Pozidriv screwdrivers and bits?

[n8n]

Hi all,

just realized last night that I'm woefully short of tools in the Pozidriv department - I have the one bit that came with my snap-on impact set, and some really tiny ones that came with a cheap mini screwdriver set, and that's it.

I occasionally do have to work on old Studebakers, who use Pozi for the door hinge screws among other things.

My favorite screwdrivers are the old snap-on hard handles, so I was hoping Williams sold Pozidriv, but they don't...

So what should I buy?

1) buy old SO hard handles off eBay

2) **** it up and buy Bahco or new SO and deal with the handles I don't like

other...? I'd thought SK but it doesn't look like they make a hard handled Pozi set either.

Also, source for quality bits for a ratcheting bit holder would be appreciated as well. It looks like SK does make (or at least sell) those, are they good?

thanks!

 

[Jure]

Hi all,

just realized last night that I'm woefully short of tools in the Pozidriv department - I have the one bit that came with my snap-on impact set, and some really tiny ones that came with a cheap mini screwdriver set, and that's it.

I occasionally do have to work on old Studebakers, who use Pozi for the door hinge screws among other things.

My favorite screwdrivers are the old snap-on hard handles, so I was hoping Williams sold Pozidriv, but they don't...

So what should I buy?

1) buy old SO hard handles off eBay

2) **** it up and buy Bahco or new SO and deal with the handles I don't like

other...? I'd thought SK but it doesn't look like they make a hard handled Pozi set either.

Also, source for quality bits for a ratcheting bit holder would be appreciated as well. It looks like SK does make (or at least sell) those, are they good?

thanks!

PB Swiss,Wera,Wiha - amazon

 

[FMC1959]

PB Swiss,Wera,Wiha - amazon

I agree with this, for both screwdrivers and bits. You would be looking at top quality made tools and a nice selection of soft to hard handles to choose from.

 

[n8n]

OK, recommend specific part nos.?

found this guy

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Y8Y31K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

which only has #1 and #2 Pozi, I would need at least #3 as well and if I'm going to be complete (which is never a bad thing) I'd want #4 as well.

Also, what if I wanted separate screwdrivers? My search fu is really failing.

I'm guessing Pozi isn't common on new stuff? I looked at the Chapman sets and it doesn't look like they even make Pozi bits.

Edit: does Enderes make drivers? I can't seem to download a functional catalog off their web site.

 

[n8n]

BTW does anyone make a #3 socket driver besides Snap-On...?

 

[stonesfan68]

http://www.wihatools.com/indexes/indxpozi.htm

The website is a bit of a mess, but they ship quickly and only charge $6 for s&h.

 

[T45]

Check the euro ones out, looks common in the PB swiss lineup.

PB swiss PB 8243C

 

[n8n]

cool, found just the Wiha pozi only bit set (71254) on Amazon and a PB Swiss (243) driver set... Also looks like PB Swiss makes all sizes #0 through #4 in a 1/4" hex bit for only a little more money... I'm guessing that PB Swiss you pretty much only order from their web site in the US? So then I'd only be missing #3 bit socket (doubt there'd be a need for one #0 or #1?) and #4 screwdriver (which it looks like they sell separately) and bit socket which probably isn't that common.

It looks like the 8243 is the "swissgrip" handle would I be happy with that? I really like handles that are easy to wipe down clean, anything slightly rubberized I will destroy. Looks like the standard ones are more like old Xcelite nutdrivers, which I could deal with.

Edit: another question, since I already have something of a collection of 1/4" hex screwdriver bits, and would be adding to it, is there a nice case available that I could use to organize all of these and keep in my toolbox so they wouldn't be rattling around loose in a pill bottle or something?

 

[pozidriv]

Around here, almost every + screw you can find is a pozi
If you're not fond of the soft comfort grips, go with the classic or multicraft handles on the PB swiss instead of the Swissgrip. Also wiha softfinish really isn't that soft at all and cleans off very easily. I have never seen a #4 pozi, so I wouldn't really worry about that.

 

[n8n]

Around here, almost every + screw you can find is a pozi
If you're not fond of the soft comfort grips, go with the classic or multicraft handles on the PB swiss instead of the Swissgrip. Also wiha softfinish really isn't that soft at all and cleans off very easily. I have never seen a #4 pozi, so I wouldn't really worry about that.

