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Recommend Me a Screwdriver Set

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j.robinson389

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Sep 7, 2011
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68
I finally bought a new toolbox (HF 44") and while finally organizing my tools into a nice central location I realized I have more tools than I thought and was somewhat proud of my collection, but the embarrassing part was the lack of screwdrivers of any quality. The best I have are standard Cman and they are a sparse set as several have been misplaced over the years.

So time for a new set. I don't wrench for a living and I wouldn't even consider my self an amateur, but I like nice tools. Number one priority on my list is tip quality. I don't use them enough to worry of too much about the comfort of the grip, I just want good, hard, tips and they must fit nice, especially in the case of the phillips. Tip durability and fit is PARAMOUNT!

I would like to stay in the $40 range for the standard 6 pc set and then I will add to the set later.


For a deluxe option I like the Wera Chiseldrivers with the 1/4" drive recess in the top. But honestly I don't know how much I would use it. If tips are similar in quality, I could buy a set of the Wera Kraftform Classics for <$20.

I know other brands like Felo, Witte, Hazet and others make great screwdrivers as well, so that's why I'm coming to GJ for advice.

Thanks,
Jake
 
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neophyte

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For tip precision there are three brands I've tried that have worked well for me.

Wiha, these were the first screwdrivers I purchased that worked well. The tips are precisely machined, and then bead blasted. I've rarely had a problem with cam-out, and if I just needed a screwdriver that worked they would be my first choice.

Second choice are the French made screwdrivers. My understanding is the manufacturing facility is now owned by Stanley. These screwdrivers are sold as Facom, USAG, and in the USA as Proto Blackhawk. They also used to be sold as SK Expert, and SK Suregrip. The newer SK Suregrip are not the same, but use the same product numbers. In some countries they're sold as Stanley FatMax, but as far as I can tell not in the USA. The tips are precisely machined. The Slotted tip screwdrivers have a micro serration plus bead blasting that works well to prevent cam-out.

The PB Swiss/Baumann screwdrivers are also very well made. Precise durable tips, and comfortable handles. The Swiss slotted screwdrivers use a different tip design than most other slotted screwdrivers.

As far as Phillips tip screwdrivers go, you might want to think about purchasing some Pozidriv, and JIS tipped screwdrivers.

JIS is Japanese Industrial Standard. JIS screws look very similar to Phillips screws, and can easily be mistaken for them but if you try to use a Phillips screwdriver on a JIS screw, the screw is likely to strip out. JIS screws are commonly found on items manufactured by Japanese companies, and on electronics. JIS can be used on Phillips screws.

Pozidriv is another crosshead screw that is similar to Phillips, but again if you use a Phillips screwdriver on a Pozidriv screw it more likely to strip out. Pozidriv screws are common on items from European companies, and on European cabinet hardware.
 
S

shockwave

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Oct 23, 2012
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Marietta,ga
Look at Amazon for an 8 piece Williams screwdriver set they are the same as snap on hard handles but for what u get cannot be beat imo
 
T

Tripp2012

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Mar 22, 2013
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NC
Third vote for the Williams 8 pcs set they are top notch for the cash.
 
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Todd.Brock

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Jul 15, 2008
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Cincinnati
If you like snap on hard handlesAND you don't want to pay snappy prices, Williams is the way to go. I have soft grips , and instinct, and they work fine. If the hard handle stuff gets greasy, they can get slippery. Other folks make lots of nice drivers that do the job, I just prefer Snap on in this area. Some say that they have gotten softer tips over time, I haven't experience that too much. My old MAC lollipop handles were hard as nails. My SK driver was soft though. I was always replacing that thing. Found Snapon and haven't looked back. That's just me though, Depends on what you prefer. None of the brands mentioned up top will "screw" you..
 
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rshadd

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Dec 29, 2009
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Doylestown, PA
The JH Williams hard handled screwdrivers are almost identical to the Snap-On hard handles for a fraction of the price.

Williams 100P-6SD 6-Piece Premium Slotted Screwdriver Set ($54)
8381293859_6641529ae3_z.jpg


Williams 100-6PD 6-Piece Premium Phillips Screwdriver Set ($42)
8072081535_c59d42c845_z.jpg


Now with the money you saved, treat yourself to the snap-on ratcheting driver.

Snap-On SSDMR4B Ratcheting Magnetic Hard Handled Screwdriver ($64)
8253495985_3b9f84dc7f_z.jpg


Sure the the Williams WRS-1 Ratcheting driver is less expensive, but it's the wrong color. ($32)
lg1_000107.jpg
 
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D

Davefr

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OR
Yet another vote for Williams. They're excellent quality/durability and very affordable.

If you're a "warranty worrier" then look at CM Professionals.

You can buy a set of the above for the price of just one or two of these "boutique" screwdrivers like PB Swiss.
 
C

cburnscrx

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Jan 15, 2013
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Indianapolis
Davefr said:
Yet another vote for Williams. They're excellent quality/durability and very affordable.

If you're a "warranty worrier" then look at CM Professionals.

You can buy a set of the above for the price of just one or two of these "boutique" screwdrivers like PB Swiss.
Click to expand...

I'll agree. The Williams are very nice and they don't look like a kids toy. Some screwdriver handles look like rainbow brite threw up. I went with the Craftsman Professionals and am very pleased. They're the same as the SK cushion grips.
 
S

skeletonizer

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Sep 25, 2008
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Michigan
2013-02-23_12-38-55_780_zps6083a7cd.jpg


They have it all. Tips that fit screws better than Snap-on/Williams hard handles, striking caps, hex bolsters, no soft rubber, good comfortable grip, can apply more torque than you would expect with rounder than most handle.

Don't know about warranty and don't care. The only way you can break a quality screw driver is to misuse it... I'm not that guy.
 
L

LeGarage

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Mar 19, 2013
Messages
75
Location
The Netherlands
Wera or Felo. Both excellent grips and tips.
I never use the hex bolsters on a screwdriver so I can't image using the 1/4" drive recess.

Buy the Kraftform plus (300), excellent drivers and cheaper than Felo or Wiha. But I like Wiha the least.
 
D

DekeT

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Aug 12, 2011
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USA
skeletonizer said:
2013-02-23_12-38-55_780_zps6083a7cd.jpg


They have it all. Tips that fit screws better than Snap-on/Williams hard handles, striking caps, hex bolsters, no soft rubber, good comfortable grip, can apply more torque than you would expect with rounder than most handle.

Don't know about warranty and don't care. The only way you can break a quality screw driver is to misuse it... I'm not that guy.
Click to expand...

What brand is that and where do you get them?
 
N

nanofrog

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Mar 1, 2012
Messages
1,323
To stay in the $40 budget, I'd recommend looking at Wiha, Felo, or Wera.

I like PB Swiss as well, but they're above your listed budget.

DekeT said:
What brand is that and where do you get them?
Click to expand...
Wiha.

You can find them at KC Tool Co (had good experiences with them), Amazon, or others.
 
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foodgroup

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Aug 22, 2013
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Florida
neophyte said:
As far as Phillips tip screwdrivers go, you might want to think about purchasing some Pozidriv, and JIS tipped screwdrivers.

JIS is Japanese Industrial Standard. JIS screws look very similar to Phillips screws, and can easily be mistaken for them but if you try to use a Phillips screwdriver on a JIS screw, the screw is likely to strip out. JIS screws are commonly found on items manufactured by Japanese companies, and on electronics. JIS can be used on Phillips screws.
Click to expand...

I picked up a JIS set after stripping some soft screws on my Japanese motorcycle.

Since then, I have come to prefer the JIS drivers for Phillips screws. They grip better and don't cam out.

The easiest set to find online is made by Hozan:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7WAHTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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I

ijroorda

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Oct 17, 2011
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146
Location
Pella, Iowa
j.robinson389 said:
So time for a new set. I don't wrench for a living and I wouldn't even consider my self an amateur, but I like nice tools. Number one priority on my list is tip quality. I don't use them enough to worry of too much about the comfort of the grip, I just want good, hard, tips and they must fit nice, especially in the case of the phillips. Tip durability and fit is PARAMOUNT!

