who makes decent quality screwdrivers?

Bucklagrim · Nov 8, 2013

Ive been looking for some decent screwdrivers as my most popular sizes seem to be missing. In the past my first choice would have been craftsman, but with the current lack of quality in their products I am at a loss. I am looking for reasonable quality that won't break the bank.Appreciate any help you all might offer.

stanward · Nov 8, 2013

I have a set of Snap-On screwdrivers and I have no complaints about them. The only complaint is the darn cost, but you get what you pay for.

If you're worried about cost, you can look on eBay.

Nocturnal-G · Nov 8, 2013

Bucklagrim said:
Ive been looking for some decent screwdrivers as my most popular sizes seem to be missing. In the past my first choice would have been craftsman, but with the current lack of quality in their products I am at a loss. I am looking for reasonable quality that won't break the bank.Appreciate any help you all might offer.

Check out Felo, Wiha and Wera... They are reasonably priced, won't break the bank.

I have experience with Felo and Wiha... Great screwdrivers.

oldldh · Nov 8, 2013

This is the 19 pc Proto J9600C Professional Classic Screwdriver Set... :drool:

Available from Amazon for $ 97.95... :thumbup:

And Made in the U.S.A.!!!! :beer:

retDAC · Nov 8, 2013

C'man screwdrivers are still MUSA, although the regular line in Phillips tends to wear down. Pro models are much better. OTOH, sometimes you need a shorter screwdriver than a Pro model.

nyrapscalion · Nov 8, 2013

Klein tool. Look for made in USA.
Some of the stuff is garbage from taiwan so watch out.

I have used Klein stuff for many years and have had very good luck.

JasonCAT · Nov 8, 2013

Bucklagrim said:
Ive been looking for some decent screwdrivers as my most popular sizes seem to be missing. In the past my first choice would have been craftsman, but with the current lack of quality in their products I am at a loss. I am looking for reasonable quality that won't break the bank.Appreciate any help you all might offer.

You said you don't want to break the bank and everyone is throwing $100 set suggestions your way, lol.

It's going to sound ridiculous, but these are every bit as good as the best Craftsman drivers I've ever used. I was turned on to them by a couple of dealership techs I know. I was really surprised, because every other HF screwdriver I'd ever used was garbage. This set, though? Good stuff.

MattPersman · Nov 8, 2013

Worth a try for 9 bucks really.

newchris · Nov 8, 2013

+1 on the HF pro's, they used to be orange and green but those look to be the same ones. another option is the napa carlyle screwdrivers as they are rebranded witte (same manufacturer as the matco drivers).cheers

kts · Nov 8, 2013

My Craftsman screwdrivers have done pretty well for my needs and the few I've broken we're easily warrantied.

I seen a lot of people recommend the Snap On hard handles and their cousin the Williams hard handles on here so I picked up a set if the Williams hard handles since I'm just a home user and can't justify the Snappys for my use. Boy am I glad I got those Williams. They feel so much better to use and I feel they have a much better tip than my old Craftsman screwdrivers. You can find a starter set for like $50-60 that should cover most needs or they have bigger sets in flat and Phillips you can get for about $100 total.

niferous · Nov 8, 2013

Wright Tools: http://www.randhsupply.com/screwdriver-set-10-piece

I'll see if I can get you a free shipping coupon code when I get to work.

stratman977 · Nov 8, 2013

newchris said:
+1 on the HF pro's, they used to be orange and green but those look to be the same ones. another option is the napa carlyle screwdrivers as they are rebranded witte (same manufacturer as the matco drivers).cheers

The carlyle ones are not rebranded witte. The are nice but not the same. You can't get the witte ones at napa anymore.

stratman977 · Nov 8, 2013

How much do you want to spend? That makes a big difference.

Those clear craftsman screwdrivers are around $32 normal price for a 17 piece set. A set with that many pieces in a quality made in usa screwdriver set you are talking at least triple in price. The regular craftsman aren't the best but are decent for the cost when you really think about it. If you only change the occasional air filter or fix a kids toy those will do the job. If you use them daily get something better.

