Screwdrivers - What To Buy

[Adam.C]

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

Wiha made in vietnam now?

Yes. See GJ thread here.

I have a large set of Knipex pliers. None have the fit and finish of Snap On pliers which are roughly the same price - expensive. I actually prefer the basic Snap On slip joint pliers for many jobs. These aren't the slip joints we grew up with. They are tightly machined and ground, hard and strong.

See my comparison here.

I still use cobras and plier wrenches around the house and recommend them with reservations.

 

[sam.coll]

Have had witte, klein, wera, wiha my favorites for general are Stahlwille 3K drall but the old black handled Stahlwille Drall are good to, for electrical I always use Wiha

 

[ultgar]

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.

Here's something different.....I got a 6pc screwdriver set in from Facom yesterday and the 4x100mm slotted driver was different than the others in the set. Trying to find out why. Here it is in total darkness illuminated by a UV light (that came with the set).....

And without the UV light (5 of the 6 screwdrivers in the set had the black/yellow grips)....

These are part of the Facom's tool line marketed to aviation/aerospace with fluorescent grips and RFID chips for detection and retrieval in aircraft.

SD

 

[BuffaloHiker]

I just received the JH Wiliams 8 piece screwdriver set from ToolsDelivered.com for less than $40. I consider that to be a very good value given the quality of the product.

 

[jetdawg]

Yes. See GJ thread here.

I have a large set of Knipex pliers. None have the fit and finish of Snap On pliers which are roughly the same price - expensive. I actually prefer the basic Snap On slip joint pliers for many jobs. These aren't the slip joints we grew up with. They are tightly machined and ground, hard and strong.

See my comparison here.

I still use cobras and plier wrenches around the house and recommend them with reservations.

Oh I thought you meant the drivers.

I was struggling to take something away from that comparison. Knipex have been absolutely superb for me.

 

[SantaAna12]

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.

Morning Olafur,
Where did you buy the Vessel set from and would you define the value?

 

[buba]

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.

I did a warranty return on a #2 Cman Pro recently and they replaced it with a new Cman Cushion Grip #2. The Cushion Grips appear to be made by Western Forge in Colorado like the discontinued Pros, just a different handle perhaps.

Craftsman Cushion Grip

 

[03protege]

I love my Cman Pro's I never knew how much difference a nice grip could make on a screwdriver.

Unfortunately Sears put that line out to pasture.

 

[Adam.C]

I love my Cman Pro's I never knew how much difference a nice grip could make on a screwdriver.

Unfortunately Sears put that line out to pasture.

Don't the Phillips have hex shanks tho? I never liked that feature.

 

[Tucker99]

How come know one mention Milwaukee drivers?? The set I'm looking at the Philips have a wire bender and stripper built them; don't think anyone else has that.

Yea those old hard handled SO, Williams, and Craftsman may be ok for the young studs but us old guys need a soft grip.

 

[Olafur]

Morning Olafur,
Where did you buy the Vessel set from and would you define the value?

I got mine from member here: http://www.levelchrome.com/Screwdrivers_c_7.html
I don't spot the same drivers I got at his web for the moment and if memory serves the price has gone up quite a bit judging by other Vessel drivers he is currently offering.

These blue ones are what I have:
http://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Vessel900_Series_MEGADORA_Screwdrivers.html (UK seller)

First thing you notice is how light they are. And even if they are "soft grip" the handle does not have the typical rubber feeling to it overall - but there are softer strips in the handles (black stripes see pic). Shank is curled for easy quick spin. Like I said I have not used them a lot but I tore down the interior in my old Nissan truck with them and was impressed with how well the ph2 driver fit.



Come to think of it, perhaps I should try them next time I get a dirty diesel project to see how they do in an oil bath. (BTW pic taken when new - 2 years ago)

 

[anurag1990]

I have this PH#2 wera. See how it stuck to screw because of laser etching on its tips. Two component handle is comfortable. There are 3 brands that I would love to own, Wera, wiha and PB swiss.

 

[oldldh]

My vote is for Proto Yellow Handle Classics---

That's where I put my money...

 

[arz71]

My vote is for Proto Yellow Handle Classics---

That's where I put my money...

The Proto Yellow handles ---- Question:

Is the handle the same as the MAC hard handles???

If so I really like them, wish Snap-On would bring back the slim line screw driver handles!

someone stole mine

 

[Parrothead]

I love my Cman Pro's I never knew how much difference a nice grip could make on a screwdriver.

Unfortunately Sears put that line out to pasture.

Just buy the SK cushion grips....same screwdrivers only green instead of red.

