Snap On vs Wiha Mini Screwdrivers

[HomeTheaterMan]

I need a new set of mini precision screwdrivers. After reading through some old threads I ended up ordering some Wiha screwdrivers from Amazon since they were half the price of the SO and 7 sizes vs 4. However, I haven't even gotten them yet and I'm having buyers remorse. I'm also reading that they essentially don't warranty anything if there is a problem. So if they break or wear out, it's essentially cost me thw same as the SO in the long run anyway. SO on the other hand has a great warranty, so I don't have to worry about that.

In my full sized screwdrivers, my Snap On Instinct soft handles are by far my favorite screwdrivers I've ever owned. I absolutely love everything about those things.

I'm just wondering which are actually better quality. If the SO are better, I don't mind returning these and paying the extra. Especially when you factor in the warranty. I don't want to use a lesser quality screwdriver that may end up costing me close to the same in the long run. (Or more if they wear out more than once). However, if the Wiha's are truly better quality than the SO set, then I'd rather have the better quality of the two.

 

[BrandonV]

I have both. I can't say one is better quality than the other, but I will admit sometimes it's nice to have a larger set (the Wera) that will have almost every fastener you will encounter.

 

[Stubby1743]

The OP seems to be talking about Wiha screwdrivers as per the the thread title not Wera.

 

[BrandonV]

The OP seems to be talking about Wiha screwdrivers as per the the thread title not Wera.

Good catch. I don't like the construction of the Wiha precision screwdrivers (the handles) but the tips seem to hold up well.

 

[908Jim]

I have found that Wiha and Xcelite are the two most common brands in electronics/precision assembly environments. I'm partial to Wiha and own probably 2 dozen of them. The quality is excellent for the price, readily available, and easily replaced when they inevitably wear out. If you're an infrequent user, witte, wera, felo, and a whole host of other euro brands exist and the quality is probably all around the same.

I'm a fan of Snap On tools, but $95 for a 7pc precision set (made in Spain) is a tough sell when I can get German made Wiha's for about half of that.

 

[Doubled33]

I have both. I got my SO set many years ago and they have served me well but the sizes on flats, Phillips, and Torx are limited.

A few years ago I needed a size I did not have so I went on a buying spree of Wiha and purchased every mini screwdriver they offer. Allen, torx, Pz, common etc… I purchased their basic line not the insulated or anything else.

They have served me well. I will say the only thing I did notice is the smaller flats seem to be a little soft. However I don’t deal with small screws a lot so I don’t know if a 1mm screwdriver is supposed to see a lot of deflection on use.

 

[Madjik Man]

Following this thread. I’ve been on the hunt for a good (yet not break the bank) set of precision screwdrivers.

The cheap POS Husky ones I have somehow have tips so soft they get FUBARd while also managing to damage the fastener. I hate them so much.

 

[BrandonV]

Following this thread. I’ve been on the hunt for a good (yet not break the bank) set of precision screwdrivers.

The cheap POS Husky ones I have somehow have tips so soft they get FUBARd while also managing to damage the fastener. I hate them so much.

Outside of personal preference Wiha or Wera will solve all your issues.

 

[toothpickmatt]

I work in the electronics controls industry and use small drivers daily. What I typically see around are Wiha, Wera, and Klein. I've never seen the Snap-Ons in the wild, they are interesting to me, but the price is rather steep... especially considering I seem to typically misplace my 3.0mm / 3.5mm / 1/8" drivers long before they are worn out. Below are a few notes on each:

Wiha:
Wiha tends to be my favorite. I a number of both their regular mini driver and insulated mini driers. All the drivers of theirs I have are German made and I have been very happy with how well the tips have held up. Some of their newer ones are now made in Poland, and one of my coworkers who had some of these felt they were not quite as nicely made and that the tips did not hold up as well as the German made ones he used to have. I have only had to warrantee one Wiha driver, where the spinney top fell off shortly after purchase. Was a pretty painless process, just had to send them a photo of the driver and a prof of purchase and they sent a new one out in a week or so.

Wera:
I dont own any Wera's, but we have several sets in our shop. These have all held up well, and tips seem to have held up well. Ergonomics are a bit different from the Wiha's, and I personally tend to find the Wiha's more comfortable to use. The ones we have are all German made, but it's my understanding that some of their new products are made int he Czech Republic. No idea how these compare to the German made ones.

