Screwdriver Reccomendation?

[gdpolk]

I'm and avid DIY guy. I do all my own home repairs, vehicle maintenance, tools maintenance, make knives, make furniture, and just like tinkering. I grew up using mostly Craftsman tools and while I have a lot, I'm not super fond of their standard grade of screwdrivers. I have a pretty large collection of them but the tips on the most common screw heads (1/4" flat, 5/16" flat, P1, P2, P3, etc) seem to get deformed ever so often and start to strip screw heads.

That said, I'd like to add a small set of maybe 6-8 pieces of some really high quality screwdrivers for the most commonly used sizes. For the rest of my infrequent needs as a DIY guy, the Craftsman stuff I have will be just fine.

What are some of the better drivers out there that I should look at. Lets say budget is sub $150 for the following: 3x 4-5" long flats, 4-5" P1/2/3, stubby flat, and stubby P2

 

[chevelle67]

What brand is your really high quality stuff used most frequently? Whatever that brand is you seem very happy with so replace your occasional use ones with the same brand.

 

[KEH]

I was disappointed with Craftsman standard screwdriver years ago. Your budget would almost get you SO, at any rate I would get a SO phillips in your most commonly used size. Other wise, look at Williams tools which are made now by SO. Proto also makes excellent screwdrivers, as well as other hand tools. SK tools are excellent also. Wright tools are another good choice. I'm not familar with Wright screwdrivers.

KEH

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I like my williams set. Basically snap on minus the name. I also have a gearwrench torx driver set, they're also solid. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JP0NDQY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Banana Man]

I prefer the SO soft grip Instinct Screwdrivers. IMO they are the best on the market. I've used a lot over the years and nothing compairs. I bought this set SGDX60BR it has the most common sizes flat and #1,2,&3 Phillips. I then after decided on the huge 12 piece set instead. So I'm currently selling the 6 Piece set for $100, as they cost $124.99 + tax. This set is brand new and unopened, sealed in the original plastic wrapping. If you're interested let me know I can link you my craigslist ad, and I'm willing to ship them if you're interested. Either way Snap On gets my vote for sure!

Weston

 

[Roobaix]

Wera, Felo, Wiha, or Snap On.

I have a set of all but the Wiha and they're all excellent. I also have Craftsman Pro and Standard and was never a fan of them.

The Snap On are in my roll cart at work, Wera are in my tool bag at work, and the Felo are at home.

 

[ADSR]

I like my williams set. Basically snap on minus the name. I also have a gearwrench torx driver set, they're also solid. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JP0NDQY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Best value around

 

[gdocktor3]

Proto Duratek screwdrivers get lots of good reviews. I have a wide array of screwdrivers from new and old Snap On, Craftsman, SK, Crescent, Stanley, etc and as long as I use the proper size screwdriver for the fastener, I rarely have problems.

Also remember reading something on Tekton screwdrivers being really good and made in the USA. This topic comes up quite often on here. Do a Google search and you'll find more info than you'll know what to do with.

Actually, here's the link which contains the Tekton screwdrivers http://toolguyd.com/category/hand-tools/screwdrivers/

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I prefer the SO soft grip Instinct Screwdrivers. IMO they are the best on the market.

+2. These are the way to go imo. Although, I would watch eBay. You can pick up a lightly used set for half of the price of a new set from SO.

 

[rick carpenter]

Screwdrivers are wear items, you'll have to replace them one day whether they simply wear down or you twist/strip a tip. I like my Williams (they look like old black SO hard handles). I bought a set and filled in with singles that I needed. I have Kleins for electric work. I have two MasterMechanics, which I believe are made by Pratt Read.

I wish I needed a new set, I'd get the new Channellocks. I may do that anyhow though...

 

[dbabicky]

I prefer the SO soft grip Instinct Screwdrivers. IMO they are the best on the market. I've used a lot over the years and nothing compairs. I bought this set SGDX60BR it has the most common sizes flat and #1,2,&3 Phillips. I then after decided on the huge 12 piece set instead. So I'm currently selling the 6 Piece set for $100, as they cost $124.99 + tax. This set is brand new and unopened, sealed in the original plastic wrapping. If you're interested let me know I can link you my craigslist ad, and I'm willing to ship them if you're interested. Either way Snap On gets my vote for sure!

