Who makes decent screwdrivers?

[Northerndave]

I'd like to get a decent set of screwdrivers. To give some perspective, snap on has been the best I have used. So, those are "good" in my opinion, I realize there are likely better ones but I'd like to learn what may be out there that is on par with snap on.

Thanks.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Tons. Snap on are very nice, but I also strongly favor wiha. There is also wera, vessel (great for japanese stuff), tekton (shaft thickness has caused me some issues, but good quality), and others.

 

[Northerndave]

Thank you. I'll look into those.

 

[uncwstudent]

Wera with laser tips. My personal favorite.

 

[archirelic]

The search function is your friend.

 

[nbpt100]

TopTul.

I know people may laugh but HF has a decent set of 8 pro grip screw driver for 9.99 USD.
It does not have a P3 or bolsters but for what they are they are very good screwdrivers. This is not just my opinion as others on here have said the same. I keep some in my travel tool box as I tend to loose screwdrivers. If I loose one of my Top Tuls I would be bummed.

 

[Northerndave]

Tons. Snap on are very nice, but I also strongly favor wiha. There is also wera, vessel (great for japanese stuff), tekton (shaft thickness has caused me some issues, but good quality), and others.

For the wiha, which series do you like? I'm looking at the micro finish non slips, I'm taking a guess that they are maybe top of the wiha line?

nevermind, I see the difference, I had to look closer at the pics. microfinish non slips have hex shafts, look strong but bulky.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Kctool has wera on sale. They got me...

Nmg

 

[exmaxima1]

Lots of opinions and threads regarding screwdrivers. I own lots of brands, but recently tried a set of the Craftsman Extreme Grip with diamond tips. Others will say that CM is total ****, but I admit I like this set and especially enjoy the handles and the long shanks included with the larger sets.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-ext...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[Davefr]

Proto Duratek, PB Swiss, Williams are all equivalent or better then SO.

A lot of guys like Vessel.

Wera, Wiha, Felos are also really nice.

IMHO it's silly to buy SO given the price, however a large factor is how they feel in your hand and that's subjective.

 

[Spacey_G]

For the wiha, which series do you like? I'm looking at the micro finish non slips, I'm taking a guess that they are maybe top of the wiha line?

nevermind, I see the difference, I had to look closer at the pics. microfinish non slips have hex shafts, look strong but bulky.

The microfinish handles are available in the standard versions with round shanks and "extra heavy duty" versions that have hex shanks, hex bolsters, and striking caps.

Those variations are also available with their standard rubber grips, with the addition of a "heavy duty" version that has the hex shank and bolster but no striking cap.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Felo

 

[giants]

The other day, I bought this Home Depot/Husky brand set of diamond-tip magnetic screwdrivers for $15:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-D...+driver}:qu+nr:{husky+diamond+screwdriver}:nr

So far, I've only used the flat head to loosen two air intake hose clamps on my car. So far, I like them.

I saw the Craftsman, listed above, at Sears.
My rationale for getting the Husky was:
lower price that Sears;
lifetime warranty (Home Depot will be around longer than Sears);
I don't need a large set of screwdrivers;
magnetic tips reduces screws from falling of the screwdriver; and
reduce problems with stripping screws (that's my specialty, LOL).

I'd also like feedback from others about my choice.

 

[Northerndave]

The microfinish handles are available in the standard versions with round shanks and "extra heavy duty" versions that have hex shanks, hex bolsters, and striking caps.

Those variations are also available with their standard rubber grips, with the addition of a "heavy duty" version that has the hex shank and bolster but no striking cap.

I follow, thanks.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have several snap on sets and they are terrific for what they are. However my personal favorite are from FACOM made in France. They feel the best to my hand (the old Ergo Twist). That said, If I were going to buy a new set today it would be Vessel.

That’s the Garage Journal answer. A more practical answer is many of us have a whole bunch of different high-quality screwdrivers and our favorite one is the one closest to us at the time LOL.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I own Felo, Vessel, and SK cushion grips. I like them all.

Felo probably #1 for how they fit my hands. I have the wooden handles, the ergonics and the fricos.

My vessels are striking cap models with hard handles.

I don't work in real dirty or greasy and oily environments.

