Looking for quality Philips head screwdrivers 2,1,0.

[AceofSpad3s]

Here again and finally got an idea with what I need now. I am easing up on the warranty requirement, I just want a lifetime warranty and some screwdrivers that are not made of tissue paper in sizes 2,1,0. No stubbies or any stuff like that, just 0,1,2. I want heads that will wear very well and are hard. I am sick of seeing marred up heads with coatings flaking off.

 

[Farmall450]

Snap-on instincts or hard handles.

 

[Exceller8]

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

I use Snap-On hard handles because I love the way they fit my hand. The HF screwdrivers are amazing, but the handles are a little cheesy.

My all time favorite screwdrivers are the old Matco maroon hard handles. I have a few of them but they're getting harder to find and crazy expensive.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I bought those hf pro ones this week end but they are getting marred up pretty quick.

 

[bob15]

Have had real good luck with the Snap On's.

 

[Fedwrench]

PROTO Duratek

 

[nmk_61802]

Wera Laser Tips are very good, but Warranty replacement is difficult with them.

 

[Davefr]

Go with Proto Durateks or Williams Hard Handles if you want quality and value. Go SO if you want to pay 3X the price.

Felo, Wiha and PB Swiss are also good choices.

I view Phillips screwdrivers as consumables. If they get mangled up I toss them and don't get all **** about the warranty.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

How well do the protos compare to the williams? I have not heard alot about the proto's how good are they?

 

[Davefr]

How well do the protos compare to the williams? I have not heard alot about the proto's how good are they?

They're both excellent. The Proto's have the most durable handle out there. You won't go wrong with either.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

What about tip durability, I do not really care about handles as long as they do not fall apart or explode.

 

[Brownsfan]

The Williams are the same as Snap on and the Protos are the same as Mac. I.own both as well as some German made Cornwell(Witte ). The best fitting tips by far are the Cornwells. The proto and Williams are pretty much equal. All are VERY durable. Haven't had to warranty any.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick? The williams set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NHM77W/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or the proto set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KXRORTA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bob15]

Honestly I prefer the soft handle Snap On Instinct screwdrivers. i find I can get a better grip with them. This is also something you should also think about, not just the hardest tip; but what fits your hand best.

 

[Davefr]

What about tip durability.

To my knowledge there's never been a credible comparison of tip durability. It's all subjective/user opinions.

If I abuse a Phillips tip from a camout and get it mangled I usually toss the screwdriver and grab another one. They can all get damaged and they're just not worth the warranty hassle.

SO might be a good choice if you're on a driver route and if he offers easy warranty service.

If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick? The williams set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NHM77W/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or the proto set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NHM77W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Protos if you care about handle. If price is a concern go for the Williams. They both have excellent tips/shanks. If you're worried about warranty then both will likely be mail in. However the warrantees are not like Saers. The coverage is usually limited to defects and the likely way will be mail in.

 

[rlitman]

Here again and finally got an idea with what I need now. I am easing up on the warranty requirement, I just want a lifetime warranty and some screwdrivers that are not made of tissue paper in sizes 2,1,0. No stubbies or any stuff like that, just 0,1,2. I want heads that will wear very well and are hard. I am sick of seeing marred up heads with coatings flaking off.

If you treat them well, any of the above suggestions will be fine. If you abuse them, they all wear out.

I keep a bunch of Craftsman screwdrivers around to hand to people. Nobody touches my SnapOn Philips. One misapplication, and it's all over. That's just the nature of Philips. They ****.

Let somebody use your good screwdriver on a JIS screw, or a rusty or damaged screw head (or god forbid, use a Philips driver on a Reed & Prince screw), and you're almost sure to damage the driver. Unfortunately they're made to fail before the fastener. There are situations where this is a good thing, but that's another story.

Anyway, for me, that's the reason that I use bit inserts whenever possible. Especially on #2 Philips. Get some good Apex inserts, and replace them when they're worn (and no matter how good you are with them, they do wear).

Oh, and if you do happen to encounter JIS screws (and I'll bet you do, but just didn't know why your Philips fit like **** in some screws), get yourself a JIS screwdriver.