Super Mech · Nov 8, 2013

The HF pros are the best kept secret in the HF line up. For the money they can't be beat!

hograzer · Nov 8, 2013

On March 22, 2010, Ideal Industries announced the acquisition of Pratt-Read and continue production under the name Pratt-Read Tools, LLC In Sycamore Illinois. They manufacture some screwdrivers for Craftsman, Stanley, Snap-on, Danaher, and Klein. The Pratt-Read I have used have been high quality. Craftsman screwdrivers from Pratt-Read will have P-R on handle.

Spudland_Dave · Nov 8, 2013

JasonCAT said:
You said you don't want to break the bank and everyone is throwing $100 set suggestions your way, lol.

Very true...
IMHO boils down to what YOU want to spend on a set....I think the reason people are recommending the 100 buck sets is once you use em, you'll never go back to CMan or anything less...I used to think a screwdriver is a screwdriver, how can such a simple tool be vastly different right? Wrong...now if one of my co-workers hands me a POS driver, I'll give it back and run out to my car to grab my Whia or SO's...

Brands I own & use + recommend: MAC/Macsimizer, Snappy and Whia.

Personally I wouldn't shop in the middle...I'd go with the HF set or a set of Macsimizer or Instinct drivers...

doan · Nov 8, 2013

oldldh said:
This is the 19 pc Proto J9600C Professional Classic Screwdriver Set...

Available from Amazon for $ 97.95...

And Made in the U.S.A.!!!!

USA Toolsupply has a similar set for $65 - HERE

Scout Driver · Nov 8, 2013

Williams. Snap On hard-handle quality at a low price.

Or try Felo. A few different grades to meet your needs and budget. I've used both brands and have been very happy with them.

Scott

Farmall450 · Nov 8, 2013

JasonCAT said:
You said you don't want to break the bank and everyone is throwing $100 set suggestions your way, lol.

It's going to sound ridiculous, but these are every bit as good as the best Craftsman drivers I've ever used. I was turned on to them by a couple of dealership techs I know. I was really surprised, because every other HF screwdriver I'd ever used was garbage. This set, though? Good stuff.

I think I'll try them for $8 :lol_hitti

Spudland_Dave · Nov 8, 2013

Scout Driver said:
Williams. Snap On hard-handle quality at a low price.

Not exactly true... SnapOn = ACR Tip, Williams = Plain Tip
Overall Fit & Finish on both are also different....Just Sayin...

scaron · Nov 8, 2013

proto classic or klein, seconded. i also have some witte drivers that i really like.

STGFordCrazy04 · Nov 8, 2013

I love my Felo ergonics

Applesauce · Nov 8, 2013

Scout Driver said:
Williams. Snap On hard-handle quality at a low price.

A big +1. Excellent price, predictably quality. And colour you want as long as it's black.

I also like Weras and Protos.

hard12catch33 · Nov 8, 2013

I just bought these myself, I have heard good things about them. I don't think $90 for a set of 13 is a bad price. Hopefully these will be my replacements for all the other cheap-o screwdrivers I have now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9UG6U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tarheelgarage · Nov 8, 2013

folks spend way too much on screwdrivers for no reason other than ignorance.
Just buy the HF ones and don't loose any sleep over what everyone else is shilling.

CWP1616L · Nov 8, 2013

IDEAL brand screwdrivers

rusty_ratchet · Nov 8, 2013

Spudland_Dave said:
Very true...
IMHO boils down to what YOU want to spend on a set....I think the reason people are recommending the 100 buck sets is once you use em, you'll never go back to CMan or anything less...I used to think a screwdriver is a screwdriver, how can such a simple tool be vastly different right? Wrong...now if one of my co-workers hands me a POS driver, I'll give it back and run out to my car to grab my Whia or SO's...

Brands I own & use + recommend: MAC/Macsimizer, Snappy and Whia.

Personally I wouldn't shop in the middle...I'd go with the HF set or a set of Macsimizer or Instinct drivers...

This has also been my experience. I got the Wiha set here and couldn't be happier.

jeffmoss26 · Nov 8, 2013

Klein and Snap-on are my #1 choice. Don't have any of the Enderes fixed blade drivers but I love their 4 in 1 and 6 in 1.

scaron · Nov 8, 2013

ideal is not a bad brand either, i've got lots of their tools but never used one of their screwdrivers.

