Screwdriver Decision Fatigue

[garageuser]

I'm looking to get a new set of screwdrivers and am having trouble deciding. The problem isn't that I don't know the options but that there are so many different options I've researched that I don't know which one to go with so I end up thinking in circles. Already read all about Wiha, Wera, Williams, PB Swiss, Vessel, Milwaukee (China and US), Klein, Proto.. lots of Project Farm videos...

Hoping someone can add some experience pointers or suggestions so I can pick one and call it a day. Essentially devote time and energy into using them instead of just researching and window shopping.

I'm a DIY and handyman around the house who does not work on cars, motorcycles or industrial equipment. The drivers will mostly used for assembling furniture, removing and installing household fixtures (lights, fans, switches...), consumer electronics, construction (electrical, plumbing, hose clamps, etc) and general household use.

I'm in the US so European/Japanese flat head design might not be best fit. I love my Megapro ratchet because most of the time I'm installing or removing screws at an awkward angle where ratcheting is super helpful. I'm looking for a non ratchet set for backup when the ratchet shaft is too thick or need more precise control. I do not like the feel of Wera or Klein handles.

I was initially picking a cheap set since I use my ratchet most of the time anyways. Then the more I read about PB Swiss the more I want to just buy them to splurge and enjoy (YOLO). Then I go back into thinking that I don't want screwdrivers so nice and expensive I'd be afraid of abusing or losing them which brings me back to square one and a cheap set.

Right now, I'm leaning towards a set of PB Swiss Phillips and HF Doyle Heavy Duty for flatheads. Seems kind of strange to buy both ends of the spectrum. My thinking is for philips, fit is the most important and people rave that PB Swiss has the best. For flathead, I hardly ever use it for actual screws with most usage as an utility tool like pry bar, scraper, poker, chisel, etc. For this, no need for fancy PB Swiss so cheap, durable and heavy duty with strike cap seems the best fit. I know Vessel and Wiha have some nice strike cap drivers but for that use, are they worth the money over HF?

 

[CGT80]

Ergonic 5 pc set Slotted & Phillips

Set of 5 Slotted & Phillips Tip Ergonic Screwdrivers. Ergonic, the first handle that adapts to the users hand. Impact-Proof Handle w/hanging hole for easy storage or inserting lever. Set Includes Slotted Sizes: 5/32, 7/32, 1/4" & Phillips Sizes: PH 1, PH2. 53693

felotoolsusa.com

There was a deal on a group buy for Felo tools on this forum, years ago, so I bought a bunch of screwdrivers for my Dad, brother, and I. I love the grip and quality of these and am a construction pro and am very picky about the tools I use. My second choice would be Klein since I have done a lot of electrical work. Wera looks similar but I have not tried them.

 

[CS454]

Felo or Vessel.

 

[nadogail]

My favorite screwdrivers are the Stanley Fat Max, those handles really fit my hands and their larger diameter enables me to twist the screws a little harded.

 

[F-22]

Vessel from amazon.co.jp

Awesome prices and awesome quality. Crystaline is nice, classic and simple (and super cheap).

How are US flatheads supposed to be different?

 

[four.cycle]

VESSEL at Bowers Tool

 

[Wamsutta]

The most important part is the handle and how it fits your hand. Next to that is how fast will the handle allow you to spin it. Some screwdrivers are comfortable to hold but don't spin easy. PB Swiss with the "Swiss Grip" is a good one.

Whatever you do don't get screwdrivers with a hole in the handle.

 

[milky2k]

Then the more I read about PB Swiss the more I want to just buy them to splurge and enjoy (YOLO). Then I go back into thinking that I don't want screwdrivers so nice and expensive I'd be afraid of abusing or losing them which brings me back to square one and a cheap set.

There is some truth to that. I got a set of Snap On Instincts and they are my least used screwdriver because I don't want to ding them up after paying so much for them. Just get a set of Milwaukee screwdrivers, they have a comfy tri-lobe handle, pretty decent and inexpensive for an 8 piece set. I think they were on promotion a week or two ago for $20 at ACE and Home Depot. You will have plenty left over for some Doyle's and more.