Weston

I too have this set. I would jump on this offer.

 

[Dookie2122]

The SKs are excellent, and they come in hard handle or comfort grip, they can be had at decent prices from Harry Epstein or Eppys.

 

[Tinner]

I have Snap-on at home, Proto Duratek at work. Both are very good.

 

[Flivver250]

+1 on Snap-On. My first set od Snap-Ons were bought off the truck in 1978. They have the black plastic handles that finally due to age are starting to split wide open when twisted hard, will get them replaced. I bought a second set of Snap-Ons about 10 years ago and still consider them my new set. I also bought a large set of Wright screwdrivers that appear to be good quality, I'll let you know in 20 years if the Wright are still good. As Rick said above, screwdrivers are wear items. Don't be afraid to replace worn tips.

 

[BMack37]

Snap on isn't even in my top five. Felo, PB Swiss, Wera, Wiha and Witte have better grips and harder steel. Wera's laser tips grip better than the ribs on Snap-On Instincts also.

 

[hautpot]

I hate my snap-on driver tips. I emded up giving all of mine away.

 

[matemike]

Another vote for the Proto Duratek. I didn't toss my Craftsman set completely, but I got the 19 piece Duratek set and now I don't even touch the craftsmans anymore. I couldn't believe how small the c-man handles are after all these years, and I do not have large hands; I wear medium gloves and sometimes those are loose.
The protos are much nicer for any size job. The 19 pc Duratek set is ~$175 but if you found a Zoro deal they could be had for 150ish.

 

[BK13]

I have Wiha and Felo. Both are worlds better than CM standard clear handles. I like the tips on the Wiha a tiny bit better, the grips on the Felo slightly more. But then I have pretty big hands.


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[AndypCT]

I have many sets. Best value for the money are the Proto Screwdrivers. Great handles super durable and you can find them on sale at Granger online. Snap on is the best and the Stanley Rubber grip professionals are pretty good too.
For the money those are all god choices.

 

[Davefr]

It's hard to beat Proto Durateks. A 19 pc set at Zoro is around $120 after coupon. That's about $6/ea and a tiny fraction of the price of SO and they're a better screwdriver.

Williams is a close second.

PB Swiss is probably the best but much more expensive.

Felo, Wera or Wiha are also pretty nice.

 

[ex-x-fire]

There was some guys talking about a new Tekton set being good.

 

[Adam.C]

Snap On instincts are designed for cracking stuck screws loose. They have awesome tips and large Tri-lobe handles that help you produce gobs of torque. If you are spinning clean hardware, the rounder handled drivers are better.

To be fair, there is a little round smooth part at the neck of the instinct that is designed for spinning.

 

[Banana Man]

Snap On instincts are designed for cracking stuck screws loose. They have awesome tips and large Tri-lobe handles that help you produce gobs of torque. If you are spinning clean hardware, the rounder handled drivers are better.

To be fair, there is a little round smooth part at the neck of the instinct that is designed for spinning.

+1

Very well said, I agree 100%.

 

[ADSR]

Snap on isn't even in my top five. Felo, PB Swiss, Wera, Wiha and Witte have better grips and harder steel. Wera's laser tips grip better than the ribs on Snap-On Instincts also.

Search around on this forum. Unless they've changed the recipe, the tips were soft garbage. Pictures on the forum to prove it.

 

[winlinmac]

Look for used SK on eBay

 

[gdpolk]

What brand is your really high quality stuff used most frequently? Whatever that brand is you seem very happy with so replace your occasional use ones with the same brand.

90% of my tools are Craftsman. The rest seem to be a mix of other quality box store stuff like Channelock, Irwin, etc and then there are the few tools that seem to get used for everything like my small set of SO 3/8" sockets/wrench, or my Mitutoyo calipers, etc where the quality just warrants it because they get used frequently enough that it's noticed.

