Screwdrivers, Keep'm or downsize

[dink]

So I have been contemplating this for about a week now. I have screwdrivers and I also have Screwdriver handles with insert bit chucks on them. I have a ton of insert bits at different lengths. And the contemplation now is why do I need screwdrivers when I have these handles and bits I can use? I rarely do work on cars and pretty much only household stuff and building cabinets and or furniture stuff. I have been downsizing my car tools dramatically, and now I am contemplating my screwdrivers and my screwdriver handles and insert bits collection. My insert bit collection takes up A WHOLE LOT of less space then my screwdrivers do.

What are your opinions on this matter?

 

[twincam00]

Give them away to friends who don't have tools

 

[GirlnAgarage]

So I have been contemplating this for about a week now. I have screwdrivers and I also have Screwdriver handles with insert bit chucks on them. I have a ton of insert bits at different lengths. And the contemplation now is why do I need screwdrivers when I have these handles and bits I can use? I rarely do work on cars and pretty much only household stuff and building cabinets and or furniture stuff. I have been downsizing my car tools dramatically, and now I am contemplating my screwdrivers and my screwdriver handles and insert bits collection. My insert bit collection takes up A WHOLE LOT of less space then my screwdrivers do.

What are your opinions on this matter?

I was in a similar boat. What I decided to do was keep a set of each in the places I needed tools. So, bits and driver in the truck, alog with a standard phillips and flat head. Also left the same in the garage tool box. Inside the house in the junk drawer is a standard phillips and flat head.

Everything else went to the garage sale pile.

The reason I kept the standard screw drivers is because sometimes te bit drivers are too fat to fit into a recessed area to get to the screw. I am working on this very thing right now, driving myself crazy because I cannot find my T25 driver. I have my T25 bit and SO ratcheting screw driver and a Cman driver, but they are too fat to fit into the slots of the molded covers of the steering column on the truck. I can't get to the screw heads. I have plenty of bits but they can't be used

Anyway, cover your bases and get rid of the rest


btw, you got a t25 I can run over and use? LOL (I'm in the 'vine too)

 

[billymade]

Typically, getting rid of tools is a bad idea and you most times will regret it! Take some pics of what you have; that way we can see them. As with any tool; each one does a specific job; reducing your ability to address many different work situations, always seems to end up being frustrating when you reduce your tool options. Granted; "more is better" is the default opinion around here but there is some truth/wisdom to it. If you have redundancy and "copies" of the same thing; I can see the desire to downside. If your screwdrivers are unique and all address specific situations, fasteners etc. then you should reconsider. Storage of what you have can be optimized or those screwdrivers that aren't used as much can be put somewhere that aren't filling up your box. Tell/show us your tool storage and what screwdrivers you have... I'm sure there is room for optimizing and figuring out what would work best for you..

Also, unless they are pro brands; whatever you sell them for... generally isn't worth much; better to have access to them, then whatever little money you will get out of them...

 

[nomad69]

I put a set in my road box because its almsot a security blanket type thing for me, I have a set in my woodworking shop . All the rest got yard saled last summer because I just never used them

 

[dink]

I was in a similar boat. What I decided to do was keep a set of each in the places I needed tools. So, bits and driver in the truck, alog with a standard phillips and flat head. Also left the same in the garage tool box. Inside the house in the junk drawer is a standard phillips and flat head.

Everything else went to the garage sale pile.

The reason I kept the standard screw drivers is because sometimes te bit drivers are too fat to fit into a recessed area to get to the screw. I am working on this very thing right now, driving myself crazy because I cannot find my T25 driver. I have my T25 bit and SO ratcheting screw driver and a Cman driver, but they are too fat to fit into the slots of the molded covers of the steering column on the truck. I can't get to the screw heads. I have plenty of bits but they can't be used

Anyway, cover your bases and get rid of the rest


btw, you got a t25 I can run over and use? LOL (I'm in the 'vine too)

Just a 6-1 torx screwdriver

 

[lwlobo]

You're not likely to find a lot of support for downsizing tool collections here on GJ. It's like asking Phillip Morris if you should quit smoking...

 

[Outlawmws]

I was in a similar boat. What I decided to do was keep a set of each in the places I needed tools. So, bits and driver in the truck, alog with a standard phillips and flat head. Also left the same in the garage tool box. Inside the house in the junk drawer is a standard phillips and flat head.

Everything else went to the garage sale pile.

