Quality of Channel Lock screwdrivers?

[evintho]

Hit the Sacramento Swap Meet today. Finally starting to get back to normal!
Nothing for the car but I did come away with this 7-piece Channel Lock screwdriver set for $20 out the door. I know they're not Wera or Snap-On but for $2.85 each I couldn't complain!

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1123720&stc=1&d=1618706647

I needed some decent screwdrivers. My SD drawer is a hodge podge of everything! A lot have rounded or broken tips. Time for a little upgrade.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1123721&stc=1&d=1618706647

Anyone know what this blue plastic thing is on this one? Is it some kind of packaging? It has to be cut off to be removed.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1123722&stc=1&d=1618706647

 

[bwringer]

The blue thingy is only there to secure the screwdriver in the package and give a little friction for looky-loos so they can see how it feels without being able to remove that one from the package. Remove at will.

Throwing out crappy old worn out screwdrivers feels wrong, but it's such a relief next time you grab one and it actually works.

You only need to keep a few for making hooks and such; don't stick them all into a box to baffle your heirs. Toss 'em.

If you can't make your hand open over the trash can, take 'em to the local Habitat Restore.

 

[measuredtwice]

They are made in China and $20 is close to retail. --> https://www.jbtools.com/channellock-sd-7cb-screwdriver-set-7-pc-slotted/

If you like them, that's the important thing. If you are still shopping for an upgrade --> If you catch a sale, you could get Wera for $5-10 more. Amazon had sets for around $25-30 a few months ago. The Felo woodie set is $20 shipped from Menards and sometimes Amazon. With a coupon you could a Williams USA (old Snap-On hard handles) set for around $30 after 20% off on Zoro. ...those are a few off the top of my head..

 

[Kev442]

I bit on them as they are supposedly strikeable. Yeah, about three times. Otherwise they are fine for what they are.

 

[metaldad]

that generation of channey is no longer made.
current production is USA made, and are decent drivers.
20 simolians for the old set, you did ok. they go for double that on ebay
and, i got no idea what that plastic thingy is for. packaging states that one is magnetic.
i do not have that one in my collection

 

[NUTTSGT]

I probably would have picked it up for $20 bucks too. I was looking for another set a few weeks ago and grabbed some Irwin screwdrivers.

Other than the life expectancy of the tips, I think comfort in the hand of the user is most important.

 

[seber]

You could throw out or dispose of the old ones but in reality, there is no limit to the number of hooks, prods, and prys that a person can use. My modified screwdriver drawer must have at least 15 different shapes I've made for various purposes over the years. The best screwdrivers for the purposes usually are long and thin, but pry bars are best heavier.
By the way, if you keep those Excelites, give the handles a shot of clear laquer before they start to stink.

 

[lardy1]

I bought that set a few years ago. I have upgraded substantially but I use them as rough duty drivers, so to speak. They're functional if nothing else. I have a couple on the wall behind one of my benches. Ugly Mofo's.

 

[Mark_17]

I bought a set a couple years ago and I like them. They are very comfortable