New Mac Screwdrivers

[Stuey]

I'm testing Mac's new screwdrivers for ToolGuyd, and I am liking them a lot more than I thought I would.

They're the ones shown here and here, and are also available with Proto branding.

Initial thoughts:

The drivers feel a little light, but durable. They're not too light, but I expected the handles to feel a little denser.

Tips feel strong and slow-wearing. I don't want to destroy them just yet, but they don't seem soft.

The handles are hard. I was expecting a soft cushiony overlay. I'm not disappointed, just a little surprised.

Grips feel good. Not OMG WOW GREAT, but pretty good.

Corrosion resistance is said to be good. I'm not going to douse them in gasoline and solvents, and will take Mac's word on this.

Relatively easy to clean. There look to be a few hiding spots for grease, but overall the handles wipe down well.

Made in USA is always a plus.

Full review will go up on ToolGuyd after I test the drivers more, but I wanted to share a few early thoughts with you guys.

 

[rmsg0040]

Good to hear, any real pics?

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the Proto versions (red, grey, black handles). They are outstanding!!!

The screwdrivers are on the light side but, the nylon handle is pretty tough and they didn't skimp on steel for the blades either. I'm glad they're hard handled, I don't care soft grips as much. I hit mine a few times and they're no worse for wear. The handles have been exposed to brake clean with only a slight dulling as the result. Script and names still present and readable. They are definitely my favorite screwdrivers. I'm looking forward to the full line up of Protos being available soon.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The drivers feel a little light, but durable. They're not too light, but I expected the handles to feel a little denser.

I felt the same exact thing when I grabbed & used a Macsimizer handled screwdriver too. Feels light, but still tougher then nails. I've got the full set of Macsmizers and its a feeling you get used to.

 

[Brownsfan]

Are they available in all fastener types? IE- torx,tamper torx,hex, nutdrivers and of course slotted and Phillips

 

[Stuey]

Good to hear, any real pics?

I haven't had a chance yet. Anything in particular you want me to focus on?

Are they available in all fastener types? IE- torx,tamper torx,hex, nutdrivers and of course slotted and Phillips

The set I have (provided by Mac at my request) includes Phillips and slotted drivers.

I would think that Mac and/or Proto will come out with additional styles.

These drivers recently launched, and it might take some time before we see a full selection.

 

[Conductor562]

I have the Proto set I am currently reviewing. Proto calls the handles "Duratek" and confirmed that the handles will be expanded across the line.

 

[MN4x4]

Well, at least they have stubbies. That's one thing that always bugged me about the Craftsman Pros, which I like a lot. I just couldn't believe they never produced a stubby Phillips or Slotted driver?!

 

[wrenchr]

Have them but not used them yet.

 

[tweedlestan]

Not bad looking.

Are they discontinuing the classic red hard handled versions? I sure hope not.

 

[wittycow]

I bought a set last month and I really love them! They do what they are supposed to do. I also like that there made here in South Carolina. If you go on youtube, there is a cool video of them being made.

 

[Stuey]

I bought a set last month and I really love them! They do what they are supposed to do. I also like that there made here in South Carolina. If you go on youtube, there is a cool video of them being made.

I chatted with the Mac marketing manager over the phone. He said it took 2-3 years for Mac (and Proto?) to develop the new screwdrivers and set up tooling. They're made 100% in the USA. He seemed really proud of the new drivers.

 

[rmsg0040]

Those pics look good.

 

[Fedwrench]

I chatted with the Mac marketing manager over the phone. He said it took 2-3 years for Mac (and Proto?) to develop the new screwdrivers and set up tooling. They're made 100% in the USA. He seemed really proud of the new drivers.

He should be proud. I've been a diehard German screwdriver user for years because, I wasn't happy with US screwdriver options. However, the new Proto/Mac screwdrivers have impressed the hell out of me with their comfort, feel, and performance. They took awhile to get to market but, it was worth the wait.

 

[Skin]

He should be proud. I've been a diehard German screwdriver user for years because, I wasn't happy with US screwdriver options. However, the new Proto/Mac screwdrivers have impressed the hell out of me with their comfort, feel, and performance. They took awhile to get to market but, it was worth the wait.

How about compared to instincts? Guessing you don't like their handles unless you actually had problems with the Snap-On shanks.

Can you tell if the shanks of these new ones have any differences at all compared to the Proto/MAC hard handle?

 

[Fedwrench]

How about compared to instincts? Guessing you don't like their handles unless you actually had problems with the Snap-On shanks.

Can you tell if the shanks of these new ones have any differences at all compared to the Proto/MAC hard handle?

Not a fan of the instinct handle attached to any tool.

Are you talking recent Proto yellow handle and MAC rectangular handled version?

The blades on the new drivers are better finished with brighter chrome, harder tips, and seem to fit Phillips screws better. They also have laser etching on the blade. I have the bolstered blades as shown on the mac set above.

 

[Skin]

Not a fan of the instinct handle attached to any tool.

Are you talking recent Proto yellow handle and MAC rectangular handled version?

The blades on the new drivers are better finished with brighter chrome, harder tips, and seem to fit Phillips screws better. I have the bolstered blades as shown on the mac set above.

That was my question, I've never owned any simply because im not a fan of the old fashioned hard handles and so I was wondering if these new drivers were a new handle style stuck on current shanks, sounds like they're all new so maybe i'll give them a try.

 

[Dusty61]

Not bad looking.

Are they discontinuing the classic red hard handled versions? I sure hope not.

I just bought the last set that my Mac dealer had, he said he thinks they may discontinued but he's not sure. Either way I wanted and bought them. I like the hard handle style, they are plastic (or fiberglass or some fancy poly resin, whatever) but have that cool wood grain look/texture to them. Clean up easy and the nice white lettering seems to be oil and solvent resistant (I haven't exactly tried removing it with brake cleaner or anything, I like them the way they are)

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I bought a set last month and I really love them! They do what they are supposed to do. I also like that there made here in South Carolina. If you go on youtube, there is a cool video of them being made.

A guy in the shop bought a set of them and discoverd the tips were as soft as butter. He went back to using his craftsmans pros....

 

[1950mercury]

A guy in the shop bought a set of them and discoverd the tips were as soft as butter. He went back to using his craftsmans pros....

I call bs i have the old red hard handles and they are 10 times better then craftsman. Ive used them so much ive worn the wood grainy feel off most of them and only had to replace one of them

 

[Skin]

Doesn't warrant its own thread, just wanted to give my 2 cents. Purchased a bolstered #2 to test out and while its cosmetically a good looking screwdriver I cant say I like the handle and prefer my soft grip instincts by far. Compared to the instincts the tip also lacks ACR and isn't profiled to be used with JIS (the Snap-Ons are). Its great they invested the money to make more stuff domestically but the driver itself is kind of "meh" for me. The soft grip instincts have spoiled me in so far as torque and comfort go and on numerous occasions have dug in and removed fasteners that would normally warrant stepping up to an impact driver. Feedback wise i'd like to see Proto/MAC come out with a hybrid with the black section a grippy rubber like SO.