Recommend me Screwdrivers

[Farmall450]

I suspect you don't own one of the Milwaukee hardline knives.. I've pried up handhole lids with the tip of the blade.. D2 steel, not sure what more you can ask for. I just bought the newer style magnetized tips screwdriver set, so I can't really comment on those yet - but another style of drivers is coming. Pliers, no. Not Milwaukee's best stuff..

But here are the new "new" ones coming, available for preorder. Forged shanks with hardened tips. You guys realize that just cause something has a foreign name and isn't widely available- doesn't by default, make them "better". half the people on the board will judge screwdrivers just by the handles.. hardened metal is not exotic technology.

I have 7/16" hex drive adapters turning 1 and 1/8" nuts with impacts at work. Not sure why nobody makes drivers outa that metal, but then you'd never need to buy more would ya?

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools...gwW6w30YYzgKve5CmXsm9zobXRkuwsrhoCUzwQAvD_BwE

And yes - some concrete (or the minerals used to make it) is imported into the USA. Not a lot, but some.. china is the worlds leading producer of cement, but most of our imported stuff comes from Canada and Greece.

No, I don't - I prefer US made blades. And not really. Maybe bags of Menards concrete, but no one is bagging streets or high rises.

I would think (from your profile picture) that you'd want to buy American or even US union made tools, not those from a sweatshop.

 

[sberry]

I am not that fussy, as long as they are in decent shape I use them.

 

[pdxgearhead]

Witte are now my favorite screwdrivers.

 

[kctyphoon]

No, I don't - I prefer US made blades. And not really. Maybe bags of Menards concrete, but no one is bagging streets or high rises.

I would think (from your profile picture) that you'd want to buy American or even US union made tools, not those from a sweatshop.

You can leave the liberal antics off the forum.. I'll spend my money how I see fit, and you can do the same with yours. Why does it always seem when people can't support their own opinions, they need to resort to trying to shame people into agreeing with them?? I wonder

 

[Farmall450]

You can leave the liberal antics off the forum.. I'll spend my money how I see fit, and you can do the same with yours. Why does it always seem when people can't support their own opinions, they need to resort to trying to shame people into agreeing with them?? I wonder

Patriotic I suppose. Certainly not liberal lol.

 

[VinceG]

I Like my Snap-On Screw driver. I also like my Matco Torx drivers. I went with those brands because I was working in the shop and they came to me. Now all my tools are at home and it is nice to have quality tools and a nice box. I wish I got more tome to play in the garage maybe next year.

 

[davethorik]

Lol true. I'm sure the demolitions are impressively imports

The Milwaukee demo screwdrivers are really tough and a good value at $9.95 for the pair (coo Taiwan). Ive had a pair for about a year and a half and they are my contractor bag go-tos, and holding up well.

Klein is the only company making a comparable USA made product that I'm aware of, and their prices are around $20 for a single strike capped driver. And the Milwaukees have hex shanks so you can put a wrench on them, Kleins are round shanked. The Milwaukee are better drivers for less money, and I'm usually a big USA made fan, and a big Klein fan (I do have their demo awl and it is a beast).

 

[Wamsutta]

I guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference. I appreciate all the suggestions. One term I wasn't familiar with is "trilobe" for the handles. I realize that was part of the allure for me with the snap ons. They're large and easy to torque down on. To buy a set of instinct Phillips and flat head id be in the hole $300 if not more. It's one of those tools I don't use too often, but when you have it there, it makes a real difference. They get you by the balls don't they?

The personal preference part is mainly because of the handle shape; everybody's hand is different. I could recommend you some great screwdrivers, but they may not fit your hand. You don't have to buy the Snap-on Instinct drivers; I can look at that handle and tell it's not going to fit everybody.

 

[kctyphoon]

The Milwaukee demo screwdrivers are really tough and a good value at $9.95 for the pair (coo Taiwan). Ive had a pair for about a year and a half and they are my contractor bag go-tos, and holding up well.

Klein is the only company making a comparable USA made product that I'm aware of, and their prices are around $20 for a single strike capped driver. And the Milwaukees have hex shanks so you can put a wrench on them, Kleins are round shanked. The Milwaukee are better drivers for less money, and I'm usually a big USA made fan, and a big Klein fan (I do have their demo awl and it is a beast).

Ehh- hem.. [cough]

 

[decableguy2000]

What kind of work are going to be used for? I use mostly cushion grip screw drivers and mostly Klein. I have also had good luck with Pratt & Reed (Ideal now). Not the best for oily or grimy work.

 

[Xcursion88]

there is no right answer...

find a screw driver with a solid handle. that is equally important as pick it up and what fits good in YOUR hand is the ultimate goal. Having said that you might find some that fit nice in the hand but they are cheaply made and one whack with something will obliterate the handle.

Obviously they sholdnt be hammered on but it happens at times when there is no other option for whatever reason.

good luck

 

[Mikeske]

Years ago I quit even buying fixed blade screwdrivers. I found a good bit set and a snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. So I eliminated a drawer full of screwdrivers and have a good quality bit set and three different ratcheting Snap-On screwdrivers.

