No BS screwdriver guide

[sparky5982]

I also have the Williams hard plastic handles. They really are very nice. The grip well when greasy, don't cam out easily, and fit fasteners well. Also, they have a seat for wrench-tightening built into the handle. However, I would never pry with or beat on these. They're much too hard.

In my former life as an electrician, I of course used Klein almost exclusively. On the down side, they will slip and cam easier, and they have soft handles that are harder to clean. However, they are tough as nails and easy to grip. I've used Klein, Ideal, Greenlee, Craftsman, Craftsman Pro's, and others in the electrical field. Only the Kleins have done the job I needed them to. I have screwdrivers that I beat on for years which are still serviceable. Construction grade tools are very different from automotive grade tools.

I use both Williams and Klein daily as a C&C maintenance tech. This combination of drivers works excellent for me, at a good price for high quality tools.

 

[nowlan]

Not sure if this is best thread for it, but I have a Bosch PS21 12v driver.
Can anyone recommend bit set for it?

 

[stratman977]

I keep 3 sets of screwdrivers around.

One is a top shelf set that I rarely use, only when I need a perfect tip for a critical task such as something really stuck or for a screw that needs to be kept nice.

The second is a decent set that I use for normal everyday use.

The third set is the cheap chinese pos that I use for prying, chiseling, scraping and whatever general abuse I can dream up.

 

[Holt]

Not sure if this is best thread for it, but I have a Bosch PS21 12v driver.
Can anyone recommend bit set for it?

I have some Milwaukee impact bits and they work great for me. For more machine screw and not construction type work I have a wera bit check. I love my ps21.

 

[Jagmandave]

I have a full set of Snap-on's that I've had since the 60's, they're still in amazing shape.

However for a cost effective alternative, I really like my Kleins....I get them at my electrical supplier's.

 

[Applesauce]

Well, I ordered a set of the Williams... Not that they'll be worth much - I don't have all that much to compare them to, but I feel like I know a nice tool when I see one - but I'll post my thoughts here when I get them. The price was right, compared to the very few Snap-Ons in my collection!

 

[Danglerb]

Not sure if this is best thread for it, but I have a Bosch PS21 12v driver.
Can anyone recommend bit set for it?

Any will work, the PS21 is a light duty drill type, not an impact. I got one free when I bought my PS40. I bought a LOT of top grade fancy bits, but use the bits out of a HF security set of 100 bits that was $7 on sale the most.

The most critical thing about bits is to use the one that best fits the fastener, tight and deep. Throw away any bits with any sign of wear that might make them cam out.

 

[KEH]

IME screwdrivers are one tool where expensive, tool truck brands or other quality brands pay off. This is especially true for Phillips fastners. I've had Craftsman Phillips fail where a SO or SK did not.

KEH

 

[F-Bobby]

I have to say that after using Craftsman for many years, they weren't bad for what they were, but now I've built a full snap on set of Instinct and After using the first one I never want to go back. The handles feel great in my hand and I know they grab very well. I would say go with WIlliams or Snap on (if you're willing to hunt E-bay for the great deals)

 

[sberry]

I bought a LOT of top grade fancy bits, but use the bits out of a HF security set of 100 bits that was $7 on sale the most.

this about sums it up. I got one with a broken handle I use daily and a couple that were dollar specials that survive. , in reality a driver isnt that technical, do they have operating instrctions on the package?

As for screw damage its an operator thing, I see the assumption that throwing money at tools brings general observation and mechanical skills along with it.

 

[gagreen]

I ended up going with facom. Hard comfortable handles. The stubbies are ok but I'd really rather have snap on stubbies.


I just ordered some Bahco (Belzer?) Torx drivers... idk how much I'll like them but they seem to get good reviews everywhere I've looked so we'll see.

 

[PowerGenGuy]

Another vote for Williams. As already said, shanks are the same. Old HH style if that is what you prefer. I personally like the Instincts SO's. I have SO and Williams cannot go wrong with either. I like the feel of the Instinct grip, and I think the tri lobe design gives better grip. Some disagree, so it really is a matter of preference. If you are professional then use professional tools, that have stood the test of time, and are readily available locally. Or in the case of Williams the price is not high, by two or three sets at the same time. Honestly I have never warrentied my SO screwdrivers, they are good. Shanks on Williams the same, cheaper, go that route.

