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Let's talk screwdrivers

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wburke2010

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Aug 24, 2014
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I need to order a new set of screwdrivers, have been looking at the snapon ones when he comes by but always talk myself out of them because I don't care for the handles. They seem to bulky for me. I have a so ratcheting hard handle in two different sizes and so bit set.

I want to order a 11 piece set or so that will cover pretty much anything. Then I would also like a small set, and a long set. I do not want anything cheap, only quality brands. Price is not the deciding factor.

I have been looking at the wera screwdrivers but have not seen them in person so I don't know about the handles. Where would be a good place to order a set of the wera's and which model would be the best for general work. My family owns a equipment rental company so I work on any piece of equipment you can imagine from small electronics to big diesel equipment.

Thanks

Walter
 
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J.A.F.E.

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The SO seemed large to me as well and I have small hands - as in I wear a small glove small. In practice they are comfortable for me. I do like the hard plastic/plastic handle ones better than the rubber/plastic.
 
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nev

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I can highly recommend Wera

The best for general use would be the 350 models. Green and black handles with laser tips. They also make a set with yellow and black handles. That the shaft goes all the way through the handle and can be pounded on with a hammer. I keep a couple of flat blades around for beating on. Could be handy to get stuck screws out. You can also stick a 10mm wrench on there for extra torque.
They also make excellent precision screwdrivers and a few different multi bit ones. I have the kompact 20 with bits in the handle.

Wiha also have a good selection of drivers. I have a few of there VDE ones but I prefer the Wera kind.

I think there is a company called KCtool you could order some from there.
 
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wburke2010

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I was looking at chads toolbox and the wera prices are not bad at all if they are good quality. I don't see a long shaft set though. I will check out oc tools. Thank you
 
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mykvr6

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I went through this a while back, I have an older set of snap on soft grips. I love the handles but the tips aren't all that great, never were. I was going to get some vessels, heard good things about the Wera, Wiha, Wittes and PB Swiss. Ended up buying a set of Wittes cause I found them for a good price. Anyway, the tips on these things grip like no other. The handles are a bit big but you can get a helluva grip on them and really get some torque when you need it. Maxxpro plus are the ones I got, actually got them from Home Depot online, but KC tools also carries them and I think their 20% off sale is still going.
 
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cliftonbros89

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I have some Snap On. I don't mine them much. The screwdriver itself holds up and works quite well. I recently purchased a set of the Wera screwdrivers with the striking cap. I really like them so far. They work well, have a hex bolster, plus the striking cap. They also cost a lot less than my SO set.


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ihateminimumwage

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Fedwrench said:
PROTO Duratek screwdrivers
Click to expand...
This is what I'd recommend. Switched all my work drivers to these after handling the MAC branded versions. Great grips, not bulky.

I have the 8pc slotted/phillips set (plus additional long phillips #2), torx drivers and a couple of nutdrivers and couldn't be happier.

This 19pc set would cover everything you could need, and the CYBERSAVER 25% off discount code on "Cyber Monday" would apply.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-screwdriver-set-slottedphillips-19-pc-j1219sc/i/G5291106/
 
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shawhite

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I personally love my snap on soft grip screw drivers but I have a couple felos in the road box that are quite nice as well
 
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nev

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Hmmm at work we have a pz2 and 4mm flat tip long shaft wera but never seen them anywhere for sle
 
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M6erfan

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Count me as one who has never cared much for SO screwdrivers as well...

There are a ton of good screwdriver manufacturers out there; Wiha, Wera, Vessel, Proto, Facom, Witte, PB Swiss, etc.

For what you're doing the Proto Duratek suggestion is a great one IMO...

Good Luck!
 
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wburke2010

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Buster21

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Another vote for the Proto Duratek's using the Zoro coupon, also the JH Williams 8 piece set from Amazon for $50.00 is a good choice.
 
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Greg85mcss

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There's a thread on here about a sale at epstien. 16? Piece proto hard handles 50% off. I was very tempted but have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.


