USAG Screwdrivers

[racer1735]

I'm looking at getting a new set of screwdrivers to replace my 30-year old, funky smelling Craftsman set. Main use will be auto and moto mechanics. Have my eye on USAG, but curious as to the differences between the black handles and the red (not the size markings, but the actual handles themselves). I know the black is called Protwist and the red is Ergotwist, (maybe read reference that the Ergotwist are discontinued??) Protwist available and info on Ultimate Garage. Ergotwist seem to be confined to Amazon. Just curious about what appear to be pretty solid tools (similar to FACOM) with not a lot of online reviews.

 

[Mr_B]

I would look at Toptul Go-Thru hammer cap hex shank screwdriver sets.
These are great sets for mechanical/engineering style use.
I got the TOPTUL GAAT0601 set (6pc set) and added the PH3 to it to make more full coverage set .

They really nice screwdrivers at sensible cost .



Another nice Mechanics set is the Williams hard handles & sometimes the large set can be found fairly good deal .

 

[Dave455]

I’m not hugely familiar with USAG drivers, but I’m going to assume that they are the same as Facom. As most tools are similar, and the names are the same, I assume that's correct.

If the Protwist look like this, then they are basically Facom drivers, French made, and fine.


If the Ergotwist look like this, then the pattern is discontinued. This was one of the few Facom designs that had problems, and the soft material tended to disintegrate over time.


If the Ergotwist look like this, then these are just red versions of the Protwist with insulated blades, and are fine also.


Facom offer a version of these that they call “Borneo” drivers. They have a combination tip specially designed go use with those awful combination slotted / Phillips or slotted / Pozidriv screws that you find on some electrical terminals. I highly recommend these!

 

[neophyte]

The French made Facom/USAG screwdrivers in my experience are just as high quality as the best German screwdrivers I’ve used. (Mostly Wiha and Wera).
Facom/USAG tends to focus on ergonomics, and usually succeeds. (Although handle ergonomics is subjective to the user and their hands).
The above pictured Facom insulated drivers are nice, although a bit heavier than the Wiha insulated drovers I have, and I think the handles on the larger sizes might be a bit big, although I don’t have huge hands.
I have a set of Facom screwdrivers with the middle handles posted above (although completely hard material), and found the shape a bit wanting compared to the newer handle shape.

 

[CGarage]

I would go Vessel.
Better value I think.

I own multiple sets of Facom, USAG, and Vessel.

And I really like my Facom/USAG Protwist series, but the Vessels seem to fit better and cost less.

 

[Steve_P]

Since you're in the US, the sensible choice would be Wiha or maybe Vessel. But this is GJ, so.... Stahlwille

 

[CGarage]

Since you're in the US, the sensible choice would be Wiha or maybe Vessel. But this is GJ, so.... Stahlwille

Wiha and Vessel and USAG and Facom all are easily available in the US, along with Stahlwille.
Amazon sells at least 4 of these options available with one click.

 

[racer1735]

I’m not hugely familiar with USAG drivers, but I’m going to assume that they are the same as Facom. As most tools are similar, and the names are the same, I assume that's correct.

If the Protwist look like this, then they are basically Facom drivers, French made, and fine.


If the Ergotwist look like this, then the pattern is discontinued. This was one of the few Facom designs that had problems, and the soft material tended to disintegrate over time.


If the Ergotwist look like this, then these are just red versions of the Protwist with insulated blades, and are fine also.


Facom offer a version of these that they call “Borneo” drivers. They have a combination tip specially designed go use with those awful combination slotted / Phillips or slotted / Pozidriv screws that you find on some electrical terminals. I highly recommend these!

Thank you for the reply, this is exactly what I was looking for! Yes, the sets I'm looking at are the top set with the black handles and the second set with the red handles and the black end. I am also familiar with the insulated version but not interested in those Falcom took over USAG and then it was all bought out by Stanley Black & Decker but they have maintained their European factories. I know they are quality but was just trying to figure out how the handles deferred and your comment about issues with the red ones struck a note. Thanks again!

 

[racer1735]

Wiha and Vessel and USAG and Facom all are easily available in the US, along with Stahlwille.
Amazon sells at least 4 of these options available with one click.

The Amazon offerings for USAG seem to be the red handles which supposedly have issues with deterioration. I have found a US supplier that has the Protwist for a price equal to or less than what I can get a comparable set from Williams or Vessel. And I want an 8-10 piece set and not 5-6 pieces.

 

[CGarage]

I own both the Facom and USAG protwist screwdrivers.

They are the same.

 

[CGarage]

The Amazon offerings for USAG seem to be the red handles which supposedly have issues with deterioration. I have found a US supplier that has the Protwist any price equal to or less than I can get a comparable set from Williams or Vessel. And I want an 8-10 piece set and not 5-6 pieces.

