To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Precision screwdrivers, which one?

To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Brownsfan

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
5,974
Location
Cleveland Ohio
Ive tried a lot of different precision screwdrivers and i found that the wiha set I bought was the best. Even better than the snap on set i had. It was a 7pc set and was lest than $30.
 

rshadd

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
1,598
Location
Doylestown, PA
I like the wera set I bought. I don't use it often, but they're handy when you need them.
 
Last edited:

mr.lemons

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 24, 2017
Messages
2,191
Location
UK
PB-8121-ESD.jpg


or

WIHA-273-ESD-PH0-X-50-image.jpg


:thumbup:
 

Chromdome35

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2013
Messages
194
I have both Wera and Wiha. I like them both.

IMHO I think the Wiha's are higher quality than the Weras'
 

measuredtwice

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
1,705
Location
USA
Looking for a nice set of precision screwdrivers/ pocket pry bars? Help a fellow tool junkie out,please.

What is the intended use? You say "nice" precision screwdrivers but you also say "pry bars" so I'm not sure if you are looking for high quality screwdrivers and chip lifters or if you want a screwdriver to use as a pry bar.

Just about anything could be used for prying. If you want a chip lifter here are a few good ones from Wera and Wiha --> https://www.kctoolco.com/chip-lifters/

Wiha and Wera also make nice precision screwdrivers and I have both. My favorites are from PB Swiss.

Here are some comparisons...

attachment.php

attachment.php

attachment.php

attachment.php

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • wiha-pbswiss.jpg
    wiha-pbswiss.jpg
    52.6 KB · Views: 595

mr.lemons

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 24, 2017
Messages
2,191
Location
UK
For prying, assuming you mean for opening plastic cases on tablets, notebooks etc I mostly use a solder aid. They wear and snap but they are easy to whittle back into shape.

Soldering-Aid-Spudger-Black-Stick-467x467.jpg
 
OP
N

nichocha33

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
180
What is the intended use? You say "nice" precision screwdrivers but you also say "pry bars" so I'm not sure if you are looking for high quality screwdrivers and chip lifters or if you want a screwdriver to use as a pry bar.



Just about anything could be used for prying. If you want a chip lifter here are a few good ones from Wera and Wiha --> https://www.kctoolco.com/chip-lifters/



Wiha and Wera also make nice precision screwdrivers and I have both. My favorites are from PB Swiss.



Here are some comparisons...



attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php



Yeah, I should have been more specific, opening electronics, weather connectors etc etc, nothing in the realm of “prying” per se.
Seem like Wiha and Wera are at the top, will check into them.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
 

noid

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
1,341
I have Wiha, PB swiss, Wera (not pictured) and Vessel.


Smallscrewdrivers1-1024x498.jpg


Smallscrewdrivers2-1024x498.jpg


The quality of PB Swiss really cant be overstated; wiha and wera are very nice, but a step below.

Imo, vessel for the money can't be beat; for 1/3 the price of the others, I would venture to say they are nicer than wiha/wera but certainly still behind PB Swiss.

The quality of the knurling on the vessels is insanely good.
 

Dingleburry

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2016
Messages
593
Location
Great white north in an igloo
PB swiss grip handle material is my absolute favorite.

Edit.
I have and use the wera's quite often. They are excellent.
I have PB swiss small drivers 00 and 0 in slotted and phillips (i think)
But without the swivel, although i love them, i like the weras better, cause the handle profile and swivel.
I have not used the PB with swivel.
 
Last edited:

Jtels85

Well-known member
Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
1,515
Location
Ohio
I recently picked up a set of the Lenox precision screwdrivers from Lowe’s to work on some electronics I’m screwing around with. Much better than the Craftsman I have. I would recommend them!
 

American Locomotive

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
10,929
Location
Rhode Island
I love my little Wera flathead precision driver - it's taken a lot of abuse.

...but I also love my set of Vessel precision screwdrivers. They're very well made, nicely knurled, color coded and go down to absurdly small sizes. The TD-56S set goes down to 0.7mm flat head and a 0000 Philips/JIS
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Stobal

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
180
I have the wera set posted and a set of esd handle version, various wihas, and one pb Swiss in hex. I probably paid as much for the one PB Swiss as I did for the set of weras. Ok that is a slight exaggeration but the PB Swiss stuff is pricey (superbly made though). I have genuinely been pleased with all three so I don’t think you can really go wrong with those three. I would also suggest looking at a micro but holder and bit set from Wiha for all the weird profiles you may run into. It will save you from having to buy a complete technicians set, and will include some useful bits like the pentalobe used in Apple products. +1 on the wiha chip puller being awesome, and the usefulness of the cheap solder aid sticks.