 

[Madjik Man]

I have set of Tekton hard handles for jobs that might get them abused.

Vessel for everything else, especially working on my Toyotas.

 

[4xdog]

Vessel. Almost everything else I have has been retired or downgraded to junk duty.

 

[gizardlizard]

I feel your pain. I wanted a large, complete set of screw drivers including extra long ones, stubbies and everything in between. The only set I found that I liked, are by Tekton. I have no issues with any of their other tools and own many but I think their screw drivers ****. The tips are simply too soft. I’ve been able to have replacements sent extremely quickly. Can’t complain one bit about customer service but then the replacements are having the same issue. I wish I could find vessel or another company that sells really huge sets not just the smaller ones. Not doing tool truck screw drivers.

 

[Dave455]

Your conclusion of PB Swiss Phillips and some cheapo flatheads isn’t bad.

Don’t worry about damaging nice tools. If you use them correctly, on decent screws, you won’t.

You can sometimes have a problem with cheaper Phillips screws not fitting well and damaging plated tips, but I have some Wera stainless drivers for those occasions.

If you are not used to top end tools, and are worried about losing / damaging them, then maybe go for something a little cheaper. Vessel are pretty good, and the “jawsfit” tips really fit Phillips heads well.

If you go PB Swiss you will have to consider which handle you want. The choices are

Classic


Multicraft


Or Swissgrip


The Swissgrip are a soft material that I find totally impractical and wouldn’t want on a costly screwdriver, so I’d go for either of the first two.

As you’re in the U.S. why not add a small set of these Williams drivers. They’re top quality, hard handles, sized for Inch screw slots, and excellent value. Gives you two options for the Phillips then!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Your conclusion of PB Swiss Phillips and some cheapo flatheads isn’t bad.

Don’t worry about damaging nice tools. If you use them correctly, on decent screws, you won’t.

You can sometimes have a problem with cheaper Phillips screws not fitting well and damaging plated tips, but I have some Wera stainless drivers for those occasions.

If you are not used to top end tools, and are worried about losing / damaging them, then maybe go for something a little cheaper. Vessel are pretty good, and the “jawsfit” tips really fit Phillips heads well.

If you go PB Swiss you will have to consider which handle you want. The choices are

Classic


Multicraft


Or Swissgrip


The Swissgrip are a soft material that I find totally impractical and wouldn’t want on a costly screwdriver, so I’d go for either of the first two.

As you’re in the U.S. why not add a small set of these Williams drivers. They’re top quality, hard handles, sized for Inch screw slots, and excellent value. Gives you two options for the Phillips then!

Williams hard handle baby!

That set is a great value. They've become my default recommendation. I have vessel as well for some singles, but the plastic hard handle is tough, easy to clean, and the drivers of good quality.

OP if you are like the rest of civilization and use the flat heads for everything but screws, I concur buying cheaper sets of flatheads is worthwhile.

 

[lardy1]

I have examples of many manufacturers and it's hard for me to single out one as a preference. You really can't go wrong with Williams and they're domestic. I personally love Kleins for most things and........again.......domestic.

Vessel for sure. Great value. PB Swiss always gets a nod, too.

Don't overthink it. There is no BEST. Mayhew makes straight pry bars in various sizes to save your flat screwdrivers. I find them worth the investment because I spent quite a bit on my drivers and try not to abuse them by prying and chiseling with them.

 

[Raineman]

I like Tekton, but man I wish they had a wrench bolster on them, so if I didn't have my Snap ons, I'd say Williams hard handles.

For JIS, there seems to be only one clear choice...Vessel.

 

[F-22]

Vessel advertises as "beyond JIS". They're in fact made in accordance to ISO and DIN standards. So equivelant to e.g. PB Swiss.

So you don't need an "European" set. It's just the "global" set and the "US" SAE set that is a bit different. Though the "global" set should cover the US Phillips screws just as well (I think... my PB Swiss and Vessel drivers seem to fit into the screws on my Shovelhead just fine, and those should still be old fully SAE standard screws).

