Vessel screwdriver handle styles

[rick carpenter]

What are y’all’s favorite Vessel handle styles?

VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

www.vesseltoolsusa.com

I’m thinking definitely Super Cushions for stubbies, and leaning towards the Megadoras for my regular drivers. If anyone likes Super Cushions over Megadoras for regular drivers please let me hear about it.

 

[Dave455]

Definitely the 4500 series “Power Grip”.

I don’t particularly like soft handles, so much prefer these.

They colour code them too, so you can tell Slotted / Phillips from Torx or Hex at a glance.

 

[CJM8515]

I have a few. I have megadoras, a ball grip flip style and a craftsman branded set that are actually megadora impact drivers. You cant go wrong with any of them really.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

For my clean-room stuff I use their Wood-Compo....just because I like the feel. (In the dirty shop I use Snap on Instinct)

 

[AJHD]

I don't know what it's called, but I've got several Vessel hand tools and they all have the same grip (more or less).
Although a different handle shape and ergonomics, the feel in my hands does remind me of the Snap On hard/soft "cushion" grip hybrid. Very comfortable.

 

[Fatboy148]

What are y’all’s favorite Vessel handle styles?

VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

www.vesseltoolsusa.com

One would think that they would display their entire line in their literature. Maybe I missed them (again) but I didn't see the 5100 or 4500 series listed.

 

[Davefr]

Vessel 300 series woodies. (wood composite resin)

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Megadora style and like them. The newer style handles like this definitely give a torque advantage.

 

[JradM]

I'm going to switch lanes - ball driver!

What can I say, I like it.

 

[Dave455]

One would think that they would display their entire line in their literature. Maybe I missed them (again) but I didn't see the 5100 or 4500 series listed.

You would think so.

Here’s an extract from their main catalogue that shows them.

I notice that link is to “Vessel USA”. As the 4500 is a slightly more costly model, perhaps they don’t think it’s right for the U.S. market? Or perhaps Vessel USA are lazy gits and can’t be bothered to import the full range?

This seems to be a common problem with importers generally.

 

[rick carpenter]

Two reasons combine to make hard handles not work great for me: I'm getting older and my grip strength is getting weaker, and 1500% East Texas humidity. I have a very nice set of Williams hard handles that just rotate in my hands in the summer, especially the smaller sizes. I went to Milwaukee round cushion grips, and for SAE drivers, I've never looked back. But now faced with DIY maintenance on my Tacoma and Rogue, I need some "+" drivers. I think Megadora handles are closest to the Milwaukees. Super Cushions offer the stubbiest drivers Vessel has, but I sure wish they offer Ball Drive super stubbies.

 

[4xdog]

I really like my 900-series and 930-series Vessel Megadoras.

 

[Dave455]

Two reasons combine to make hard handles not work great for me: I'm getting older and my grip strength is getting weaker, and 1500% East Texas humidity. I have a very nice set of Williams hard handles that just rotate in my hands in the summer, especially the smaller sizes. I went to Milwaukee round cushion grips, and for SAE drivers, I've never looked back. But now faced with DIY maintenance on my Tacoma and Rogue, I need some "+" drivers. I think Megadora handles are closest to the Milwaukees. Super Cushions offer the stubbiest drivers Vessel has, but I sure wish they offer Ball Drive super stubbies.

I understand.

The “Megadora” might well work for you. I have a couple, they are softer than the hard handles, but not too soft, and are definitely a frac more grippy. Whether they are grippy enough for humid conditions, I wouldn’t like to say.

I don’t own any of the cushion grips, but I’ve used them. They are quite soft. You might like them. There is a version with a “strike through” handle too, if you like that sort of thing!

Have you considered the “ball grip”. The shape is very ergonomic (more than it looks) and the soft rubber band makes these very easy to grip.

 

[rustbucket5]

ball grip and megadora. i prefer the megadora

 

[Dave455]

Have you considered something like these Bahco Tekno screwdrivers? I’ve picked up a couple of these over the years, and despite not generally liking soft handles, I quite like these.

The handles are all oversize, the shape has been well thought out, and the soft material is very grippy. These were originally Irazola tools, now bought out by Snap On, who I believe sell these as Williams in the U.S.

 

[midorix]

I like my Megadoras. Very comfy.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

The Megadora are probably my favourite with the woodies coming up second. The red and teal ones are okay, not made in japan though.

 

[mhejl]

I wouldn't buy any non-ball style without knurled shanks. That really is what sets Vessel apart from all the others, IMHO. I have Megadoras.

