Need opinions on screwdrivers

[AndypCT]

i AM A BIG FAN OF THE PROTO LINE AND PB SWISS. I HAVE SNAP ON BUT I USE THOSE A LOT.

 

[fang123]

I have both the Williams(black handle set) and Carlyle, both live in the same box and I find myself reaching for the Carlyles. It’s all personal preference and what fits you best


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I bought a set of the Carlyle screwdrivers for sale price expecting not to like them, but I actually do.

 

[measuredtwice]

If I wanted to drop $200 on drivers, I'd go with PB Swiss. Yesterday I received my first PB Swiss drivers and they are quite nice. I also have some drivers from Vessel, Wiha, Wera, Felo, Craftsman, Snap-On. I enjoy using high quality tools but I think there is still reason to own less expensive drivers or bit drivers. If I'm fighting with a Phillips screw then I'd rather use a $0.35 high quality German bit or a $3 budget German driver than a $10 Swiss screwdriver. I think it is nice to have a range of drivers.

If you've got a Fleetfarm near you, they have Felo drivers for as cheap as $9 for a set of 5 --haha! Wiha is readily available and it's not difficult to find sales.

I like the large size of the Wiha handles. The Felo handles are a bit too small for me. The shape is great but they're just too small. The PB Swiss handles are a hair longer than the Felo handles but smaller than the Wiha handles. The Wera handles don't work well for me. The odd shape feels like I'm gripping a knot and it's not really comfortable for me. Others do find the Wera handles comfortable.

One difference to consider is the finish. Felo and PB Swiss use a black phosphate on the tips. Wera uses a couple different finishes depending on the line. Wiha uses a hard chrome on their popular SoftFinish handle drivers.

I think the PB Swiss fit fasteners the best across their product line. Wiha is also really good across the line. I think you'd do well with either. Or you might want to consider each fastener type separately. For JIS, you may want JIS drivers from Vessel. For slotted, you may want parellel tip drivers from PB Swiss. You might want Square-Plus, Hex-Plus from Wera. And you might want Torx holding function from Wera or Torx align from Wiha.

 

[colin39]

If I wanted to drop $200 on drivers, I'd go with PB Swiss. Yesterday I received my first PB Swiss drivers and they are quite nice. I also have some drivers from Vessel, Wiha, Wera, Felo, Craftsman, Snap-On. I enjoy using high quality tools but I think there is still reason to own less expensive drivers or bit drivers. If I'm fighting with a Phillips screw then I'd rather use a $0.35 high quality German bit or a $3 budget German driver than a $10 Swiss screwdriver. I think it is nice to have a range of drivers.

If you've got a Fleetfarm near you, they have Felo drivers for as cheap as $9 for a set of 5 --haha! Wiha is readily available and it's not difficult to find sales.

I like the large size of the Wiha handles. The Felo handles are a bit too small for me. The shape is great but they're just too small. The PB Swiss handles are a hair longer than the Felo handles but smaller than the Wiha handles. The Wera handles don't work well for me. The odd shape feels like I'm gripping a knot and it's not really comfortable for me. Others do find the Wera handles comfortable.

One difference to consider is the finish. Felo and PB Swiss use a black phosphate on the tips. Wera uses a couple different finishes depending on the line. Wiha uses a hard chrome on their popular SoftFinish handle drivers.

I think the PB Swiss fit fasteners the best across their product line. Wiha is also really good across the line. I think you'd do well with either. Or you might want to consider each fastener type separately. For JIS, you may want JIS drivers from Vessel. For slotted, you may want parellel tip drivers from PB Swiss. You might want Square-Plus, Hex-Plus from Wera. And you might want Torx holding function from Wera or Torx align from Wiha.

I have a draw of classic square grey facom, and new black round facom, and never open the draw, i reach for my impact driver ever time.


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[mikehaugen]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Klein. I really like them for phillips in particular. I also agree with the recommendations for Wiha both hard and soft handle versions depending on your preference. I've got a few snap-on, they are only so-so imo, I am especially unimpressed with the 3/16 cabinet style.

