Mechanics Screwdrivers

[thedeatons]

I am upgrading my screwdrivers after being on Craftsmans for 10+ years. They are good screwdrivers, but I want something a bit different, with better tips at minimum.

The problem I have had in my research is that most screwdriver companies are not geared toward mechanics.

The Craftsman set I had included everything. Tiny #0 Phillips to 8"+ 3/8 Slotted and bigger! I had all kinds of different screwdriver, and each one was used.

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.

Wiha
I found the Wiha 40 Piece Industrial set, but it doesn't have any larger tips, mostly up to 1/4" only in slotted, plus they are no longer on sale, and I have read the blue handles are okay... I wanted the Microfinish handles, but they only offer them in a few sizes with no stubbies, etc.

Wera
Wera is out because the tips are soft, and the sets are very small, with no options for bigger/smaller sizes. No Wera. Please don't suggest them.

Felo
Felo seems nice, though difficult to come by except through Bondhus. I have used Bondhus hex drivers before and they were comfy, but the rubber moved around on the handle some, and the hex drivers stripped easily (in production work). They do have an extensive range of sizes in their catalog. I need to convert the metric to inches so I can compare the sizes... These seem to be an option with some inexpensive sets on Amazon to get started.

Snap-On
I can get a deal on the 8 piece Instinct set, but wanted some feedback on them. How do they compare to the Germans? I can get a matching long driver set, and the 8 piece comes with stubbies... This seems to be an option.

The Rest of them
Not really interested in any other brands. I have been reading this forum for weeks now and have narrowed my selection to these few.


***My Biggest Concern
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)


Thanks!
James

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a few Snap-on screwdriver,a set of Blue-points and a set from Matco. I am equally happen with them. I prefer to use them over the Cman stuff. I haven't been happy with the tips on their screwdriver for a few years.

 

[Jim85IROC]

If I used them enough to matter, I'd spring for the Snap Ons. I have a set of Benchtop screwdrivers that I bought 10+ years ago at K-Mart. They're Snap-On clones, and the handles are very comfortable. Those and my USA-made stanleys (No idea where I got them... probably swiped them from dad years ago) are my most often used screwdrivers, but to be honest, I don't seem to use them often enough to wear them out. If I'm doing anything more than turning a few screws, I'm using my 18 volt Dewalt screw gun.

Edit: It seems that most of what Snap On shows now has an entirely different handle shape than their older stuff that I'm referring to.

 

[jeffmoss26]

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.

 

[seth_man]

ive had c-man, cornwell, matco and snap on screwdrivers over the years and my personal choice would be snap on. great quality, good tips but most of all if i do break one i dont have to chase down a tool truck or mail them in for warranty. snap on dealer comes every week and never asks any questions they just get replaced. the same cannot be said for any of the other truck brands and ive been denied replacement at sears a few times.

 

[GrantCee]

Too bad you've limited yourself. Wright, for instance, has slotted screwdrivers from 1/8 to 3/8, up to 17" long, plus Phillips from 0 to 4. Great quality, still made in the US and proud of it.

Of course, they won't impress your friends like Snap-On will.

 

[thedeatons]

I thought about the Wrights actually... I couldn't really find a handle I like right off the bat. I am waiting for the SO truck to come by this neighborhood so I can get some in my hand and test them out.

I don't feel I have limited myself too much, I know there are other brands out there, but after reading well over 100 threads on this forum I feel the few brands I mentioned are really deserving of my time/money. I don't want to get something just because, then have to sell/rebuy later.... Know what I mean?

Any other thoughts guys? Anyone else? I love reading from folks who have been doing this a long time...

James

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

im looking into a set of the felos or the weras for work. I really like the felos but the weras have alot of cool stuff too, thinking about getting both I got a set of bondhus hex drivers and got a free felo screwdriver and have been pretty impressed with it.

Working on airliners they put screws in some tough to get at places (i know some of you guys out in the biz will put me to shame telling me war stories, I have also heard hawkers are mechanical nightmares but good aircraft) But you need a good set of screwdrivers because nothing is worse than barely being able to reach a screw and watching the screwdriver bit slip and cam the stupid screw out.

Also I currently have cman pro, and everyone i work with has them so i want something different because mine have almost walked off a few times.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[bob15]

What type of handles do you like? hard plastic, cushion grip?

I have Snap-On phillip head which I really like. the Snappy phillips heads are really good. I also have their cabinet shank screwdrivers because they have the lengths and narrow tips I wanted. I also have two sets of Wright square shank screwdrivers which I bought individually (no sets). The square shank are my favorite, with very good tips (not the blasted tip which will snap off too easily) and a cushion grip.