 

[Ton ton]

Ball grip is the only vessels I have. I have no experience with any other vessel drivers.

 

[Pistolero]

I work in computers and main tool is the Phillips head, deals with a lot of screws all the time in fine thread and course thread, I have Vessel Megadora, Impacta, Wiha, Wera, Stanley, Craftman. Best grip I like in turn of twisting the handle neck with your thumb finger and index finger when the screw comes loose to speed up removal is Wiha, Wera ergonomics is nice when your not twisting a lot or you not dealing with a lot of screws, Phillips head fitment Vessel wins it, it just no comparison, Wera's laser tip is also nice gripping those marred up phillips slot.

 

[RickyPetite]

I took a look at the Vessel line and like the Megadora handles. Would folks here suggest the tang-through design? I grew up with a father who used screwdrivers as chisels and am a little traumatized... When would it be appropriate to hammer the back end of a screwdriver?

 

[Bubba Fett]

Even full-tang strike cap drivers really are meant for tapping than full-on hammering. A screwdriver will never chisel as good as a real chisel. And it will never pry as good as a real pry bar. But "demolition" screwdrivers are great for getting to paint-covered screws, or popping off wire mold, etc.

 

[Fatboy148]

I took a look at the Vessel line and like the Megadora handles. Would folks here suggest the tang-through design? I grew up with a father who used screwdrivers as chisels and am a little traumatized... When would it be appropriate to hammer the back end of a screwdriver?

When they look like this:

https://www.zoro.com/vessel-tool-us...erm=4586131722397994&utm_content=All Products

In all seriousness, I am not a fan of beating on a screwdriver either. I would hope you will be happy with the Megdora drivers for light duty stuff. I really like the knurling on the shaft when using the small "phillips" drivers. Their cross drivers really do work better than others I have. For HD stuff, they make other versions that may work better that have bolsters on the shaft or the Impactas.

 

[Ton ton]

Milwaukee has a pretty decent demolition type " screwdriver". It's more like a chisel to be honest.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

I took a look at the Vessel line and like the Megadora handles. Would folks here suggest the tang-through design? I grew up with a father who used screwdrivers as chisels and am a little traumatized... When would it be appropriate to hammer the back end of a screwdriver?

Vessel 970 Megadora Chisel Screwdriver 7 x 100 https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000CED25O/

This one is actually a chisel/pry bar. I recently bought it and have been really impressed, it hasn't bent and the tip hasn't chipped at all

 

[4xdog]

I took a look at the Vessel line and like the Megadora handles. Would folks here suggest the tang-through design?

I have both types of Megadora. The knurled shaft on the 900-series is convenient and I like it. The overall weight and balance of the through-tang 930-series feels different in the hand, which is neither good nor bad -- just different. The 930-series has a hex bolster, which I use less than the knurling, TBH.

Here are some of mine -- I kinda like these for no other reason than their Toyota imprints (these are JDM Toyota tools). They're otherwise exactly the same as standard Vessel. The mold-marks for the original Vessel imprints are visible on the handles, in fact.

Vessel 970 Megadora Chisel Screwdriver 7 x 100 https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000CED25O/

This one is actually a chisel/pry bar. I recently bought it and have been really impressed, it hasn't bent and the tip hasn't chipped at all

I have one of these and have used the absolute **** out of it. A minor dressing of the chisel edge is all it’s needed. This is a tough tool.

 

[Dave455]

I took a look at the Vessel line and like the Megadora handles. Would folks here suggest the tang-through design? I grew up with a father who used screwdrivers as chisels and am a little traumatized... When would it be appropriate to hammer the back end of a screwdriver?

I’m not sure it ever really is.

I don’t personally like “through tang” design’s generally. I find the balance of the tool isn’t quite what I want from a screwdriver.

In theory a couple of taps can loosen a stuck screw, and it can be useful if you have slots full of gunk, but most times I see this being done, some other tool would be better.

And as the guys above have suggested, Vessel actually make such a tool. Halfway between a pry bar and chisel. If you are inclined to abuse screwdrivers, you might as well get one of these!

 

[Mr. Tool]

I have both types of Megadora. The knurled shaft on the 900-series is convenient and I like it. The overall weight and balance of the through-tang 930-series feels different in the hand, which is neither good nor bad -- just different. The 930-series has a hex bolster, which I use less than the knurling, TBH.

