Micro screwdriver set suggestions?

[fr0mastaj]

So... I bought myself a Kobalt microscrewdriver set from Lowes a little while back. Used it for the first time today and both philips 0 and 00 heads snapped off.

Who makes a good set of these that wont break the bank? I assume Wera would be trustworthy...but thats kind of expensive for a 6pc set... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001P18PA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Any cheaper/reliable alternatives?? I would prefer around $20 if possible.

Thanks!

 

[american lockpicker]

PB Swiss.

 

[route246]

You get what you pay for. I keep multiple Kobalt and Husky kits around because they do break and wear out. I also have multiple Wera sets. I mainly use them when I work on laptops and other small electronics gear and those are not high torque applications, though.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I dont see any PB Swiss micro sets on amazon, they are my #1 tool source!

This sadly was a laptop that snapped both heads... it was for taking out the fan bracket on a Macbook pro...not high torque at all....

 

[ricleh]

Check out Wiha.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

I've yet to break mine...and i use them on tough stuff...

 

[Monte]

Felo

 

[pacsguy]

I have the felo ESD set in the middle above and I really like it.

 

[JML2]

I have sets of individual drivers from Wera (Kraftform Micro) and Wiha (the old style and the newer Pico handle style), handles with replaceable blades from Commando/Moody, a rare jeweler-type set from Niwa, and various hobbyist drivers with replaceable blades and metal handles (for slot cars, R/C cars, etc.) from Hudy and SlotCarCorner.

But I find myself reaching for this C.K. T4896 set first (unless I have to use a thin shank driver). I have a similar handled set from Wiha, but this handle and collet is better (the drivers are the same size):

I've seen and held the red-handled Felo sets, and I was disappointed in the quality of the handles (much molding flash) when compared to the Wera and Wiha sets I have. But that last Felo set is similar to the C.K. and Wiha, with a threaded collet.

 

[dede2897234]

fr0mastaj,

You have a Micro Center computer superstore near you at 730 Memorial Drive in Cambridge. I have seen at my local Micro Center store Felo mini screwdriver sets. You may want to call the one in Cambridge (617-234-6400) and ask if it has the following set in stock: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0257619.


Dave

 

[jayrush13]

I'm an Electrician by trade and my main work is HVAC controls and hookup of large commercial units. I use small screwdrivers everyday. For my regular screwdrivers i use klien but there micro screwdrivers ****. i use these From Harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/6-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-47823.html and they have lasted 10 times longer than the kliens and if i lose them I'm only out 3 bucks

 

[Monte]

 

[JML2]

One other point (no pun intended). One important aspect of using these small screwdrivers is the length of the shank. While you may need a long shank for access to some tiny screws, a long shank magnifies the wobble of the driver when you use it because of the leverage increase. The closer your hand is to the screw, the lower the chance of damaging the recess. The Wera drivers are very nice, but they're also very long. The Felo aren't as long, and the Wiha are as long as the Felo.

That's one reason I like the adjustable length drivers with the replaceable blade.

Besides a place like MicroCenter, you can also check local hobby shops (try a place that carries slot cars, R/C cars, and R/C helicopters). My local hobby store carries the Wiha and the Felo screwdrivers pictured in this thread, as well as other brands of varying quality.

Another option that's very nice is the very tiny Wera Kraftform handle, the 813R. It has the same bit holder as the other Wera handles, and you can use regular 1/4" insert bits or powerbits. For recessed Torx screws, like #6, #7, or #9, this is a great solution. For working on something like the screws on a pocket knife, it's perfect. Most of the handles on small screwdrivers are very thin, and not intended to be held the same way as a regular screwdriver, inherently limiting the torque you can apply. The Wera 813R bridges the gap nicely.

Here are some comparisons of sizes of some small screwdrivers, from a review I did on another forum:

 

[uf-engineer]

I've always liked and used Wiha.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Wow, thanks for all the responses! Didn't think many people used micro screwdrivers here. Thanks for the Microcenter suggestion...never realized there was Felo sold locally! I actually drive by there all the time, I can check them out during the week.

But the Wera and Wiha also got my attention now too... decisions decisions...

 

[BHR4CE1]

I use these and have NEVER been disappointed.

http://www.filmtools.com/wihscrewcomk.html

 

[franzdom]

JML, if you want shorter ones, the Starrett Jeweler's screwdrivers are awesome. They also feature replacable shafts. I have a set of those and the Wiha bag/8, Amazon is a decent source for those.

 

[JML2]

Oh, I have plenty right now!

But the Starrett metal screwdrivers are very nice, I agree. There are similar watchmaker screwdrivers from Europe, ranging all over the place in price (check out Bergeon), and I have some of those, too (watches use slotted screws almost exclusively). Moody makes similar metal and plastic-handled screwdrivers, also made in the US (the Commando screwdrivers use Moody blades).

Starrett also offers plastic-handled screwdrivers that look very much like Wiha (I wouldn't be surprised to find that they're made by Wiha for Starrett):

 

[Stick Figure]

Picked these up at Fry's for around $20 .... haven't had a problem with them yet.

 

[AutomatiquE]

Wittron drivers made by Witte : http://www.witte-werkzeuge.de/







@Monte : who is the OEM of Xcelite ?

 

[Monte]

@Monte : who is the OEM of Xcelite ?

take a look at these Felo´s

btw: nice Witte drivers !!!

 

[AutomatiquE]

Ahhhhh ok ! How dumb i was
Btw, are you still happy with your Würt/Felo drivers ?

