Observations on screwdrivers

[HanShotFirst]

Just thought I’d share an interesting observation I had on screwdrivers.

1 – As time goes on, the “hive mind favorites” tend to change. There was a time when Felo was a favorite, then Wera, and now it seems the “hive mind favorite” is PB Swiss.

2 – Snap On still seems to rule the roost.

After reading much on the subject of screwdrivers, I went to some of the “show us your toolbox / cart” threads, and Snap On is BY FAR the most common screwdrivers that are actually sitting in tool boxes.

Those who are buying Felo, Facom, Whia, Wera, PB Swiss, etc… Well, there are very few of those screwdrivers found in those threads. You typically find that each brand is represented in at least one persons tool box, but will all the people these days clamoring over PB Swiss…I only recall actually seeing them in a couple of tool boxes, vs. dozens of tool boxes with Snap On.

Ya’ll can draw whatever conclusions you want from that.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Just because nobody bothered to take a picture of the millions of lesser screwdrivers which are expended each year doesn't mean they are not out there.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

Snap On here.

I came to this conclusion after stripping out many many Phillips head screws that held the float bowls on motorcycle/ATV/small engine carburetors out there. If one looks closely on the heads of these screws, a small dot is stamped. This indicates they are actually not a Phillips screw, but a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) spec head.

There's not much difference between them but it's enough that if you use a standard Phillips screwdriver on them you'll strip them the majority of the time on the float bowls. Snap On screwdrivers tend to bite the best on them, at least in my observations/experiences.

But then again, as an electrician I have many different screwdrivers for many different applications. I'd be lying if I told you they were all Snap On.

 

[American Locomotive]

I won't draw any conclusions at all, because your anecdotal "evidence" is basically worthless.

Maybe Snap-On guys are more likely to take photos of their tools? Maybe the other guys tend to post their pictures in dedicated threads, rather than big "show us your toolbox" threads? Your testing methods are flawed, and there are so many unaccounted for variables, that it's just impossible to draw a meaningful conclusion.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

2 – Snap On still seems to rule the roost.

After reading much on the subject of screwdrivers, I went to some of the “show us your toolbox / cart” threads, and Snap On is BY FAR the most common screwdrivers that are actually sitting in tool boxes.
.

Quite possible in N.A. but you won't find Snapon in many boxes outside of N.A. I own both and the PBSwiss is by far my favorite... especially with the flats, hex and torx drivers. I find less of a difference on the Phillips.

 

[zendriver]

There are probably quite a few like myself, who use Cman and Harbor Freight screwdrivers - for years, but really don't say much about them, because nobody will be impressed, anyway.

They remove and re-install screws, again and again.

Are they the best ones made? Probably not.

I have had several Snap On screwdrivers, over the years, that were quite nice, but they mostly seemed, to turn up missing, even though they were never lent out.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm completely biased as I sell and use them but TOPTUL makes awesome screwdrivers. I gave some to Eric O. three years ago and he uses them every day as you can see in his videos and hasn't managed to kill them yet. If Eric can't break it it's got to be made of Kryptonite as he could break an anvil. All of their Phillips are built to the DIN standard which superceded the JIS standard and work great in JIS screws. More Honda motocycles have suffered at the hands of a Craftsman Phillips screwdriver more than from any other malady.

 

[Wamsutta]

For you guys that own them, please comment on the Snap-on Instinct handle. I'm curious to know what the consensus is. Some guys hate them.

 

[gdocktor3]

Real mechanics who turn wrenches (screwdrivers) for a living, tend to go through them more often than you'd think. Here in the states, Snap On is more readily/easily available than the others listed above. German made stuff may be equal or even better quality, but waiting days/weeks for one to arrive by mail vs buying direct off a truck is the important difference.

 

[gdocktor3]

For you guys that own them, please comment on the Snap-on Instinct handle. I'm curious to know what the consensus is. Some guys hate them.

They're nice. They serve their purpose and work well. With that said, my favorite handles are the big, green SK handles. Regardless, they all do the same thing at the end of the day...

