USA Made Screwdriver Help

[chevy.stroker]

I am working on my USA screwdriver collection.

I am definitely going to go look at the Craftsman Pro series and probably buy 3 different sets of them.

However, I want different brands.

Tell me what you think of both the Pratt & Read and the Wilde brand screwdrivers from Epsteins. Are the handles comfortable? Can you achieve a lot of torque from the design or do the handles just slip in your hand or bite your hand? Are they well balanced?

Suggestions are appreciated on other USA made screwdrivers you like. Just remember the budget is in the $2.50 to $5 per screwdriver range.

 

[joedodge]

Really can't beat the craftsman pro there easy to get and affordable and hold up great I had some for a long time

 

[fourtythree]

Husky pros from home depot.

 

[otis66]

Snap On or SK.

 

[warmpancakes]

Armstrong are same ase current cman pros just blue instead of the red

 

[bcradio]

Snap On or SK.

Both are excellent screwdrivers well under $2.50

 

[billp603]

The Husky Pros are nice, I think Pratt Read makes them, just carefully check HD stock to make sure they are USA, they seem to have a mix in some stores.
If you can bump up to $6.50 or so each the Williams hard handles are awesome!

 

[bob15]

Slightly more than $5, but at $7 a piece, check out the Wright Cushion Grip screwdrivers. I find them more comfortable than the Craftsman Pro's (any of the 3 different "pro" lines they've had in the past 20 years).

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-9172-1-4-Tip-Size-Cushion-Grip-Square-Shank-Screwdrivers-2843p51991.htm

I will also mention that I think the Snap On Phillip drives are the best. They never seem to wear out or have the tips twist out. Try one Snappy Phillip and compare it to whatever brand you buy; you might be surprised how good it is.

bob

 

[joedodge]

I got a set of snap ons when they brought back the old style hard handles for a lil bit and I love them, same styles my dad and grandfather used. But really there no better than craftsman pro or armsteong and those are a lot cheaper than snapys

 

[chevy.stroker]

bcradio,

Haha. Loved your response.

fourtythree and billp603,

I will look at the Husky Pros and the William hard handles.

To the others recommending SO I have a set. I love them. I just want good quality variety.

Thanks so far!

 

[CWP1616L]

MAC hard handles are still made in the USA and are very comfortable. The only problem is they're way out of the $2.50 - $5.00 budget range.

 

[cgv69]

Armstrong are same ase current cman pros just blue instead of the red

Yeah but where can you buy them?

I would love to get a complete set of those Armstrong's that are like the CM Pros but I can't find them anywhere except for the random one off on ebay

 

[jjjrmx5]

Yeah but where can you buy them?

I would love to get a complete set of those Armstrong's that are like the CM Pros but I can't find them anywhere except for the random one off on ebay

Try our local Cincy Graingers. Pre-order or show up,order, and come back the next day.

They carry or can order in the S-K green/black identical screwdrivers to the WF made C'man pros and likely the Armstrong.

None will be cheap but I'd personally prefer the S-K's. This coming from a man with a big ole' dwr. full of C'man Pro screwdrivers.

Not my go-to nor dailys, but they do the job when asked.

LOL.

 

[archirelic]

Armstrong are same ase current cman pros just blue instead of the red

Yeah but where can you buy them?

I would love to get a complete set of those Armstrong's that are like the CM Pros but I can't find them anywhere except for the random one off on ebay

Try our local Cincy Graingers. Pre-order or show up,order, and come back the next day.

They carry or can order in the S-K green/black identical screwdrivers to the WF made C'man pros and likely the Armstrong.

None will be cheap but I'd personally prefer the S-K's. This coming from a man with a big ole' dwr. full of C'man Pro screwdrivers.

Not my go-to nor dailys, but they do the job when asked.

LOL.

I've been looking for a full set of these Armstrong screwdrivers for a while now & have had no such luck. I've looked through Grainger's website, but at least on their site, they don't carry the line. Not to thread hijack too much more, but if anyone does find a source for them, let me know!

