Who make a quality screwdriver these days?

[fordcragar]

Who makes a good quality screwdriver set these days? I have a Snap-On set that I bought in the early 1970's, that are almost wore out. Being retired, I don't have a chance to see everything on the tool trucks anymore. That said, I'm looking for recommendations on another screwdriver set. I don't mind spending a few bucks on something worth the money. There are just too many cheap sets out there.

 

[sawbuck]

williams

 

[gustsant]

A lot of screwdrivers are good, like Snap-On, Craftsman, Wera, Felo etc. I guess it all depends on how much you want to pay but as a general rule I would look at the COO (country of origin) and try to stay away from chinese stuff. Some Craftsman are starting to go that route, the Weras are good but they are made in the Czech Republic, not Germany anymore.

With all that I have to say I am very pleased with the heavy duty black microfinish Wihas I got recently, very well built.

http://www.wihatools.com/500seri/534serie.htm

 

[Krokodil]

Wera, PB Swiss, Wiha

 

[NUTTSGT]

I won a set of Matco a couple of years ago and I like them. I also have some SO screwdrivers, those and the Matcos get used the Craftsman screwdrivers usually stay in the drawer.

 

[Stuey]

PB Swiss, Wera, Wiha, Williams

 

[RodneyPierce]

I really like my MAC hard handle screw drivers. But just also purchased a set from Williams, and might even test a set from SK that I have had an eye on.

 

[e30bradley]

williams

where are the williams screwdrivers made? or any williams tools?

 

[kblazer87]

I have a Snap-On set that I bought in the early 1970's, that are almost wore out.

Why not call Snap on and use the warranty to get yours replaced?

 

[dkobayashi]

I like to use Snap-On. I hear Wiha and Matco are good too

 

[The Hot Rod Grille]

Klein Tools. Made in the USA.

 

[fordcragar]

Why not call Snap on and use the warranty to get yours replaced?

I used to go to the Snap-On warehouse in south Seattle years ago. Then they told me I had to go through a dealer. I've tried to find a dealer, but they seem to be extinct; which seems surprising in this area. I've called and left messages, but no cigar.

 

[ktmben]

I used to go to the Snap-On warehouse in south Seattle years ago. Then they told me I had to go through a dealer. I've tried to find a dealer, but they seem to be extinct; which seems surprising in this area. I've called and left messages, but no cigar.

Go to a local shop and ask one of the techs when the snap on guy comes every week. They may even have a business card for the guy.

 

[rsieracki]

I used to go to the Snap-On warehouse in south Seattle years ago. Then they told me I had to go through a dealer. I've tried to find a dealer, but they seem to be extinct; which seems surprising in this area. I've called and left messages, but no cigar.

email snap on, include your address in the email, wait a few days, get new blades for free FEDEX'd to you, clamp bolster/hex of blade in vise, use 2 prybars to push up on handle, put new blade in vise, align handle on shank, hit with deadblow hammer till seated, ENJOY. *some use a crows foot or similar between prybar and handle depending on what you have*

...really simple after youve done the first one.

 

[TruckJunkie]

I really like the Grace line of screwdrivers. They are mostly designed for gunsmiths but will make just about any size you want and stand behind their products. Their website is here - http://www.graceusaguntools.com/index.htm

 

[Scout Driver]

Williams.

Scott

 

[njride]

Klein Tools. Made in the USA.

second that, super comfortable and durable.

 

[Northstar]

If you can't get to a tool truck, try pawn shops. There's always a tool box or set for sale, usually behind the counter. I have a couple used tool stores in my area which will sell singles or sets. Often, those shops don't know beyond the name brands what quality something is. Also look for postings of special buying days. You can score some awesome deals with a little patience.

 

[PT Doc]

Wiha. Husky pro.

 

[markb1]

second that, super comfortable and durable.

Klein
Used all day, every day for 35 years as an electrician. Round handle makes it easy to spin screws, rubber grip for torque and comfort.

 

[glockman]

My opinion based on what I have and have used.

Snap On
Wiha
Craftsman Pro

Klein are wonderfull but the rubber grip isnt so good if your wrenching. It gets slippery.

 

[jvitez]

Ditto on the waranty. You paid a lot for them, use the lifetime warranty. Now if the handles and tips are both shot, try these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought this set. Superb when your hands are slippery. Great price, and still made in the USA.

 

[SuperSocket]

Klein or Snap-on.

 

[RoarkIndustrialSolutions]

Wright Tool. And, if I remember correctly, they use the same material in there screwdrivers as they do in their chisels.

 

[JYank]

I use Klien on the job. When I wear one out, I take it in to my electrical supplier and they hand me a new one. You should have a warranty on Snap-on. If nothing else, leave it with someone you know who will see the Snap-on guy when he comes around.

 

[Steevo]

Who makes the Milwaukee screwdrivers they sell at Home Depot? I saw a set that looked pretty nice, and some had wire strippers on the handles, too.

 

[c39er]

Plenty of SO dealers in the north end of Seattle!

