however see no links on that page to USA or to any state.

 

[FNFS2000]

Chads has them, and warehouses some in Wasilla(near you I think in Palins town) a lot of product i order from chadstoolbox comes from there. But I'd be concerned about country of origin now like Stuey was talking about... The PDF says all new production is from Czech republic.

 

[Flash21]

I have a set of Wittes and Wihas that I picked up and have been putting through their paces.

I might pick up a set of the Weras if Small Parts ever carries them again - they've been on backorder since early December.

From what I can tell, the Wihas are good enough that I have no need for anything "better."

Stuey - Can we expect a review of the Wittes vs Wiha on the ToolGuyd? (Did you ever pick up the Weras?)

Looking to get some...Thanks

 

[Vinko]

I just bought 2 mini drivers off of S/O. There were a tray of old mini-hardhandles in one of the drawers, and I got a 0 and a 00 blade to fit into handles the size of mini picks. Can't beat that handle

 

[Stuey]

Stuey - Can we expect a review of the Wittes vs Wiha on the ToolGuyd? (Did you ever pick up the Weras?)

Looking to get some...Thanks

You know, I keep adding a set of the Wera Micros to my cart, but can never quite justify buying a set. It just seems wrong seeing how many sets I already own. One of these days I'll spring for it.

To be honest, I did not get to review the Wittes and compare them to the Wiha yet. The Witte set is still in its clamshell packaging.

Informally, I'd say go for the Wihas. They're more affordable, and come in enough styles and sizes to keep an OCD buyer busy for a while. I actually started using the "pico" Wiha drivers, and I do like them, but Wiha's classic hard plastic handles are more economical and easier to find.

A comparison won't be in the works until I can put three or four styles together. I'll tell you now, though, my bias will be for Wiha.

 

[posaune]

I read through a lot of this thread because I am sort of looking for some micro drivers as well. I've had a Felo set in my Amazon wishlist for years, but for some reason they never make it to the cart...

Stuey, I'm not sure if you've gotten any info since the earlier posts, but I can vouch for Jamestown Distributors. They sell a lot of boat stuff, and my Dad and I get most of our materials through them.

 

[Stuey]

I read through a lot of this thread because I am sort of looking for some micro drivers as well. I've had a Felo set in my Amazon wishlist for years, but for some reason they never make it to the cart...

Stuey, I'm not sure if you've gotten any info since the earlier posts, but I can vouch for Jamestown Distributors. They sell a lot of boat stuff, and my Dad and I get most of our materials through them.

Thanks for the comment on Jamestown. I'll definitely keep that info in mind for the future. I did receive a catalog from them a while back, and it gave me somewhat of a positive impresssion of them.

 

[Flash21]

You know, I keep adding a set of the Wera Micros to my cart, but can never quite justify buying a set. It just seems wrong seeing how many sets I already own. One of these days I'll spring for it.

To be honest, I did not get to review the Wittes and compare them to the Wiha yet. The Witte set is still in its clamshell packaging.

Informally, I'd say go for the Wihas. They're more affordable, and come in enough styles and sizes to keep an OCD buyer busy for a while. I actually started using the "pico" Wiha drivers, and I do like them, but Wiha's classic hard plastic handles are more economical and easier to find.

A comparison won't be in the works until I can put three or four styles together. I'll tell you now, though, my bias will be for Wiha.

Do you have a Wiha classic hard plastic handle and "pico" driver that you could take a picture together to show the differences?

 

[tw33k2514]

You should try the SK's. They are no wiha or wera, but for what you pay they are great.

 

[Stuey]

Do you have a Wiha classic hard plastic handle and "pico" driver that you could take a picture together to show the differences?

Sure thing.

Note: I know the pics stink, but it's the best I can do on short notice. I can take better ones, but it'll be a few days until I'll have the time to set things up for product photos.

Anyhow, the Picofinish is longer, wider at the palm/finger spinner endcap, and the texture is a bit grippier. The difference in texture is somewhat subtle, though. The main selling point about the Picofinish is its ergonomics. It's not 10000% better, but it is nice.

Lastly, I gave in an ordered the Wera Micro set as well.

 

[Stuey]

You should try the SK's. They are no wiha or wera, but for what you pay they are great.

How much does an SK set go for? From what I've seen, they're comparable in price to Wiha and Wera.

 

[tw33k2514]

How much does an SK set go for? From what I've seen, they're comparable in price to Wiha and Wera.

$18.62 plus shipping of course.

I can take some detailed pictures if you would like.

 

[billymade]

Ahh, so the pico isn't actually a rubbery/grippy surface but just a different shape! They do look like they will have better turning power, however! I think you will find that Wera's are best ergonomic precision screwdrivers made! End of story! I am looking forward to hearing what your evaluation of them will be...