How do Vessel Screwdrivers compare to Snap-on ?

[seber]

I have been using Snap-on for about 50 years. I have yet to wear one out. I did however replace an entire set due to failed handles. The old black handles crumbled. I also had one fail on it's first use by the blade cracking in half. Proof that Snap-on tempers harder than the competition. All have been cheerfully warranted. Even though I no linger have a truck available, the company is very easy to deal with by phone. As far as shank through for hammering. The steel must be softer to avoid shattering. As long as I'm going to have a soft steel anyway, I just buy the Chinese throwaways.

 

[richfinn]

I agree. The 330's are the best screwdrivers I've ever used.

I love my 330's and my Impacta's, I think they are the perfect Screwdrivers for Auto Mechanics.

Tough as nails, cheap as chips, easy to keep clean and OK to whack with a hammer if required.

No way on earth would I ever pay Snap-On money for a set of screwdrivers again.

 

[Nessism]

Project Farm's screwdriver testing was a joke. Hand-grinding flats on the shanks for tip testing? GTFOH.

I love that test! The tip durability test, which happens after cutting the shank off and grinding flats, is brilliant! You got a better way to test toughness of the tip?

Yes, the Vessel didn't excel at that test, but it did decently. I use the hell out of my Megadora screwdrivers, and the tips look good. I'm going to order me a PB Swiss now, though, because the PF dude showed how great they are.

 

[Steve_P]

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.

Yes, this is my view also- the Williams set is about one third the cost of SO and essentially the same excellent quality. As with nearly all things SO, you are paying a 3X premium for the truck service, payment plan, and warranty. What I find most ironic about the classic 7-8 piece SO set is that about half of the drivers are slotted; these are almost never going to touch a screw in a typical automotive repair shop since slotted screws essentially disappeared with the carburetor.

 

[M6erfan]

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.

You are giving price/cost a lot of weight when judging 'overhyped', it seems.

I'm not. Function, utility, and ergonomics are given much more weight than price, by me. I never found S-o Phillips tips all that great, Vessel was a game changer for me. I work on 80% Japan stuff though. The only thing worse than S-o screwdrivers is their ratcheting screwdriver. One of my most regretted purchases. Got rid of it pretty quickly.

This is just my opinion, I know it seems contentious to many, but there it is.

A typical screwdriver thread . . .

 

[BrandonV]

A typical screwdriver thread . . .

As long as the tips aren't garbage I never understood the this versus that screwdriver arguments.

One of the few tools that truly boils down to individual ergonomics. Some people love the SO Instinct handle some prefer the classic. The argument will never end.

 

[Nessism]

As long as the tips aren't garbage I never understood the this versus that screwdriver arguments.

One of the few tools that truly boils down to individual ergonomics. Some people love the SO Instinct handle some prefer the classic. The argument will never end.

The true reality, is that Snap-On screwdrivers are literally 3X the cost of a high quality Vessel, or 2X a PB Swiss. That's where the rubber hits the road.

 

[AEAdam]

The true reality, is that Snap-On screwdrivers are literally 3X the cost of a high quality Vessel, or 2X a PB Swiss. That's where the rubber hits the road.

Hmmm …yeah, but don’t spin it.

1) it hasn’t been established that Vessel are equivalent in quality. Their tips didn’t hold up super well in the PF video. Anecdotally, lots of us have said our SO drivers have held up. We won’t know for sure still someone does a test. For now, it’s safe to assume you get what you pay for.

2) Snap On screwdrivers aren’t that expensive in the grand scheme of things. If a #2 Phillips you loved was $29 instead of $10, what‘s the difference really? No difference to me.

People should buy the screwdrivers they like.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yes, this is my view also- the Williams set is about one third the cost of SO and essentially the same excellent quality. As with nearly all things SO, you are paying a 3X premium for the truck service, payment plan, and warranty. What I find most ironic about the classic 7-8 piece SO set is that about half of the drivers are slotted; these are almost never going to touch a screw in a typical automotive repair shop since slotted screws essentially disappeared with the carburetor.

Flat heads are still used for clamps and some air box fasteners, most of the later are gone by now.

The flat heads exist for two reasons. Non work use, like the house, where flathead remains. Some guys take a few flat heads home. The main use is prying, poking, finessing, and inspecting frames for rust.

Today I used a cabinet tip 12" flathead to maneuver a tiny clamp on a boost reference hose into position while pliers held it open. No it isn't driving screws, nor is o-ring removal, messing with electrical connectors, or poking holes in people's frames.

 

[M6erfan]

As long as the tips aren't garbage I never understood the this versus that screwdriver arguments.

One of the few tools that truly boils down to individual ergonomics. Some people love the SO Instinct handle some prefer the classic. The argument will never end.

Hmmm …yeah, but don’t spin it.