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Cushion-Grip-Square-Shank-Screwdrivers-c2843.htm

bob

 

[NJHandyGuy]

sir you need to look at pb swiss then we'll talk

 

[dwm]

With the exception of the brands you've ruled out, I don't think you'll find any one brand that covers everything. For example, many companies don't offer PH1, PH3, PZ1 or PZ3 stubbies. I have Wera for PH3 and PZ3 stubbies for that reason, and Wiha PH1 and small slotted stubbies.

I have Snap-On, Wera, Wiha and recently Pratt-Read in my main box. But I'm with jeffmoss26... most of the time, I'm using a Snap-On ratcheting driver. The only time I'm not is when I can't. That would only be due to needing additional reach and/or the ratcheting shaft presents a clearance issue. Rare on cars I work on. On my own cars, I can't recall ever needing something other than ratcheting drivers with various shafts and 25mm tips. In the end, I'm much more productive with ratcheting drivers and cordless drivers, and every screwdriver tip is eventually a consumable.

 

[SMKS]

To the OP:
Where did you read that Wera screwdrivers have soft tips? I don't recall reading that.

 

[nw2571]

Wiha
I found the Wiha 40 Piece Industrial set, but it doesn't have any larger tips, mostly up to 1/4" only in slotted, plus they are no longer on sale, and I have read the blue handles are okay... I wanted the Microfinish handles, but they only offer them in a few sizes with no stubbies, etc.

Wiha's SoftFinish line up contains quite the selection. Lots of stubbies and up to 12" on the common sizes
http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/311serie.htm

I wouldn't rule out the Craftsman pros either. The tips are improved quite a bit, and I really like the handles. No real stubbies though....

 

[Notwerk]

Might want to look at Williams USA, too. Similar (identical?) to Snap-on, but they'll save you a bit of money that you can use to buy more tools, obviously.

Check toolsdelivered.com.

 

[cib]

Klein also makes a great set as well.

 

[shanker]

i have Wera's, Wiha's, Klein, and some older Snap-On Hard Handles in my current box (much others in my junk yard box), but I've NEVER heard of Wera's having soft heads...I love my Wera's...the Wiha ChiselDriver is a damn fine screwdriver as well.

 

[Notwerk]

i have Wera's, Wiha's, Klein, and some older Snap-On Hard Handles in my current box (much others in my junk yard box), but I've NEVER heard of Wera's having soft heads...I love my Wera's...the Wiha ChiselDriver is a damn fine screwdriver as well.

I kind of have to agree here. I have a Wera bit driver and those heads can pulverize a screw head if you're not careful. We had a thread a little while back where a member had a handle go bad, and I can't say that the way Wera handled the situation inspired too much confidence in their warranty, but I haven't had any problems with my bit driver – handle, tip or otherwise.

 

[radgto]

I used Craftsman for about 20 years and never really thought much about upgrading due to my mind set of "it's a screwdriver, how can it be better?"

My boss saw me using my homemade insulated screwdrivers (electrical tape) to change out a contact on a new 4 million dollar machine at work and flipped out.
He ordered me a basic set of insulated drivers from McMaster Carr which ended up being Wiha... Holy Sh!t what a difference they made.

I bought myself a 12 piece set off Amazon soon after and I can't believe how much better they really are, I'd compare it to using a Cresent wrench then discovering sockets. No more broken tips on flat heads, no more rounded out phillips screws, no more achy hand.

I notice your concern about bigger size drivers not being in most sets but the Wiha set is a pretty damn good set size wise for the money and you can always add on.

Here's the set I bought
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9SI60/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If I had a chance to use them prior to buying and I didn't know better I would have thought pricing would be more.

I'm not a dealership tech, I am industrial machine repair but I do A LOT of car repairs for friends and flips and I'd say that 12 piece set along with the 8 piece torx set would cover 99% of what a dealership tech would need.

 

[shanker]

My Wera Lazertips are my go-to screwdrivers for 99% of what I'm working on...they also come in long shaft lengths which is nice too.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

I replaced my Craftsman Pros with the 8 pc Instinct Snap On set and love them. They're super comfortable, grip really nice, and they clean up easily if you get them oily or greasy.

 

[shanker]

30 dollars for these Wiha Chiseldrivers is pretty hard to beat (I got 3 sets for 24 a few weeks ago on special)

http://www.wihatools.com/pe.htm

 

[shanker]

I will say that I'm not all that excited about having to go to a Fastenal for Wera warranty though.....Wiha pieces can be sent straight back to Wisconsin for warranty which would still cost a few dollars in shipping and eat some time...but be ALOT less hassle than dealing with Fastenal

 

[Brentocool]

Check out Williams on Ebay. There nice. I think there just like Snap-On. Says there a Snap-On Co ? Theres more on here the just theseVVVVVVVV

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-WILLIAMS...206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b057ee9e

 

[jameswrx]

I just replaced my facom set with snap on instinct, more through boredom than anything.

