Needing new screwdrivers. Help with selection.

[Sam'sAutoParts]

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?

Personally I just like the square hard handle. I like the fact that they don't immediately roll away when placed on a slope. I like that fact that the handles wear well, and are easy to clean. The shafts seem to fit well, but outer then that they are nothing special. I would have bought snap on but I hate the looks and feel of their new handles.

That being said I suppose they are not for everyone. I also have not tried to warranty any of them yet, but I did mange to mangle a P2 on a screw that also managed to break a tip on my impact driver.

 

[Vortaku]

I think Monte has the right idea, buy a very basic size in all of them you are interested in and test them

 

[rice rocket]

I prefer tri-lobal over square.

Beta makes good ones, Tekton released some cheaper tri-lobals recently as well.

http://toolguyd.com/beta-betagrip-screwdriver-review/

 

[cludwin]

@monster1 I have the exact same set. It's great and I've recommended it to other people I know.

 

[77Mini]

i generally like a hard gripped screwdriver. They feel good in the hand and clean up nice. I have some Rubber handle Mastecraft screwdrivers that I don't really like.

I was fondling some Wera screwdrivers at work today. I have to say they feel really good in the hand.

 

[mali]

If you are looking for good quality and heavy duty screwdrivers I recommend Polish Kuźnia
http://kuznia-sulkowice.pl/pl/oferta/narzedziareczne/kluczewkretaki/wkretaki/1171.html

For instance, this set
http://www.budujesz.pl/kuznia-sul-kowice-komplet-wkretakow-5szt-1-179-83-563-81027/
costs approximately 22USD

 

[xwrench3]

in my younger years, i was a Craftsman guy thru and thru. but over the years, i have learned that not everything Craftsman makes is the best product. screwdrivers is one of those tools. for a guy working at home and not making a living with his tools, they work well enough. but when you make your living with your tools, you enter a whole new realm. i did not have access to Williams tools, so i can not comment about them. but Snap on screw drivers are a big upgrade over Craftsman.

 

[vartz04]

in my younger years, i was a Craftsman guy thru and thru. but over the years, i have learned that not everything Craftsman makes is the best product. screwdrivers is one of those tools. for a guy working at home and not making a living with his tools, they work well enough. but when you make your living with your tools, you enter a whole new realm. i did not have access to Williams tools, so i can not comment about them. but Snap on screw drivers are a big upgrade over Craftsman.

I was the same way when I bough my own tools for the first time (fairly heavy home user) I realized outside of the sockets/wrenches there were a lot better options. Discovered all the German stuff thanks to this site (at much pain to my fun money stash in the safe)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[exmaxima1]

While I have many of the brands noted above, I had seen the "Ultimate Screwdriver Shootout" and took a chance on the winning set:

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1303tr-ultimate-screwdriver-shootout-truckin-tough/

In a nutshell, they are really nice. And if you factor in the low price, they are incredible! Highly recommended if you only need a modest variety of sizes.

 

[nanofrog]

FWIW, I've shifted to PB Swiss for flat and Philips (common sizes). Wiha for security profiles and for electronics screwdrivers (they've the biggest selection in this realm IME).

 

[Gidge]

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

Agreed. I'm not too particular on screwdrivers. My issue is having what I need when I need it close at hand...which is why I have w-a-a-y too many screwdrivers.

 

[77Mini]

Agreed. I'm not too particular on screwdrivers. My issue is having what I need when I need it close at hand...which is why I have w-a-a-y too many screwdrivers.

I have tons too. Some I like some I don't. Huge mix of different brands. I would love to buy one nice set and just use that but then what do I do with all the other ones?

 

[stage20]

in my younger years, i was a Craftsman guy thru and thru. but over the years, i have learned that not everything Craftsman makes is the best product. screwdrivers is one of those tools. for a guy working at home and not making a living with his tools, they work well enough. but when you make your living with your tools, you enter a whole new realm. i did not have access to Williams tools, so i can not comment about them. but Snap on screw drivers are a big upgrade over Craftsman.

the williams are going to be 99.9% the same product except the handle says williams instead of snap on.

 

[John in OH]

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

Yeah, I wondered this same thing. I've never used the Williams screwdrivers so I'm not saying there is anything wrong with them, but the handle design looks "uninspired" and doesn't look very comfortable. With so many other designs to choose from and so many other functional features available in other brands, it seems odd to me that these simple, black, hard handles are so popular.

 

[stage20]

Yeah, I wondered this same thing. I've never used the Williams screwdrivers so I'm not saying there is anything wrong with them, but the handle design looks "uninspired" and doesn't look very comfortable. With so many other designs to choose from and so many other functional features available in other brands, it seems odd to me that these simple, black, hard handles are so popular.

i love them. i look for old snap on hard handles anytime im shopping at sales.
my thumb and my fingers fit perfect in the handle towards the shaft depending how im using it. there may be better, but its what i grew up on and feels comfortable to me.

 

[monster1]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. It was a hard decision with all the cool stuff you guys posted but in the end I ordered the Williams USA drivers. I ordered the 6 pc sets in Phillips and slotted, the Bahco torx set and a Bahco bit driver. I think it's safe to say I have 99% of my needs covered with these. What I like is that I can order fillers individually if needs arise.