Screwdriver Recommendations

[Tul]

For general purpose and automotive repairs, what sizes of screwdrivers do you recommend?

I'm looking at Tekton's sets, but not sure as to which number (4, 8, 10, 12) to get.

https://www.tekton.com/combined-phillip-slotted-screwdriver-sets?quantity=1&piece-count=8-pc

Also, they don't seem to be magnetic. I have a magnetic screwdriver that I really like. Can I just magnetize non-magnetics?

Thanks

 

[MagnusM4]

I’ve got the Tekton 8 piece set in my toolbox. I’ve been really happy with them so far. I really like that they’re made in USA too. Get whichever set suites your needs but the 8 piece will serve you. I believe the 12 piece isn’t much more expensive. The triangular handle design is different but I have no complaints with it, it’s actually quite comfortable and allows you to get a good grip on the screwdriver.

 

[Tonyuk]

What brand will you be working on?

If its anything German then a phillips 1 & 2, maybe a 3.

Lots of Torx.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

William's

 

[f121]

Snap-on Instinct Philips no2 is my absolute must-have screwdriver, it's the right size for most stuff and the handle design let's you put a lot of torque into the fastner.

I also have a no1 in my road box which gets a fair bit of use, and a big flat head is useful for some plastic screws and under trays. Obviously if the manufacturers you work on use a lot of torx, you'll need those too as if you try and use bits in a bit holder they often won't go deep enough to reach the fastner for dashboards, etc.

 

[thr3squared]

Gearwrench makes a pretty good set (i think 20 pieces)

For just phillips and flat head- SK automotive line

 

[Rabid Badger]

For general purpose and automotive repairs, what sizes of screwdrivers do you recommend?

I'm looking at Tekton's sets, but not sure as to which number (4, 8, 10, 12) to get.

I got the 16 piece set myself. The long drivers come in handy more often than you'd think.

Also, they don't seem to be magnetic. I have a magnetic screwdriver that I really like. Can I just magnetize non-magnetics?

Absolutely. Just pull the tip across a strong magnet a few times and you'll have a magnetic screwdriver.

 

[yellow wagon]

Snap-on or Williams hard handles

 

[Jrboulder]

I couldn't be happier with my Williams USA black handle screwdrivers. Previously I had worn out a set of wera lasertips and 2 sets of husky USA.

 

[rlitman]

...Absolutely. Just pull the tip across a strong magnet a few times and you'll have a magnetic screwdriver.

That works most of the time, though a properly magnetized screwdriver may hold more strongly. Also, it likely won't work if you try this on a stainless screwdriver. Still, I magnetize my screwdrivers often like this.

 

[Spacey_G]

It seems like virtually no one read the OP before commenting, so I'll quote the relevant part:

For general purpose and automotive repairs, what sizes of screwdrivers do you recommend?

 

[rlitman]

It seems like virtually no one read the OP before commenting, so I'll quote the relevant part:

I think that's because we here think we know better. When it comes to screwdrivers, you need them ALL.

Heck, this is just ONE of my slotted sets:

 

[Legion Prime]

For automotive work whatever you go with I'd also recommend one of the Vessel Impactas. Sometimes corrosion can turn fasteners into a real SOB and while putting a wrench on the shaft can be helpful unless you can keep it seated in the fastener you're just gonna chowder it up. AvE tested these and they actually work and the Vessel drivers I've bought so far have been great both the tips and the chunky handles. I can't tell you how many times working on cars I'd have stabbed someone for one of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BI8HHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

I would go to HF, buy 2 number 2 Phillips and 2-2 slotted, number 1 of each and a bigger slotted or 2. Might buy a large set on top of that if I already didn't have the rest of an assortment. Those are the ones really used, worn hard, do electric, tend to get lost of taken for projects, nice to have a couple 3 of those sizes. I bought some new just prior to last wire job and was nice, they were sharp. 1.50 a piece I think.

 

[Handyandy23]

For automotive work whatever you go with I'd also recommend one of the Vessel Impactas. Sometimes corrosion can turn fasteners into a real SOB and while putting a wrench on the shaft can be helpful unless you can keep it seated in the fastener you're just gonna chowder it up. AvE tested these and they actually work and the Vessel drivers I've bought so far have been great both the tips and the chunky handles. I can't tell you how many times working on cars I'd have stabbed someone for one of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BI8HHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Very interesting design! But I'm a bit confused by all the various Phillips-like sizes. What sizes are commonly used in automotive applications? Both Japanese and domestic vehicles?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought some USA Husky at HD that were clearanced out for $6 for like a 20 piece set. Cheap yes and they work but I'm not keen on the angle of the phillips tip. SO I wouldn't recommend them unless you got smoking deal.

 

[sberry]

New cars don't use conventional screwdrivers. Maybe still some trim stuff?

Very interesting design! But I'm a bit confused by all the various Phillips-like sizes. What sizes are commonly used in automotive applications? Both Japanese and domestic vehicles?

8 and 10 nut drivers and what ever drivers you use in sae. Now they use torx type stuff.

 

[pat9198]

I think sberry nailed it. And to add, Klein soft grip are my favorite drivers.

 

[M6erfan]

Screws are screws, wether they be Torx, Phillips, Slotted, Hex, security...whatever. What sizes? All of the ones you need. I have vehicles that are mostly Torx, some hex, #2 is the most common size in Phillips. I have a BMW that uses some security Torx too. JIS for some asian stuff. There is no such thing as "common".

 

[GrantCee]

I have Japanese, American, and Swedish autos in the family, along with tractors, various power equipment, and assorted farm implements.

