How do Vessel Screwdrivers compare to Snap-on ?
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Sort of apples and oranges. Snap on doesn't sell JIS drivers to my knowledge.
Jeff
Well-known member
The only handles close to SnapOn would be Vessel's Megadora line.
www.vesseltoolsusa.com
Screwdrivers | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
Andres26tnt
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much better, in my opinion, the selection alone is better. The megadora for example has a great handle is true JIS and the quality is top.
I haven’t seen side by side testing, if that’s what you are after. I did watch the PF YouTube. Vessel didn’t show particularly well in his tests. Kinda close to Klein. PB Swiss was a top performer.
I would expect Snap On to perform closely to PB Swiss, but I have no evidence.
My advice is to ask yourself what you are looking to do. The torque transfer advantages of an instinct handle are real. If you are cracking stuff loose or torquing stuff down, instinct would be my first choice.
For household work, carpentry, electrical, I like rounder handles and I find US made Klein to be just fine. I was a little surprised by the PF results that showed the Klein straight screwdrivers pretty thin. (I always think the euro screwdrivers have thinner straight screwdrivers). If this is what you are after, I’m sure you’d be fine with Vessel. But PBswiss are probably better screwdrivers.
Snap On hard handles are kind of a mid point between round handled screwdrivers and instincts. I’ve been using HH snappies for probably 30 yrs and they’ve been absolutely great. But if you were installing electrical outlets, I think the SO hard handle style would just be too slow.
You didn’t ask, but I’ll just throw in ratcheting screwdrivers. I have one in my junk drawer. It’s a lot of capability in a small convenient package (because of the interchangeable tips). The ratcheting action compensates for the instinct handle shape, adding speed, to an otherwise slower handle. That said, I think ratcheting screwdrivers take some getting used to. My favorite is actually not the instinct, but the snap on soft grip stubby.
I would expect Snap On to perform closely to PB Swiss, but I have no evidence.
My advice is to ask yourself what you are looking to do. The torque transfer advantages of an instinct handle are real. If you are cracking stuff loose or torquing stuff down, instinct would be my first choice.
For household work, carpentry, electrical, I like rounder handles and I find US made Klein to be just fine. I was a little surprised by the PF results that showed the Klein straight screwdrivers pretty thin. (I always think the euro screwdrivers have thinner straight screwdrivers). If this is what you are after, I’m sure you’d be fine with Vessel. But PBswiss are probably better screwdrivers.
Snap On hard handles are kind of a mid point between round handled screwdrivers and instincts. I’ve been using HH snappies for probably 30 yrs and they’ve been absolutely great. But if you were installing electrical outlets, I think the SO hard handle style would just be too slow.
You didn’t ask, but I’ll just throw in ratcheting screwdrivers. I have one in my junk drawer. It’s a lot of capability in a small convenient package (because of the interchangeable tips). The ratcheting action compensates for the instinct handle shape, adding speed, to an otherwise slower handle. That said, I think ratcheting screwdrivers take some getting used to. My favorite is actually not the instinct, but the snap on soft grip stubby.
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vpd66
Well-known member
I had Snap on screwdrivers for 30 years. Then found out about Vessel and ordered one. I liked the Vessels so much better I sold my Snap on screwdrivers and bought a complete set of Vessel Megadora screwdrivers and have never regretted it.
CGarage
Well-known member
Vessel makes amazing screwdrivers and I would not own Snap-On with Vessel being an option that is also priced correctly.
Snap-On wants ridiculous money for screwdrivers and I like the Vessel handles and tips better.
Snap-On wants ridiculous money for screwdrivers and I like the Vessel handles and tips better.
This
I have Snap on Screw drivers but no Vessel's so of course I had to wonder if they had SO beat. Had a ratcheting snappy 40 years ago but someone decided they needed it worse than I did. I suspect my oldest brother. Some people are takersOdd-job
Well-known member
The price of trying Vessel at all time low exchange rates is almost too good to pass up now. Personally the fit on the Vessel Phillips stuff is superior in most instances to Snap On/Williams. The slotted is about the same. Lot's of handle options on the Vessels. Megadoras are my favorite in #1 and #2 Phillips.
