Need a new screwdriver set for daily/proffesional

[Billgluckman]

Definitely keeping this under $100, hopefully $50 range, but I’m considering everything.

right now I’m considering Witte, Icon, sunex, maybe Cornwell if I found a deal. A foam case to stick in toolbox is a plus

I almost bought the Icon set earlier, I’ve been a fan of the Icon tools. Not because I think they’re the best but because there’s a HF 30 mins from my house and warranty is great.

The only tool truck that I have access to is Matco and he always charges more than the website list price and I’m not giving him $200 for screwdrivers.

anything I need to look at? I’ve looked at Wiha also but I have no experience with this brand. Right now I’m feeling the Icon and Witte. Icons-warranty, Witte-I think they look nice and I’m sure quality is good.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I'm a sucker for the Williams hard handle ones. Waaay cheaper than the Snap on ones. I prefer the hard handles because they are easier to clean the soft ergonomic ones.

 

[Mr_B]

+1 to above
williams hard handle are proper nice screwdriver.
in sets they can be found pretty good to crazy cheap .
Toptul go-thru sets nice too, was cheap but not sure current price/sourcing .

 

[lardy1]

You can get a good set of Williams on that budget. I have examples of many brands of screwdrivers but if I was buying a set, that would be my choice. Felo wood handles can still be found but the $25.00 days are gone I think. That's still a nice set for well under a hundred.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Tekton hard handle

 

[bonneyman]

I'm a sucker for the Williams hard handle ones. Waaay cheaper than the Snap on ones. I prefer the hard handles because they are easier to clean the soft ergonomic ones.

I like the older Snappy hardhandles, but since they're no longer made these Williams' are the next best bet.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would go with Wera. Good tips, ergonomic handles, and cheap enough to be expendable. The Snap on hard handle/Williamss is overrated. If your Matco guy charges you more than list, you need to buy your tools elsewhere.

 

[cheechi]

If you are considering the Witte, I also like their handle shape but would suggest looking at Felo and Wiha as I find both of them to be more comfortable.

Even if it cost more I would choose Witte Felo Wiha or Williams over the Icon as I have some Icon drivers and while there is nothing wrong with them, the handles aren't as comfortable as any of these listed.

 

[Fedwrench]

Tekton hard handle

No foam organizer but they have screwdriver racks with some sets. You would be hard pressed to find a better set in this price range.

 

[Raineman]

I’m getting ready to get a new set myself. I’m a fan of the Snap on hard handles, but not of the investment since I don’t need them for a living anymore.
I’ve been looking really hard at the Williams sets and the Tekton sets. I like the nut boss on the shank on the Williams, but the longer ones (which I use most) don’t have them. Which means I won’t miss it if I go with Tekton.
Also, Williams looks like made in China (correction-US) and Tekton made in USA.
Still haven’t made up my mind but I know which way I’m leaning, Tekton. They don’t have foam organizers but I don’t think Williams does either and Tekton has multiple storage options.
Not looking at any others because the grip style works best in my hand.
Good luck with your decision, let us know where you go with it.

 

[wtn1271]

These Vessel sets are worth a look too....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1KMW2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1QZFT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Bockscar]

I would go with Wera. Good tips, ergonomic handles, and cheap enough to be expendable. The Snap on hard handle/Williamss is overrated. If your Matco guy charges you more than list, you need to buy your tools elsewhere.

I wouldn't say the Snap-On hard handles are overrated....it's pretty much like any tool that boils down to your preference the Snap-Ons are probably my favorite next to the SK hard handle people complain that the SK's are too big but they fit my mitts ,perfectly

 

[Bockscar]

I’m getting ready to get a new set myself. I’m a fan of the Snap on hard handles, but not of the investment since I don’t need them for a living anymore.
I’ve been looking really hard at the Williams sets and the Tekton sets. I like the nut boss on the shank on the Williams, but the longer ones (which I use most) don’t have them. Which means I won’t miss it if I go with Tekton.
Also, Williams looks like made in China and Tekton made in USA.
Still haven’t made up my mind but I know which way I’m leaning, Tekton. They don’t have foam organizers but I don’t think Williams does either and Tekton has multiple storage options.
Not looking at any others because the grip style works best in my hand.
Good luck with your decision, let us know where you go with it.

Williams are USA made

 

[cheechi]

These Vessel sets are worth a look too....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1KMW2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1QZFT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the 9008EVA set and it is great also.

which reminds me due to the JIS connection, that this is a better value than the Icon set also. More comfortable and have never had a damaged tip in 10ish years of owning multiple sets. If it makes the most sense for OP to spend the money at HF these to me at least are their best offering unless either hex bolsters or the tray are a requirement. and FWIW that tray won't last forever on the ICON, mine is ok, my friend's has a huge crack down one side of the diagonal middle part. He's harder on things than me but not to the point of being abusive.