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Stanley 100's are still USA made and not overly expensive either.

 

[Davefr]

Black handle Williams are tough as nails and easily within your budget.

(they're Snap On's with a different name and a much lower price tag)

 

[chevy.stroker]

I've been looking for a full set of these Armstrong screwdrivers for a while now & have had no such luck. I've looked through Grainger's website, but at least on their site, they don't carry the line. Not to thread hijack too much more, but if anyone does find a source for them, let me know!

Hijack away. It seems many would like the answer.

Black handle Williams are tough as nails and easily within your budget.

(they're Snap On's with a different name and a much lower price tag)

I will pursue these as well.

 

[jmm]

I'll echo CWP's recommendation. If you're a collector, it'd be a shame not to try out a couple Mac screwdrivers. They are on the pricey side but, in my opinion, are among the very best. Very easy on my hands, too.

 

[Jawn]

I like the Pratt-Read "Classic" series. Cheap but I love the handles and the tips aren't bad either.

 

[Rogue1987]

I have williams hard handles in my go everywhere box, had them about a year, still great (my most used drivers). I can't say enough good things about them.

I have a set of Wera chiseldrivers, in my box in the shop,(they don't get used often) I've had those about a year and the tips are all #$%&ed up, they are going to get replaced with a set of williams hard handles next payday.

 

[genevabuck]

MAC red hard handled are the way to go.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have williams hard handles in my go everywhere box, had them about a year, still great (my most used drivers). I can't say enough good things about them.

I have a set of Wera chiseldrivers, in my box in the shop,(they don't get used often) I've had those about a year and the tips are all #$%&ed up, they are going to get replaced with a set of williams hard handles next payday.

Interesting. The other day I was tinkering with an outboard and my smallest Williams wasnt getting it. I switched to my biggest Wera micro phillips....and it did the job. Heres to "backups" as a friend used to say.

I would still buy the Williams set off Amazon. Great value.

 

[RedFordTruck]

Craftsman Cushion grip are the same as the Husky Pro with Cushion Grip

Both USA made


Both are made by western forge and are excellent quality and comfortable to use. Sears has an 8 pack for $30ish and Home depot has a 6 pack for $20.

I have the husky version and I like them. Other than that my screwdrivers are Craftsman Acetate handles. Nice quality, USA made, and low price. I buy them and keep them everywhere.

 

[LSU]

I have some Blue Handle Channel Lock USA made screwdrivers. I think I picked them up at Sam's in a Christmas Promotion a few years ago. Triangle shaped handles. Very nice.

 

[5lima30]

I am really happy with my CM Pro set but... I don't wrench for a living! Now if I could just find where I misplaced the P-2!!!

 

[bcradio]

I have some Blue Handle Channel Lock USA made screwdrivers. I think I picked them up at Sam's in a Christmas Promotion a few years ago. Triangle shaped handles. Very nice.

Sorry gotta chime in here. These are the absolute worst screwdrivers I have ever used. My Harbor Freight screwdriver set is light-years better than these. I simply gave them away they were so bad.

 

[RedFordTruck]

Channellock doesnt make their screwdrivers. Branded from a 3rd party, made in China now.

 

[RCStocker]

Having had a few thousand screw drivers in my day and that is the truth. I buy estates and mini storage units. Screwdrives are so common. I have had them all.
The Crafsman do well and are easy to replace.
There are 2 brands I really like. Snap-on can't be beat. I have gotten all mine used and I they are fantastic. The other are the 30 year old Stanley witht he gray and yellow handles.
You don't see them much any more. They have better steel in them than the Snppies. They are indistructable. They have held up and look like the day I got them new in 1979.

Cheap screwdrives are the pits.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Well I made my first purchase of 6 phillips hard handle Williams screwdrivers from Tool Source. Using a $5 of $25 coupon got them to $42.82.

