Ledaku
Active member
I've been reading GJ for a few years and as a result have upgraded nearly all my hand tools. I have just now joined. I am not a mechanic though I am a big DIYer. Having somebody else fix my stuff is a last resort for me unless it is something I cannot do due to not having proper equipment. All my old tools were standard Craftsman. I never had a Craftsman pro tool. I was happy with them and thought they were quality tools until I started upgrading. A few years ago I thought a tool was a tools, a screwdriver was a screwdriver, and a wrench was a wrench. I was wrong. I went from raised panel wrenches to Gearwrench polished. I know Gearwrench isn't top of the line but I do like them much better than the RP wrenches. Wright wrenches are on my wishlist. I went from standard CM pliers to all Channellock which feel so much better. Also went to Channellock (Irega) adjustable wrenches. They are definitely a more substantial wrench. I got Bondhus allen wrenches and torx drivers. Got a OTC torx socket set. I have a VIM hex socket set on my wishlist too.
For screwdrivers, I have always hated the #2 CM phillips driver. The handle is too small, I could never get enough torque, and it always cammed out. So I bought the Williams with Bahco screwdriver set and a Felo set. My intent was to use the Williams on automotive and dirty environments due to the plastic handles, Bahco more on household and woodworking due to the rubber handle, and the Felo set would be part of my electronics kit. The Williams are great. They feel good and are high quality. I'm not so sure about the tips. I managed to twist the #2 phillips slightly on a door hinge adjusting screw. This screw head was deep and the screwdriver fit all the way in perfectly but the screw was so tight and only turning it by hand I managed to bend or twist the head a little. I also have a problem with the Felo set I have. I thought these were supposed to be tough but I think they are soft as I wore out a #2 phillips after installing child locks on all my kitchen cupboard doors. Maybe it's my fault because the screwdriver cammed out a lot on those screws and chewed up the screwdriver head. A #1 PH would have been to small. Now my favorite screwdrivers are Bahco. The #2 phillips Bahco is tough, it fits screw heads the best, the handle is very ergonomic, and I am able to deliver the most torque through the large handle. I even bought some older Pratt Read classic screwdrivers for car kits and like those screwdrivers much more than the CM. I love the handles on the Pratt Read and the tips are good. It's too bad they are out of business.
For screwdrivers, I have always hated the #2 CM phillips driver. The handle is too small, I could never get enough torque, and it always cammed out. So I bought the Williams with Bahco screwdriver set and a Felo set. My intent was to use the Williams on automotive and dirty environments due to the plastic handles, Bahco more on household and woodworking due to the rubber handle, and the Felo set would be part of my electronics kit. The Williams are great. They feel good and are high quality. I'm not so sure about the tips. I managed to twist the #2 phillips slightly on a door hinge adjusting screw. This screw head was deep and the screwdriver fit all the way in perfectly but the screw was so tight and only turning it by hand I managed to bend or twist the head a little. I also have a problem with the Felo set I have. I thought these were supposed to be tough but I think they are soft as I wore out a #2 phillips after installing child locks on all my kitchen cupboard doors. Maybe it's my fault because the screwdriver cammed out a lot on those screws and chewed up the screwdriver head. A #1 PH would have been to small. Now my favorite screwdrivers are Bahco. The #2 phillips Bahco is tough, it fits screw heads the best, the handle is very ergonomic, and I am able to deliver the most torque through the large handle. I even bought some older Pratt Read classic screwdrivers for car kits and like those screwdrivers much more than the CM. I love the handles on the Pratt Read and the tips are good. It's too bad they are out of business.