 

[kylefitz]

I have great luck with PB Swiss. Not sure on the warranty issue.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Does snap on or any other brand sell just a bit screwdriver, not a ratcheting one but just a plain old handle and shank with a bit on the end to put different bits in? I was thinking about buying a big pack of philips #2 bits on amazon and using a good quality handle to use them with. Most of the issues I am having are dealing with longer screws like wood screws. I think I would be fine using the harbor freight pros for electronics but the wood screws and rusted on fasteners worries me.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm not a big fan of Snap On's screwdriver grips, but they do make the best ratcheting screwdriver on the market. My standard screwdrivers are all Proto. I find the tips to be very durable and they can be found at great prices on ebay and through major tool dealers. Any USA/Euro/Japanese made screwdriver should be of good quality.

 

[woody 73]

I have boat loads of screwdrivers although I do not own the pb swiss or any of the Felo, maybe one day if I see them. I thought this week I might buy some of the new proto duratec and give them a try.

At least what I have found is that the very (OLD STOCK) craftsman and klein hold up very well, just not the new ones made recently.

The old proto are still going strong, snap on is still good, the Williams are good, my mac have given me a few problems and my Stanley 100's are still good.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I might get the williams ratcheting one. But does anyone have a ratcheting screwdriver the exchangeable bits,minus the ratcheting part.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I might get the williams ratcheting one. But does anyone have a ratcheting screwdriver the exchangeable bits,minus the ratcheting part.

Hard replacement handle and the shaft would give you that if you can drill and press it.

Or leave a ratcheter on non-ratcheting.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I might get the williams ratcheting one. But does anyone have a ratcheting screwdriver the exchangeable bits,minus the ratcheting part.

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J9300MS-Magnetic-Bit-Holder-SS-1-4-In-Hex-/221573253633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3396cb8a01

This one is badass looking:
http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-ST-BD1-Driver/dp/B00D0496EE

Search for "bit handle" or "bit driver". I think most brands make one.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I have searched around for a bit and have not had alot of luck for finding those.

 

[foodgroup]

Does snap on or any other brand sell just a bit screwdriver, not a ratcheting one but just a plain old handle and shank with a bit on the end to put different bits in? I was thinking about buying a big pack of philips #2 bits on amazon and using a good quality handle to use them with. Most of the issues I am having are dealing with longer screws like wood screws. I think I would be fine using the harbor freight pros for electronics but the wood screws and rusted on fasteners worries me.

Like the others, I recommend the ratcheting Snap On, but have a plain handle like you are talking about too (Craftsman #43373). You can find a made in the USA one on ebay for less than $10, the China ones supposedly have bad magnets.

I like the Snap On ACR bits, they are $3 (free shipping) and last a long time. You might as well get a PH2 to try it. I just installed 10 sets of drawers and sliders in my kitchen with one (about 200 screws) and it worked great.

 

[cludwin]

Williams USA black hard handles are a really good deal. I use them alot and they are great. The philips tips have the ACR teeth that help bite in so that it grabs really well.

IMHO they are the best screwdriver for the price.

I also have a really nice set of heavy duty wiha screwdrivers w/ striking caps. They fit my hand really well and there are times where a tap with a hammer is required so the striking caps are a nice feature.

I have a set of vessels with the JIT tips which I use on my dirt bikes and those are great as well.

That being said 99% of the time I reach the williams.

 

[yowzer]

Does snap on or any other brand sell just a bit screwdriver, not a ratcheting one but just a plain old handle and shank with a bit on the end to put different bits in?

Lots of brands have them. They're called bit drivers.

Here's a couple:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Bahco-BE-8577-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Bit-Drivers (I have this one. It's nice.)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LQQDEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[1950mercury]

Acr phillips are the cats ***

 

[shockwave]

I like the first witte Matco screwdrivers the best
Snap on aswell

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Thanks, I knew they were called bit drivers but when I would search I would only get bits for cordless drills.

 

[JR 42]

Lots of brands have them. They're called bit drivers.

Here's a couple:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Bahco-BE-8577-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Bit-Drivers (I have this one. It's nice.)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LQQDEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Indeed, here's a dirt cheap US-made KD from Cripe on ebay. It's basic but functional:

http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=400757520934

Here are some cheap US-made PH2 bits from the same seller:

http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=331337038345

They have many more bit offerings, and screwdrivers to boot.