Cool, thanks. I am not really familiar with most Euro tool lines save for Heyco wrenches as I'm definitely US based - which is why I started with Williams, SK, etc. The specific application for which I've needed these in the past is either a #2 or #3, I can't remember now, so those are the most important sizes for me, it's just been my habit when buying tools "get the whole set" because you never know when you're going to need the one you didn't buy

This may be a whole nother discussion, but it appears that my options in Euro lines are Wera, Wiha, and PB Swiss with the latter having the best value and most coverage. Could you comment on quality of those companies, which would you buy if money were no object? (it is, of course, but I'd like to know if I'm gravitating more toward the Snap-On or Craftsman end of the spectrum.)

I really appreciate the advice in this thread, I didn't know that Pozi was so common in Europe - I've driven German cars for years but mostly I seem to deal with a lot of Allen, XZN, Torx not so much Pozi for some reason. Or are all those little trim screws that I've been using Phillips drivers on for years really Pozis but they're so low torque that it didn't matter? Odd that the one application that really sticks out in my mind where Pozi was used (and it mattered) was actually an antique American vehicle

Finally, I thought I'd finally found a product that would fill my needs but looking at the pictures it looks like the PB Swiss drivers don't have the hex bolsters by the handle for adding a wrench for high torque assist - true? Do any of the other options? Thanks!

What about GearWrench? They look like they have "comfort grip" handles but they *do* have hex bolsters, and the price is right. Do they hold up like the Euro brands?

 

[Loscaldazar]

As far as info on wiha, wera, and PB Swiss here is my expereince.

Wiha=Excellent. Tough, durable, well priced, and great selection of screwdrivers. I love the handles (they fit my hand very well).

Wera= Their strange looking handles I actually find really uncomfortable. I feel like they were designed for a much smaller hand than what I have (and I don't have incredibly large hands, I use medium or large gloves depending on brand, and feel like you need a small hand for Wera handles to be comfortable). The working ends tend to easily deform (compared to my Wiha).

No experience with PB Swiss, but I haven't seen a bad review of them on here either!

 

[matt stott]

I deal with a lot of Pozi fasteners at work, and have over the last few decades. I have used all of the drivers mentioned, but have stuck with PB Swiss. They are all very good quality (Wera, Wiha and PBSwiss), but PB is a touch above. Their single bits are the best I have found for drivers- the fit and finish is second to none. I switched from Snap-on bits to PB Swiss bits about 12 years ago and have never regretted the choice.

Much of it depends on which handles fit you best- the funky Wera handles don't fit my hands well (but their tips stick to fasteners like no one's business)- so it is always hard to say which is best without using it personally.

Again- you can't go wrong with any of the three, and you will find PB Swiss quality compares to anything that has ever been made.

My 0.02.

Matt

 

[KCT_Jordan]

PB Swiss,Wera,Wiha - amazon

I agree with this, for both screwdrivers and bits. You would be looking at top quality made tools and a nice selection of soft to hard handles to choose from.

Agreed.

You'll see more PoziDriv fasteners outside of the States. #1 & #2 are most common. The #4 Pozi tip is a beast!

 

[n8n]

Great, so it looks like PB Swiss it may be, and I'll just have to deal with the lack of bolsters and/or use socket drivers for the really miserable stuck stuff. Thanks for all the advice, and if anyone has any more, please feel free to chime in!

 

[Sine Swept]

I own a pretty good selection of Wera screwdrivers, the #2 Robertson will grab a screw head and I will often have to pull it off with pliers. The #2 Phillips has saved my *** hundreds of times trying to take out rusted kickpanel trim. I have noticed some wear, however each driver works as new.

If you will be working on Japenese car's, do yourself a favour and buy a JIS set (0-2, no #3 available to my knowledge) There is American Phillips, Japanese Phillips (JIS) and I believe also a German designed Phillips.

If I use a JIS bit on a JIS screw head (cross) I can hold the screw towards the ground in the driver and it does not fall out!! US Phillips are designed to cam out, where the JIS is designed not to.

 

[Jure]

Great, so it looks like PB Swiss it may be, and I'll just have to deal with the lack of bolsters and/or use socket drivers for the really miserable stuck stuff. Thanks for all the advice, and if anyone has any more, please feel free to chime in!

if money is not an issue,go with PB Swiss,for bits and screwdrivers.

and this is how i would rate them speaking of screwdrivers

1. and the best - PB Swiss
2. Wiha
3. Wera

IMHO if i had to choose between wiha and wera only,id go with wiha.

