Screwdrivers - What To Buy

[littleponderosa]

Ok, need to upgrade the screwdrivers and get into a better grade. Old Cman big set has served me well for 20+ years, but too many broken tips and rounded off philips.
What are the best bang for the buck that will last me thru the end?

Only set I've seen that should suffice is the 17-19 piece from Williams with the original style SO handles. Opinions please.
Thanks
Bill

 

[arz71]

The Williams/Proto/Witte are all excellent choices.

The new Duratek Proto ones are really nice, they seem to be very resistant to chemicals and that is the ones I am going to buy. Got Snap-On ones but going to the MAC Duratek ones.

 

[exmaxima1]

Only set I've seen that should suffice is the 17-19 piece from Williams with the original style SO handles. Opinions please.

If you mainly use them for automotive work, the hard handles on that set are great since they clean up easily. If you need an electrical or electronics set, you should look at soft grip ergo handles like Wiha, Felo, or Wera. I especially like the Wiha 3K "anti-cam-out" Phillips drivers.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Old Cman big set has served me well for 20+ years, but too many broken tips and rounded off philips.

What are the best bang for the buck that will last me thru the end?

Opinions please.

Warranty the ones you have for brand new ones... FREE

 

[ss454]

I really like the discontinued red/black cman pros, I completed a set with the sk drivers that are the same other than being green/black. sk hard handles are nice too.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Warranty the ones you have for brand new ones... FREE

Question:

Are these discontinued:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/Pratt-Read_Craftsman_cushion_grip_screwdrivers.jpg

And replaced with these?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Craftsman_cushion_grip_screwdrivers.jpg


And do the old cushions fit the new hard inner handles?

 

[Stuey]

Wiha Micro Grip
Wera Kraftform
Proto or Mac Duratek
PB Swiss (somewhat limited selection)
Williams hard handle

Wiha 3K offer best bang for buck, others offer bigger bangs for more bucks.

 

[nationalminer84]

I have Cornwell and snap on from my dealership days the Cornwell are made by witte and I prefer them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[twertsy]

I went for the German made Matcos and love them.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

They're guaranteed for life. Also, they're still made in USA. Trade them in for free.

 

[arz71]

I went for the German made Matcos and love them.

Got 1 #3 phillips Matco and it is nice.

I used to have the Snap-On slim line screw drivers they don't make them anymore. Someone in the shop liked them more than me and they all grew legs and ran away.

 

[Heaty]

Buy snap on. Buy once, they give promo deals for screwdriver sets for less than 100 bucks with the instinct handles. Feels Ooh so good

 

[Askme42]

They're guaranteed for life. Also, they're still made in USA. Trade them in for free.

But they aren't exactly great screwdrivers.

 

[Davefr]

Ok, need to upgrade the screwdrivers and get into a better grade. Old Cman big set has served me well for 20+ years, but too many broken tips and rounded off philips.
What are the best bang for the buck that will last me thru the end?

Only set I've seen that should suffice is the 17-19 piece from Williams with the original style SO handles. Opinions please.
Thanks
Bill

Williams or Proto Durateks if you want to skip CM.

This set is excellent and if you wait for a Zoro flash sale you can get it for around $100 (that's around $100 less then Amazon!!):

http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291106/

 

[uncletater]

But they aren't exactly great screwdrivers.

OP " they have served me well for some 20+ years"

They don't sound bad to me.


Personally I am sold on Wera.

 

[Askme42]

OP " they have served me well for some 20+ years"

They don't sound bad to me.


Personally I am sold on Wera.

Stripped out screws.

Don't sound great to me.

 

[Conductor562]

Question:

Are these discontinued:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/Pratt-Read_Craftsman_cushion_grip_screwdrivers.jpg

And replaced with these?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Craftsman_cushion_grip_screwdrivers.jpg


And do the old cushions fit the new hard inner handles?

No, they've offered both of those simotaniously for a good while now. The Klein copy is made by Pratt-Reed, the others are Western Forge. My Sears doesn't offer the PR versions

 

[sberry]

I got most flavors. Personally would buy a set or 2 different at a flea and or get your cman new, new Cman and when I came across a job where the duty cycle and need met such as wiring a house stand in the asile at a box store or 2 and pick off a single or 2 that ideally match the job along with an extra razor knife and pair of side cutters etc as needed.
I really don't care for matching set anyway and have as many survivors I paid a dollar for as I did 10 back in the day. You can buy a trade level common driver for about 6$ today.
Why spend 30 just to "make it to the end"
Buy a couple here and there you need, I add a new sharp tip to the herd if I need one or the opportunity comes along. I snagged a couple USA out of a clearance rack at Sears a while back at a dollar, it was all there was but they work good, nice new handles stand out.