 

[Olafur]

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

Thank you for the link and good info. I was not aware Snap On made both soft and hard Instinct handle.

This means I have to get a set of hard instincts!

 

[SantaAna12]

I got mine from member here: http://www.levelchrome.com/Screwdrivers_c_7.html
I don't spot the same drivers I got at his web for the moment and if memory serves the price has gone up quite a bit judging by other Vessel drivers he is currently offering.

These blue ones are what I have:
http://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Vessel900_Series_MEGADORA_Screwdrivers.html (UK seller)

First thing you notice is how light they are. And even if they are "soft grip" the handle does not have the typical rubber feeling to it overall - but there are softer strips in the handles (black stripes see pic). Shank is curled for easy quick spin. Like I said I have not used them a lot but I tore down the interior in my old Nissan truck with them and was impressed with how well the ph2 driver fit.



Come to think of it, perhaps I should try them next time I get a dirty diesel project to see how they do in an oil bath. (BTW pic taken when new - 2 years ago)

Thanks Olafur! I appreciate the remark on the #2, as I tend to judge screwdrivers on how well that particular item performs. I have been cruising a few sites looking for Koken deals and kept seeing these. I am going to buy the #2 on my next order.
Great pic btw.

 

[enrare]

Has anyone tried the Snap-On diamond tip Instinct screwdrivers with the diamond particles? Catalog description claims better bite to minimize slipping, long lasting performance and minimal wear. Just curious if they are worth the extra cost over the regular instinct screwdrivers.

 

[zkling]

Wiha ($) or PB swiss ($$). I went from cman pro to Wiha, slowly working on a small PB swiss assortment. I'm just not a fan of the square handle snap on/williams.

 

[nationalminer84]

I went for the German made Matcos and love them.

I have the same set branded Cornwell my all time favorite drivers


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[exmaxima1]

I have the same set branded Cornwell my all time favorite drivers


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Made by Witte, and available from K C Tools for under $50

 

[raf0419]

+1 on the Wiha. I love mine. Huge upgrade from my CMan set. [emoji106]

 

[JonnyMac]

Find yourself some pb swiss. Rock hard tips and very comfortable handles.
I have Mac and snap on hard handles, wera stainless kraftform and pb swiss.. the pb swiss are the best.

 

[Parrothead]

How come know one mention Milwaukee drivers?? The set I'm looking at the Philips have a wire bender and stripper built them; don't think anyone else has that.

Yea those old hard handled SO, Williams, and Craftsman may be ok for the young studs but us old guys need a soft grip.

I think a lot of that hast to do with the Milwaukee drivers being made in China or Taiwan.

 

[SantaAna12]

Find yourself some pb swiss. Rock hard tips and very comfortable handles.
I have Mac and snap on hard handles, wera stainless kraftform and pb swiss.. the pb swiss are the best.

Where are the PBswiss value deals?

 

[zkling]

Where are the PBswiss value deals?

 

[SantaAna12]

Ha!

Optimistic?

 

[so2315]

+1 on Witte. I have a John Deere set of Witte drivers and I use them more than the hard handle Snap On set I have. They seem to "lock in" when used on a phillips head and bite better.

 

[JonnyMac]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008P...&dpID=416z8FUvehL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

you could use amazon..

 

[Itinerant]

SantaAna, re: PBSwiss, it depends on your definition of a "value" deal.

I got mine from www.toollady.com and paid $110 shipped for both the 8240 and 8242 sets, present list is $117.05 which I consider reasonable, YMMV. Get on the e-mail list so you'll be alerted to periodic specials, last holiday season she had both sets at 20% off so they could be had for under $95.

Or do as Jonny suggests and use Amazon.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Wiha may not be at the top of its game these days, but I have a twenty year-old insulated driver from them that is just incredibly strong and still has a great fitting blade. Before I knew it was special, I abused the poor thing like no other. I would say that based on that driver, one could safely say it would be worth watching ebay for old used pieces from Wiha. Their electronics screwdrivers are still good in my opinion.

 

[SantaAna12]

Thanks Jonny. I was looking at them last night. The phillips set.with the.Swiss grip.is oos right now, but the rainbow set.with the newer.grip (cant remember it) is cheaper. I am unsure about the handle preference.

Itenerant: I used the word value because I am ok with the cost of a quality tool......just not ok with leaving money on the table. I seem to remember a 25% off PB.Swiss awhile back. It could of been a holiday deal. Iwill look at toollady today.