Epsteins has Apex insert bits:

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/SDBphillips/440-2X.html

along with many screwdriver options:

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=PhillipsSD



JR

 

[wild cowboy]

Wera & Wiha really have no peers, that I have seen.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I use the crystal handles (craftsman, kobalt). Been okay for me. I think stanley makes the kobalt ones; they're not bad at all besides they fact that they're stanley global components drivers.

If you have the money maybe get the snap on instincts. They don't impress me that much honestly but people seem to like them. SK facom (octopus handle) quite a bit cheaper but very nice, harder to warranty; I like those. Crescent dura drivers (usa old stock) are excellent drivers for the price impossible to warranty and no frills; if you're cheap and don't want craftsman that's what you should buy. Wera has a 30 dollar set, not sure how good the tips are it is but the handles are good.

 

[oldldh]

Proto Classic Professional Yellow Handles---

Phillips #0----Proto 9651C
Phillips #1----Proto 9863C
Phillips #2----Proto 9684C
Phillips #3----Proto 9686C

I have the whole Proto shebang...

And they're the best screwdrivers I've ever used...

Search the part #'s, and you'll find a source...

The Phillips are in the lower left of the photo...

 

[azhatchback]

Honestly I prefer the soft handle Snap On Instinct screwdrivers. i find I can get a better grip with them. This is also something you should also think about, not just the hardest tip; but what fits your hand best.

My favorite too. I use drivers a lot in line of work and I find the instincts soft grip to be the best. I don't have to squeeze the driver as hard to prevent it from slipping. I started having a lot of hand pain from using non-ergo cheap handles for manny years and when I picked up my first instinct I was hooked. I like the serrated tips on the phillips too. It's pretty amazing how well the phillips mate to a screw. My #2 most used grabs screws so well it's almost like there is a magnet on it. The hex bolster is really heplful too in some cases. I have used my #4 on strut tops with a wrench on it when getting the nut off on my mustang. I can't say enough about these drivers. I have them both at work and at home. The torx and minis are awesome too. You can buy the singles on their website, free shipping.

Classic SO black handles are good too and you can get them in willams for a very fair price. I also like craftsman cushion drivers but the tips don't grab as good as the SO and they dont have a large selection in these.

You really need to hold a screwdriver to see what fits your hand the best. Get on a tool truck, go to stores, etc... and test them after getting recomendations from here.

 

[vans]

My vote is for Klein Screwdrivers, can be bought at Home Depot/electrical tools

FYI- I'm not a screwdriver expert, just like the Klein brand of tools

 

[SASORacing]

Williams sells a 6pc phillips set, for around $40, same as snap on.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Thanks, do you have any experienced with the kd tools? Would you spend the extra on the bahco or get the kd? Also, would you get the bosch bits or dewalt ones. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NFK8XS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Thank you for linking those, since they offer combined shipping I think I will pick those up.

 

[Dave455]

Personally, I don't worry too much about warranty on drivers! I've only ever broken one, it was about 20 years old and I over torqued it anyway! The only time these things really get worn is when you use them on crappy screws, which isn't covered by anyone's warranty anyway!

So.. Just buy some decent ones and don't worry about the warranty!


My favourites - Snap On are always good. I have some old square handled drivers from the 80's that have lasted really well and are lovely to use. Perfect for automotive work, but I don't use 'em on crappy screws!

My other current favourites are PB Swiss (with the hard handles) and Nepros. I think the PB are probably the best drivers out there, but I keep mine for cleanish tasks! The Nepros (with the wooden handles) are so good they are almost too good to use, but I have no doubt they are durable!

Some of the aerospace boys I work with use a lot of Phillips, and I see some Zephyr drivers around which some reckon have the best tips, but I havn't tried them myself!

I've got odd drivers I've acquired over the years by makers such as Mac (hard handle) Proto (same shank, different handle), Wiha, CK and even British made Stanley!

Most have been, at worst, O.K. So my advice would be to try a few, see what fits your hand, and what suits your usage! I'd avoid soft handles for garage use as they pick up too much grease and grit, and for Phillips and Pozidriv I tend to keep some decent drivers, and a couple of cheaper ones for when I have to tackle cheap screws with poor heads!

 

[franzdom]

Wera & Wiha really have no peers, that I have seen.

You haven't seen PB Swiss