New Screwdrivers

[captmoto]

I'm having a hard time with the search function here so I thought i'd just ask.

What are the screwdrivers you guys like. Just general use on home repair automotive use. I'm a pretty avid DIY guy but don't make a living with my tools. Right now my screwdrivers are a mish mash of Husky, old Craftsmen and a couple no name brand stuff I bought to fill in. I would like a uniform look in my tool box and get rid of the junk in there now. I could also use some socket organizers for shallow depth drawers. I did some searching on the internet and there just seemed to be too many options.

Thanks

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Don't throw your screwdrivers away, the flat bladed ones make good paint openers and your Philips can be used for tent pegs. That sounds like a joke, it's not. Buy only two good ones, Wera, a 1/4" flat blade and a #2 Philips.

 

[captmoto]

All my old tools go in an old tool box. I do enough messing around with stuff that I need small phillips and slotted screw drivers. I even have 3 JID screwdrivers that are invaluable to me.

 

[Wamsutta]

When I'm in a big hurry and I want a screw out right now, I reach for a Klein. With that round sticky grip, I can spin a screw out fast.

 

[AndySomogyi]

I just bought a set of Kobalt at Lowe’s. I’ve always hated the Craftsman drivers (most of mine are CM). Kobalt is definitely a good step above CM quality, especially now that CM has gone to complete ****.

I read a bunch of reviews, and these def review the best. I really like them so far, fit screws perfectly, very tight fit. Good hard steel, I like them a lot. Aside from Snap On, these are the best drivers I’ve used,

My only complaint about them is they don’t have a bolster where you can attach a wrench like with the Snap On, or square shank drivers




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[Skin]

Snap-on but like all the truck brand screwdrivers they're a small fortune. Regardless of brand I really like phillips with anti-cam out ribs. Not too many manufacturers make them in actual screwdrivers. Snap-on, Anex, certain Wera & Wiha models, and MAC drivers with Taiwan coo (at one time at least). The bits are far easier to find.

 

[1cargarage]

Screwdriver "brand" preference seems to come down to grip preference for most. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Wiha SoftFinish CushionGrip

I have their very basic 5-piece set (~$45) that I reach for ~90% of the time. I love them mainly because of their grips & quality. I wouldn't still be using them if they weren't also great drivers. Haven't failed me yet

https://www.wihatools.com/screwdrivers/softfinish/softfinishr-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-5-piece-set

I have some of their MicroFinish Screwdrivers as well.

They're nice. The texture is a bit coarser than their red cousins, which are a grippy rubber that doesn't compress very much.

Every guy and ******* here has his/her favorite screwdriver by which he or she will swear, and from his or her cold dead hands you'll have to pry...
Take it all with NaCl - most of the recommendations on here are great - they'll all drive screws, but your overall happiness and fulfillment as a human being will come down to whether or not the company's screwdrivers' grip gives you the warm-and-fuzzies.

As for socket organizers. I'm a fan of the Hansen Trays. If you don't feel like filling them at the extremes (large & small), lop the ends off. They're awesome, relatively cheap, and reasonably durable. I snapped one peg of a 1/2" drive socket tray a while back, but some JB weld made it as good as new.

Happy hunting

 

[Yarpo]

Snap On, Wiha, Gearwrench, Carlyle, Tekton

Something like that, not ordered based on quality just based on how I'd buy and use them.

 

[IdahoMan]

Bumping the thread because I am looking for drivers and bits.

The biggest problem I am seeing is the S&H. For example, I finally found a site where I could buy individual Wera bits for a reasonable price (Around $1. Some were $3 for no apparent reason(?)), but for six bit the S&H was $22!!!

Amazon carries bits, but they only come in packages of 10x. BTW, are Robertson/Square drives prone to breaking, why do I see kits of them with multiples of the same size bit?

 

[mr.lemons]

It can be better to use Google than the forum's search unless you are searching within a specific thread.

Google search 'screwdrivers garage journal' and you will have lots to read.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sxs...&ved=0ahUKEwiJrf7NuKPmAhUwQUEAHeEIC04Q4dUDCAs

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I am surprised nobody has suggested proto duratek

 

[lardy1]

I'm very happy with my Klein screwdrivers. Best I ever had.


Tekton has domestic made screwdrivers in two different handle styles. I haven't used them but they're very competitively priced.