BTW Which grip did you buy? NVM.....I will check the item #.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Snap On/Williams are great I've always liked those. The newer Instinct units are not my favorite, but I can see how the old guys would like the ergonomic handles. I should probably keep them in mind for the day that surely cometh when I can no longer loosen a screw faster than some electric screwdrivers.
The Matco/Witte driver design is intriguing. I have some Matco nut drivers, but I've never tried the screwdrivers, so I can't speak for the tips. I can say that while I don't love the handles on the nut drivers, It's mostly the tactile feel. I use them mostly in clean settings, so I haven't really gotten them dirty, but I suspect that the handle style would be pretty good when things get greasy.

There's always Klein. These have always been my go-to electrical drivers, but keep in mind: they are not good with oil.

I think my next screwdrivers are going to be PB Swiss. I've just read too many good things about them to ignore.

 

[Davefr]

Find yourself some pb swiss. Rock hard tips and very comfortable handles.
I have Mac and snap on hard handles, wera stainless kraftform and pb swiss.. the pb swiss are the best.

I agree that PB Swiss are the best but they're pretty expensive and hard to find.

IMHO PB Swiss is excellent for precision work but a poor choice for automotive and/or general maintenance where it's common to abuse screwdrivers.

For general purpose I'd go with Williams or Proto Durateks.

 

[jshillin]

I have sets of SO Hard Handles, Wera Kraftforms & Crraftsman Pro's. Really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Itinerant]

Itenerant: I used the word value because I am ok with the cost of a quality tool......just not ok with leaving money on the table.

SantaAna, I didn't mean to sound flippant. I share your sentiments exactly.

 

[zkling]

Ha!

Optimistic?

Well, for me coming from the craftsman pro's they were a bit hard to swallow an entire set at ~$10+ per driver, where as the common Wiha was about half that per driver. I was on the fence between the proto durateks and the Wiha. Like proto as a brand, but also liked the allure of German screwdrivers. What swayed me to the Wiha was that I was able to hold a few in my hand at Sears and get a feel for the handle size and shape unlike the Proto drivers. I was a bit hesitant to buy the entire set of screwdrivers that I couldn't feel in my hand at first.

I like the older (black) craftsman pro driver handle shape, or maybe that is what I just got used to. And after many recommendations ordered a few PBswiss on sale at ~$7 per IIRC as their handle shape matched the old craftsman pro's closer than any other I could find. I do not like the handle shape of the new craftsman pro's which are stated to be the same as the SK screwdrivers.

IIRC I ordered the PBswiss from a place Monte recommended. I'm in the US. If the proto durateks go on a large discount I will probably buy a basic set as they get such good reviews around here. Screwdrivers are by far my most used tool.

 

[zkling]

Thanks Jonny. I was looking at them last night. The phillips set.with the.Swiss grip.is oos right now, but the rainbow set.with the newer.grip (cant remember it) is cheaper. I am unsure about the handle preference.

Itenerant: I used the word value because I am ok with the cost of a quality tool......just not ok with leaving money on the table. I seem to remember a 25% off PB.Swiss awhile back. It could of been a holiday deal. Iwill look at toollady today.

BTW Which grip did you buy? NVM.....I will check the item #.

I can say they are certainty a very high quality item, just have to decide if they are worth it or not to you. I went with the swiss grips and that sale a while back was pitiful IMHO.

I'll also add. I liked the Wera in pictures, but did not like the COO (sorry) and when I got a chance to hold them in my hand the grip just did not work for me. The selection of screwdrivers, especially European is very overwhelming. Pick any brand and you will find a few people that say that particular brand is the best. However many agree that PB swiss is the top, but $$. Another I looked at was Felo, but again since I could not hold them in hand I was hesitant.

 

[SantaAna12]

Thanks guys....good points.

I am getting older, and I have a half dozen older SO black hard handles, and the Williams set. I like thsm both, but lately I have been looking at better ergo choices. Retirement is somewhere on the far horizon, and a quality set makes sense to me while I can.
I am also open to the Instinct.series, but after being blown away by a Koken Zeal 1/4 purchase, I am looking....shopping.....trying to decide what the best value is.
Thanks for the tips.
BTW I bought a single Felo....a.#1.....tried it....tried to make it cam out on a frozen stainless into aluminum thing.....it hung in there, and better than the #1 Williams (I do not have a #1 SO). But the grip, at least on the one I have, is too small to be considered ergo. In my mind anyways.

 

[zkling]

But the grip, at least on the one I have, is too small to be considered ergo. In my mind anyways.

I think that is the biggest factor for screwdrivers at the high quality level. No other hand tool is quite as ergonomically dependent on the specific user as a screwdriver.