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wburke2010

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Greg85mcss said:
There's a thread on here about a sale at epstien. 16? Piece proto hard handles 50% off. I was very tempted but have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.


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Click to expand...



I saw that one but there is only one Philips in that set.

Walter
 
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Derek420

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For Wera go to KC Tool .Com it is my buddies site and he also owns a store front and they are Americas largest German tool distributors and carry all of the German brands and have many clearance and closeout and all around great prices and carry all types and located in us. I'm wanting the Wera myself or wiha but will probably but both lol. I have a couple snap on ones the of both size handles and hate them, the proto duratek would be my next choice and then Williams black hard handles as they are same as snappy but it's a tough choice I'm not one to want just 1 brand so if you are why not get a little of all like precision, long, torx, hex, and regular set or 2 or buy 1 of each brand and try them out and get full experience then buy set and still have variety. They had a sale on tekton tools yesterday buy 1 get 1 free and I got the 18" 3;8 ratchet and got the USA made 8pc set of screwdrivers and they have such a weird handle I'm not a huge fan and will be exchanging them for something I need more, they have the tri lobe handle and are just awkward but love the long #0 Phillips and small flat as they are long with normal size handle and all shafts are black oxide and I do like that.
 
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T45

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I would hesitate to buy over $100 in scredrivers without testing the handles (as you saw with one brand already).

For hard-life shop work: snap on, williams, proto, maybe Facom
For "clean shop" work: hazet, pb swiss, witte, Vessel, wiha, wera etc.
For trade/electrical and bench: PB and Witte (knipex)
For electronics/micro: wiha precision

edit:

FYI if cost is no object, then here is the rare snap on hardhandle being offered again. a set of these is much more compact than the instinct the way it packs down.

SDDP42IRAR ph2x100mm
SDDP63IRAR ph3x150mm

https://store.snapon.com/Phillips-174-2-Screwdriver-Phillips-2-Screwdriver-P650918.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Phillips-174-3-Screwdrivers-Phillips-3-Screwdriver-P650915.aspx

"SCR DR NO2 PH 12IN L RED HDL" I think this is the 12 inch version, these are non-catalog items.

https://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-SCR-DR-NO2-PH-12IN-L-RED-HDL-P9753124.aspx


These mini instincts are also great and not bulky.

https://store.snapon.com/Instinct-1...ip-Hard-Grip-Red-Screwdriver-Set-P646788.aspx
 
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winlinmac

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The shipping was too much

Greg85mcss said:
There's a thread on here about a sale at epstien. 16? Piece proto hard handles 50% off. I was very tempted but have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.


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Click to expand...
 
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KnurledNut

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I think the instincts would grow on you if you gave them a chance.
Especially after you meet a few stubborn fasteners.

Buy a #2 Phillips to test the waters.
Even if you hate it and stuff it in a drawer, at some point in the future its likely to come out and save the day.
 
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Pantsfall_McFixit

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y4m4

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wburke2010 said:
I was looking at chads toolbox and the wera prices are not bad at all if they are good quality. I don't see a long shaft set though. I will check out oc tools. Thank you
Click to expand...

I like my Wera screwdrivers, but be careful with Chad's Toolbox. Make sure you email them and verify that they have all the items you want in stock. I placed an order 3 months ago and had never received my stuff. I filed a dispute through PayPal.

A year and a half ago I placed an order with them and everything was fine. If the price is good, you make sure they have it on-hand, and you don't need it right away; give them a chance, but make sure you pay with PayPal.

With that said, out of my Wera (plain jane Kraftform), Wiha (insulated), and Felo (wood handle) I have to say that the Wera are great for budget screwdrivers. Wiha is definitely a step up and may or may not be worth it to you. Felo is right in the middle, I love the wood handles, but I also have an insulated bit driver and that has a really nice handle. Felo makes my favorite handle design, Wera is second and the Wiha handles are annoying at times.
 
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JUNK-MAN

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I suggest looking into a used snap on hard handle set, I have a large set and like them a lot.