 

[ruffryder]

I got most flavors. Personally would buy a set or 2 different at a flea and or get your cman new, new Cman and when I came across a job where the duty cycle and need met such as wiring a house stand in the asile at a box store or 2 and pick off a single or 2 that ideally match the job along with an extra razor knife and pair of side cutters etc as needed.
I really don't care for matching set anyway and have as many survivors I paid a dollar for as I did 10 back in the day. You can buy a trade level common driver for about 6$ today.
Why spend 30 just to "make it to the end"
Buy a couple here and there you need, I add a new sharp tip to the herd if I need one or the opportunity comes along. I snagged a couple USA out of a clearance rack at Sears a while back at a dollar, it was all there was but they work good, nice new handles stand out.

I think you need to edit this post a couple more times. That is a tough read.

 

[Adam.C]

Buy snap on. Buy once, they give promo deals for screwdriver sets for less than 100 bucks with the instinct handles. Feels Ooh so good

Right answer. The hard instincts are every bit as easy to clean as the old HH were and far easier to grip. Instinct is as revolutionary as the old HH design was.
Buy online full retail and you will have easy warranty service forever. I recommend picking up a few #2 Phillips cabinet screwdrivers while you are at it. Very helpful.

Don't forget that as you get older you loose hand strength. Instinct really help.

 

[Parrothead]

If it were me I'd just warranty the Craftsmans. Why spend more money than you have to? If you really want something different you should buy the Willams. As you know they're Snap On's without all the fancy look at my screwdriver boutique colors. Spend no coin and get new USA warranty screwdrivers or spend a little coin and get the Williams.

 

[jinx]

I just ordered the Wiha 30295 set. I hope these last me for a long time or at least through my apprenticeship.

 

[Adam.C]

I just ordered the Wiha 30295 set. I hope these last me for a long time or at least through my apprenticeship.

Good luck with them. Some are made in Vietnam and the tips are soft. The handle is ok, but has the same problems the snap on soft grip have- hard to clean. The instinct grip and ACR tips are a light year ahead of Wiha.

This is another GJ bandwagon I jumped on and was sorry I did. Knipex pliers are the other BTW.

 

[Dust Devil]

Good luck with them. Some are made in Vietnam and the tips are soft. The handle is ok, but has the same problems the snap on soft grip have- hard to clean. The instinct grip and ACR tips are a light year ahead of Wiha.

This is another GJ bandwagon I jumped on and was sorry I did. Knipex pliers are the other BTW.

I own both and totally disagree.

Caring for the handles is as easy as wiping down with a moist rag.

IMO the Snap soft instinct and the Wiha comfort grips are the best screwdrivers you can get.

 

[Dust Devil]

I just ordered the Wiha 30295 set. I hope these last me for a long time or at least through my apprenticeship.

You will be happy with these.

 

[Adam.C]

You will be happy with these.

With respect, guys are funny about their tool purchases. One reviewer of this set on Amazon gave the set 4 stars but said one Phillips head was too pointy and had to be reshaped to be functional.

Point is, different folks have different notions of good or acceptable. FWIW, I too have both brands and find them incomparable. But don't let me influence you. Use them and make up your own mind. Only reason I wrote what I did is I bought my set after rave reviews and thought "these kinda ****". Is it me? Did I get a bum set? After sending some stuff back snd getting the same stuff I kinda figured it was the tools.

YMMV and I hope you are happy with your screwdrivers.

 

[SASORacing]

I mostly use screwdriver bits on a 3/8 socket on my 3/8 Mil 3/8 impact m12 gun. Easier, faster, and less chance of stripping out.

I like the Matcos posted above, by far the most comfy and powerfull.

 

[shockwave]

For electronics -wiha

For general I like the Williams/snap on hard handles and wittes/Matco/Cornwell the best

 

[SantaAna12]

Great thread! Ha!

With all due respect to the CMAN vote: Have you bought any of the CMAN screwdrivers lately? If you have and are still buying them......do what u have to do.

To Mr. Berry: do not edit a damn thing.

My Wiha precision set are great.

My goto screwdriver? Old Mac magnetic with good tips. Personally.....I use mostly #2s.....I replace bits often....this works best for me.

 

[arz71]

Williams or Proto Durateks if you want to skip CM.

