Screwdrivers. Do I need them? Seriously.

[GoodEnough]

Light weekender here.

I have a C-man tool set and it came with assorted screw bits and a bit driver handle. I also have old $1 flatheads, and a $2 stubby Philips. This has worked just fine for me.

The only time my bit driver doesn't work is when there's a deep recessed well and the bit driver shank handle doesn't fit. When this happens, I just use my Phillips stubby.


Should I get this 5-pc Cman set for $5?

Can someone give me a reason to buy this?
Why do people get 17 piece sets?
What is the core set I need?
This one has 0, 1, 2 and micro driver sizes
Is 0, 1, and 2 the most common Phillips sizes in automotive?

 

[vartz04]

Sometimes a large normal size screw driver won't fit. Sometimes a stubby can't provide the torque needed. I have Idk like 20 screw drivers. I use all of them frequently just doing stuff around the house and working on various things in the garage.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

It's $5, not a lot on the line here.

The big sets shine when you run into a tight access situation. I personally enjoy having the right tool for the job and those bit sets can be a pain in the *** at times.

 

[GoodEnough]

Yea, it's not about the $5, it's also the hassle of picking it up, and then storing something I ultimately don't use.

Plus, I just want to learn why people need more than I have.

All I need is 0,1,2 sizes to have most bases covered in auto?
How do HF screwdrivers rate?

 

[metaldad]

Definitely. Great price, decent product.
amount in a set? wrong question to post here.
accumulate as many and of what type, YOU may think (or desire) you may need.
I, myself, have way more than i could ever use in 3 lifetimes.

 

[nanofrog]

I do a lot of stuff that has recessed screws that even a 2" hex bit wouldn't reach (sometimes due to depth, others times due to the hex is too large a diameter to fit in the recess).

 

[Brownsfan]

Yea, it's not about the $5, it's also the hassle of picking it up, and then storing something I ultimately don't use.

Plus, I just want to learn why people need more than I have.

All I need is 0,1,2 sizes to have most bases covered in auto?
How do HF screwdrivers rate?

I have needed a p3 quite a few times in a car.

 

[Holt]

2 parts to a screwdriver.
Size, ... p1, p2, p3, various slotted.
Shaft lenght. Some screws sit deep in holes so longer shafts are needed.

combine everthing together and if you use your tools for a living then time is money.

 

[GoodEnough]

Anyone ever use something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YU9MS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pauls_workshop]

Good Enough, I've used a set of the Western Forge US made Craftsman screwdrivers like in your picture for about 35 years. I just recently had a Phillips cam on me and go bad. I think that is the first one. Not daily use. Those are well worth that price.

Now though, even better, is the HF set people like here, #94607

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

These are very very well made with nice hardened tips and less than $10 with a coupon or on sale. I've switched to using these now for general use.

I also use a hand racheting driver or 1/4" Ryobi impact driver with "impact ready" bits too when I want racheting pr impact action. I've found the "impact ready" bits from Menard's MasterForce brand are really good. Milwaukee or Makita or Dewalt impact ready bits are pretty good too.

I also have a "bolstered" set of the HF screwdrivers #94899 when I need lots of torque to put a true rachet wrench on the end of them and torque away. Don't use those much though but nice to have if you ever need them. You can also duplicate that with a true rachet wrench and an impact bit on the end, but would need extensions too to get the height of the boltstered screwdrivers for the same function when you need some depth.

One other set to have is a precision set, for micro size driving. Those are handy for anyone to have a set of those too. Some ideas for you. - Paul

 

[Gmonkee]

If you have been able to do everything you normally do with what you have, it is enough.

I have a Ph. 1 and 2, and a regular flat screwdriver in each place I'll keep tools. In one box a pair of stubbies, again Ph. 2 and flat that I'll not use but twice a year, maybe.
None are brand name, most were cheap. They all turn screws.

I also have a full 8 pc. set of SO screwdrivers tucked away if I try to work in a shop again. No need to pull those out just yet.

 

[cheechi]

I have found that for P2 at least, regular Dewalts last longer than any impact rated do for using them as a general screwdriver/bitdriver. For powered, go for the impact ones but for hand tools I don't prefer them.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Yea, it's not about the $5, it's also the hassle of picking it up, and then storing something I ultimately don't use.

Plus, I just want to learn why people need more than I have.

All I need is 0,1,2 sizes to have most bases covered in auto?
How do HF screwdrivers rate?

