Philosophy of Screwdrivers

[Bolster]

I own S-O, Cman, Wiha, Stanley, Vermont, and other branded screwdrivers, plus sets of gunsmith-style bit drivers. I'm eyeballing a set of Williams, if and when they are ever restocked in the stores.

But wait a second, aren't screwdrivers basically disposable tools? Especially Phillips? So I am second-guessing myself and wondering why I spend big bucks on them. I really baby my S-O and Wihas, and get upset at myself if I mistakenly cam-out while using them. I've asked my wife not to touch the S-Os (which has cost me some goodwill). So I am finding I reach for my Cman 'drivers more and more; they work fine, and they cost about $1 each to replace.

So, should I be thinking of screwdrivers as basically 'disposable tools' (ie, buy more Cman)? Or is it worth investing in them (ie, buy more WIlliams, S-O, Matco, Mac, Wiha, Werra, you-name-it)? Those of you who invest in quality 'drivers, how do you maintain them, sharpen them, etc?

(PS: Can you sharpen or otherwise rehabilitate a Phillips screwdriver?)

 

[sberry]

I toss them when they are worn out. I like Kleins the best, good grips. I have several sets of the nut drivers which we really use a lot of. There are places where a good sharp new phillips tip is just the ticket. I see some of the Craftsmans have good tips these days too. I do have some dollar drivers that are good, nice to keep in trucks and on equipment and even the standard tips seem to hold up well. For the most part a tool like a screwdriver is low on the technological scale, dont much care what kind it is as long as its within reach.

 

[Stuey]

As far as I know, no, you cannot rehab a Philips tip.
imho, the comfort of more expensive drivers is worth their investment. "Premium" drivers also tend to last longer before needing to replaced.

 

[sberry]

The cost of replacing or adding a few drivers is moot to me, by then they have earned their keep and then some, sometimes they pay for themselves in one use. When they start getting dull I toss them in other trucks, tractors, etc, they can pay in a minute at the right time.
We keep a bunch of it in these carts, use the stuff every day, sames numerous trips.

 

[danc333]

I have Snap-on Instinct soft grip, Matco Black and Orange, Witte, and Craftsman, both regular and black handle pro. I find the comfort of the handle more important than the tip. I have only had to replace one #1 phillips and one #2 phillips because of slightly worn tips and they where the black handle Craftsman pros. All the brands that I have seem to have very nice tips, I think the quality of the fastener is as important as the driver you are using. I have had screws (cheap electronic equipment) camout just looking at them. I know there will be disagreement on this but I find the Snap-on soft grip Instinct the most comfortable, followed by the Matco , Witte, C-man pro, regular C-man.

 

[sberry]

I personally have a general tool philosophy that a lot of businesses are poorly supplied with hand tools in general. I am not very sensitive to which brand but more geared to if its in the right place at the right time and I am not paying men to look for them. Crummy sockets are the very worst, cheap wrenches I can live with. Vise grip is the best, good adjustables are worth the money as are Channelok types.

 

[justinmc]

So, should I be thinking of screwdrivers as basically 'disposable tools' (ie, buy more Cman)? Or is it worth investing in them (ie, buy more WIlliams, S-O, Matco, Mac)? Those of you who invest in quality 'drivers, how do you maintain them, sharpen them, etc?

(PS: Can you sharpen or otherwise rehabilitate a Phillips screwdriver?)

What about buying magnetic tip stuff for "daily" use.. the ones you can toss the bits on and replace with new ones. I have a box of dewalt #2 phillips bits designed for just this case. Especially in the drill/driver type environ.. you are cranking screws in under alot of torque, quickly and without alot of precision. Eventually you are gonna need a new bit or 10.

 

[Bolster]

What about buying magnetic tip stuff for "daily" use.. the ones you can toss the bits on and replace with new ones. I have a box of dewalt #2 phillips bits designed for just this case. Especially in the drill/driver type environ.. you are cranking screws in under alot of torque, quickly and without alot of precision. Eventually you are gonna need a new bit or 10.

