Need new screwdrivers, Wera or Wiha?

[water-works]

Looking to buy new set of screwdrivers. DIYer, mostly car stuff, woodworking, but also whatever needs fixing around the house.

Wera

Stainless Steel Series - Light Blue & Black handles - $53.98
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XJ2LJQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Lasertip
• VDE certified
• Stainless steel

2 Slotted: 1/8” (no Lasertip), 1/4"
2 Phillips: PH1, PH2
2 Pozidrive: PZ1, PZ2


900 Series - Yellow & Black handles - $40.14
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Impact Cap
• Black Point Tip

4 Slotted: 9/64”, 5/32”, 7/32”, 9/32”
2 Phillips: Ph1, PH2.

300 Series - Green & Black handles - $34.17
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Impact cap
• Lasertip
• VDE certified

4 Slotted: 1/8” (no Lasertip), 5/32”, 7/32”, 1/4”
2 Phillips: PH1, PH2

VDE Stainless Steel Series - Light Blue & Red handles - $55.74
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DA9XIOW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Lasertip
• VDE certified
• Stainless steel

1 x PZ 1x80
1 x PZ 2x100
1 x 0.5x3.0x80 (no Lasertip)
1 x 0.6x3.5x100
1 x 0.8x4.0x100
1 x 1.0x5.5x125

VDE 100 Series - Yellow & Red handles - $31.01
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085NTQJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Lasertip
• VDE certified

1 x PH 1x80
1 x PH 2x100
1 x 0.4x2.5x80 (no Lasertip)
1 x 0.6x3.5x100
1 x 0.8x4.0x100
1 x 1.0x5.5x125

PZ = Pozidriv
PH = Phillips

**

Black point tip or laser tip?
Stainless worth it?

**

Wiha

SoftFinish Grip (Set of 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 20)
SoftFinish Grip Heavy Duty (Set of 5, 6, 8)
SoftFinish Grip Extra Heavy Duty (Set of 5, 6, 7, 10)
SoftFinish Stainless Steel (not available as a set)
MicroFinish Non-Slip Grip (Set of 5, 7, 8, 12)
MicroFinish Non-Slip Grip Extra Heavy Duty (Set of 5, 8)

SoftFinish Grip (Set of 6) - $32.97
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQY51ME/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2 Slotted: 4.5, 6.5mm
2 Phillips: 1, 2
2 Square: 1, 2

SoftFinish Grip Heavy Duty (Set of 6) - $47.98
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F68VLVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

4 Slotted: 3.5 - 7.0mm
2 Phillips: 1, 2

SoftFinish Grip Extra Heavy Duty (Set of 6) - $76.98
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QPV4FW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

4 Slotted: 3.5 - 6.5mm
2 Phillips: 1, 2

MicroFinish Non-Slip Grip (Set of 8) - $83.62
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9XZRC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

5 Slotted: 4.0, 5.5, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0
3 Phillips: 1, 2, 3

MicroFinish Non-Slip Grip Extra Heavy Duty (Set of 8) - $107.50
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ATOSNK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

5 Slotted: 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0mm
3 Phillips: 1, 2, 3

**

SoftFinish or MicroFinish?
Regular, heavy duty, or extra heavy duty?

 

[PNWguy]

I have these, and love them. Good tips, full bolster, hex lug. These should last a long time and do you well.

I bought directly from Wiha when they had a good sale. Check their site for deals.

SoftFinish Grip Extra Heavy Duty (Set of 6) - $76.98
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QPV4FW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

4 Slotted: 3.5 - 6.5mm
2 Phillips: 1, 2

 

[water-works]

They do look solid and if the extra heavy duty makes them last a lot longer, they seem worth it to me *if* the tips are also as good.

 

[BillK]

ww,
Is there anywhere you can go and actually hold them and see how they feel ? That would have a lot to do with the decision for me. I have a bunch of different screwdrivers I have accumulated over the years and some of them just don't feel right for lack of a better word. I hate using them but they are a size that works for a particular job.. I have a set of Snap On ones that are just a dream to hold. I will use them whenever I can even if they don't always fit the fastener properly.