 

[VinDSL]

Klein Tools. Made in the USA.

second that, super comfortable and durable.

I love the look n' feel of Klein screwdrivers. Very retro! Reminds me of the drivers granddad used.

At the plant where I work, all the electricians use Klein screwdrivers -- dittos for the IT guys, however...

While I know they're up to the job on power panels and computers, I'm not so sure about rough usage on greasy, mechanical equipment.

I'm *thinking* about upgrading my screwdrivers, in the next few days. I ran across these on the Wiha site:

Here's a picture, from the official website:

SOURCE: http://www.wihatools.com/400seri/469serACOsL2.htm


I really like the idea of the "ribbed" tips. They make bit drivers with the same design.

Any opinions on 'em (the ACR ribbed tips, not Wiha)?!?!?

 

[Terry454]

Klein Tools. Made in the USA.

Looks like they will still be made int eh USA, but not in Illinois:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/15/klein-tools-to-close-plants-in-skokie-roselle/

Terry

 

[VinDSL]

While I know {Kleins] are up to the job on power panels and computers, I'm not so sure about rough usage on greasy, mechanical equipment. [...]

Sorry, for quoting myself, but...

I just ran across a new line of DeWalt screwdrivers that looks shockingly similar to Kleins.

The description states:

Designed for “electricians / HVAC professionals, plumbers, general contractors, and remodelers [...]

I realize that DeWalts are not Kleins (or are they?) but the "design" is much the same.

So, I'm more convinced than ever, that they wouldn't hold up in a "grease monkey" environment.

Just saying...

 

[LT4]

I don't like the new Snap On soft grip handles.

 

[rwreuter]

klein tools. Made in the usa.

ditto

 

[Davefr]

Old Klein is OK, new Klein is ****. The tips are way too soft. One camout and the screwdriver is shot.

I'd go with Williams. They're tough and affordable.

I have nearly a complete PB Swiss collection as a result of Amazon's killer deal a couple years ago but would not buy any of these boutique brand screwdrivers at regular prices.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Just got a set of Williams screwdrivers. Shipped from the Snap On warehouse in Denver.

They look Identical to Snap on except the handle engraving and perhaps the Snap On composite handles are more polished.

 

[homeputter]

I had bought a set of black handle Snap On screwdrivers - probably in the 1970's. Everyone of the black handles eventually disintegrated just laying in the tool box drawer. They were hardy used. The temperature in the garage in the summer can reach 120F and inside the truck parked in the sun all day, the tool box can reach over 160F, but still...

My 60 year old craftsman handles are as good as the day I bought them.
I gather up most of the black crumbs and shafts and gave them to a friend to get them replaced by a SO dealer. SO did not question it, just wanted all the crumbs. I have got about 5 replacements so far.
This must have been a big replacement issue over the years for SO - especially for professionals who actually used these screwdrivers everyday. Anyone else experience this?

 

[Kent Skinner]

I bought 2 sets of Wiha - the extra long, and the heavy duty.

They are fantastic. Most of the extra long set isn't any wider at the tip than the shank, so they can get to the bottom of a deep, skinny hole. The heavy duty set has a steel shank, and big steel button on the handle so you can drive them into a screw. In addition, most have a hex bolster on the shank, so you can get a wrench on them.

I'm more than satisfied and feel that they should last a long time.

 

[olytdi]

I bought 2 sets of Wiha - the extra long, and the heavy duty.

They are fantastic. Most of the extra long set isn't any wider at the tip than the shank, so they can get to the bottom of a deep, skinny hole. The heavy duty set has a steel shank, and big steel button on the handle so you can drive them into a screw. In addition, most have a hex bolster on the shank, so you can get a wrench on them.

I'm more than satisfied and feel that they should last a long time.

Do you have the product numbers or a link to these sets?

 

[rsieracki]

I had bought a set of black handle Snap On screwdrivers - probably in the 1970's. Everyone of the black handles eventually disintegrated just laying in the tool box drawer. They were hardy used. The temperature in the garage in the summer can reach 120F and inside the truck parked in the sun all day, the tool box can reach over 160F, but still...

My 60 year old craftsman handles are as good as the day I bought them.
I gather up most of the black crumbs and shafts and gave them to a friend to get them replaced by a SO dealer. SO did not question it, just wanted all the crumbs. I have got about 5 replacements so far.
This must have been a big replacement issue over the years for SO - especially for professionals who actually used these screwdrivers everyday. Anyone else experience this?

Ya its a known issue reguarding the snapon handles (i have a few also like that) thats why they will warrantee them where handles are usually the one item they wont cover

 

[Mr.Magoo]

Klein gets my vote, you have to get one in your hands to know how good they feel. Their nut drivers are just as good.

 

[jsnow]

I have been really happy with my Husky Pro screwdrivers. Bought them when I needed a set right then, and haven't had the need to replace them (Made in the U.S.A. too). I just wish they had a larger selection in their Pro series, including nut drivers.