Needing new screwdrivers. Help with selection.

[monster1]

I'm tired of my craftsman screwdrivers. Even with moderate usage, they tend to either wear out or not engage a fastener properly. I am leaning towards this set.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

Is this a good set? I'm looking to spend about a 100 on a good complete set with the ability to expand if needed. I like the Bahco and Mayhew drivers as well. Looking for the best bang for the buck without going with bottom barrel box store brands or spend a lot on truck brands. What do ya'll think?

 

[vartz04]

If you are near a menards the made in the USA master force ones are great. They are made by Pratt and reed. There are plenty of great German made ones too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rogue1987]

The Williams drivers are pretty damn hard to beat.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[zcbauer89]

I vote Williams. I love that handle style.

 

[cheechi]

they are a good set however I would buy the 5 & 6 pc sets separately.

those are the official screwdrivers of GJ although you will get a lot of suggestions that are all good.

 

[martin666]

Have Snap On, Mac, Matco (Witte ) green hard handled SK, few Proto , and Williams black hard handled. Use the Williams as much as any of the others, wouldn't hesitate at all to buy the Williams again

 

[pepgj]

A couple of good bit holders (Wera locking maybe) in different lengths and styles, really good bits (PB Swiss), and a couple of small prybars to open paint cans with.

 

[ajchien]

I've split my thinking on screwdrivers.

For car maintenance, I'd look for a JIS/DIN 5260 equivalent type cross screwdrivers, you know, those that won't cam out as easily. I really don't like replacing machine screws/bolts on cars, it often requires me to make a special run to a store to get what's messed up. I happen to like Vessel screwdrivers.

And then I use bits for wood working, because I feel that woodworking really wears down Phillips screwdrivers more than auto maintenance. I'm much more in control of my fastener inventory with woodworking so, if a screw or a bit is messed up, I toss it. I like dewalt bits most.

 

[marlinspike]

My favorite are the Wiha Microfinish in the garage. If I weren't working on cars I would say either Felo or the Wiha Softfinish.

 

[svtride]

PB Swiss screw drivers with SwissGrip and skin-friendly Santoprene® handle.
Nice and grippy.

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/SwissGrip-Screwdrivers_c22.htm

 

[joebachor]

I bought the largest Williams screwdriver from that set recently and im really impressed. I plan to buy more in the future. I bought it to replace a lost snap on and I would say its every bit as good quality-wise.

 

[zkling]

Wiha for the value (IMHO), PB swiss if you can justify the $, williams/snap on/truck/proto if you want the easy warranty.

 

[cleason]

klien better than snap-on and mac, warrentee not as good. they last the longest. union electrician 40 yrs, used them all.

 

[JonnyMac]

Pb swiss are the best ive used. I have hard handle snap on, instrinct and mac and also have stainless wera kraftform. Pb swiss have the best tip and handle.

 

[svtride]

PB swiss if you can justify the $

I agree on the high $ PBs... But I stocked up during the 30% off Black Friday sale last year. I replaced a bunch of 20+yr old Snap-On, 4-sided hard handles. These should take me through another 20+yrs.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I really like my Williams. But if starting over I would give the new Proto drivers a look as well.

 

[djdaredevil]

I may be a minority here but I just got the 16pc of the new Tekton screwdrivers and for my hands at least I dont think Ive held a screwdriver that fit the hand as good as those do.
I wear a large to xl glove if that helps any.
They are even made here in the USA, and tekton support is awesome.
I can not speak for longevity as I just got them but they seem like theyll last a good long time. If you live near a Meijer you can go there and check them out in store otherwise amazon has them.

 

[methomas70]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Williams set.
It would be great if they came in a different color besides black though.
I have a few of the black Snap-On screwdrivers and they blend in an engine bay.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Probably going to get **** for saying this, but idgaf. I got a set of the $8 Pittsburgh pro drivers, and they are tied with the stanley 100+ series as my favorites. Infinitely better than any of the standard clear craftsman drivers. The tips have help up well to everything I have thrown at them so far. The handles are similar to the bahco ergos but different (for the better IMOO) color coded as well which is nice. Slightly rubberized, I usually hate that but it is fine on these, clean up decent when they get dusty but I would avoid getting oil on them. 90% I have the end of the driver in my palm and these are easy to use that why which is why I like them so much. Since they are circular it can be difficult when removing really stuck screws, which I tend to grab a different driver.
That is my opinion so don't jump down my throat. These are better than the craftsman ones, if I where you I would buy them just as a back up, who knows you might like them.

I personally would get this williams 8 piece set since it is priced well and does not have any filler. To be honest I was thinking about picking up this set a while ago but decided against it since I need more screwdrivers like I need a hole in my head.
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-8MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

Tekton also has some 16 piece usa set for $50, so far heard good things about them but they have been out of stock for a while. Was thinking about picking them up as well, but like I said, I got too many.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US21JA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[77Mini]

The Williams ones you posted look pretty nice. I say go for it.