Agreed. I am looking for a quality (non ratcheting) driver for magnetic tips. Don't like thick shaft walls obscuring my view of the bit as with my Cman driver, don't like weak magnets. Suggestions?

 

[justinmc]

Agreed. I am looking for a quality (non ratcheting) driver for magnetic tips. Don't like thick shaft walls obscuring my view of the bit as with my Cman driver, don't like weak magnets. Suggestions?

I have a interchangeable bit Mac hard plastic handle and a Matco "witte" style. I can't say I've used the Matco one at all but the Mac piece I keep in my home repair stuff as it really takes up less space than keeping a set of 15 screwdrivers and I don't have to run out to the garage to get one. It works pretty well and holds the bit solidly. That is also another thing to look for.. how tight of a fit do the bits have. I've seen some that were flat "sloppy".. which is going to cause some torquing problems, etc. However for simple low torque tasks (light switch plates, installing fixtures, tightening knobs on cabinets, etc, etc) these should be PLENTY competent.

 

[Frank Elson]

where a lot of you guys collect ratchets I collect screwdrivers.
I love all the different shapes and colours of handles.
...but I use probably the same three or four all the time

 

[dps]

This thread is sort of related to one I started a couple of weeks ago about when do you use a dedicated driver versus an insert bit. I've just completed a large (to me) collection of Facom screwdriver's that aren't made any more. I don't want to bung them up, so I've got another drawer with an assortment of Cman, S-O, and other lesser beings that I tend to reach for and it makes me mad at myself

So already I believe that I shouldn't mentally treat screwdrivers like wrenches that are more-or-less forever, and stick to easily and fairly cheaply replaceable screwdrivers. But then, would they be good enough to not be more likely to cause damage to the fastener?

 

[64merc]

Bolster, I really like this thread. Personally, I like to have screwdrivers that are cheap, but good enough that you don't have to replace or dispose of them every time you use them hard. I also don't like investing so much that I am hesitant to get rough with them if necessary. I have an old Cman set and many different odds and ends that I've picked up along the way. I want to buy a nice German set but I just can't seem to pull the trigger.

 

[rsanter]

I thought the point of the more expensive, higher quality screwdrivers it that they feel better, they will last longer and when they start to round over you get them replaced for free

bob

 

[64merc]

I thought the point of the more expensive, higher quality screwdrivers it that they feel better, they will last longer and when they start to round over you get them replaced for free

bob

You bring up a good point, and I agree with you. The problem with a warranty is that it is either not easy to warranty them or you get them warrantied with another crappy screwdriver. If I mess up a cheapy Cman screwdriver I can get it replaced but I will get another cheapy one in return. If I mess up a nice Wera or Snappy screwdriver it will become a lot of trouble to find a truck or ship it in. They end up being higher priced disposable screwdrivers sometimes. I'm just thinking out loud here, since I haven't come up with all the answers yet myself.

 

[Bolster]

...but I use probably the same three or four all the time

Which three or four actually get the use?

 

[speed bump]

How often do you wear out screwdrivers? One of the guys I used to work with had a Green Lee #2 philips (I think it was Taiwanese made) that saw more use in a month than most mechanics screwdrivers see in 6 months and it didn't start showing signs of wear until after year of use. Over the summer I used a Bosch I-driver like it was an extension of my hand and averaged probably 500-2000 screws a week and never managed to wear a out a driver tip.

However if you want my advice buy Kleins or Craftsmans in case I visit since those screwdriver handles seem to fit my hands best.

 

[Frank Elson]

Which three or four actually get the use?

There's a Stanley (from the old days, it's 40 years old) a Klein and a Draper in the flats, and a Stanley (old days again) and an unknown in Philips plus an unknown in Posi.

...er... that's six.

Some of the nicest looking, beautifully varnished wooden handles from a variety of Sheffield firms, and some of the gorgeous plastic handled 'drivers are rubbish in your hands, as some of you have mentioned above.

 

[64merc]

How often do you wear out screwdrivers? One of the guys I used to work with had a Green Lee #2 philips (I think it was Taiwanese made) that saw more use in a month than most mechanics screwdrivers see in 6 months and it didn't start showing signs of wear until after year of use. Over the summer I used a Bosch I-driver like it was an extension of my hand and averaged probably 500-2000 screws a week and never managed to wear a out a driver tip.