I have not had any deterioration with the USAG handles. I started a USAG thread and posted pictures of them in the thread.

Still, for your use, I would recommend the Vessels. The Megadora series with striking caps or the wood-composite handle version. I know they have an 8 piece set. With striking caps at least in the big sizes.

The Vessel Philips / JIS head fits everything perfectly. Literally this feature is of most value to me.

The USAG / Facom screwdrivers come out of the same factory.

 

[CGarage]

The red Ergotwist have been known to separate at the handle caps, but mine have not. I do not use them much, but I do own some Ergotwist screwdrivers.

The Protwist series, which came after the Ergotwist, is a great screwdriver.

 

[Dave455]

The Amazon offerings for USAG seem to be the red handles which supposedly have issues with deterioration. I have found a US supplier that has the Protwist any price equal to or less than I can get a comparable set from Williams or Vessel. And I want an 8-10 piece set and not 5-6 pieces.

To be fair, not all of those Ergotwist drivers have had issues, but I have certainly encountered some that have.

This may be one of those things like the old Snap On Tenite handles, that some folks have had problems with, wheras others have had no issues.

I personally suspect that variation from lot to lot, or exposure to certain chemicals, initiates the breakdown, and this may well be the case with the Ergotwist.

 

[ptabatcher]

Keep your eye on the Craftsman V-series at Lowe’s. Made in France. Not sure they will come back in stock for the $19 price or not. If so, ****** them up and then get a few vessel to supplement.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-8PC-Screwdriver-Set/5005531881

 

[richfinn]

I'm a big Facom/USAG supporter

But I would defer to the Vessel Megadora/Impacta for Mechanics screwdrivers in all honesty (you can't beat them on price vs quality)

I've had a set of the original Facom Ergotwist handles disintegrate (oddly only the extra long ones) the regular length ones are still OK and date back to the 90s/00s

For bit drivers I like the P B Swiss brand

 

[racer1735]

Keep your eye on the Craftsman V-series at Lowe’s. Made in France. Not sure they will come back in stock for the $19 price or not. If so, ****** them up and then get a few vessel to supplement.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-8PC-Screwdriver-Set/5005531881

I've had my eye on this set, as well. My local Lowe's has a couple sets in stock. Decisions, decisions.

 

[richfinn]

I've had my eye on this set, as well. My local Lowe's has a couple sets in stock. Decisions, decisions.

I just noticed the reference to using them for Motorcycles, if those bikes are Japanese get the Vessel and thank us all later

 

[racer1735]

I just noticed the reference to using them for Motorcycles, if those bikes are Japanese get the Vessel and thank us all later

I've read several threads relating to how well the Vessel screwdrivers work on Japanese screws. My current garage has an Austrian (KTM) and German (BMW) bike. Haven't had Jap in many years. But they still look to be top notch tools!

 

[richfinn]

I've read several threads relating to how well the Vessel screwdrivers work on Japanese screws. My current garage has an Austrian (KTM) and German (BMW) bike. Haven't had Jap in many years. But they still look to be top notch tools!

I don't know exactly how it's done, it's some kind of crazy Japanese magic, but they fit any kind of JIS/Phillips screws better than anything else

 

[racer1735]

I just pulled the trigger on the USAG 8-piece set (324 SH8) from Ultimate Garage. The set had what I was looking for (minus a #3 Phillips and I can keep my smelly Craftsman for that) and nothing that I didn't need (pozi-drive and square heads). Decent price and shipping. I'd given hard thought to the Craftsman V-series (supposedly made in the same French factory as Facom and USAG, but I have to wonder what corners may have been cut to put the Craftsman name on them?). Looking forward to replacing my worn out, 38-year old Craftsman screwdrivers!

 

[CGarage]

Steve @ Ultgar (ultimate garage) is a great guy to deal with and a forum member.

 

[CGarage]

I've read several threads relating to how well the Vessel screwdrivers work on Japanese screws. My current garage has an Austrian (KTM) and German (BMW) bike. Haven't had Jap in many years. But they still look to be top notch tools!

The Vessel Philips tips fit everything like OJ Simpson and his leather gloves.

 

[four.cycle]

I've read several threads relating to how well the Vessel screwdrivers work on Japanese screws.

For $8.40 you can find out exactly how well they fit (#1)
Or you can really splurge and blow $10.55 and find out why you should throw away all of your other #2 Phillips screwdrivers.
Your choice.

 

[MarcSeattle]

Thanks! I don't need more screwdrivers but I just purchased a Vessel ball-end set to get a high-quality Pozidrive in #2 and #3, and that ball driver will give me good torque for the #3. For only $13 for a set, how can I say no?

www.amazon.com/VESSEL-BALL-Interchangeable-Screwdriver-220W3J1/dp/B00E55DL4I