Tynee
Well-known member
Actually, what I REALLY want is the compo handles, the through-tang, and NO stubbies. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used a stubby in the last decade.
Whats your favorite screwdriver handle?
- Thread starter KnurledNut
- Start date
That's this set. I agree stubbies are kind of a waste and add close the $25 to the price tag.
Jaysreal
Well-known member
After owning a handful of euros, I'd have to say when it comes to strictly the handle Gedore has to be my favorite(even over pb swiss) the finger notches just speak to my hand in a way no other handle does.
Shoreline_
Well-known member
My most effective shape for my hand is tri-lobe so the instinct handles are my favorite. If it's not tri-lobe then I want full round. Mac's trilobe are kinda the cheaper line.
My least favorite are square handles. So even tho I have old mac and snapon hard handles, they aren't my favorite and it's because I just bought them off the truck.
My least favorite are square handles. So even tho I have old mac and snapon hard handles, they aren't my favorite and it's because I just bought them off the truck.
genog
Well-known member
I like these the most
Maybe because I am so used to them.....
I also like the older Snappy triangular grips too
Maybe because I am so used to them.....
I also like the older Snappy triangular grips too
OP
KnurledNut
Well-known member
All you guys have made this a fun informative thread.
mv213
Well-known member
That’s the original Workmaster handle, and it’s the best screwdriver handle ever designed. Sadly discontinued. I have their 6-in-1 driver with this handle, and was lucky enough to find 2 packages of replacement tips for it still new in the package.Stanley Workmaster
Agree. And not one post from a member with the sense of humor of a middle schooler posted the 2 position grip Snap On ratcheting screwdriver. Thrilled about that.All you guys have made this a fun informative thread.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Can we pretend for a moment that I have no idea what that is? I know that SO makes a ratcheting screwdriver. I tried one many years ago in a server room assembling server racks and I really liked the screwdriver. I see that today that looks similar to what I used sells for $187. This is (I think) all of them found with a google search.
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b2b.snapon.com
I could not begin to guess if it is the same.
So, is are you referring to the simple standard SO ratcheting screwdriver? Or, is this something with an odd angle slightly resembling a hand gun? (that I do not see in my google search).
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I had mentioned the old MAC Comfort Grip as being my favorite, which was very similar to the old 60's/70's Snap-on ones, which are a close second favorite of mine. Last night I thought I'd snap a picture of the two side by side in various sizes to show how close in size and shape they are. The MAC's being ever so slightly larger is probably why I favor them slightly.
I also have to blame @Jgaz because he posted the pictures of those vintage Snap-on Pozidriv screwdrivers and I have always wanted a set. Found one.
I also have to blame @Jgaz because he posted the pictures of those vintage Snap-on Pozidriv screwdrivers and I have always wanted a set. Found one.
OP
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I like the larger size of the MAC handles. And the texturing puts the icing on the cake. Thanks for showing a comparison. Both are nice drivers!I had mentioned the old MAC Comfort Grip as being my favorite, which was very similar to the old 60's/70's Snap-on ones, which are a close second favorite of mine. Last night I thought I'd snap a picture of the two side by side in various sizes to show how close in size and shape they are. The MAC's being ever so slightly larger is probably why I favor them slightly.
I also have to blame @Jgaz because he posted the pictures of those vintage Snap-on Pozidriv screwdrivers and I have always wanted a set. Found one.
Glad I could do my part to add to your already impressive tool collection.I had mentioned the old MAC Comfort Grip as being my favorite, which was very similar to the old 60's/70's Snap-on ones, which are a close second favorite of mine. Last night I thought I'd snap a picture of the two side by side in various sizes to show how close in size and shape they are. The MAC's being ever so slightly larger is probably why I favor them slightly.
I also have to blame @Jgaz because he posted the pictures of those vintage Snap-on Pozidriv screwdrivers and I have always wanted a set. Found one.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thinking about you guys. Had the dreaded melted fuse #27 on my F150 last weekend. Have the all black craftsman pros in my truck tool kit. Almost lost one of the little buggers. Never again will I buy all black tools for automotive. Even chrome with a black handle would be ok. I’m really not afraid of enemy radar locking on to my tools. Stealth screwdrivers are just a bad idea.