Its personal preference. Just something to think about. I think almost any name brand screwdriver will work fine and hold up fine as far as fitting the fasteners.

Also think about how much hassle is it to get one replaced if it fails ? A lifetime warranty doesnt mean anything if its a pain to deal with.

 

[Citation]

Couple of thoughts and questions.

Do you have a specific application in mind? I've actually found that in many cases I'm happier with a decent bit driver vs dedicated screw driver since I can tear up the tips over time and replace them. Of course sometimes a proper screw driver is needed because the wider shaft of a bit driver doesn't fit. I've actually been very happy with the Tekton screw drivers. I'm not a Tekton fanboy but the screwdrivers were a good deal but I've been very happy with the quality. The ones I have are made in the US. That isn't a requirement for me but it's a plus. I think this is the set I have:
https://www.meijer.com/product/home.../t2-10042/t3/t3-595/t4/t4-2062/2020926753.uts

I have a Weha precision driver set and like them quite a bit.

I've heard mixed things about laser etched drivers. Generally they are supposed to grip better but the etching wears over time. This is again why I like a good, replaceable bit and then just used the traditional screwdriver where my bit drier doesn't fit or where the loads are light.

BTW, I would also consider Williams (Snap-On) screwdrivers. Mostly because my father has some black handled once he bought decades back and they are still in good shape after many years of pro use. Made in the US to boot!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5X2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BillK]

BTW, I would also consider Williams (Snap-On) screwdrivers. Mostly because my father has some black handled once he bought decades back and they are still in good shape after many years of pro use. Made in the US to boot!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5X2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are the ones I have and I love them. Have two sets at the shop, one yellow and one orange. Black ones at home

 

[Firebrick43]

I have the 300 series set plus a few larger flats bought piece meal. In addition I have wera miniature driver set.

I can't decide if I like the wera better or my older hard handled 4 sided snap ons(actually Williams branded for the most part). The wera probably have slightly better tips. The lazer etching grips well.

I don't care for wiha handles. Have a few insulated flats an torx set at work. They have good tips, just don't care for the shape. This is a personal thing as some don't like wera.

 

[CraigStu]

I have a couple of drawers of screw drivers. The one I use 98% of the time is a SnapOn replaceable tip ratcheting driver.
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-8-3-4-Ratcheting-Standard-Screwdriver-P630565.aspx
I buy tips mostly from McMaster Carr and prefer the no slip ones
https://www.mcmaster.com/screwdriver-bit-tips

 

[anetode]

If you're a DIYer, go for the Wera lasertips. They do wear out, but you'll get a decent lifetime out of them because you're not going to be using them all day every day like a pro.

The main use of stainless screwdrivers is stainless fasteners, so the question is, do you use mostly/exclusively stainless fasteners? Alternately, do you toss your screwdrivers somewhere where they're exposed to the elements? If not, you don't really need to spend the premium. Stainless screwdrivers also tend to have lower hardness, lower maximum torque and lower toughness (to a minor extent).

The advice to try them out is a good one, how a screwdriver feels in your hand is the most important quality, imo. One way to test this is to get bit driver handles from Wera and Wiha to try out the grips. If you have smaller hands then Wiha is the better choice. In my case, I've found that Witte grips are the most comfortable and the tips are comparable in quality to Wera and Wiha (all three are top-tier).

 

[Vvmvbb]

The last ones on your list are the best things going and priced that way. Micro finish is solvent resistant unlike the soft finish so better for automotive. No doubt wera has an equivalent if you don't mind their goofy handles.

 

[Wamsutta]

Don't forget about PB SwissGrip. Super comfortable handles.

Click to enlarge image

 

[RoundedNut]

Wiha has better metal than Wera. Handle design is wholly personal choice. I prefer acetate handles and bit drivers, both manual and powered.

 

[Joao]

Superb.

 

[Joao]

Pb Swiss.

 

[M6erfan]

Screwdriver choice is pretty personal so you're going to get a lot of different recommendations. Looking at the list you made, here are my thoughts...