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outdoorspace

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If hard handles are your thing, Proto Duratek. J1206SCP is the easiest to recommend; six essential sizes with a full polish finish and hex bolster. I never wrench my screwdrivers and prefer satin finishes, so I picked up the J1206SP and J1206SRF sets when Zoro had a 30% discount. A year later, I picked up the J1209ST Torx set. I absolutely love 'em.

I have come around on Snap-On instinct handles, not so much on their screwdrivers, but generally hate cushioned grips. They eventually deteriorate if the shop chemicals haven't gotten to them first and the ones I have owned were a pain in the *** to keep clean. I sort of enjoy the rubber grips on Klein and Pratt-Read screwdrivers but the tips are soft.
 
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winlinmac

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Williams is also good, excellent retention on fastener
For anything electrical, Wiha is the way to go, good pricing at Sears after points
 
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mbshop

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I know you guys are going to laugh at me but I gitta put this out there. If working on american stuff then get american made screwdrivers. If you are working on metric stuff then get metric, german or european, style screwdrivers. I used american for a loong time on metric screws and it was ok but not perfect. Finally bought some german screwdrivers and what a difference. They were stahlwille. The only handles I didn't like were the so triangle handles.
 
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jw3

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Oct 26, 2014
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Y'all will probably laugh at me,and that's ok lol. I picked up a Duralast #2 phillips out of need one evening. I was pleasantly shocked at the quality for the price. The handles are comfortable to use,as well as , large enough to torque on when needed.


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ChevyZ71

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Proto duratec/ mac are great. Comfortable and easy clean up, spray with brake clean and wipe off, no fading or seperating in the handle.

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openwheelracing

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mbshop said:
I know you guys are going to laugh at me but I gitta put this out there. If working on american stuff then get american made screwdrivers. If you are working on metric stuff then get metric, german or european, style screwdrivers. I used american for a loong time on metric screws and it was ok but not perfect. Finally bought some german screwdrivers and what a difference. They were stahlwille. The only handles I didn't like were the so triangle handles.
Click to expand...
I am with you. I only use Klein and Milwaukee ECX for electrical, and I use German Wiha to work on my Bimmer. I don't like Wiha tips for electrical work. They don't fit as well as Klein for some reason.
 
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xavier296

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ihateminimumwage said:
This is what I'd recommend. Switched all my work drivers to these after handling the MAC branded versions. Great grips, not bulky.

This 19pc set would cover everything you could need, and the CYBERSAVER 25% off discount code on "Cyber Monday" would apply.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-screwdriver-set-slottedphillips-19-pc-j1219sc/i/G5291106/
Click to expand...

Bought this set today from Zoro. Thanks for the recommendation GJ experts. Replacing a random collection of craftsman and **** with at least half of my current ones damaged and being used as punches and pry bars!
 
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Qualitytools

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wburke2010 said:
So far after looking at kc tools I have in my cart

https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-032060-stainless-steel-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set-rack/

https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-018282-kraftform-plus-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set-rack/

https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-007680-kraftform-plus-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set-rack/

These look like a good start to me. On sale plus another 20% off makes it a good deal. Then I can add on later.

Thoughts on these three sets?

Thanks

Walter
Click to expand...

You will not be disappointed with those 3 choices, I have the yellow handles ones and I Love them, I also have a Wiha for electrical work and those are also very well made ergonomically.
 
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Finky198

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I'm currently using snap on hard handles in both regular and ratcheting I like these the best followed by wiha i have 5 peice non conductive set and there 5 piece precision this past Friday picked up the extra heavy duty Wiha drivers and their 50pc master percision set. I need a few more peices to complete the colection .........
 
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decaf

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When it comes to screwdrivers, i often tell people that its a matter what kind of handle that feels good in your hands. So my suggestion is to try a couple of screwdrivers out, so you know what kind you like.

You cant go wrong with any german top models when it comes to quality.
especially not Wera:



And their lasertip grabs/bites so good into rusted old screws:
 
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