I think I'm going to purchase the Craftsman Professional torx set from Sears and the Husky Professionals and consider myself complete.

 

[SantaAna12]

Nice price stroker! Congrats.

 

[pipsters]

Hex bolsters are actually really useful on screwdrivers. I own a "small" collection compared to others here but they get the job done.

US Craftsman - Phillips and Slotted
Canadian Craftsman - Phillips, Slotted, Torx, and Robertson
US Williams - Phillips and Slotted

All good and I like that I can walk in to Sears and get a new one since screwdrivers are essentially a wear item. I try to use replaceable tip drivers whenever possible.

 

[Skin]

Hex bolsters are actually really useful on screwdrivers. I own a "small" collection compared to others here but they get the job done.

I know this is unthinkable to some screwdriver aficionados here but if the shank doesnt have a hex (most dont) you can grind a flat on the upper portion of the blade for an 8" vise grip. Works very well.

I havent done it since i expanded my bit driver selection though. If i really need leverage the 1/4" ratchet and socket come out and i just use 6" screwdriver bits. Believe it or not the HF ones that have the colored enamel coating have been doing well for over a year. I thought they'd of broken or twisted off long ago but nope. Just some chipped enamel.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Nice price stroker! Congrats.

Thanks!

A buddy and I were discussing this thread and realized that very few slotted screws are used in automotive, ande I already have a fair number of USA made slotted screwdrivers.. I also remember that the SO screwdrivers and USA made torx bits were my go to tools for not camming out of a fastener. So, that is what made my decision. I also listened to greasemony44 in another thread recommending the VIM half cut torq and added that to my $450 list on tooltopia:

http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-hct1050-03.aspx

From Epsteins I am getting:

Wilde P220 #0 phillips because I want to insure I have a USA #0 and gives me a chance to evaluate the handle.

A Klien 1/8" Cabinet-Tip Screwdriver 10" Round-Shank # A216-10 - I bought this totally for nostalgic reasons. My first job was working in a Texaco at the age of 13. My boss had that screwdriver and used it for adjusting carburetors. It will be great to just see it hanging on my pegboard every time I enter the garage.

Thanks to everyone who recommended. Next time I'm at my buddy's place of work and the MAC guy comes in I'm going to look at his screwdrivers as well. I know only a few recommended them, but those who did I could hear the passion of wanting a fellow GJ member to have the best screwdriver scream from their posts. I would be foolish to not listen.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Williams arrived today. I did not realize they had the newer style handles on them instead of the old square black handles. I really like this ergonomic style and am glad that is what they have.

Craftsman Torx should be here tomorrow and my two Wilde #0 should be here later in the week.

 

[RedFordTruck]

These? Theyre great. I decided to get this set because I wanted a T40 screwdriver. Ihave the acetate torx as well but i reach for these everytime.


http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00949302000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7

 

[chevy.stroker]

These? Theyre great. I decided to get this set because I wanted a T40 screwdriver. Ihave the acetate torx as well but i reach for these everytime.


http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00949302000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7

Yes those are the ones. Thanks for the validation.

 

[5mall5nail5]

I know only a few recommended them, but those who did I could hear the passion of wanting a fellow GJ member to have the best screwdriver scream from their posts. I would be foolish to not listen.

Sometimes GJ is too GJ even for me........

passion.....screwdrivers... cmon.

 

[allinon72]

Sometimes GJ is too GJ even for me........

passion.....screwdrivers... cmon.

Alright let's talk Knipex then

 

[5mall5nail5]

Alright let's talk Knipex then

Let's! And if I ever start talking about "the passion" you feel free to jab me in the forehead with pair of pliers.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Let's! And if I ever start talking about "the passion" you feel free to jab me in the forehead with pair of pliers.

Sorry you don't like my writing still, but reading your response an f' word comes to mind.

To bad you seem to only be a able to criticize, instead of contributing.