However if you want my advice buy Kleins or Craftsmans in case I visit since those screwdriver handles seem to fit my hands best.

Well, it really just depends on the brand. I love the handles on the old Popular Mechanics screwdrivers, but when I used one the other day I started wearing out the tip just removing a door panel. It's a darn shame because I like those things. I'm going to use it until I can't use it anymore.

I think, like all tools, most of us just like to have good screwdrivers. Sure, the Cman screwdriver might work as well as the Snappy for light duty stuff, but most of us would rather have the Snappy.

 

[Merkava_4]

I But wait a second, aren't screwdrivers basically disposable tools? Especially Phillips?

If you purchase a good quality screwdriver and you use it properly within its intended purpose, it should never wear out. The main reason why people wear out screwdrivers is because they use the wrong screwdriver for the fastener. The slot of the screw needs to be completely filled up leaving no play.

You guys should try some GearWrench screwdrivers; they're excellent!

 

[russlaferrera]

Replaceable tip screwdrivers work great on most things Some times they will not work on screws that are recessed (Appliances come to mind). If the tip is poorly made and you "screw up" the fastener you can be in deep do do. If the tip does not fit well (Firearms or fine wood) the objects finish can be ruined.

 

[rsanter]

You bring up a good point, and I agree with you. The problem with a warranty is that it is either not easy to warranty them or you get them warrantied with another crappy screwdriver. If I mess up a cheapy Cman screwdriver I can get it replaced but I will get another cheapy one in return. If I mess up a nice Wera or Snappy screwdriver it will become a lot of trouble to find a truck or ship it in. They end up being higher priced disposable screwdrivers sometimes. I'm just thinking out loud here, since I haven't come up with all the answers yet myself.

I think you need to better define what you are doing with this stuff. if you are a pro then getting warranty off a truck is generally not too much trouble. if you are a home guy then you can get the Cman or Kobalt stuff.
you also need to look at how you will use this stuff. generally I mess them up when when I am doing something that is pushing the limits. this is actually a reason to have more that one set. you have the basic Cman stuff for jobs that could be harsh and you have another set for more 'precision' work

I have Cman, Cman pro, a SO ratcheting screwdriver, Cman bit holder and APEX bit holder.

bob

 

[Merkava_4]

Another thing I should mention is that a screwdriver is not always worn when it looks like it's worn; a lot of times you're looking at metal transfer from the screw head to the screwdriver tip. You can keep your tips looking factory original by cleaning them with a Dremel wire wheel.

 

[Stuey]

Haha, I remember using a B&D insert bit to assemble some shelving. I realized why things were going so slowly after a while and checked the bit - it looked like someone cut an insert bit in half and attached a 1/8" drill blank to the stump!

 

[jdcompman]

If you purchase a good quality screwdriver and you use it properly within its intended purpose, it should never wear out. The main reason why people wear out screwdrivers is because they use the wrong screwdriver for the fastener. The slot of the screw needs to be completely filled up leaving no play.

I think this is a really good point. I don't know if I would go as far as saying they will NEVER wear out but I do believe most screwdriver wear is because the wrong tip was used for the wrong screw.

 

[Bolster]

If you purchase a good quality screwdriver and you use it properly within its intended purpose, it should never wear out. The main reason why people wear out screwdrivers is because they use the wrong screwdriver for the fastener. The slot of the screw needs to be completely filled up leaving no play.

Huh, I don't have that kind of luck. I'm a bit of a Screw Nazi* for finding the right sized driver for a screw, but my #2 Phillips drivers wear pretty fast...maybe that's because I drive a lot of drywall screws, which are very hard. A couple of cam-outs, and I notice the Phillips starts slipping out more frequently. Take a close look at the tip and I can see deformations. I have to toss my Phillips every few months to years, depending on use. And don't even get me started on #2 bits that are chucked in my driver...if one lasts a month that's a looong time.

*Heh heh, that's pretty funny, 'Screw Nazi.' Maybe I should change my screen name to that. Think I'd get banned?