My most-used screwdrivers are a #1 & #2 Philips. I also find #3 Philips to be common on the Japanese cars. On rare occasions I'll need a #4, but usually not on the cars. The #2 is the most common, and in that size I have 3 lengths (stubby, ~4", and ~10" long.) They all see some use.

Slotted screwdrivers see much less use, but when I need one it always seems to be a cabinet tip (to get down into a hole, such as adjusting carburetors). 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" cabinet tips cover just about everything.

In general, American Philips screwdrivers are almost universally awful (looking at you, Craftsman, Williams, and Snap-On.) They don't fit the screws and cam out far too easily. Much prefer German or Japanese drivers.

 

[Yarpo]

#1 and #2 Phillips and make it stubby! Most of the times I'm using a screwdriver is for dash work or other interior stuff and the stubby is the only thing that fits.

 

[Jeffgage]

I have the tekton 12 piece and the gear wrench 20. They both work pretty well. Either 1 is a good choice

 

[theoldwizard1]

For a shade tree mechanic, it is hard to beat the old red, clear and blue Craftsman screwdrivers, especially when they go on sale around Father's Day and Christmas. Having a spare #2 Philips is a good idea

 

[Tallpilot]

I have Japanese, American, and Swedish autos in the family, along with tractors, various power equipment, and assorted farm implements.

My most-used screwdrivers are a #1 & #2 Philips. I also find #3 Philips to be common on the Japanese cars. On rare occasions I'll need a #4, but usually not on the cars. The #2 is the most common, and in that size I have 3 lengths (stubby, ~4", and ~10" long.) They all see some use.

Slotted screwdrivers see much less use, but when I need one it always seems to be a cabinet tip (to get down into a hole, such as adjusting carburetors). 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" cabinet tips cover just about everything.

In general, American Philips screwdrivers are almost universally awful (looking at you, Craftsman, Williams, and Snap-On.) They don't fit the screws and cam out far too easily. Much prefer German or Japanese drivers.

I suspect but don’t have enough information to prove that US drivers are actual Phillips spec while almost all the hardware we encounter is DIN. Have you tried the ACR Snap-on? I put them on par with my Wiha but they are twice as expensive. I really like the Instinct handle though (sorry Fedwrench).

 

[jimmyin3D]

Phillips#1,2,3
JIS #1,2
Slotted 3/16,7/32,1/4 (4.0MM,5.5MM,6.5MM)
Torx T10,T15,T20,T25

 

[Tul]

For automotive work whatever you go with I'd also recommend one of the Vessel Impactas. Sometimes corrosion can turn fasteners into a real SOB and while putting a wrench on the shaft can be helpful unless you can keep it seated in the fastener you're just gonna chowder it up. AvE tested these and they actually work and the Vessel drivers I've bought so far have been great both the tips and the chunky handles. I can't tell you how many times working on cars I'd have stabbed someone for one of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BI8HHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks. Just to be clear, that Vessels is regular Philips, and NOT JIS, right?

What sort of advantage does it have over a regular screwdriver that I hit on the head with a hammer?

 

[designer485]

Phillips#1,2,3
JIS #1,2
Slotted 3/16,7/32,1/4 (4.0MM,5.5MM,6.5MM)
Torx T10,T15,T20,T25

This is a nice list with my most commonly used being the #2 Phillips and the t20/t25.

Micro and precision driver's in Phillips, slotted and torx also should get a mention, I use mine a ton.

 

[LeoW]

Previously, I was often rescued by Stanley screwdrivers, but not so long ago I switched to electric ones. I tested different screwdrivers, but in the case of a purchase it would be nice to supplement it with a set of different nozzles if they are not included in the kit. I had some difficulties in choosing a set of bits, so I had to look for a solution in the opinion of specialists. In the review https://drilling-it.com/best-impact-driver-bit-set-reviews/ I found a product I need and I still use it.

 

[snooter]

Anything but snap on ratcheting screwdrivers or the hard handles...never could get use to any of em...not knocking them but they never did feel right for me...i have everything from vessel to true value master mechanic...

 

[Onefastgsx]

I've been using the old craftsman clear handles for years. I've bought 2 or 3 of the big sets. A few years ago I picked up a Gearwrench 56 PC ratcheting set and it covers all of my needs for torx and Allen bits, and there are sockets for nut runners.
I keep a couple extra things in the case, like a 1/4" hex to socket adapter and a 1/4" hex bit holder so I can easily throw the bits or sockets on my impact. And I also keep an extra 1/4" ratchet and 6" extension in there. This kits literally goes everywhere, on every job with me. To me, it's worth its weight in gold.

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks. Just to be clear, that Vessels is regular Philips, and NOT JIS, right?

What sort of advantage does it have over a regular screwdriver that I hit on the head with a hammer?

The Vessel has a mechanism inside that rotates 12 degrees when it's hit with a hammer. Like those hand impact drivers. So it would help a lot breaking loose bolts.

 

[skife]

Snap-on Instinct Philips no2 is my absolute must-have screwdriver, it's the right size for most stuff and the handle design let's you put a lot of torque into the fastner.

I also have a no1 in my road box which gets a fair bit of use, and a big flat head is useful for some plastic screws and under trays. Obviously if the manufacturers you work on use a lot of torx, you'll need those too as if you try and use bits in a bit holder they often won't go deep enough to reach the fastner for dashboards, etc.

The best part is you can put a ratcheting wrench on them


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[JUNK-MAN]

You can magnetize any driver tip. the largest Philips I've ever used was a #4.

 

[jsmeece]

I have some Wera and a Wiha set, but if you are looking for a decent set of screwdrivers look on Ebay for the Older Napa German made screwdrivers. I have a complete set and they are very nice for the money. I bought mine for this guy. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-Germa...-By-Witte-Choose-Your-Size-style/113303587380