 

[n8n]

I own a pretty good selection of Wera screwdrivers, the #2 Robertson will grab a screw head and I will often have to pull it off with pliers. The #2 Phillips has saved my *** hundreds of times trying to take out rusted kickpanel trim. I have noticed some wear, however each driver works as new.

If you will be working on Japenese car's, do yourself a favour and buy a JIS set (0-2, no #3 available to my knowledge) There is American Phillips, Japanese Phillips (JIS) and I believe also a German designed Phillips.

If I use a JIS bit on a JIS screw head (cross) I can hold the screw towards the ground in the driver and it does not fall out!! US Phillips are designed to cam out, where the JIS is designed not to.

yeah, that's another thing that I don't have... if I'm working on anything Japanese it's someone else's and as a favor however. I may keep an eye out for those as well but it's less of a priority as I've needed Pozi for my own stuff but not JIS.

I'm assuming that Ko-Ken would be the go to in that case?

 

[dnschmidt]

What's interesting is that Pozidriv was invented and patented by Phillips Screw Company USA as they themselves realized the limitation of the Phillips drive with respect to cam out. The idea took off in Europe but completely flopped in the United States. With respect to new ideas the Europeans are always more open minded than we appear to be. PB Swiss and Wiha would be my choices.

 

[Jure]

yeah, that's another thing that I don't have... if I'm working on anything Japanese it's someone else's and as a favor however. I may keep an eye out for those as well but it's less of a priority as I've needed Pozi for my own stuff but not JIS.

I'm assuming that Ko-Ken would be the go to in that case?

for JIS go with Vessel

 

[n8n]

for JIS go with Vessel

OK... now you've got me down ANOTHER screwdriving rabbit hole

I will probably just pick up some bits for JIS as this is one of those things I don't really see me having any kind of immediate need for unlike Pozidriv which I could conceivably have to use in the near future...

I'm looking at this page

http://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/insert/6.35mm-1/4-hex-insert/cross/view-all-products.html

which I assume is the bits that I would use with e.g. a Snap-On SSDMR4B or similar clone thereof

question is, which bits would I actually buy? There are several different flavors available for the various cross point sizes, and I'm not sure what the dimensions listed refer to. is the 1/4" the hex size and the 1.0" the length (in which case I would just get one of each cross size with those specs)

Edit: never mind, I think I found what I was looking for...

http://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/bit-sets/view-all-products.html

so I could order a A-16479 and A-16621 to work with my bit holders

and I'm guessing if I ordered 431801, 8mm is close enough to 5/16" that I could use something like a Proto J6930 (3/8") or J6935 (1/2")

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWFHYE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

to use those bits with a rattle gun or hand impact?

 

[Dirty Diesels]

I'd go with the older grey handle Snap-On 1's or the newer instinct handles.

 

[pozidriv]

What's interesting is that Pozidriv was invented and patented by Phillips Screw Company USA as they themselves realized the limitation of the Phillips drive with respect to cam out. The idea took off in Europe but completely flopped in the United States. With respect to new ideas the Europeans are always more open minded than we appear to be. PB Swiss and Wiha would be my choices.

It's weird, those differences in standards. However, here, most screwdrivers sold are phillips, while nearly every screw is pozi. Most people don't realize there is a difference (and don't really care ), we just call it a 'cross screw'. The only phillips screws I encounter are drywall screws, so I make it a habit to pedantically point out to people they're are actually using the wrong screwdriver. They think I'm a geek.

PB, Wiha and Wera are all top notch. The Wera handle seems to be a bit hit or miss with a lot of people, but I like them a lot and they have some innovative products.
If you want a hex on a PB (by the way, they also sell a #4, last one on the list: PB 8192.S 4-200)
http://www.pbswisstools.com/nl/qual...8192_S&cHash=045b868ee5ec04d880267951d481c596
The S in the product number means hex bolster

Or on a multicraft handle, the 6192.S: http://www.fabory.be/nl/product/pb-mult-schrdr6k-pz6192s-pb-6192.s-2-100/P0122000002.html

Be very careful browsing this catalog, give your credit card to your wife. Better yet: break and burn it.
http://www.google.be/url?sa=t&rct=j...Zk3Pdh-eLde_2vQ&bvm=bv.83134100,d.ZWU&cad=rja