 

[Bolster]

Screw Nazi cares...

 

[cruiser808]

Screw Nazi cares...

Bolster, I think you hit the nail on the head when it comes the screwdrivers. Fortunately for us tool addicts, we have an outstanding international selection of quality makers of this humble tool.

I asked the good folks of the GJ board to pick a professional set for me with the criteria I gave everyone. That might have been a mistake on my part. I got so overloaded with great stats, experiences and testimonials for so many different brands, I gave up. All this was super information from the best of the best. And I had what I consider experts disagreeing with each other.

But, after analysing all information, I realized it was just a personal and individual economic decision. With the advise of the board, you can't go wrong whatever you choose. Me, I wanted USA, a hard handle, bolster, blasted tip and premium steel. In the end I got some old school red handle Macs and NOS hard handle Snap-ons. I paid more than I probably should have, but I knew that going in and did it anyway. In the end, its your money and your decision; I bet whatever you decide, if you go with the GJ board recomendations on any of the top brands, you can't go wrong.

 

[ossaguy]

Anybody here have any full sized Felo screwdrivers? I have a couple of the small ones that are really nice,and was wondering about the full-sized ones.At an upcoming service school,they will sell a set of them at a discount,and wanted to ask if they are as good as they say.Thanks for any opinions!

 

[Holt]

I really like craftsman style of handles. the hard plastic ones. I feel like i can get a lot more torque with them compared to new ergonomic soft grip handles most cheap tool company use. I do have a Klein Phillips and standard that the handles are part hard plastic and part soft which i use for work and i love them. My friends dad has a old Stanley screwdriver set from about 20 years ago. Man i have seen screwdrivers come and go and those things take a beating and have never deformed. I mean the old yellow and black paint still looks new. They are used almost daily. I wish companies still produced that kind of quality today. That company used to be great and is now ****. Oh ya having a couple Stanley's sitting around for good non screwdriver intended purposes (prybar, paint mixer, gasket remover) is a good idea. I think you need to have a good set and a **** set.

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

I prefer my snappys. I bought an old hard handle set in the classifieds section, and those tips just slip right in and grip the fasteners. On the other hand, since they cost so much to replace, I only use them at home, and use my craftsman/husky drivers at work, which is where my tools see the most use. Ridiculous, right?

I got the snappys because I wanted the bolster, the premium steel, and I really liked how the handles felt in my hand. Even though I've got them, I'm still yearning for the 25-piece set of Craftsman pros, I like those handles, and they have a hex bolster as well, but I probably won't take them to work either, because if one goes missing, then my set is incomplete, and I'll have to buy another. While I find the nicer drivers fit the screws better, and wear slower, the less expensive Craftsman and Husky drivers work just fine for what I'm doing, and I have yet to need to replace one, though I'm getting close (P2, no way, right?!). I think it comes down to preference on the handle, and features like the bolster. And I have 2 sets of **** drivers, use em as paint mixers all the time, and prybars, etc. Isn't that what they're for?

And Frank, you aren't the only one. No matter what I do, I always end up going back to screwdrivers when I've got some extra cash.

 

[Frank Elson]

You guys know by now that I don't buy sets. Of anything.
I like my bobbery packs, pick up one or two, here and there..

anyways, I did have a set of screwdrivers once, from a neice, for Christmas.
Must have cost all of a pound in a cheap shop and smelled of curry, if you know what I mean.

Three sizes of flat and two phillips. Right pretty handles, pear shaped, in a lovely bright red colour.

First off I tried the biggest flat on a woodscrew in the living room door. Got a nice "S" shape in the tip without breathing heavily.
Then I hunted the house, in turn, for screws to fit each 'driver, had to do it properly, right size screw for the driver, and "essed" all the flats and spun out the Xs...
I think the plasti of the handles was harder than the metal.
...then I had to go out on Boxing Day and buy another copy of that set - for when the relatives came to visit. The originals were in the trash.

 

[eschoendorff]

I own S-O, Cman, Wiha, Stanley, Vermont, and other branded screwdrivers, plus sets of gunsmith-style bit drivers. I'm eyeballing a set of Williams, if and when they are ever restocked in the stores.

