Mechanics Screwdrivers

[srmofo]

Out of curiosity, what makes the Craftsman screwdrivers so bad? I've got a drawer full of misc screwdrivers, including old USA-made Stanley, Taiwan Benchtop Snap On clones,Craftsman and others. To be honest, they all work pretty much the same to me. My favorites are the Benchtop because they've comfortable and they've held up well, but so far I haven't experienced any problems with the durability of the Craftsman either.

They cam out of a phillips screws, and the flats bend and break very easily. Ive got a drawer full of them also from when I was just a poor kid trying to fix my car. I can still remember the first time I realized what a giant POS a phillips craftsman is. I was trying to remove the screw from a honda distributor rotor and the damned thing was stuck which resulted in a stripped screw from the cam out. An older smarter man handed me a better screw driver. I pulled that stripped screw out with little effort. I bought a set as soon as I had money saved up and never looked back. Obviously YMMV.

 

[Ritter4.0]

Duralast with the red in the grips are really good. The tips are sharp, and magnetic. I like the hex shank, and so far I have not worn one out yet. I use the #2 8" Phillips daily, being able to spin it with your fingertips is a lot faster too. Do not get the ones with all blue handles, I haven't gotten one, but read they're more cheaply made.

I have an Autozone within walking distance of where I work, and pass it on my way home everyday, so it works out for me. Sears in an easy 15 minutes out of the way, and a half hour from my house. Snap On tips are duller and non-magnetic, plus cost a lot more, for quality I can get from my <$10 Duralast.

 

[SMKS]

Here are a bunch of cool, cheap sets I dug up on Amazon. They should all be made in Germany (except the Weras).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YNQVQI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E662SO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E60MKI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XITE7E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FTA4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9SLF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

not to hijack the thread but I need a new set of screwdrivers as well (not happy with mine and everyone else has them where i work they are craftsman pro red black dual density handles)

Been looking at felo and wera. between the two what would you chose? also anyone have any other suggestions? really liking the look of the felo but not sure.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[thedeatons]

I will be calling Chads tomorrow and getting a total price on some Felo 500 Fricos.... Looks like they are averaging $7.60 per driver for the self-made set I am considering....

Still thinking though....

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

I have the Wera, all of the Snappys, and the Witte Matcos.

I always reach for the Witte-Matcos before any other.

Adam

 

[emillika]

What does the Snap-On ratcheting screw driver go for on the street... not a pro so I don't have a relationship with a dealer. All my Snap-on's were provided by a previous employer several many years ago!

 

[shanker]

the crazy thing is that those Snappy ratcheting hard handles sell for more used on ebay than new off the truck sometimes!

I have a wera ratcheting screwdriver I got off amazon and LOVE it...buttery smooth and comfortable

 

[Jim85IROC]

They cam out of a phillips screws, and the flats bend and break very easily. Ive got a drawer full of them also from when I was just a poor kid trying to fix my car. I can still remember the first time I realized what a giant POS a phillips craftsman is. I was trying to remove the screw from a honda distributor rotor and the damned thing was stuck which resulted in a stripped screw from the cam out. An older smarter man handed me a better screw driver. I pulled that stripped screw out with little effort. I bought a set as soon as I had money saved up and never looked back. Obviously YMMV.

Maybe if I get some time I'll try setting up a little test with some spare screws and my vice. I've never really noticed a "unique" profile to the Craftsmans that would cause them to cam out easier than other brands, but I never really examined them that closely. I'm a fairly big guy, so when I lean into a screwdriver, I'm usually more worried about snapping the head off the screw than I am with having it cam out.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I vote Snap-On,But DO NOT get the new Instinct handle garbage.Pick up a nice gently used Hard handle set from here or E-Bay.

 

[Notwerk]

Maybe if I get some time I'll try setting up a little test with some spare screws and my vice. I've never really noticed a "unique" profile to the Craftsmans that would cause them to cam out easier than other brands, but I never really examined them that closely. I'm a fairly big guy, so when I lean into a screwdriver, I'm usually more worried about snapping the head off the screw than I am with having it cam out.

Picked up a cheap box of the Husky cellulose handles ($10 for an 18-piece set). They're the same AA-coded Western Forge drivers that Craftsman sells for it's main line as far as I can tell, and I haven't had any problems with cam-out or tip wear with those either. Maybe I'm just really easy on screws.

I was trying to remove the screw from a honda distributor rotor and the damned thing was stuck which resulted in a stripped screw from the cam out. An older smarter man handed me a better screw driver.

