Screwdrivers, what's good and affordable?

[puttsy]

I'm looking to replace my HF screwdrivers in my go-to box. Currently I have the 6-piece "free" (w/ coupon) drivers and they are worn thin or almost worn out. Now, I'm a bit picky so, that's why I'm here to hear from all of you. I prefer square-handle drivers that are fairly small. The handles on my HF's are a bit too small but, the handle on any of the Snap-On/Williams drivers are huge!

I only need 6 sizes, inc. stubbies but haven't found much in that range. Square, small-ish handle and studdy drivers. The High-Vis, Pratt-Read drivers from McMaster-Carr *almost* had my vote but, there aren't any matching stubbies. And it doesn't look like PR really offers stubby, square-handled drivers.

I would like to look at <$30 for a nice set of 6 drivers but want single driver, square handles. Preferably USA made.

I'm also looking for some precision drivers for future purchase so, if there is a good "matching" set from a brand, please make a note!

Thanks! I'm trying to upgrade my tools to quality, trustworthy, professional or close to, quality and drivers have my head spinning on what to get. I just need some good, general use, square handle drivers, I'll get specialty ones as needed (looking at you Klein cushion grips's) but, that time is a ways down the road.

 

[blue dog]

Good drivers that will not break the bank.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shoturtle]

I have the Wera kraftform chisel. They are excellent screw drivers. But they do not have a stubby.

 

[back2class]

Hard to beat the NAPA professional made in Germany by Whittle. Doubt there is a better made screwdriver. Some guy sells the 7pc set on ebay all the time for $36 shipped. Also, big plus is the easy lifetime warranty.

 

[byoungblood]

Craftsman Professional drivers fit the bill nicely. Their handles aren't completely square, but close enough. I've been pretty impressed with mine, they're definitely a few steps up from their run of the mill drivers.

 

[Everett]

some years ago, i bought some screwdrivers from the local farm store here, they were green handel plastic, the biggest screwdriver was nice sturdy, about 12 inchs long thick shaft, what was nice was the square hex in the end of handel , i use that for everything, it's almost wore out now and they no longer carry it they told me, it was a 7 piece set for $15 on sale, nowadays i go too swap meets and buy all the wood handels , there great for light duty, but the plastic i found out gets slippery, i like too buy hex shaft , so i clamp a 4 inch vise grip as a extra handel,or i will just whip out the the 1/4 inch racthet with a 2 inch ext and a screwdriver bit, but thats just me.

 

[alvoski]

Williams black hard handles from Amazon or EBay

http://www.amazon.com/Snap--Industrial-Williams-100P-8MD-Screwdriver/dp/B002NH5F30/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327931449&sr=8-1

 

[W650Mike]

I recently purchased this set and am very pleased so far:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sage55]

About 2-3 months ago I purchased a set of JH Williams (snap-on) black handle screwdrivers (amazon also has them) and really like them. They feel good in my hand, super easy to clean, and Made in the USA!

 

[woody 73]

Go with the Williams wrenches you will be very happy.

 

[jvitez]

+1 on the Williams black handled drivers. I bought two sets, slotted and Phillips. They're very comfortable and grippy, with great quality tips. They're more than $30 but they'll last a long time.

If you'd consider a multi-driver, nothing beats Picquic. They're at the bottom:

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...een=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=CombSD

Or, buy individual screwdrivers in exactly the sizes you want. Both Pratt & Reed and Wilde fit the bill, and US made too. I've got some Wilde ones from Harry Epstein, and really like the fluted handles.

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=PhillipsSD

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=SlottedSD

 

[bcradio]

About 2-3 months ago I purchased a set of JH Williams (snap-on) black handle screwdrivers (amazon also has them) and really like them. They feel good in my hand, super easy to clean, and Made in the USA!

Hi guys,

This is my first post here... I'm in the same boat as the OP. I can't decide between the jh williams and the wera driver sets. Like them both but what are the pro's and cons of each? Price is similar on both.

 

[tyndall]

SK Suregrip if you are on a budget or the Mac red hardhandles for a fair bit more.

Both have the smaller square handles that you want and are great quality.

 

[ishiboo]

I'm looking to replace my HF screwdrivers in my go-to box. Currently I have the 6-piece "free" (w/ coupon) drivers and they are worn thin or almost worn out. Now, I'm a bit picky so, that's why I'm here to hear from all of you. I prefer square-handle drivers that are fairly small. The handles on my HF's are a bit too small but, the handle on any of the Snap-On/Williams drivers are huge!

