Looking for a nice screw driver set

[jstroede]

Alright, I am going through my box, and I will say that for sockets and wrenches, I am a Craftsman USA guy all the way. They have been very good to me, however I have two drawers full of miscellaneous screw drivers. I think it is time to find a nice and fairly complete set. What are your recommendations? I have a bunch of the acetate handle western forge craftsman stuff, and some of the red and black craftsman professional stuff, but I would like a nice fairly complete set. I'm not a snap on guy as that doesn't usually fit my budget. I have great sets of my wrenches and sockets, but just a hodge podge of screwdrivers. Bonus if it is available on amazon since I have some credit card points I can use.

Thanks.

John

 

[Qualitytools]

Have a look at WERA, they carry different sets including tang thru. Additionally, have a look at VESSEL, made in Japan. Can't go wrong with either one from my experience.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Tekton offers a nice screwdriver set. They have hard and soft handles personally I like the hard handles they offer as they are close to the Snap-on. If you order from the website you get rewards points to use towards future purchases. SK also has some nice ones too. Gearwrench aren’t bad either plenty of options. Personally I love those old USA Craftsman ones I’ve got several I just love the grips at work I use Snap-on and Matco mainly along with a few others mixed in but like you said it’s out of most peoples budget which is fine. The Capri set also looks really nice and they make nice stuff but I’ve never used their screwdrivers so don’t really have a valid opinion on those. Same thing on them if purchased from their website you get rewards points.

 

[jd_1138]

The WF CM stuff and also Vaco stuff is OK, but I'd stick my foot in the German screwdriver pool if I were you. The handles are pretty ergonomic. Wera, Wiha, Felo, PB Swiss (well they are Swiss, lol).

I got about a dozen Felo drivers, and they're nice and pretty cheap too. I have used Wiha at a buddy's house, and they are nice.

 

[drtyler]

Proto Duratek or Williams

if you are ok with non-US made, the black handle Husky sets from HD are pretty decent.

Husky Magnetic Screwdriver Set (20-Piece, 12-Pack) 246340201 - The Home Depot

The Husky 20-Piece Magnetic Screwdriver Set includes 6 slotted screwdrivers, 6 Philips screwdrivers, 6 precision screwdrivers, 2 offset screwdrivers for your fastening work. The handle is crafted in a

www.homedepot.com

 

[bsaint]

I would stick with American companies for warranty purposes unless people know for sure Wera or whomever are good for warranty. I probably would go Tekton for value andnUSA made. If you like Witte but unconditional warranty get them from Matco. Made by Witte - Twice the price but lifetime replacement.

 

[BillK]

I think what you need to do is go around and try some different ones and see how you like the feel. It is pretty subjective. You might like the padded handles or you might not. Etc. I also have a drawer full but to be honest with you I like different handles for different uses. The only complete set I have is at my business and it is the hard handled Snap On ones.

I wouldnt stress out over what brand or where they are made. Find a set that feels good for you. A $2 screwdriver that you love the feel of is light years better than the $200 screwdriver that you hate to hold I am 71 years old and I cannot remember ever having to warranty a screwdriver except for the ones that I totally abuse at work. If you treat them right they simply dont fail.

 

[lardy1]

Lots of options out there. I bought a lot of individual screwdrivers just to experience many different manufacturers. I think Klein is a good choice. I recently went down the Williams screwdriver rabbit hole and they are nice too. I think if I wanted a general use set, I'd have to seriously consider the Felo wood handled.

This is a good place to ask. There are folks here with varied budgets and varied needs so you get a pretty broad spectrum of useful experience from the members.

 

[jstroede]

I really like the handles on the Red and Black Craftsman Professional screwdrivers that I have, but I don't have a full set and it is cost prohibitive to try and buy them individually on ebay. In fact I will probably sell mine there eventually.

I am not concerned about warranty. I don't abuse my stuff, and almost never need the warranty. Handle material is not really a big deal to me either, though I do prefer larger handles since I have bigger hands. I think that is why I really like those craftsman professionals.

I will look into some of those. Most of them I am not familiar with. I love my gearwrench flex ratcheting wrenches, but I haven't used many of their other tools. They seem to be pretty good value, which I would say is something I am definitely looking for.

John

 

[bsaint]

I really like the handles on the Red and Black Craftsman Professional screwdrivers that I have, but I don't have a full set and it is cost prohibitive to try and buy them individually on ebay. In fact I will probably sell mine there eventually.

I am not concerned about warranty. I don't abuse my stuff, and almost never need the warranty. Handle material is not really a big deal to me either, though I do prefer larger handles since I have bigger hands. I think that is why I really like those craftsman professionals.

I will look into some of those. Most of them I am not familiar with. I love my gearwrench flex ratcheting wrenches, but I haven't used many of their other tools. They seem to be pretty good value, which I would say is something I am definitely looking for.

