Screwdriver Recommendations?
- Thread starter cole_CT
- Start date
Thanks anyways
moto.aero
Member
Does anyone use a screwdriver with changeable tips rather than multiple screwdrivers? I read something by an aircraft mechanic who claimed that the advantage, other than not having to carry multiple screwdrivers, is that he can switch out the tip when it wears out rather than continue to use a tip that is past it's prime. It also helps ensure that you always have the correct tip rather than trying to cheat with a slightly undersized tip just because it's handy.
I'm trying to transition but often grab a "traditional" screwdriver when it's handy. Thoughts?
I'm trying to transition but often grab a "traditional" screwdriver when it's handy. Thoughts?
Many people like using an all in one screwdriver when they don't want to take a whole toolbox or toolbag with them. I prefer dedicated screwdrivers because the shaft is thin and long enough (Thats what she said
to reach screws in electronics and other hard to reach screws. But if you want to make the transition to multi tip screwdrivers I recommend Dewalt Impact Ready Bits because the can take a beating and I haven't had one wear out after 6 months of using the same No.2 Phillips bits in a 20v Max Impact driver. Therefore I'm sure these bit would last you a helluva long time in a screwdriver
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I am a big fan of the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers. They're basically the same as the SK Cushiongrips only they're red instead of green.
I use both, though the changeable models I use swap the entire blade, not just the tips (I've used the types with changeable tips, but have had depth problems on recessed screws = why I went to the entire blade type).
But for the most commonly used, such as PH1, having a good dedicated screwdriver does make things easier and quicker (not swapping blades out quite a frequently when there are different sizes/types of screws used).
I found that the Wiha Drive-Loc series gives a good solution to both problems in my experience.
A bit on the expensive side perhaps (blades can cost about the same as a dedicated driver), but highly useful IMHO. Portable for field work, high quality, saves space (bench - can be kept in a drawer very easily when you don't need them), and can still reach the deepest recessed screws (even a few that some dedicated drivers I have couldn't quite reach).
KCTool
Active member
The heavy duty are great if you like the hex bolster and the Extra heavy duty are super tough but and great for some situation but they are very heavy due to the added metal all the way through the handle.
KCTool
Active member
+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.
Wiha's website is inconsistent. I just checked the heavy duty we have in stock and they do say MADE IN GERMANY on the handle.
richfinn
Well-known member
I prefer the Snap On soft handle ratchet driver with Wiha bits.
The nice thing about these is you can get different length shanks
that plug into the handle and they are super comfy.
I also have a hex 1/4 to square 1/4 inch adaptor so I can use it with 1/4 drive sockets.
Sometimes though you can't beat a traditional fixed driver where access or reach is problematic.
I have Facom in posidrive/flat/Torx/Phillips (Which I love)
I have a set of Wiha electricians drivers in soft touch (awesome)
I also have a few stubby Wihas for tight areas.
finally I have a set of Snap On mini drivers/picks
Never been stuck except for those crazy JIS screws where I have to struggle with an ancient Beta set (which fit, but need an update)
Good to know.
But I still wonder if they've quietly shifted production on that particular line, as I'm accustomed to seeing the "Made by Wiha" or "Wiha Made" for tools I know are made in the Vietnamese facility.
Not a problem IMHO so long as the quality hasn't dipped if they have shifted production, but as I don't, it does make me a bit nervous as Wiha isn't exactly a budget line (been burnt by other companies that sacrificed their reputations for higher margins due to outsourcing or lowered QC).
BTW, I've done business with kctoolco.com, and have been quite satisfied (actually where I bought all of the Drive-Loc stuff I own).
BTW, I've done business with kctoolco.com, and have been quite satisfied (actually where I bought all of the Drive-Loc stuff I own).
The $15 shipping made me shy away.
BTW I had never heard of the drive-locs before. They sound as though they've fixed the tip accessibility problem that traditional multi bit screwdrivers have.
Which item?The $15 shipping made me shy away.
If the order is $100+, kctoolco.com is still offering free shipping (I do try to utilize this sort of thing).
I guess you could try Amazon to see if the item you're interested in has free shipping (over $25 & sold by Amazon), but I've had one issue too many with them (got a used, defective item when I purchased a new one, not open box or used). Combine this with how the contract employees are treated (order fulfillment), it was the last straw for me. Sought out alternatives, and that's how I found kctoolco.com and micro-tools.com (have had excellent experiences with both so far).
IMHO, Yes, and quite well.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
I bought the Williams. I like them, but have only occasionally had to use the bolster. I picked up a few singles through MRO to fill out my needs. Best thing I've done is to cover the shanks with heat shrink. Makes spinning them by the shanks easier.
kippieland
Well-known member
You can't go wrong with the Williams, Wiha or Felo. I have a set of Wihas that I LOVE, but also have a long Klein. Its good but the handle isn't as comfortable IMO.
