Screwdrivers...

[nicksnothereman]

I really hope I'm not beating a dead horse here, but I did quite a bit of searching and reading on here and I didn't want to hijack anyone else's thread. It was harder than you might think to find good, concrete data on who makes a darn good screwdriver. Perhaps it's because so much of this is subjective.

So here's where I'm at. I've been using the same old mix of screwdrivers for years. Some Craftsman (soft tip ones), some Proto, and a mix of nothing else of consequence. I must admit that you guys are a bad influence on me, and the more I read the more I realize some of my tools changing from "somewhat adequate" to "woefully inadequate and needing replacement".

After a lot of reading it sounds like the ones to consider are Craftsman Pro series, Felo, and Wiha. I'll be up front, I seriously doubt I'd be willing to spend SO money on drivers unless they can cook me dinner too. I don't have a problem with SO at all, so please don't flame me, I just like making money with my tools rather than taking out a second mortgage to buy them.

So who falls where in this discussion? Any brands besides those 3 worth mentioning? I'm weary of Cman after the problems I've had with them in the last few years - failing business, warranty hassles, discontinued products, etc, but would still consider these if they shine above the rest.

Please include a reason besides just saying "I use 'X' brand" - I want to know why you prefer them.

Thanks so much for the advice!

I recommend crescent "rubber handle" (the older stock usa ones) because I'm the only person on here who would ever recommend them. These are excellent screwdrivers if you can find them; handles are insane though. No apparent warranty though.

If you want to be really cheap you can get the harbor freight pittsburgh pro set for something like 8 bucks for common sizes. People seem to like those, I don't own them. I've never busted a screwdriver and most of what I own is C tier or lower (craftsman clear, olympia, crescent, husky/hdx, some craftsman pro) so...there's that.

 

[beatcad]

hey, silent bob, I mean bareass.
I have a great set of mac screwdrivers and a bunch of others and will agree w/ others that the snap on ratchet driver is probably the best.
but if I was in the market to buy more it would be that set of SK stevo showed.
tough as hell and they have the hex at the base, so when you need to get a sticky screw out you can hold the handle but have a wrench on the shaft for a more controlled/torqued turn.

dammit! I want that SK set

 

[Mlr2006]

Once I started using Wiha screwdrivers I pretty much never looked back. To be honest, i was pretty skeptical of all the claims about various screwdrivers brands and always felt like a driver was driver. But, the Wihas more than proved me wrong.

This 6 piece cushion grip set for less than 30 bucks is one of the best deals out there in my honest opinion.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FTA4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon also has this 4 piece cushion grip set for $22 right now, but search around as I paid less than $20 for it. These are pretty much my everyday around the house screwdrivers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FTA4K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have since picked up the microfinish and soft finish sets through various deals. I generally use the microfinish on any work on my vehicle because they are designed to provide a good grip even when your hands/gloves get greasy.

Honestly though, I think most of the major brands have their strengths and weaknesses. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the brands you listed.

Let your wallet be your guide.

 

[Mlr2006]

I will also add that I like this SK super stubby set whenever I need a stubby screwdriver. I have pretty big hands so although they are a bit expensive, they have been a great purchase.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Hand-Too..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2a186c5c0f&vxp=mtr

I have had my eyes on the other set of SK screwdrivers posted by Steevo but I just don't need any more screwdrivers right now. With my experience with these, I would definitely say SK makes good screwdrivers as well. Again, there are plenty of great choices out there and the choice is probably going to come down to style and price.

 

[exmaxima1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastwood-9-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item35d1d9eb67&vxp=mtr

Top rated in recent screwdriver shoutout

 

[ArcStyles]

At this point don't be fooled into thinking that Snap on or for that matter, all the high-end drivers mentioned here are better than each other. THEY ARE HIGH-END! All of these drivers Felo, Vessel, Whia and Snap on will handle the job admirably, provided you don't abuse the **** out of them. I've used, owned and own all of the drivers mentioned. Used properly, any of these manufacturers will be MORE than adequate. There are other fine drive manufacturers that can sit at the table with these name brands, but I will keep it simple and stay with the most recognized /accessible names of the industry.