You will more than likely want more than one set... the big soft grips are nice for bigger sizes or really tight screws but for smaller, lighter stuff they are slow and cumbersome... which is where the wiha hard handled ones shine I think. Smaller diameter with just a fingertip hold is much faster. Then again, I am a nut for using the smallest possible tools... I use an xl 1/4" ratchet more than any other.

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[billp603]

Add the Mayhew Cats Paws to your choices too, and I'm sure you'll find something else to spend the $190 you saved on

 

[seber]

I have an older Snap-on black handle set and a new Snap-on tri corner handle set. When I need extra torque I pick up the newer set but normally I just use a ratcheting handle with insert bits. It is a cheap no name handle with classic "perfect" handle shape. I don't understand why that shape is no longer used.

 

[eschoendorff]

Add the Mayhew Cats Paws to your choices too, and I'm sure you'll find something else to spend the $190 you saved on

I have these and they’re pretty tough drivers. I use them for dirtier jobs.

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Klein. I really like them for phillips in particular. I also agree with the recommendations for Wiha both hard and soft handle versions depending on your preference. I've got a few snap-on, they are only so-so imo, I am especially unimpressed with the 3/16 cabinet style.

You will more than likely want more than one set... the big soft grips are nice for bigger sizes or really tight screws but for smaller, lighter stuff they are slow and cumbersome... which is where the wiha hard handled ones shine I think. Smaller diameter with just a fingertip hold is much faster. Then again, I am a nut for using the smallest possible tools... I use an xl 1/4" ratchet more than any other.

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I’m gonna be the minority opinion here but I feel like Klein drivers are pretty meh. Nothing special and aren’t much better than a man. Certainly not worth the higher price.

 

[M6erfan]

I’m gonna be the minority opinion here but I feel like Klein drivers are pretty meh. Nothing special and aren’t much better than a man. Certainly not worth the higher price.

Well it's all personal preference, but I agree. I'm not a fan of the handles and on the whole, they're...meh.

Electricians seem to love them, probably because that's what they learned with and are used to them.

 

[mikehaugen]

Well it's all personal preference, but I agree. I'm not a fan of the handles and on the whole, they're...meh.



Electricians seem to love them, probably because that's what they learned with and are used to them.

I'm not a huge fan of the handles either, not bad but not great. I like the tips mostly. I had a 3/16 cabinet style for many years (probably my most used for electrical work) until I left it somewhere and it had walked away by the time I went back to retrieve it. It was great though, practically no wear on the tip after many years. I replaced with a snap-on and was not impressed... after 3 uses it was starting to show "twist" at the point. I pounded it back straight and have been using it but continually have to fix it... something I never had to do with my Klein. I do like the handle better on the s.o. though.

That and the phillips seems to have a better fit in most screws than most others I have used... though I haven't tried a snap on.

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[blazin28]

I have this snap on set. Happy so far. I got them for less then 250 with a trade in deal they were doing at the time.

https://store.snapon.com/Instinct-1...Grip-Combination-Screwdriver-Set-P889536.aspx

 

[Bielio]

PB Swiss if it's within your budget.

One Caveat as stated earlier... whatever fits your hand the best.

PB Offers:

Classic: Hard Handle
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026879287" title="IMG_4823"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026879287_66e92d671d_c.jpg" width="800" height="141" alt="IMG_4823"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


MultiCraft: Hard Handle
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026807713/in/album-72157708993371008/" title="IMG_4822"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026807713_0c50740b64_c.jpg" width="800" height="183" alt="IMG_4822"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Swiss Grip: Soft Rubber Handle (Definitely nice to work with for extended periods of time).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026771726/in/album-72157708993371008/" title="IMG_4824"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026771726_149b57695d_c.jpg" width="800" height="155" alt="IMG_4824"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

VDE 1000V Version

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026879477/in/album-72157708993371008/" title="IMG_4821"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026879477_2c60891c81_c.jpg" width="800" height="170" alt="IMG_4821"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



The tips are nice as well..

