snap-on instinct VS Proto Duratek screwdrivers

[lightning02]

was offered a new set of Proto Duratek but i'm wanting snap-on bc there the best iv used and have held up well.

i have never used a Proto Duratek so to the people that have both what are your thought of both?

all i really care about is how the tips hold up bc i don't want to buy the Proto Duratek and they take a **** on me and wished i just saved for the snap-on.

 

[B_Bimmer]

They are both fabulous. That said if you only have one set and a snap on man serves you, go with snap on due to the ease of switching out.

 

[WittHay]

i would stick with Snap-on. I think for a tough Phillips head screw on a vehicle, most people would grab a new Snap-on vs. a Mac/Proto screwdriver.

For slotted its a toss up. It comes down to what handle you like the best.

 

[lightning02]

handles i dont really care tomuch about. only handles i dont like are the old school see thru type handles that alot of companies use to make back in the day. most have moved on for that nowadays tho

and yes thats true about phillips head screw. those are the drives i mostly have issues with. the very few snap on screwdrivers i have are only philipps and its never let me down but im getting to the point where all my other screwdrivers are wearing out and its time to upgrade but snap on comes with a big price.

 

[PureLeaf]

Because Ryan won't let user's control their own posts for editing, deleting, etc

 

[lightning02]

also anther thing id like to add is how does the Proto Duratrek fit the screws? like with my snap on there is no play or whatnot. fits the screw perfectly

 

[gdocktor3]

Just get Snap On. This way you know you won't be disappointed.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have both SO and the mac version of the proto.100% toss up as to which is better as I dont see any reason one is better then the other. For the toughest of Phillips, nothing beats my matco or John Deere branded Witte.

 

[c-hawk19]

I have both SO and the mac version of the proto.100% toss up as to which is better as I dont see any reason one is better then the other. For the toughest of Phillips, nothing beats my matco or John Deere branded Witte.

I completely agree. I have both old style Snapon, instinct Snapon, old Mac, newer Mac, and some Matco. All of them are good as far as the tips. I haven't had any of them fail and my favorite grip is the Matco made by Witte. I no longer have a Matco man in my area, so if I was to need more drivers for whatever reason I'd probably get the newer Mac's. I really like that grip and I really like my Mac dealer

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have both SO and the mac version of the proto.100% toss up as to which is better as I dont see any reason one is better then the other. For the toughest of Phillips, nothing beats my matco or John Deere branded Witte.

John deere branded witte screwdrivers? Tell me more. Are these something new or something my dealer didn't carry?

 

[Davefr]

The Protos will hold up just as well as SO IMHO. (maybe even better)

You need to hold both and decide based on the feel. Speaking of feel, your wallet will be a lot lighter with SO.

The 19 pc Duratek set at Zoro after coupon will be about $125. The equivalent 19 drivers at SO will be closer to $400.

 

[bobcatdan]

John deere branded witte screwdrivers? Tell me more. Are these something new or something my dealer didn't carry?

I bought them back when I was a dealer tech as I could get a 7 piece set for like $40. Can't say what their tools are like now, but back then if you cherry picked their offerings, you could get some nice stuff. I have Deere wrench sets 3/8" to 1 1/4" and 7mm to 32 mm, USA made. Their USA pry bays are damn good for the $15 or so I paid for 24" and 36"" ones. This all about 10 years ago.

 

[Fedwrench]

I personally hate the Snap on Instinct handle. I was quite happy when Snap rereleased the older style hard handles. I like the Proto Durateks. I bought the Proto's when they first came out and they are the first US made screwdriver to make not reach for my wittte/wiha/or wera screwdrivers. The only drawback is that the Proto's aren't available in the cool colors that MAC offers
On a side note, I feel the Durateks with the bolstered blades are stronger than the non bolstered blade versions so, shop accordingly.

 

[lightning02]

I personally hate the Snap on Instinct handle. I was quite happy when Snap rereleased the older style hard handles. I like the Proto Durateks. I bought the Proto's when they first came out and they are the first US made screwdriver to make not reach for my wittte/wiha/or wera screwdrivers. The only drawback is that the Proto's aren't available in the cool colors that MAC offers
On a side note, I feel the Durateks with the bolstered blades are stronger than the non bolstered blade versions so, shop accordingly.

That's good info about the bolstered. I'll have to ask which one the deal is for. Thanks

 

[archirelic]

I've got both Snap-On Instinct and Proto Duratek [MAC rebadged] screwdrivers...amongst many others.

Btwn the two you mentioned in your original post...I tend to favor my Duratek screwdrivers since the handle shape is more agreeable with my hands.

Tip-wise...they've both been utilized probably about the same amount as each other and I haven't noticed any discernible wear more on one brand than the next.

I'd say handle each driver if you can and see which fits your hand best...the tips, IMO, are very comparable to one another.

 

[anndel]

SO Instinct, had mine for several years and added more last year.

 

[Tinner]

That's good info about the bolstered. I'll have to ask which one the deal is for. Thanks

The 19 pc set is non bolstered. The bolstered drivers are only available in some sizes. Check the Proto website.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have both SO and the mac version of the proto.100% toss up as to which is better as I dont see any reason one is better then the other. For the toughest of Phillips, nothing beats my matco or John Deere branded Witte.

Same here. I own the proto. Snap on instincts and Cornwell witte made. The Phillips on the Cornwell are superior to the Proto and Snap on. The instinct handles are my favorite. If I could have the Cornwell blades and snap on handles it would me the perfect drivers.

 

[kapster]

Reviving an old topic instead of starting a new one with the same title.

Any update on this? I have a Snap on instinct set I like, I need to add a long cabinet screwdriver set. Snap on is about $225 for a 6 piece set, a comparable Proto set is around $100 with a discount code through Zoro.

I like the Instinct handles, I have mixed feelings on the blades. They have held up ok, but they are showing wear even as a diyer. I have their mini tip set also, and the flat blades on those seem really soft.

How tough are the proto tips? Above posts talk favorably, I've seen some reviews on amazon and Zoro that say they're brittle but some people are super hard on screwdrivers. I wouldn't want any less durability then snap on, or I'd just get snap on.

I dont have a regular Snap on truck but I can normally flag him down if need be for warranty. How is Proto warranty?

Thanks!

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[Caterpillar Cowboy]

Snap On Hard Handles are the only screwdrivers worth having in my book.