Screwdriver Recommendations?

[cole_CT]

Hey Everyone. I'm in need of a good screwdriver set that I will use on everything around the house, including working on our three family cars and our two lawn tractors. I will probably use these screwdrivers several times a week so I probably want something that will last longer than Craftsman.

I'm really not sure whether I like the hard handles or soft handles more. I would be willing to go either way. But If I HAD to choose I would rather have a comfort grip.

I would like (somewhat) to have a set that has hex bolsters on some of the screwdrivers. The reason I say "somewhat" is because that I have found, even with my fathers Snap On hard handle No.2 phillips that the hex bolster really doesn't give me that much torque as the screwdriver tip cams out before the screw is turned any further. In fact, a cheap rubber gripped ratcheting screwdriver by "Performance Tool" was able to drive a drywall screw FURTHER into a 2 by 4 than the lightly used Snap On hard handle could with an adjustable wrench assisting it. Maybe I wasn't using the correct technique but either way the hex bolster didn't seem to help much.

As for the number of screwdrivers in the set I'm looking for, I hope to have all the common sizes of Philips and Slotted. I don't need torx or anything else at the moment really. Stubby Screwdrivers are optional. Therefore I would like to have anything from a 5-10 piece set.

I've narrowed my options down to 5 different sets. I don't want to spend more than $75 for sure. Please tell me which one you like the most or which one you think I should get.:

1.Williams 8 Piece Mixed Set -$41 http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-8MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets These seem to be awesome quality and seem to be a GJ favorite. The hex bolsters are another small bonus.

2. Bondhus Felo Ergonic -$35 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200347988_200347988 Seems to be another GJ favorite. I would dig those grips for sure. Again the hex bolsters are another small bonus. However I watched a YouTube video of some kid who said he didn't like this set anymore because the grips are hard to clean the dust off of. That probably would be a huge problem since I baby my tools.

3.Wiha 8 Piece Soft Grip-$59 http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30298-8-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver/dp/B000T9XUHW/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375901331&sr=1-6&keywords=wiha+screwdriver+set Seems to have fantastic steel quality. A little more expensive and no hex bolsters but no big deal whatsoever.

4.Klein 6 Piece Set -$46 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BQ0DT0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1EZ2V2AKS0VVR Please correct me if I'm wrong, Electricians love these and they are well made and all but I'm not too sure if the steel quality on these is as fantastic as the other screwdrivers on this list. I'm talking tip durability.

5. Snap On Green Instinct (USED)-$75http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/3939256262.html I definitely can't spend $150 for new Snap On but these are a good deal. I'm 100% positive that I would adore the comfort handles on these but these are still on the VERY top of my price range and I'm not sure if I need full-blown Snap On quality as a DIY I haven't even contact this guy to see if this set is still up for sale...so this set may not be an option.

Thanks in advance GJ!

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm thinking either the Williams or the Wiha set you have linked to would be my preference, but my hands are not your hands.

 

[Brownsfan]

Williams!!! I have that set and it is great for the money. Not exactly the same as snap on but very close. Worth the money. Also look at craftsman pro screwdriver sets. They are good bang for the buck. I have both sets. I use the craftsman on the road and Williams in the shop. Biggest reason is ease of replacement if I loose one. It's very easy to lose one when working on the road. For $41 for a 8pc great quality set and USA made. Best bang for the buck.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Williams!!! I have that set and it is great for the money. Not exactly the same as snap on but very close. Worth the money. Also look at craftsman pro screwdriver sets. They are good bang for the buck. I have both sets. I use the craftsman on the road and Williams in the shop. Biggest reason is ease of replacement if I loose one. It's very easy to lose one when working on the road. For $41 for a 8pc great quality set and USA made. Best bang for the buck.

This...Nuff said...

 

[Stuey]

Of those, my picks would be

Felo Ergonic
Wiha
Williams

The Ergonic are softer and grippier, Wiha are firmer and secure even when oily or sweaty, Williams are nice when dry.

Since you want hex bolsters, Williams would probably be best.

 

[KCTool]

If you do decide on the Wiha set we offer GJ member 10% off and our price is the same as the amazon link you have. I'm nervous to post this since I got a spam slapping but cant resist. Hope I don't get banned!

 

[rodm1]

They all are nice but working around oil and gas I would go with Williams. I probable would anyways, I fell in love with those handles and probable would with the others if I owned them. I hear a lot of bitching over Klein being soft steel and I kind of shy away from them because of this.

The thing I don't get with Klein is why would you make a line of pliers that will only cut soft metal like copper, and Alum? I under stand it's directed at the Electrician but do you really think a pro is going to climb down a ladder in order to cut a nail or screw?

 

[cole_CT]

If you do decide on the Wiha set we offer GJ member 10% off and our price is the same as the amazon link you have. I'm nervous to post this since I got a spam slapping but cant resist. Hope I don't get banned!

Thank you! Ya know a PM wouldn't have hurt if you are afraid of that

 

[CWP1616L]

The Ergonic are softer and grippier,

And you can hang them on your key chain if need be.

