Opinions on screwdrivers

[D-Vice]

Hey there, first time posting, been lurking as a guest for a long time. Been using the search feature as best as I could tonight, but couldn't quite find what I wanted.

Problem is I need a new set of screwdrivers for automotive work. I'll first start out by saying that yes, I do like the snap on drivers, but I do not really care for their price tag. I love my facom ratchets, stahlwille boxends, koken sockets, but I do not have a go to brand for drivers.

If it comes down to no other option, then yes I will get the snap on. But what about facom, stahlwille, and koken? Anyone ever use any of their drivers?

Is there a good screwdriver set by a brand that maybe I should consider looking at?

I like comfort, durability, and function. Would love to hear some opinions. Thanks.

 

[Jim Diesel]

I will start by saying welcome. Now onto your question, I swing wrenches for a living and when it comes to screw drivers you don't have to brake the bank. In my tool box you will find drivers from all different brands. They all work fine and I don't favour one over another. That being said I do not put junk tools into the box. Some of the brands are: SP, Sidchrome, KC, Stanley and one or two SO.

They are one of those tools you will accumulate and just keep storing in the tool box.

 

[four.cycle]

Hello D-Vice and welcome to the site.

I have about 30 or 40 different brands of screwdrivers all mixed up in a box and they all work. I like some of them better than others. I have low opinions of the Stanley and Craftsman screwdrivers I own, except for a really old Craftsman that I ran over with a lawnmower and took a big chunk out of the handle - it's one of my favorites.

You're going to get dozens of different answers, but the bottom line is that they will all work for opening paint cans or substituting for chisels (except the phillips and torx type.)

 

[American Locomotive]

I've heard good things about SK and Wera Screwdriver. I really like my Wiha fully insulated screwdrivers too.

Then again, I'm the kind of person who's perfectly fine with standard USA Craftsman screwdrivers...

 

[ckeboss]

You can pick up the Williams 100P-8MD 8 piece set on amazon for about $60. They are the same as the SO ones, even same handle design. COO is USA. I have a set, they work great.

I would also look at Vessel screwdrivers if you work on anything asian, they are made in japan to the DIN standard, which superseded the JIS standard, and will fit asian screws much better. Can be had on email direct from japan pretty reasonably.

 

[D-Vice]

wow thanks for the speedy responses guys. This has given me much to look at. I really like some of these drivers after some google searches

 

[pstemari]

The Proto Duratek drivers are also really nice for everything but Torx. You should able able to score a 20% coupon to get them from Zoro.

The SK Torx drivers have shafts about 2" longer than all the competition, which can be useful.


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[jd_1138]

Welcome to the forum. I love my NOS Vaco screwdrivers. They're orange. USA made. I think Klein owns Vaco now. I think I only paid 22 for the set, new. I also have SK.

 

[lightning02]

Zoro discount code is gadget4 in case anyone needs it

 

[ADSR]

Williams is the best deal going.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

 

[chrismenke]

Big fan of Facom screwdrivers, as well as Wera.

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

I've heard good things about SK and Wera Screwdriver. I really like my Wiha fully insulated screwdrivers too.

Then again, I'm the kind of person who's perfectly fine with standard USA Craftsman screwdrivers...

Definitely SK. There might be a nice set on Tooltopia

 

[Skin]

Snap-On phillips ACR drivers are excellent. I've used and tested a lot of other brands and my instincts are still my go-to for corroded or loctited screws where every other brand will cam-out.

For flats, torx, hex etc... buy whatever but their phillips are tops.

 

[gdocktor3]

I like SK drivers, but a few on here complain the handles are too big for their hands. The Snap On instincts are nice, but the original hard handles are just as good. You can get them with the Williams name on them for cheap. I also really like the oem of these Blackhawk screwdrivers rebranded by Facom and more. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6074050

 

[Adam.C]

The big handled Snap On instincts are great for what they are great for: cracking free sruck screws without stripping their heads. I don't see a lot of Phillips heads on modern cars, and I typically find them in plastic, so I think auto mechanics can take or leave them. But they are handy around the house, good for deck screws, etc.