 

[-OSIS-]

The instinct handles are freaking weird at first but you’ll soon learn to hate all other handles XD and after getting the hard ones and then using the soft ones at school I made the right choice. The rubber ends up feeling slimy no matter what you do. Kinda like my Mac anti vibe hammer.

 

[woody 73]

Interesting observations but I find that if those fancy German and Swiss screwdrivers break what do people do mail them back to the countries listed for replacements ?

Snap on are nice and I have a few but the cost hurts most people, $100.00 dollars and up for a set of six.

My philosophy goes something like this, when I go to a garage sale, I figure if that old vintage/collectable screwdriver that has stood many years of abuse is still turning screws, then it must be well made.

I am currently working on a story for the GJ about a screwdriver that was made in the 1950's, a most unique screwdriver at that; I guess what I am getting at is that most (not all) people tend to pass them up in favor of the got to have the best mentality screwdriver made when they walk past the good ones from many years ago.

 

[Cato]

Craftsman screwdrivers are everywhere. They are cheap enough that you won't feel bad about using them as pry bars, chisels, or picks.

Based on that, I say they are number one!

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Interesting observations but I find that if those fancy German and Swiss screwdrivers break what do people do mail them back to the countries listed for replacements ?

.

That’s just yet. Haven’t broken a single one yet so never needed to warranty one. That being said PB Swiss’s distributor in the US is Count On Tools in Ga and they are great about answering emails etc every time I’ve needed something quick.

I’d venture to say most high end screwdrivers are pretty equal when it comes to Philips due to the inherent flaws in that drive system. Where you really notice the difference is in flats, hex and TORx drivers.

 

[ocloc24]

I love how you can instantly tell who doesn't use snap on because they start insulting you for implying that their harbor freight or craftsman isn't equal in quality to snap on.

I have Wera, Felo, Snap On, Witte, and even some harbor freight(insulated). The first 4 are all amazing drivers, I prefer the soft handled snap on instinct handle because I personally feel I can get those most torque on a screw with that style of grip. I also really like the ACR tips on the Phillips, and I've had to use the hex bolsters quite a few times. I LOVED my Matco rebranded Wittes but the handles just attracted all dirt like a magnet and were impossible to clean, I got tired of having dirty hands just from grabbing a screwdriver.

Its been said many times, the best thing to do is order a #2 Phillips from the brands you're deciding between, try em out and buy the set you like the most, you can even return the others when you're done if you wanted. You can never have too many #2 PH though

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[Fretters]

You can draw whatever conclusions you want from that.

Has it ever crossed your mind that most people are more interested in using their tools than photographing them?

 

[Sine Swept]

I'm a DIY guy. I own Snap On, Williams, Wera, Witte, Klien, Wiha, Hozan and Vessel. They all have a place, its knowing your tools and using the best one for the job at hand. I have used those Wera #2 Phillips on some very rusted out screws that would otherwise not come out. You don't always want a rubber handle, but sometimes you need it. I see lots of Japanese vehicles and a good share of VW's.

 

[L.Cheapo]

For you guys that own them, please comment on the Snap-on Instinct handle. I'm curious to know what the consensus is. Some guys hate them.

All my screwdrivers are Snap On plastic hard handle. Its just what fits my hand the best and feels most comfortable to me. Unfortunately they don't make Torx drivers with the hard handle anymore, so I had to get the Instinct. They're better than most, but I still prefer the hard handles.

 

[pepi]

Has it ever crossed your mind that most people are more interested in using their tools than photographing them?

I am another that thinks that. I fully expect to logon someday and see Show us your lint in the bottom of your toolbox."

Snap on lint of course, being the best of brand....

 

[mbshop]

Mine were so and mac. My techs were mostly mac.
for a new tech I supplied a general craftsman tool set. They were expected to start getting their own tools after the first month. That usually involved so or mac.

 

[Joshua_Russo]

Interesting observations but I find that if those fancy German and Swiss screwdrivers break what do people do mail them back to the countries listed for replacements ?