I only need 6 sizes, inc. stubbies but haven't found much in that range. Square, small-ish handle and studdy drivers. The High-Vis, Pratt-Read drivers from McMaster-Carr *almost* had my vote but, there aren't any matching stubbies. And it doesn't look like PR really offers stubby, square-handled drivers.

I would like to look at <$30 for a nice set of 6 drivers but want single driver, square handles. Preferably USA made.

I'm also looking for some precision drivers for future purchase so, if there is a good "matching" set from a brand, please make a note!

Thanks! I'm trying to upgrade my tools to quality, trustworthy, professional or close to, quality and drivers have my head spinning on what to get. I just need some good, general use, square handle drivers, I'll get specialty ones as needed (looking at you Klein cushion grips's) but, that time is a ways down the road.

You're in Iowa... answer is simple - Menards MasterForce.

These are re-branded Pratt-Read, they're all on sale right now. Menards stores have a huge selection - probably most of the whole Pratt-Read line.

The only thing they don't have which I like is I just bought the Klien 11-in-1 and I really like the functionality. Only complaint is the driver is like $12-14, and replacement bits are $4-5 a piece (times four), and it needs the special bits.

 

[Davefr]

Yes, get the Williams screwdrivers!! However instead of getting the 8 pc mixed set, I'd get both the 6 pc slotted and the 6 pc philips sets.

 

[bcradio]

Yes, get the Williams screwdrivers!! However instead of getting the 8 pc mixed set, I'd get both the 6 pc slotted and the 6 pc philips sets.

Got a link by chance? I'm leaning toward the william because of the handles.

 

[Sage55]

JH Williams 6pc slotted and JH Williams 6pc philips.

 

[jvitez]

Yes, get the Williams screwdrivers!! However instead of getting the 8 pc mixed set, I'd get both the 6 pc slotted and the 6 pc philips sets.

That's what I did. Here's another link for both:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-6SD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-6PD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

 

[bcradio]

That's what I did. Here's another link for both:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-6SD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-6PD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

Those are way better prices than Amazon. Thanks for the reply... gonna have to pick both of these up

 

[Syndicate]

If you are looking to go cheap, go with c-man pro grade when on sale they are like 43 for a set of 12. If you are looking to save in the lifetime of the tool meaning less trouble broke tips and handles buck up and get u a snap on set. You will not regret it, and will notice the difference the first time u use them. Hard or soft small and larger handles and color choices to boot. I roll with these. They are the best I have used.

 

[tyndall]

LOL at all the posters suggesting Williams that obviously can't read.

I prefer square-handle drivers that are fairly small. The handles on my HF's are a bit too small but, the handle on any of the Snap-On/Williams drivers are huge!

 

[buffalobill]

sk has nice screwdrivers for a decent price, their handles are not big.

 

[puttsy]

LOL at all the posters suggesting Williams that obviously can't read.

Thank you! I would love to get the Williams but, the handles just don't fit my hands well. They are just too big/clunky. I've got HUGE paws but, they are fairly slender and the williams just don't "mesh" with me. (Hands are ~7-1/2" palm to tip, ~8-1/2" tip of thumb to tip of middle-finger) I do work on small stuff though (computers and such) so I like a smaller driver to allow easier maneuvering but, big enough to mean business. And precision drivers are not suitable for the general usage. I'm really itching for those Pratt-Read high visibility ones but, I want stubbies (GRRR!) I did email them seeing if they make matching stubbies though. Hopefully they are the OEM of someone's high-vis stubbies so I can get a full set. Any more suggestions are greatly appreciated! Dang, nice screwdrivers are expensive though! An investment for life though I suppose. And I want square handles to fit in in my dorm toolbox but, williams are too big to fit in the box well either. The HF ones fit perfect but, I've almost worn them out in less than a year...Still longer than it took for my other, cheaper sets though. Darn decent drivers for being cheap, and the best drivers I've used aside from some cman's and some SO's.

sk has nice screwdrivers for a decent price, their handles are not big.

Do you have a link? I looked around at SK's but I was terrible at searching over their site, and they seem a bit tough to find just anywhere.