Please note I think most Japanese tools are self warrantied.
Please note I think most Japanese tools are self warrantied.
This
Not kidding this is one reason why industrial finish and the Snap-on pink colors exist.
Rabid Badger
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Project Farm's screwdriver testing was a joke. Hand-grinding flats on the shanks for tip testing? GTFOH.
I like PF but some of those tests are so unscientific it's more filler than anything.
How much torque can the open end of a combination wrench take? All the wrenches passed anything I think one would consider reasonable. Abusing tools isn't a good comparison mechanism IMO.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Since I despise the snap on instinct handle, I love vessel screwdrivers. 
It's all about what feels good in your hand when using it and durability.
It's all about what feels good in your hand when using it and durability.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I use Vessel bits in my Snap-on handles. 
Dave455
Well-known member
An important question, worthy of a considered reply!
Firstly, one has to ask which Vessel screwdrivers? Unlike Snap On, who really only market to pro’s, Vessel market to everybody. and they manufacture different grades of tool.
I’ll stick to the better ones, which for most folks probably start with the “Megadora”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the “Instinct”.
These are actually very similar tools. Both have a “multi component” handle, and when you cut through all the bull about ergonomics, both use a lower density material with an overmold, I think one can safely assume as a cost cutting measure.
I won’t rate either handle as a 10/10 as both are more prone to abrasion than I would like from a mechanics screwdriver. Both feel good in the hand however, the Snap On probably giving slightly more grip, the Vessel easier to spin. The Snap On is easier to clean.
Blade wise, the Snap On is the better quality. Obviously nicely forged with a bolster, and superbly plated, the Snap On looks like a winner before you use it. In practice I have Vessels and Snap On’s dating from the mid 80’s and the Snap On’s have lasted better.
However… the observant will notice these are both Pozidriv’s. Snap On Pozidriv’s don’t fit as well as I think they should. I always attributed this to Pozidriv being a British thing but the same applies to Vessel and they fit superbly. Vessel thus probably edge ahead for Pozidriv, and I think Phillips.
The top end Vessel’s are the “Power Grip”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the older style hard handle, which amusingly I think was also called “Powergrip” on introduction, though that seems forgotten now.
These are slightly different tools. Vessel going for a transparent cellulose acetate handle, Snap On for an opaque material that I believe to be a DuPont. Vessel also changed the blade, opting for an obviously high quality forged blade, with a satin finish.
Which is best. The Snap On. But only just. These Snap On handles are the best that has ever been put on a mechanics screwdriver. If you drop one they don’t crack or shatter, and they even polish pleasingly with a lot of use. The blades are, I think, the same as the Instinct, so can’t be faulted. I have seen these drivers take 30 years of daily use (not abuse) in the aviation industry and still be useable.
To be honest, the blades on the Vessels are superb as well. I think the Snap On are just a fraction ahead, but I’ll know better in 30 years when I have put both to comparable use! The Vessel handles are lovely too. Superb design and quality, so overall it’s a close thing.
A couple of factors to consider. Vessel and Snap On are not complete substitutes for each other. If you are using slotted drivers, Vessel are metric, Snap On are Imperial. You are better off using whatever suits the screws you use.
Some of the Vessel handles, for example this T8, get quite small.
Yes, I know you shouldn’t exert much torque with these, but my hand stays the same size whatever driver I’m using, and only Snap On seem to recognise this. Here’s their T8.
So, if we consider absolute quality, and omit “value”, the Snap On is ahead. But in reality we have to consider value. In the U.K. I can buy an 8mm Vessel Power Grip for about £7.50 (plus a bit of postage). I think a 5/16 Snap On is currently over £30. Is the Snap On better, I think so. Is it four times better, no.
Firstly, one has to ask which Vessel screwdrivers? Unlike Snap On, who really only market to pro’s, Vessel market to everybody. and they manufacture different grades of tool.
I’ll stick to the better ones, which for most folks probably start with the “Megadora”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the “Instinct”.