 

[jallyn]

Those Williams look nice and I like made in the USA. As an alternative I would look at the Wiha SoftFinish as some others have commented on their comfort and value. A 20-piece set is a little over $100 delivered on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mAxlkU

 

[Toofast28]

I just bought Wera 900 series Kraftform plus drivers from Amazon. Nicest screw drivers I've handled.

They make other levels of screw drivers, and larger kits. I got these and a 6 pack of the same in Torx.

 

[stage20]

the williams are hard to beat.
SK would be another option. i really like the odd shaped handle and the material of the grips. craftsman professionals are the same if you find a deal on them. ebay is filled with them since they were discontinued.

 

[Kyle.F]

I bought the Proto Duratek a few weeks ago. Havn't had a ton of use yet but so far they are great. They seem to grip some really old stubborn vintage outboard fasteners really well. And they also come in a pretty wide variety of different styles. They are pretty much the same as the Mac macgrip drivers. With everything but longevity they seem great. I'll report on the longevity in a few years.

 

[monster1]

Dammit guys, now it's even harder to choose! So many awesome looking screwdriver sets. Thanks a lot! Lol

 

[four.cycle]

somebody just posted a mess of NOS Klein screwdrivers on Ebay - all listed with somewhat reasonable prices and "best offer" options on all of them. might be worth a look....

 

[shoggoth80]

Those Wera chisel-drivers are rad. I got a set, and I really like them. The ability to strike the screwdriver end can make the difference between removing a fastener and not. Clean, well made, with great handles.

 

[camd64]

I'd go Klein or Williams. I recently picked up a couple Williams since I always liked my old Snap On hard handles. For the money I don't think you could go wrong either way.

 

[monster1]

Those tekton screwdrivers are very tempting, especially since they are made in the USA. I'm kinda wary though because you never know what kind replacement you'd get down the road when one wears out or breaks. I think I'm going to stick to the Williams. I'll buy the smaller set and fill in the torx with Bahco. I don't see how I can go wrong with snap on industrial. Good chit.

 

[Dynasty]

The Williams drivers mentioned seem very popular on here. I'm close to ordering a set.

I recall a few threads complaining about how one of the Phillips #2 size driver not being the best fit. Maybe something to keep in mind?

 

[Monte]

These brands are good

 

[maico]

I've had most of the usual suspects over the years as seen in Monte's picture above. I've just got these PB Swiss HD ones with strike caps for . If they are as strong as PB Swiss bits they will be the new champs. Time will tell.

The other stand out ones are Facom black handle dating from the late 1980s which I use to this day.

 

[zkling]

I agree on the high $ PBs... But I stocked up during the 30% off Black Friday sale last year. I replaced a bunch of 20+yr old Snap-On, 4-sided hard handles. These should take me through another 20+yrs.

I really wanted, just couldn't justify. Plus I really wanted to try one in hand first. Very happy with my Wiha. So many good choices of Euro drivers in the lower mid range price category.

 

[John in OH]

These brands are good

WOW!! That is a great selection!! How could anyone make a decision!

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

WOW!! That is a great selection!! How could anyone make a decision!

He didn't. I'm pretty sure he owns full sets of all of the above. Haha.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Dammit guys, now it's even harder to choose! So many awesome looking screwdriver sets. Thanks a lot! Lol

Just make sure that whatever you go with is factory pre-set to right tighty, lefty loosey.

 

[Monte]

WOW!! That is a great selection!! How could anyone make a decision!

yeah that´s difficult...

He didn't. I'm pretty sure he owns full sets of all of the above. Haha.

haha yeah that would be nice ! But i only have 7 sets so far

 

[TXBDan]

What objectively and technically makes the Williams drivers so great? They look like very basic molded plastic handles on a basic driver shaft. Is it nostalgia and patriotism or are they actually technically that well made? Maybe the ease of warranty?

I just can't see how anyone would prefer to use those over a Wera/Felo, etc. We have the German brands at work and they are really well designed and manufactured with a list of practical features that make life easier: hammer though ends, good labeling, ergonomic grip that you can really torque

 

[Toofast28]

What objectively and technically makes the Williams drivers so great? They look like very basic molded plastic handles on a basic driver shaft. Is it nostalgia and patriotism or are they actually technically that well made? Maybe the ease of warranty?



I just can't see how anyone would prefer to use those over a Wera/Felo, etc. We have the German brands at work and they are really well designed and manufactured with a list of practical features that make life easier: hammer though ends, good labeling, ergonomic grip that you can really torque

This is why I got the Wera. Hammer through ends, ergo grips (they're amazing), hex spot in the shaft for a wrench if more torque is needed. VERY happy with the Wera drivers.

 

[Samg250ps]

I have the gearwrench set for 50$ I absolutely love them couldn't be happier I have a few snap on and SK but love my gearwrench if I didn't buy them I would go with the matco ones I like that sandpaper they have on the grip but I've had the opportunity every week to buy them and I always stuck with my gearwrench