Maybe its time for some REAL screwdrivers?

[Danglerb]

Reading a couple threads has me stirred up to buy some good screwdrivers. SnapOn is a bit more than I think I need to spend. I was looking at some of the Wiha, but from what I read they have no warranty for breaking. Maybe a 6 or 7 piece set, and I do like the idea of some kind of anti cam out. Any suggestions?

 

[bmwpower]

Buy the Snap-ons and sleep at night. They really are that good. I have big hands and the Wiha's are not very comfortable to me...hard to get a grip, too. Same with the SK soft handled ones. The SK hard handles are too slippery for me. Less than $100 on eBay for the Snap-ons...

 

[joenero]

Snap on soft grip, better then Mac soft grip, better then Matco and their "soft grip" and better then Craftsman soft grip. Sleep well with the warranty, be amazed at the amount of torque you can apply and how good it's fit is.

 

[strizzy]

Or if your man enough, get the hard plastic Snap On handles.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have a TON of different screwdrivers.... Witte, Cman, Cats Paw (Mayhew), SK, Facom, etc etc etc. My "go to" screwdrivers are the Snap Ons. If I had to buy screwdrivers all over again, I'd buy the Snap Ons first. This is after having used a bunch of others because I didn't want to spend $100 on a set of screwdrivers. Just my .02...

 

[Danglerb]

Surfing around I see a high preference for Snapon, electricians seem to like Klein, Wiha has a good following, Stahlwille looks good, SK, not so much with current craftsmen. Wheeler is popular with gun smiths, and a few others compete with Wiha in precision screwdrivers. Maybe I should buy a screwdriver from a couple different brands and just see how I like it?

Snapon offers several colors etc., whats one I should be looking for? #2 phillips seems like a good size to compare with.

Does all of this screwdriver preference apply to hex drivers?

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I just got the C'man Pro 10peice set. Have not used it much, just a few odds and ends around the house so far, but Im happy with them. The grip is comfy, the handle is large and it fits nicely in my palm. The set also had two #2 Phillips, which is the size I seem to use most of (short and "normal" lenght).

Im sure the SO's are all that and more...but for my needs as a weekender, the C'man Pros are perfect.
-a

 

[ba614]

I like trying different brands. I found the Elora site here one time and tried their red handled screwdriver out. I found them to be high quality and unique in handle shape. I prefer hard handle screwdrivers and these fit the bill for me. You can see them here. http://www.bloomertool.com/ScrewDrivers.html

 

[Jononon]

I was looking at some of the Wiha, but from what I read they have no warranty for breaking.

I don't know who told you that, but they will replace a tool which breaks in normal use, regardless of where it was bought. You won't, of course, have the advantage that the guy on the truck might know you as a good customer and turn a blind eye to obvious abuse.

Wiha's warranty.
SnapOn's.

'Course, you can negotiate as to whether the SnapOns not having oil resistant handles, developing permanent stickiness, and 'weeping' into your tool drawers is a warranty issue, having paid $100 for them on Fleabay, or buy a bigger set, with high grip handles designed for automotive use, new, for $75.

 

[ColdDuckTime]

If you are really that hard on screwdrivers, how about a Wera 'Chiseldriver'?

 

[Freejack]

I've got a whole bunch of the Ridgid screwdrivers that used to be sold at HD (same as the older Craftsman Pros). I've been very happy with them. The handles are soft to the touch without being a foam material, and the grip shape allows a lot of torque before your hand slips.

Jake

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have the black plastic handled Snap On screwdrivers, bought them off eBay to replace my Mastercraft set that I've had for 20+ years. Nothing wrong with the Mastercraft set but the Snap On ones look nicer

 

[jimvannoy]

I had a full black handle Snap On set. Had it for about 25 years. Just swapped them out for a brand new Snap On set. Also have 20 or 30 assorted Craftsman's. Most 20-30 years old.

 

[Danglerb]

I don't know who told you that, but they will replace a tool which breaks in normal use, regardless of where it was bought. You won't, of course, have the advantage that the guy on the truck might know you as a good customer and turn a blind eye to obvious abuse.

Wiha's warranty.
SnapOn's.

What threw me off was that I was looking at bits when I saw the warranty info, and didn't think screwdrivers were different.

"Wiha Insert Bits, Power Bits and Tweezers are not warranted except for defects in workmanship and materials."

 

[Danglerb]

If you are really that hard on screwdrivers, how about a Wera 'Chiseldriver'?

The only chiseling I do is on prices.

I'm not that hard on screwdrivers, the screwdrivers are hard on ME. I have not been the most disciplined screwdriver user, wrong size, worn tip, holding something stupidly, and I get poked or at best ruin a screw. I tend to use my HF 99 cent screwdriver so I don't mess up my Craftsmen 20 year old standard set. I need to change my ways AND my screwdrivers.

Half the time I use bits in either a B&D Versapak bend in the middle screwdriver thing, or an old Easydriver ratcheting ball. The EasyDriver is the weapon of choice on really tough screws. I am also shopping for a batch of REALLY nice bits, maybe the Wera or Wiha.

