Snap-On screwdivers this good?

[PowderKeg]

Screwdrivers haven't been something I've paid a great deal of attention to, mostly just kept whatever came along in the early Craftsman sets I first bought, with some other odds 'n ends thrown in the box over time. I do have a couple Snap-On ratcheting drivers - one older long reach one (SSDMR8A) and a newer soft grip style one (SGDMRC4) I got as a replacement when the driver fouled up another SSDMR4A that needed a reverse cap replaced. Don't care as much for the replacement - ratchet action isn't as light and smooth as the original. Also have a couple of Harley Davidson ratcheting screwdrivers I picked up at Sears on clearance that have the same patent # as the Snap-On's - and have the same smooth ratcheting feel too. They've become the go-to drivers now that the original SSDMR4A has gone away.

I reach for the ratcheting drivers probably 80% of the time for "normal" use - "abnormal" use being the biggest reason for grabbing the others (opening paint cans, stirring paint, prying, you know, all the non-warranty-able type stuff ). I'd like to pick up a nice set though to keep for when a ratchet driver isn't the best option. My question is (finally) - are Snap-On screwdrivers really worth this much?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=250258266811&rd=1

The new sets on the website list for @ $123 in soft or hard grip - this style handle (which I would prefer) is no longer made (I presume), so flea bay would be the only source. Are the blades and tips on these drivers really worth an average of $20 a pop? I've had a few (or more) Craftsmans I've warrantied when the tips twisted or chipped, so I have an idea of what cheap drivers will (and won't) do, but are the Snap-On's REALLY that much better/more reliable?

I've also thought about Wiha's as well, but haven't looked much at them yet.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

At my old shop we had a medium flat time black/industrial Snap-on screwdriver. we abused the hell out it and it never showed any wear. it was a prybar, a chisel, a punch, lid opened, weapon etc.. when we needed it to be.

So good i went and bought myself a set. And then i bought a few more sets. i love 'em.

 

[LoneGunman]

I think SO is way out of line with their pricing on screwdrivers, I am by no means an SO basher and I do like their drivers but not at NEW pricing. In my opinion Wiha,Wera,FELO ETC are just as good if not BETTER than SO drivers. Below is the best pricing I have found for German tools, they have a 20% off special on Felo screw drivers, way less money than SO and again, in my opinion a much better driver.

 

[jimvannoy]

I had a black handled Snap On set I got new in the early 80's. Used them everyday when I worked as a mechanic. I only ever had to have 1 philips blade replaced. A few years ago the handles started to break down and seep oily/watery stuff. I got the whole set replaced with the new style set under warranty. They hold up far better than my Craftsman screwdrives.

 

[speed bump]

I prefer Klein personally.

 

[biggsean]

I had a chance to hold the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers a few weeks ago at Sears, and I was pretty impressed with how solid they felt. Like you, I almost always use ratcheting screwdrivers from either Snap On, or Gearwrench, with the occasional need for a non ratcheting screwdriver. I really can't justify spending that type of money on Snap On's standard screwdrivers, so I'm waiting for a good sale on the Craftsman Professionals.

 

[eschoendorff]

I use my Snap On drivers more than any other brand... mostly because they work well. My NAPA pro screwdrivers (Witte) and FACOM are both close seconds. I have a full set of Craftsman Pros... but I rarely use them.

 

[Merkava_4]

My question is (finally) - are Snap-On screwdrivers really worth this much?

They're going for a premium because they're out of production.

This is for a new set of Snap on screwdrivers. Part # pak434311

The seller posts the part number of the package.

 

[eschoendorff]

I had a chance to hold the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers a few weeks ago at Sears, and I was pretty impressed with how solid they felt. Like you, I almost always use ratcheting screwdrivers from either Snap On, or Gearwrench, with the occasional need for a non ratcheting screwdriver. I really can't justify spending that type of money on Snap On's standard screwdrivers, so I'm waiting for a good sale on the Craftsman Professionals.

Oddly enough, I use my GearWrench ratcheting screwdrivers WAY more than my Snap On. In fact, I'm not even sure where my Snappy ratcheting screwdriver is....

