Suggestions on Precision Screwdrivers

[uzapuca]

I just found this swiss brand which is more oriented on the watch world. I guess it is more for very tiny screw so maybe is not fair to compared them with Wiha which seems to be more on the electronics, computers and camera uses.

The price is too much for my budget but the reviews on its quality seems to be a tool for a life time.

http://www.ofrei.com/page1361.html

 

[rodsnratfinks]

+1 on the original precision drivers from Wiha. I actually have used Wiha screwdrivers since I was a kid. I started using screwdrivers when I was four Sometime around the time I was 9 or 10, I acquired a Wiha phillips precision driver and it quickly became my favorite screwdriver. I used that driver for years until it eventually was lost. Since I had never seen them in any store, I figured they had gone out of business. Well, about three weeks ago, I saw a torx set in an older electronics supply store that was phasing out their old stock (they no longer stock the brand because hobbyists weren't buying the nice tools anymore). Well, snagged as much of the good stuff as I could and just bought the complete phillips/slotted set with pouch and a magnetizer/de-magnetizer for about $33. Really pleased with the purchase.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

By the way, I find that the screwdrivers work best when you seat the spin cap in the nape between the index and thumb, then spin the shaft with a twist of the index and thumb. With that technique, I can remove and fasten screws with great speed and precision.

 

[grich]

I have used Wiha precision screwdrivers for years and like them a lot. If you want or need a bigger handle to hold on to buy the insulated ones. I have both and really like them, also they are a lot cheaper on Amazon.com

 

[Farmall450]

I've got a set of Craftsman Pros that have served me well. In a nice tray too.

 

[bsaint]

I like Xcelite but not sure who makes them. I think its Felo.

 

[Quaraxkad]

I took some pictures of the one I mentioned above, just in case anybody's interested... This one is my most-used. It's about 5 years old and is used for maybe 50 extremely high-torque (relative to their size of 1.0 to 1.6mm thread) screws every day. Out of all the drivers in this size I've ever used, it's got the strongest tip by far. The design has a *lot* in common with some of those from ofrei.com posted above, but not identical to any of them. They are about $8 each or $65 for the 9-piece set and rotating stand in the picture above.

 

[cleek]

The standard for watchmakers is generally considered Bergeon. Replaceable blades and can be sharpened. Starrett makes a suitable product at a lower price point.

 

[btbsandman]

Wiha.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

I recommend regular finish, Picofinish has rubber which is nice but the handles are so much smaller.

 

[Quaraxkad]

I recommend regular finish, Picofinish has rubber which is nice but the handles are so much smaller.

I think you have that backwards. The majority of the PicoFinish handle sizes are actually larger. They are longer, but do have a section that's thinner than the regular style (for more speed) and also a section that's much thicker (for more torque). In the largest tip sizes, the regular finish models (260) are closer in size and sometimes a little bit longer than PicoFinish (260P).

 

[bsaint]

Just picked up a Klein's 1/16 precision screwdriver today. Their website says they are made in the USA. Ill take pics when it arrives.

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

Wera

[/QUOT

I work in electronics and have used every brand out there (almost), these are by far my favorite! The whia are basic, snapon is ok, these are on another level!

 

[bfm336]

I work for one of the largest technology companies out there and all of our technicians only use the Wiha traditionals, fwiw.

 

[mhardy]

I second the Wera recommendation. Great screwdrivers.

 

[Tejaas]

I would highly recommend the Wera precision drivers as well... I have the big Wiha Master Kit in the blow-molded tray (pictured earlier in this thread) as well, but find myself reaching for the Wera drivers almost every time.

I recently built an additional set for my avionics kit, but because i ended up picking and choosing the individual drivers i wanted, they didn't come with any type of case/roll/wrap to throw in my bag... I contacted Weras stateside point of contact and said id like to buy a bare storage wrap they offered in their full kits over at KC Tool... the Wera rep said they didn't want my money and that they would rush ship it out.

It showed up like 36 hours later... very well made, durable and compact. An added plus to some great drivers, i suppose.

~Tejaas~

 

[JDSV]

I was browsing the Home Depot website the other day and noticed they carry a Proxxon set (online only).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Proxxon-Micro-Screwdrivers-Set-with-Holder-15-Piece-28148/203459603

No idea if they are any good and no reviews yet on the website. Anyone have some experience with them?

 

[bmwpower]

I need pentalobe ones for iPhone/Mac laptop repair. Looks like Wiha has them, but Wera doesn't. Do the Wiha's come in some sort of pouch or something? I don't want my precision screwdrivers bouncing around in the same drawer as my regular stuff. And usually you're carrying these things to the point of use, so a pouch or similar makes sense. That big Wiha set looks nice, but $$$.

{edit}

Itchy mouse finger... Just decided to pull the trigger on the Wiha pouch, 7 piece set(+pliers), plus the P1 and P4 pentalobe drivers.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I am big fan of wiha's. reasonably priced and very well built.

 

[ruffryder]

I bought a set of Wiha phillips for use in repairing a Nikon lens ring. I am thoroughly impressed and will be picking up more of them so I have a complete set to work on anything small.

Just a note for others. When working on the lens, I was trying to save a $200 lens (pretty cheap compared to other lens). I was trying to use one of those cheap precision sets and thought, wow this is going to be a real mess if I strip out the screws on a $200 lens because I didn't want to spend $30 for the right tools.

 

[franzdom]

I bought a set of Wiha phillips for use in repairing a Nikon lens ring. I am thoroughly impressed and will be picking up more of them so I have a complete set to work on anything small.

Just a note for others. When working on the lens, I was trying to save a 200 lens (pretty cheap compared to other lens). I was trying to use one of those cheap precision sets and thought, wow this is going to be a real mess if I strip out the screws on a 200 lens because I didn't want to spend 30 for the right tools.

