Screwdrivers - Craftsman and Bridgeport Use them?

[joseywales]

So, aside from deciding on a nice LED workshop light, which would lead to better pictures...I'm trying to decide what to do with these screwdrivers.

The Craftsman are mostly in excellent condition. Some are stamped Vandium and some are hex shape. There is one split shank, but the other has a collar and I don't know why. I like the size of the blade, which is why I kept it, but I can't figure out why there's a collar on it. Excuse the appearance of the screwdriver with paint on it. It was abused by a previous owner. Its shank and blade are straight and true. I rescued him from the trash, along with a pair of small Channellocks.

The other set is mostly Bridgeport. The shanks and blades are VG to excellent. The grips steel feel good, but they show spots, not sure if it's from being damp or what. No cracks in the grips either. Some of these are also stamped Vandium.

Anyway, I'm trying to organize and consolidate. My purposes are home DIY and minor car repairs. I have a long ways to retirement, but my wrenching days are behind. I could still do it, but my career went a different direction. Sometimes I really miss it. But I digress.

I am setting up a couple tool kits throughout the garage, basement, upstairs, so I'm not running all over for tools. I have enough to probably make that happen now. Although I have a Snap-on here or there, i'm not looking to go top shelf. Just fill some gaps, but sets together for when the kids get their own homes, etc.

My questions are:

1- Would either the Craftsman or the Bridgeport give better performance/endurance verses something like Carlyle, Tekton, etc.?

2 - any other thoughts or insights into these screwdrivers?

 

[Cruzan80]

Not really. If the handles are comfortable, use them. CM Vanadium is early on, IIRC pre 50's. The odd screwdriver is missing the clips on the side which hold a screw to start it.

 

[ssdave]

Screwdrivers are an expendable, not a lifetime investment unless you buy them for the warranty. Put them in your tools, use them up, and replace them when they get worn. Warranty the Craftsman as they break, or throw them away if they didn't work out well. Then, buy better ones if you need to.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to buy something new

I don't disagree with using good tools, just wanted to make sure the quality is what I expect.

I learned long ago, use the best you have available. I'm notorious for using whatever took is within reach. Nothing wrong with that, usually. However, I always thought it was funny guys would put cheap tools in their trunk, in case of emergency. Uh...it's 3AM, raining like hell, on the side of the turnpike, wouldn't I want the best tool available???

 

[ssdave]

....... I always thought it was funny guys would put cheap tools in their trunk, in case of emergency. Uh...it's 3AM, raining like hell, on the side of the turnpike, wouldn't I want the best tool available???

That's my thought. My road box is almost all Snap-on. If I grab it and go in an emergency or on a road trip, I want to know it has the highest probability of working without failing. My garage box has a slightly more eclectic mix, and a few lower quality tools. It's not quite as critical at home where I have extras and access to stores to buy something I need if I have to.

 

[davethorik]

I'd recommend Wiha or Wera if you are buying new. They have some relatively inexpensive sets and are still a quality driver. I bought my boss a set of Wera hard handle insulated screwdrivers for his bday, they were less than $30 for a 6 pc set ( p1, p2 4 slotted). Impressive tip quality.

 

[joseywales]

I'd recommend Wiha or Wera if you are buying new. They have some relatively inexpensive sets and are still a quality driver. I bought my boss a set of Wera hard handle insulated screwdrivers for his bday, they were less than $30 for a 6 pc set ( p1, p2 4 slotted). Impressive tip quality.

Ha. My Amazon Day Wera insulated screwdriver set just arrived today! It has 6 inserts. $30, but I see them close to that on eBay anyway. I went a little nuts last month and bought a Felo set with inserts. 10 I think, flat, Philips, torx. When compared they seem very similar. I might like the Felo grip a tad better, but it's so close who cares. But agreed, the tips are nice

 

[Duct Tape Man]

The quality of both brands are very good. And I wouldn't worry too much about investment if they break or wear out - I get Craftsman screwdrivers for 50 cents all day long at the flea markets. Almost not worth my time to drive to Sears to replace a broken one, I get replacement used ones at the fleas for less than it costs to drive to the store for a new one.

 

[joseywales]

The quality of both brands are very good. And I wouldn't worry too much about investment if they break or wear out - I get Craftsman screwdrivers for 50 cents all day long at the flea markets. Almost not worth my time to drive to Sears to replace a broken one, I get replacement used ones at the fleas for less than it costs to drive to the store for a new one.

I hear you. I found my last one in the trash. Except for paint on it, it's in great shape!

 

[Gmonkee]

I have reground the tips on 50 year old drivers and left them handy for use. If not as users they have no value at all.

There is a Bonney lighted screwdriver for electrical work in that kit. It's ancient and still works as it should. I suspect the bulb is long since defunct but so what? It already went the miracle mile.