Jim greengo
Well-known member
Lennox 6n1,or a Dewalt 20v impact. Hahaha
givemethewillys
Well-known member
I've never had a problem with the FEEL of a craftsman, but man-o-man my screwdriver drawer smells like death! No idea how to stop them from decomposing or whatever is happening.
...and it's not even close.
(I use Wiha but nothing beats the old school craftsman for value)
It is the butyl acetate failing. It is actually a chemical in vomit.
If you can find some screwdrivers at an estate sale for cheap… I would just throw the ones you have away.
In the worst cases of butyl plastic breakdown, you can see examples of handles that become a chalky gooey mess.
Some eras of nitrocellulose handles can also break down, but they do not smell like vomit.
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Ohio Andy
Well-known member
The best I have seen is a partial reprieve by coating the handle with a clear finish. But it is only a delay.
Replace them unless you want to rehandle them.
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Nick Rivers
Well-known member
Yes, the original Workmasters. I was collecting them to build a full set, then Adam Savage put out a video stating these were his favorite screwdrivers. That was the end of finding them on eBay cheap..... I still ended up with a full set and find them at the flea market. I carry one in my back pocket to show the vendors. I'll get a one or two a show.
NOTE: Pictures are not my own. i'm not at home to photograph my actual screwdrivers.
Call me basic, but if we're talking strictly handles, my current favorites are the current Craftsman BI-material. They just fit my hand well and they're grippy. I also like it as a material on their picks and ratchets. I fell it's meh on their pliers, though.
The Felo cushion grips were my favorites until the Craftsman above came along, I don't have any of the VDE so I'm not sure if they have a different feel, but the regular ones are really nice.
And last the old classic Bell System yellow screwdrivers. Specifically, the ones with the massive shanks that flare into the handle. Admittedly, a lot has to do with nostalgia, but for a handle it's a timeless design that's been copied by everyone. Even though mine are all dinged and scratched they still have a good feel in the hand.
Call me basic, but if we're talking strictly handles, my current favorites are the current Craftsman BI-material. They just fit my hand well and they're grippy. I also like it as a material on their picks and ratchets. I fell it's meh on their pliers, though.
The Felo cushion grips were my favorites until the Craftsman above came along, I don't have any of the VDE so I'm not sure if they have a different feel, but the regular ones are really nice.
And last the old classic Bell System yellow screwdrivers. Specifically, the ones with the massive shanks that flare into the handle. Admittedly, a lot has to do with nostalgia, but for a handle it's a timeless design that's been copied by everyone. Even though mine are all dinged and scratched they still have a good feel in the hand.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Any idea why they call it bi- material? (For the Craftsman)NOTE: Pictures are not my own. i'm not at home to photograph my actual screwdrivers.
Call me basic, but if we're talking strictly handles, my current favorites are the current Craftsman BI-material. They just fit my hand well and they're grippy. I also like it as a material on their picks and ratchets. I fell it's meh on their pliers, though.
The Felo cushion grips were my favorites until the Craftsman above came along, I don't have any of the VDE so I'm not sure if they have a different feel, but the regular ones are really nice.
And last the old classic Bell System yellow screwdrivers. Specifically, the ones with the massive shanks that flare into the handle. Admittedly, a lot has to do with nostalgia, but for a handle it's a timeless design that's been copied by everyone. Even though mine are all dinged and scratched they still have a good feel in the hand.
I am guessing that it might be because they have black oxide on the tip... But I haven't seen it explained. Even if that is the case, I have black oxide is only a coating.
OP
KnurledNut
Well-known member
They are referring to the handle. Two components: the hard red base material and the soft black overmold.
Nutria
Well-known member
I've always liked the feel and heft of the old Perfect handle screwdrivers, even if the full-length shank does invite abuse.
I particularly like this one, a Tobrin no. 9. It was my grandfather's. He worked at Stanley Tools and later New Departure Bearing. The handle scales were in terrible shape when I received it, and then it went through a fire, finishing them off. I straightened the shank (well, mostly) and made some new oak scales for it. The scales are far from "perfect," but I'll do better if I do another one. Meanwhile, it lives full time on my bench, and I use it almost daily.