Klein:
Klein's line of mini drivers is much more limited than Wiha and Wera. The ones I see around the most are the mini multibit drivers, which are not bad, though the chunky shaft can limit access in deeply recessed terminal screws (same as an insulated driver), which has caused me to move away from them. They have a newer line of mini drivers that are made in the US, which are actually pretty decent. I picked up a 1/8" driver about a year ago, and the tip has held up very well. Only issue has been very limited selection of drive sizes and shaft lengths.

Hope there is some helpful insight here...

Best regards,
Matt

 

[Steve_P]

Wiha. I have dozens of their drivers and they are absolutely bulletproof. However, don't expect a new one for free when they wear out. If that's what you expect, then buy from a tool truck and pay the 3X premium.

 

[Davefr]

When it comes to precision screwdrivers go with Wera. Wera has the best design out there. Use the slim part of the handle for speed and use the hump portion for high torque. (like an automatic transmission). The large swivel tip is very comfortable with a smooth swivel action. The hex shape handle provides very solid grip. The tips are nearly bulletproof. Wiha isn't quite as nice because they're shaped like ordinary pencils but they seem to have a wider product lineup including the famous master technicians set. You can't go wrong with either. Avoid SO. You'd be paying >2X the price for an inferior product and weak offering.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I prefer Wiha, but mine are made in Germany. Wera is another great option. For precision screwdrivers, these two are the best you will get in my opinion.

I may check out the new Klein standalone precision drivers, though. I prefer their full size drivers over most other brands.

 

[Kuma601]

+1 to the old Wiha that were from the homeland of Germany. The ones I have have been excellent! The Wiha flag drivers I had from ages ago fit the fasteners well. Ordered a Wera for my shop assembly bench set and was disappointed in the fit with the small T5-T8 Torx. The Wera have enough play.

Picked up the Wiha go box set 75958, these fit well just don't know about the tips in the long term. The bit driver is a composite plastic and ok in hand.

 

[F-22]

We have Wera at work. They get very dirty and I do not like them.

Everyone pitching in their own suggestion... Mine is Vessel or Anex. Made in Japan quality that is right up there with the best of German or USA brands, but they are also very reasonably priced. After all, Japan is known for making electronics (at least in the past), so you can be sure they know how to make precision screwdrivers.

 

[CR888]

Going Japanese is a fine option. Wiha used to be great, Wera are over rated IMO. The best currently I've seen and used are the Stanley Fatmax ones that are made in France. These come out of the same factory that used to make awesome top shelf drivers for Facom. As far as Wera being 'nearly bulletproof', well this flat tip snapped on its first use, sure I was putting some torque on it but it gave way too fast. Their tips however ARE well finished and fit their dedicated fastener design well. The new ones are an improvement over the older design shown above, the plastic bearing that allows the nob to spin is better but still rather cheap & crude. But the Wera DO represent value for money @$2.20US a driver if purchased on sale at Amazon coming out the UK. I purchased a 12pc set for AUD $38 delivered with a nice case. Would I recommend them...hmmm perhaps but mainly for the price and good fitting tips. Torx are actually the patented Torx™ design. And when purchased on sale they are similar to generic Chinese ones in price but obviously much better. Also it all depends on how u hold and use/spin the driver in handle as to which design is best 4 u.

 

[AEAdam]

What Wiha screwdrivers are we talking about? Pico finish or the normal ones?

This is what I started with for fixing computers. Built a DRO for my milling machine (Shumatech) - circuit board type stuff.



I upgraded to these Pico finish when I needed Pentalobes, and like them. I think they are made in Viet Nam. The handles are WAY more usable to me than the earlier version. These are about $50/set. Some have complained that the tips aren't as precise or as hard as they used to be. I've used mine a little and have detected no problems whatsoever.



Snap On sells these for $95/set:



The Snap On website says these are made in Spain, probably by Bahco:

This Bahco set is available without the Snap On Branding for about the same price as Wiha. I like the colors a little better. Don't own these.

My advice: I REALLY doubt Wiha are better quality than Snap On's Bahco models. I like Wiha's design. If you were to switch, not sure why you'd pay the premium for Snap On, when you can buy the exact same tool as a Bahco, if quality is what you are after.