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026879077/in/album-72157708993371008/" title="IMG_4827"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026879077_5708fea727_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_4827"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Knipex has some nice slim ones too for VDE work.
Slim tapered tips for getting into tighter spaces.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026945212/in/album-72157708993500171/" title="IMG_4828"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026945212_bed2ec9110_c.jpg" width="800" height="435" alt="IMG_4828"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026945007/in/album-72157708993500171/" title="IMG_4830"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026945007_313972125a_c.jpg" width="800" height="577" alt="IMG_4830"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/181885608@N05/48026872633/in/album-72157708993500171/" title="IMG_4829"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48026872633_3e3084f21d_c.jpg" width="800" height="268" alt="IMG_4829"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dadillac]

Okay so I appreciate all of the input this thread has produced. I have checked all the choices and most were small sets of drivers. Was really looking for a large set with all the drivers I would need. So I actually ordered the Craftsman diamond tipped screwdrivers last night. Showed up at my door this morning. Cost was only $32 for a 14 piece set. I had never seen diamond tipped screwdrivers and I am quite curious about them. First impression is that the handles are very comfortable. I haven't tried them yet but if I end up not liking them I think that the Williams set will be ideal. And if I really don't like the Craftsman I am only out $32 so no big deal. I had a budget of $250 if that is what it would really cost to get a good set of screwdrivers. I in no way wanted to spend all of it if it wasn't necessary. Cheaper is always better. But quality tips that wouldn't damage screws or wear out prematurely was the main focus. Thanks

Don

 

[jimmyin3D]

Yeah the Williams hard handle are tried and true. They are durable and I think their 14 pc Set is like $100. Can’t go wrong with them.

 

[R_einan]

SK set runs just over $100, amazon warehouse for $97 currently.

SK Hand Tools 86006 Screwdriver Set – SureGrip Combination Nut Drivers, Reliable 9 Piece Ratchets Case. Metal Enclosures

I ordered them in separate sets last Epstein’s day (86320, 86321, and 86325) and have 14 drivers plus the 7 pc torx set. Plan on ordering the heavy duty set (86322) this Epstein’s day and flesh out the larger sizes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003030U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jobo1004]

Another vote for Proto Duratek (I bought all mine at zoro.com with a coupon). If you're looking for a more budget option I was happy with Gearwrench for the money.

 

[2Busy]

Another (huge) PB Swiss fan here. I have full sets of their Swiss Grips in slotted and Phillips plus a some of their steel cap heavy duties and a pair of their insulated. Hardest tips I’ve ever used and comfortable to use. With your budget you could put together quite a drawer full of these babies! I’ll be adding a Torx set in the near future.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have to be completely honest here... I had never heard of pb swiss before this thread but you guys have certainly piqued my interest. My bank account may not be so grateful for this new information [emoji23]

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[VH5150]

I like the Craftsman Pro screwdrivers so far, and... I have a couple heavy duty Stanley's that I keep in my road bag.. they're on the large end (I forget then actual size) and they have striking caps on the ends. I've used em a fair bit and like them so far. I don't have any of the Tool Truck or any other high end screwdrivers since I don't use them all day long and thus have a hard time spending tons of money on them. There's something about the acetate handled drivers I like though...although the grips aren't as comfy and can get slick with greasy hands. Anyways, the classic acetate Craftsmans never let me down either, and I have some Ace branded acetates as well as the Pittsburgh Pro acetates. I save all of those for light work in or around the house. Anything outside or on my vehicles.. I just use my Craftsman pros with the black comfort grips and they've not let me down.

 

[SS5150]

I know I've mentioned in past threads (but I don't think they've been mentioned here) but I really like Witte screwdrivers. They have a few handle choices and very good tips, and are rebranded for several other brand names.

 

[Dagny]

I like the S-K and the 19 piece williams set good quality and made here.

 

[Bielio]

I have to be completely honest here... I had never heard of pb swiss before this thread but you guys have certainly piqued my interest. My bank account may not be so grateful for this new information [emoji23]

Tell your bank account.... I said it's alright... It's just the beginning...