First, forget stainless steel unless you're going to be working in an environment that calls for SS or a lot of SS fasteners. You OP indicates neither.

Slotted drivers; I much prefer hollow ground cabinet tips in slotted, they just fit soooo much better than the "chisel' tips that are ubiquitous in the industry. PB Swiss is your friend here. Also, most bits are hollow ground. Use chisel tip drivers for hammering & prying, use hollow ground for actually turning screws.

Phillips or cross point drivers; honestly there is not a huge difference today from any good manufacturer. They all conform to the latest DIN/ISO standards so fitment shouldn't be an issue. The exception is if you are working with a lot of JIS fasteners (Electronics, Japanese vehicles) then Vessel 900 series and their small electronic drivers are definitely worth it.

Handle shape/design is personal. Lots of people love the Williams hard handles, I can't stand them, just as an example. Wera is the same, funky handle design that seems to be love it or hate it.

Screwdrivers will wear out eventually but if you invest in a decent hand impact driver you'll greatly extend the life of your regular drivers.

Bit drivers will get mentioned but they have their limitations as far as access goes, but they're handy and compact. Get the best you can if you decide to get one, the bit holder is what's important here, I hate loose fitting wobbly bits.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I would prefer a set that has more Phillips. They all have too many oddballs like pozi and way too many slotted

 

[M6erfan]

I would prefer a set that has more Phillips. They all have too many oddballs like pozi and way too many slotted

Good point, and is why I don't buy mixed sets

 

[WordMan]

Pozi isn't so oddball if you work on cars.

I like Witte screwdrivers, myself.

I'd probably order a single (probably #2 Phillips) of each of the ones you like, and try them out.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

I have SK Suregrip screwdrivers. They are comfortable and hold up well. I got them to replace my old Craftsman Professionals which I loved. They are just a different color.

 

[Dave455]

O.P. You havn’t said where you are, and that has an effect! Wera and Wiha are quite pricey in the U.S. and based on that, you might think them a lot better than domestic tools, but in reality they’re probsbly not. They are metric sizes though, which may be worth it!

Wera have superb blades, very tough! The black tips are the older/cheaper style, and as far as I can determine the laser tips are tougher.

I don’t particularly like the Wera handles. The shape looks odd, though it works, but the soft inserts are far too soft. In an automotive or engineering environment they pick up grease and grit and soon get uncomfortable to use. They’re also hard to clean.

I do have some stainless steel drivers and love ‘em. The blades seem to be very tough. I use them in woodworking where screws with imprecise heads are common, which are tough on plated drivers. That’s a cleanish environment though, so handles are o.k.

The Wiha have pretty decent blades too. The handles are slightly better than the Wera I reckon, but still have softish grips with all the same problems. In a cleanish environment, they’re fine (In the u.k. they’re common for woodworkers or electricians) but not ideal if you’re going to get them greasy!

In introducing the micro finish, Wiha have indicated that they dont really understsnd the problem of greasy environments. They have made something that is more ‘grippy’ when in reality we simply need something that is easierr to wipe clean!

Get Wera or Wiha as you prefer for clean work, but if you want a European driver for a greasy environment, think hard handles!

 

[Wamsutta]

Wiha has better metal than Wera. Handle design is wholly personal choice. I prefer acetate handles and bit drivers, both manual and powered.

And it makes a major difference depending on what size and shape your hands are. That's why I can't choose a brand of screwdrivers for somebody else. All I can do is make recommendations.

 

[matthew]

This is Garage Journal... you don't just buy one set...

I have a set of Wera and also 3 sets of Felo.

The green & black Wera are good, and the lasertip does work well and is a noticeable improvement for Phillips screws. Opinions on the handles seem to vary, but I for one like them. They are what I keep in my tool belt, mostly because my set also came with Robertson (square recess) drivers, so they are probably my most used set.

I have wood handled Felo. I'd highly recommend them - wood is a very good tactile material, handles are shaped well. Blades are good - I'd say as good as any other without lasertip. Lasertip does have an advantage when at the torque limits of the screw, but for new undamaged screws I like to use Felo.

