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Moderately priced screwdriver set opinions?

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dwasifar

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May 28, 2017
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Finally wearing out the tips on my 90s black Craftsman Industrial. They had a good run.

Not sure whether to spring $42 for a set of 6 Milwaukee cushion grip, or if I should give Masterforce a try, 17-piece set for $27. I would expect the Milwaukee to be higher quality with the price difference, but OTOH the Milwaukee are China and the Masterforce might be USA (I'm having trouble finding out for sure), and a lot of people seem to think Masterforce are pretty good.

So I guess the question is, who has used the Milwaukee drivers, and who has used the Masterforce, and what did you think? Any good?
 
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Citation

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Ohio Andy

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The Wera set listed above is very nice. Really like mine.

Expect the vessel to hold up really well

VESSEL MEGADORA Screwdriver Set 6pcs. 9006PB (Paper Box)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085M3QM5X?tag=atomicindus08-20

If price is no object get PB Swiss. I have mostly the swiss grip but some of the hard handles as well.

I really like since of the storage and transports with the tekton screwdrivers. Not as tough as vessel, but a nice selection.

www.tekton.com

Screwdrivers and Bits | TEKTON

Shop screwdrivers, multi-bit drivers, screwdriver sets, bit sets, and screwdriver organization.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com

Their high torque screwdrivers make it really easy to apply a lot of torque. So far really enjoyed using both thigh torque and they're harder handles.
 
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CGarage

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Vessel or nothing.

I own the PB Swiss and would prefer the Vessel for automotive use. I use the PB Swiss (and the various handles) for shop use and engineering type assembly / disassembly of various non-automotive components.

I like the Vessel wood pulp composite handle model with striking caps. They are indestructible and easy to clean and very robust.

Would not even look elsewhere. I think I paid between $60 and $80 for my set a few years back.
 
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Ohio Andy

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CGarage said:
Vessel or nothing.

I own the PB Swiss and would prefer the Vessel for automotive use. I use the PB Swiss (and the various handles) for shop use and engineering type assembly / disassembly of various non-automotive components.

I like the Vessel wood pulp composite handle model with striking caps. They are indestructible and easy to clean and very robust.

Would not even look elsewhere. I think I paid between $60 and $80 for my set a few years back.
Click to expand...
So we are clear, you mean this set right

VESSEL Wood-Compo Non-Slip handle Screwdriver Made in Japan by VESSEL (6PCS SET 3006CS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QCQYL6N?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have never used these. Good price for them I think
 
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CJM8515

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vessel as already mentioned or the williams hard handles (same as snap on). I have both and they work equally well. if you are working on anything automotive/mechanic you want vessel as the phillips screws aint phillips but japanese standard, vessel dont slip like phillips
 
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Jtels85

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The Masterforce do not have blasted tips, so expect them to not grip as well as the Milwaukee.

If you're looking for good quality, inexpensive screwdrivers, the black and gray handle Jobsmart set at Tractor Supply are stout. I've had my set about 3 years and they take their fair share of abuse.
 
T

Tynee

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CJM8515 said:
vessel as already mentioned or the williams hard handles (same as snap on). I have both and they work equally well. if you are working on anything automotive/mechanic you want vessel as the phillips screws aint phillips but japanese standard, vessel dont slip like phillips
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I've used the Snap-on equivalent for 20 years. A 5-piece set can be had right now on Amazon for ~$50. Some of the Vessel posted above appear to be a better bargain right now, as they are 6-pieces and include the #3 Phillips for the same money.

 
M

M635_Guy

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Between those two I'd get the Milwaukee set.

I have three main sets of screwdrivers: (I've been weeding out others, though I do have a mutt set for the wife and family, who can't be trusted with nice tools unfortunately).

Wiha Microfinish Extra Heavy Duty (53398) - Expensive, but tough, work great and feel just perfect for me - awesome handle. I mainly use this for stuff around the house. I'm in the process of moving into a house that is... lightly maintained... so these are getting a workout lately and are a joy to use.