OK What if the two of us lay the cards on the table..
Typical Me tasks:
Upgrade 3406E Cat Engine with new cylinder head, manifold and turbo.
Replace N14 Cummins Engine.
Replace Rockwell transmission on a Volvo Semi tractor
Overhaul 4L80E automatic
Remove and repair engine wiring harness on W900L Kenworth
Rewire Timpe grain trailer front to rear.
Replace belt on Kenmore washing machine
Rewire a house from the meter inward
Repair my toy trains.
Lets not get into the woodworking part and the screwdrivers used for
cabinet hinge and hardware fasteners.

I match the Proper tools with each job..... My needs and uses are
not the same as yours....

Craftsman markets that 17 piece set to fit the needs of the typical John Q.
Homeowner.... Not high priced, not the best quality, but GoodEnough for
folks in your situation.

 

[jd_1138]

How do HF screwdrivers rate?

I hear that the 8 piece Pittsburgh Pro set is decent -- especially for $7.99. It's good to have at least 15 to 20 screwdrivers. They are relatively cheap, and different sizes work better in different situations. Plus, if you have plenty, you can keep a few in each of your cars, some in the kitchen junk drawer, some in garage, etc..

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

 

[GoodEnough]

Thanks. I might just pick up that HF set for $8. I've wanted a spare stubby flathead to keep in the car anyway to remove secured rubber floormats.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Are you trying for a record of pointless threads started on GJ or something?

Use a butter knife.

 

[NWphotog]

I have needed a p3 quite a few times in a car.

Thanks. I might just pick up that HF set for $8. I've wanted a spare stubby flathead to keep in the car anyway to remove secured rubber floormats.

That should take care of you. The 2 smallest in the Craftsman set you linked are worthless.

 

[Red_Bull]

Are you trying for a record of pointless threads started on GJ or something?

Use a butter knife.

Agreed

 

[Boyd]

Is the Craftsman set linked in the first post made in the US? My Phillips screwdrivers seem to walk away at a faster rate than my flats.

 

[wmartin]

I'd probably wait until those were on sale.

 

[kythri]

Are you trying for a record of pointless threads started on GJ or something?

Use a butter knife.

Sure it's not another Merkava troll alias?

 

[jd_1138]

Thanks. I might just pick up that HF set for $8. I've wanted a spare stubby flathead to keep in the car anyway to remove secured rubber floormats.

Don't forget to use a 20 or 25% off coupon and use a coupon for a freebie -- LED flashlight, 6 piece screwdriver (the basic set -- not as nice as the 'Pro' ones), or multimeter.

 

[PCO6]

Are you trying for a record of pointless threads started on GJ or something?

Use a butter knife.

Which end?

 

[Brownsfan]

Like i said before you WILL need a p3 and maybe a p4. I have encountered a p3 on many door panels and a p4 holding on brake rotors (Kia). A bit driver would not have worked in a few of the door panel situations. The p4 it could have been used. So I would get a p0,1,2,3 at least. Bigger slotted do come in very handy at time and a bit driver would not work because it would fall out. I know you are not supposed to use a screwdriver as a pry bar but it sometimes is needed. No slotted screwdriver in the history of tools has ever been broken being used properly as a screwdriver EVER.

 

[truckdriver]

I have probably 30 multi bit drivers which I love, but sometimes a dedicated driver works best. If I am doing multiples of the same screw an dedicated feels better than a multibit,the exception being the 2nd gen SO fixed handle bit drivers. I love the thinner handle. I have about 20 of these and love them.

 

[Farmall450]

It's $5, not a lot on the line here.

The big sets shine when you run into a tight access situation. I personally enjoy having the right tool for the job and those bit sets can be a pain in the *** at times.

Agreed, while is use my snappy ratcheting a lot, my instincts, and even my cmans see regular use.

 

[mark5767]

Some of these basic questions are actually kind of refreshing... it makes you think about why you actually "need" certain tools in the first place. Why do I need a hammer? Well, maybe that one could get a bit too philosophical.

Anyway, I agree with Paul's Workshop and others on the HF 8 piece Pittsburgh Pro set... what a great set of simple tools at an outrageously good price!

I can honestly say I really look forward to using my HF ratchets and screwdrivers, they are that much better than my Craftsman equivalents. The ratchets are just so smooth, and the screwdrivers feel rock solid. My other screwdrivers have damaged tips and just feel sloppy which leads to damaged fasteners and frustration. The HF are hard and precise making for a perfect connection.

So if the point of using your tools is to do get things done and you enjoy doing things right, then yes, a good set of screwdrivers is absolutely a worthy investment!