1) it hasn’t been established that Vessel are equivalent in quality. Their tips didn’t hold up super well in the PF video. Anecdotally, lots of us have said our SO drivers have held up. We won’t know for sure still someone does a test. For now, it’s safe to assume you get what you pay for.

2) Snap On screwdrivers aren’t that expensive in the grand scheme of things. If a #2 Phillips you loved was $29 instead of $10, what‘s the difference really? No difference to me.

People should buy the screwdrivers they like.

Actually, it's more than just ergonomics. And as far as price, I can buy three Vessels for one S-o. But saving a screw on that vintage motorcycle? Priceless . . .

How do Vessel Screwdrivers compare to Snap-on ?

Just what it says ☝️

www.garagejournal.com

 

[T45]

there's basically three different parts to evaluate on a screwdriver

handles,
blades
tips

As mentioned above, SO rates for blade quality #1. SO rates also for handle quality. Tips...get the right tool for the job.

The one tool that Instinct handle absolute kills it on is the 1/4 socket driver. By far the best-designed screwdriver type tool I own.

But you don't really need the worlds best screwdriver in every possible size/shape...you really only need a couple good ones. For everything else, its better to have the right size/shape of tip and blade length with serviceable-enough quality and decent-enough ergonomics.

Vessel I'm sure is going to be good enough for alot of people, dong a lot of jobs. Same as PB swiss, and others. Personally I rate the tri-love Witte drivers very highly.

There is lots of driver designs more geared toward non-auto jobs, that are better than Snap-on in specific applications.

 

[M6erfan]

As mentioned above, SO rates for blade quality #1. SO rates also for handle quality. Tips...get the right tool for the job.

Is there any objective evidence to support this claim?

 

[Steve_P]

Flat heads are still used for clamps and some air box fasteners, most of the later are gone by now.

The flat heads exist for two reasons. Non work use, like the house, where flathead remains. Some guys take a few flat heads home. The main use is prying, poking, finessing, and inspecting frames for rust.

Today I used a cabinet tip 12" flathead to maneuver a tiny clamp on a boost reference hose into position while pliers held it open. No it isn't driving screws, nor is o-ring removal, messing with electrical connectors, or poking holes in people's frames.

Yes, flat heads still have use. But I guess what I was trying to say was that you're paying for warranty on a flathead that is going to see almost no use, at least for driving screws. So why pay the SO premium for it? I'm sure people warranty them every day because of using them as a prybar and breaking the tip off, but otherwise you're probably only using the #2 phillips on actual screws 90% of the time.

 

[Shelbylex]

Vessel vs Snap on ...

This is Garage Journal - you have to have BOTH!!!

... This is my main screwdriver drawer. Have several small Snap Ons (includding stubbies) and couple of 4 in 1 older Huskies are in another box...

 

[AEAdam]

Guess I better bring it up since no one else has. What about the Instinct Diamond tip screwdrivers? Only a few bucks more than ACRs and …. Made in Czech Republic I think.

I have the tips for my ratcheting drivers. Pretty great, but haven’t had enough use to say for sure. Not sure I care for hex shanks.

 

[CGarage]

I love that test! The tip durability test, which happens after cutting the shank off and grinding flats, is brilliant! You got a better way to test toughness of the tip?

Yes, the Vessel didn't excel at that test, but it did decently. I use the hell out of my Megadora screwdrivers, and the tips look good. I'm going to order me a PB Swiss now, though, because the PF dude showed how great they are.

I have a ton of PB Swiss screwdrivers, over 50, and hardly use them.

Yes, perfectly made, with highest material specifications, but the Vessels just fit Philips heads beautifully.

 

[Dave455]

Guess I better bring it up since no one else has. What about the Instinct Diamond tip screwdrivers? Only a few bucks more than ACRs and …. Made in Czech Republic I think.

I have the tips for my ratcheting drivers. Pretty great, but haven’t had enough use to say for sure. Not sure I care for hex shanks.

I’m never sure about the Diamond tips.

Max Baumann (of P B Baumann / P B Swiss) told me that he had done a lot of tests with these. When new, they are really effective, but quickly become less so.

Viewed under an electron microscope, he could see that the diamonds protrude when new, giving the grip. With use, they get pushed into the steel, and twisted till the flat part of the stone faces out, hence become less effective.

If you like diamond drivers then the Snap On is obviously a Wera “Kraftform Diamant” blade, with an Instinct handle. If you’re not getting a Snap On blade you might as well just buy the Wera.


If you go with the view that the diamonds work when new, then one option is to get some of the fluid that adds grip. This usually contains small industrial diamonds suspended in an oil.

I bought some of this (maker now unknown as the label came off) years ago at a shooting show. It really does work, and I don’t know why it’s not better known outside engineering / defence circles.