Here is one of the wiha sets I was talking about, there is smaller version that’s a bit cheaper as well:
Wiha Premium Tools Wiha Tools 75968 Master Tech ESD Micro Bit 68PC Work Station Set w/Dust Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P7Z3J2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
Last edited:

measuredtwice

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
1,705
Location
USA

GrayEngineer

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 22, 2018
Messages
60
Location
SE Idaho
I have used a handful of different precision drivers, and my go to brands are PB Swiss and Wera. The PB Swiss drivers are a bit pricey as mentioned, but you get what you pay for from them. The quality is second to none, the fit of the tips in the faster is excellent, the tips are very durable, and they are comfortable to use. The Wera are also very nice drivers all around, and the shape of the handle makes them comfortable and easy to use. I've also have Wiha and I haven't been impressed with them, they have been very lack luster considering the praise given to them. Snap-on precision drivers are garbage in all aspects.

In short I'd suggest the Wera's, but if you are wanting something more refined and a step up in quality get the PB Swiss.
 
Last edited:

Steve_P

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,181
I'm a huge Wiha fan; their tips are incredibly durable. I've never seen anyone here post that Wera tips were more durable than Wiha; only the opposite. But now that I said that I'm sure it's coming in 3....2...1 ��
 

willbird

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 24, 2019
Messages
65
Location
NNWW Ohio
I really like WIHA stuff. Based on some comments I will look at WERA. For an everyday everywhere pocket screwdriver I like these.

https://www.myautovaluestore.com/im...owares.com/images/product/SK/sk-85112-400.jpg

I do sometimes see a version in the little bin by the checkout at ACE hardware, I do not like the handle but the bit is a "rebuild" for the SK handle :).

SK Hand Tool 85112 Screwdriver

Looks like Lutz makes the one the hardare store sells, will put anybodies name on it. I just do not care for the handle for a pocket screwdriver.
http://lutztool.com/2-in-one.asp



Bill
 

jimmyin3D

Banned
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
587
Location
southbay, CA
I have Wiha, PB swiss, Wera (not pictured) and Vessel.


Smallscrewdrivers1-1024x498.jpg


Smallscrewdrivers2-1024x498.jpg


The quality of PB Swiss really cant be overstated; wiha and wera are very nice, but a step below.

Imo, vessel for the money can't be beat; for 1/3 the price of the others, I would venture to say they are nicer than wiha/wera but certainly still behind PB Swiss.

The quality of the knurling on the vessels is insanely good.

I agree, my PB Swiss precision drivers are amazing. Super durable and with more and more companies switching to cheap fasteners it’s not only practical but necessary to have drivers that fit precisely and true. Bit more money but if you use them often it’s no question.

For specialty precision drivers I went with wihas micro sets, so far no problems. I also have the Vessel sets around the house, for their price ($10) they too are great.

I guess it comes down to what kind of precision drivers you need, the frequency of usage, and also how much you’re willing to spend. Good luck








——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994
 

Davefr

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 7, 2010
Messages
11,815
Location
OR
It's actually preferable to have a precision screwdriver bit-holder that can accept regular 4mm micro-bits.

Agree that it's a good idea to augment precision screwdrivers with a large bit set. However there are many applications where bits/drivers won't fit thru a recess. You really need the full length precision screwdrivers for a lot of applications.

P.S. Don't forget to buy a ES121 motion controlled rechargeable screwdriver for the 4mm bits.

HTB1YHkqgiOYBuNjSsD4q6zSkFXad.jpg
 

Sysadmin_DIY

New member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Messages
2
Location
Chicago
Wiha chip lifter is a neat little pry bar:

I cannot adequately express how handy this little pry bar is.

You'll be shocked at how often you'll pull it out of your kit to solve a problem.

I finally had to buy a new one after 15 years because my dad reefed too hard on it during a brake job.

It was like losing a friend.
 

Spacey_G

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
492
I'm a huge Wiha fan; their tips are incredibly durable. I've never seen anyone here post that Wera tips were more durable than Wiha; only the opposite. But now that I said that I'm sure it's coming in 3....2...1 ��

I haven't noticed any difference in tip durability between Wiha and Wera. We have work-issued Wihas and I mostly use my own Weras. They're both excellent in terms of durability.
 

JBH

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 17, 2018
Messages
811
The Vessel 3 piece sets with the long shaft is in my opinion excellent for long recessed holes.

I have and like the Vessel set. I think I like the handle best of all the 4mm hex bit handles I've tried (Wiha standard/collet/Picofinish, Felo, Engineer - unfortunately Wera doesn't offer theirs as open stock; their micro handle seems to best for my hands and workflow) However, 4mm hex shafts won't always fit in recessed holes for small fasteners.