 

[snickers muncher]

What I prefer. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...=REC-_-pipinstock-_-302212565-_-302212579-_-N

The Carlyle are nice too.

 

[CafeTools]

I work in Japanese screws a lot. So I use visla screwdrivers. They are excellent. Some have non slip grip. Others have an impact feature. The hard handled are very nice.

 

[OMMP]

I work in Japanese screws a lot. So I use visla screwdrivers. They are excellent. Some have non slip grip. Others have an impact feature. The hard handled are very nice.

Visla? You mean Vessel?

 

[matt_i]

Have many kinds going opposite in a big screwdriver basket. The Facom are my least favorite, seems like the tips don't fit right and the handle isn't comfortable.

I like the Bahco Premium series, just got my first Tektons this week so the jury is still out on this.

 

[lardy1]

just got my first Tektons this week so the jury is still out on this.

I'm curious whether you bought the hard handles or comfort grips. I'm hoping also that you will let us know your impression of the Tekton screwdrivers when you have used them enough to share your thoughts.

 

[Fedwrench]

Although they're relatively new to market, I would recommend the new hard handle screwdrivers from Tekton. I picked up a 1/4 flat & a PH#2 just to play with and I like them a lot.

For general use with minimum investment, the harbor freight pro screwdriver set is probably the best value.

The only US made screwdrivers i like are the Proto Durateks. However, get the 8 piece bolstered set as the bolstered blades are significantly stronger than the plain blades.

Any of the German brands Felo, Wiha, Wera, are great but, I find many of their sets to contain too many thin flat tips. I prefer the ones with hex shaped shafts.

Good luck in your quest!!!

 

[Davefr]

Get this set and never look back. They're about the best out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JET7VG4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My other thoughts:

Klein - tips are way too soft. One camout and the screwdriver is toast.
SO - Grossly overpriced
PB Swiss - Probably the best precision fitting screwdrivers made but $$$$
Williams - If you want SO, get Williams and save a lot. (same hard handle screwdriver)
Pittsburg Pro - Surprisingly good for very little money
Felo, Wiha, Wera- All are good. Try them and pick what feels best in your hand.

 

[richfinn]

Screwdrivers are pretty much a consumable item to me nowadays, I buy Wiha (I like the grips) whenever I find a deal and I need some replacements, cheap enough (in the UK at least) and decent quality, the bits are good too.

Snap On ratchet screwdriver though, those are worth the money

 

[BrandoJames]

Visla? You mean Vessel?

I was thinking the same thing. To the OP: if you own Asian vehicles, then I'd recommend the Vessel line of screwdrivers. They're JIS, magnetic-tipped and overall excellent screwdrivers. You can easily order them via Amazon.

 

[Dave.R]

Our new US hard handles are pretty nice. Designed in Grand Rapids, Made in the US.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The latest Wera screwdrivers have tips that have gripping surfaces. They simply work .

I have two sons, one is an electrician, he is picky about tools and looks after them. He uses Wera, the almost universal choice of electricians in Canada. He can afford any brand. But Wera Robertson aren't very good, they don't have the two piece design that Robertson perfected.

The other is a millwright, he misplaces tools so the packs of 20 work for him.

 

[Wamsutta]

Klein - tips are way too soft. One camout and the screwdriver is toast.

They fixed that. See link below.

https://www.kleintools.com/content/our-secret-sauce-new-improved-screwdriver-steel

 

[BrandoJames]

Our new US hard handles are pretty nice. Designed in Grand Rapids, Made in the US. Dave [email protected]

Excellent soft-sell right there, lol. I have no problem with tool vendors posting, as long as they clearly identify who they are. Not sure everyone is doing that.

To Tekton Dave: I love your flex ratcheting box wrenches. They’ve saved my bacon more than once.

 

[measuredtwice]

A lot of folks seem to focus on the handles and comfort is important but I think the tips are much more important.

For slotted drivers...

I like the "parallel tips" of the Swiss VSM 35601 standard. You can buy PB Swiss parallel tip drivers from Toollady on sale for 30% during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. There are also some discontinued Wera VSM 35601 standard drivers for really cheap on Ebay.de. That's the only place you'll find those discontinued Wera drivers. I have both the PB Swiss and Wera "parallel tip" drivers.