The questions you need to address is comfort, price and history. All but the Snap-on's are reasonably priced. Just look at the physics of the handles and hold these drivers in your hand. You may like the square feel of the Snap-on or the ergonomic design of the Felo or Wiha. Some companies offer plastic, wood and soft handle versions of their driver line. With a little studying you will have no problem figuring out where your hand fits the best. Nowadays, you can get many of these drivers at reasonable prices. Watch for the sales!

Lastly, history. Witte, Felo, Wiha and Vessel (Japan) are dedicated to "SCREWDRIVERS" as
well as other fastening devices. Screwdrivers being the driving force behind their respective companies, their names are synonymous with the high-end screwdriver. 2 of these companies make them so well, major tool manufacturers, all over the world, re-brand them for their own catalogs. For Variety, there are no companies more diverse than Felo and Wiha, they make a driver for almost every fastener available. Wiha, Wera and Witte even make a line of stainless steel drivers for your pleasure. Be careful, these companies all make a lesser model. Know the difference...

If you follow these guide lines, I think you will find the driver company/companies that best defines your needs. I chose Felo based on the the reasons stated above. I only had to handle the Felo frico 500 once to find mine. I know one thing for sure, when you handle any of the high-end driver offerings of this caliber, everything written in this post will become abundantly clear.

If your working with Japanese equipment, you may want to entertain Vessel or any number of the other JIS (phillips) drive manufacturers. Same goes for the Pozidrivers of Europe. All the Major driver companies make the Pozi's, but Japan only makes the JIS standard...so far

Drivers are like work boots, you find the right pair, you know it. Now get out there and start test driving.

 

[Mastermind]

I agree,all about feel once you get to the high end

 

[Unmarked Bill]

It's worth considering whether you're inclined to use a warranty or if you tend to not bother. If you aren't going to use the warranty for screwdrivers off a tool truck brand, it might not be worth the extra price.

For working on motorcycles I really love the Snap On hard handles, but I've been really loving the blue Cornwell screwdrivers, I believe they are made by Witte. They are extremely light in your hand, though, the balance is a little distracting. But they really hook.

 

[bonneyman]

I will also add that I like this SK super stubby set whenever I need a stubby screwdriver. I have pretty big hands so although they are a bit expensive, they have been a great purchase.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Hand-Too..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2a186c5c0f&vxp=mtr

I have had my eyes on the other set of SK screwdrivers posted by Steevo but I just don't need any more screwdrivers right now. With my experience with these, I would definitely say SK makes good screwdrivers as well. Again, there are plenty of great choices out there and the choice is probably going to come down to style and price.

Those SK's look exactly like the Craftsman professional drivers except for the color. Same factory?
Not stubby, but same handle design. Looks comfy.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-6-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00949020000P

 

[bareass172]

Thanks for the links to the SO ratcheting ones. I barely use mine, but I know it's because what I have is junk. If I had a good one I know I'd use it more.

I also appreciate the additional input on brands, it definitely has me still looking. As much as I like the Cman pros what I keep seeing pop up on here, I'm so wary of them. I'm not a tool snob when it comes to brands, almost everything I bought when I started wrenching years ago was Cman. Back then they still had quality and a no-hassle warranty. Over the last 10 years the quality has dipped, I've been severely hassled over warranty items, I've been told that my "lifetime warranties" have expired , They've discontinued tools that I'd broken (nothing to replace it with, sorry!), and the company has struggled mightily. Even with all that I still considered these drivers, but even on sale they price out about the same as Felo's. Add to that what I just found out today, that they're closing the Sears by my house, and Craftsman just doesn't add up for me anymore.

nicksnothereman - I actually have 2 Crescent rubber handles, one has been my "everyday" driver for probably more than 20 years. It's way, way worn out, lol...