Edit - think it was this. The bottle is the same.


Another option would be to go for the Vessel “Jawsfit” which also seem to increase grip considerably. Mine have not worn yet!

 

[scooby074]

Are the Vessel 330's Jawsfit? Are the 330 full tangs available as a set? I know the standard non-tang 330s are available as a set.

I do have a set of Vessels, not sure of the series, but the handles are multi-coloured, hard plastic. I havent been overly happy with the fit on JIS screws, they seem to fit about the same as a standard North American Phillips.

.

 

[KnurledNut]

This is Garage Journal - you have to have BOTH!!!

This is the conclusion I came to years ago! Its just money.

 

[Hytekrednek]

Vessel is much better in my eyes. Anex and several other Japan made screwdrivers are very nice. As mentioned, PB Swiss is awesome, the best I have used so far.

 

[Jeff]

Side Tray, fast access

Back-up

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

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.

It’s funny because I never used JIS screwdrivers before and then one day I absolutely hosed two screws securing the plate that needed to be removed to fill a coolant tank. Now I only have JIS drivers in my work box. Of course all of our milking machines, surface grinders and WEDM machines are Japanese so it makes total sense. I did notice that some German drivers fit JIS screws pretty damned good.

For me, Snap-on wins because they have a lot of cool colors and if it breaks I can get a new one. And I hate the blue and black Megadora handles. They don’t fit my hands and they get slippery when covered in tap magic or cutting fluids even though they are supposedly anti-slip. But when you are working with JIS nothing else compares.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

It’s funny because I never used JIS screwdrivers before and then one day I absolutely hosed two screws securing the plate that needed to be removed to fill a coolant tank. Now I only have JIS drivers in my work box. Of course all of our milking machines, surface grinders and WEDM machines are Japanese so it makes total sense. I did notice that some German drivers fit JIS screws pretty damned good.

For me, Snap-on wins because they have a lot of cool colors and if it breaks I can get a new one. And I hate the blue and black Megadora handles. They don’t fit my hands and they get slippery when covered in tap magic or cutting fluids even though they are supposedly anti-slip. But when you are working with JIS nothing else compares.

I agree on the handles. Nothing fits my hands better than a Snap-on hard handle. I’ve used the JIS I just can’t tell a difference but maybe I didn’t pay close enough attention. I think when compared with a really cheap screwdriver that you’d definitely notice though most likely. I had actually never heard or seen a JIS till I watched the Flat Rate Master on YouTube haha. Nobody in any shop I’ve worked at has had them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yes, flat heads still have use. But I guess what I was trying to say was that you're paying for warranty on a flathead that is going to see almost no use, at least for driving screws. So why pay the SO premium for it? I'm sure people warranty them every day because of using them as a prybar and breaking the tip off, but otherwise you're probably only using the #2 phillips on actual screws 90% of the time.

That's why I'm not a big fan of sets in general for screwdrivers.

 

[BrandonV]

That's why I'm not a big fan of sets in general for screwdrivers.

Honestly I'd be happy if any of the screwdriver companies sold a master set with ALL the drivers.

There is nothing more infuriating than going thru pages of screwdriver sets making sure you have all the drivers you need. Half the time there are drivers I'm looking for that NONE of the sets have. I swear they just randomly just guess what people want.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I love that test! The tip durability test, which happens after cutting the shank off and grinding flats, is brilliant! You got a better way to test toughness of the tip?

Yes, the Vessel didn't excel at that test, but it did decently. I use the hell out of my Megadora screwdrivers, and the tips look good. I'm going to order me a PB Swiss now, though, because the PF dude showed how great they are.

If you don't grasp how flawed that test was, I can't help you.

 

[Shed of tools]

Sort of apples and oranges. Snap on doesn't sell JIS drivers to my knowledge.

Both are made to ISO 8764-1 the new standard Jis is an outdated Japanese standard and I only know of Sunflag that makes an actual JIS anymore

 

[Gebirgekind]

Are the Vessel 330's Jawsfit? Are the 330 full tangs available as a set? I know the standard non-tang 330s are available as a set.

It's set 3308EVA, found a great deal on now at JB Tools: https://www.jbtools.com/vessel-3308eva-wood-compo-non-slip-tang-thru-screwdriver-set-8-piece/

They're not Jawsfit, but I've never felt they needed it. The catalog only lists Jawsfit in the Megadora line.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Both are made to ISO 8764-1 the new standard Jis is an outdated Japanese standard and I only know of Sunflag that makes an actual JIS anymore

JIS is the standards organisation and it still operates. The standard in question is JIS B 4633 and has been updated. The current standard is JIS B 4633, 98th Edition, October 20, 2023.

So, Japanese cross point screwdrivers are still made to JIS B 4633.