My other Felo sets are the red hard plastic, and a bright green rubbery handles, and both are very comfortable as well. The wood handles are my favorite, but hard plastic Felo's are my second pick.

I've only used Wiha's precision drivers, but can tell you the tips on those are absolutely excellent and would give me a lot of confidence to buy them as well. I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[Citation]

Not sure why this 12 pc Tekton set is so cheap but I bought one just in case...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US26JU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

12pc $21.

 

[JJ99SS]

Whatever you do, be sure to get some flatheads that are hollow ground. They fit screws better than a taper grind. It will be better for smaller screws like the flatheads in firearms, but they could come in handy.

 

[Tallpilot]

Wiha Microfinish Extra Heavy Duty are the nicest tips I've found and I like the handles. One reason I will never like Wera. I am sure they are quality drivers but that wierd shape just doesn't work for me.

 

[M6erfan]

Not sure why this 12 pc Tekton set is so cheap but I bought one just in case...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US26JU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

12pc $21.

They get good reviews around here. Tekton really has their **** together. Look at all the different kits that allow the buyer to get exactly what they need.

If they would put some knurling on the shafts (like Vessell 900)...

 

[Finky198]

Wiha Microfinish Extra Heavy Duty are the nicest tips I've found and I like the handles.

+1 ^^^ I really like mine..

 

[Citation]

Wiha Microfinish Extra Heavy Duty are the nicest tips I've found and I like the handles. One reason I will never like Wera. I am sure they are quality drivers but that wierd shape just doesn't work for me.

One of the nice things about the Williams/Snapon drivers is the hex drive section at the base of the shaft. If you can't spin the driver by hand you can use a wrench to help. That also makes it easier to use one hand to keep the driver engaged while the other one turns the wrench.

 

[Tallpilot]

One of the nice things about the Williams/Snapon drivers is the hex drive section at the base of the shaft. If you can't spin the driver by hand you can use a wrench to help. That also makes it easier to use one hand to keep the driver engaged while the other one turns the wrench.

I like bolsters as well. Wiha extra heavy duty have them on all but the smallest sizes.

 

[ive]

Don't forget about PB SwissGrip. Super comfortable handles.

Click to enlarge image

Bump

 

[ive]

This is Garage Journal... you don't just buy one set...

I have a set of Wera and also 3 sets of Felo.

The green & black Wera are good, and the lasertip does work well and is a noticeable improvement for Phillips screws. Opinions on the handles seem to vary, but I for one like them. They are what I keep in my tool belt, mostly because my set also came with Robertson (square recess) drivers, so they are probably my most used set.

I have wood handled Felo. I'd highly recommend them - wood is a very good tactile material, handles are shaped well. Blades are good - I'd say as good as any other without lasertip. Lasertip does have an advantage when at the torque limits of the screw, but for new undamaged screws I like to use Felo.

My other Felo sets are the red hard plastic, and a bright green rubbery handles, and both are very comfortable as well. The wood handles are my favorite, but hard plastic Felo's are my second pick.

I've only used Wiha's precision drivers, but can tell you the tips on those are absolutely excellent and would give me a lot of confidence to buy them as well. I don't think you can go wrong.

Hah! That’s a great first line.

 

[pcmeiners]

Wiha 10 peice Soft Finish Heavy Duty.....
Like these as I can manipulate them with one hand much easier then screw drivers with odd shaped handles; I find I do a decent amount of work in areas of limited visibility, hand out reached, where the drivers can slip off the slot, that is where the smooth handle is an asset. Semi soft handles allow me to apply more force without pain then acetate/hard plastic handles. One gripe, there are only 10 sizes in this style right now, would like more sizes.

10 piece $118.00
https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-53099...-heavy-duty-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set/

 

[JBH]

First, forget stainless steel unless you're going to be working in an environment that calls for SS or a lot of SS fasteners. You OP indicates neither.

For home use stainless fasteners are reasonably common. For example, for outdoor carriage light fixtures.

VDE is the one I question. How often does one work around live electricity? The insulation either adds thickness to the shaft or leads to a weaker tool. Maybe get one VDE slotted for power outlets, if any.