I did even consider the HF cheapies. I'm not opposed to cheap if they work, but I must admit that I'm still leaning on the other brands.

exmaxima1 - I looked at the "driver shootout" thing, what turned me off was that they put a $40 price limit on the competition. I'm not saying that's not a valid test, but it's kinda like dating the prettiest ugly girl...

bonneyman - I can tell you from my reading, those SK are the same as the Cman pros.

This is all great info and advice, and it's very much appreciated. I know deep down that I should listen and buy one driver of several brands to test out, but my OCD is fighting me on that. I have a mismatched set of drivers now and would love the idea of a single set of one type. Even knowing that I had 1 or 2 other odds floating around might bug me, lol... I have very literally looked at every brand mentioned here and scoped out the details. Thanks to my reading here and in other threads I now know who makes and who rebrands what drivers. I must admit that I am still leaning towards the Wihas because it seems everywhere I look they always seem to get mentioned. Same with the Williams, you can't avoid them. I can tell you that if not for price I'd get Wihas and never look back, but the cost on the ones I want has me still considering Williams, Wera, and Felo as alternatives and I'm still reading and looking into the other brands mentioned.

Thanks again, keep it coming!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have a full range of Klein for voice and data work in the field. My toolbox at home is Snap-on and Craftsman.
My choice for 6 in 1 etc is Enderes. I recently ordered some of their fixed blade drivers to try out, should have them here this week.

 

[Ft.ValloniaStreaker]

I haven't seen Vaco mentioned, I'm a big fan of the hard handles they have. I believe their made by Klein.

 

[Mlr2006]

Those SK's look exactly like the Craftsman professional drivers except for the color. Same factory?
Not stubby, but same handle design. Looks comfy.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-6-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00949020000P

Yes, I am pretty sure they are made out of the same factory. A friend of mine has the craftsman pros and they feel and look pretty much identical to me when side to side.

That set you linked to is on sale for $20. That is a great price for a 6 piece set in my opinion.

 

[bahcoswed]

I really like these screwdrivers! I am a stahlwille freak and trying to convince my self that drall plus are better, but honestly I like the bahco ones more Stahlwille are probably better quality but bahco feels so nice in my hand!


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[bahcoswed]

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[bahcoswed]

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[Ncognito]

I must admit that I am still leaning towards the Wihas because it seems everywhere I look they always seem to get mentioned.

I can tell you that if not for price I'd get Wihas and never look back...

My advice is to buy the Wihas. IMO, you won't regret it. I own several and they are the best screwdrivers I've ever used. I prefer them over both Snap On and Klein.

Wihas are on sale too.

http://www.wihatools.com/special_14.htm

 

[gagreen]

I have lots of real world use with a lot of brands as a professional A&P. My search for the perfect screwdriver has cost me money so let me save you some.

1. Snap On. The best hands down no questions asked. They fit tight, don't strip heads, remove previously stripped, have no play in the shank, worth the money if you are a buy it once guy, because you won't have to ever buy another unless lost or stolen.

2. Facom. They compliment my snap on set nicely because the flat heads are in metric. Yes, yes metric screwdrivers the old joke but it is no joke the flatheads are just different enough from my snap on to get those oddball screws.

3.Witte. Tie with facom and the oem for matco. The witte nature grips are my absolute favorite handle design. The shanks are not as tough as snap on and they have a slightly looser fit than the snap on offerings when it comes to phillips. Great drivers but not a buy once in a lifetime more like a once every 10 years.

4.Felo.... freaking hate hate hate these drivers. the phillips flops around in screw heads, the "soft grip is sloppy and slippery when oily, the tips are not in the same league as the above offerings. Wasted money on these, they stay in the tool box when i need to shove a screwdriver in something to hold it.

5. Armstron/craftsman pro's. Not bad but the grip is not that well designed compared to the above. Spinning in one hand leads to fatigue, the shanks are o.k. but there is better for the same money.


If your a buy it once buy snap on, the stickershock wears off if your a professional using them daily. Having different brands is kind of key tho when it comes to screwdrivers sometimes one brand just fits a screw better than another when you get into older less standardized hardware.

 

[NoahG]

I recommend crescent "rubber handle" (the older stock usa ones) because I'm the only person on here who would ever recommend them. These are excellent screwdrivers if you can find them; handles are insane though. No apparent warranty though.

