Not Happy with Klein Screwdrivers

[jp_over]

Gentlemen,

I realize this thread is old, but how about a long term update? From this thread and a bit of research, it seems PB Swiss make a solid product but I'm also considering this:

Wiha 30297 12-Piece Slotted and Phillips Screwdriver Set with Soft Finish Handles

Thanks!

Joe

 

[yowzer]

I have that set. If I were to get them again, I'd pick up the 8 piece 30298 set instead. I found I don't like the Wiha stubbies, though the full size drivers are very nice. I really wish they had an all-phillips set, though. Outlet covers are about the only application for slotted screws for most people.

 

[jp_over]

Thanks!

 

[chepe]

I like craftsman, and I just recently bought a gearwrench ratcheting set for 17$ at sears outlet, I'd recommend that. It came with a standard handle, and a palm t handle

 

[theultimatehic]

I'm not a not Klein fan either. I do like craftsman, husky, snap on, and I have some off brands that I can't remember. The husky screwdrivers I use are heavy duty and for work. They are cheap and have lifetime warranty. Haven't broken one yet when prying ****. Husky has a lot of junk but a few things are decent.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Nicks words of advice: Don't spend good money on something without getting it in your hand (or at least looking at it in store). A lot of these higher end drivers are sold individually, not a deal for an indy, but if you're paying up to 100 bucks for a set you might as well try before you buy by buying a single driver.

 

[jp_over]

Gents - more good advice, thanks!

 

[Davefr]

Gentlemen,

I realize this thread is old, but how about a long term update? From this thread and a bit of research, it seems PB Swiss make a solid product but I'm also considering this:

Wiha 30297 12-Piece Slotted and Phillips Screwdriver Set with Soft Finish Handles

Thanks!

Joe

You won't go wrong with any of these:

New Proto Durateks (wait for a Zoro coupon and they're a great deal)
SO (if you don't mind spending big bucks)
Williams (almost identical to SO hardhandles but at much better pricing)
Wiha, Wera or Felo (I prefer the Felo Ergo's but you won't go wrong with any of these brands)
PB Swiss (probably the best screwdriver made but expensive and hard to find. I'd save these for precision tasks vs. abuse)
CM Professionals (however I hear they're being phased out)

 

[Kay_poops]

I purchased a set by GearWrench for around $65 and really like them. They came in a plastic tray, kinda thin, but I sprayed expanding foam on the back to sturdy up the tray. I'm just a homeowner who does my work around the house. I like them as much as my Wiha screwdrivers I use at work.

 

[JKennedy]

+1 for craftsman pro. I have a set and it's definitely the best I own.

 

[petalmasher]

I find it odd that there is no mention of Xcelite drivers. Maybe I live in a bubble but I have always seen Xcelite as the default screw driver in much the same way Channellock is for adjustable pliers. The tool box in my Radar repair shop on my ships in the Navy for 6 years, and every field service tool kit I gotten for a decade worth of jobs since I got out have had xcelite drivers. When I hear or see the word "screwdriver", the picture in my head has a translucent yellow handle. They are pretty basic drivers but I have never seen the tips wear out or fail. Although they were primarily used to electrical work, I doubt a shop full of 20-year-old sailors wasn't subjecting them to any abuse. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwmTgXordmKvQ2U2elJBRlVnS0E/edit?usp=sharing

 

[jd_1138]

And who hasn't used a screwdriver for an occasional prying task or something slightly outside of it's normal comfort zone????

I admit to occasionally using a screwdriver to pry up an axle cover on a lawnmower or something. Nothing ********. I don't beat on a screwdriver handle with a hammer though. It's not a chisel or a punch.

 

[SantaAna12]

Good selection of Williams on Amazon.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

The yellow Wera's (Wera 932/6 or 05018282006) is my go-to screwdriving screwdrivers with a strike cap. Granted I've only used them for driving screws, they are hard enough. Only show minimal wear on the tip if you look real close, and it only looks like it's the coating wearing off. They are the perfect price point for a good set without breaking the bank or being afraid of losing them. I also have some PB Swiss and Wiha.

PB swiss drivers look like they have the same tip coating as the Kliens. If you go the PB swiss route, get the ones with the hex bolster as the handles are a bit smaller. Shouldn't be an issue though, as the handles aren't that much smaller. There is at least one or two other high-quality brands with the same tip coating as Kliens, don't remember them though.

Wiha's are great too, I have the standard set and the Extra Heavy Duty set with the strike caps. For some reason the Wiha's #2 Philips is smaller than other brands, it's more like a #1 Philips. This is true for both standard and extra heavy duty sets. Don't know why this is.

 

[slip knot]

I bought some Williams hard handles from Toolsdeilvered and they are great. just like the SO hard handles at a much more reasonable price point.

 

[tomshep]

Use the right tool for the job Merk.

And these are AWESOME to help remove window screens for spring cleaning!

Tom

 

[Fordman7795]

Hi,
I'm a newbie

 

[tomshep]

LOVE my SO hard handles. I have had them for close to 20 years and still doing well. My Mac hard handles are comparable, but they aren't quite as ergonomic.

Tom

 

[Ruger_556]

Buy yourself a bulk case of Craftsman hard handles, you then have punches, pry bars, chisels, scrapers and screwdrivers covered. Oh, and then buy one good #2 Philips, and a ratcheting screwdriver for those rare times you're actually taking screws out...

 

[SLYDIT]

i'm a sparky and always buy Wiha screwdrivers...
buying insulated screwdrivers is great because it stops you from using them for stuff your not supposed to....thats what prybars and chisels are made for.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Love my Harbor Freight screwdrivers; they get the job done for pennies on the dollar what you guys spend on that high dollar stuff......

More money to buy beer....

 

[Snap_cap]

Personally I hate the Klein screwdrivers I have.I bought them after reading people raving about them here.I think they ****.Some of the worst drivers I've ever used.The #2 robertson has to be the absolute worst piece of sh*t I've ever used.There hasn't been a screw yet it hasn't ruined.Everytime I get a tight screw it tears the tip of the driver up to the point it has to be replaced.I'm on my fourth #2 robertson.The only reason I've gotten 4 is because my employer replaces what ever tools I break.Good thing since Klein wouldn't warranty them.

I have a Buck Bros. #2 Robertson that has been flawless, USA made too!

Might want to check them out.