 

[illmatyk]

I asked myself the same thing almost 10 years ago when I bought my first screwdriver set, the 17 piece Craftsman set. Now I have 40-ish maybe even more screwdrivers and I am still planning on getting the SO Instinct set. Like everyone said, you'll need various length and tip sizes, so I'd say if you can spare $20 or so, go with the bigger set.

 

[Jswain]

Agreed

x3 If they took the post counter out would this happen?

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nah, there would still be trolls!

 

[CNGsaves]

There is this great thing called the INTERNET . . . . .
. . . . . you know the thing that Al Gore invented !!! . . . .

However, internet has resulted in MILLIONS of instructional videos just ready to be viewed . . . they are called YOUTUBE !!!

Another great thing is called GOOGLE !!!

Combine the two, and all that GoodEnough needs to do is watch YouTube after YouTube.

GOOGLE:

. . . . how to use screwdriver site:YouTube.com
. . . . air compressors site:YouTube.com
. . . . what is a bolt site:YouTube.com
. . . . what are helicoils site:YouTube.com
. . . . what is a vice or vise site:YouTube.com

Also, can use the website:

www.askjeeves.com

Here's link for "How to Use Screwdriver" . . . . .
http://www.ask.com/web?q=how+to+use+screwdriver&search=&qsrc=364&o=10181&l=dir&ad=dirN

/patience

 

[mark5767]

Yeah, why in the world would anyone ask a question about tools on a tool forum when there's Google and askjeeves out there.

 

[GoodEnough]

Did I ask how to use screwdrivers? No, I asked if I really need more than just the C-man supplied driver driver & bit set and the stubby for when the shank is too large.

 

[GoodEnough]

Yeah, why in the world would anyone ask a question about tools on a tool forum when there's Google and askjeeves out there.

I posted my question into Google.
All I got was this thread.
Thank god I started this thread!

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lig...the+most+common+Phillips+sizes+in+automotive?

 

[lgrlife]

The question is not, "do I need them?" The question is when will I need them? Seriously, if you plan on working on your stuff. You should get the largest screwdriver set you can comfortably buy. Feel the experience of having the right tools for the job!

 

[GoodEnough]

The question is not, "do I need them?" The question is when will I need them? Seriously, if you plan on working on your stuff. You should get the largest screwdriver set you can comfortably buy. Feel the experience of having the right tools for the job!

Ok, when will I need them?

Just saying "Get as many as you can" is really not a logical answer. Providing situations and scenarios where my existing screwdriver setup will fall short is a more valid argument in favor of buying more.

Like I said, so far, I've never gotten stuck with just my C-man bits and my stubby. I have yet to encounter a case where I've needed such variety in screwdrivers as people exhibit here. Before GJ, I had no idea 17 pc screwdriver sets even existed! I thought you just need 2-3 of each type, slotted and Phillips 0,1,2.

Yes, I am on a tool forum to expand my tool collection so I can be prepared to do the projects I want. But, I am not here to just collect and store tons of tools that I will never use either with no real justification.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ If you haven't noticed, GoodEnough consistently asks the most basic questions . . . INSTEAD . . . of doing his/her own research, and READING himself/herself.

When you've never seen a vise, or a screwdriver, or bought a bolt at hardware store, or turned on a compressor . . . . holy toledo, just have to take some self accountability !

 

[CNGsaves]

Ok, fine. When will I need them? But, just saying "Get as many as you can" is really not a valid logical answer. Providing situations and scenarios where my existing screwdriver setup will fall short is a more valid argument in favor of buying more.

I have yet to encounter a case where I've needed such variety in screwdrivers as people exhibit here. Before GJ, I had no idea 17 pc screwdriver sets even existed!

Like I said, so far, I've never gotten stuck with just my C-man bits and my stubby. So, yea, I am on a tool forum to expand my tool collection so I can be prepared to do the projects I want. But, I am not here to just hoard tons of tools that I will never use either.

Sad to say you've used up any patience that many on GJ can give.

ASKJeeves.com - - - - - likely your best bet for future questions.
Google next . . . . . then YouTubes on particular topics.

Are you a "bubble boy" that just got released on isolated island in the Pacific Ocean . . . . . . like Gilligan's Island ???

Is GILLIGAN on the island with you ?? Happy Festivus to all !

 

[PCO6]

I posted my question into Google.
All I got was this thread.
Thank god I started this thread!

https://www.google.com/search?[/QUO...teenth thread. That's the way Google works.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Did I ask how to use screwdrivers? No, I asked if I really need more than just the C-man supplied driver driver & bit set and the stubby for when the shank is too large.

Let's see...if what you have does not work for a certain application, then you know you need something else...why are you asking us? You already know the problem, you already know the solution.