Sure that wasn't a JIS screw? I was helping my brother recently with his Honda fogs, and I didn't realize in time that he was taking a PH driver (a Wera) to one of the tiny screws on the fog light housing. Stripped bad. I handed him a JIS bit and the rest of the screws came out with ease. Had to drill out the bad one. Replaced them all with Allen heads (these were M3 screws) so we wouldn't have to deal with that mess again in the future. Honda – and its contractors – use a lot of JIS screws (sometimes not clearly marked) in electrical components.

 

[ishiboo]

Here are a bunch of cool, cheap sets I dug up on Amazon. They should all be made in Germany (except the Weras).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YNQVQI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E662SO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E60MKI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XITE7E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FTA4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9SLF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Pricey.

Fleet Farm sells the blue Felo 7-piece set for $9.99, it's $25 there. They have pretty good pricing on all the Felo stuff.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

I vote Snap-On,But DO NOT get the new Instinct handle garbage.Pick up a nice gently used Hard handle set from here or E-Bay.

Just wondering why you consider the Insticts "garbage". I use mine every day in a professional environment and love them. I had a bunch of the old hard handles too, and the Instincts are way more comfortable to use, and seem to be just as durable. Infact I'll go as far to say they the tips are better than the old hardhandles.

 

[thedeatons]

See the Mechanics Screwdrivers - Second Thread for the outcome (my decision).... I will post pictures when they arrive

Thanks to all of you who helped!

James

 

[VolvoHighMileage]

If I had to pick only two screwdrivers, one would be my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver and the other would be my Klein 3/16 x 6 cabinet tip.

I love this answer - I just got the snap on ratcheting screwdriver and going to add on with some wiha bits. I'm trying to decide what other screwdrivers would be worth investing in quality on or if that will cover it. Why the 3/16x63 and what other ones would you recommend? Thank you!!

 

[VolvoHighMileage]

I love this answer - I just got the snap on ratcheting screwdriver and going to add on with some wiha bits. I'm trying to decide what other screwdrivers would be worth investing in quality on or if that will cover it. Why the 3/16x63 and what other ones would you recommend? Thank you!!

I'm asking for the purpose of automotive repair. I'd be interested to hear everyone's thoughts too! Not to hijack the thread.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Williams USA with the black hard handles. Then grab some long cabinet style flat heads for poking and messing with clips and connectors. Add a few Vessel drivers for JIS, they are worth it. Finally a large harbor freight flathead for a prybar and frame inspection device.

 

[sberry]

We really got some golden arms here. Wonder how some of us mortals ever make it. I will fundamentally agree that the Sears Phillips especially a worn one is lacking but it can be replaced. I was a Klein type for a long time but a guy had to keep a new one in stash for "special" screws which has pretty much been replaced with HF which I been leaning on lately and haven't had to replace. Bought a big one or 2 recent from there, seem to work as good as any.
Bought a fist full of singles, 1.50 and 2 dollars.

 

[Mr_B]

Williams USA with the black hard handles. Then grab some long cabinet style flat heads for poking and messing with clips and connectors. Add a few Vessel drivers for JIS, they are worth it. Finally a large harbor freight flathead for a prybar and frame inspection device.

+1
the williams hard handle larger sets can be had pretty cheap at times and they real nice and durable
The toptul drive thru sets also ideal mechanic style screwdrive and good value .

 

[sberry]

I happened to be there and turned a couple Sears in for new. New Sears is as good as any worn other one. They were slotted though.

 

[TXpintail]

The only brand I’ve had that I didn’t like were standard Craftsman, although like many have said I got by with them for a decade before I knew any better.

I think USA Williams and Klein are in the sweet spot for quality and value. I like Wiha for precision stuff.

That being said I have no complaints with a used Mac set I bought a while ago. Never had any Snap On to compare to, but haven’t felt a need either.

 

[measuredtwice]

This topic is 8 1/2 years old so hopefully the OP found some screwdrivers.

The only brand I’ve had that I didn’t like were standard Craftsman, although like many have said I got by with them for a decade before I knew any better.

The old Craftsman USA slotted drivers with the acetate handles are nice imo.

I think ... and Klein are in the sweet spot for quality and value. I like Wiha for precision stuff.

The rubber grips on Klein drivers loosen and twist with use and I find that to be an annoyance. They are certainly popular but I think Klein is kinda pricey. I paid less for my Wiha stuff and its far better imo.

Most of the German screwdriver sets I see are a 6, 7, or 8 piece set, with no other options. That is not enough for me...

My biggest concern is that the brand/model of screwdrivers I get must have a huge range of available sizes. I need tiny, small, medium, large, and huge of slotted and phillips. Just like the selection Craftsman has. I work on TONS of stuff, all different, each requiring different sizes.