 

[Monte]

A little more expensive and no hex bolsters but no big deal whatsoever.

they do make them with hex bolster:
"Heavy Duty" version

http://wihatools.com/300seri/308serie.htm

http://wihatools.com/300seri/312serie.htm

 

[cole_CT]

They all are nice but working around oil and gas I would go with Williams. I probable would anyways, I fell in love with those handles and probable would with the others if I owned them. I hear a lot of bitching over Klein being soft steel and I kind of shy away from them because of this.

The thing I don't get with Klein is why would you make a line of pliers that will only cut soft metal like copper, and Alum? I under stand it's directed at the Electrician but do you really think a pro is going to climb down a ladder in order to cut a nail or screw?

Ya I know right?! It is a shame Klein isn't as good as it used to be. The Williams set is neck and neck with Wiha for me. I've heard great things about both!

 

[cole_CT]

they do make them with hex bolster:
"Heavy Duty" version

http://wihatools.com/300seri/308serie.htm

http://wihatools.com/300seri/312serie.htm

Exactly what I was just thinking! Does anyone have any experience with either the Heavy Duty or Extra Heavy Duty Wiha's? A steel strike cap could be useful at times...

 

[EdJack]

I went with the Williams set.

There is another thread, the No BS Screwdriver thread that is a good place to do some research http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194985

I didn't go with the steel strike cap because sometimes I use screwdrivers to do some light electrical work (wiring a household outlet, light switch, lamp, etc.) Using a steel strike cap would transfer the electricity down the screwdriver, through the handle, to the striking cap, than into your body. So you basically lose the insulating qualities of an normal plastic screwdriver handle.

The Williams are great if the main purpose is automotive work. Well balanced, tough screwdriver, and easy to wipe down to clean off the oil and grease. The chrome, smooth finish, along with the black handles really cleans and hides any oil and grease stains. They wipe down and look brand new, even after a hard day's work in grease and oil.

 

[Jsf721]

I got the confort grip type from ASH here on GJ. It was the Fellos set and I am not a pro but these blow away my previous hard handled Stanley set. No more friction burns on my hands from trying to break screws loose.

 

[jeffmoss26]

My go-to drivers are Klein, for my voice/data and electrical work.
Snap-on hard handles in my workshop toolbox with some Craftsman mixed in.

 

[CWP1616L]

My go-to drivers are Klein, for my voice/data and electrical work.

The guys on ElectricianTalk forum have said the tips are softer than they used to be. I haven't bought any new ones to verify that though.

 

[Ncognito]

Exactly what I was just thinking! Does anyone have any experience with either the Heavy Duty or Extra Heavy Duty Wiha's? A steel strike cap could be useful at times...

I do and I love them.

I mixed and matched a ten piece set of the extra heavy-duty screw drivers from Wiha. Some of the individual screwdrivers were on sale at the time I ordered so that’s the reason for mixing and matching. I didn’t care if the handle color didn’t match. The cost with shipping was $129.52. That’s a little bit more than your budget, but Wiha Quality Tools did throw in a nice pair of lineman’s pliers with my order. Here’s a link:

http://wihatools.com/500seri/531serie.htm

I’ve heard the complaints about Klein quality too, but I haven’t experienced any poor quality myself. Maybe the two screwdrivers I have were produced before the QC problems? I don’t know.

From your list of choices, my preference would be:

Wiha
Klein
Bondhus

 

[Brownsfan]

They all are nice but working around oil and gas I would go with Williams. I probable would anyways, I fell in love with those handles and probable would with the others if I owned them. I hear a lot of bitching over Klein being soft steel and I kind of shy away from them because of this.

The thing I don't get with Klein is why would you make a line of pliers that will only cut soft metal like copper, and Alum? I under stand it's directed at the Electrician but do you really think a pro is going to climb down a ladder in order to cut a nail or screw?

I have a set of linemans and diagonals from Klein that cut nails and other things. I believe it's the 2000 series. Lighter blue handles.

 

[98sierra]

The snap on instinct's are the best screw drivers I've ever used. Have 2 sets an plan to buy more. They are AWESOME.

 

[garboui]

For overall value its hard to beat a set of Fullers.

 

[scaron]

i love my kleins but they stay in my electrical bag and only get used in the data center, switchroom, wiring closet, etc. they are really intended only for electrical and electronics work; i'd never take them into the garage. for working on my car, motorcycles and general stuff around the house i mostly use hand-me-down old craftsmans and stanleys from my dad... not sure why you feel that these would not be up to the task? i've never had any issues with them. some are probably older than i am and they're still going strong. since you mention a lot of garage work i'd go with the williams drivers because they have hard handles... cushioned handles get too grotty for me once they've spent any length of time around oil and grease.

 

[ChevyZ71]

I have a set of the snap on hard handles, the classic style,and I love them.

 

[scaron]

They all are nice but working around oil and gas I would go with Williams. I probable would anyways, I fell in love with those handles and probable would with the others if I owned them. I hear a lot of bitching over Klein being soft steel and I kind of shy away from them because of this.