 

[Applesauce]

Just got my Williams 8-piece kit. I haven't had a chance to use them yet, and won't til next week, but just fondling them...they're NICE. Totally worth the money (and readily available in Canada, eh).

I should add, for what it's worth: the #2 and #3 Phillips do have cam-out ribs.

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

I was wondering if anyone has tried any Wright brand screwdrivers?

 

[ILDurable]

I'm a big fan of the new line of SK screwdrivers out there. They are durable but comfortable as well. Very solidly made.

 

[BBQ&Love]

I just got my order of these JH Williams screwdrivers from Amazon. (Amazon Link) Laid the #2 Phillips beside my two Snap On Hard Handle #2 Phillips. No discernible difference. Even the "grain" on the handle is identical. The handle on the Williams cabinet screwdriver is a bit smaller than on the Snap On but then, I faintly remember having it custom put together. The Snap On guy I used to buy from would put screwdrivers together to your specs on the spot.

 

[Hootbro]

I was wondering if anyone has tried any Wright brand screwdrivers?

I think they "OK" but not in the "great" category. My work has bought plenty of these drivers and they seem a step up from the regular Craftsman drivers but not quite there compared to truck or high end European branded drivers.

The slotted drivers work pretty good but the Phillips ones seem to cam out quite a bit on the ones I have used. Handles are not the most ergonomic either.

 

[sberry]

I keep 3 sets of screwdrivers around.

One is a top shelf set that I rarely use, only when I need a perfect tip for a critical task such as something really stuck or for a screw that needs to be kept nice.

I dont have sets but on occasion buy a new Klein or 2 and hide them for a while just in case. But,, cant even remember the last time something we have in general circulation didnt work, it justis automatic when I pick up a tool to determine if its ok, if I thought I was going to have a problem would set that back and pick up a better one.

 

[sberry]

The pic green has posted covers they real need most people have but where is the other 100 or so,,, hahahaha A screwdriver is a tool I can make do with most any up to a point which is rather rare.

Some cheap and some expensive can be the same. A pallet of tips sitting there being installed in lots of different brands/handles. Especially in the medium price market.

As I peak at the "collection" I see the survivors, not all them cost a lot. In fact several dollar ones and some of the best phillips are really old cheap orange handles from 15$ sets now 20 yrs old. Used daily, still good. Better ones long since retired.

 

[EdJack]

I just received the Williams screwdrivers on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Williams-100P-8MD-8-Piece-Premium-Screwdriver/dp/B002NH5F30/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Very nice. You can feel the quality when you pick them up. The weight of the handle is nice and balanced, the thumb spot is nice, you can really get torque behind these. I was originally looking at German ones with soft handles and hex shaped shanks. But since I mostly use these where they will get greasy, grimy, and dirty, I felt that the hard black handles and smooth chrome shanks would be easy to wipe down and clean up. They fit good in the hand, and you don't get blisters in the palms of your hands like you do with the classic Craftsman screwdrivers I was using before.

Highly recommended.

The packaging says "Made in USA and China". But don't let that scare you off. Because the screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA. The plastic pouch they come in is made in China. When I ordered them, I thought the plastic pouch was more for packaging reasons and was more of a "throw away" item. But the pouch is kind of nice, and I think I'll keep it to store the screwdrivers in.

 

[SteveV]

What does that say about Snap On that they triple the price for an identical set of screwdrivers?

I'm sure they don't do that with any of their other lines of tools.

I'm not dissing Snap On's quality, they make good stuff, but their gouging just gets more ridiculous every year.

 

[devoncoolman]

the issue with snap on is that they charge the same price for there tools on their website as they do through there distributers. wich is not to under cut there dealers. but problem is when somebody buys a screwdriver set from snapon direct they are make tons and tons of profit! where as you could buy the same set from a dealer for the same price or even cheaper and the dealer makes some of that money and snap on makes some too. I urge people if your gonna buy new snap on don't buy it from there website. track down ur local dealer and buy from them. share the wealth don't promote snap on's gauging. let ur dealer make some of that money and if your paying for ur tools up front im sure your dealer will cut u a better deal than snap on will. Good luck happy shopping

 

[devoncoolman]

And you do know ur snappy dealer can get anything willams, bahco, Sioux, pretty much any company snappy owns.