 

[Davefr]

Thank you! I would love to get the Williams but, the handles just don't fit my hands well. They are just too big/clunky. I've got HUGE paws but, they are fairly slender and the williams just don't "mesh" with me. (Hands are ~7-1/2" palm to tip, ~8-1/2" tip of thumb to tip of middle-finger) I do work on small stuff though (computers and such) so I like a smaller driver to allow easier maneuvering but, big enough to mean business. And precision drivers are not suitable for the general usage. I'm really itching for those Pratt-Read high visibility ones but, I want stubbies (GRRR!) I did email them seeing if they make matching stubbies though. Hopefully they are the OEM of someone's high-vis stubbies so I can get a full set. Any more suggestions are greatly appreciated! Dang, nice screwdrivers are expensive though! An investment for life though I suppose. And I want square handles to fit in in my dorm toolbox but, williams are too big to fit in the box well either. The HF ones fit perfect but, I've almost worn them out in less than a year...Still longer than it took for my other, cheaper sets though. Darn decent drivers for being cheap, and the best drivers I've used aside from some cman's and some SO's.

You might want to take a look at PB Swiss with Swiss Grips. They're "boutique" screwdrivers and priced accordingly. They're really well suited for precision jobs.

Everyone here seems to hate the CM blue/clear screwdriver but I don't think there's anything really wrong with them. I've used them many a time and they've been just fine. They're inexpensive and easily replaced.

 

[bobcatdan]

Best bang for the buck, Witte which are reband by a lot of people or classic SK suregrip. I don't know what is so bulky about classic SO hardhandels, sure the OP isn't thinking of "hard" insticts?

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

$26, German-made Witte, half what Amazon is asking for them, small handle with through shank that you can hammer on. Handle size is about the same as the craftsman clear handle, FYI. Fantastic tips.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Witte-5-P...Handles-with-Leather-Protection-Caps/15162109

 

[pipsters]

Got a link by chance? I'm leaning toward the william because of the handles.

The 6 pc of each includes some HUGE flat head screwdrivers. I honestly wouldn't waste your money on them, but that is just me...

 

[richfinn]

I have a Snap on ratchet driver/Facom Torx drivers/Wiha VDE set/I just gave away some Wera Kraftform as they weren,t for me.

I like the Wiha so much I have started looking for more and stumbled across some bit sets and a stubby bit driver really cheap.

 

[pipsters]

The HF ones fit perfect but, I've almost worn them out in less than a year...Still longer than it took for my other, cheaper sets though. Darn decent drivers for being cheap, and the best drivers I've used aside from some cman's and some SO's.

I own the the Williams, they are comparable to Snap-On. Also own the regular Craftsman. Honestly, get something that is easily replaceable. You will wear out any screwdriver. Personally I like going to Sears and getting another. The Williams, or any other non-locally sold screwdriver, will have to be mailed and at that point you might as well just buy a new one.

Repeat it with me...all screwdrivers will wear out...

The one thing I would suggest is get some with hex bolsters. If I could do it again, I'd buy one of the Craftsman Pro sets and be done with it.

 

[bcradio]

The 6 pc of each includes some HUGE flat head screwdrivers. I honestly wouldn't waste your money on them, but that is just me...

Well the 8 piece is cheaper, but if I go the route of 2 6-piece sets, I get the big #3 philips screwdriver. I want a #3. Does the 8 piece set come with a #3 philips?

 

[plinker]

The Craftsman pro's might be the ticket, S-K also has the same style driver, but it's green instead of red. Price is probably around 45- dollars for a decent size set, I think.

The Masterforce might be a good option too. Same with the Napa branded Witte's.


One option worth mentioning, S-O's ratcheting screwdriver is a bit slimmer then the regular hard handle type screwdrivers, and it uses 1/4 insert bits and has a lock position (non ratcheting). You can find them on ebay or the classified here usually for around 30$ or so dollars, depending on condition.

They also have them in the Williams line for 30-35$ new but the handle is slightly different shaped.

 

[dwm]

For computer work, I use my stubby Snap-On ratcheting soft-grip almost exclusively. Break the fastener loose, then spin the shaft by the knurling. When I need more reach, I swap in a longer shaft. When I need to get around something (like the edge of the case when pulling video cards), I swap in the flexible shaft.

