Proto Duratek Screwdrivers

[ProCharger]

I have been looking for a nice general set of screwdrivers and while I was looking at the gearwrench 20pc. set I think I now have it nailed down to the Proto Durateks. I have been reading/researching and it turns out there are 2 different versions, one with a smooth round polished shaft with hex bolsters and another with satin shafts and no bolsters. I am not worried about the finish but it would be nice if they had bolsters. I narrowed it down to the individual drivers with the letter B in the model number to include bolsters but looking at the sets none have the letter B in the model numbers but some sets appear to have hex bolsters according to the pictures. How do I know what I will be getting as some listed show they have them and some not. The actual set I am looking at is model# J1219SC which is the 19 piece Duratek. Are there places selling each version of this set? I literally have 0 #2 phillips now as I destroyed a husky pro working on my wifes car a while back other than the hex bits so I am pretty sure it is time..... Thanks in advance.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Other reviews and info in this thread

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253126

The set you specified I own, no bolsters.

 

[SMKS]

OP, have you ever used bolsters?

I have screwdrivers with and without them and I can't think of a time I actually used the bolsters.

If it's a tough screw like on a brake rotor I just break out the impact driver.

 

[ProCharger]

Thanks for the quick replies, that thread in particular is one of the reasons I was reading up on them so much when it noted 2 versions. Honestly I have never needed to use the bolsters, the husky #2 disintegrated without it. I can not say it is true or not but in my research/reading....and I have read so much over the last 3 days I can not quote where I read it from....somewhere stated bolsters created a much better bond to the handle. That was really my only reason for wanting them if possible.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I agree that bolsters are overrated, however there are times... I think if I had them on just #2 and greater phillips that would do it. Impact driver is probably still the better answer though.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Get the set! You will not be disappointed. I have these and love them.

 

[Brownsfan]

Thanks for the quick replies, that thread in particular is one of the reasons I was reading up on them so much when it noted 2 versions. Honestly I have never needed to use the bolsters, the husky #2 disintegrated without it. I can not say it is true or not but in my research/reading....and I have read so much over the last 3 days I can not quote where I read it from....somewhere stated bolsters created a much better bond to the handle. That was really my only reason for wanting them if possible.

I have a 6pc set. 3 Phillips and 3 slotted. Fantastic screwdrivers. You won't be disappointed. Mine have the bolsters and so do my snap on and Craftsman Pros. Never once have I used them. I think they are useless. Maybe I'm wrong. I have been using tools professionally for almost 20 years now and never felt the need to use the bolsters.