The problem, as you rightly identified, is the warranty. Snap On really offers the best, easiest warranty. So I think the decision comes down to what that's worth to you. Pretty sure you can buy Pico finish screwdrivers as individuals. I have encountered electronic screws held in place with blue locktite, which can push a screwdriver to its limits. So there's a non-zero chance you will wreck a tip regardless of what you buy. I feel I have enough tiny screwdrivers around that if that happens to me, I won't be held up. Maybe that's the right approach regardless. Stick with your Wiha's and buy another back up set, Wera, or Bahco, these aren't that expensive, and forget the warranty?

 

[F-22]

What Wiha screwdrivers are we talking about? Pico finish or the normal ones?

This is what I started with for fixing computers. Built a DRO for my milling machine (Shumatech) - circuit board type stuff.



I upgraded to these Pico finish when I needed Pentalobes, and like them. I think they are made in Viet Nam. The handles are WAY more usable to me than the earlier version. These are about $50/set. Some have complained that the tips aren't as precise or as hard as they used to be. I've used mine a little and have detected no problems whatsoever.



Snap On sells these for $95/set:



The Snap On website says these are made in Spain, probably by Bahco:

This Bahco set is available without the Snap On Branding for about the same price as Wiha. I like the colors a little better. Don't own these.

I think the Snap On factory in Spain is ran by Irimo. On some photos the handle shape seems slightly different (and on some it is still very similar), but the Irimo version is just 21GBP, about half the cost of Bahco on Amazon. There's also Lindström, another Snap On brand, for similar money as Bahco (but a more niche name).

Brands aside I think the Bahco version looks the nicest due to the color coding.

 

[AEAdam]

I think the Snap On factory in Spain is ran by Irimo. On some photos the handle shape seems slightly different (and on some it is still very similar), but the Irimo version is just 21GBP, about half the cost of Bahco on Amazon. There's also Lindström, another Snap On brand, for similar money as Bahco (but a more niche name).

Brands aside I think the Bahco version looks the nicest due to the color coding.

These? These don't look like Snap On. The Bahco are absolutely identical except for the color. What am I missing?


Lindstrom, another Snap On industrial brand, look like the Bahco and Snap On to my eyes. Note the COO marking. Maybe all Bahco.



Good catch on the Lindstrom

 

[jblnut]

I’ve been a Wera user for decades and like everything else they wear out and need to be replaced. I’ve had other sets from almost every manufacturer listed in this thread including the spendy snap on ones and they all get the job done. I like the handle and spinner design on the Wera drivers the best so I buy replacements when mine break or wear out.

 

[AEAdam]

Looks like everybody offers a set of these. I found Milwaukee, Stanley (couple different versions), even Klein, which look unique. Wonder where these are made?

Probably can't go too wrong with any of these sets. The Klein looks like they have longer blades. Also appear to have gun style straights which is interesting.

 

[Davefr]

One thing that differentiates these precision screwdrivers is breath of offering. Everyone sells a basic 6-7 pc set but you'll likely find that you don't have the exact one you need when you need it. Even if you skip hex and nutdrivers and focus on just phillips, torx and slotted there are probably 20-25 precision sizes and it's absolutely essential to have proper fitment. If this is important, then only Wiha, Wera offer the wide breadth of styles/sizes.

 

[CGarage]

For electronics work which requires mini-screwdrivers, you are being foolish if you do not look at Vessel.

That is my first choice. The Japanese are the experts in electronics, so they make a premium tool for this.

Snap-On is waaaaay over priced for this.

 

[AEAdam]

For electronics work which requires mini-screwdrivers, you are being foolish if you do not look at Vessel.

That is my first choice. The Japanese are the experts in electronics, so they make a premium tool for this.

Snap-On is waaaaay over priced for this.

The vessels are very strange looking. Maybe innovative, maybe just weird.

 

[CGarage]

The vessels are very strange looking. Maybe innovative, maybe just weird.

They work perfectly and are very comfortable. Best in class.

 

[ricleh]

Moody Tools makes some excellent precision screwdrivers. I own most of the brands mentioned in this thread and I prefer the Moody brand over all the others.

 

[noid]

If you're putting up money for snap on, youre best served going PB swiss.

 

[matthew]

I have Vessel precision drivers. Have only used them a few times, but seem quite good and they were very inexpensive. My only observation is that for tighter screws you have to grab the knurled part, not the rubber sleeve. I like the sleeve, but it can be removed to make it like a typical knurled jewellers screwdriver.

I do prefer to use my dads old Wiha drivers. I’ve handled Wera, and they also seemed nice.

Wiha does seem to be the standard - lots of usage in the electronics field, pretty much unbeatable selection.