Snap on are nice and I have a few but the cost hurts most people, $100.00 dollars and up for a set of six.

My philosophy goes something like this, when I go to a garage sale, I figure if that old vintage/collectable screwdriver that has stood many years of abuse is still turning screws, then it must be well made.

I am currently working on a story for the GJ about a screwdriver that was made in the 1950's, a most unique screwdriver at that; I guess what I am getting at is that most (not all) people tend to pass them up in favor of the got to have the best mentality screwdriver made when they walk past the good ones from many years ago.

I'm a big fan of estate sale screwdrivers. They're not glamorous like planes or machines tools, so I regularly find well made samples among the junk. Wrenching is a hobby. At least, it's not my living, so while I love using high grade tools (and Wera-curious), all the best stuff I have is nasty looking vintage. My screwdriver racks aren't pretty, but I like the growing and eclectic selection I have.



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[Htscheg]

I use Snap-On at work, mostly cause of the convienence of the truck. At home I have the plastic handle Craftsman, they get abused. I also have some good screwdrivers for gunsmithing and then some for machinist duties.... and some German precision screwdrivers for the small stuff. Each has its use and purpose.

 

[Snakebyt]

to be honest, my go to philips and flathead screwdrivers are husly, 2 pack, one of each for $4. Been using them on a daily basis for a couple years now and they have held up great. Just my personal prefrence. but when posting this, i didnt see the 2 pack on the website, but i saw some in store a couple weeks ago. Going to go buy a couple more sets this week end just to have around

 

[Gmonkee]

I had a set of Snappy hard handle drivers but they seemed very average. Anything they could do most any other could also.

Now in storage as a few odd screwdrivers from Tenhigh do all the work. Years pass and the tips don't wear out or damage fasteners. Street market finds that really shine.

I never tried to wear out any Snappy so I can't compare them but in a market of fleeting brands and styles I found some good ones, and a few I call great.

But as my hands and projects are not the same as anyone else's in every aspect it is expected there are differences.

 

[ku17]

When it comes to screwdrivers, I don't think it's so much about buying the perfect screwdriver as it is not buying the wrong set. I own Proto, Snap-On, Wera, Milwaukee, and Armstrong. All of them are just fine, except the Armstrong. The Armstrong tip would twist under normal conditions (i.e. Installing cover plates for electrical outlets, not a high torque application). I warrantied them 3 times and then gave up because each time they would bend and deform under very little stress.

I will give a +1 for any screwdriver with a hex bolster, those are awesome.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Its been said many times, the best thing to do is order a #2 Phillips from the brands you're deciding between, try em out and buy the set you like the most, you can even return the others when you're done if you wanted. You can never have too many #2 PH though

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Funny...That's how I ended up with my Wera's.

 

[Gmonkee]

And my Tenhigh... Just a pot luck market buy and it worked out well.

 

[anndel]

Snap On Hard handles and Instinct handles are what's in my box plus the usual Craftsman smelly handles that sits outside on the wall.

 

[ToolRoom]

Those who are buying Felo, Facom, Whia, Wera, PB Swiss, etc… Well, there are very few of those screwdrivers found in those threads.

Depends a lot where you live.

Here you are far more likely to see WiHa and Wera in a toolbox than Snap-On. I'd be surprised if you ever found a craftsmen.

Most of the brands you listed are commonly available in our Trade Counters, DIY Home Improvement stores and Motor Factors. You generally wouldn't warranty a screwdriver here - they are considered consumable.

 

[gdocktor3]

The Armstrong tip would twist under normal conditions (i.e. Installing cover plates for electrical outlets, not a high torque application). I warrantied them 3 times and then gave up because each time they would bend and deform under very little stress.

You mean to tell me a tip would twist while installing cover plates?! Outlet plate screws don't even get tightened down all the way in most instances because the plate will bend or sit funny. If you're twisting blades while installing plate covers, somethings not right. There has to be more to this story...