 

[n8n]

ah, I'm only seeing the bolsters on the SwissGrip drivers on their site here... so I have a decision to make apparently... I know the Snap-On ones have them. However the bits are probably more immediately important so maybe I should just order those for now and then make a decision if I really need to get dedicated drivers as well or if I can deal with just the bit sets... thanks again for all the good input

 

[KCT_Jordan]

ah, I'm only seeing the bolsters on the SwissGrip drivers on their site here... so I have a decision to make apparently... I know the Snap-On ones have them. However the bits are probably more immediately important so maybe I should just order those for now and then make a decision if I really need to get dedicated drivers as well or if I can deal with just the bit sets... thanks again for all the good input

If you decide to get dedicated drivers and like Wera's Kraftform handle design they do make a few different sizes with bolsters.

 

[upgrading]

Check this one out.
Doesn't list the sizes though and pic is hard to make out.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D0491KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[T45]

PB used to make posi in the HD hard handle

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21Xl6qLXpAL.jpg

But I dont see it here> http://www.shop.pbtools.us/sitemap.htm

 

[n8n]

So this is what I'm thinking of buying so far...

PB Swiss C6.192.0, -.1, -.2, -.3, -.4 1/4" hex Pozidriv bits
Vessel A-16479 (P0, P1, P2) and A-16621 (P1, P2, P3) 1/4" hex JIS bits
Vessel 431801 8mm/5/16" bit set (+2 x 36mm, +3 x 36mm, +4 x 36mm, -10 x 36mm)
Wiha 72005 Bit Holding Impact Socket 3/8x5/16 (so I'd be able to use the above Vessel bits with my Snap-On hand impact)
what about impact Pozidriv bits? I've got the #2 Snap-On one, should I just order the matching #3 (the only other one it appears they offer) or is there a more affordable high quality alternative?

Still mulling over whether it'd be worth it to me to buy the separate Pozidriv screwdrivers or not or if I'd be fine with just the bits.

I just like being that guy that has the tools for everything

 

[Monte]

Don´t forget Witte
http://witte-werkzeuge.de/1/

 

[n8n]

Oh fer cryin' out loud! this really is a rabbit hole isn't it?

 

[Dave455]

I sympathise with the OP's dilemma!

I have a couple (literally only 2) of the original Snap On Pozidriv's with the red square handles! They were among the very first Snap On tools I ever bought snd I absolutely love 'em!

I never got around to getting the later shape with the grey hard handles. I wish I had, because while the sets of hard handles still crop up on the vans from time to time, the Pozidriv's never do, and they are what I use most!

So, what to get?

Although I don't like 'em as much, the Instinct drivers are pretty good, provided you get the version with the hard inserts rather than the soft! The latter become unusable very quickly in a greasy workshop!

Yes, as others have said, PB Swiss are overall the best, and that goes for both drivers and bits. Get the ones with the transparent CAB handles and they will last like you won't believe! If there's a downside, they're more designed for general mechanical work than automotive, and they can get a bit slippery if they are really greasy!

Being the sort of guy who measures his wealth by his tool collection I have both Snap On (Hard Handle) and PB Swiss in my main tool chest. Former for Imperial screws and Phillips, latter for metric and Pozidriv. PB make a huge range of stuff, and there is usually an option of a hex bolster or not - for example the Multicraft handle (Hard CAB) Pozidriv is a 6192 without a bolster, and a 6192 S with! The bolster drivers are awesome, but be careful, you can actually rip the heads of crappy screws with 'em!

Wiha are nice too, particularly the 'micro finish' designed for greasy environments, but there really are loads of options, and most things U.S. or European made seem o.k. Whatever you choose, I like to make sure my Pozidriv's have different colour handles to my Phillips so I can tell 'em apart fast!

 

[Dave455]

PB used to make posi in the HD hard handle

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21Xl6qLXpAL.jpg

But I dont see it here> http://www.shop.pbtools.us/sitemap.htm

It's still there - a Look at Screwdrivers - Fixed Blade - Multicraft - Pozidriv!

They don't list the hex bolster version, but they're in the catalogue! Worth trying to acquire a copy of you're thinking of getting some PB!

The U.S. Importer may not, of course, carry the full range. That's a pretty big task, and in any case they make loads of stuff not even in the catalogue! The U.K. importer seems to carry everything, but that would be a costly route!