 

[mmason7764]

I guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference. I appreciate all the suggestions. One term I wasn't familiar with is "trilobe" for the handles. I realize that was part of the allure for me with the snap ons. They're large and easy to torque down on. To buy a set of instinct Phillips and flat head id be in the hole $300 if not more. It's one of those tools I don't use too often, but when you have it there, it makes a real difference. They get you by the balls don't they?

Fender,

The trilobe options that I'm aware of are:

Snap On instincts
Witte Maxpro
Tekton's USA.

I have a small Witte and like the shape, have 2 more coming.

Just ordered the grandkids Christmas today and threw a set of the tektons in with the order.

No access to Snap On, but if I did it would most certaintly have saved me money trying every screwdriver I read about on Garage Journal !!

Mark

 

[chaddles623]

Wiha, Wera, PB Swiss. Choose your poison.

These are the best Screwdrivers, Wera have a Lazer Tip that grips better than others and a good handle, Wiha just last forever and a comfortable handle also (my favorite handle) and fit the screws perfectly, and PB Swiss have a Parallel Tip Slotted driver that works awesome and there tips are the most prices than anyone elses and last forever. And don't forget about Felo, Stahlwille & Witte (make Matco Screwdrivers for less) Screwdrivers, which are awesome as well. KC Tools in Olathe, KS have all these German tools in stock, except the Swiss PB Swiss stuff. All very good Screwdrivers for alot less than Snap-on

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[chaddles623]

For rusted tough fasteners get yourself a good hand impact driver like Proto, Vessel, Ko-ken, etc. Really saves your screwdiver tips.

That said, I like Vessel and Wiha for PH screws and PB swiss for slotted

Almost all the German Screwdrivers Brands are JIS standards now days.

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[chaddles623]

The new Mac Soft-Grip Screwdriver set is expensive, but without a doubt is worth the money. The handle feels awesome in the hand and is machined really well. No problems whatsoever.

Mac Screwdrivers are Re-Branded Proto Duratek Screwdrivers.

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[WittHay]

Mac Screwdrivers are Re-Branded Proto Duratek Screwdrivers.

Nah, Proto are rebranded Mac. Actually they are made in the same factory but Mac has a lot more variations of that style including soft-grip.

Do you really need a full set of screwdrivers. If you like Snap-on why don't you just buy a couple of them in the sizes that you use the most. Not really necessary to have the best large slotted drivers. Phillips and small slotted is a different story

I use Phillips #3 and #4 quite often but I don't think most people do

 

[kctyphoon]

Fender,

The trilobe options that I'm aware of are:

Snap On instincts
Witte Maxpro
Tekton's USA.

I have a small Witte and like the shape, have 2 more coming.

Just ordered the grandkids Christmas today and threw a set of the tektons in with the order.

No access to Snap On, but if I did it would most certaintly have saved me money trying every screwdriver I read about on Garage Journal !!

Mark

You can add these Milwaukee's onto that list also. Tri-lobe handles, Hex shanks for wrenches, and lanyard holes in the handles. They make a few sets, but these are the 6 and 10 piece sets. These were included with the release of some mechanic and electrician geared tools.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/48-22-2706
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/48-22-2710

 

[bixxjs]

Hi Y'all
Screwdriver set,Pozi,Phillips or flat blade?
I have the old skewl Stanley straight through to the latest 21st century felo and the amazing Wera.
If the screw is really stubborn I'd use a wera,they're pretty affordable on eBay.

 

[M6erfan]

Almost all the German Screwdrivers Brands are JIS standards now days.

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What's your point???

 

[mmason7764]

Was in an Ace hardware today. They still had some of the Craftsman professional screwdrivers made by Western Forge. They are trilobe also.

An identical driver is the SK softgrips.

If you know you like the Snap Ons, a few of them would still be cheaper than trying scores of others. Please don't ask how I know that.

Mark

 

[rustbucket5]

one not mentioned yet is the mayhew cats paw screw drivers with the striking caps. they are really good. i got the one from amazon that includes a pick set and o-ring picks. really good deal

 

[akalian]

Years ago I quit even buying fixed blade screwdrivers. I found a good bit set and a snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. So I eliminated a drawer full of screwdrivers and have a good quality bit set and three different ratcheting Snap-On screwdrivers.

Agreed. The only thing I use a screwdriver for is to pry something. Otherwise I just use a screwdriver handle to accept whatever bit I need for the project at hand.

If I need some torque, there are adapters for sockets and with extensions I can reach anywhere, have the use of swivels to get into tight places and get plenty of leverage with a ratchet.

See that one empty box? That's for the ball driver bit's I just ordered.

.

 

[kctyphoon]

Think he's trying to say the tips will be a slightly different style than a Phillips.

 

[toyodajeff]

I really like Williams screwdrivers. The tips bite well and the handles allow me to get a firm grip. Between that set and my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver (great tips), I rarely reach for anything else.

Once you settle on a new set, hold on to the old ones as well. I find it very handy to have a good selection of damaged screwdrivers to be bent, twisted, hammered or ground into specialty tools when nothing else fits...