The Question to you guys
Out of the brands listed above, which brand/model do you think has the most extensive selection of sizes? (I don't care about comfort, color, hex bolsters, etc, just selection)

The OPs post is old but I've noticed more recent posts also complaining about sets. Don't understand why it matters. You can buy whatever drivers you want individually.

 

[VolvoHighMileage]

Williams USA with the black hard handles. Then grab some long cabinet style flat heads for poking and messing with clips and connectors. Add a few Vessel drivers for JIS, they are worth it. Finally a large harbor freight flathead for a prybar and frame inspection device.

Excellent advice. Thank you!

 

[Max]

I have the Williams black hard handle set and they are great. The Williams ratcheting 1/4” hex driver is also very nice.

FWIW, I got mine from Zoro with a 20% off coupon. If I remember right it was a bit over $100 out the door. The hot deals section of this forum typically has the coupon codes.

Max

 

[M6erfan]

Williams USA with the black hard handles. Then grab some long cabinet style flat heads for poking and messing with clips and connectors. Add a few Vessel drivers for JIS, they are worth it. Finally a large harbor freight flathead for a prybar and frame inspection device.

^^^In general pretty much this. I don't like the Williams handles though and their tips are nothing special IMO. Decent value if you like the handles though.

 

[xin]

SNap on and Matco, then Wera for me.. No experience with mac or any other good screwdrivers.

Same here bought my hard handle Snap-on's long time ago 2 sets and got Matco ones. Got a few MAC ones hard handled as well. The Matco ones are NICE -

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^^^In general pretty much this. I don't like the Williams handles though and their tips are nothing special IMO. Decent value if you like the handles though.

Different strokes.


I really like the USA Williams phillips heads. I think they do better than my german made (Whia?) NAPA drivers. I haven't really found much better, Vessel obviously makes awesome stuff, but I loathe comfort grip anything. If they were readily available will non-comfort grips, I'd probably switch over. Plastic or bare metal is basically all I try to own. Impossible to keep clean, too bulky for ratchets, etc. Vessels stay in the drawer until they are needed.

 

[M6erfan]

Different strokes.


I really like the USA Williams phillips heads. I think they do better than my german made (Whia?) NAPA drivers. I haven't really found much better, Vessel obviously makes awesome stuff, but I loathe comfort grip anything. If they were readily available will non-comfort grips, I'd probably switch over. Plastic or bare metal is basically all I try to own. Impossible to keep clean, too bulky for ratchets, etc. Vessels stay in the drawer until they are needed.

I think (could be wrong) that those German Carlyle drivers were made by Witte.

Funny, I much prefer the PH tips of my Wiha's, and I really like the grips on my Vessel 900 series.

As they say... YMMV

 

[PartsGuy]

I was looking for a set of the old hard Snap-on flat cabinet screwdrivers recently, and thought of the Williams, since S-O doesn't offer the classic handle cabinet drivers anymore. Well, I found five individual Williams cabinet flats on Amazon, pretty reasonably, too!
Same hard grip, and if you lay them in the drawer with the logo down, you can hardly tell I cheated on the Snap-on dealer....
I also snagged the #2 and #3 JIS striking screwdrivers from Vessel, since I have been tinkering with more Asian **** lately. It's a little harder to hide those, though!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I think (could be wrong) that those German Carlyle drivers were made by Witte.

Funny, I much prefer the PH tips of my Wiha's, and I really like the grips on my Vessel 900 series.

As they say... YMMV

Yes Witte, good memory. I remember doing a good bit of research before buying those; bought a house and needed a decent home set. I actually just ordered a Vessel ball screwdriver with a #2 and a flathead "flip-bit", so I don't have to go downstairs to my toolbox.



Tens of thousands in tools, still buying screwdrivers. Welcome to Garage Journal.

 

[M6erfan]

... actually just ordered a Vessel ball screwdriver with a #2 and a flathead "flip-bit", so I don't have to go downstairs to my toolbox...

I've considered getting that ball driver. Where did you get it from?

 

[JRas]

If you can get Snap-On that cheap, I'd go that route.

I'm pretty picky on tools, and I ended up ordering a set of Snap-On. The ability to get the handles changed out, and shanks from the dealer lifetime warranty. Is hard to beat..

Doing Electrical at work I use Klein screwdrivers, swear by them. I wouldn't use them for auto mechanical work though due to the grips/oil,etc.

Wera redbulls have caught my eye for awhile, if they had that color combo on a bigger set including stubbies. I'd be sold, grips look awesome at least.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've considered getting that ball driver. Where did you get it from?

Amazon, 15 bucks. They had a few varieties on there.