The thing I don't get with Klein is why would you make a line of pliers that will only cut soft metal like copper, and Alum? I under stand it's directed at the Electrician but do you really think a pro is going to climb down a ladder in order to cut a nail or screw?

no offense intended but to me it is just a question of using the right tool for the job, which is something i'd expect of any professional... dikes and cable cutters are not intended for chopping through steel cable, nails (!) screws (!!) and other such things just like a chrome socket is not intended to be used on an impact wrench. you can certainly do it, but it's about the quickest way to totally ruin the blade. same rules apply for basically any cutting tool built for fine electrical work, regardless of how high quality or how much you're paying for it. if used as intended a pair of kleins will provide many years of dedicated service.

 

[cole_CT]

no offense intended but to me it is just a question of using the right tool for the job, which is something i'd expect of any professional... dikes and cable cutters are not intended for chopping through steel cable, nails (!) screws (!!) and other such things just like a chrome socket is not intended to be used on an impact wrench. you can certainly do it, but it's about the quickest way to totally ruin the blade. same rules apply for basically any cutting tool built for fine electrical work, regardless of how high quality or how much you're paying for it. if used as intended a pair of kleins will provide many years of dedicated service.

I know Klein is a great company but from what I have heard the screwdriver tips don't hold up. I don't want to spend my money on something that won't last as long as Williams or Wiha. Thanks for your input.

 

[98TJ]

I'm very happy with my Wera drivers.

 

[cole_CT]

I'm very happy with my Wera drivers.

Which ones are those?

 

[Conductor562]

Don't count out the Wera Kraftforms. They are awesome!

 

[czgunner]

I regret buying the Mac hard handle set, if you are considering them.
The chrome is garbage and started to flake within a few weeks and the tips are soft.

 

[nanofrog]

+1 for the Wiha Extra Heavy Duty versions (w/ metal striking cap).

If COO matters to you, the Heavy Duty versions (hex bolster, but no metal striking cap) just state "Made by Wiha" on the website, so I suspect they're made in their plant in Vietnam. Haven't tried these, so I can't say if there's a difference in quality vs. their German made products.

Extra Heavy Duty are still German made (w/ striking cap versions). They're on the heavy side, but I don't expect this will be a problem as you won't be carrying them around 8+hrs a day, 5 days a week.

 

[cole_CT]

+1 for the Wiha Extra Heavy Duty versions (w/ metal striking cap).

If COO matters to you, the Heavy Duty versions (hex bolster, but no metal striking cap) just state "Made by Wiha" on the website, so I suspect they're made in their plant in Vietnam. Haven't tried these, so I can't say if there's a difference in quality vs. their German made products.

Extra Heavy Duty are still German made (w/ striking cap versions). They're on the heavy side, but I don't expect this will be a problem as you won't be carrying them around 8+hrs a day, 5 days a week.

Haha not gonna be carrying them for that long is right. They'll be sitting in the screwdriver drawer... UNLESS I fall in love with them so much that I start EDC-ing them 24/7 on my person. Then we might have a problem

Seriously, though, I think Wiha is on the top of my list now.

 

[Blöckw@rt]

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I vote Felo Ergonic but I wouldn't buy them from northern tool Ash from German hand tools will take good care of you.

http://german-hand-tools.com/Felo-screwdrivers.html

 

[MN4x4]

I went with the Craftsman Pro, but they don't make a full line like they used too. Still, for the price it's worth considering?



Weird thing is, they never made a stubby. I guess I will never understand Sears...

 

[Blöckw@rt]

Wiha, Felo, Wera…are all top screwdrivers.

The question is..what your hand is talk about ? because the comfort of the handle is an absolute subjective thing.

 

[98TJ]

Which ones are those?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought a set of these two years ago near Christmas and, Krokodil, my Secret Santa on here that year, ended up sending me the exact same set.

These are my "go to" drivers. Much more comfortable than the Snap-On hard handles and with the Lazertips they actually grip the screw better than anything I've used - including Snap-On.

I also picked up the Torx drivers.

Wiha is nice as well. I have one (Thanks again, Krokodil)

My only other screwdrivers here (that I haven't given away after getting the Weras) are Craftsman Pro.

 

[allinon72]

I was blown away with the quality of that Williams set for under $50. I am a fan of the Wiha set too but I don't think they are nearly as tough

 

[Brownsfan]

I went with the Craftsman Pro, but they don't make a full line like they used too. Still, for the price it's worth considering?



Weird thing is, they never made a stubby. I guess I will never understand Sears...

If you have a ace hardware near you go check out the tool section. My local ace has nos p3 and p4 craftsman pro on the hooks.

 

[Travisnd]

If you have a ace hardware near you go check out the tool section. My local ace has nos p3 and p4 craftsman pro on the hooks.

Really? I need the P3 and P4 and can't find them anywhere local to me!!

 

[stratman977]

Really? I need the P3 and P4 and can't find them anywhere local to me!!

I'm headed to my ACE today.They have some stock but I'll see which ones they have.

 

[Travisnd]

I'm headed to my ACE today.They have some stock but I'll see which ones they have.

Thanks!