John

Most people complain the Snapon instinct handles are too big for their hands. I love mine. They do remind me of the old craftsman professional ones now that you mention it! I had a black set a loooong time ago

 

[Bucko]

While it is nice to have a set of screwdrivers it always seems that many never get used but that #2 Phillips gets a workout so I tend to have alot of them. I actually tend to grab from my box are the $1 red and black generic ones that they sell at lowes and are truly on the "bottom shelf" loose in a box.

I keep looking at new sets since I'm a bit OCD with the rest of my hand tools being "complete" but then I realize I would just add them to the rest so I just keep one drawer for phillips, one for blade (flat), and one for odd balls.

 

[Under_Pressure]

In my opinion, it's hard to beat Vessel. In terms of overall quality for price, they are probably on par with most of the non-truck USA made options and the German brands. However, their phillips tips (which traditionally were designed to meet the JIS standard) is a cut above anything else, and that is one of the few qualities of a screwdriver that actually matter to me. I also like their handles- I tend to prefer hard handles over soft, but the Vessels are a good compromise, and the standard product lines don't have any kind of goofy excessively ergonomic shape. They are on Amazon, of course.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Get the biggest most complete set you can find or afford, that one time on Sunday night you need the oddball size you’ll be glad you have it.

 

[ForrestT]

I just went through this process. After sorting it out and selling my first gen Craftsman professional set that I never used, I went Greenlee. My electrician swore by them and they are very comfortable. I also have accumulated a set of Klein’s from my favorite flea market vendor over the past year. While the Klein’s are USA made and I’m partial to that, I gotta be honest to me the Taiwan made greenlee’s feel more comfortable and the set is cheaper than the Klein set.

 

[jstroede]

One thing I will add is that I very rarely use torx bits, so I would rather have more options for standard and Phillips drivers. It seems that half of my Craftsman Professional drivers are torx and never get touched.

The Vessel Megadora seem like they might be something like what I am looking for. I will check out the Klein's. Thanks for the ideas. Keep them coming!

John

 

[shawhite]

I’m partial to my snap-on instinct but if cost was an issue wiha, felo and vessel are all good

 

[Fedwrench]

I really like the handles on the Red and Black Craftsman Professional screwdrivers that I have, but I don't have a full set and it is cost prohibitive to try and buy them individually on ebay. In fact I will probably sell mine there eventually.

I you like the feel of the red/black Craftsman Professional screwdrivers, you can get the same screwdrivers from SK with green/black handles.
There are really too many screwdriver options on the market today to choose from.

 

[jd_1138]

Here's a great comparison video.

Wera, Milwaukee, Wiha, PB Swiss come out on top with budget pick being the CM. Strange he didn't test the Pittsburgh Pro line of screwdrivers which are just a little more than the bottom of barrel set he tested. Or the Quinn or Icon line from HF either.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Everyone bad mouths Craftsman screwdrivers, but they have served me well, some for over 50 years. So, yes, most of mine were made in the USA.

Best part about them is they regularly go on sale, especially around Christmas and Father's Day. I have added to my original set over the years.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like Wera the best even tough I own many different brands.

 

[jstroede]

I wouldn't say that the Craftsmans have treated me badly, and I have had some of them for close to 30 years. I just wish they had better handles. I will not be getting rid of those for sure.

Anyone have any experience with these?

Amazon.com

 

[bscman]

In the same boat.
Just ordered Wera at the advice of several friends and this forum.
Check out the project Farm screwdriver comparison video on YouTube as well...

 

[brtsvg]

The WF CM stuff and also Vaco stuff is OK, but I'd stick my foot in the German screwdriver pool if I were you. The handles are pretty ergonomic. Wera, Wiha, Felo, PB Swiss (well they are Swiss, lol).

I got about a dozen Felo drivers, and they're nice and pretty cheap too. I have used Wiha at a buddy's house, and they are nice.

Agree. Forget the big-box offerings and do yourself a favor - go German, PBSwiss, or Vessel. You will not be disappointed.

 

[rawen2]

One bad thing about the Craftsman screwdrivers is the vomit smell the handles put out in my toolbox as they age. I've got the original ones with the red, blue and clear multi-colored handles.
Anyone know a fix for that besides getting rid of them?

 

[alinc100]

My box at work is converted to 99% Wera Kraftform ,green handle
. They have been durable,bought 6-8 piece sets at a time,etc.

 

[cstmg8]

Wera, lots of options, especially in insulated shaft which I use everyday at work. I have 3 or 4 different types, including pass through shaft for hammering etc...
Astro pneumatic also has some nice heavy duty drivers that I use often for the rough stuff.

 

[Rbcsci]

I just did a quick inventory and it looks like I have sets from about 6 manufacturers. I think the OP was looking for American made, but the German Wera with the anti-torque tips are my absolute favorites. Ergonomically, they feel great in the hand and I’ve never damaged a tip ever. These also have steel end caps that are connected to the shank so you can smack the hell out of them.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What about going with a 1/4" drive ratcheting screwdriver of your choice? The price would be lower overall and you could add a large assortment bit set.