I also like the fit of hollow ground drivers. There's a 1/4" slotted and phillips 2 set made by Vessel for Craftsman on sale at Sears for $12. You can get it even cheaper using their promotions. That set is the only way to get the hollow ground slotted driver from Vessel.

For Phillips drivers...

I like Vessel Megadora with and without the "jaws fit" serrations. You can buy them on Amazon and cheaper on Amazon.co.jp. The "jaws fit" is good for stubborn screws. The regular Phillips without serrations is good for when you don't want to risk damaging the fastener.

My suggestion...

I'd pick up the Craftsman set of Vessel drivers, a Vessel Megadora Phillips 2 with Jaws fit from Amazon, the discontinued Wera "parallel tip" screwdrivers from Ebay.de (or the more expensive ones from PB Swiss), and torx drivers from PB Swiss (expensive) or Felo (inexpensive at Fleetfarm with coupon) or Wiha or Wera.

If you really want everything to match and don't mind spending money, then just buy all the PB Swiss drivers.

 

[M6erfan]

A lot of folks seem to focus on the handles and comfort is important but I think the tips are much more important.

For slotted drivers...

I like the "parallel tips" of the Swiss VSM 35601 standard. You can buy PB Swiss parallel tip drivers from Toollady on sale for 30% during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. There are also some discontinued Wera VSM 35601 standard drivers for really cheap on Ebay.de. That's the only place you'll find those discontinued Wera drivers. I have both the PB Swiss and Wera "parallel tip" drivers.

I also like the fit of hollow ground drivers. There's a 1/4" slotted and phillips 2 set made by Vessel for Craftsman on sale at Sears for $12. You can get it even cheaper using their promotions. That set is the only way to get the hollow ground slotted driver from Vessel.

For Phillips drivers...

I like Vessel Megadora with and without the "jaws fit" serrations. You can buy them on Amazon and cheaper on Amazon.co.jp. The "jaws fit" is good for stubborn screws. The regular Phillips without serrations is good for when you don't want to risk damaging the fastener.

My suggestion...

I'd pick up the Craftsman set of Vessel drivers, a Vessel Megadora Phillips 2 with Jaws fit from Amazon, the discontinued Wera "parallel tip" screwdrivers from Ebay.de (or the more expensive ones from PB Swiss), and torx drivers from PB Swiss (expensive) or Felo (inexpensive at Fleetfarm with coupon) or Wiha or Wera.

^^^Pretty much this, for all the reasons stated. I use the PBS slotted and Vessel 'phillips' drivers. I have some Wiha (PH) too, they're very good.

I would not suggest getting the C'man rebranded Vessel Impactas for everyday use. They don't have good balance. But as a supplement as light impact drivers they're fine.

 

[m6z]

My current lineup.

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[BrandoJames]

A lot of folks seem to focus on the handles and comfort is important but I think the tips are much more important...
There's a 1/4" slotted and phillips 2 set made by Vessel for Craftsman on sale at Sears for $12.

I was unaware of Craftsman's rebranded Vessel screwdrivers. That's the smartest move they've made in a while. I own a pair of Craftsman cushioned grip screwdrivers--common & phillips with long, stainless steel shafts. Those are nice "general use" screwdrivers that I picked up at Ace Hardware a year ago.

 

[measuredtwice]

^^^Pretty much this, for all the reasons stated. I use the PBS slotted and Vessel 'phillips' drivers. I have some Wiha (PH) too, they're very good.

I would not suggest getting the C'man rebranded Vessel Impactas for everyday use. They don't have good balance. But as a supplement as light impact drivers they're fine.

I agree with all this. Just forgot to mention the balance of the impactas. I also have the Wiha phillips and use them a lot.

One caution about German slotted drivers is the 6.5 is often 1.2 thick and can be too thick for some fasteners. It will fit some but not others. The PB Swiss 6.25 driver is 1.0 thick. The USA made Klein 1/4" is around 1.0mm thick. The Vessel 6mm drivers are 1.0 thick. Having a mix of sizes is helpful since standard fastener sizes vary over a range.

I was unaware of Craftsman's rebranded Vessel screwdrivers. That's the smartest move they've made in a while. I own a pair of Craftsman cushioned grip screwdrivers--common & phillips with long, stainless steel shafts. Those are nice "general use" screwdrivers that I picked up at Ace Hardware a year ago.