 

[Steve_P]

I have several Wiha "pico" finish micro driver sets and they are very nice. They are not cheap but quality is great. They also have a handle style that is less expensive but it's not as nice. Search Amazon

 

[djcrunkmix]

I have several Wiha "pico" finish micro driver sets and they are very nice. They are not cheap but quality is great. They also have a handle style that is less expensive but it's not as nice. Search Amazon

I just authored a 1080p video in the honor of Wiha PicoFinish Screwdrivers

Watch it here:

I cannot give these up . Good stuff

 

[Monte]

Ahhhhh ok ! How dumb i was
Btw, are you still happy with your Würt/Felo drivers ?

yes, can´t complain. But I´m only a DIY user...

 

[tradesmanschoice]

My vote is for Wiha Picofinish. Compared them against some Witte and the quality of Witte wasn't as good. Starrett also get their's made by Wiha.

Mark.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Is this the Wiha Picofinish set? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZ5QG0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's what I got my eye set on so far...but it doesnt say Picofinish anywhere in the descriptions...

If it's not, do I really need Picofinish for very occasional use? Not sure what the difference even is...

EDIT: Nevermind, I just noticed JML2 explained it very clearly in his post... but i guess I still do not know what the functional difference is?

 

[JML2]

The Pico line of handles are dual-compound (hard and soft). The older line is all hard plastic. The shape is different, too. The blades are unchanged.

The Pico handles are more comfortable and less slippery. But none of these are made for holding in your closed hand and applying high torque. They're all really for spinning and low torque use.

 

[dede2897234]

Besides a place like MicroCenter, you can also check local hobby shops (try a place that carries slot cars, R/C cars, and R/C helicopters). My local hobby store carries the Wiha and the Felo screwdrivers pictured in this thread, as well as other brands of varying quality.

fr0mastaj,

As "JML2" suggested above, you may want to check out hobby stores in your area. There is a Hobbytown USA in Ashland (508- 881-1700) that might sell a Wiha mini screwdriver set(s). At my local Hobbytown, I saw them stocked on a pegboard hook. I would call ahead to check availability.


Dave

 

[Solid Lifters]

Look at no other than Wiha.

I've used them all, and all have broke on me except Wiha. They are the best precision tool company out there.

Oh, and Wera still hasn't replaced my precision flathead .8mm like they promised 7-8 months ago.

 

[Jeff]

This is a decent Wiha set and will fit damned near anything.

Wiha 75991 27-Piece Interchangeable Bit Set $34.48

 

[fr0mastaj]

Looks like i'm going to get a Wiha set...now the question is which one? Too many options!!

8 pc regular handle
8 pc picofinish handle
27 pc interchangeable

somebody help me decide...

 

[Monte]

Athlet

www.athlet-online.de

 

[tradesmanschoice]

Most people buy the standard 6pc set:-

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Wiha/260PK6.html

But if you're working in electronics, you'll want the ESD-safe versions.

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Wiha/272K6.html

Personally, I've never liked using interchangable screwdrivers.

Best Regards,
Mark.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Looks like i'm going to get a Wiha set...now the question is which one? Too many options!!

8 pc regular handle
8 pc picofinish handle
27 pc interchangeable

somebody help me decide...

Get the ESD line from Wiha. It is second to none. I work in repairing electronics. Not once have I ever had a failure with them.

MicroTools has the best prices. Currently out of stock, they'll soon have them back in stock. http://www.micro-tools.com/store/C-192/ESD-Phillips.aspx

I'm not a fan of the PICO line which is why I bought Wera. Big mistake. I have yet to find a decent line of precision tools that equal Wiha.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Ergh, too late! I ended up ordering the Wiha PicoFinishes... I needed to order because my laptop is in shambles right now.

Hope they are awesome! Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[treasureseeker]

take a look at these Felo´s

btw: nice Witte drivers !!!

I ordered this set based on your posting them for $21 at Amazon

Chris

 

[djcrunkmix]

OP - You won't be disappointed by Wiha PicoFinish. I ordered the regular ones and then switched to Wiha PicoFinish. They have nice rubbery grip to apply sufficient torque with minimal slippage.

Heck, I got every single Wiha PicoFinish screwdriver - Phillips, Slotted, Nuts drivers (inch, metric), Hex drivers (inch, metric) and Torx.

I also have the regular big screwdrivers for general purpose. Wiha is quality stuff at a decent price.

 

[DHomb]

Jeez, you guys must use these a whole lot more than I do because the Stanley 6 piece set has never not worked for what I needed, but I only use them 1-2 times per year.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002X29G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JML2]

I use these small screwdrivers for working on computers, cell phones, other consumer electronics, pocket knives, eyeglasses, clocks, and other stuff like that. That usually means needing Phillips, JIS cross-point, pozidrive, torx, and metric & SAE hex recess. And those flat ones every so often... It seems that T6 and T7 screws are the norm on electronic gizmos and other toys you can keep in your pocket. Anyone into slot cars or R/C stuff needs small screwdrivers like this, which is why you can find high-quality Wiha and Felo sets in hobby stores. For example, I have a half-dozen different .9mm hex drivers for use with M2 set screws, including a torque-limited driver.

But it's also good to have the hardened 1/4" insert bits for larger handles. The Wiha torx and hex bits are great. Wera has some great extended shank tiny Torx bits. And Vessel makes great JIS-compatible crosspoint bits with an extended shank.

And they're even needed for working on tools. For example, I have some Stanley and Milwaukee utility knives that have torx and JIS screws holding them together. To make sure they stay together, I opened them up and put some red loctite on the screws.