 

[Raineman]

Williams are USA made

I thought so too, but the Amazon links I was looking at say China. Even if they are US, they just seem to me to be hard to find a responsible party if’n I need to warranty one.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the handle (assuming they are exactly like SO), but I know what kind of support I’m getting from Tekton even though the handle is slightly less perfect.
Like I said, still undecided.

 

[never rest]

I thought so too, but the Amazon links I was looking at say China. Even if they are US, they just seem to me to be hard to find a responsible party if’n I need to warranty one.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the handle (assuming they are exactly like SO), but I know what kind of support I’m getting from Tekton even though the handle is slightly less perfect.
Like I said, still undecided.

The bag they come in is made in china. The screwdrivers themselves are marked USA.

 

[Raineman]

Never rest and bockscar, thanks for clearing that up. Doing further research I’m seeing that.

 

[ForrestT]

Very partial to the Greenlee’s and Klein’s. For the money Greenlee’s are tough go beat. Made in Taiwan. Klein’s are made in USA. For general maintenance, I love them. For automotive, I can see Williams and SK being easier to clean up.

 

[jbfsr]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQ8MTPN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Got this Sunex set recently. Very pleased.

 

[Max]

I should note that I have the Tekton hard handkes (nutdrivers), Tekton tri-lobe (screwdrivers), and the Williams/Bahco set. I think that either the Williams or Tekton will work for you, although I personally have a slight preference for the Williams.

Also the hard handles are great for mechanical stuff (cars, motorcycles, mower) but they are hard to use for high torque situations like driving wood screws. So in high torque cases I use the tri-lobe.

Amazon has many errors. Here is the Zoro info:

Williams #100P-8MD Specifications​

• Zoro #: G7259730
• 
  
• Mfr #: 100P-8MD
• Item: Mixed Screwdriver Set
• Tip Size: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", #1, #2, #3
• Overall Length: 7-7/8", 10-11/16", 12-3/4", 6-1/4", 7-15/16", 10-1/2", 6-11/16", 9-11/16"
• Number of Pieces: 8
• Sub-Category: Williams
• Handle Type: Comfort Grip
• SAE or Metric: SAE
• Includes: (3) Slotted: 1/4" x 4", 5/16" x 6", 3/8" x 8"; (3) Phillips: #1 x 3", #2 x 4", #3 x 6"; (2) Electrician Tip: 3/16" x 3", 3/16" x 6"
• Features: Thumb Stop Allow For Added Turning Power Without Discomfort or Slippage, Chrome Blades Prevent Corrosion and Can be Easily Cleaned, Vapor-Blasted Tips Grip Fasteners and Prevent Chipping, Extending Tool Life, Hex Bolsters on Shafts Allow a Wrench to be Used For Extra Turning Power+
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Bit Style: Slotted, Phillips
• Country of Origin (subject to change): United States

Help us improve our product information

 

[Bockscar]

Never rest and bockscar, thanks for clearing that up. Doing further research I’m seeing that.

Zoro has them

 

[Raineman]

OP-billgluckman, my apologies for hi jacking the thread. Not my intention.

 

[ecotec]

.

 

[ecotec]

I like the older Snappy hardhandles, but since they're no longer made these Williams' are the next best bet.

They are still made. They are over $217 for a 7pc set with a PAKTY.
Awesome screwdrivers... fun colors... crazy price...

but the 5pc that people keep showing in this thread... is like $42 with PAKTY from Caterpillar... but it only comes in black.

I have two sets of the 5pc Williams in the PAKTY.

The 6pc Caterpillar set does not have a PAKTY. It comes in a plastic bag.

 

[WWheeler]

I thought so too, but the Amazon links I was looking at say China. Even if they are US, they just seem to me to be hard to find a responsible party if’n I need to warranty one.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the handle (assuming they are exactly like SO), but I know what kind of support I’m getting from Tekton even though the handle is slightly less perfect.
Like I said, still undecided.

The bag they come in is made in china. The screwdrivers themselves are marked USA.

This sounds about right to me but I'm not 100% about the Bahcos. The 14 Williams screwdrivers in the 19pc mixed set do all say USA on them but the 5 Bahcos don't actually say on them nor does it say on their website for their Ergo screwdrivers what their COO is. Their 'Who is Bahco' page says "Bahco products are overwhelmingly manufactured in our own factories located across Europe" but that's the closest I found to nailing that down. The bag they come in does say "Made in USA, China and Spain.

FWIW both the Williams and Bahco screwdrivers in this set are excellent no matter where they were made.

 

[ecotec]

In the big set in WWheeler’s post above, the black Williams is made in USA, the Bahco screwdrivers are made in Spain, and the plastic bag is made in China.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Not sure if you can find them in the sub $50 range, but they should still be under a C note, the Proto Duratek screwdrivers are pretty slick and feel great in your hand.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Flat head screwdrivers are mainly pry bars so get the ones that have the easiest warranty process.