 

[billymade]

Snapon screwdrivers really are superior IMHO; what is interesting is now Williams is selling the old style Snapon drivers that they are discontinuing! They look identical with the Williams logo on them; here is a place that has a 6 piece set for $67.35! http://www.huronind.com/pdf/P0980.pdf Maybe someone can chime in as to whether the quality is the same as the genuine Snapon badged models. Here is another place with more screwdriver types and bigger sets. http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=product&cat_id=24
Scroll down past 1/2 down or so; orange handled sets and individual drivers listed.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Haha, if you want more proof they're good look at how many of the damn things i buy..

i've got close to 80 or something..

 

[PowderKeg]

Snapon screwdrivers really are superior IMHO; what is interesting is now Williams is selling the old style Snapon drivers that they are discontinuing! They look identical with the Williams logo on them; here is a place that has a 6 piece set for $67.35! http://www.huronind.com/pdf/P0980.pdf Maybe someone can chime in as to whether the quality is the same as the genuine Snapon badged models. Here is another place with more screwdriver types and bigger sets. http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=product&cat_id=24

Hmmmm, if those Williams are re-badged old style Snap-On's, that's a price I could live with!

And I wonder if "Global" is code for Asian sourced? Since they specify "USA" and "Germany" for others....

 

[Uncle Buck]

Snapon screwdrivers really are superior IMHO; what is interesting is now Williams is selling the old style Snapon drivers that they are discontinuing! They look identical with the Williams logo on them; here is a place that has a 6 piece set for $67.35! http://www.huronind.com/pdf/P0980.pdf Maybe someone can chime in as to whether the quality is the same as the genuine Snapon badged models. Here is another place with more screwdriver types and bigger sets. http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=product&cat_id=24

Forget the old original Snappys and just get a Williams set like Billy said I know that is what I will be doing to get a set of Phillips. It would be your smartest move. BTW just forget the Wiaa< or however they are spelled, I hate ergo screwdrivers with a passion!

 

[eschoendorff]

Snapon screwdrivers really are superior IMHO; what is interesting is now Williams is selling the old style Snapon drivers that they are discontinuing! They look identical with the Williams logo on them; here is a place that has a 6 piece set for $67.35! http://www.huronind.com/pdf/P0980.pdf Maybe someone can chime in as to whether the quality is the same as the genuine Snapon badged models. Here is another place with more screwdriver types and bigger sets. [B]http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=product&cat_id=24[/B]
Scroll down past 1/2 down or so; orange handled sets and individual drivers listed.

Those orange handled Williams look a lot more like the knock-offs they sell at HF than Genuine Snap Ons....

 

[cb450r]

I am on the lookout for the red plastic handled Snap-on screw drivers if any of you have some let me know I had some back around 2k but got rid of them, then I was forced into the first "soft grip" handled screwdrivers when I re-bought them a few years later and I really don't like them as much as the red plastic ones I had so they have just sat unused.

 

[PowderKeg]

Forget the old original Snappys and just get a Williams set like Billy said I know that is what I will be doing to get a set of Phillips. It would be your smartest move. BTW just forget the Wiaa< or however they are spelled, I hate ergo screwdrivers with a passion!

Yeah, the ergo and soft grip handles don't thrill me much either. Do the Williams have a hex bolster on (most) of them like the Snappy's - that's one thing I want, for when extra leverage is needed. It's hard to tell from the pic if it's hex shaped or just a rounded hump where the blade enters the handle.

 

[billymade]

Here is the Williams website for their screwdrivers: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/cat-24-1-6/Screwdrivers.htm
It seems the old style we seem to like is called "Comfort-Grip Handle With Round Blade"

The hex "helper" at the end of the shank seems pretty obviously there and seems identical to the old Snapon screwdrivers!

 

[PowderKeg]

And from the looks of that catalog pic, my hex question is answered. Thanks!

The other nice thing about that set is that it doesn't include the two stubbies, which I already have, and rarely use....

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I am on the lookout for the red plastic handled Snap-on screw drivers if any of you have some let me know I had some back around 2k but got rid of them, then I was forced into the first "soft grip" handled screwdrivers when I re-bought them a few years later and I really don't like them as much as the red plastic ones I had so they have just sat unused.

Came across some on eBay earlier. Not a whole set though.

 

[ImportTuner]

Here is the Williams website for their screwdrivers: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/cat-24-1-6/Screwdrivers.htm
It seems the old style we seem to like is called "Comfort-Grip Handle With Round Blade"

The hex "helper" at the end of the shank seems pretty obviously there and seems identical to the old Snapon screwdrivers!

