Make sure you get a brand that has a good warranty and return policy because if you have kids, I guarantee that they will get hold of at least one of them and take it out and hit it with a hammer trying to break rocks or concrete.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?
Screwdriver Decision Fatigue
- Thread starter garageuser
- Start date
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
The one the YT guy says to combine witha Klein multi-flip-socket set?
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Cheap decoy tools. Make them easier to get to, use them for loaners, etc. If they get broken or lost, no big deal.
velorider562
Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2015
- Messages
- 13
What you described as your use case, I hardly ever you a manual screw driver. For around the house stuff it's almost always my Milwaukee M12 Fuel Screwdriver. The clutch prevents stripping and it's about 50x fast then turning a screwdriver.
Homeowner/DIYer here. I have a ratbag of old beat-up slotted screwdrivers, about half with those square wood handles from back in the day. For Phillips, the drivers I had were especially bad, so I read up (here of course) about Vessel's not-really-JIS-anymore-but-better-for-PH drivers, so I got a #1, #2, and #3 from them. Ordinary ones not ratchets, which drive me crazy in use.
And yup. The Vessel drivers really hold Phillips head screws on the driver when pointing downward. And the handle feels fine to me. Now I'm not earning a living with these things, and for real screw-driving (hardwood, etc.) I use a 1" long driver bit in a bit brace.
So I don't know what to suggest, except that getting a whole assortment of screwdrivers all from one maker seems... I don't know, maybe more committed to that brand than I would do. I'd let projects drive the choice of driver and manufacturer. But of course mileage varies widely.
And yup. The Vessel drivers really hold Phillips head screws on the driver when pointing downward. And the handle feels fine to me. Now I'm not earning a living with these things, and for real screw-driving (hardwood, etc.) I use a 1" long driver bit in a bit brace.
So I don't know what to suggest, except that getting a whole assortment of screwdrivers all from one maker seems... I don't know, maybe more committed to that brand than I would do. I'd let projects drive the choice of driver and manufacturer. But of course mileage varies widely.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Wow!!! four pages on screwdriver selection. Definitely a garage journal triumph. 
I was too fatigued to read all of the responses
However, KC Tool offers a selection of German made #2 Philips screwdrivers that you can use to evaluate handle shape/size/feel. It's out of stock at the moment but, I always thought it was a great idea.
I was too fatigued to read all of the responses
However, KC Tool offers a selection of German made #2 Philips screwdrivers that you can use to evaluate handle shape/size/feel. It's out of stock at the moment but, I always thought it was a great idea.
The best way to address this problem is multiple sets. Sounds silly, but I have a "clean work" set for wood working, furniture, and electronics, An Automotive set and a pile of old beat up ones for the real sketchy stuff.
I could never settle on the right set for all the different things I do, so, over time, I ended up with multiple sets.
I could never settle on the right set for all the different things I do, so, over time, I ended up with multiple sets.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I probably have close to a hundred screwdrivers, but probably only use a dozen or so regularly. I seem to gravitate towards the green hard handled SK.
MichaelP
Well-known member
Klein for regular sizes. Greenlee, Wiha or Wera for small screwdrivers. Those I use most often although I have fancy European and Japanese import that is very good too.
Never HF junk (IMO, there is nothing worse than a cheap disposable screwdriver unless you use it to make holes in the soil).
Never HF junk (IMO, there is nothing worse than a cheap disposable screwdriver unless you use it to make holes in the soil).
I agree with this. Seems excessive, but when you think this one tool is actually a HUGE set of cheap screwdrivers, torx drivers, Allens, Phillips, pozis, it makes sense.What you described as your use case, I hardly ever use a manual screw driver. For around the house stuff it's almost always my Milwaukee M12 Fuel Screwdriver. The clutch prevents stripping and it's about 50x fast then turning a screwdriver.
I think this is now a must have, around the house tool. The batteries stay charged a pretty long time too. I have nut drivers and square shanks to drive sockets for mine. It’s a handyman’s friend. I don’t currently have a 12v but they are more than good enough.
Exception: I was removing slotted flush head screws holding a hinge onto an old door. I have slotted bits for my driver, but they really don’t work super well. Tough to get the bit centered. This use case is one reason I recommended Klein and caution against euro drivers. You really need the right tip for slotted screws. The other use case is household switch plate covers and other electrical screws. You really need good US spec slotted screwdrivers. And you might need several, 3 at least. I probably have at least 5 different US tip sizes.
Took a chance and bought one of these.
Klein 670-6
Really REALLY like it. I was taking the back off a tv the other day and wanted a driver (like above) but had the Phillips version of this. You can see their model numbers from my kit in the picture I posted yesterday.
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
OP
garageuser
Active member
Yup, I have a Bosch 12v drill and driver set which I do use a lot. These use cases are when you can't use them because they'd be too overpowering. And sometimes you just want to feel the mechanical action of the tool.
This actually makes total sense esp w/ the earlier advice that people inevitably end up with multiple sets anyways so just pick whatever works for now and buy more later.
OP
garageuser
Active member
I should take my own advice and just get this free set
I love HF and yesterday after looking at these screwdrivers, I chose the magnetic parts cup.
I should take my own advice and just get this free set
Just sayin.
The idea that a screwdriver is a seldom used tool blows me away. I use screwdrivers every time I am in the shop. It would be difficult to use a cordless driver to adjust idle mixture or speed on a Holley carb, and it doesn't make much sense to use on dash or trim screws and the like. I will say I just picked up one of the DeWalt 8v gyroscopic driver so that may change things some.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Or eyeglasses, cell phones or key fobs.I never even considered using my Bosch 12v driver on switch/outlet connections or cover plates.