 

[gdpolk]

Thanks to all who've replied. I've got a batch of Williams on order. I've used the older square SO drivers a bit before and liked them pretty well. These seem to be the same thing with a different name printed on them. I think the hard handles may be a little easier to clean up from time to time as well.

19 drivers for $106 shipped.
http://www.toolsource.com/premium-comfort-crip-combination-screwdriver-p-150822.html

 

[jn50308401]

I have the Snap on instinct grip drivers and they are very nice,but spendy. I have a huge pile of old screwdrivers that have been demoted to paint can openers, punches and pry bars. There's probably going to be a Williams set that I'm going to add to the "good screwdriver" drawer.

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[mikebaker1129]

Screwdrivers are wear items, you'll have to replace them one day whether they simply wear down or you twist/strip a tip. I like my Williams (they look like old black SO hard handles). I bought a set and filled in with singles that I needed. I have Kleins for electric work. I have two MasterMechanics, which I believe are made by Pratt Read.

I wish I needed a new set, I'd get the new Channellocks. I may do that anyhow though...

The new Channellocks are Pratt Read also and very solid.

 

[ADSR]

Thanks to all who've replied. I've got a batch of Williams on order. I've used the older square SO drivers a bit before and liked them pretty well. These seem to be the same thing with a different name printed on them. I think the hard handles may be a little easier to clean up from time to time as well.

19 drivers for $106 shipped.
http://www.toolsource.com/premium-comfort-crip-combination-screwdriver-p-150822.html

Good choice. I have the same set and it's a work horse.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

If I were doing it second time around it would be PB Swiss, Witte, and Wera 932/6. Possibly Proto Duratek as well. That said I have so many different brands it's hard to choose!

 

[BMack37]

Search around on this forum. Unless they've changed the recipe, the tips were soft garbage. Pictures on the forum to prove it.

I don't need to search I own them. Also my Snap ons show more wear with less use. Weras are also a LOT cheaper than the Snap-Ons.

 

[Adam.C]

I don't have any Wera but I have Wiha. Is it me or are these German screwdrivers made to some metric std that we don't use in the US. The Phillips I think are all pozi. The straight slots all seem too narrow for a given slot thickness. Am I dreaming? Guess I could measure.

 

[ADSR]

I don't need to search I own them. Also my Snap ons show more wear with less use. Weras are also a LOT cheaper than the Snap-Ons.

LOL yeah, fantastic product.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2606268&postcount=9

 

[anndel]

I love my 36 year old Snap On hard handles. Still rockin after all this time!

 

[HCNDM]

Wera

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...&rh=n:228013,k:wera+screwdriver+set+kraftform

As mentioned PB swiss is really awesome but far more expensive.

 

[winlinmac]

These are especially nice even for their price-point, contains slotted / Philips
Made in Czech Republic
Consider the Laser-tips (will serve you will)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLPJN2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Otherwise, if you have a particular color preference,
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wera

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As mentioned PB swiss is really awesome but far more expensive.

 

[BMack37]

LOL yeah, fantastic product.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2606268&postcount=9

Coming from a guy who saw one post who probably never touched a Wera screwdriver...trying to make his point to someone who actually owns and has used Snap-on, Wera, Wiha, Felo, PB Swiss, Witte, Gearwrench, Klein and other screwdriver sets.

Thanks for trying to waste my time with your bs


Edit: I added pictures. Man that tip sure seems boogered up with bent "fins" and worn ribs, oh but the handle looks new, almost like it's only been used less than a dozen times and the bolster never used.

 

[ADSR]

Coming from a guy who saw one post who probably never touched a Wera screwdriver...trying to make his point to someone who actually owns and has used Snap-on, Wera, Wiha, Felo, PB Swiss, Witte, Gearwrench, Klein and other screwdriver sets.

Thanks for trying to waste my time with your bs
.

This shows your ignorance. You base your posts on assumptions. You've been hear 10 minutes and think you know it all.

Listen to the BS that's coming out of your mouth. (someone who actually owns and has used Snap-on)

LOL, that's real funny to assume.

Keep trolling

 

[fras_auto]

i like the Carlyle Part #SDS8 $49.99