The reason I kept the standard screw drivers is because sometimes te bit drivers are too fat to fit into a recessed area to get to the screw. I am working on this very thing right now, driving myself crazy because I cannot find my T25 driver. I have my T25 bit and SO ratcheting screw driver and a Cman driver, but they are too fat to fit into the slots of the molded covers of the steering column on the truck. I can't get to the screw heads. I have plenty of bits but they can't be used

Anyway, cover your bases and get rid of the rest


btw, you got a t25 I can run over and use? LOL (I'm in the 'vine too)

^^^ THIS ^^^

And for flat blade drivers, a std driver can easily be ground for a better/perfect fit. Bits might be able to be ground but with difficulty.

Also a bit driver doesn't generally come in "Stubby" lengths, so you still need those also.

Keep at least one copy of each, but if you really feel the need to cut back, only get rid of the dupes. (or use them in road boxes, and kitchen/desk drawers...)

 

[JASTECH]

On that t25, will the flex shaft fit?
I have the snappy rat skiggle driver but can't locate any shafts via used, anybody know where PM me please. Sorry for the hijack.

 

[canuckian]

i too have the affliction of waaay too many screwdrivers. I'm actually contemplating downsizing here shortly. it was fun to gather many of the different colored sets Snap On made but they take up so damn much room! Just can't afford to lose full drawers to duplicate sets. I also find myself not using them anyways because I always grab one from the set in my cart first. ratcheting screwdrivers on the other hand will remain an obsession of mine lol. I'll keep a full set in the box, cart and in the house box. the rest will likely go on ebay or here at some point.
So, I say downsize to a set of the basics that you're comfortable and happy with and shed the rest. Wether you give them away or sell them, you'll appreciate the room you free up.

 

[concealer404]

Screwdrivers are my weakness. I have every bit of 60-70 of them, and i have a cart sitting on Cripe's site right now with another 30. UGH.

 

[jeffmoss26]

you can never have too many screwdrivers!

 

[Toolman12]

you can never have too many screwdrivers!

Damn skippy Jeff

 

[Holt]

Bits dont make good prybars and chisels

 

[vartz04]

I have one set with just about every normal size of phillips/flat. A set of torx and a set of nut drivers in common sizes. Id never be able to handle using bit drivers for everything.

I also can't see a point in having more than 2 of something in a certian size. Ive got like 25 phillips flat and torx and about 10 nut drivers.

 

[teletekman]

you can never have too many screwdrivers!

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I have been wanting to do the same thing and just keep 1 of my ratcheting screw drivers, one interchangeable shank set, ratcheting offset set and just a set of precision screw drivers..
Do not use anything else

I need more room but I really dont feel like dealing with ebay or tool collectors that wipe their stuff down with diapers or it would all already be up for sale..

 

[Cookannapurna]

Quick, go to your nearest tool truck, walk in, breath deep, and buy something, anything!

I think that this will cure your urge to get rid of tools, but I don't know for sure as I have NEVER been afflicted with such a hideous and socially unacceptable disease.

Please keep any further notions of downsizing your tools to yourself, as it could incite mass hysteria and riots. In fact the world we know and love could start spinning backwards if too many people follow your lead.

By the way I would be happy to accept any donations of those evil things!

 

[cgv69]

I wouldn't get rid of your regular screwdrivers as I know there are times where a bit driver will not fit (due to shank diameter) and only a real screwdriver will do the job. I admit I love my SO ratching bit and nut drivers and use them 99% of the time but I have been burned a few too many times with it not fitting into some place tight to ever considering getting rid of my regular screwdrivers.

 

[Obie]

I was in the same boat. I had a drawer full of screwdrivers that didn't see much use. Replaced em all with a Mac ratcheting screwdriver and bit set. They were packaged together in one nice, neat, convenient little case. Freed up quite a bit of room.

"Oh, these screwdrivers came with the Armstrong kit I ordered? Nice, I have plenty of room for them. Oooh, USA made Craftsman jewelers screwdrivers? How can I say no?" Whether you downsize or not, you're probably gonna fill the missing space with *something* related to screwdrivers. Can't keep your tools lonely, and drawers don't like being mismatched.

 

[crewchief888]

Bits dont make good prybars and chisels

yep.

i wouldnt want to be beating on a S ratcheting driver.

even i have standards

 

[ckadams00]

I think you should downsize. I think I should help.