These Crescents? http://www.apexhandtools.com/brands..._id=CRE013&att1=Screwdrivers&att2=Series 2000

I agree, I've always liked them.

I have to say I'm also a fan of the Husky cushion grip drivers.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I use Felo Ergonics. They are the most comfortable screw drvier I have ever used. I bought my dad a set and he loves them too. I bought a set of the steel tops recently too but have not used them yet. I have yet to have a Felo driver fail me.

 

[Wamsutta]

I must admit that I may rule out the Williams only because I've used hard handles for years (Cman, Proto) and I think I want to try a set of the softer handles.

You haven't tried hard handles until you've tried Williams hard handles.

 

[jvitez]

I just saw that Harry Epstein sells Picquic. I really like them, much better than other multi-drivers I've used. I've got several Picquics in different sizes stashed at various locations for use when I can't get to my full sets. They're also great for up-on-a-ladder type work. This Harry Epstein price is cheaper than I've ever seen it here in Canada:

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/CombSD/SIXPAC.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/CombSD/PMED.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/CombSD/DASH7.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/CombSD/TEENY.html

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I bought the Proto Classic Professional "Yellow" handle screwdrivers...

I probably went a little overboard...

www.store.harryepstein.com/cp/Proto/PROTO-LG-SET.html

That link will get you 18 Proto drivers for $ 65.00!!!...Or $ 3.61 a piece!!!...I love them...best screwdrivers I've ever used...

That is WAY too tempting. I have some old Proto hard handles I inherited that I've used for years and love. Going to have to keep an eye on that set if I decide to go that route over the hard handle Williams sets I've been eyeballing for a long time...

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

I recently got the Williams Phillips drivers, I kept my old Craftsmen for flatheads. I really like the Williams.

 

[sberry]

I ended up with about half a dozen real survivors of each, straight and Phillips. ,,, 2 with busted handles that just wont go away and have good tips. I got a couple new Cman under warranty that been added. I try to keep a new tip or 2 around for damaged screws and agree they are not all identical, often just try a different driver for fit.

I am not that fussy with drivers, usually the most convenient is what I use, if its a problem I slow down a minute and find a good fit but not every screw on the planet is a make or break deal or require real mastery.

A lot of cheap screwdrivers have really good tips.

 

[bareass172]

Decisions, decisions...

 

[bareass172]

Let me try this again, I think I kinda got hijacked...

So if I decided to go with Williams, the 8 piece just price dropped on Amazon:

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

But someone else pointed this deal out too:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

I have 2 questions:
#1 is the 19 piece set a good deal, or is that regular price? I can't find that set many places to compare it to. I like the idea of dropping a few more bucks but getting an entire complete set.

#2 Do these warranty the same as other Williams tools? Lifetime, just mail it to the company? I tried reading the warranty on the SO site and found it confusing and vague.

Thanks to anyone with the knowledge and experience to answer this. I must admit I was really leaning towards the Wiha, but it's hard to argue with these prices.

 

[methomas70]

Seems the Amazon price drop came and went.
They're back to $48.48 with free shipping.
Still a great deal though.

 

[methomas70]

Re: JH Williams Screwdrivers @ Amazon
FWIW The price drop WAS $42.18, down from todays price of $48.48 with FREE SHIPPING!

The general consensus is that this set is rebranded as SNAP-ON and with the SO name on them, this set sells for over $100.

Even at $48.48 it's a smokin' deal. But, like most of us, I like a good deal. So in the event the price drops again I'd like to buy a few for gifts.

I found a website called thetracktor.com
I've never heard of this site before today. In a nutshell, this website will monitor the price of this item (or any item on amazon.com) and notify me via email if the price goes down.
Cha-Ching!

Once you enter the item # or URL at thetracktor.com, it will also show a graph detailing price changes on that item over time.

If the price does indeed go down on these screwdrivers, I'll post on GJ.