 

[JeepYJ]

I was going to recommend PB Swiss and the HF Doyle with striking caps for abuse.
Williams hard handle is really a good deal too. Wera laser etched tips are very good.

 

[BrandonV]

Honestly go with anything you want for Philips but skip the metric slotted drivers.

Unless you work on a lot of European stuff most of the slotted screws I run into in America fit better with inch screwdrivers.

 

[zendriver]

If money is no object, just buy the eight piece, Pittsburgh pro set for 10 bucks

There, call it a day.

 

[AJHD]

The Swissgrip are a soft material that I find totally impractical and wouldn’t want on a costly screwdriver, so I’d go for either of the first two.

Can I ask you to elaborate on that? Why are they impractical?

Most of my Snap On tools have a soft grip and they're all expensive... Screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, hooks, picks, even pry bars have a "soft" grip.

 

[Dave455]

Can I ask you to elaborate on that? Why are they impractical?

Most of my Snap On tools have a soft grip and they're all expensive... Screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, hooks, picks, even pry bars have a "soft" grip.

If you use them for anything other than very clean mechanical / electrical work the handles get greasy, then they pick up dirt / grit, get damaged, are nasty to use, and hard to clean.

Hard handles are the only way to go in the garage. I have to admit that the pre instinct Snap On handles are about the best, but I can cope with the PB Swiss “Classic” and “Multicraft”.

I’ve yet to see a Snap On soft grip in any sort of “hard use” environment that isn’t a blob of dirt!

 

[vwpieces]

Right now, I'm leaning towards a set of PB Swiss Phillips and HF Doyle Heavy Duty for flatheads. Seems kind of strange to buy both ends of the spectrum. My thinking is for philips, fit is the most important and people rave that PB Swiss has the best. For flathead, I hardly ever use it for actual screws with most usage as an utility tool like pry bar, scraper, poker, chisel, etc.

I have the Doyle 2 pack and have used the flat one mostly with a hammer, utility tool like pry bar, scraper, poker, chisel, etc.
Zero complaints and the PH2 has broken loose some tight screws. Well worth the coupon deal $8? I think they were.
If and when... the warranty is 10min away for me.

HMM, not seeing the 2pk on the HFT site any more. Nor the style of these that I have.

 

[tarbellb]

DIY homeowner quote "used for assembling furniture, removing and installing household fixtures (lights, fans, switches...), consumer electronics, construction (electrical, plumbing, hose clamps, etc) and general household use."


HF $10 red n blues, save the grey matter and money for something else

 

[Sumboodie]

K9balt, Craftsman, Husky, etc but I use screwdrivers as prydrivers, punches, etc. Not paying big bucks for fancy stuff.

 

[jobo1004]

Buy this Vessel set and quit thinking about it (definitely shop around for the best price). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1QZFT/?tag=atomicindus08-20. If you're like me and prefer a shorter #2 phillips, the part number you're after is 930-2-100.

 

[Tynee]

I feel your pain. I wanted a large, complete set of screw drivers including extra long ones, stubbies and everything in between. The only set I found that I liked, are by Tekton. I have no issues with any of their other tools and own many but I think their screw drivers ****. The tips are simply too soft. I’ve been able to have replacements sent extremely quickly. Can’t complain one bit about customer service but then the replacements are having the same issue. I wish I could find vessel or another company that sells really huge sets not just the smaller ones. Not doing tool truck screw drivers.

These Williams may fit the bill?

https://www.amazon.com/Williams-100P-19MD

 

[Steve_P]

I like Wiha, Williams, Vessel.

 

[ohhimark]

Buy individual screwdrivers of the brand/type you are considering and see which you like best. The extras can always be used in your cars or wherever. Vessel makes an impact phillips screwdriver, it's great. I like the Swissgrip's but the grip is on the smaller side, vs Wright or Vaco/Klein Bulldrivers that have larger grips. The yellow handle Proto screwdrivers sold at Epsteins have held up great, too bad they don't have them in Phillips.