But if the application is a low torque electrical assembly, all clean stuff, any sharp screwdriver will do, thus the MANY opinions. Mine is that the instincts can feel clumsy.

My advice is to figure out what you want, speed or stuck fastener removal. For the former, pick something with a round handle, maybe a spinner on top. For the latter choose an instinct type handle from a good maker. My old Snap On hard handles were a good compromise.

 

[ecotec]

If I did not have an already full screwdriver drawer... I would buy the 19pc Williams set and add a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver.

 

[gdocktor3]

If I did not have an already full screwdriver drawer... I would buy the 19pc Williams set and add a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver.

Or Williams ratcheting screwdriver.

 

[gabrorlandi]

My favorites ... Wiha and PB Swiss....
I use all this brands: Snap On, Proto, Wera, Facom, Bahco (Tekno+ for heavy duty), Stahllwille, Williams. Excellent design and durability.

 

[Davefr]

There is no one best screwdriver. The best screwdriver is the one that feels best in your hand. You just need to try several and see what you like best. It's like trying on shoes.

Here's a list of my favorites:
- Proto Duratek
- Williams
- PB Swiss
- Wera
- Wila
- Felo

All of these are as good or better then SO but at a tiny fraction of the price.

For automotive I'd probably skip PB Swiss. They're more of a high precision driver.

 

[cbacres]

Williams is the best deal going.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

Just got that set this weekend, haven't used yet, but just like the old style SO handles which fit my hands perect.

I just need to get a couple of the ones for Asian Phillips and I'll be set.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

I like this channel lock set the best


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[SantaAna12]

Welcome!

So many good ones!

Enjoy the ride!

 

[derosa]

I like my felo drivers which have nice handles and are available at places like runnings and a couple other box stores; though I never bother to use torx screwdrivers even though I have them. I prefer the T-handle bondhus for torx. I'm sure a pro mechanic will run into spots where a screwdriver will fit and not a T but I never have and I like the ease of the Ts.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have Craftsman most are 10-15 years old and Kobalt (Greatneck) mechanics screw drivers with the striking caps that are my go to drivers. I have also bought and gave away DeWalt, Milwaukee and Irwin with the striking caps not as impressed by them.

Starting over would be Menards's house brand Masterforce. They are USA made A&L handles with Prat Reed shanks. The offerings range from 1.5" to 24" slotted and philips. The line also offers Torx and ball hex they do offer starter sets but not a big 42 piece "Master set" like we see with Craftsman, most medium drivers are under $7.00 each with the larger or longer capping out less than $15.00 each

 

[M6erfan]

Lots of great choices out there. Comfort of the grips will be the deciding factor most likely.

For slotted I like PB Swiss, they are one of the few I've found that are both both cabinet tip & hollow ground.

For Phillips, I like Vessel & Wiha

 

[sberry]

I don't have a golden arm and am not that fussy, anything that works will do and some of my faves are old junk. Don't own a complete set. Got a couple Cman I traded in recently, different handle makes it easy to find one that is sharp.

 

[Trey T]

Majority of screwdrivers from Home Depot is good. I say that because at the end of the day, I don't care how you slice the pie w/ different brands, they will get the job done well. I don't use screwdriver as often as I did 10yrs ago because of the rise in the cordless tools, and I believe other folks here feel the same way.

W/ that being said, if you're loyal to a particular brand, just go for it!!!

 

[bonneyman]

I don't have a golden arm and am not that fussy, anything that works will do and some of my faves are old junk. Don't own a complete set. Got a couple Cman I traded in recently, different handle makes it easy to find one that is sharp.