 

[Dave455]

O.P. - a couple of things to think about.

Do you work on predominantly inch size screws, or metric? If the former, U.S. made drivers with 3/16, 1/4, 5/16 etc tips will work better for you, if metric, you’re probably better with metric drivers from Europe.

Do you work on clean stuff, or dirty/greasy. If clean, then soft handles are o.k. If greasy you will really want a hard handle. Many folks prefer them anyway.

In your position I’d avoid the tool trucks. With the exception of Snap On, the truck brands simply rebrand screwdrivers (Mac are Proto, Matco I think Witte) so you might as well get the originals. I can only endorse the previous advice re the Williams. Good tools at excellent prices.

You have some other good options already. Wiha are generally good, Witte are fine if you like the handles. I’d always choose German over Taiwanese. Maybe consider Facom (France) or Vessel (Japan) too. Both good options.

Facom - I like the colour coding, essential for me as I use Pozidriv and Phillips.

Vessel Megadora. They make other styles too.

 

[boom10ful]

I use the Vessel Megadora daily and they haven't let me down. I love the way that they grip onto phillips heads and don't cam out as easily.

 

[CJM8515]

i have the williams set with the bahco ones and love it. best set. i also have mutl vessel and love them as well since i work on a lot of japanese bikes/atvs.

im not sure what the trend with screwdrivers is, but the metal they are making them out of isnt solid-it likes to snap the flathead end off on a lot of them. i bought an entire husky set and snapped several that my old stanley set from like 1995 had no issues with. the westernf orce cmans are the same way. I avoid using them in that manner these days. Funny, the milwaukee demo screwdrivers i bought DO NOT have this issue-they are solid metal. williams is solid too

 

[bonneyman]

They are still made. They are over $217 for a 7pc set with a PAKTY.
Awesome screwdrivers... fun colors... crazy price...

but the 5pc that people keep showing in this thread... is like $42 with PAKTY from Caterpillar... but it only comes in black.

I have two sets of the 5pc Williams in the PAKTY.

The 6pc Caterpillar set does not have a PAKTY. It comes in a plastic bag.

Oh, I thought they had been superceeded by a newer handle style.

Shoot, if I came home and the Mrs found out I'd spent $30 a piece for a screwdriver I'd be sleeping with them in the doghouse.

 

[ecotec]

Oh, I thought they had been superceeded by a newer handle style.

Shoot, if I came home and the Mrs found out I'd spent $30 a piece for a screwdriver I'd be sleeping with them in the doghouse.

I could not justify it either.

The Caterpillar Williams are $8 a piece.

 

[bonneyman]

Yeah, I thought it was discussed on the forum somewhere. The Snappy black hard-handles had a shape that was hard to beat, but they'd been discontinued. However, Williams was offering basically the same thing so one could get just about the same driver from them. Maybe I misread it?

 

[Davefr]

Vessell Wood Comp with thru tang


Wera are also really nice.

Williams hard handles are good value.

The Proto Duratek 19 pc set was a excellent value but price has gone thru the roof.

 

[ecotec]

Yeah, I thought it was discussed on the forum somewhere. The Snappy black hard-handles had a shape that was hard to beat, but they'd been discontinued. However, Williams was offering basically the same thing so one could get just about the same driver from them. Maybe I misread it?

It could have been misstated... or misread... I do not think that they ever stopped making them.

 

[Fedwrench]

I had no idea that snap on is currently charging $214 for a 7 piece screwdriver set. I guess I'm out of touch. I despise the Instinct handle to the point that, I refuse to buy any tool with that handle on it. There are actually so many great screwdriver sets on the market today, it's hard to pick out just one. The Proto/MAC Durateks with the bolstered blades are great, The non bolstered blade versions, not so great. You can choose from any of the German brands Wera, Wiha, Felo, Witte and others and find something great but, the German sets seem to like narrow flat tips in their sets so, look at a set's size offerings to see that you'll actually use the included sizes. Vessel screwdrivers from Japan are also a great choice. I think everyone should own their Impacta phillips in P2 & P3. The older I get, the more a screwdriver bit attached to an impact driver has become my favorite screwdriver

 

[BillK]

I didnt read all of the replies but honestly non of our opinions matter. You are the one that has to like them. I personally like the Snap On hard handles and hate any type of soft handle. You might be exactly opposite. I think almost any name brand tool will hold up fine as long as you dont abuse them. I have almost all Craftsman at home and a lot of them are probably 40 years old. I have never had to warranty a Craftsman tool. I have Snap On at work and a mix of other stuff.

Too bad you cant "test drive" some of them and see how you like the feel.

 

[metaldad]

im partial to klein's and present generation channellock
wera's have a nice handle
screwdrivers, i consider consumable.
i dont waste my time doing warranty.

 

[ike]

i switched over to the red/black handled vessel megadoras about a year ago. i'm a big fan of vessel now.