Screwdrivers: Plastic, or cushioned?

[rogersmithiii]

Can people weigh in on whether you like padded screwdrivers (like Klein) or plain plastic ones like Snapon or Craftsman?

My dad used to use Kleins as an electrician, and they lasted for decades without falling apart, so I don't think the rubber coated handle is a problem.

Even so, I'd like to hear input.

Thanks

 

[Chadwilliam1]

cushion gel like Felo ergogonic.

 

[jjjrmx5]

While I have several sets , you can't get me near a c'man clear hard handle any more, but it is still considered "plastic". But not padded.

I use both hard handle and soft grip Instinct Snap-On ratcheting screwdrivers daily.
For fiixed shaft I use Wiha suede/micro finish and Snap-on soft grip Instincts.

If you work in a dirty/greasy environment, I would suggest finding a used set of S-O hard handles.

At home I use C'man Pros, Wiha's and my favorite Facom Ergo-twists which are now discontinued.

Electrical guys love their Kleins and they seem fine, although my local harware store stocks a 6 or 7 piece flat blade/ phillips made in USA Klien set for around $60, which gets you back up into Wiha, Felo and Wera territory.

I own a few Kliens but work in design, prototyping and mfgr so the brand carries little weight for me except for thier niche electrical based tools.
Klein padded units were an industry std decades ago but many brands and mfgrs have gone on to make equal or better drivers that are easily available and easily warrantied.

Grainger still stocks most of the Klien line so that says a lot meaning it's still an industry std for certain professions, but cosindering their price at any industrial supplier, better can be had cheaper. Most electricians are weened on klien tools so they usually require journeymen and new hires to have the same IIRC per my last EE and licenseed electrictian conversation over beers. (I do have a half dozen various Klien, Crescent and Stanley Jobmaster padded drivers. Most seldom see the sun and are certainly not a go-to by me.)

Good luck.

 

[SteveCh]

I have used cushioned handles a number of times, though I do not own any. Not for any particular reason, I just don't. That being said, I have no preference. Either style is fine.

On the other hand, I do not use screwdrivers for hours at a time or anything, so perhaps if one does, it would make a difference, I don't know.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I just bought the "Master Set" of Craftsman cushion handles to replace my old Craftsman Pros. I was not impressed. Not even close to par with a Klein etc. Glad I didn't get rid of the old Cman Pros!

 

[CWP1616L]

It depends on the shape of the handle. Some handle shapes need the cushioning material to give you a grip.

 

[fatfillup]

Yeah, I would say how much you use them would dictate a style you may prefer.

I would have to say my favorite is SO contoured hard handles. Not the instinct HH's.

I have a few Cman pro's that have a cushion grip and like them a lot cause the handle it tri shaped.

I do like a thicker handle for more torque.

The Kliens are great but the tips are said to be a bit soft for mechanic work. They wear quicker on hard use. Electrians probably aren't as hard on tools as mechanics for the most part.

I agree if your work is oily, stay away for soft grips. They feel slimey when oil or fuel get on them.

I would suggest you look at Williams hard handle drivers, same shape as SO's and are quality.

 

[wise]

I have a set of Instinct soft's, and Williams Hard Handle, and both seem to be excellent. I was using cheaper brands for years and I would recommend either in a heart beat if you use them every day.

 

[Holt]

I prefer cushioned like Felo Ergonic or Wera but I am still a fan or Snap On hard handles. I was a fan of older klein but they changed the handles not to long ago and the quality has gone down hill as well.

 

[gagreen]

Matco (oem witte i believe) has some outstandingly comfortable grips, but if your working with synthetic fluids or chemicals they lose their luster quick. Snap on soft handles are very nice if your working in a relatively oil free enviroment, as the soft handle does degrade with use. Soft handled drivers are also a bit tougher to keep clean if your a neat freak like I am.

Snap on hard handles are great screwdrivers that you just cant go wrong with. I also have fell in love Facom's handle shape and feel. Here is my facom set of hard handled drivers. The stubby facom's in the pic are not so great, ill be replacing them with snap on stubby's. (the craftsman screwdrivers in the pic are now drilled thru the for a wrist lanyard for working over water. Can't bring myself to drill thru a more expensive set lol)

 

[jeffmoss26]

Both. My go-to drivers are all Klein. They are a must doing electrical/voice/data/audio work.
At home, I have a mix of Craftsman and Snap-on hard handles. There are a couple Instincts in there as well.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i use some of everything
i prefer softer rubber grips; i dont like dropping screwdrivers
i have a set of red hard handle snapons......i really dislike them...they dont fit my hands at all
i like husky pros and i have one instinct p2 from snap on that is nice
there are also quite a few kliens running around the shop

tldr i like them all; prefer rubber grips.....for grip

 

[basspro]

I have a nice set of Snap On Instincts with the soft grip, I work alot in hydraulics and the thick grip is nice. For electrical work I use insulated Felo's. To be honest, if I need a screwdriver for something, my Irwin 9in1 multi driver gets about 75% of the screwdriver duties.

 

[Chuck122]

I don't like how coushionned ones kind of "give" in your hand. My S•K hard handles feel like rocks

 

[CWP1616L]

The shape of the handle is what's most important. Sometimes you have to grab the handle like you would an ice pick; on that occasion, it helps to have a round handle like a Klein.

 

[blackz26]

Guess I'm odd man out. Craftsman hard handles for me. But I mostly use my Stanley soft handle ratchet bit driver with my 100pc greatneck bit set.

 

[Burgerkong]

If you're tearing down or working on something which spews oils/grease/nasty things, hard handles for ease of cleanup. For any other time, 'soft'.

 

[Gregg33]

Hardhandles look better and clean up easier. Comfort isn't much of an issue, for large jobs I use an impact driver, although some of the old screwdrivers I have, have such small handles that it makes it difficult to break loose really tight screws.

 

[celticbhoy]

I use the clear hard craftsman screwdrivers. They just feel right in my hands. Not a fan of cushioned screwdrivers.

 

[ddo]

I use felo ergonics as for general use. The cusion helps get a bit of extra grip and just love how it feels. Dish soap is all it takes to clean em up. They work well enough for me when dirty or greasy because the handle deforms and you get grip that way. Im fine with a tool that gets dirty so long as it functions when it does.

For electrical and instrument screwdrivers i like wiha. Seems like they are oriented towards electrical work quite well.

If im breaking the rules ill just abuse the craftsman warranty.