I have wood handled Felo. I'd highly recommend them - wood is a very good tactile material, handles are shaped well. Blades are good - I'd say as good as any other without lasertip.

Felo woodies are my personal favorite, cost no object (and they're cheap!), but the lineup is limited: no square or torx. They have the hex drive thing too, but I have never used it.

As others have said, handle shape and material comes down to personal preference. Of the ones in my drawer, my handle preference goes Felo woodie -> Felo Ergonic/Heyco -> Wiha Softfinish-> Stahlwille 3K -> Witte -> PB Swiss -> Facom -> Bost -> Gedore -> Wiha/Heyco hard handle. In truth all of them are fine.

Wera is unranked because I don't own any full size Wera screwdrivers. No particular reason. I use and like their precision screwdrivers.

The only one of these I've damaged is a Bost (own brand) 3mm slotted on a terminal block. Still I think they're OK if you like the unique handle shape. I think these are currently sold in the US as Blackhawk and globally as Fatmax. Otherwise, I haven't noticed a marked quality difference between the tips or fit. don't think they's an appreciable quality difference between the tips.

For slotted I use stepped-tip PB Swiss more than any other, including Felo woodie. Otherwise I think PBS drivers (and bits) are overrated here. High prices will do that! Unless you love the handle, I don't think their non-slotted drivers are worth the premium over Felo, Wiha, etc. I do recommend their ratcheting screwdriver with a full sized handle that stores 10 bits and a stubby snout. It is overpriced but a unique and very convenient size/form factor.

 

[M6erfan]

For home use stainless fasteners are reasonably common. For example, for outdoor carriage light fixtures.

Reasonably common? You guys are funny. Out of the dozens if not hundreds of screws found in the avg home, how many are actually SS?

BTW, we replaced all our outdoor fixtures and added security lights about 3 years ago, all the screws were powder coated.

Buy SS drivers if it floats your boat

 

[JBH]

Reasonably common? You guys are funny. Out of the dozens if not hundreds of screws found in the avg home, how many are actually SS?

In our home that I’ve turned in the last 6months, at least 24 off the top of my head.

Admittedly, I bought them because I didn’t like the included hardware

 

[M6erfan]

Admittedly, I bought them because I didn’t like the included hardware

LMAO. Reasonably common eh?

 

[JBH]

LMAO. Reasonably common eh?

I never wrote that the originals weren’t SS.

They were. However, they were slotted and I’m not going to deal with slotted screws while standing on a ladder. I could give you a number because I looked in my Amazon order history.

 

[sberry]

All those are great but get on by strolling thru HF and snagging a couple of each in common witing sizes, I think 1.50 a piece, super good, new and sharp and can afford multiples.

 

[Fixed]

Reasonably common? You guys are funny. Out of the dozens if not hundreds of screws found in the avg home, how many are actually SS?

BTW, we replaced all our outdoor fixtures and added security lights about 3 years ago, all the screws were powder coated.

Buy SS drivers if it floats your boat

A lot of shower and other plumbing hardware is SS: drain screws, shower door screws etc.

I've never bothered with SS screwdrivers though... If it's my own stuff I just use a regular driver. If it's a customer's, I use a latex glove as a "condom" for the screwdriver, lol.

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

 

[PhysicsDude]

The Wiha drivers are very nice - with a price to match. I personally think the handles are a bit on the big side - although I have "average" size hands, for bigger handed fellas (XL+ glove) they probably fit well.

I really like my Wera lasertips, I usually keep them in reserve for when I'm disassembling something. They are a really good value at their current pricepoint IMO.

I've read mixed things on the Wera stainless drivers. Supposedly they have some magic formula which creates ultra hard stainless. Ultimately I think they're softer than comparable drivers, and really only useful for stainless fasteners - as others have pointed out. I think their biggest market is airplane mechanics.

I personally prefer Felo overall for comfort and price, but to each their own. You can find the wood handled set really cheap if you wait/look for a good deal (~$25/set).

You might consider one of these variety packs from KCToolCo before dropping some serious money on a complete set.

https://www.kctoolco.com/staff-picks/