I want to try some anti cam out stuff, but I may end up with a set with, and a set without ACR since I have heard the ribs mar trim screws.

 

[wilbilt]

Half the time I use bits in either a B&D Versapak bend in the middle screwdriver thing, or an old Easydriver ratcheting ball. The EasyDriver is the weapon of choice on really tough screws.

The Easydriver is a much under-appreciated tool. Good to know they are still around, and US made.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I had a full black handle Snap On set. Had it for about 25 years. Just swapped them out for a brand new Snap On set. Also have 20 or 30 assorted Craftsman's. Most 20-30 years old.

You have damned good connections, those a-holes always told me that the handles were not warranted, only the blade. My response to those guys was their warranty sucked hind *** to Craftsman, at least Craftsman warranted their handles as well as the blade, and at a fraction of the cost of SO. That pisses me off to this day, now my mechanic friend runs interference for me!

(UB says as he removes his steaming popcorn from the microwave and shuffles of to his easy chair)

 

[SteveV]

My vote is for the Craftsman Pro, their handles are red and black. They're really well built, and you can really get a good grip with the handle. They also seems to have a much tighter fit on the fasteners than other screwdrivers I've used.

They're head and shoulders above the regular line Craftsman screwdrivers.

Also, unless you're a mechanic, it's a lot easier to get a replacement with Sears than it is chasing down a Snap-On truck for a replacement. They're also less than half the price of Snap-On.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got $101 in Wiha in my cart at Chadstoolbox.com, which gives me free shipping, no tax, and a LOAD of different drivers and options. The 6 driver set of ACR soft grips, a Topra (toothless ratchet) starter set, a full set of diamond bits in phillips and slot, and all the 6mm hex options I could think of.

I may let it cook for a day to be sure I'm not forgetting something this late at night, but OTOH if I order now, they might get here by Saturday.

 

[george4]

I've got $101 in Wiha in my cart at Chadstoolbox.com, which gives me free shipping, no tax, and a LOAD of different drivers and options. The 6 driver set of ACR soft grips, a Topra (toothless ratchet) starter set, a full set of diamond bits in phillips and slot, and all the 6mm hex options I could think of.

I may let it cook for a day to be sure I'm not forgetting something this late at night, but OTOH if I order now, they might get here by Saturday.

I have two small sets of Wiha, they are great. Chadstoolbox has good prices but I had problems with timely shipping from them.

 

[-lecroix-]

You have damned good connections, those a-holes always told me that the handles were not warranted, only the blade. My response to those guys was their warranty sucked hind *** to Craftsman, at least Craftsman warranted their handles as well as the blade, and at a fraction of the cost of SO. That pisses me off to this day, now my mechanic friend runs interference for me!

(UB says as he removes his steaming popcorn from the microwave and shuffles of to his easy chair)

Had the same thing happen to me concerning some old *** SO screwdrivers a friend of mine gave to me ... the handles were busted and the truck driver said he couldn't replace them because the tips were still good ... I took them home, stuck them in a vise with the tips only sticking out and knocked the **** out of the tips with a ball peen hammer... next week he replaced them due to "broken tips"

Moral of the Story: Don't ******** a Bullshitter.

 

[ColdDuckTime]

I have two small sets of Wiha, they are great. Chadstoolbox has good prices but I had problems with timely shipping from them.

Same here. My guess is that he accumulates orders and then does some sort of bulk buying from his supplier in order to avoid having a gigantic inventory.

I do like the business concept, though. With the web, you could run something like this out of your garage. It would be cool if he picked up Wera too.

 

[Detroit Diesel Man]

I say buy the S.O. ..I have the hard handle ones..bought them years and years ago...I love those...I dont much care for the newer softgrip ones..check e-bay or pawn shops..buy a complete set.


DDM

 

[Uncle Buck]

Had the same thing happen to me concerning some old *** SO screwdrivers a friend of mine gave to me ... the handles were busted and the truck driver said he couldn't replace them because the tips were still good ... I took them home, stuck them in a vise with the tips only sticking out and knocked the **** out of the tips with a ball peen hammer... next week he replaced them due to "broken tips"

Moral of the Story: Don't ******** a Bullshitter.

Close, but a bit different. I have no problem with what that guy told you, they have done me the same way. What I have a problem with is no warranty on the handle although it had never been beat or otherwise abused! I had one screwdriver handle that was literally coming apart on it's own and my answer was tough luck jr, we warranty the blade only!

 

[SteveV]

Close, but a bit different. I have no problem with what that guy told you, they have done me the same way. What I have a problem with is no warranty on the handle although it had never been beat or otherwise abused! I had one screwdriver handle that was literally coming apart on it's own and my answer was tough luck jr, we warranty the blade only!

That's ridiculous, that story alone should be enough not to buy Snap-On's screwdrivers. I have never had a handle come apart on a screwdriver, even cheap Chinese ones that I was using as chisel and pounding on with a hammer.

Not only are the Snap-On's a ****** screwdriver that fell apart, they deny a valid warranty claim. They're also about the most expensive screwdrivers you can buy. Maybe the newer models are different or they've changed how they manufacture the handle.