So, where can I buy the 8 piece set? Seems like the links (internet sellers) only have the 6 piece set ...

 

[Uncle Buck]

So, where can I buy the 8 piece set? Seems like the links (internet sellers) only have the 6 piece set ...

Since they are listed in the Williams catalog I would say get with a dealer in your area.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

So, where can I buy the 8 piece set? Seems like the links (internet sellers) only have the 6 piece set ...

Reason for that is that Snap on sold 6-piece and 8-piece sets of these. The difference between the sets was that one had two stubby screwdrivers.

The two in the pic without the hex on the shanks aren't included in the sets usually, one comes in the long shank set, one comes individually. Odd, i know.

 

[billymade]

The model # is : 100P-8MD 8 Piece Mixed Screwdriver Set (this is the black handled set)
A orange set is here: http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=productdetail&prod_id=2407
To find a vendor locally use this search engine: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/18.htm

wow, here looks like a good deal! Your Price: $44.20!!! http://www.all2ools.com/index.pl/froogle?productid=WMS/100P-8MD
Found some closeup pics online that show how they look better!

After seeing these pics; I would say they are identical to the Snapons!

 

[Merkava_4]

A orange set is here: http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=productdetail&prod_id=2407

I wouldn't get those because of the chrome plated tips.

 

[ImportTuner]

The model # is : 100P-8MD 8 Piece Mixed Screwdriver Set (this is the black handled set)
A orange set is here: http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=productdetail&prod_id=2407
To find a vendor locally use this search engine: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/18.htm

wow, here looks like a good deal! Your Price: $44.20!!! http://www.all2ools.com/index.pl/froogle?productid=WMS/100P-8MD
Found some closeup pics online that show how they look better!

After seeing these pics; I would say they are identical to the Snapons!

THANKS .... that is a great price ...

Stupid web site won't let me order ... says cookies are not enabled and I know for a fact that it is ...

 

[Uncle Buck]

I would get the black handle screwdrivers, but something looks amiss with the orange handles to me. The color looks different than the old set of SO orange handles I have.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

So orange handles are sooo nice.

I have one to warranty. Absolutely brand new, but one side of the tip is ground different to the other.

Going to have a nice industrial shank put on. Orange/Industrial.. mmmm....

 

[PowderKeg]

I wouldn't get those because of the chrome plated tips.

And those handles look like the really old snappy style, and the bolsters are rounded, not hex. The comfort grip black ones are the type I've been eyeballing.

Have to watch the all2ools site for when they have them in stock - that's an even better price.

 

[billymade]

Here is a nice .pdf of the full Williams screwdriver line: http://www.esgallagher.com/assets/pdfs/JHWilliams-screwdrivers.pdf

 

[eschoendorff]

The model # is : 100P-8MD 8 Piece Mixed Screwdriver Set (this is the black handled set)
A orange set is here: http://www.protradetools.com/default.asp?action=productdetail&prod_id=2407
To find a vendor locally use this search engine: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/18.htm

wow, here looks like a good deal! Your Price: $44.20!!! http://www.all2ools.com/index.pl/froogle?productid=WMS/100P-8MD
Found some closeup pics online that show how they look better!

After seeing these pics; I would say they are identical to the Snapons!

Wow. Those are dead-ringers. I stand corrected.

 

[ZRX61]

My "go to" screwdrivers are CK brand HD range. Made in Germany (altho mine say West Germany). They are available in the US as I recently contacted the company to see about buying more as mine are 30 years old & a couple of them are starting to show signs of wear... They sent me these 4 links:
https://webvia.techni-tool.com/VIA/...tps://www.techni-tool.com/forms/catalog.shtml

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/search.aspx?q=4812

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=356

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Pr...-SET&R=6750125&SEARCH=6750125&DESC=4999BS-SET

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Made in West Germany just means they were made (or the toolings were) before '89. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, where East and West germany were separated. If it say East Germany on it, don't buy it!

 

[ZRX61]

Made in West Germany just means they were made (or the toolings were) before '89. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, where East and West germany were separated. If it say East Germany on it, don't buy it!

I know, mine came from 2 small tool shops, one in Pompey & the other in Bury St E. May have also bought some at MacKays in Cambs

 

[eschoendorff]

How about some Swiss-made PB Baumann screwdrivers? Those of you who know John Garner (from other tool forums) know that he is a big fan:

http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/category/screwdrivers?