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SK Screwdrivers.....opinions, options....

jbmorrey

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Jan 8, 2013
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I tried a thread search for SK Screwdrivers and because SK was too short it omitted it and gave me results for "screwdrivers", which needless to say would take a lifetime to sort out, therefore I am posting this, i apologize if it's been asked before.

Any opinions on SK screwdrivers. i am looking for a set of new screwdrivers but I am having trouble because I have relativly small hands(yes, i am the guy who can never find small work gloves) and alot of the ones I like that have received good reviews (Felo ergonic ect...) have what seem to be large handles. I do like the idea of the soft grip and I have been very happy with the SK products I have managed to gather thus far, so i thought I would give their screwdrivers a shot. I see the Expert2 and those look good, I just do not have the means to "Try on" any of these different shaped screwdrivers that are getting such good reviews. Anyone have any advise on the Expert2 or any other suggestions for me?

Thanks,
James M
 
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SMKS

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You'll find some info here:
Link to GJ threads on SK drivers.

I have this set from Harry Epstein and I'm pretty darn happy with them, especially considering the price. I haven't used them a ton, but I've used the #2 phillips a good amount and it's holding up well.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WesternForge/SK-GRIP-SET.html
skscrewdriversetcraftWEB.jpg
 

itsvegas

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Westport, MA
i also love the older style green handle ones and always pick them up for $1 or whatever at flea markets/yard sales.
 

Chuck122

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Feb 17, 2013
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Québec, Canada
I have the green hard handle variety and they are great. Real stout. They do get slick when there is oil on them. I love how they are no non sens and effective. I cannot praise them enough
 

stonesfan68

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Apr 19, 2012
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Houston, TX
If I am not mistaken I believe that the "Expert 2" screwdrivers were made by Facom for SK. The only screwdrivers that SK (Ideal Industries) manufactures now are the "SureGrip" hard handles and the "CushionGrip" soft handles, which are identical in all but color to the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers.
 

Fedwrench

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The Expert series are no longer made by SK and are only found on ebay and other close out type places. The taped handled green French made sure grip screwdrivers are also history.:sad:

I think the current Ideal owned SK green hard handled screwdrivers are the only weak area in the new SK's lineup. The issue is that to keep the tool US made, SK is using prybar type handles on their screwdrivers. The new screwdriver series handle is larger than the previous french made versions. It's not tapered. I think they're bulky and not good for spinning in your hand. The new handles do make it easier to pry with on the flat tips though. :lol:
 

Chadwilliam1

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I have small hands i wear a medium glove and I find that felo's fit my hand the best. I have used snap on New style and hard handle, Sk hard handle, craftsman pro, wiha and felo's ergonics feel the best.
 

darkk

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Willimantic, Ct.
I have a relatively large collection of SK tools dating back to the 60's. I have some SK green handle screw drivers that are Ok. I still prefer the older *can't believe I'm actually going to say this* Snap-On black handled screw drivers. I really really like them.
 

shoturtle

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they are the same as the craftsman and the craftsman pros. I would just get the cheaper craftsman pro version.
 

sk farmer

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nd
the french made drivers like emerald coupe posted are the ones you want. they have a tapered handle and are very nice. the new versions have a straighter, more square handle like the one shown on the small pry bar in the same picture. i have a couple, don't like them.

if you are old school the translucent green/white striped drivers of old are pretty nice
and well respected.

emerald coupe, that open spot in the corner of your tray originally had a precision screwdriver set in there.
 

aaron h

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Dec 13, 2012
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I have small hands i wear a medium glove and I find that felo's fit my hand the best. I have used snap on New style and hard handle, Sk hard handle, craftsman pro, wiha and felo's ergonics feel the best.

thank you sir, exactly what I needed to know. Im in the same boat with hand size and was debating sk or felo myself
 

Rusty Musket

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Apr 5, 2012
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Pacific Northwest
JB, I have an 8 piece set of the old french made SK drivers that I don't really use. $35 if you are interested.
 

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ajchien

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woody 73

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I have the SureGrip and the CushionGrip. Decent drivers. A bit of an overpay though. I probably would have been better off getting the Pratt-Read high visibility hard handles from McMaster-Carr. They appear to be the same as SK's minus the hex bolster. And the cushion grips are no different from Craftsman Professional. The Expert2 from the Facom era are also available from Blackhawk.


Don't hold me to the this but I would swear on a stack of Bibles 10 feet high that the sk set #86330 cushion grip looks just like my craftsman pro screwdrivers...
 

Wisers

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Feb 26, 2013
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When you guys mentioned old green handles i thought you meant like this.
 

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metaldad

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I bought a set of the green French drivers back when they were in the 'Hot Deals' thread.
6 piece? 8 piece? whatever. unused. willing to trade.
 

bonneyman

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When you guys mentioned old green handles i thought you meant like this.

Now, I had a set of those. Early 80's, I believe. Didn't really like 'em. Shanks were kinda thin and soft, tip were always mashing up. Love S-K ratchets and sockets, but those drivers were kinda yawn.
I prefer Malco or Enderes screwdrivers.
 

55nailhead

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Jul 30, 2011
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Nova Scotia, Canada
don't know about the new ones but i love my green hard handles ( made in france )
001-1.jpg

I know I'm dragging up and older thread here but does anyone know if they ever made a wooden tray or something more robust to hold the 21 piece screwdriver set like this one.

I bought these new in 2001 when I started in the trade and the plastic tray is pretty well shot
 

Fedwrench

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I know I'm dragging up and older thread here but does anyone know if they ever made a wooden tray or something more robust to hold the 21 piece screwdriver set like this one.

I bought these new in 2001 when I started in the trade and the plastic tray is pretty well shot

Nope? You could replace it with Ernst screwdriver racks but, as far as a nice tailor made storage tray, nada.
 

raiderhillbilly

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Jul 14, 2013
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NC
The French made hard handle screwdrivers have smaller handles than the new Ideal owned SK green hard handles made in the usa. Otherwise they are very similar.
 

Bullitt427

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Dec 18, 2011
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BFalfa

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Nov 24, 2012
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I have an older green hard handle set and really like them. I ordered another set last year and the handles are a lot bigger and I don't care for them at all...come to think of it I haven't even used any of them.
 

justme-

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Boston suburbs
I really like the handles on the old Craftsman Pro / cushion grips, but not sure about the tip durability - I only have a few as I started getting them when the local Sears stores stopped selling them in store. Never been comfortable with the square hard handles of any company tho I have a couple the brand has worn off so I don't know who to blame and one that still says SO.
I have a few SK green and yellow hard handle - will be putting them to work regularly so we'll find out how well they hold up.
 
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