Proto classic screwdriver set

[matemike]

Anyone have the Proto 36pc yellow handle classic screwdriver set? P/N: J9900C

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j9900c.html

I have not come across it anywhere else other than the TP site.

I have a 17 piece Craftsman set that is currently spread about evenly between my attached garage and detached shop out back. Every time I gather them all back into one place or the other I need them where they are not. So I'm going to dedicate a nice set to the shop which has always been the plan anyways. Just wondering if this 36pc is overkill or if I would be served well enough by the 19pc Proto Duratek set .

http://www.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-j1219sc.html

Only things I foresee is seldomly wishing I had that 27" long flat blade that comes in the 36pc set and for the #0's and #1 phillips heads I'll prefer the slimmer yellow handle over the gigantic Duratrek handle when doing more precise stuff. I fully admit I'm a proto fan boy and won't want to skimp on the largest screw driver set available. Plus the yellow plastic handles remind me of my dad's screw driver set when I was growing up. Seems old school and nostalgic. But is the $200 cost difference worth that? Just looking for real world experience from anyone who has that 36pc yellow set.

 

[davethorik]

Harry Epstein had the yellow handle 27" long "screwdriver" (pry bar) for $20 sold by itself in their clearance section. Might still have it.

 

[gdocktor3]

I feel that's a lot of money for screwdrivers. Especially considering Stanley, SK, and Craftsman are all customers of Pratt Read. Probably all the same thing, just with different colored/style handles. Even Snap On is a Pratt Read customer. This info comes direct from a Pratt Read rep I emailed a few months ago. As far as I'm concerned, Craftsman screwdrivers are the best deal going. You can get a 17 piece set for $22, less with points and they're always on sale. I've only broken a few screwdrivers in my life and they were all through misuse. Screwdrivers aren't specialty items or anything like that. Paying $300 is just nuts in my opinion. Especially if they're not making you money day to day.

 

[Davefr]

I have some Proto yellow handle screwdriver and most of the handles have developed a white haze. They're generally good but there's no way in hell I'd spend $300 for them. (that's insane!!)

The Durateks are superior in every way. I've never noticed the handles hindering precision work. I'd get the Durateks and possibly supplement them with a Wiha or Wera small precision set.

 

[lilcraigford]

I pieced together my own set of Proto Classic screwdrivers through Zoro and HJE. None of the existing sets had the combination of sizes I wanted (OCD might have come into play). The current count is 16 (3 of which I had altered) which will increase whenever I get around to adding the remaining torx drivers. They are really nice screwdrivers but I am with everyone else who said the cost of the 36 piece set is steep!

HJE has a 15 piece set for $50 (tack on shipping), but it only has one phillips.

There is a 19 piece set on eBay for $225 shipped; not as expensive up front but not as cost effective as going all in on the 36 piece set. It also includes the big boy.

For the heck of it:

15 Piece Set = $3.33 Per Driver
36 Piece Set = $9.36 Per Driver
19 Piece Set = $11.84 Per Driver

I know its not really accurate (don't sue me!) because the value of a given driver will vary and the 15 piece set overlooks the added cost of shipping.

I have some Proto yellow handle screwdriver and most of the handles have developed a white haze...

Are the yellow Protos you're referring to the modern "Classic" drivers?

 

[1950mercury]

I feel that's a lot of money for screwdrivers. Especially considering Stanley, SK, and Craftsman are all customers of Pratt Read. Probably all the same thing, just with different colored/style handles. Even Snap On is a Pratt Read customer. This info comes direct from a Pratt Read rep I emailed a few months ago. As far as I'm concerned, Craftsman screwdrivers are the best deal going. You can get a 17 piece set for $22, less with points and they're always on sale. I've only broken a few screwdrivers in my life and they were all through misuse. Screwdrivers aren't specialty items or anything like that. Paying $300 is just nuts in my opinion. Especially if they're not making you money day to day.

I would disagree.... In my mind the clear craftsman screwdivers are one of the worst you can buy....and I don't think Pratt and read make the proto screwdrivers... I do agree that I would not pay what they want for the set the op posted...

 

[bonneyman]

I have some Proto yellow handle screwdriver and most of the handles have developed a white haze. They're generally good but there's no way in hell I'd spend $300 for them. (that's insane!!)

The Durateks are superior in every way. I've never noticed the handles hindering precision work. I'd get the Durateks and possibly supplement them with a Wiha or Wera small precision set.

I suspect the newer yellow handles are some acetate material (likes to decompose into chaulky white and/or smell). The older vintage Proto yellow handles were cellulose nitrate and didn't smell. Just got a box of 8 pounds in the mail for not that much $$$. They are out there.