Icon Mechanics Screwdrivers - Also great. These have since been updated with anti-cam tips, but my OG set has been doing the work. Mainly used for automotive and garage stuff (i.e. whatever winds up on my workbench to get fixed/fiddled with).

Milwaukee set above - They're sort of a combination of the least-good aspects of the two sets above, which winds up being a "like but don't love" set I'm willing to sacrifice and/or risk losing. Mainly I don't like the handle very much.

I gave my eldest spawn a set of the Doyle Heavy Duty screwdrivers as part of a first-apartment tool kit, and would happily dump the Milwaukee set for those if they had more sizes. I did grab the Doyle demolition screwdrivers and have been very happy with them.
 
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CGarage

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You never stated what you plan on using them for.

If it is just for use around a domesticated home, you will love these, and won’t need more than this.

Vessel Famidora TD-800 - high praise from a man with 150+ screwdrivers...

Ever in search of the better mouse-trap, I have accumulated over 150 premium screwdrivers from all over... Wiha Germany? Both the red and blue handles. Witte Germany? Yep. Bahco? Been there, done that. Felo Germany? Yep. Love them. Good old German quality. Hazet Germany? Got a 6 piece set and...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
 
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AEAdam

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Klein are classics- made in the USA, unlike Milwaukee.

Milwaukee has been kinda ******* me off lately. Not sure if you saw the news about them using Chinese prison (essentially slave) labor for gloves. But its not that. They seem more focused on marketing and specs than making great products. I have a lot of Milwaukee stuff (not screwdrivers) and some of it I like and some of it feels like they just couldn't be bothered to do a good job.

Klein drivers are not the best, but I find them comfortable to use, widely available, decent quality and pretty low priced.
 
K

Kscardsfan

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I'm looking at Vessel since I need some JIS tips in the box, along with the several dozen other screwdrivers I've hoarded over the years.
 
F

four.cycle

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Kscardsfan said:
I'm looking at Vessel since I need some JIS tips in the box, along with the several dozen other screwdrivers I've hoarded over the years.
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Again:
I had some mixed feelings about shipping my buddy that "Megadora" set for Christmas, as he's been using U.S. made "hard handles" his entire life, and is a grumpy old man resistant to change (like me.) I had some reservations about the "soft handle" thing, but pulled the trigger and sent them to him just before Christmas.
After he finally recovered from two heart attacks and the installation of a pacemaker, I asked him about them. (This would have been about two months back when @BrandonV first started digging into the "JIS" thing toward the end of this thread.) He said he loved them, which actually surprised me.

The few I have kept for myself are now my "go to" for anything Phillips - they just FIT better (and I honestly don't understand the whole "JIS" issue, but I don't work on any Japanese-made machinery.)
 
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Jay870

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Last two sets I purchased were

  • Tekton Hard Handle Black Oxide. Feel good & fit well but the black oxide shafts rust incredibly easily. I have to keep them wiped down with oil. Looks like they may not even offer the black oxide in a "standard" screwdriver site anymore, wouldn't surprise me if poor corrosion resistance is why.
  • Vessel Megadora 8pc posted above. Excellent in all respects.
 
R

RickyPetite

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I'll be the first to throw some shade at Vessel. I just received a green Megadora set yesterday. I love the sharpness of the tip and how it bites into fasteners. I am less thrilled about the handle. Its shape is fine but the plastic and rubber are very smooth and kind of slippery. I cleaned the handle with Spray Nine and the rubber got a little tackier. Should be fine but I was a little disappointed.
 
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Ohio Andy

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Okay you convinced me to try them, I ordered these

VESSEL WOOD-COMPO Non-Slip Tang-Thru Screwdriver (8PC. SET 3308EVA)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1H7Y9?tag=atomicindus08-20

if my brakes break, I will just walk out with the screwdrivers and I will wave them around and suddenly my brakes will work.

I also know that while I'm holding them I can have my buddy hit them with a sledgehammer and we will just break those tough screws loose.

And, after they fall into that huge vat of icky icky yucky stuff, they will wipe right clean.

