When is a screwdriver tip too worn?

[serafins]

Hey guys,

I have a couple snap on Phillips heads I use when I really need to crank on a screw. They occasionally cam out and the tips have gotten a little beat up.

Here’s a pic of the worst one, holding up pretty well for how it’s been used. How do you guys know it’s time to warranty or buy a new one?

 

[ItsNemo]

When they no longer do the job, that one doesn't look that bad.

Get posi if you really need to torque down on a phillips or switch to a better fastener.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I didn't notice anything other than the plating coming off the tip. Phillips screwdrivers are known for their tendency to cam out. You should be fine. If you want a new shaft and have a good Snap on guy, you'll have to break the tip.

 

[serafins]

thanks guys, looks like I’ll throw it back in the box and keep using it until it becomes a problem.

 

[Wamsutta]

The top of each ridge on the Phillips tip will have burrs on it like yours does.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Looks so worn that the anti cam ribs are non existent.

 

[BMack37]

That's not too worn. It's worn enough that the majority of the ribs that will actually catch are worn but it's definitely not unusable. It's actually in that perfect wornness that you can work on fasteners that you need to avoid damage on, like external hardware on expensive whatevers.

 

[lardy1]

I don't screw around with questionable screwdrivers. Not worth the anguish of trashing a fastener head. I buy decent drivers (Klein, Channellock bought in sets and other domestics bought individually) but not the best. But I consider them to be a semi-disposable item.

 

[bonneyman]

That driver doesn't look bad to me.
I think with so many fasteners these days the manufacturing is so fast and loose that tolerances are all over the map. Some screws I put a driver on are nice and tight, many others are loose and wobbly. (I'm talking new stuff here).

If it's a critical remove situation phillips I dip the end of my driver in valve lapping paste (as per a tip from the forum) or mush a small piece of rubber into the screw (tip from you tube). For standard tips I think the parallel tip idea is the best one going.

 

[PelicanPines]

I suggest a laser cut screwdriver... wera for example.

 

[cvairwerks]

If you are caming out, or into some really tight screws, then try this:

https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/I...7002BCND&VendorNumber=NDINDUS&Code=GOOGLEFEED

We use this stuff by the case at work. We run everything from 2-56 screws up to some that are 3/8's shank, with torques ranging from under an inch ounce, all the way up to 375 inch pounds

We run APEX tips, and if they show discoloration, they are getting to be worn. We've got mechanics that cause headaches because they can't be bothered to get replacement tips, and wonder why they tear up fastener heads and have to drill so many out. When the coatings are worn off a Torx tip and every face shines, it's time to toss it.

 

[PelicanPines]

Vessel has the Jawsfit (ribbed tips) too and you can buy them from JDV or Amazon.co.jp

Vessel... Yes... probably the best.

 

[Wamsutta]

A Phillips tip is not supposed to wiggle at all if it's the correct size for the screw head. If it wiggles, it'll slip out and that's where the wear comes from.

 

[archtimb]

I used to hesitate replacing also. Then I got a new one. No comparison. I now have a completely new set.
My suggestion, get a new one.

 

[serafins]

I think I’ll call snap on tomorrow and see if they’ll send me a new shank. If not I just picked up a new set of the red hard handle Macs that might become my go to. I really like the instinct handle but we don’t have a driver right now and snap on doesn’t have free shipping on the website anymore.

 

[Bacon!]

I don't indulge in Snap-On's pricing model, but if I did, I'd warranty replace it. You ought to at least get something for the premium paid.

For my typical median grade screwdriver if that happens, I just take a file to it or put it on a bench grinder and turn it into the next larger size pillips by removing enough material to make all 4 lobes equal and intact.

 

[PugetDude]

I usually know a Phillips tip is worn out when it slips out of the fastener under pressure, skitters across the workpiece, and ends up embedded in my left arm.

j/k (maybe...)

 

[Sine Swept]

I'm all for the Wera #2 Phillips preferred over the Snap On's. The place I buy them from says they will warranty them as well for me and I have never needed to as these drivers just seem to have held up like nothing I've used before. I deal with a lot of rusty step panel screw's and these work every time.

I use the Snappy's when I need something big, for a heater box or something.

 

[cvairwerks]

If I can’t turn it by hand, then out comes the speed handle and socket for a tip or the screw knocker and rivet gun or the Brutus Bar.