The updated Japanese standard is equivalent to ISO 8764-1 and ISO 8764-2, the same standards that cover Phillips screwdrivers. The measurements in the Japanese standard are not identical to the ISO measurements but are within the ISO tolerances.

I don't have one of every brand on the planet but I find the Vessel drivers fit Phillips and "JIS" screws better than most.

Jack

 

[Davefr]

Honestly I'd be happy if any of the screwdriver companies sold a master set with ALL the drivers.

There is nothing more infuriating than going thru pages of screwdriver sets making sure you have all the drivers you need. Half the time there are drivers I'm looking for that NONE of the sets have. I swear they just randomly just guess what people want.

The Proto Duratek 19 pc set J1219RCF comes pretty close.

 

[KnurledNut]

And I hate the blue and black Megadora handles. They don’t fit my hands and they get slippery when covered in tap magic or cutting fluids even though they are supposedly anti-slip. But when you are working with JIS nothing else compares.

I’ve refrained from mentioning my disdain for the Megadora handle until now, but I feel the same. I was very disappointed with how slippery they are. (I did recently buy a stubby and I do like it.) I much prefer the ball grip style.
I got some Instincts when they were first released and initially hated them and thought they were awkward. But with use, they grew on me and the design allows for an incredible amount of torque. The round section of each end is just right for two-hand speeding in a fastener.
(My favorite screwdrivers are neither of these. Just staying on the topic of the thread.)

 

[scooby074]

It's set 3308EVA, found a great deal on now at JB Tools: https://www.jbtools.com/vessel-3308eva-wood-compo-non-slip-tang-thru-screwdriver-set-8-piece/

They're not Jawsfit, but I've never felt they needed it. The catalog only lists Jawsfit in the Megadora line.

Excellent thanks. I checked the Vessel catalog and couldnt find the PN. Still not sure if I need Jawsfit based on my current Vessels and how poor they fit Japanese screws. I bought this last set just for that purpose and dont want to make another mistake.

 

[1foxracing]

If working on classic Japanese motorcycles Vessel is the only choice!

 

[seber]

If you don't grasp how flawed that test was, I can't help you.

I can't imagine why you would think this is a flawed test. It is probably one of the best conceived tests I've seen him do. It would have been nice if he added a few bits, but the number of bits available would make that just an exercise without some kind of control.

 

[seber]

If working on classic Japanese motorcycles Vessel is the only choice!

I think you might need help.

 

[liliysdad]

This forum is fantastic at exposing the differences in everyone’s needs. Somehow, however, folks seem to think there is one answer for all, regardless of personal situation.

This thread is a perfect example. In my shop, I use flathead screwdrivers for actual flathead screws a LOT. The vast majority of the vehicles, tools, and machinery that I work on is pre-1980 American. I still have carburetors and points and such.

I have almost zero use for a JIS driver, and I can do almost every Phillips based think I need to do with a single cheap #2 driver. I don’t…but I could. In contrast, I have piles of flat tipped drivers from Wera, Snap-On, Tekton, and others. Some are perfect for Holley idle mix screws, others for idle speed screws. I have one Craftsman driver that is the perfect size and length for the idle mix screws on a MC2100 carb.

Everybody is different

 

[BrandonV]

The Proto Duratek 19 pc set J1219RCF comes pretty close.

Good thing I own 2x of those already.

DuraTeks are great.

 

[Jeff]

These Power Grip's were my first Vessel drivers. Very capable and tough as nails.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I have a large variety of screwdrivers for similar reasons to what were stated above. There is always some bizarre situation that presents itself.

Recently I had to turn a bolt with a slot ground into it into a hole to remove it from the backside. It took a very specific screwdriver to do that. It seemed like the absolute dumbest way to design that particular assembly but without the right screwdriver I would have had to grind one down.

I would think a modern day version of that fastener would have included a broached hex rather than a slot but that’s what they did.

 

[richfinn]

I carry exactly what I use as a roadside mechanic. They have all proven to be great tools over the years

4 Vessel 330 Screwdrivers 2 pozidrive, 2 flat (approx $40)
2 Vessel impacta (Phillips/JIS etc) (approx $30)
P B Swiss Ratchet screwdriver (with bits for Torx/JIS etc) approx $50)
Klein mini 4 in 1 (for keyfobs etc) (approx $30)
Klein stubby bit driver (Freebie with the 4 in 1)
12 piece Snap-On mini screwdriver/pick set (at least 20 years old) (approx $150)
Snap-On mini prybar (outrageous cost in the UK) (approx $40 with shipping!!!!)
Large Wera Demolition screwdriver (Very Cheap, Very Good) (approx $15)

I also have some extra long screwdrivers that are really ancient but are useful occasionally

I don't knock Snap-On they make some really good gear, it's purely cost nowadays, they are simply overpriced for my particular needs.