These are the same as the old style snap on screwdrivers. Same quality USA made.

 

[Al Borland]

Milwaukee demo screwdrivers are great. Survive daily use as - Demo Screwdrivers! Who woulda thunk?
At the house, I have a set of Stanley screwdrivers with bigger trilobe handles that are about 10 years old, as well as a bunch of the green handled SK screwdrivers. and some random others. Usually I grab my orange-handled Harbor Freight Pittsburgh screwdrivers. Great tools at a great price (Free).

 

[apdxyk]

I have quite a few sets from quite a few brands from all over, but the most addictive one is Vessel 220 series. At first, I didn't take them seriously, but saying 'Hello' to them was a mistake... Merry Christmas!

 

[DenningTy]

https://store.snapon.com/POZIDRIV-1...iv-Hard-Grip-Red-Screwdriver-Set-P739568.aspx
Cant beat the SO Quality, these will last you a lifetime

 

[brtsvg]

Wiha, Wera, PB Swiss. Choose your poison.

Any of the German brands, as well as Vessel. Once you try these you will never go back to store-bought or big-box offerings

 

[nbruno]

Striking cap screwdrivers? Seriously? Aren't there a myriad of other tools specifically designed for that particular job where you would need to whack a screwdriver?
As for high torque... If I need to remove a screw that is that stuck I would use a impact driver.
As for favorite screwdrivers, I have snap on instinct, snap on hard handle, craftsman, Matco/Witte, and now proto durateks. However, I can't not grab the Snap-on hard handles almost every time. If I need a big slotted I grab the instinct handle.
Don't care for the Proto, love the Matco/witte for my torx.
Snap-on hard handle hands down.

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[rustbucket5]

Striking cap screwdrivers? Seriously? Aren't there a myriad of other tools specifically designed for that particular job where you would need to whack a screwdriver?
As for high torque... If I need to remove a screw that is that stuck I would use a impact driver.
As for favorite screwdrivers, I have snap on instinct, snap on hard handle, craftsman, Matco/Witte, and now proto durateks. However, I can't not grab the Snap-on hard handles almost every time. If I need a big slotted I grab the instinct handle.
Don't care for the Proto, love the Matco/witte for my torx.
Snap-on hard handle hands down.

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its more for things like taking off axle caps, or carefully tapping between something where a chisel has too steep an angle to fit in and the prybars are too big. or not having to go back to the toolbox for a punch for something thats light duty and just needs a bit of persuasion. not to mention as a screw driver the mayhews are really good

 

[nbruno]

its more for things like taking off axle caps, or carefully tapping between something where a chisel has too steep an angle to fit in and the prybars are too big. or not having to go back to the toolbox for a punch for something thats light duty and just needs a bit of persuasion. not to mention as a screw driver the mayhews are really good

No offense, I'm more of a "right tool for the job" kind of guy. I'll go back to the tool box 10x for the right tool. Pry bars too big? I have pry bars down to the size of a pencil.
Never had a need to whack a screwdriver and at this point probably never will. I'll build a tool before I smack a screwdriver with a hammer.

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[M6erfan]

Years ago I quit even buying fixed blade screwdrivers. I found a good bit set and a snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. So I eliminated a drawer full of screwdrivers and have a good quality bit set and three different ratcheting Snap-On screwdrivers.

I've run into clearance issues too many times to have only driver bits.

 

[zephyr424]

megapro 13-in-1 multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver. Get the automotive version.

 

[bsaint]

Another vote for Williams. Even grabbed some oddball ones from Amazon with cabinet tips.

 

[kkroger]

Buddy of mine bought me this set to repay letting him borrow my Miller TIG.
I like it quite a bit, I changed the Phillips handles to Orange. for a Visual Cue....

https://store.snapon.com/Screwdriver-Sets-7-pc-Combination-Screwdriver-Set-Yellow-P889496.aspx

 

[kkroger]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILLIAMS-T...541664&hash=item415b92ca55:g:oRsAAOSwQTVV-bmQ

 

[rusty_ratchet]

I'm a fan of Wiha and Wera.

 

[davethorik]

No offense, I'm more of a "right tool for the job" kind of guy. I'll go back to the tool box 10x for the right tool. Pry bars too big? I have pry bars down to the size of a pencil.
Never had a need to whack a screwdriver and at this point probably never will. I'll build a tool before I smack a screwdriver with a hammer.

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Judging by the number of manufacturers producing strike capped screwdrivers, they are either all wrong or you just don't get it. There are some instances where a small pry bar or chisel aren't the right tools, either. Also, there is a whole other world that isn't automotive, which a lot of people seem to forget here.

I also give people strike capped screwdrivers when I loan them out, because if they wind up tapping it with a hammer, I'd rather have it done to a screwdriver designed for it.

 

[rustbucket5]

yeah, a striking cap screw driver is literally made to be hit with a hammer, that is the design intention. i also have a set of wera screw drivers that i never hit with a hammer because they were not designed with that intention. im sure you've never used a flat blade on anything that wasn't a slotted screw? or used the handle of a hammer to push down a piston? or maybe you only use your waterpump pliers to adjust the packing on your waterpump?