Craftsman also rebranded the Vessel ball driver but I think it's discontinued. The Vessel branded ones are available on Amazon for around $13. It's a nice inexpensive way to pick up the JIS Phillips 2 and a terminal slotted 6.

 

[sberry]

I bought a couple 3 new from HF for a wiring job. I like the marking on the handles, the grips are as good as any and a brandy new one is way better than my well worn Klein. I agree they are a consumable to some degree, I don't care if they match as long as they work and it makes some easy to distinguish. I strip out the old and worn and add a new one or 2 in the common sizes as needed, the bonus is they were a dollar and a half in singles. They work, the convenience and quality is there, I aint fussing with brand stuff anymore, the cheap screwdriver has hit its stride and is rebadged under several brands.
I bought a couple orange flea sets over the years when we needed it, there were some long time survivors and really broke due to some abuse. You got about 20 drivers for 14.95, they worked. They are not as good as the new.

 

[Ton ton]

Our new US hard handles are pretty nice. Designed in Grand Rapids, Made in the US.

Dave

[email protected]

Thanks, Dave.

 

[jshillin]

I have Snap-on Hard handles, Wera, Craftsman Pro's, etc, etc ,etc. They are all nice with no complaints, but the next ones I buy will likely be the Tekton's to try them out.

 

[1cargarage]

I was thinking the same thing. To the OP: if you own Asian vehicles, then I'd recommend the Vessel line of screwdrivers. They're JIS, magnetic-tipped and overall excellent screwdrivers. You can easily order them via Amazon.

Good point.

I have some Vessel Philips as well. Discovered that the JIS standard is different than the standard we're used to while working on bicycles. All Shimano Philips screws are JIS and using the wrong drivers is a very effective way to trash them - not fun.
The JIS drivers are also a must when doing small engine work, as many of the screws control fine adjustments which aren't good bedmates with stripped screw heads.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Enderes or Felo

 

[JBH]

Slotted: PB Swiss. Echo earlier comments re Swiss-norm parallel tips.

Philips/Pozidriv: I haven't noticed much quality/fit differences among brands that make DIN pattern blades (American ones generally fit readily available fasteners less well), and my favorite handle is Felo woodie, so that's my choice.

Square: Würth has great handles and the tips seem excellent as well.

Hex: Wera or PB Swiss for micro sizes; anything larger just use a bit

Torx: No idea; don't own a torx screwdriver

Precision: Wera or Wiha for good selection, quality, and ergonomics. PB Swiss isn't that much more expensive if you like their SwissGrip handles. Wera and PB Swiss hex drivers seem better able to remove slightly rounded fasteners than any of the others. Other companies have lower selection.

 

[KnurledNut]

This is like asking what is your favorite food.
Every person will likely have a different response.
Each person likely has different uses than the next.
And we all have different hand shapes.

But for the sake of being conversational, my personal favorites:
Snap-on Instinct, Witte Protop with the flocking, Irazola Tekno, and Oplast.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

They fixed that. See link below.

https://www.kleintools.com/content/our-secret-sauce-new-improved-screwdriver-steel

From the Klein tool page:

The greatest revolution to prevent a cam out was the invention of the Phillips head screwdriver.

I'd say more but my sarcastic nature has been overwhelmed.

 

[PWC Repair]

I have a set of these https://www.homedepot.com/p/KING-Screwdriver-set-with-Stand-26-Piece-1590-0/303038164 bought them at a farm supply for $15. They're great for the money. My go to is a set of Quinn from Harbor freight. I use them almost daily and have been doing so since last year. Very hard to beat for the price. My son has all Kobalt stuff, they're fine but I don't like the handles. I also have a set of Tekton with the tri lobed handles. I really like the feel on them, they're also great for the price. And I also have a set of Husky "Diamond" which I like, and a set of Made in USA Husky Pro. They are a carbon copy of the red with black grip Craftsman Pro. It really just depends on what I'm doing as to which ones I use but for daily wrenching I grab the Quinn.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I would not worry about all my drivers matching. No one manufacturer makes the best of every style of driver. It all depends what you're working on. If it's a phillips or JIS, nothing beats Vessel screwdrivers. Flat blade I look for parallel or hollow ground tips, and american made screwdrivers for US sized fasteners and foreign made for anything metric. If you are doing electrical work the Milwaukee ECX drivers are a game changer for those stupid combo head screws.