These are actually very similar tools. Both have a “multi component” handle, and when you cut through all the bull about ergonomics, both use a lower density material with an overmold, I think one can safely assume as a cost cutting measure.
I won’t rate either handle as a 10/10 as both are more prone to abrasion than I would like from a mechanics screwdriver. Both feel good in the hand however, the Snap On probably giving slightly more grip, the Vessel easier to spin. The Snap On is easier to clean.
Blade wise, the Snap On is the better quality. Obviously nicely forged with a bolster, and superbly plated, the Snap On looks like a winner before you use it. In practice I have Vessels and Snap On’s dating from the mid 80’s and the Snap On’s have lasted better.
However… the observant will notice these are both Pozidriv’s. Snap On Pozidriv’s don’t fit as well as I think they should. I always attributed this to Pozidriv being a British thing but the same applies to Vessel and they fit superbly. Vessel thus probably edge ahead for Pozidriv, and I think Phillips.
The top end Vessel’s are the “Power Grip”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the older style hard handle, which amusingly I think was also called “Powergrip” on introduction, though that seems forgotten now.
These are slightly different tools. Vessel going for a transparent cellulose acetate handle, Snap On for an opaque material that I believe to be a DuPont. Vessel also changed the blade, opting for an obviously high quality forged blade, with a satin finish.
Which is best. The Snap On. But only just. These Snap On handles are the best that has ever been put on a mechanics screwdriver. If you drop one they don’t crack or shatter, and they even polish pleasingly with a lot of use. The blades are, I think, the same as the Instinct, so can’t be faulted. I have seen these drivers take 30 years of daily use (not abuse) in the aviation industry and still be useable.
To be honest, the blades on the Vessels are superb as well. I think the Snap On are just a fraction ahead, but I’ll know better in 30 years when I have put both to comparable use! The Vessel handles are lovely too. Superb design and quality, so overall it’s a close thing.
A couple of factors to consider. Vessel and Snap On are not complete substitutes for each other. If you are using slotted drivers, Vessel are metric, Snap On are Imperial. You are better off using whatever suits the screws you use.
Some of the Vessel handles, for example this T8, get quite small.
Yes, I know you shouldn’t exert much torque with these, but my hand stays the same size whatever driver I’m using, and only Snap On seem to recognise this. Here’s their T8.
So, if we consider absolute quality, and omit “value”, the Snap On is ahead. But in reality we have to consider value. In the U.K. I can buy an 8mm Vessel Power Grip for about £7.50 (plus a bit of postage). I think a 5/16 Snap On is currently over £30. Is the Snap On better, I think so. Is it four times better, no.
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dnschmidt
Well-known member
Vessel and it's not even close particularly with Phillips screws.
richfinn
Well-known member
I've owned most of the different handled Snap-On screwdrivers over the past 35 years (I liked the hard handle best), to me though working on Mostly Euro and Japanese vehicles Vessel screwdrivers just make more sense and are very affordable.
The quality seems at least as good as Snap-On and I like the red "pound through" Megadora handles (I don't abuse stuff but I don't baby my tools either)
The Impactas are also a great innovation
I guess if you work on older USA vehicles Williams might be a better value alternative to Snap-On??
The quality seems at least as good as Snap-On and I like the red "pound through" Megadora handles (I don't abuse stuff but I don't baby my tools either)
The Impactas are also a great innovation
I guess if you work on older USA vehicles Williams might be a better value alternative to Snap-On??
The Snap-on slotted drivers are worth it IMO.
Metric slotted just don't work that great in some old, soft screws.
Nessism
Well-known member
Don't forget the Vessel Impacta. A must have...
KnurledNut
Well-known member
An important question, worthy of a considered reply!
Firstly, one has to ask which Vessel screwdrivers? Unlike Snap On, who really only market to pro’s, Vessel market to everybody. and they manufacture different grades of tool.
I’ll stick to the better ones, which for most folks probably start with the “Megadora”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the “Instinct”.
These are actually very similar tools. Both have a “multi component” handle, and when you cut through all the bull about ergonomics, both use a lower density material with an overmold, I think one can safely assume as a cost cutting measure.