 

[AE2]

I have alot of the plan clear handle craftsmans which my dad always used forever and I liked until I found out there were others. Now I have a few Kleins and Masterforce/Pratt-Read clones, as well as a set of the newer HF kind with the red and blue handles. I had a set of the black CM professionals from the late 90s but I hated them. They would make your hand stink.

 

[Moose97]

Just an FYI...I bought this set about 6 months ago for my travel box. Liked them so well I had to buy another set.
http://www.harborfreight.com/33-piece-comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-61255.html#.Uyc3ufldUgk

 

[function]

Got the felo 200 yesterday. Love the color. Should be hard to lose...

 

[bareass172]

Got the felo 200 yesterday. Love the color. Should be hard to lose...

You have 3 of the 4 I am considering in that drawer (Felo, Wera, Wiha). Any pros/cons you can find between the 3?

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

[function]

Like the Wera. Solid striking handle. Last up since years. But the grips are not made for everybodys hands. You have to try the fit. And maybe they are not made in Germany anymore.

Love the Wiha. The two Wiha I got are PZ 1 and PZ 2, so they see very little use in the garage.

Got the Felo as a gift. i dont think the color is regular. Nice fit and finish.

 

[cagullett1]

Anyone have a source on the SK set that Steevo mentioned? I'm wanting to pick up a set but not sure where I should buy them from.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

...But someone else pointed this deal out too:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

That is hard to resist, since a 12pc set of the Williams through Amazon adds up to $93 (vs another 7 screwdrivers for $5 less).

If I had the funds right now, I'd grab a Williams set for the shop, and a Proto set for the house. Dammit.

 

[oldldh]

If I had the funds right now,a Proto set for the house. Dammit.

Amazon will sell you this 19 piece Proto Classic Professional Screwdriver set for $ 96.95...

Look at the "Suggested" retail price on the box!!!!

The 18 piece set from Epsteins doesn't include the 27" Pryb---Screwdriver...if you include the big dog, the prices are almost the same...

I got mine at Amazon, because of Prime Free Shipping...

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Amazon will sell you this 19 piece Proto Classic Professional Screwdriver set for $ 96.95...

Look at the "Suggested" retail price on the box!!!!

The 18 piece set from Epsteins doesn't include the 27" Pryb---Screwdriver...if you include the big dog, the prices are almost the same...

I broke down and finally bought the Williams set, along with some SK comfort grip stubbies (to go with my CM Pros). Luckily I do have a bunch of OLD Proto and Williams big screwdrivers I haven't had to use a ton, but they are there. Hopefully this will be my last screwdriver buy for a long time... Damn you GJ.

 

[Zeroek]

I like the Gearwrench set myself. I ended up with 2 sets since there was a set for 50% off at Advanced auto one day.

 

[Adam.C]

I have Wiha and I'm not impressed. The German drivers have traditionallly shaped handles that may have been designed for turning screws in wood. I also have Snap On HHs. These were my favorites until I tried Snap On Instinct. Snap On engineers new handle shapes based on research and real engineering. Instincts were designed to help the user produce crazy torque (to pop loose corroded automtove stuff) while limiting hand strength reqts and fatigue. A set of instincts is not much more than these others you are considering. The new tips are great, but so are Wiha. I like the ridges and diamond coatings. I think they help.

I encounter almost no straight slot screws. I recommend Snap On p/n SGDP50B. That's $80 list for a set of 5 insanely great phillips. I would recommend adding a #2 pozi for drywall screws and other stuff like that. For straight slots, get whatever you want. Just know that the German drivers are all metric. I find they are either too narrow or too thin for SAE straight slots. I need to confirm that the slot specs are truly different.

I do like Wiha precision screwdrivers. Pretty sure Snap On repackages Wiha.

I have SO HH ratchets and a soft grip stubby. I much prefer the soft grip stubby. I tend to hold a ratchting driver different from a normal driver. I hold teh stubby in the palm of my hand. Tho the mechanisms are supposed to be identical, the new soft grip is noticeably smoother, has less play hand- to shaft. I have the stubby grip and a long shaft. I think that's a nice set-up and I recommend it.