The snap on drivers are really lovely to use, the phillips tip also has little grooves on the flats to grip better which works well. I was a bit reluctant to get instinct handles, thought I'd prefer the traditional hard plastic square'ish snap on ones, but they are nice to use. The handle shape makes a lot of sense when you use it, deffinately the best I've used (and I've tried most)

 

[thedeatons]

Wera
If you do some searching on these forums you'll find the Wera tips wear over time. Plue they don't have the selection. I need selection. Sorry but I am not going to buy Wera. I'm glad you guys love them, and am happy you found a driver you like.

Wiha vs Snap-On
I tried those Wiha Soft Grip (red/black) handles here locally and they seemed a bit bulbous (large) in my hand. How does the Snap-On Instinct compare side by side?
I can get the 8 piece Instinct set for $60 total, but am wondering if the Wiha 12 piece set mentioned above is a better deal, also at $60....

I really enjoy this forum and love my newfound love for "nice" tools. Since joining I have sold all my Craftsman wrenches and change to Wright, and upgraded my air fittings to Milton Type V!

James

 

[kippieland]

Love my Wiha set!

 

[thedeatons]

After posting the last post (above) I searched through Wiha's new online catalog, which is WAY easier than the previous internet ridiculousness on their website... They do have quite an extensive Soft Finish selection of screwdrivers...

It's gonna cost about $180 for 20 Snap-On screwdrivers.... $100 for Wihas.

I have about $100 to spend...

 

[plinker]

The Williams have the old style Snap-on handles, very good screwdrivers.

Of the ones listed, Id say Snap-on or even Craftsman pro as mentioned. If warranty is an issue, either would be the one to get, IMO.

S-K has some coming out that are pretty much identical to the C-man pros except for color.

 

[plinker]

A nice set of Williams can be had for around 50-60$, check ebay.

 

[shefflad]

love my snap on instinct screwdrivers .......

 

[thedeatons]

This set is very nice for $35 with free shipping: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?...5a97cde9a-474D8EE2-0F71-942D-EBFD31C3A4B2A71C - The selection isn't there though. Very few of the 400 series drivers available.

Felo does have about 27 different 500 series drivers available though, not counting hex, torx, pozi, etc...

 

[thedeatons]

AH-HA! The Felo Frico 500 Series... Lots of options with this series. Anyone have any?

http://chadstoolbox.com/felo535216pcslottedandphillipsscrewdriverset-2componenthandle.aspx

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/6pc-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set-2-component-handle-felo-53521/

 

[srmofo]

anything you are thinking about will be several steps higher than a craftsman screwdriver.

Pick a brand that suites your needs and be happy. They're all good options....Ive got Felo, which I enjoy when Im working with wood, Hard handled MAC set I use everyday all day wrenching on cars, and my new Wiha micro finish set which Im still getting used to the heavy ends. Im not sure how I like the weight, but the business end has been great so far.

I shudder when I hear about people using craftsman screwdrivers. Gawd damn I hate those things.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Whatever you decide to buy, set aside or save up an additional $60 for a Snap On Ratcheting Screwdriver. I own three of the brands mentioned in this thread and find myself reaching for the Snap On ratcheting whenever/wherever possible. I'm no Kool-Aid drinker; the Snap On is that good and well worth the money imo.

 

[e30bradley]

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

 

[Jim85IROC]

anything you are thinking about will be several steps higher than a craftsman screwdriver.

Pick a brand that suites your needs and be happy. They're all good options....Ive got Felo, which I enjoy when Im working with wood, Hard handled MAC set I use everyday all day wrenching on cars, and my new Wiha micro finish set which Im still getting used to the heavy ends. Im not sure how I like the weight, but the business end has been great so far.

I shudder when I hear about people using craftsman screwdrivers. Gawd damn I hate those things.

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.

 

[Monte]

The complete Felo catalog: 188 pages of screwdrivers, hex keys + bits:

http://felo.de/Downloads/Felo_Catalog.pdf

 

[shanker]

have you looked at Facom's...they make a great screwdriver as well

 

[thedeatons]

I have looked at Facoms, and can't get over the strange handle design.... I will take a closer look at them though...

Just found this good review. I thought the same thing when I handles a Wiha Soft Finish, the red plastic part was very smooth, and almost cheapened it up for me.... Just me though, no offense
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19448

 

[GoBlue]

Matco (Witte) and Snap on are tough to beat for my money