I won’t rate either handle as a 10/10 as both are more prone to abrasion than I would like from a mechanics screwdriver. Both feel good in the hand however, the Snap On probably giving slightly more grip, the Vessel easier to spin. The Snap On is easier to clean.
Blade wise, the Snap On is the better quality. Obviously nicely forged with a bolster, and superbly plated, the Snap On looks like a winner before you use it. In practice I have Vessels and Snap On’s dating from the mid 80’s and the Snap On’s have lasted better.
However… the observant will notice these are both Pozidriv’s. Snap On Pozidriv’s don’t fit as well as I think they should. I always attributed this to Pozidriv being a British thing but the same applies to Vessel and they fit superbly. Vessel thus probably edge ahead for Pozidriv, and I think Phillips.
The top end Vessel’s are the “Power Grip”. The Snap On equivalent would probably be the older style hard handle, which amusingly I think was also called “Powergrip” on introduction, though that seems forgotten now.
These are slightly different tools. Vessel going for a transparent cellulose acetate handle, Snap On for an opaque material that I believe to be a DuPont. Vessel also changed the blade, opting for an obviously high quality forged blade, with a satin finish.
Which is best. The Snap On. But only just. These Snap On handles are the best that has ever been put on a mechanics screwdriver. If you drop one they don’t crack or shatter, and they even polish pleasingly with a lot of use. The blades are, I think, the same as the Instinct, so can’t be faulted. I have seen these drivers take 30 years of daily use (not abuse) in the aviation industry and still be useable.
To be honest, the blades on the Vessels are superb as well. I think the Snap On are just a fraction ahead, but I’ll know better in 30 years when I have put both to comparable use! The Vessel handles are lovely too. Superb design and quality, so overall it’s a close thing.
A couple of factors to consider. Vessel and Snap On are not complete substitutes for each other. If you are using slotted drivers, Vessel are metric, Snap On are Imperial. You are better off using whatever suits the screws you use.
Some of the Vessel handles, for example this T8, get quite small.
Yes, I know you shouldn’t exert much torque with these, but my hand stays the same size whatever driver I’m using, and only Snap On seem to recognise this. Here’s their T8.
So, if we consider absolute quality, and omit “value”, the Snap On is ahead. But in reality we have to consider value. In the U.K. I can buy an 8mm Vessel Power Grip for about £7.50 (plus a bit of postage). I think a 5/16 Snap On is currently over £30. Is the Snap On better, I think so. Is it four times better, no.
Dave, Just wondering if you have tried the Vessel 930 series with bolster and striking cap, in comparison to the 4500's?
Another thing I like about the Vessel Megadora (and some of their other models) is the knurled shafts. I never new why I was missing until I tried one.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Personally I prefer Snap-on particularly the hard handles. Just my preference though. Even on Japanese stuff I can't tell the difference in the tips of either one. I don't see a reason to own both but that's just me. I might order my own Vessel one someday just to have and try again.
CGarage
Well-known member
I am partial to the wood-compo handle Vessels.
Ton ton
Well-known member
I have not twisted the flat blade of a vessel yet. I have twisted the tip of a snap on blade just using my bare hand no hammering or anything like that. Snap on may have an easier warranty process. But I have yet to destroy a vessel so I can't really complain about vessel.
Oh it can be done, trust me.
Dunno. I've had some ancient SO phillips and they're some of the best I've ever had. And I'm NOT a SO fan; only based on price. I have almost nothing by them. I have a few current hard handled Williams drivers and they're awesome. But I won't pay for the SO premium unless it's something unique; 95% of my drivers are Wiha.
As far as overhyped brands here it's Nepros and PB Swiss. And I have some PB stuff and am happy with it. But those are my votes.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Just what it says
Are you comparing the tips or the handles?
To each their own . . .
I like the square Snap on handles for tough fasteners and the tips are darn tough. The bolsters are handy also. Although round handles are nice for electrical work or long screws I don't own any other handle style snappys so basically I'm just gathering a consensus of different views at this point.
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4xdog
Well-known member
I have both 900 and 930 Megadoras. I like and use both styles. More often than not I reach for the 930 first, although I can’t say why.