 

[finn]

From your description of what you’re going to be doing with them, just pick a midpriced brand from your local Lowes and go with it. Your use isn’t demanding in either precision, strength, or wear resistance, so any homeowner screwdriver will work for twenty years unless you decide they make a dandy paint can opener.

A WERA or SnapOn screwdriver isn’t going to assemble furniture any better or faster, or with more reliability than a common Craftsman Christmas gift pack set will.

 

[M6erfan]

I mean, for a $20 spot . . .

Heavy Duty Screwdrivers, 6 Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc Heavy Duty Screwdrivers at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[M6erfan]

If you use them for anything other than very clean mechanical / electrical work the handles get greasy, then they pick up dirt / grit, get damaged, are nasty to use, and hard to clean.

Hard handles are the only way to go in the garage. I have to admit that the pre instinct Snap On handles are about the best, but I can cope with the PB Swiss “Classic” and “Multicraft”.

I’ve yet to see a Snap On soft grip in any sort of “hard use” environment that isn’t a blob of dirt!

Mostly agree but my Vessel megadora's have held up nicely in an auto/motorcycle shop environment. Love my PB classic hard handles too.

 

[BrandonV]

Buy individual screwdrivers of the brand/type you are considering and see which you like best. The extras can always be used in your cars or wherever. Vessel makes an impact phillips screwdriver, it's great. I like the Swissgrip's but the grip is on the smaller side, vs Wright or Vaco/Klein Bulldrivers that have larger grips. The yellow handle Proto screwdrivers sold at Epsteins have held up great, too bad they don't have them in Phillips.

Not to plug KC Tool or anything but if you want to try out screwdrivers you can't go wrong with the #2 pack.

Backordered unfortunately.

Collin's No. 2 Sampler

Collin's No. 2 Sampler

www.kctool.com

 

[crane operator]

I will vote for the williams hard handles also. They are the old snap on shape and they fit my hands the best. I have snap on soft handles also and hate them, the hard handles clean up with a little brake clean.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dave455]

Mostly agree but my Vessel megadora's have held up nicely in an auto/motorcycle shop environment. Love my PB classic hard handles too.

I think the Megadora’s, while not a hard material like some, are not soft rubber either, and you can wipe them off.

They’re about the softest I’d want, but in any case the “jawsfit” tips are excellent! I don’t mind a compromise if you get something for it. Probably a great choice for the O.P.

For the benefit of the O.P the Megadora are these. (I got these from a dealer who was shutting down). They offer them with a striking cap as well, but I prefer the balance without.


Vessel also offer “Powergrip” which I think are higher quality, but have slightly different tips.

 

[Max]

I have the Williams hard handle and they are great for cars and motorcycles. But you aren’t using yours for that…

I also have the Tekton high-torque drivers and they are great around the house. They are especially nice when driving screws into wood.

I don’t have the PB Swiss but other GJ folks like them.

 

[finn]

I have the Williams hard handle and they are great for cars and motorcycles. But you aren’t using yours for that…

I also have the Tekton high-torque drivers and they are great around the house. They are especially nice when driving screws into wood.

I don’t have the PB Swiss but other GJ folks like them.

Only comment is that I didn’t think people still used screwdrivers to drive screws into wood anymore, ever since the availability of 1/4” impact drivers. They make a distasteful job almost fun. Faster, and much easier.

After thinking about it, perhaps I will change my recommendation to buy an impact driver and assortment of Phillips, Torx, and Robertson bits

The only thing the impact driver isn’t better at than a screwdriver, even a premium screwdriver, is opening paint cans.

 

[Etchase]

Proto Duratek, and a bunch of other Proto styles are good. Vessel JIS are good, but I don’t see any reason to buy their slotted. Cabinet and keystone, jewelers, bolstered…. Self starting one’s are fun. Generally, you will end up with a hundred of them no matter what you buy now.

 

[Max]

Only comment is that I didn’t think people still used screwdrivers to drive screws into wood anymore, ever since the availability of 1/4” impact drivers. They make a distasteful job almost fun. Faster, and much easier.

After thinking about it, perhaps I will change my recommendation to buy an impact driver and assortment of Phillips, Torx, and Robertson bits

The only thing the impact driver isn’t better at than a screwdriver, even a premium screwdriver, is opening paint cans.