Just a reminder, as I need them as well.

is that price or focal length

 

[KCT_Jordan]

I came across this thread and figured I'd throw my two cents in ...

One of the most frequently asked questions we get at KC Tool is "what is the best [precision] screwdriver?" I hope I don't come off as a smartass, but in my humble opinion, it's the screwdriver you have in your hand at the time you need it that gets the job done -- whether it be Wiha, Wera, or any of the other brands listed thus far.

As convenient as internet shopping is, it doesn't allow one to hem and haw over what looks/feels the best in their hands. I'd say buy one of each but ... this isn't the place for a sales pitch so I'll try and keep it factual.

The standard Wiha precision line is by far the most comprehensive. It's incredible how many different tip sizes, styles, and blade lengths are available. The size of the driver is imprinted on the handle for quick reference.

The PicoFinish series have a premium "fit and finish" and include a smooth surface tapered handle design. The caps rotate noticeably smoother in my opinion when compared to the standard Wiha series. Also, the tip size/style is imprinted on the top of the cap which is handy if you store your precision drivers vertically. PicoFinish drivers are available in a wide-selection of tip styles & sizes although not as numerous as the standard Wiha line up.

For those of you familiar with Wera's Kraftform handle design, imagine it scaled down to precision screwdriver proportions and that's effectively what you have. I know some folks rave over the Kraftform design, others aren't so keen - again, it's user-preference. Chevy vs. Ford if you will (or perhaps Mercedes vs. BMW). The Wera precision drivers are every bit as tough and mimic the adherence to tight tolerances as the Wiha's do.

Both Wera & Wiha have lifetime warranties against defects. While this does not include standard "wear and tear," it does cover you if you buy one and it breaks upon initial use -- and while it is very rare for these brands, I'm not going to say it's unheard of. Be weary of the amount of torque you're applying with a precision driver. A 0.8mm wide slotted blade is not intended to be used in slotted screws you might find when building a swing set.

The cost of shipping a defective precision driver back often outweighs the value of the said driver -- if you buy it from us and it breaks, we may ask that you send us a picture as evidence and we'll get a replacement (or refund) out in the mail at no additional cost. Again, this is rare but we understand that things can & do happen.

A couple of other brands we carry that make nice precision drivers are Gedore and Witte. The Gedore precision drivers are actually made in Slovenia if I'm not mistaken - but still a quality tool. The Witte drivers are made in Germany and have a nice refined fit and finish to them. I find them to be comfortable and balanced.

We're launching the full line of Felo screwdrivers this weekend so I'll soon have some feedback as to their precision screwdrivers.

Feel free to DM/call/email with any questions.

Cheers

 

[Boost Creep]

my vote.

 

[Quaraxkad]

What sizes do you guys consider to be "precision"? I'm convinced that's where the difference is in our opinion on Wiha... I don't own any of the larger sized Wiha drivers but I imagine they are alright. The sizes that I would call precision (under 2mm) leave a lot to be desired. Even aside from the soft, weak tips, the handles are not great either. They're made of cheap-feeling plastic that has easily noticeable manufacturing flaws. That could be overlooked if the tips were any good... But they're no stronger than the ones found in those 25 cent plastic clamshell 5-piece kits that everybody here probably has (or has thrown away) 100 of.

90% of suggestions in here are Wera and Wiha, then some for other brands that appear to have the same type of flimsy plastic handles (and why are they all so long!?), and one mention for those Swiss Bergeon. A quality precision driver should have a well-machined metal handle like those. Where are all of the recommendations for manufacturers making *that* class of precision driver?

 

[Davefr]

Today I had a chance to compare 4 different precision screwdrivers. (Wiha Std., Wiha Pico Finish, Wera and Moody)

All were 3 mm slotted/fixed blade except for the Moody which had interchangeable blades.

Here's my opinion from best to worst. I'm sure opinions will vary since the feel in your hand is somewhat subjective.

1. Wera:
- These were the best IMHO
- The wide mushroom swivel cap fits into the palm of your hand perfectly and the swivel feels frictionless
- My thumb and forefinger ended up right on the enlarged part of the handle which gives you the most torque.
- The upper part of the handle is slimmer and that reduces friction because this part of the handle tends to rest on the middle of #2 finger.
- The blade was excellent

2. Wiha Std
- These came in a close second
- The swivel cap is too narrow to fit into your palm as nice as the Wera's (ie creates friction)
- The octagon shape of the lower handle allows your thumb and forefinger to find whatever location is optimal while still giving you good grip/torque
- Blade was excellent

3. Moody
- These were a disappointment
- The swivel cap fealt sloppy and inconsistent
- The O.D. of the handle was a little too small
- The end of the blade was slightly concave. That meant the blade contacted the center of the screw head slot but didn't make complete contact with the edges. (I had to touch up the blade on a stone.)
- This screwdriver was interchangeable and the blade fit was a little sloppy and the blades are not adequately retained and fall out easy.
- Of these drivers, Moody was the only brand to offer short shank versions in their fixed blade series. IMHO Wera and Wiha should do the same.

4. Wiha Pico Finish
- These were really bad.
- The handle design allows for a terrible fit because the smallest part of the handle O.D. is where your thumb and forefinger naturally end up and need the greatest torque.
- The swivel cap had a tight spot and didn't feel smooth.
- I can't come up with any advantage over the standard Wihas.

Like I say, this is somewhat subjective but my conclusion is the Weras are best of class with Wiha stds. being a close second. I see no reason to even consider Moody or Wiha Picos.

I bought the Wihas and Weras from KC Tools. You can buy them "ala cart" and they have reasonable shipping costs via USPS.