And if I take my car somewhere to be serviced, I will leave that set sitting on the front seat so that when they move my car in they'll say wow, this guy sure knows screwdrivers, I'd better take extra good care of his car.

And finally, when I swagger into the house in a few moments my wife is going to take one look at me and say hey ****.

They arrive Friday.

:cool:

Looking forward to comparing them to my Wera, PB swiss, Tekton, USA made craftsman, and my forever screwdrivers (to name most).

I decided to part ways with some of my other screwdrivers. I was given a set of huskies that I've been using for a while, and I just don't like them. I even have some Stanley's that I hardly ever use. Think I'll get rid of those too. My most complete sets are the USA made Craftsman, professional and not professional, and Tekton. I bought the Craftsman professionals one day after I used my regular Craftsman doing some particularly difficult things and I ended up with bruises on my hands. I went right out and bought two sets of professionals, and I really like them. Understand the new versions of the professionals are not even almost as nice.
 
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CGarage

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Vessel should offer me commission for what I help them achieve in sales. 😂

You will be well served by these.

But also of note, my most used Vessels are still the Famidora Td-800 set I use around my home and office. I referenced this earlier in the thread.

P.S. I won’t give up my PB Swiss or Wera or Facom or USAG or Wihas, etc…..but Vessel for performance to price ratio is the winner, and they simply fit.
 
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Andres26tnt

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I don't buy kits anymore. Buy individual at sizes and different tips I need. For best fit on Philips, megadora. You just can't beat them, they just fit the fastener right. Close second Snap-on. For flatheads, pb swiss. Just like vessel they understand the tip has to fit, and man do they fit right. The best handle bar none is the gedore, they fit my hand lovely. But that might be different for you. Over all I've spent less then 50$ for a nice "set" I made myself.
 
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isb cornbinder

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My wife's family had a long tradition of drawing names for Xmas. One year my BIL drew my name. He asked what I wanted. I said, a full set of HAZET screwdrivers. "No problem," he said, Now I have witnesses. He was crushed when the set was $176cdn in 1980. These Hazet drivers have been the best set of screwdriver I ever owned,
 
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Ohio Andy

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CGarage said:
Vessel should offer me commission for what I help them achieve in sales. 😂

You will be well served by these.

But also of note, my most used Vessels are still the Famidora Td-800 set I use around my home and office. I referenced this earlier in the thread.

P.S. I won’t give up my PB Swiss or Wera or Facom or USAG or Wihas, etc…..but Vessel for performance to price ratio is the winner, and they simply fit.
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Well, the thing that got me was when I realized that they were designed so I could hit them at least a little bit given their construction.

I mean I have one I can beat on all day, old USA but sometimes I don't need to break that out. If I just had something I could give a little tappity tap to, cuz I won't do that with my other screwdrivers...


Also, looks like that specific set will clean up real nice after I coat it with oil and other stuff. I like to keep my tools as pristine as I can, and for the most part with woodworking I can do that even with very comfortable grip screwdrivers. Of course when I'm tearing down something that I need to oil and clean and spraying carb cleaner. I end up with oil and brine and grease everywhere so there are some screwdrivers I just don't want to use in that environment. So I'll see how these compare then I use them in that environment. Looks like they're made for it.
 
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Ohio Andy

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I thought I had looked at them but I don't see it now myself either.

I see this armor set for like 30 bucks

VESSEL ARMOR GRIP Screwdriver 8PC. Set (JISDRIVE) No.550A8PTU (Previous)

But that set doesn't have the knurled shaft. And oh my goodness! Is there knurled shaft? Really nice. I found this for 53.

VESSEL MEGADORA Screwdriver Set 6pcs. 9006PB (Paper Box)

The version I bought bought I expect to be able to use in really rough conditions but it doesn't have the knurling...

Jb tools for $43

www.jbtools.com

Vessel 9006PB MEGADORA JAWSFIT Screwdriver 6PC. Set

Buy Vessel 9006PB MEGADORA JAWSFIT Screwdriver 6PC. Set with an everyday low price and fast shipping! JB Tools
www.jbtools.com www.jbtools.com
 
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