Spudland_Dave · Nov 8, 2013

All this talk about the various brands..nobody (pointing the finger at myself too here) has mentioned ergonomics....use a screwdriver which feels good to you in YOUR hand....the Acetate handle design of the CMan and other related designs I cant stand... The Snappy Hard handles are Good, but I much prefer the Instinct design or the Macsimizer design handle...the Whia SoftFinish as posted above are what my Torx drivers are and I don't mind that design either....I wouldn't run out and buy a hard handled set for daily every day use...for myself.

niferous · Nov 8, 2013

OK I found our current coupon code. It's actually for all tools we have in our catalog (Wright, Williams, Proto, Irwin, Channellock, etc) and it's 10% off the total order.

The Wright 9476 10 piece set I talked about earlier is listed for $62.69 so it would be $56.42 with the coupon code. I can't find it cheaper online.

The code to use is "Tool World" with the words capitalized and the space.

Here are some links to different tool brands on the site:
Wright Tool

Williams

Proto

Stanley

Jet

Alfa Tools

Irwin

Channellock

If you don't see what you're looking for you can PM me here and I'll send you my contact info. If you PM me what you're looking for I'll let you know if we can get it and what the price would be.

Hope this helps some of y'all.

Hako86 · Nov 8, 2013

Wiha, felo, wera, pb swiss, snap on

outdoorsman310 · Nov 8, 2013

Craftsman pro screwdrivers are pretty good in my experience. much better than regular crapsman screwdrivers

split150 · Nov 8, 2013

Wera has a set that's usually on amazon for around $20 shipped that's a great way to try out Wera to see if they fit yours hands. They work great for me, I got that set as a GJ secret santa gift last year and have been hooked since. http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Phillips-Screwdriver-6-Pieces/dp/B000XITE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383876622&sr=8-3&keywords=wera%20screwdriver&tag=vglnk-c47-20

jakemac · Nov 8, 2013

Steve_O, the new owner of Enderes Tools, just posted pictures of the new (old) screwdrivers that they will be offering. These are real "Made in USA" tools, made the old way by someone committed to keeping the company local. Here's the direct link to his post :

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3486421&postcount=96

Steinmetz · Nov 8, 2013

Bucklagrim said:
Ive been looking for some decent screwdrivers as my most popular sizes seem to be missing. In the past my first choice would have been craftsman, but with the current lack of quality in their products I am at a loss. I am looking for reasonable quality that won't break the bank.Appreciate any help you all might offer.

I recently bought some new ones from Williams, based upon someone's recommendation here. I found them to be excellent.

The Gambler · Nov 8, 2013

wiha,wera,felo all make great screwdrivers if you want a old classic design look at grace screwdrivers

Brownsfan · Nov 8, 2013

Williams USA are some of the best for the money. Here's the 8pc set.
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/mobile/8-Piece-Mixed-Screwdriver-Set-USA-Made_p_2762.html
I bought the 6pc slotted and Phillips.
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/mobile/6-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver-Set-USA-Made_p_2763.html
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/mobile/6-Piece-Slotted-Screwdriver-Set-USA-Made_p_2764.html
These are my favorite I own. I also have Crafsman pro(great value as well) and snap on instincts. The Williams are GREAT for the money. Really can't be beat for quality to price ratio.
So for like $40 you can get snap on quality 8pc set and for around $70 you can get a pretty complete 12pc set that is as high quality of any out there

nicksnothereman · Nov 8, 2013

Bucklagrim said:
Ive been looking for some decent screwdrivers as my most popular sizes seem to be missing. In the past my first choice would have been craftsman, but with the current lack of quality in their products I am at a loss. I am looking for reasonable quality that won't break the bank.Appreciate any help you all might offer.

"Break the bank" is different for different people. If you mean cheap and quality then...good luck. Most of the cheap stuff is fairly disposable but you don't feel so bad in disposing of it.

If you mean "a go to set" I would go with wera. They're not cheap but if you use them a lot then you'll like them. I'm the guy who buys the home depot hdx screwdrivers all the time though. Those aren't even disposable in my opinion. How many drivers ya need? :bounce:

nicksnothereman · Nov 8, 2013

nyrapscalion said:
Klein tool. Look for made in USA.
Some of the stuff is garbage from taiwan so watch out.

I have used Klein stuff for many years and have had very good luck.

I just bought klein stuff from "estonia" (t-handles hex). True story. :wtf:

who makes decent quality screwdrivers?

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