PB Swiss's multi-blade micro screwdrivers have a slightly smaller shaft at 3.5mm. They have fit in the specific situation I've encountered where 4mm hex shafts don't fit:

View media item 99226
However, if one expects to run into deeply recessed fasteners, I wouldn't count on PB Swiss always fitting either.
 

JBH

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 17, 2018
Messages
811

No, I misinterpreted - and got the brand wrong. This Engineer multiblade set was in my head:

51wW9Zh0mkL._SX466_.jpg

However, I don't like the Vessel ones you posted. Their handles are too small in diameter for me, and the blades are awkwardly long for general use. To repost from another precision screwdriver thread, I've used precision screwdrivers from all of the quality screwdriver makers. My thoughts, going mostly from left to right.

View media item 92317
Wiha (Germany): They just work well and have every conceivable size. Note that handle size varies based on blade length on classic and possibly Pico as well: longer blades have bigger handles. Picofinish is not worth the premium over standard Wiha. The difference between old (white "PicoFinish" text) and new (red molded "wiha" text) are inconsequential in use. The cap is a little taller on the new one, but the bottom bolster is in the same spot.

PB Swiss (Switzerland): The current line handles (SwissGrip) are a little flexy, but comfortable and grippy. The new handles are better than the old ones. The old slotted ones had Swiss norm tips, but the SwissGrip are standard hollow ground. US pricing is higher than Wiha, Wera, Felo, or Witte, but are cheaper than the rebranded parts sold by Stahlwille, Hazet, or Gedore. (German brand pricing from KC Tool.) Like Wiha, the handles on the old ones vary with blade size. SwissGrip handles do not.

Vessel (Japan): Tip seems fine, but the handle is notably slimmer than the others and is awkward in use. Flawed handle ergonomics are made worse by the longer than usual blades.

Wera (Czechia): Great handle, great tips. Uniform handle size.

Felo (Germany): Both the red and blue are great. The thicker handle with cushioned finger grip is a matter of taste. Somewhat limited size range.

Witte/Stahlwille (Germany): The old handle (Stahwille between Felo and Hazet) is great, but the new one is really flexy and generally unimpressive feeling. Put some force to them they feel as if they may come apart at the joint between the too-long spinner cap and main handle. Do not recommend. Then again, if you hate Wera's handle ergonomics these may be just right for you.

Oplast - Hazet, Gedore, current Elora (Slovenia): Handle is nice, tips seem strong enough. Single handle size. The drawbacks are they are generally more expensive, with fewer size options under each brand. Here, Elora's cap is a little more jerky than Gedore and Hazet. That may be sample variation (1 screwdriver from each brand), or there may be some selection going on.

Elora (Germany - unknown OEM): Likely discontinued, but a fine screwdriver. Equivalent to classic Wiha.

USAG (France): I really like the handle shape, but the mold release ridges are prominent and irritate one's fingers in use. Facom uses the same handle. If Facom are finished better then they would be a good choice. Handle size varies by blade length.

SK (France - Bost OEM): Purchased on eBay as NOS in a clear plastic snap pouch, but just terrible. The cap does not spin well, and the tips are the softest in this group. The short length could be useful if the tool were of sufficient quality. I've used standard Bost screwdrivers that were fine, but these are, again, terrible.
 

measuredtwice

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
1,705
Location
USA
My thoughts, going mostly from left to right.

Nice round up!

It's too bad that they don't include the Phillips #1/2 precision drivers in the sets or make the tips very lightly magnetic.

I have a Wiha precision Phillips #1 but never use it. I typically use a full size handle for Phillips #1, slotted 4.0mm, Torx 8 and larger. I don't think if I've ever seen a Phillips #2 with a precision handle.

I suspect they aren't magnetic because that would be undesirable for some electronics work. But most of the companies sell a little magnetizer. I have the one from Klein and it works well. Wiha has one that's usually $5 or less.
 
Last edited:

JBH

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 17, 2018
Messages
811
Interesting thoughts on those screwdrivers, do you have complete sets or sets of those or just individual drivers?.


Depends. 12 sizes of Wera and Felo, 7 sizes of Wiha (plus micro nutdrivers), 4mm hex blade sets from Wiha/Felo/Engineer, 3.5mm blade set from PB Swiss, others mostly singles depending on need at the time. Common sizes for singles are 2-3mm slotted, 1.5-3mm hex, and PZ1.

For 4mm bits, Wiha and Würth. I wish Wera did 4mm hex plus bits!
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom