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Recommend me a screwdriver set

i84x

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- Wiha vde slimtips for electrical.
- Wera chisel drivers for heavy duty work.
- Vessel impact drivers are cool especially if you work on rusty stuff a lot, their regular drivers are top notch too.
-Honourable mention to Williams hard handle drivers if you like that style of handle.
 
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Ohio Andy

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Without even having to take a picture of any of my bits. Right here on their site. First picture click zoom in and you will see (Z) for Zephyr Tool Group.
Brownells Magna- tip bit

All of their Metal cases and hard handle bit drivers are Zephyr.

Brownells screw drivers

They also relabel the Williams ratcheting screw drivers.
Brownells relabeled Williams.

Very interesting. I'm guessing some of those bits are custom-made just for them. I do not believe that zephyr has that range of slotted bits. I remember correctly suffered us a lot of small batch processing relative to other large companies that make bits.

I did notice that their ratcheting driver looked like Williams. I do like the Williams ratcheting screwdriver, but I'll take the snap on any day of the week because it actually has a knurled shaft.
 

impactims

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I’m looking for a recommendation on a new screwdriver set (flat blade and phillips). I’ve been using the common Craftsman screwdrivers for 20+years, exchanged some of them over that time, and now have a bunch of bent/worn tools remaining. I could go through the exchange process at Lowes or Ace but that seems to be hit or miss on whether they will exchange on site without hassle.

I’m ready for something new. What other manufacturers/models should I look at? I’m not after Snap On and associated pricing, but I’m not looking for garbage either. Something middle ground with an easy exchange/warranty. Bonus points for tools that aren’t made in made in China. Doesn’t have to be a set, I’m fine buying individials.

Thanks.
Mayhew. USA made. Channelock sells the USA made Mayhew with their name on them. As does Cornwell. Reasonably priced. High quality, good warranty. To give you an idea, you are looking at about $10 per screwdriver when buying sets or individuals when shopping on Zoro having the Mayhew name on them. Expect to pay more if they say Cornwell. Expect to pay about the same $10 per if they say Channelock on them. I have several (Cornwell) and they are great! Mayhew is the manufacturer and overall I would say anything made by Mayhew is quite nice and USA made to boot, be it a pry bar or a screwdriver.
 
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Tynee

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So, after 4 pages and 123 replies what did the OP get...? :rolleyes:
Yeah, I skipped 3 pages to find out...


For what it's worth (very little after 4 pages of argument on this topic), I like my Klein screwdrivers for around-the-house type of work, and my snap-on hard handles for automotive.

I recently bought this set from Vessel on Amazon. The engagement with fasteners is fantastic, and I like the feel of the composite wood grips a lot, but I'm disappointed with the molding and the finish. Lots of rough spots on the handles and at the transitions from molded composite to steel. I'd buy them again for what I paid, but I expected more from the Japanese after the way people rave about Vessel screwdrivers around the GJ.
 
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Ohio Andy

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Yeah, I skipped 3 pages to find out...


For what it's worth (very little after 4 pages of argument on this topic), I like my Klein screwdrivers for around-the-house type of work, and my snap-on hard handles for automotive.

I recently bought this set from Vessel on Amazon. The engagement with fasteners is fantastic, and I like the feel of the composite wood grips a lot, but I'm disappointed with the molding and the finish. Lots of rough spots on the handles and at the transitions from molded composite to steel. I'd buy them again for what I paid, but I expected more from the Japanese after the way people rave about Vessel screwdrivers around the GJ.
That's a nice vessel set... I use that one if I'm going to crawl into a car and want to get grungy and dirty and I don't want it to slip... Around the house. I prefer this set by vessel


They have knurling on the shaft.

Yesterday I was trying to open the battery compartment on a small digital angle gauge and the closest screwdriver was the

Klein Tools 32315HD 15-in-1 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver, Impact-Rated, 7 Double-Ended ProFlex Torsion Zone Tips, 1/4-Inch Nut Driver, 8-Piece​




It was big and bulky and absolutely unusable for that particular task... That's old. Megadora with a knurled shaft. Would have been perfect for that. Luckily I also had my snap-on ratcheting screwdriver right there and that of course worked great for the task.
 

PelicanPines

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New guys are always overly concerned about tool warranty, understandable if all they have used before is **** tools 🤐
I'm old with enough experience to not break tools... If I break one... the lesson learned is... well that didn't work. I fix my technic and buy a new tool. Unless it was an obvious manufacturing failure... then I will warranty it. I have never purchased a tool because of "A Warranty"... that claim is useless to me. I am aware ... some don't care about their tools and just "over use" their wrench, ratchet, whatever ... and just figure... they will warranty it. Knowing full well ... breaking out their 3 foot breaker bar, impact socket, etc would have worked without breaking something.

Now to really piss people off... for the most part... lazy is the reason most people break tools. Delusions of making more money by rushing their job.

Carry on... it's Friday...
 

Ohio Andy

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I'm old with enough experience to not break tools... If I break one... the lesson learned is... well that didn't work. I fix my technic and buy a new tool. Unless it was an obvious manufacturing failure... then I will warranty it. I have never purchased a tool because of "A Warranty"... that claim is useless to me. I am aware ... some don't care about their tools and just "over use" their wrench, ratchet, whatever ... and just figure... they will warranty it. Knowing full well ... breaking out their 3 foot breaker bar, impact socket, etc would have worked without breaking something.

Now to really piss people off... for the most part... lazy is the reason most people break tools. Delusions of making more money by rushing their job.

Carry on... it's Friday...
If a tool has a good warranty, do not need to be as diligent in checking the tool when I buy it. Some tools might sit for a couple months before I actually use them. And then if it turns out there's a problem I can still take care of it.

I purchased a set of Proto reversible ratcheting wrenches. On receipt, I tested all the parts by hand switching directions. Two Weeks later one of those wrenches locked up under almost zero use or torque... I had literally not yet put it on the fastener and it froze. But it had passed even my initial testing which admittedly did not use torque or fasteners... Some of those wrenches I still haven't used. But one of them has already been replaced under warranty.

This year I ordered a set of things that are extremely similar varying by very small dimensions and one of the pieces was not labeled (manufacturing defect). Also this year I ordered a a very expensive set of bits and one of the bits was the wrong bit which means I had two of one bit and none of another. I'm unsure how that would have been dealt with if I had not noticed for some months after purchase, but when I order a set with 300 parts in it, it's kind of nice to know that if it fails because of a manufacturing defect next year, I don't have to stress it and I feel less like I need to spend a couple hours trying to test every part right away. Based on previous experience, however, I usually attempt to inventory every item. Assuming I haven't done something like order a thousand of something.

Sadly I feel like this has been happening more to me than it used to.
 

Ohio Andy

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Yep, new guy here. :rolleyes: Apparently wrenching for decades still qualifies as newbie. Where does one cross the line to "knowledgeable"?
Have to come to my place and fix three things.... I will then print a certificate of achievement....
I do not yet have a certificate of achievement... But I would then have three things fixed. :cool:
 

richfinn

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Yep, new guy here. :rolleyes: Apparently wrenching for decades still qualifies as newbie. Where does one cross the line to "knowledgeable"?

Well, I suppose I also mean guys that are newish to Garage Journal (371 posts) who might not be fully aware of what current tool brands are worth the investment despite years of wrenching experience.

You did ask "Recommend me a Screwdriver Set" remember.

Good choice BTW, Vessel make great Screwdrivers 👍
 

Ohio Andy

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What's special about them? They look like every other cheap set of bits, except not cheap
I came up with a better answer than I provided previously.

Wadsworth K47P
Consider first the fancy Wadsworth K47P Super Deluxe Set 52pc screwdriver bits. I own this set and it is most definitely not meant for firearms, but, it does better than most in providing a decent list of slotted screwdriver bits. Specifically, SL0, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL5, SL8, SL10, SL 3/8. No comment on widths, probably (did not verify) standard widths when applicable. There is a good variety of widths. There are numbers other bits that I will not focus on, but specifically, HEX metric and SAE, Phillips, and Torx bits.

Ignoring that Wadsworth bits will only work with Wadsworth drivers, they do not label the bits. This is annoying. The driver is very high strength, not what I usually want when working on firearms.

Chapman
I own the Chapman #1000 Mity Master Set (the biggest set) along with some extra bits, mostly the bits meant for firearms. They also have a set specifically designed for firearms. The bits are all well labeled but the markings provide no helpful information in understanding the dimensions of the bits; for example, the #17 is 1/4" x 0.037". The firearm specific set has nex and star bits as well as slotted.

Here are some of the Slotted bits measured in inches (left) and metric (right). This is the only set that labels any of the bits with metric measurements.
Inches
Metric
0.125/0.023​
3.0/0.5​
0.160/0.030​
3.5/0.6​
0.190/0.025​
4.0/0.6​
0.190/0.030​
4.0/0.8​
0.190/0.037​
5.0/0.8​
0.230/0.037​
5.6/1.0​
0.250/0.025​
6.5/1.2​
0.250/0.037​
0.328/0.030​
0.328/0.037​
0.328/0.050​
0.375/0.025​
0.375/0.037​
0.375/0.050​

Brownell's
Now take a look at what Brownell's includes in their set, well, mostly anyway. This is the layout as provided by Brownell's. Anything in rows 7 and 8 are not included in the set but available as an extra, but there is not an easy place to put them in the included box. I did not list all available bits, I think that there are more.

For each width there are multiple thicknesses so that you can find a best fit bit as needed. The 0.120" width is very close to 3 mm, but not a large selection for metric. And as already mentioned previously, these bits are made by Zephyr and the insert bits contain Zephyr labeling.

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
1
0.360/0.070​
0.340/0.070​
H 5/32​
H 3/16​
H 7/32​
H 1/4​
2
0.360/0.060​
0.340/0.060​
0.300/0.060​
0.270/0.060​
0.240/0.050​
0.210/0.050​
3
0.360/0.050​
0.340/0.050​
0.300/0.050​
0.270/0.050​
0.240/0.045​
0.210/0.045​
0.180/0.045​
0.150/0.045​
0.120/0.045​
4
0.360/0.040​
0.340/0.040​
0.300/0.040​
0.270/0.040​
0.240/0.040​
0.210/0.040​
0.180/0.040​
0.150/0.040​
0.120/0.040​
5
0.360/0.035​
0.340/0.350​
0.300/0.035​
0.270/0.350​
0.240/0.350​
0.210/0.350​
0.180/0.350​
0.150/0.035​
0.120/0.035​
H 9/64​
H 1/8​
H 7/64​
R2​
PH1​
6
0.360/0.030​
0.340/0.300​
0.300/0.300​
0.270/0.030​
0.240/0.030​
0.210/0.030​
0.180/0.030​
0.150/0.030​
0.120/0.030​
H 3/32​
H 5/64​
H 1/16​
PH0​
PH2​
7
0.180/0.025​
0.150/0.025​
0.120/0.025​
8
0.180/0.020​
0.150/0.020​
0.120/0.020​
 
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Robinson1

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What are you talking about? What part of household wiring uses a slotted screw other than the faceplate? IF you need to warranty a screwdriver because the faceplate screw damaged it ....
Those combo head screws on just about every residential device are practically impossible to get tight with a Phillips without it camming out.
 
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Robinson1

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For the last 10 years or so I’ve found that 99% of screwdrivering tasks can be accomplished with whichever klein/lennox/Milwaukee multi bit (6 in 1, 11 in 1) etc screwdriver you prefer.

I do have an assortment of dedicated drivers but truth is I rarely use them
 

Ohio Andy

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Those combo head screws on just about every residential device are practically impossible to get tight with a Phillips without it camming out.
Buy zephyr ACR bits, for example


The part number, is D1222XXACR-B-5PK

The last three characters indicate that you're buying a five pack. And that last two and the part number indicates that it's a Phillips number two. They have them as Phillips number one and as Phillips number three... Here's a link to the Philips number one


And the Phillips number three


Acr is the labeling for Philips screwdriver bits of anti-camout technology. Not sure how the r came from there but there it is.
 

daithi

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I just bought this set and it is excellent.

I refuse to buy normal phillips screwdrivers or any set that includes them....pretty much everything you'd use a hand screwdriver on is a JIS, not a phillips.
Any chance you could measure up the tray for me?
 

lbhsbz

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Any chance you could measure up the tray for me?
No, unfortunately I'm about 300 miles away from it until about thanksgiving.

the dimensions on Amazon are wrong. 7.99" wide by 1.77" tall sounds about right, but no idea on the length.

Also, just noticed that they are made in Thailand, not Japan as I'd originally assumed. They seem to be of excellent quality though.
 

d.mcfarland

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Those combo head screws on just about every residential device are practically impossible to get tight with a Phillips without it camming out.

Yes because they are robinson / square not phillips.
Buy zephyr ACR bits
Doesn't matter, Robinson1 is correct that even a great phillips bit will start to cam out (even with pressure applied) before the screw is where I like it to be as far as torque is concerned.
 

Ohio Andy

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Yes because they are robinson / square not phillips.

Doesn't matter, Robinson1 is correct that even a great phillips bit will start to cam out (even with pressure applied) before the screw is where I like it to be as far as torque is concerned.
For the bit you want, do you mean Robertson? I use those all the time, but mostly in wood

I have replaced lots of fasteners, but first you need to get the existing screw out. If you don't want to use a Phillips bit to get it out, I recommend drilling it out :cool: gives you an excuse to use this bad boy!

del_me_bigradial.jpg

Edit ... Realized you mean the ECX bits

Not sure why anyone would use a Philips on that
 
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KnurledNut

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Those combo head screws on just about every residential device are practically impossible to get tight with a Phillips without it camming out.
Yes because they are robinson / square not phillips.

Doesn't matter, Robinson1 is correct that even a great phillips bit will start to cam out (even with pressure applied) before the screw is where I like it to be as far as torque is concerned.
The mounting strap screws, terminal screws and ground screw on a receptacle are usually all slightly different. To complicate matters worse, different manufacturers sometimes use different head configurations.
Some of the mounting screws I have installed even struggle with a #1 robbie due to the torque necessary when cutting threads in new work boxes leading to premature tip wear. The screwheads are low profile to begin with which doesn't help driver engagement. I have noticed some have Pozidriv slots, but standard Pozidriv drivers work worse than Phillips.

1763254509812.png

The exception I have found is the combo Pozidriv/Slotted. The stepped tip profile wedges in and grips like none other.
A reduced #2 Phillips with ACR works very well too as it allows for deeper tip engagement, and the teeth dig in to the soft metal while having a greater overall diameter than a SQ1.
This is a Leviton duplex outlet similar to that shown above with my screwdriver hanging upside down:
 
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silkman

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Surprised to see you've got those in USA. These are called here PZ/S or PlusMinus. They come in two sizes 1 and 2 and most electrical components eg MCBs have these screws now. Managed to break one myself when the slim version was needed and I had the standard one...

Pics
hager.jpg


This bit you'll very rarely see as the majority of these are insulated.wera 51S267Kk8wL.jpgbit-surubelnita-kraftform-kompakt-vde-wera-65-is-pz-s-2-plusminus-x-154-mm-protectie-anticoroz...jpg
 

sparky 1971

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I'm far from a screwdriver snob. I use Klein at work because that's what I've always used. 30 years ago they were great, then turned to **** and now are getting better, but not as good as the old days. In my garage I have SK comfort grips from the Ideal days, don't know who made them but I doubt it was SK. Those were nice enough that I actually put them in my tool box instead of hanging on the wall above my bench so that the wife wouldn't "borrow" them. Hanging on the wall above the bench are Tekton hard handles in 4" flavor, those are no longer available except for from the Tekton outlet. I like them, but I like the SK better. I was on a job and needed a 5/16 blade, but it had to be a cabinet style tip and bought a Channellock; I think it's a rebranded Mayhew, not sure but I really like that screwdriver and may start replacing others as they wear out with those.
 

Dave455

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The mounting strap screws, terminal screws and ground screw on a receptacle are usually all slightly different. To complicate matters worse, different manufacturers sometimes use different head configurations.
Some of the mounting screws I have installed even struggle with a #1 robbie due to the torque necessary when cutting threads in new work boxes leading to premature tip wear. The screwheads are low profile to begin with which doesn't help driver engagement. I have noticed some have Pozidriv slots, but standard Pozidriv drivers work worse than Phillips.

1763254509812.png

The exception I have found is the combo Pozidriv/Slotted. The stepped tip profile wedges in and grips like none other.
A reduced #2 Phillips with ACR works very well too as it allows for deeper tip engagement, and the teeth dig in to the soft metal while having a greater overall diameter than a SQ1.
This is a Leviton duplex outlet similar to that shown above with my screwdriver hanging upside down:
View attachment 2437575
Like Silkman, I’m a bit surprised to see those in the U.S.

Facom offer their “Borneo” drivers to deal with these combination screws. The fit is excellent.

They offer them in both Phillips and Pozidriv.
IMG_2534.jpeg
 

pfbz

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Tekton USA discontinued closeout
Tekton German (Witte)
Wiha Soft finish
Wera Kraftform
Vessel Megadora
PB Swiss SwissGrip

Variety of pricing from $12/set to 10x that, all excellent, take your pick on handle design and ease of warranty preference?


The Icon screwdriver set is also on sale for $22 right now. Not my favorite, but very decent and a bargain at that price.

1763328386569.jpeg

1763328467541.jpeg
 
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nwdustin

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wireman1987

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The mounting strap screws, terminal screws and ground screw on a receptacle are usually all slightly different. To complicate matters worse, different manufacturers sometimes use different head configurations.
Some of the mounting screws I have installed even struggle with a #1 robbie due to the torque necessary when cutting threads in new work boxes leading to premature tip wear. The screwheads are low profile to begin with which doesn't help driver engagement. I have noticed some have Pozidriv slots, but standard Pozidriv drivers work worse than Phillips.

1763254509812.png

The exception I have found is the combo Pozidriv/Slotted. The stepped tip profile wedges in and grips like none other.
A reduced #2 Phillips with ACR works very well too as it allows for deeper tip engagement, and the teeth dig in to the soft metal while having a greater overall diameter than a SQ1.
This is a Leviton duplex outlet similar to that shown above with my screwdriver hanging upside down:
View attachment 2437575
i have switched over to the ecx bit and #1 robbie. i remember when a 1/4 cabinet tip and your lineman's could get you through half the day.
 

413dan

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I continue to keep my eyes peeled for a new set of screwdrivers. Primarily automotive uses and household handyman projects. I have had access to the 15 piece Quinn set (https://www.harborfreight.com/premium-screwdriver-set-15-piece-64549.html) for the past year in the garage at my rental. It is the set the landlord has here for occasional use. I have been pleased with them, and the varying lengths have come in handy more than once to reach a far off fastener in the engine bay etc. The handles are actually pretty comfortable too. I like the delineation of whether it is slotted or Phillips on the end of the handles, for storing them hanging and knowing what you're grabbing.

The only reason I haven't bought a set is they are not USA made. I was looking for US made and had been checking out the Milwaukee set at Home Depot. The end of the handles also show if it is slotted or Phillips, however it is only screen printed on. At the store with my thumb I could get it to start to wear off. I wasn't impressed with that, however I liked the knurled shafts for precision handling movements and the tips seemed to be well constructed. Handles were also comfortable however for the aforementioned reason I looked past them.

I may grab a set of Mayhew as they are also pretty locally made to where I live, however I don;t see them in stores anywhere to get a feel for the grip. I'd like a larger set with everything from stubbys to 8 inch like the Quinn has. I believe the channelock ones are made by Mayhew and are just a different color. I may go to tractor supply and see how that handle feels.


Someone early on, I think Andy, linked a set for Williams that came in like a 20 piece set. That is nice, however softer handles have been nice in my experience. I'm used to smelly old craftsman's, but have a soft spot for made here. Wera however also look great, just can't find anywhere locally to try one out and see if I like how it feels in the hand.

I know, decisions decisions, I think the analysis and hunt is half if not more of the excitement and thrill for me.
 

Ohio Andy

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Someone early on, I think Andy, linked a set for Williams that came in like a 20 piece set. That is nice, however softer handles have been nice in my experience. I'm used to smelly old craftsman's, but have a soft spot for made here. Wera however also look great, just can't find anywhere locally to try one out and see if I like how it feels in the hand.


Although this is where I buy almost all my Williams stuff (sun coast tools)


If I want a softer handle I grab PB Swiss or vessel megadore. I use those mostly in a clean environment. Vessel composite and Williams handle grime really well.
 

LOW1

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Watch the sales and you can get a perfectly adequate Klein set for under $30
 

Ohio Andy

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Although this is where I buy almost all my Williams stuff (sun coast tools)


If I want a softer handle I grab PB Swiss or vessel megadore. I use those mostly in a clean environment. Vessel composite and Williams handle grime really well.
And snap on has soft handles available. I don't have any. I only have the non-soft handle screwdrivers from snap-on.
 

413dan

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Although this is where I buy almost all my Williams stuff (sun coast tools)


If I want a softer handle I grab PB Swiss or vessel megadore. I use those mostly in a clean environment. Vessel composite and Williams handle grime really well.
The vessels look very nice, I just wonder if I need JIS, as I don't work on much if anything that uses them. I like the Williams stuff, and the sun coast deal right now is 143 shipped for 19 drivers is smokin. I like something with handles a little brighter however as it is easier to see placed around the work area etc. thanks for the links, sir.
 
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