I would go with the Craftsman Professional models, you won't get hassled if it ever breaks, they'll just hand you a new one.

 

[jimvannoy]

You have damned good connections, those a-holes always told me that the handles were not warranted, only the blade. My response to those guys was their warranty sucked hind *** to Craftsman, at least Craftsman warranted their handles as well as the blade, and at a fraction of the cost of SO. That pisses me off to this day, now my mechanic friend runs interference for me!

(UB says as he removes his steaming popcorn from the microwave and shuffles of to his easy chair)

My 25 year old black handle screwdrivers had a problem with an oily residue leaking out of them and rusting everything in the drawer including the drawer. I called their 800 number and they said yes it's a know problem with the 80's plastic and they will swap them out. Took them to the truck and told him what they said. He called and they said yes swap them out. Got a brand new set plus swapped out several other 80's black handle tools no problem. Even got my clear handle test light swapped for a brand new one.

 

[Danglerb]

I was ready just now to buy a complete set of SO tools, everything they make and all the chests to hold it, but this handle warranty changed my mind.

I really DID want to buy some snapon ACR screwdrivers, but red handles, orange handles, green handles, etc. and I could never find a single screwdriver I wanted on ebay that I was sure of what it was. I may just find out when the truck shows up at one of my mechanics shops and try to catch it.

I suspect the Wera and Wiha diamond tipped bits may be the same, something I am looking into a bit.

Cart stays live at Chads for 30 days, after hearing about slow shipping, I decided to let it cook a few days. For sake of amusement and unconcern for bandwidth, here is the current order subject to revision. I'm a sucker for free shipping minimums, and the Topra set pushed it over, it would be the first to go if I find some other things to replace it.

Your Shopping Cart

WIHA 28296 Topra 12Pc Bit Set Slot/Ph/Torx $36.45
WIHA 36760 MagicRing Ballend S/F Driver 6.0mm $4.11
WIHA 46991 3K ACO Cush Grip Slot/Ph 6 Pc Set $25.23
WIHA 48401 3K Cushion Grip 1/4 Magnetic Bit Holder $6.14
WIHA 71021 Slotted Diamond Bit 5.5 X 0.8 X 25mm $3.70
WIHA 71311 MagicRing Insert Bit Std Hex End 6.0 $2.25
WIHA 71760 M/Ring Ballend Power Bit 6.0 X 50mm $2.89
WIHA 74319 MagicRing Power Bit Std Hex End 6.0 $2.65
WIHA 74161 Diamond Phil Pwr Bit #1X50mm $4.29
WIHA 74162 Diamond Phil Pwr Bit #2X50mm $4.29
WIHA 74163 Diamond Phil Pwr Bit #3X50mm $4.29
WIHA 77148 1/4 Dr 6" Long Bit Socket Hex 6mm $4.99

Subtotal $101.28

 

[strizzy]

The handles everyone is referring to are older 80's handles I believe. I have some older (three sided), as well as newer ones and never had a problem. At the shop theres hard handles that have been through hell and back. I not really a fan of the soft handle ones.

I have SO and Craftsman Pro, SOs are just the first choice, the ACR makes a huge difference. Never had a problem with the Craftsman Pros though...

Either way, get a nice SO ratcheting driver.

 

[ColdDuckTime]

Not to pick on Snap On, but it would suprise the heck out of me if their screwdrivers are superior to Wiha/Wera or that their pliers are better than Knipex. As a non-professional (so take it for what it's worth), their products seems kind of like an iffy investment once you get away from sockets and wrenches (plus specialty tools I suppose, you get those where you need to).

 

[Danglerb]

The Wiha Topra isn't a pawl and wheel ratchet, but a smooth locking cam system that works with less that 2 degrees of motion. Pistol grip is natural and effective for applying force. I look forward to giving it a spin.

Seems to me its other trades than automotive that tend to wear out screwdrivers and pliers, like electricians or maybe working in some kind of assembly line. Trades like gun smithing, cameras, and clocks, seems to be about having a large selection of sizes to exactly match the screw heads. Sounds like a whatever makes your boat float situation.

I'm not suggesting Wiha makes the best screwdriver, but it is very good, appears to be made of high grade tool steel, and costs $5. Doesn't it kind of make you wonder how Snapon could be 4x as good?

 

[Detroit Diesel Man]

Not to pick on Snap On, but it would suprise the heck out of me if their screwdrivers are superior to Wiha/Wera or that their pliers are better than Knipex. As a non-professional (so take it for what it's worth), their products seems kind of like an iffy investment once you get away from sockets and wrenches (plus specialty tools I suppose, you get those where you need to).

I have 3 pair of cutters from S.O. but right on the pivot it says Knipex...so they just re-brand it as snap-on and inflate the price...they are awsome by the way..

DDM

 

[caspian65]

I think the handle warranty on SO screwdrivers would vary from truck to truck. Good repeat customers probably could get a replacement and the SO guy would probably do just like the other guy did and put the old one in a vice and break it.