Vessel has updated their cross-point “+” drivers in recent years by adding small teeth to the tip. I guess this JawsFit mod works, but truly from my experience on non-rusted, non-locked screws they’re about the same. I guess the JawsFit tips might have a slightly greater chance of marring a screw head, so I often reach for my old non-toothed drivers for screws where I don’t want to risk marking them.
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Proto for me. Well along with a bunch of other brands. Vessel is good too, especially the Impacta, and both smooth and jaw JIS stuff. I would like to try the wood composite handle. The ball grips are very comfortable for low torque stuff. For high torque fasteners I’m pretty much impact drivers only. Wiha for precision. Klein for electrical.I use a lot of Stanley 100 plus, probably because they are what I think of as screwdrivers. I almost never reach for even a flat snap on for some reason. Maybe because I don’t know all the varieties they offer.
Objectively, hollow ground screwdrivers will always out perform non hollow ground and for that PB swiss is the answer.
If you're planning on hammering on them, hollow ground is not the right answer.
Second, Vessel and Snap On and most every maker are conforming the new ISO 8764-1 standard which covers JIS and non-JIS screws. For true JIS screw drivers you need to go SUNFLAG.
If you're planning on hammering on them, hollow ground is not the right answer.
Second, Vessel and Snap On and most every maker are conforming the new ISO 8764-1 standard which covers JIS and non-JIS screws. For true JIS screw drivers you need to go SUNFLAG.
Gebirgekind
Well-known member
I'm a fan of the Vessels too, they're hard to beat for Japanese vehicles and I use them a lot in the bike industry as well (Shimano, et al. adjustment screws). The Impactas are awesome for older truck JIS screws, but my favorite handles are the wood composites - very comfortable and strong grip, get the 330s with the full tang and striking cap.
FWIW, vessel is as JIS compatible as every other ISO 8764-1 conforming screwdriver (basically everyone). This standard works on both Philips and JIS.I'm a fan of the Vessels too, they're hard to beat for Japanese vehicles and I use them a lot in the bike industry as well (Shimano, et al. adjustment screws). The Impactas are awesome for older truck JIS screws, but my favorite handles are the wood composites - very comfortable and strong grip, get the 330s with the full tang and striking cap.
SUNFLAG is one of the few left actually making JIS B 4633 screwdrivers for JIS specific screws.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, I have. In fact they were the first I bought.Dave, Just wondering if you have tried the Vessel 930 series with bolster and striking cap, in comparison to the 4500's?
Another thing I like about the Vessel Megadora (and some of their other models) is the knurled shafts. I never new why I was missing until I tried one.
They were, at the time, a lot less costly than the 4500’s, and they have the “jawsfit” tips, which really do grip. Having said that, I don’t like the balance that much, so I think I prefer the 4500, or the regular Megadora.
I was quite lucky in that a British Vessel retailer was closing down, so I was able to buy a lot of Vessel drivers at reduced prices.
A couple of 900 slotted drivers, and a couple of 910 (instrument).
A few hex drivers. I have a lot of ball hex, but sometimes you need full engagement.
And my small stash of Pozidriv. I was paying the equivalent of just over $2 each for these, hence the stash!
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I agree. The 330's are the best screwdrivers I've ever used.I'm a fan of the Vessels too, they're hard to beat for Japanese vehicles and I use them a lot in the bike industry as well (Shimano, et al. adjustment screws). The Impactas are awesome for older truck JIS screws, but my favorite handles are the wood composites - very comfortable and strong grip, get the 330s with the full tang and striking cap.
I tend to disagree. The Williams 8 pc hard handle set for around $70 is excellent value and very nice USA made screwdrivers. If anything they are underhyped. The Proto 19 pcs Duratec set was also underhyped when it was priced around $100. Now their price is double+.
SO screwdrivers that average between $25-$40 EACH are grossly overhyped/overpriced. PB Swiss comes in as a close second.
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Dave455
Well-known member
With regard to the PB Swiss, it depends where you are located.
In the U.K. PB Swiss “Classic” handled drivers are priced comparably to Vessel Power Grip - about a quarter of the price of Snap On.