 

[jgromada]

Check out this set, super nice.

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07KGH21YR/

I had a question or two about buying from Amazon.de

-Do you use your regular Amazon (US) logon?
-What does shipping normally cost?

 

[mrspeed]

I had a question or two about buying from Amazon.de



-Do you use your regular Amazon (US) logon?

-What does shipping normally cost?

Yes, you use your Amazon.com US login.

When you get to the final checkout screen, you can choose to pay in Euros or USD. If you pay in USD, it'll get charged by Amazon's own exchange rate which is less favorable than the actual exchange rate. If your credit card has $0 foreign transaction fees, you should pay in Euros to make it slightly cheaper.

Shipping depends on the items you are buying. There is a base amount of $3-$5 for ordering any one item, and then a little more is added to shipping per item depending on the size, weight, and shipping center the item is being sent from. Something small like a screwdriver might add $0.30 to the shipping cost, but then you might have an automatic crimper from a different warehouse that adds $15 to the shipping cost.

On average, the amount you'll pay in USD is about 10-15% more than the listed price in Euros. For example, if something says it's 20 Euro, it'll end up being 22-23 USD. The reason for this is because even though 1 Euro is about 1.13 USD right now, the prices listed on Amazon include VAT, which will be subtracted out in the checkout process after you select your US shipping and billing address. After you subtract VAT, add the base+incremental shipping per item, and apply the EUR-to-USD exchange rate, it ends up about 10-15% more in USD than the listed price in Euro.

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[sberry]

Op for my two cents tonight if you love the craftsman pro screwdriver then you will go ape over the SK pro screwdriver (same thing as the craftsman pro).

This is kind of funny.
But I was a die hard Klein fan,,, now mine are all worn out just like some others. A new HF beats a worn Klein. I like the marking on the end of the HF and the Phillips tips seem about as good as any.
I aint going thru the hassle of using much else, so simple to replace at 1.50 should that day come. I aint gonna order a screw driver from Europe.

 

[Brownsfan]

Are you looking for all types ? Like torx hex Phillips slotted etc? Or just a Phillips and slotted set? For 250 you can probably get a good quality set of Phillips, torx, hex(metric and standard) and slotted. I put together a nice proto set on zoro and came in under that.

 

[Tallpilot]

Okay so I appreciate all of the input this thread has produced. I have checked all the choices and most were small sets of drivers. Was really looking for a large set with all the drivers I would need. So I actually ordered the Craftsman diamond tipped screwdrivers last night. Showed up at my door this morning. Cost was only $32 for a 14 piece set. I had never seen diamond tipped screwdrivers and I am quite curious about them. First impression is that the handles are very comfortable. I haven't tried them yet but if I end up not liking them I think that the Williams set will be ideal. And if I really don't like the Craftsman I am only out $32 so no big deal. I had a budget of $250 if that is what it would really cost to get a good set of screwdrivers. I in no way wanted to spend all of it if it wasn't necessary. Cheaper is always better. But quality tips that wouldn't damage screws or wear out prematurely was the main focus. Thanks

Don

Thanks for coming back and updating us.

https://www.wihatools.com/screwdriv...shr-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-12-piece-set

Is that big enough? I'd recommend trying a soft handle driver. Many people here rave over various hard handles but I don't like them. You also started this quest with the notion of trying something higher end. SBerry is correct, cheap and new beats old and worn out but if you can afford it (you said you could) the German stuff does have a difference you can feel.

 

[mikehaugen]

Thanks for coming back and updating us.



https://www.wihatools.com/screwdriv...shr-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-12-piece-set



Is that big enough? I'd recommend trying a soft handle driver. Many people here rave over various hard handles but I don't like them. You also started this quest with the notion of trying something higher end. SBerry is correct, cheap and new beats old and worn out but if you can afford it (you said you could) the German stuff does have a difference you can feel.

Those look an awful lot like my sk insulated screwdriver handles... I wonder if wiha made them for sk.

If so, I would definitely recommend them.

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