ArcStyles
Well-known member
Okay, this will fit your budget and give you one of the nicest values for your buck.
http://german-hand-tools.com/Felo-screwdrivers.html
ITEM # 61391 $79.99
I'm not sure but I think the rack might come with it.
Felo is one of the best screwdriver manufacturers in the world. Their Ergonic handle series are an excellent soft grip option. If you would like me to send you a Ergonic screwdriver so you can feel the handle for yourself, just PM me an address and I'll send it to you for free. It is a #30 torx. Four torx sizes come with this 17 piece set #10 #15 #20 and #25 so this #30 torx will make it a 18 piece set when all is said and done. If you don't get the set just send the driver back.
Call or email Ash, he will give you the total with the shipping and will probably have it at your door in a few days after ordering.
I am not down playing any of the other driver options, many of them are fine choices, but for the price, variety, quantity and quality you would be hard pressed to do better. A fantastic starter set that you can expand on later.
http://german-hand-tools.com/Felo-screwdrivers.html
ITEM # 61391 $79.99
I'm not sure but I think the rack might come with it.
Felo is one of the best screwdriver manufacturers in the world. Their Ergonic handle series are an excellent soft grip option. If you would like me to send you a Ergonic screwdriver so you can feel the handle for yourself, just PM me an address and I'll send it to you for free. It is a #30 torx. Four torx sizes come with this 17 piece set #10 #15 #20 and #25 so this #30 torx will make it a 18 piece set when all is said and done. If you don't get the set just send the driver back.
Call or email Ash, he will give you the total with the shipping and will probably have it at your door in a few days after ordering.
I am not down playing any of the other driver options, many of them are fine choices, but for the price, variety, quantity and quality you would be hard pressed to do better. A fantastic starter set that you can expand on later.
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Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
the rack does come with it. I have that set, very nice.
willhollin
Well-known member
The Hazet Hexanamic are very comfortable to use, fit my hand perfectly.
Good to know.
But I still wonder if they've quietly shifted production on that particular line, as I'm accustomed to seeing the "Made by Wiha" or "Wiha Made" for tools I know are made in the Vietnamese facility.
Not a problem IMHO so long as the quality hasn't dipped if they have shifted production, but as I don't, it does make me a bit nervous as Wiha isn't exactly a budget line (been burnt by other companies that sacrificed their reputations for higher margins due to outsourcing or lowered QC).
BTW, I've done business with kctoolco.com, and have been quite satisfied (actually where I bought all of the Drive-Loc stuff I own).
PM-ed. I appreciate your generous offer! Good advice too. I really only need the 6 pc. Assorted set. Also it says that this set will come with a free 3pc. Torx set. Seems to me that a 9 pc. set for $37.99 is a great deal. Now I just have to figure out what these international shipping charges will set me back.
I feel skeptical about going with Wiha because of where some of their stuff is being made. I'm not paying German prices for Vietnamese tools. At least with Wera we know they are made in Czech Republic, Witte and Felo in Germany. I tend to go with Wera or Felo since they are readily available on amazon and have a nice variety in price depending on the features you want. I also buy some Klein.
ArcStyles
Well-known member
http://german-hand-tools.com/ is a US/California based store. You will pay whatever the USPS charges are.
ArcStyles
Well-known member
Wiha out sources some of their products, but usually offers a Made in Germany example. It will usually state the COO somewhere in the catalog.
I bought their heavy duty T handle driver sets, which are German made. They have a lesser driver post option with the same handle.
AFAIK, Wiha manufactures only in Germany and Vietnam. Most still seems to be German, but they may be shifting more of it to Vietnam due to cheaper labor.
There has been some discussion due to stickers added to packaging by distibutors/importers that state "China" on it somewhere, but I've not seen any solid proof yet that they've gone to outsourcing there (even if only parts that get final assembled elsewhere to take advantage of the 20% rule to qualify as "Made in Germany").
All of this said, I've stuck with German made thus far, and the quality is still decent. It's not the same as it was pre-unification (i.e. tips aren't as well finished), but it's better than most available. I'd argue that PB Swiss is better, but it's also more expensive, and they don't have the same level of selection.
Not tried the Vietnamese made stuff, so I can't comment on it's quality (same, better, worse than the German stuff). But I do understand your frustration with paying top prices for cheaper made goods (i.e. pass some of the labor savings on to the customers). Seems excessively greedy to keep all of the savings for themselves, particularly when the quality of those products is in question in customers' minds IMHO.
Nick Danger
Well-known member
Thank you everyone for your advice.
We just removed the kitchen cabinet doors to repaint them. The screws were small, shallow, and and had a coat of varnish in the slots. My old Craftsman screwdrivers kept slipping out. Then I grabbed a new Williams screwdriver, and it worked perfectly. There was a huge difference.
We just removed the kitchen cabinet doors to repaint them. The screws were small, shallow, and and had a coat of varnish in the slots. My old Craftsman screwdrivers kept slipping out. Then I grabbed a new Williams screwdriver, and it worked perfectly. There was a huge difference.
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