I think some people get power tool happy. Demoing the old window casing in our breezeway I counted (43) 2 1/2" 15ga finish nails in a 65" long 1x6. It was unbelievable. I said to myself "someone got a new nail gun, or charged by the nail." And that's just one example, I've found similar overuse of a nail gun all over the house.
Very few people mess with carbs anymore.
And you don't need a fancy screwdriver for those tasks either. Any blade will do the job.I never even considered using my Bosch 12v driver on switch/outlet connections or cover plates.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I couldn't decide on a brand, so I ordered a #2 Phillips in several brands.
I put them all in a drawer with the ones I already had and used them for a few weeks. I think there were about 10 different brands in there.
Turns out there were a few I began reaching for consistently: Felo, Wera, PB Swiss and Klein.
So I have a set of Wera at home. At the shop, I primarily use PB Swiss and Felo. I will also say I have a Vessel Famidora 8 set in both places that I use quite a bit.
I'd say my favorite to use is PB Swiss - my only complaint is they take time to clean up. The texture of the handle is both why it's the best to use and why it's hard to clean up - a tradeoff.
I put them all in a drawer with the ones I already had and used them for a few weeks. I think there were about 10 different brands in there.
Turns out there were a few I began reaching for consistently: Felo, Wera, PB Swiss and Klein.
So I have a set of Wera at home. At the shop, I primarily use PB Swiss and Felo. I will also say I have a Vessel Famidora 8 set in both places that I use quite a bit.
I'd say my favorite to use is PB Swiss - my only complaint is they take time to clean up. The texture of the handle is both why it's the best to use and why it's hard to clean up - a tradeoff.
OP
garageuser
Active member
What about the PB Swiss has you picking it up more than others? Which handle did you get?
Not sure I’d say “very few,” but the number is dwindling. Carbs are hardly the only thing a screwdriver is useful for, but anyone who does anything with older cars finds themselves using regular old flat and Phillips screwdrivers a lot.
And no, not any old cheap driver is the same as a good one.
four.cycle
Well-known member
If you are fond of "hard handle" - Cripe Distributing is running a "Black Friday" deal starting on 11/24 - 20% off on all purchases. They have a mess of "Armstrong" hard-handle drivers. Those blue-handled models were pretty nice, but I don't have any left - I sent them all out last Christmas.
(* The link is to their ebay page, but do NOT order from Cripe on ebay. Go to THEIR website - cripedistributing.com - sign up as a member first - put the order in the cart, use the "code" for the discount - and you won't pay sales tax on it.
(* The link is to their ebay page, but do NOT order from Cripe on ebay. Go to THEIR website - cripedistributing.com - sign up as a member first - put the order in the cart, use the "code" for the discount - and you won't pay sales tax on it.
I prefer one that fits and engages the fastener correctly, not "any blade". That's just me though . . .
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,482
I have the Snap on set use all the time not worrying about using them.
four.cycle
Well-known member
dchawk81 said:
When you are overhauling the one-barrel updraft carburetor on a customer's 1946 J.I. Case tractor, you do not grab "any blade" to remove the very soft brass main metering jet. You use the correct screwdriver.
One job I had to take a brand-new Indestro down to John Wolf (Wolf's Welding) and have him modify the tip so it fit a particular metering jet on some oddball. (Can't even remember what it was.)
PBCampbell
Well-known member
I don't remember it being a big deal to just grind a blade screwdriver to get that perfect fit for a slotted adjustment screw.
Just any blade though?
PBCampbell
Well-known member
Well, usually whatever was at hand, but maybe I don't understand your question.
I've worked on a ton of motorcycles and even some cars where some rube before me f'd things up good and proper by not using the correct tool. "Just grab any old something and turn the damn thing!" It's more common than I care for.
My attempt at humor. Nothing to see here, move along . . .
+1
The hollow ground slotted like the gunsmith type drivers are the ones I use for those few slotted fasteners here. Those gunsmith sets have a great assortment that finding a bit to fit some odd slotted sizes is easy. The traditional wedge slotted blades I tend to stay away from other than non critical stuff like the sprinkler heads.
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four.cycle
Well-known member
@M6erfan -
I could not even begin to count the number of AFB's I opened up to find the main metering jets had been buggered to the point where the metering rods weren't able to travel freely through them.
The victim of Mr. Wolf's handiwork is below at lower right - the model 3716 - still one of my favorite screwdrivers.
Can't remember what it was on, but I had to get WAY down into the thing to get at the jet.
I could not even begin to count the number of AFB's I opened up to find the main metering jets had been buggered to the point where the metering rods weren't able to travel freely through them.
The victim of Mr. Wolf's handiwork is below at lower right - the model 3716 - still one of my favorite screwdrivers.
Can't remember what it was on, but I had to get WAY down into the thing to get at the jet.
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bpwoodworking
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2023
- Messages
- 254
Pozi drive is the only fastener I ever see in European electrical motor controls.
Forster and Grace. But I use PB Swiss in the shop. Hollow ground parallel tips with eased edges. The downside is that they can be slippy if a bit too small for the fastener.
I'm referring to brand, not size.
Besides, I was responding to a post about outlet covers. They're hardly delicate, precise, or high torque. You can use a butter knife if you want.
Y'all obsessing like typical GJ and it's amusing.
Hold up there!
Obsessing?!? I can go on for hours why phenolic plate covers are far superior to the nylon ones that everyone wants now.