I particularly like this one, a Tobrin no. 9. It was my grandfather's. He worked at Stanley Tools and later New Departure Bearing. The handle scales were in terrible shape when I received it, and then it went through a fire, finishing them off. I straightened the shank (well, mostly) and made some new oak scales for it. The scales are far from "perfect," but I'll do better if I do another one. Meanwhile, it lives full time on my bench, and I use it almost daily.
Brommie
Member
I like the top one (belzer) the most, the red isoryl squarish handle. It's not the most ergonomic I guess but I grew up with those types.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
I really like Wera. I bought a set on a lark because they looked fun. Found them to fit my hands really well. The tips have held up great. The handles haven't succumbed to gack, fluids, or solvents.
-Ryan
-Ryan
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,385
Ugh.
Top 3 (currently at least):
I'm not committed to these forever, because I'll also grab just about any Vessel made driver, but it's what I'm using the most in late 2024.
Top 3 (currently at least):
I'm not committed to these forever, because I'll also grab just about any Vessel made driver, but it's what I'm using the most in late 2024.
logical
Well-known member
I never gave it much thought. The WERA Kraftform circled in red are probably my favorite.
bwringer
Well-known member
Anything with clear handles is banned from my garage; they melt in the presence of gasoline, brake cleaner, etc. and get slippery when oily. Same goes for anything with important painted but not embossed markings; the paint or ink never holds up.
And the classic shape of the old Craftsman acetate handles is just plain unpleasant. It's effective (when it's not actively dissolving) but it hurts when you need to apply serious torque. Bleah.
As with others here, my all-time favorites ate the Vessel Megadora, although these Vessel composite wood screwdrivers are creating serious urges...
I've also been very happy with Felo soft handled stuff as well. They seem to average a little smaller in diameter, which is mighty nice in some situations.
I've also had a set of the Tekton high-torque TPE handles for a while. The shape and material are fantastic, durable, hold up to chemicals, and very effective, but the weird trilobular triple ripple alien phallus shape has never felt completely... natural to me. Works great, feels weird. I do like the large markings on the ends of the handles, but they're just printed and not embossed, so can be vulnerable if you're sloppy like me. Then again, too many makers skip markings altogether, which is annoying.
www.tekton.com
Tekton also makes some very nice square hard handles if that sort of thing is the sort of thing that's your sort of thing.
As noted, there are a lot of fantastic screwdrivers out there, so it mostly comes down to personal preference.
And the classic shape of the old Craftsman acetate handles is just plain unpleasant. It's effective (when it's not actively dissolving) but it hurts when you need to apply serious torque. Bleah.
As with others here, my all-time favorites ate the Vessel Megadora, although these Vessel composite wood screwdrivers are creating serious urges...
Another favorite is the Vessel Woody's with the striking cap/thru tang. The handles feel great. (I'm not a fan of rubber/cushion grip handles). Vessel has the best cross point fitment of any screwdriver I've ever used. At $38 for a set this is a steal. https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-Woody...ver-336PS/dp/B083XJQKPP/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I've also been very happy with Felo soft handled stuff as well. They seem to average a little smaller in diameter, which is mighty nice in some situations.
I've also had a set of the Tekton high-torque TPE handles for a while. The shape and material are fantastic, durable, hold up to chemicals, and very effective, but the weird trilobular triple ripple alien phallus shape has never felt completely... natural to me. Works great, feels weird. I do like the large markings on the ends of the handles, but they're just printed and not embossed, so can be vulnerable if you're sloppy like me. Then again, too many makers skip markings altogether, which is annoying.
High-Torque Screwdriver Set (22-Piece) | DRV45001 | TEKTON
Includes: #0-#3 (Phillips), 1/8-5/16 inch (slotted/flathead), T10-30 (Torx) screwdrivers. High-torque handles. Made in USA. DRV45001.
Tekton also makes some very nice square hard handles if that sort of thing is the sort of thing that's your sort of thing.