 

[Mr_B]

williams 19pc hard handle set .
basically old snapon style before the soft grip craze ...
proper nice usable screwdrivers at pretty sensible money if hunt around .

 

[Jtels85]

I love my Craftsman’s for around the house jobs and my MAC (Same as Proto Duratek’s) set for automotive work… but I have found the best screwdriver in form and function are the old red/black handle GearWrench. They are disappearing fast from Amazon and eBay… but they are by far the most comfortable screwdrivers I own.

 

[Fly YX]

I have the Wera yellow screwdrivers at work have had them for a few years have no complaints .

 

[slowtwitch73]

This is where everyone lists every manufacturer under the sun, and you end up at square one needing to make up your own mind.

I've got an old and motley collection that would be considered 'incomplete' judging from some of the pics here, but I cant recall ever being without a screwdriver for a task.. work on all manner of stuff. Hell some of the ones I have haven't turned a screw in 20 years.

 

[Jeff]

I use PB Swiss, Wera, and Vessel drivers in my home shop. I grab for Vessel the most.

 

[lardy1]

This is where everyone lists every manufacturer under the sun, and you end up at square one needing to make up your own mind.

That's kinda where I ended up. I had sets of Klein and Channellock but was intrigued by all the choices. I went for the smorgasbord. I get to taste a lot of different flavors this way.

 

[mopar4u]

One bad thing about the Craftsman screwdrivers is the vomit smell the handles put out in my toolbox as they age. I've got the original ones with the red, blue and clear multi-colored handles.
Anyone know a fix for that besides getting rid of them?

holy **** i know this smell from my dads toolbox when i was a kid LOL! Great post!

 

[Kscardsfan]

Without a doubt the biggest share of mine are the old school Craftsman WF acetate handled one’s that everyone’s dad and grandpa had. I recently inherited some from my wife’s grandfather and I’d guess they’re pushing north of 50 years old in some cases. But I also have a handful of red and black handled Craftsman Pro and the equivalent in SK. I have a few of the SK hard handle ones, but they’re Torx so they have not gotten enough use to form a good opinion on them yet. I recently found some of the craftsman professional profile handles that aren’t the professional ones and they sure feel good in the hand. I have a few of the Menards Masterfoce acetate handled ones and they feel good when I’m using them. I got a complete Proto Duratek set a few days ago and they’re very nice for the money. Like someone else above me said, you’re going to get 100 different answers from 100 different people. I’m about to get some dedicated Philips number 2 in 4” and 6” in the handle profiles I like. If I knew what size Torx and Flat head I used most often I’d do the same with them as well.

 

[Davefr]

Alright, I am going through my box, and I will say that for sockets and wrenches, I am a Craftsman USA guy all the way. They have been very good to me, however I have two drawers full of miscellaneous screw drivers. I think it is time to find a nice and fairly complete set. What are your recommendations? I have a bunch of the acetate handle western forge craftsman stuff, and some of the red and black craftsman professional stuff, but I would like a nice fairly complete set. I'm not a snap on guy as that doesn't usually fit my budget. I have great sets of my wrenches and sockets, but just a hodge podge of screwdrivers. Bonus if it is available on amazon since I have some credit card points I can use.

Thanks.

John

It used to be the 19 pc Proto Duratek set when you could use a Zoro coupon and get it for <$150. Now they're >$300. I'd look for the Williams set or order a Vessel set from Amazon Japan. Project Farm did a recent test with the new CM set and they performed very well.

 

[ForrestT]

Jstroede, I’m curious if you have a budget in mind. Lots of offerings guys are throwing out. I wanted to stay around $50. My options I looked at were Klein, Greenlee, and the Williams set that Mr. B suggested. I just use screw drivers for general maintenance. I’m not an auto guy. My Kleins were picked up over the past year or so. Greenlee set was and easy pick up at Menards but are also offered at Amazon. I wanted comfortable screw drivers and found them. The German makes and Vessels are highly recommended, but I found cost was higher than I wanted to go for general maintenance screwdrivers. What type of use are you planning for them? What setting?

 

[jd_1138]

Wera, lots of options, especially in insulated shaft which I use everyday at work. I have 3 or 4 different types, including pass through shaft for hammering etc...
Astro pneumatic also has some nice heavy duty drivers that I use often for the rough stuff.

Those look super cool.

Here's an interesting set called Wera Kraftform USA set. Red, white, and blue. Comes with a bottle opener. Not bad for $40 at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGQWTVM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I just ordered a set, as I don't have any Wera yet. I have Felo, CM USA, Powr-Kraft, Vaco.

 

[M635_Guy]

I run a Wiha Heavy Duty MicroFinish set and a HF Icon "Mechanics" set. I'm very happy with both sets. I really like the handles for both, and they've performed perfectly around the house, working on cars, etc.