Here are some of mine -- I kinda like these for no other reason than their Toyota imprints (these are JDM Toyota tools). They're otherwise exactly the same as standard Vessel. The mold-marks for the original Vessel imprints are visible on the handles, in fact.




I have one of these and have used the absolute **** out of it. A minor dressing of the chisel edge is all its needed. This is a tough tool

Exactly where did you purchase those Toyota drivers from?

 

[Grokew]

Two reasons combine to make hard handles not work great for me: I'm getting older and my grip strength is getting weaker, and 1500% East Texas humidity. I have a very nice set of Williams hard handles that just rotate in my hands in the summer, especially the smaller sizes. I went to Milwaukee round cushion grips, and for SAE drivers, I've never looked back. But now faced with DIY maintenance on my Tacoma and Rogue, I need some "+" drivers. I think Megadora handles are closest to the Milwaukees. Super Cushions offer the stubbiest drivers Vessel has, but I sure wish they offer Ball Drive super stubbies.

Get a prokon ball 220w handle and some 2 inches bits.

 

[4xdog]

Exactly where did you purchase those Toyota drivers from?

Those Toyota Vessel screwdrivers are Japan Domestic Market tools. There are a number of companies that will source and ship JDM parts to the USA. I use http://jp-carparts.com/.

 

[lardy1]

I have had Megadora's for awhile now. My first ball grip should be here soon. I've yet to try them. My arthritic hands get fussy at times. I'm really only in the market for more screwdrivers out of curiosity. I sure don't need them but it's a pretty cheap addiction.

 

[rick carpenter]

I ended up buying the 150mm Super Cushion in flat and +. These grippy handles will allow me to overcome my hand strength and humidity issues. I also got the 100mm Ratcheting Ball Grip + and an extra 100mm flat blade. Taking the blade off allows a short bit to be inserted which creates a Ball Grip 'super stubby', which could be shorter than the Prokon.

 

[tamaraw]

In case anybody else goes through this thread looking for options, here are some pictures of my megadora 930 set. I really like them so far and have had them a few months now. I probably didn't need the whole set with the flatheads but the tray is nice to have and I like tools, lol.

I wouldn't go crazy hammering on them as chisels (there is a dedicated megadora chisel) but the through tang design is really nice to have for cross heads that have started to strip or stuff that has been painted over. If I do need to wack them, I can just do that with confidence and not worry about marring or breaking the handle. It also gives a nice weight to them in your hand.

The hex bolsters are in JIS standard 8/10/12mm depending upon the handle size which is nice if you are working with other metric tools (vs keeping an imperial wrench around for American drivers). The bolsters are part of the shaft and have a nice angled ramp up/transition that helps easily guide box end wrenches on. There is a also a sort of washer lip at the base which helps hold a wrench in place and protect the plastic handle; well thought out. Compared to a full length hex or square shank design, the bolster keeps the shaft narrow for fitting into small spaces.

The stubbies in the set are just the standard megadora 910 style which is fine because you probably wouldn't be hitting a stubby anyway. I love the grips on them, the shape fits your hand well and the material feels really nice. I have used the flathead stubby a bit for carb adjustments and swapping jet holders.

These are the "jaws-fit" heads with serrations on the crossheads and while they do seem to fit well, I can't say that I have another set of JIS drivers to compare to.

The only thing that I don't particularly like is that Vessel uses a P2x150mm in the set and the length can be a little awkward for general use. I figure I'll probably order a P2x100mm eventually.

As for the other lines, the wood compo drivers definitely intrigue me and I'll probably find an excuse to try one eventually. The 4500 series look cool as well if you wanted a smaller set vs the megadora 930. The ball type also look excellent for smaller low torque applications like computer stuff, I used Wiha precision drivers with the rotating caps when I did that professionally.

 

[Gurp]

For a quick jobs I use my vessel ball multi-bit driver. For those stuff jobs I have a impacta. Love them on my old Jap bikes.

 

[Badgerstate]

I like the ball grip. I find that its very easy to hold and control and are very comfortable to use.

 

[Aussie Tool Guy]

I like the grip on my 1991 Vessel. Still going strong.

 

[richfinn]

I have a few of the red megadora ones from your set, absolutely the best mechanics style screwdrivers I have found.

Great grip, very stout and great value for money.

I don't tend to pound on screwdrivers much but I have made centre punch marks on some of mine so I know which tip driver I am grabbing from the pockets in my tool bag

 

[richfinn]

I might get the Impacta versions next for the odd motorbike job I encounter when on patrol!!