 

[DiscoBerry]

i have snapons and they are good but for your price range i would recommend craftsman pro screwdrivers they are cheap, good quality and easy to warranty

 

[ajchien]

Thank you! I would love to get the Williams but, the handles just don't fit my hands well. They are just too big/clunky. I've got HUGE paws but, they are fairly slender and the williams just don't "mesh" with me. (Hands are ~7-1/2" palm to tip, ~8-1/2" tip of thumb to tip of middle-finger) I do work on small stuff though (computers and such) so I like a smaller driver to allow easier maneuvering but, big enough to mean business. And precision drivers are not suitable for the general usage. I'm really itching for those Pratt-Read high visibility ones but, I want stubbies (GRRR!) I did email them seeing if they make matching stubbies though. Hopefully they are the OEM of someone's high-vis stubbies so I can get a full set. Any more suggestions are greatly appreciated! Dang, nice screwdrivers are expensive though! An investment for life though I suppose. And I want square handles to fit in in my dorm toolbox but, williams are too big to fit in the box well either. The HF ones fit perfect but, I've almost worn them out in less than a year...Still longer than it took for my other, cheaper sets though. Darn decent drivers for being cheap, and the best drivers I've used aside from some cman's and some SO's.



Do you have a link? I looked around at SK's but I was terrible at searching over their site, and they seem a bit tough to find just anywhere.

You like the Pratt read drivers. Why don't you get the Pratt read drivers, and then find some other stubbies you like? It's life, you don't always have to date identical blonde twins like Hefner, or have the matching set.

Alternatively, against general opinion, how about just staying with the HF drivers? They were free (or really cheap) and lasted you a year. Thats nice. For me, those black HF drivers barely make it through one job for my applications. You also said that this was for a dorm tool box? Eh. Bonus would be I wouldn't worry about the HF tools walking away.

 

[Matt018]

I recently purchased this set and am very pleased so far:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the same ones too and I have to agree, they rock!

 

[alvoski]

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZas0k/R-100032915/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I bought these a few years ago. Nice rubber grips and made in USA. at least they were last time i checked

 

[Ritter4.0]

They have triangular handles, but the Duralast drivers with the red/blue handles are REALLY good for the money. The handles are a good size, and most have the hex bolsters. The tips on the phillips heads are magnetic, and sharp. I have used one nearly everyday for the past year, no problems yet.

 

[BHH]

The Pratt-Read high visibility screw drivers are the best non Snap-On drivers I have ever used... And they are only $45!!

Here is a thread on them. http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128197

 

[puttsy]

I think I've narrowedd it down to snagging the Williams and making them work. I've never used their entire line, mainly just larger drivers but the handles seemed disproportional compared to some other brand drivers. I like the look of the SK's but can't seem to find them for all that reasonable of price. I'm only really looking for 6 drivers, 3 phillips, 3 flat since it's just an "on-the-go" type box. It currently lives in my dorm-room but, it pretty much travels with me anywhere I may need to work on ****...which seems like everywhere anymore! ugh! Some Janitors just don't know how to do their job...and even more homeowners can't do small, simple ****! How hard is replacing your OWN doorknob, seriously. /rant

Also, if I absoloutly can't stand the the Williams, I'll probably go for the Pratt-Read ones, and buy a couple Pratt-Read stubbies of a different style (obviously). They're small enough that they shouldn't be too much of an issue to float around in there. Are the Master-Force driver basically the PR line rebranded? That's what it looked like but I just want to be sure. Probably get Master Force stubbies to go with non-stubby sets I would get. (at least stick with a brand/OEM :S)

I would stick with the HF ones but, it's a bit of a driver to warranty them, and honestly, I want to be able to reach into the toolbox and pull out a tool I know is going to work, not start torquing a fastener down and have the tip of my driver crumble or sheer off. I've had several of these "free" HF scredriver sets and can't recall how many I've mixed-and-matched from broken ones in my go-to box to "on-hand" non-broken ones. More of the set has lasted the ~year than not so, I'm giving um' the benefit of the doubt.

I'm also going to browse around for those cman pro's. I've got a Sears not too far down the road if I need to warranty them, I don't think the handles are any smaller than SO hard handles though. I will try and give those SO's a run for their money, and hopefully I was wrong in thinking all their handles seemed a bit larger than desirable.

Thanks for all the help guys! And I still don't think I can get talked into using a Wera, those don't even look like I could tuck them into a small box--let alone comfortable to use. But I haven't given them an honest shot so it's debatable.

 

[bart1]

Make sure you look at the options from Wiha. I have the extra heavy duty, but they have some beautiful translucent red handles that I think are square.