I would like to stay in the $40 range for the standard 6 pc set and then I will add to the set later.
Click to expand...

If I were you, I would get the 8 piece professional screwdriver set for $8 from Harbor Freight - these are excellent screwdrivers for the money and have held up extremely well for me. Then I would take the remainder of my $40 budget and spring for the Williams ratcheting screwdriver for $32. I understand it is essentially a clone of the Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver at about half the price.

Just my 2 cents when it comes to bang for your buck in this area. You certainly can't go wrong with any of the other suggestions you've gotten, either.
 
B

Brownsfan

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Apr 16, 2012
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Cleveland Ohio
I have the Williams and the craftsman pros. For the money either of these are hard to beat. I have a very extensive set of the craftsman pros(thanks to ace hardware) but now sears has cut back on the selection of them. They are a hidden in plain site gem at sears. Look at an SK cushion grip set and compare to the craftsman pro set the SK at some places can be as much as double. Can't go wrong here. I think you can still get the bigger sets via craftsman industrial online.
 
OP
J

j.robinson389

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P

Pantsfall_McFixit

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Oct 8, 2012
Messages
167
A good set of drivers is the foundation for any tool set. I recommend the brands already listed, Wiha, Wera 900 series, Williams, etc.

It would be nice if there was some kind of real scientific test to determine the best screwdriver. Perhaps some machine that can turn multiple drivers and measure when one cams out, and also measure tip wear. But these brands will work just fine.
 
Z

zakmartin

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Jul 3, 2012
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620
Location
Seattle, WA
skeletonizer said:
2013-02-23_12-38-55_780_zps6083a7cd.jpg
Click to expand...

After I bought those, I bought the missing drivers from that product range and then I bought a second set without the strike caps and hex fittings. I even bought most of the micro drivers they sell. I'm completely sold on Wiha; they are to screwdrivers what Knipex are to pliers. I like Felo as well, but man, those Wiha drivers are perfectly sized for my mitt-hands.

My old Craftsman drivers are in the tool jumble box, and lately, they've begun to really stink. I have a few Craftsman pro drivers and those are good, but not good like the Wihas are.
 
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K

kngelv

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Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
2,215
Location
Detroit, MI
I'm an electrician, and currently work for one of the American automotive companies. I have used nearly every brand mentioned earlier. I think it all depends on what you are using them for. The Williams are a heck of a deal and would be a great choice if you mainly do automotive and typical around the house work. That said . . . I personally like Wiha. I have yet to break a tip on one.

James
 
B

Brownsfan

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Apr 16, 2012
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Location
Cleveland Ohio
Karl_B said:
I'm a big fan of the Witte screwdrivers. Matco sells them with their name or you can poke around for deals like these.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WITTE-Ma...-Set-6-Piece-9T-663831/100668971#.UmCNXhCsYR4

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WITTE-Maxxpro-Screwdriver-Set-5-Piece-9T-653865/100668963#.UmCNYhCsYR4
Click to expand...

I have a small 6pc set of these but labeled cornwell( I have too many screwdrivers) these have the best fitting tips of all. A little more pricey than the williams or craftsman pros
 
M

Mandres

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Joined
Jun 22, 2006
Messages
1,152
for what it's worth I always, always reach for my ratcheting screwdriver first no matter what I'm working on. I think mine is a Blue Point, it looks exactly like the Williams one linked above.

As far as I'm concerned regular screwdrivers are functionally obsolete now. The ratcheting action is so much faster and easier on the wrist. You can have a collection of dozens of different bits for every size and type of fastener, and replace them as they wear/break without paying for a new handle. The driver also has a magnet , which I find invaluable for holding/catching screws.

I don't expect to buy another 'fixed' screwdriver ever again, except for maybe a stubby for extremely tight areas.
 
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