But wait a second, aren't screwdrivers basically disposable tools? Especially Phillips? So I am second-guessing myself and wondering why I spend big bucks on them. I really baby my S-O and Wihas, and get upset at myself if I mistakenly cam-out while using them. I've asked my wife not to touch the S-Os (which has cost me some goodwill). So I am finding I reach for my Cman 'drivers more and more; they work fine, and they cost about $1 each to replace.

So, should I be thinking of screwdrivers as basically 'disposable tools' (ie, buy more Cman)? Or is it worth investing in them (ie, buy more WIlliams, S-O, Matco, Mac, Wiha, Werra, you-name-it)? Those of you who invest in quality 'drivers, how do you maintain them, sharpen them, etc?

(PS: Can you sharpen or otherwise rehabilitate a Phillips screwdriver?)

You baby your Snap Ons? Why???? I have the opposite philosophy.... I am pretty demanding with mine. My thought is that they are supposed to be the best - and cost the most. So I demand the most from them. At $17, they should be up to ANY task.

 

[eschoendorff]

The cost of replacing or adding a few drivers is moot to me, by then they have earned their keep and then some, sometimes they pay for themselves in one use. When they start getting dull I toss them in other trucks, tractors, etc, they can pay in a minute at the right time.
We keep a bunch of it in these carts, use the stuff every day, sames numerous trips.

Sberry... how's it going??? Haven't seen you around here in a while. Been busy on the farm????

Nice to have you back....

 

[eschoendorff]

You guys know by now that I don't buy sets. Of anything.
I like my bobbery packs, pick up one or two, here and there..

anyways, I did have a set of screwdrivers once, from a neice, for Christmas.
Must have cost all of a pound in a cheap shop and smelled of curry, if you know what I mean.

OMG!!!

 

[sammerdog]

Definitely disposable.
Here in the Midwest, we have this wonderful thing called Menard's. Every few weeks they run specials on Stanley & Tool Shop basic screwdriver sets "free after rebate" or ".99 after rebate". I grab a package or two and use the tarnation out of them til they deform. Then I throw them out and I'm only out a stamp. I have a few Craftsman, a Pittsburgh set, and a pair of Snap Ons in my box, but I keep using and abusing the free Stanley stuff.

 

[Bolster]

I have a few Craftsman, a Pittsburgh set, and a pair of Snap Ons in my box, but I keep using and abusing the free Stanley stuff.

See, that's the direction I'm heading with this topic, too. I think I'll buy Cman screwdrivers at $1 each (when on sale in sets) and just not worry about rounding them. 17 Cmans = 1 SO. Keep the SOs and Wihas for special projects. Maybe not buy those Williams drivers at all.

 

[sammerdog]

See, that's the direction I'm heading with this topic, too. I think I'll buy Cman screwdrivers at $1 each (when on sale in sets) and just not worry about rounding them. 17 Cmans = 1 SO

I'm with you 100%, only cheaper yet. When I reach in my box, I grab the "disposable" screwdrivers thinking "this one was free, why would I want to hurt my Craftsman?" Then I don't feel bad when I'm using the thing as a pry bar or start hammerin away at the handle like it's a chisel til the metal shaft pokes up through the handle

 

[Vinko]

I personally have a general tool philosophy that a lot of businesses are poorly supplied with hand tools in general.

I agree with you on this.

 

[burger]

My "philisophy" of screwdrivers is to keep them handy. When the right tool is at hand, it gets used and the job is done well. It's not a matter of how expensive the screwdrivers are... it's a simple matter that I'll use whatever is within reach, even if that means using a screwdriver that's too big or too small for the fastener. Knowing this, I keep a few "mini toolkits" in convenient locations -- several places around the house, in the glovebox, at my desk, etc. Most are cheap. When I wear them out, I throw them out and get new ones.

I also don't like buying packages of screwdrivers. After buying several, I have enough stubby screwdrivers to last me well into the afterlife. I mostly just buy 3/16 and 1/4 slotted and #2 phillips.


Ed