For what they cost, pick up a couple of singles you wouldn’t mind having duplicates of and try them out.

 

[Davefr]

Moody Tools makes some excellent precision screwdrivers. I own most of the brands mentioned in this thread and I prefer the Moody brand over all the others.

To each his own I guess. Moody is the worst I've ever come across. The handle is terrible.

I agree that the OP should buy a few assorted singles from different brands and see what he likes the best because opinions vary.

 

[Steve_P]

When it comes to precision screwdrivers go with Wera. Wera has the best design out there. Use the slim part of the handle for speed and use the hump portion for high torque. (like an automatic transmission). The large swivel tip is very comfortable with a smooth swivel action. The hex shape handle provides very solid grip. The tips are nearly bulletproof. Wiha isn't quite as nice because they're shaped like ordinary pencils but they seem to have a wider product lineup including the famous master technicians set. You can't go wrong with either. Avoid SO. You'd be paying >2X the price for an inferior product and weak offering.

Wiha also offers most of the micro size drivers with the "picofinish" handle which is quite a bit nicer than their standard handle. Yes, it costs a lot more $, but it is vastly superior IMO.
And yes, Wiha offers a huge selection: torx, torx plus, hex, phillips, slotted, pozi, nut driver.....

 

[Steve_P]

+1 to the old Wiha that were from the homeland of Germany. The ones I have have been excellent! The Wiha flag drivers I had from ages ago fit the fasteners well. Ordered a Wera for my shop assembly bench set and was disappointed in the fit with the small T5-T8 Torx. The Wera have enough play.

Picked up the Wiha go box set 75958, these fit well just don't know about the tips in the long term. The bit driver is a composite plastic and ok in hand.

Did Wiha move production on these? They are still listed as Germany on Amazon. Mine are all 3+ years old and all Germany.

 

[timgunn1962]

I've used Wera, Wiha, Vessel and Facom. All have been good, but more than anything else the thing that makes one "better" than the others is how well they work in your hand. This is personal and isn't something you'll find out from a forum like this.

My personal preference is Facom Microtech: short, stiff and with harder handles than most of the others, I just find them the easiest to control with my relatively short fat fingers. However, I have colleagues, with less stubby hands, who will reach for Wera or Wiha first. Interestingly, none of us has the Vessels as first choice, but they do seem to be everyone's, surprisingly close, second choice. The rubbery lumps on the skinny handles look odd but do seem to be closer to a one-size-fits-all solution than any of the alternatives I've come across.

As with a lot of things, the best approach is to try several and see which suits you best.

We're talking precision screwdrivers here. I've broken several over the years, but never when using them correctly. It's always been clear that something was not right and I've carried on anyway. Often, it's that the screwdriver is too small for the slot.

Lifetime warranty on stuff that has worn out or been abused seems to be an exclusively American thing. In the UK and Europe, if you break tools because the tools aren't up to the job they were designed to do, all the decent tool manufacturers/suppliers seem pretty happy to replace them. They'll usually want the broken one back so they can investigate what went wrong and they'll want to know what was going on when it failed.

 

[CR888]

Vessel G grips are interesting. But to offer complete driver types would be huge like a couple of hundred drivers.

 

[matthew]

Using a Wiha precision driver was one of the first times I learned how much difference the tool makes - that it wasn’t me, and it wasn’t the screw, that properly formed and hardened tips would make the job easy.

I would expect the business end to be very good on all of the quality brands. In addition to how the fit each persons hands, I think precision drivers might also have preference for different jobs - I know I hold the Vessels a bit differently from Wiha.

Most of the places I’ve needed precision have been PH0, PH00, and a couple of sizes slotted. For $15 to $30ish will get the 6 or 7 piece sets from Vessel, Wera, Wiha, or Felo. Could even pick 2 sets, or a larger 12 piece or interchangeable blade set and still be under $50. Which, assuming this is an upgrade from the consumer grade ones, this has to be one of the biggest tool functionality improvements you can make for that budget, imo.

 

[CR888]

This is an interesting new 1/8 bit set from Vessel, sadly Taiwan made but very suitable for electronic applications.

 

[CGarage]

This is an interesting new 1/8 bit set from Vessel, sadly Taiwan made but very suitable for electronic applications.

I hope this is for sale on Amazon!


Gents: The Japanese are the world experts in electronics. They make the best tools for these endeavors.