This set is excellent and if you wait for a Zoro flash sale you can get it for around $100 (that's around $100 less then Amazon!!):

http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291106/

Did you get this set if so how do you like em?

thanks

 

[ilovevocs]

Wiha Micro Grip
Wera Kraftform
Proto or Mac Duratek
PB Swiss (somewhat limited selection)
Williams hard handle

Wiha 3K offer best bang for buck, others offer bigger bangs for more bucks.

Listen to this guy. Unless your drinking the tool truck kool aid.

 

[Davefr]

Did you get this set if so how do you like em?

thanks

Yes, I got them during one of Zoro's flash sales.

They're a "top shelf" screwdriver. They're as good as SO/Williams at a fraction of the price. PB Swiss is a little better IMHO.

 

[RedRabbit]

I love the snap on sets I have... so the Williams are a good choice.

 

[Bruce57]

The Williams are a good choice.

 

[rick carpenter]

Your old ones are looooong ago paid for, so warranty them and use for beaters. Buy a new set of any of the recommendations made here, any/all are good enough.

I have a Williams black hard handle set and I like them. I have a few Kleins, some MasterMechanics (Pratt-Reeds, but maybe Western Forge), and some garage sale special beaters.

 

[Olafur]

Right answer. The hard instincts are every bit as easy to clean as the old HH were and far easier to grip. Instinct is as revolutionary as the old HH design was.
Buy online full retail and you will have easy warranty service forever. I recommend picking up a few #2 Phillips cabinet screwdrivers while you are at it. Very helpful.

Don't forget that as you get older you loose hand strength. Instinct really help.

Since I have zero Snap On drivers and never held one in my hand - could you post a link to said instincts?
I am actually looking for good drivers that are easy to clean for the messy jobs.
Thanks!

Ps
I see you are not happy with Knipex pliers - why?

 

[Olafur]

Going to throw in some ideas for you.

Bost (France) = older instinct handle SK. Great drivers and have served me well - 15 years in my electric case and counting. I love them for electric (clean) jobs. Easy to spin fast/soft grip and good tips. For dirty work not so much.

Vessel (Japan) seems to be top quality with semi hard handles. Not used mine enough but they sure are promising - great value.

 

[Exceller8]

Out in my little shop I have all Snap-On screwdrivers. Mostly hard handle. I really love them and I think they're worth the $$$. With that being said, I use these around the house and they work great!!!

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


Do what you want with that info.

 

[jetdawg]

Good luck with them. Some are made in Vietnam and the tips are soft. The handle is ok, but has the same problems the snap on soft grip have- hard to clean. The instinct grip and ACR tips are a light year ahead of Wiha.

This is another GJ bandwagon I jumped on and was sorry I did. Knipex pliers are the other BTW.

What's wrong with knipex? Please don't say ch'lock is better.

Wiha made in vietnam now?

 

[Adam.C]

Since I have zero Snap On drivers and never held one in my hand - could you post a link to said instincts?
I am actually looking for good drivers that are easy to clean for the messy jobs.
Thanks!

Here's a link to some Snap On advertising about the instinct.

There are couple interesting things about the video to watch for:
1) It really is true that Snap On is a huge and successful company who, unlike Danaher and other tool manufacturers, perform research and design new products on a regular basis. They have the resources other companies don't.

2) When I think of instinct drivers, I think of the grip they offer. I no longer need a tight grip to develop enough friction to turn the screwdriver. I'm in my 50's and that helps me. The other way to develop friction is to use a soft rubber coating (like Wiha etc etc). These are great until they become oily. Then you are trying to hold a cylindrical object and rotate it. That was always the advantage of the old Snap On HH; it had these corners you can feel and develop torque with. My guess is, had you asked me 30 years ago, I may not have cared. I had those hands that could crush a steel pipe that we all had in our 20s.

3) In the market study they flashed on the screen at the end, the Instinct hard grip was the most popular. But it wasn't by much. And they only seemed to review truck tools and craftsman. But that loosely lines up with what we see here on GJ.

4) Couple things I learned watching the video. My old Craftsman pros had the tip markings on the **** end, but it was subtle (gold on black rubber) and kinda wore off. So I agree, I like the markings. I also MUCH prefer the bright colors. Also don't like square or rectangular shanks (like Craftsman pro). I also agree about the smooth **** end and neck. Overall, I like my Wiha screwdrivers and they tick many of these boxes. But the instinct handles are larger and dramatically easier to break automotive screws free with. If you aren't doing a lot of automotive, and you are young and strong, pick whatever floats your boat (but look long and hard at Snap On for its' lifetime warranty).

Last think I would add is, make sure you have PZI screwdrivers for PZI screws (like drywall screws).