VDE insulated screwdriver - your opinion

[Tony21]

Hi all,

For insulated screwdriver, what is the exact reason you prefer one screwdriver brand to the other ?
In your opinion, what makes a good electrician screwdriver, and what's the common weakness of each insulated screwdriver you already used ?

 

[signcrafter]

I bought a set of felo insulated screwdrivers in a sale on here a few months ago. They are really nice. I only use them when working around live stuff, otherwise I just use my normal Kleins because the kleins are cheaper then the insulated screwdrivers to replace when they wear out or if I lose one.

 

[rlitman]

As with all screwdrivers, I'll stick with a quality brand. The last thing I need is a screwdriver with tips that wear out on the first use, or mangle the screws I use them in. So, HF is out.

My insulated screwdrivers happen to be Wera. I own some Felo screwdrivers, and really like their stuff too.

 

[jrobb316]

Like all other screwdrivers you're looking at quality and feel. VDE is mostly German stuff so I'm a Witte fan. I have the Maxxpros. If I didn't have those I'd go wiha. My regular drivers are Witte protop II impacts and snapon instinct hard handles.

 

[JonnyMac]

Pb swiss because the handle is very comfortable plus the tips are as hard as any i have ever used..

 

[Tony21]

Thanks all,
Does the insulation sleeve last long? Do you guys replace yours drivers when the sleeve start to go out, or is a bit damage?
Or do you keep it until the tip start to worn or brake?

 

[jrobb316]

In my experience, the insulation is pretty tough and takes a lot of work if you were to wear it out. A quality driver should almost have a lifetime of service. The Witte and wiha, from experience, are hardened very tough.

 

[signcrafter]

The felo set I bought are my first set so can't comment on how long the insulation will last. But that is why I plan on just using mine when needed when working on live circuits. They should last me a long time that way. In my electrical pouch I still have my full set of kleins and just have 2 VDE screwdrivers in my pouch, a #2 phillips and a standard flat. The rest of my VDE set is in the toolbox and grab them if needed. So I use my klein for normal work like changing outlets on circuits I know are dead. Then if I'm putting a new circuit in a live panel I use my insulated drivers to tighten the wire on the breaker and neutral bar. If I was an electrician I would use them all the time and just consider replacing part of the job. But for home use or occasional use I will use mine when working on live circuits and keep the kleins for everyday use.

 

[pistolpete1313]

I have wera and wiha but my favorite due to the shape is the facom, a bit harder to find but I really like them.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_66_109&products_id=5826

 

[rlitman]

In my experience, the insulation is pretty tough and takes a lot of work if you were to wear it out. A quality driver should almost have a lifetime of service. The Witte and wiha, from experience, are hardened very tough.

I can't speak to the insulation on HF screwdrivers, but their pliers appear to use a dipped vinyl of sorts. My Wera screwdrivers in contrast use a harder plastic that is almost impossible to damage without severe abuse.

 

[jrobb316]

I can't speak to the insulation on HF screwdrivers, but their pliers appear to use a dipped vinyl of sorts. My Wera screwdrivers in contrast use a harder plastic that is almost impossible to damage without severe abuse.

I don't know if HF has insulated screwdrivers but if they do I sure wouldn't touch them. I don't buy anything from HF, I don't buy junk. My wittes also are a hard plastic, so are wiha. I don't see them wearing out just on their own either.

 

[Tony21]

Can't post picture with my phone,
But I have just seen one felo slimline that jas only two months daily use - and the sleeve is far from being new...
I read also this on electricianforum.uk :
My current set are Wiha slimline drivers, but I must say they aren't to impressive, the small terminal drivers bend and the insulation is starting to show signs of giving up.
Did you get same feedback on slim version?

 

[rlitman]

I don't know if HF has insulated screwdrivers but if they do I sure wouldn't touch them. I don't buy anything from HF, I don't buy junk. My wittes also are a hard plastic, so are wiha. I don't see them wearing out just on their own either.

100% agreed. Though I buy a handful of things from HF, ordinary screwdrivers are already on the do-not-buy list. So, insulated screwdrivers hit that list for two reasons.

Anyway, my point is that you get what you pay for.
Cheaper insulated screwdrivers not only have tips that wear out, but use insulation that can be inferior in one of several ways.
1) softer insulation that can tear
2) cast on insulation that is off-center (so it's thin on one side)
3) unnecessarily thick insulation that gets in the way

I'm not sure why a review commented about the shafts of an insulated screwdriver bending. This isn't the type of tool that's meant to be used as a prybar...

AFAIK, slimline is a Wiha thing, not Felo. It's got thinner insulation near the tip, and thinner shafts inside. This is more akin to a "cabinet" tip screwdriver. It's a specialty tool, not meant for general use and abuse. If you have a need for a cabinet tip driver, then by all means, get it, but I for one don't see the purpose of these in an insulated driver.

 

[Tony21]

Can't find on there website, so check out this link
http://www.kctoolco.com/felo-e-slim-insulated-z-1-screwdriver-p/f62659.htm
All pretium brands now have their slim range , Wiha Wera Felo Facom Gedore...

 

[rlitman]

Yes, Felo has e-slim. They all have their unique trademarks.

My point was, I wouldn't suggest one of these, unless you have a reason that a regular VDE screwdriver doesn't fit an application.

 

[winlinmac]

I really like the Wiha, feels like they will last an eternity

 

[Tony21]

Yes, Felo has e-slim. They all have their unique trademarks.

My point was, I wouldn't suggest one of these, unless you have a reason that a regular VDE screwdriver doesn't fit an application.

Correct they all have their trademarks

This would be intersting to see if the majority of pro users care about reduced bar diameter, if they do not abuse these slim drivers as they do with regular

 

[Mr. T]

Any screwdriver is an insulated driver if you have a roll of Super 88...

Just kidding. Wiha gets my vote because I use them all of the time and they still look like new minus the grease coating I put on them. Also the slimline is really nice for getting into recessed terminals.

 

[jrobb316]

100% agreed. Though I buy a handful of things from HF, ordinary screwdrivers are already on the do-not-buy list. So, insulated screwdrivers hit that list for two reasons.

Anyway, my point is that you get what you pay for.
Cheaper insulated screwdrivers not only have tips that wear out, but use insulation that can be inferior in one of several ways.
1) softer insulation that can tear
2) cast on insulation that is off-center (so it's thin on one side)
3) unnecessarily thick insulation that gets in the way

I'm not sure why a review commented about the shafts of an insulated screwdriver bending. This isn't the type of tool that's meant to be used as a prybar...

AFAIK, slimline is a Wiha thing, not Felo. It's got thinner insulation near the tip, and thinner shafts inside. This is more akin to a "cabinet" tip screwdriver. It's a specialty tool, not meant for general use and abuse. If you have a need for a cabinet tip driver, then by all means, get it, but I for one don't see the purpose of these in an insulated driver.

That's why I have a regular set and only use the vde for its intended purpose. I got a set of the Witte protop II impacts for daily use and beating. Those are the ones with a hex bolstered blade that goes through to a beating cap on the end of the handle. Impossible to find in the states, got them from Amazon.es worth every penny and no one at work can mix them up with anyone elses

 

[rlitman]

That's why I have a regular set and...

Having too many screwdrivers is like having too many clamps. I've never heard of such a thing.