Armstrong screwdrivers were made by Western Forge, same as Craftsman. Not the best, but certainly not the worst either.

 

[ku17]

You mean to tell me a tip would twist while installing cover plates?! Outlet plate screws don't even get tightened down all the way in most instances because the plate will bend or sit funny. If you're twisting blades while installing plate covers, somethings not right. There has to be more to this story...

Armstrong screwdrivers were made by Western Forge, same as Craftsman. Not the best, but certainly not the worst either.

It was the strangest thing, it was the same flat blade screwdriver every time. MSC was happy to warranty them but I grew tired of it and gave it to a friend…and the tip twisted on him from putting screws into plywood. I wish I knew why it did it, I wasn't even opening up cans of paint with it.

The only other time I've twisted a tip was when I beat on a wera chisel driver with a 4 lb hand sledge. I deserved that one, but the job had to get done.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Snap On Hard handles and Instinct handles are what's in my box plus the usual Craftsman smelly handles that sits outside on the wall.

I gave most of my stinkies to my dad. Kept a few of the slotted ones as "small prybars."

 

[pcmeiners]

I am another that thinks that. I fully expect to logon someday and see Show us your lint in the bottom of your toolbox."

Snap on lint of course, being the best of brand....

Of course SO lint is the best, and I don't care if HF copies it.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I will give a +1 for any screwdriver with a hex bolster, those are awesome.

Any screwdriver has a bolster if you use vise grips.

 

[barnonline]

Depends a lot where you live.

Here you are far more likely to see WiHa and Wera in a toolbox than Snap-On. I'd be surprised if you ever found a craftsmen.

Most of the brands you listed are commonly available in our Trade Counters, DIY Home Improvement stores and Motor Factors. You generally wouldn't warranty a screwdriver here - they are considered consumable.

Amen to that.
Here in Denmark, I haven't seen SO, Craftsman and other north american screwdrivers anywhere.

Bacho, on the other hand, you can get basically everywhere.
And then comes the various German brands.

 

[CafeTools]

Matco German ones, easy to warranty.

 

[Gmonkee]

I use a screwdriver until the sharp square edges are a bit rounded and slip a bit.

Then I give them away while still usable to occasional tool users. I get me new ones.
Warranty isn't an option.

The versions used years ago went six months to a year and the last have three years running. Still square and grippy.

Brand and bling don't matter when they just don't wear out.

 

[cheechi]

your anecdotal "evidence" is basically worthless.

'best' can be a lot of things. screwdrivers are a wear item. if you have more than a few SO tools you probably have a driver that's going to replace them, and quickly or at least timely. Always having a good driver in your drawer makes SO the best if you have a truck to support you.

may perceive SO as the best in quality regardless of the ancillary aspects of buying into SO. Screwdrivers individually or in sets are not too much more expensive than other top tier brands. A screwdriver set is less expensive than a socket set.

so if this was 20 years ago, you'd probably see a ton more cman & SK than you do now, maybe also more than you see SO. I can see where you're coming from with the start of your premise, but I think you skipped some steps to get from the start to finish.

 

[turnthewrench]

Has it ever crossed your mind that most people are more interested in using their tools than photographing them?

Never took a picture of my USA Made Ridgid screwdrivers I bought in The Home Depot back in 2000. Been using them as DIY since and have no complaints. Big plastic handles that fill the hands, and take out screws as any other.

Yes, I wish I could afford some of the fancy SO, Proto DT or PB Swiss of the world. But picture taking is the least of my concerns.

 

[bonneyman]

Getting ready to take all my pegboard drivers and sell them as a lot, and put my set of Proto Betrgrips up for use. Already sold the S-O, Wera, and other high end drivers.
Figured since I'm so close to the complete set of Proto's I might as well use them. Sure, I can't warranty them - but I have dupes of most and have never stripped a tip out or cracked a handle yet. And they don't smell in the toolbox like alot of other brands.
And I'm seriously considering backing them up with the new Tekton offering.