I worked for years with a mutt set of drivers, and didn't have any big problems. If I found a driver that worked, I didn't care what name it was.
Since joining the forums I've become more "enlightened", and have become aware of special features. Am a big fan of the old Proto yellow handles, but they are hard to find in good condition. Enderes always made good tools, and I'm liking the new Tekton driver I bought (#2 phillips). Might look into getting a set.

 

[rrich1]

Nice set made by Witte. I have the smaller set and move them. Easy to find one bench. https://www.handtoolsforless.com/products/16-pc-screwdriver-set-slotted-phillips-made-in-germany

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[Empty Pockets]

My screwdriver drawer has likely got screwdrivers from nearly every manufacturer under the sun. I have several Snappys and Macs (Hard Handles) that I like a lot, other than those, I consider the Stanley, Craftsman, Kobalt and Rigid drivers to be disposable, as they are so cheap.

As someone else said, if you are loyal to a brand, go for it.

 

[bnem]

I will say NOT Felo. While the grips are great (I have Ergonics), the tip durability is poor. They're one of the other German tools that I was suckered into buying and I'm not totally pleased with. The other is NWS pliers which have poor edge durability.

I used two separate Felo Philips screwdrivers and the tips rounded over way too easy. I have cheap screwdrivers from Crappy Tire which are made from the good old chinesium alloy, and they hold up better.

Next screwdrivers I want to try are PB Swiss.

 

[sberry]

I worked for years with a mutt set of drivers, and didn't have any big problems. If I found a driver that worked, I didn't care what name it was.

It isn't that I don't buy new, I do, but am not so sensitive to brand as much as I am new. I need a couple new pliers and wire strippers, tossed a set the other day. I should see if they are under warranty, Kleins but I aint gonna mess with it. Going to buy another Tstripper or 2 next time I wire a house.

 

[mudflap]

Screwdrivers are a "consumable" item..don't spend a bunch of money on them... I have a drawer full of SO, and Matco #2 phillips drivers that are worn out...maybe someday i will chase a truck down and try to warranty them.. But for the last couple yrs i have been using the $1.69 HF ones..for standard 4in #2 work They have nice handles, tips fit good, and are as durable as any other...I grab a few of them whenever im there, and always have a fresh phillips tip whenever i want...

 

[catron44]

I have the craftsman professional (red and black handle) ones that were then made as armstrong and now SK. I love the grips and the tips have held up fine over the past 15 years. I've also got the Felo ergonics that I keep in my electrical bag which are very comfortable and have help up just fine. Not sure about for automotive use though.

I would go with the SK if I had to do it over again. Of course I like the snappy's too, but can't justify the price not being a pro.

 

[Brownsfan]

This is one of those questions where you ask 10 people you may get 10 answers. Depends on their intended use and personal preferences on handles really.

 

[Deggs]

I have the 20 piece gearwrench master set in my box, use them on a daily basis and have held up really well

 

[mudflap]

I have the craftsman professional (red and black handle) ones that were then made as armstrong and now SK. I love the grips and the tips have held up fine over the past 15 years. I've also got the Felo ergonics that I keep in my electrical bag which are very comfortable and have help up just fine. Not sure about for automotive use though.

I would go with the SK if I had to do it over again. Of course I like the snappy's too, but can't justify the price not being a pro.

How do you get a phillips tip to last 15yrs...?? I'm lucky to get one to last 15 days....lol But alot of equipment we work on is older..and has been apart 10 times over the yrs..so the screws are shot..

 

[ecotec]

How do you get a phillips tip to last 15yrs...?? I'm lucky to get one to last 15 days....lol But alot of equipment we work on is older..and has been apart 10 times over the yrs..so the screws are shot..

You put the messed up screws back in after fighting to get them out?

 

[four.cycle]

How do you get a phillips tip to last 15yrs...??

easy! get a real phillips!

 

[mudflap]

You put the messed up screws back in after fighting to get them out?

Alot of times it's field service work..or odd lengths , or shoulders..so yea..sometimes.. Crews wont sit and wait while you go shopping for something that matches..or will work..