As noted, there are a lot of fantastic screwdrivers out there, so it mostly comes down to personal preference.
Tynee
Well-known member
RIGHT?!?!? I'm hoping Santa has them for me under the tree.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,385
You guys know the Vessel "compo" series offers more then just + and - drivers, right?
Nut drivers and torx too!
I'm sure you hate me now.
Happy Holiday's.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
PB Swiss Swissgrip
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
How about a ratchet setYou guys know the Vessel "compo" series offers more then just + and - drivers, right?
Nut drivers and torx too!
I'm sure you hate me now.
Happy Holiday's.
VESSEL 1/4"sq (6.35mm) 36pcs.Non-Slip handle Wood-Compo Socket Wrench Set HRW2001MW (1/4"sq Ratchet 36pcs.)
Hex not drivers oh wait, you already listed those.... In fact, the two you listed above I was not aware of.
So what are we missing
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I do really like those. Most of my PB Swiss stuff uses the Swiss grip
That said, I really like how this handle feels in my hand and, the handle smells like vanilla
PB Swiss Tools Screwdriver Bit Holder Long PB 6465 | 100% Swiss Made | Screwdriver Multitool with Bits in the Handle, including Slot Size 2/3/4, PH1/PH2, T10/T15/T20, Blade Length 100 mm
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I have a smaller set of those, I wonder if they sell just the foam? Probably not.After owning a handful of euros, I'd have to say when it comes to strictly the handle Gedore has to be my favorite(even over pb swiss) the finger notches just speak to my hand in a way no other handle does.
danyo492
Well-known member
WERA Kraftform are really, really nice.
Bill Wright
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2017
- Messages
- 44
Stinky Craftsman handles for me. I can’t figure out the aversion to older craftsman stuff.
I think it would be interesting to see how many professional old timers bought houses,raised families and put kids through college with stinky handled screwdrivers and Matt chrome raised panel wrenches.
I think it would be interesting to see how many professional old timers bought houses,raised families and put kids through college with stinky handled screwdrivers and Matt chrome raised panel wrenches.
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,489
Snap on Instinct.
Tynee
Well-known member
You're an enabler is what you are...You guys know the Vessel "compo" series offers more then just + and - drivers, right?
Nut drivers and torx too!
I'm sure you hate me now.
Happy Holiday's.
And the same goes for you...
SwissMetric
Well-known member
I prefer the old classic PB acetate handles despite smelling badly before vanilla was added a couple of years ago.
Their main drawback is the extremely poor resistance to some solvents. IIIRC acetone instantly irreversibly damages the handle.
Otherwise they can last many decades. Color is traditionnaly translucent red (incl. Phillips) while translucent green is reserved for POZIDRIV.
Wera and others made copies of those handles, some look nearly identical.
Rubberized handles, including 2-component handles, have become popular but I find them harder to clean and some elastomers become sticky or cause other problems after some times (can be decades). Hard plastic is less good ergonomically but ages more predictably.
I avoid wood handles and don't like the Wera Kraftform but that's purely a matter of personal preference.
In Switzerland the flat VSM (national standard) screwdriver blade is very common while abroad the ISO is more common. I prefer the VSM, I even expect it to be stronger due to its shape. No idea if VSM screwdrivers are known in the U.S.
Their main drawback is the extremely poor resistance to some solvents. IIIRC acetone instantly irreversibly damages the handle.
Otherwise they can last many decades. Color is traditionnaly translucent red (incl. Phillips) while translucent green is reserved for POZIDRIV.
Wera and others made copies of those handles, some look nearly identical.
Rubberized handles, including 2-component handles, have become popular but I find them harder to clean and some elastomers become sticky or cause other problems after some times (can be decades). Hard plastic is less good ergonomically but ages more predictably.
I avoid wood handles and don't like the Wera Kraftform but that's purely a matter of personal preference.
In Switzerland the flat VSM (national standard) screwdriver blade is very common while abroad the ISO is more common. I prefer the VSM, I even expect it to be stronger due to its shape. No idea if VSM screwdrivers are known in the U.S.