I 100% agree with you. But there are still cases where I want the control of a regular screwdriver so I don’t over torque something, or I’m only driving a couple of screws…

 

[garageuser]

Thanks for all the responses!

Are people recommending Vessel for phillips/jis or flathead or both? The 8 piece red Megadora Tang Thru set fits what I'm looking for but at $85, it's quite a bit almost hitting PB Swiss prices. There's the standard 6 piece blue Megadora for $50 but no strike cap for flatheads so idk how they'll hold up under abuse. The blue single drivers are reasonably priced so I could go with just phillips #1 and #2 and get a different set or brand for flatheads. Too bad the Vessel red single drivers are so much more

Wiha also has demo version of their screwdrivers, similar to Vessel prices. They did better in the Project Farm test than Vessel but I feel like people rave about the Vessel tip fit way more than Wiha.

If you use them for anything other than very clean mechanical / electrical work the handles get greasy, then they pick up dirt / grit, get damaged, are nasty to use, and hard to clean.

Hard handles are the only way to go in the garage. I have to admit that the pre instinct Snap On handles are about the best, but I can cope with the PB Swiss “Classic” and “Multicraft”.

I’ve yet to see a Snap On soft grip in any sort of “hard use” environment that isn’t a blob of dirt!

Interesting comments about Swissgrip. I was going with that since all my other tools are soft grip and I like those feel but it would be difficult for non clean environments, as evident by my old megapro covered in paint and scratches.

Williams is pretty nice and I like the handle hex bosters but also wish they had some striking cap ones. I'm 50/50 on the handle shape though.

From your description of what you’re going to be doing with them, just pick a midpriced brand from your local Lowes and go with it. Your use isn’t demanding in either precision, strength, or wear resistance, so any homeowner screwdriver will work for twenty years unless you decide they make a dandy paint can opener.

A WERA or SnapOn screwdriver isn’t going to assemble furniture any better or faster, or with more reliability than a common Craftsman Christmas gift pack set will.

Excellent point. Buying from Lowes, HD or HF would also make it easier to return/exchange if they break or I just don't like the feel.

Only comment is that I didn’t think people still used screwdrivers to drive screws into wood anymore, ever since the availability of 1/4” impact drivers. They make a distasteful job almost fun. Faster, and much easier.

After thinking about it, perhaps I will change my recommendation to buy an impact driver and assortment of Phillips, Torx, and Robertson bits

The only thing the impact driver isn’t better at than a screwdriver, even a premium screwdriver, is opening paint cans.

I have a lot of torx for wood and robertson for kreg pocket screws but I've never needed either bit as a screw driver. Always used them with drills or impact drivers. But if I'm installing a ceiling fan and screwing down the cover, I'm not going to be blasting it with my impact.

I have examples of many manufacturers and it's hard for me to single out one as a preference. You really can't go wrong with Williams and they're domestic. I personally love Kleins for most things and........again.......domestic.

Vessel for sure. Great value. PB Swiss always gets a nod, too.

Don't overthink it. There is no BEST. Mayhew makes straight pry bars in various sizes to save your flat screwdrivers. I find them worth the investment because I spent quite a bit on my drivers and try not to abuse them by prying and chiseling with them.

I have the Doyle 2 pack and have used the flat one mostly with a hammer, utility tool like pry bar, scraper, poker, chisel, etc.
Zero complaints and the PH2 has broken loose some tight screws. Well worth the coupon deal $8? I think they were.
If and when... the warranty is 10min away for me.

HMM, not seeing the 2pk on the HFT site any more. Nor the style of these that I have.

Great ideas as well. I could get a nice overall set then supplement with a cheap set of demo drives. I think these are what you're referring to? Doyle Demo Screwdrivers 2 piece

 

[vwpieces]

Great ideas as well. I could get a nice overall set then supplement with a cheap set of demo drives. I think these are what you're referring to? Doyle Demo Screwdrivers 2 piece

Yeah that's them.
I should buy a second set.