 

[gagreen]

Bahco torx set has found it's home in my drawer. Retired the cman to my home box. Freaking love the torx drivers. Hefty and comfortable. well worth the money.


I also picked up a ratcheting screwdriver. Sunex gearless and so far I'm in love with it, we'll see how it holds up over time.

 

[87FoRunner]

Acesa (same as Blue point soft grip)
Williams

 

[Applesauce]

So, do the Phillips have anti-cam-out ridges on the tips? There are some conflicting reports on if they do or don't. I can't really tell from the pic.

Yes, sizes #1, 2, and 3. They're IDENTICAL to the few Snap-Ons I own - and you can have any colour you'd like, as long as it's black.

 

[66dave]

IMO Hands down the BEST Phillis screw drivers are the Snap-on Diamond tip. I have other Snap-on's and as the other members have stated the anti-cam out is good, but the diamonds are great.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=650154&group_ID=683186

My 2 cents...

 

[Skin]

IMO Hands down the BEST Phillis screw drivers are the Snap-on Diamond tip. I have other Snap-on's and as the other members have stated the anti-cam out is good, but the diamonds are great.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=650154&group_ID=683186

My 2 cents...

those are Wera shanks with Instinct handles.

What does that say about Snap On that they triple the price for an identical set of screwdrivers?

That's if you like hard handles. Remember that Snap-On had actually discontinued them and really only brought them back to satisfy collectors (hence limited availability in all the colors of the rainbow). Their primary line of screwdrivers is still the instinct hard and soft handles and there is no Williams copy of those. Their fancier screwdrivers are actually imported (Taiwan). Plus, really, its just a screwdriver. How many ways could they make it?

 

[Applesauce]

those are Wera shanks with Instinct handles.

What's the whole diamond-tip thing? I'm intrigued by anything major tool makers take from one another and rebrand...

 

[EdJack]

So, do the Phillips have anti-cam-out ridges on the tips? There are some conflicting reports on if they do or don't. I can't really tell from the pic.

Yes, all three of the Phillips in the Williams set have anti cam out ridges on the tips. Here's another close up pic.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

WIHA Soft Grip Extra Heavy Duty
My faves!

Adam

 

[ramonmarket]

I got a 12 piece matco there good no tips breaking yet and ya i pry with them sometimes there febranded whittens or something cornwell sells them to cheapier

 

[rshadd]

I've bought a set of Williams drivers to replace my aging Craftsman's and couldn't be more pleased. They feel nice and are easy to wipe clean.

JH Williams 100P-6PD

JH Williams 100P-6SD

The Snap-On ratcheting drivers are also a must have.

 

[gagreen]

I got a 12 piece matco there good no tips breaking yet and ya i pry with them sometimes there febranded whittens or something cornwell sells them to cheapier

matco rebrands and sells witte drivers. still very nice ive used them quite a bit

 

[chad99]

it snapped with relatively little force. i was using it to pry apart a clamp that hold a ball joint in on the upper control arms in my car. ill find a picture. and it was just the tip that broke off. was kinda pissed but i realized this is why i bought warrantiable products. either way, i grabbed an old no name screwdriver and it pryed it apart no problem. heres a good pic of the "clamp" i was talking about.

this is not a screw...

and a screwdriver is not a prybar.If you misuse a tool dont complain if it breaks on you it's your own fault.Now if you want a good screwdriver to drive screws and not use as chisels and prybars,my vote is either PB swiss or Nepros.

 

[Kracin]

this is not a screw...

and a screwdriver is not a prybar.If you misuse a tool dont complain if it breaks on you it's your own fault.Now if you want a good screwdriver to drive screws and not use as chisels and prybars,my vote is either PB swiss or Nepros.

thats why i bought wera's chiseldrivers.... i've beat on them for years and had no adverse effects.

as a prybar, they haven't bent. as a chisel they have never chipped, as a screwdriver they always turn with ease,

 

[jteck75]

I've got a set of hard handled Snap Ons at the home shop,and haven't had any issues at all they will serve you well. But at work,I have a set of the British made Proto grey and red cushion handles,in pretty much the same conditions you work in. I have absolutely worked the devil out of those screwdrivers,screws,prybar,chisel,you name it and they have yet to dissapoint me. Now that I no longer have easy access to the SO truck like I used to,if one of the Snappys fails,it'll be replaced by the Proto unit.