Screwdrivers are inexpensive, you can afford to experiment. And I think it's a very personal thing on what handles someone likes and how they use them.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have several snap on sets and they are terrific for what they are. However my personal favorite are from FACOM made in France. They feel the best to my hand (the old Ergo Twist). That said, If I were going to buy a new set today it would be Vessel.

That’s the Garage Journal answer. A more practical answer is many of us have a whole bunch of different high-quality screwdrivers and our favorite one is the one closest to us at the time LOL.

 

[Wamsutta]

PB Swiss with the SwissGrip handles is what jumps into my mind first.

 

[yrly]

Lots of opinions and threads regarding screwdrivers. I own lots of brands, but recently tried a set of the Craftsman Extreme Grip with diamond tips. Others will say that CM is total ****, but I admit I like this set and especially enjoy the handles and the long shanks included with the larger sets.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-ext...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

These are always on sale. Honestly they aren’t bad. I have probably have a dozen sets of screwdrivers because I can never seem to find what I’m looking for. I found these to be pretty good for the price.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't care what anyone says, the old fashioned Craftsman clear, blue and red screwdrivers are "decent" and if you catch them on sale they are a bargain !

 

[Northerndave]

Proto Duratek, PB Swiss, Williams are all equivalent or better then SO.

A lot of guys like Vessel.

Wera, Wiha, Felos are also really nice.

IMHO it's silly to buy SO given the price, however a large factor is how they feel in your hand and that's subjective.

The proto duratek look nice, I will give them a try. Thanks.

 

[thr3squared]

SK cushion grips.

+1 for the SK cushion grips. I also have the stubby screwdrivers and like them

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096PFTEW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PBB8YY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Northerndave]

you guys are making this difficult, lol.

I'm certainly at the right forum.

 

[eschoendorff]

you guys are making this difficult, lol.

I'm certainly at the right forum.

Well, the good news is you can’t really go wrong with any of these suggestions. Dip your toes in and grab a set that appeals to you. Be warned: if you hang out here much you’ll end up with a **** ton more screwdrivers lol.

 

[Farmall450]

Snap on instincts. This is one of those areas that when you need a good one, you need a good one. Also, the german brands. I have cman pros (SK clone) that see the most day to day use besides the snappys.

 

[Locker537]

Another vote for the SK cushion grips. I have the Craftsman Pro version, which are the same drivers branded in red and black.

I bought some Wera striking and laser tip screwdrivers on crazy sale on Amazon. I will say they take a serious beating and havent let me down. I've abused the laser tip flat head and I really like the handles. You can really grip them.

 

[mudflap]

These Carlyle drivers are awesome..just picked up another set..cant beat the Real Deals price..

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8

 

[Northerndave]

Another vote for the SK cushion grips. I have the Craftsman Pro version, which are the same drivers branded in red and black.

I bought some Wera striking and laser tip screwdrivers on crazy sale on Amazon. I will say they take a serious beating and havent let me down. I've abused the laser tip flat head and I really like the handles. You can really grip them.

Alright, that helps. I do have the craftsman pro with the red and black handles. I don't hate them by any means, I'm just after maybe a little better tip. These aren't bad, but I'm after a little better. We do classic car restorations and we like to be able to remove and reuse original fasteners when ever we can. We've got to get a good bite, esp with the philips head fasteners.

 

[BroncoAZ]

These Carlyle drivers are awesome..just picked up another set..cant beat the Real Deals price..

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8

I purchased two sets of these Carlyle screwdrivers, they are great and a super price on sale for $22. I also purchased a full set of Wera last fall that grip well with the lasergrip. I also like the Felo wood handle drivers.

 

[mudflap]

Alright, that helps. I do have the craftsman pro with the red and black handles. I don't hate them by any means, I'm just after maybe a little better tip. These aren't bad, but I'm after a little better. We do classic car restorations and we like to be able to remove and reuse original fasteners when ever we can. We've got to get a good bite, esp with the philips head fasteners.

The Carlyle tips grip a good as any i have ever used . They fit really good, and dont cam out. I really just bought another set because the price is crazy good. and i need a new tray..but my old ones are still alive after 6 months use in a professional environment. I had a mish mosh of truck brands that i took to the home box.

 

[bonneyman]

I don't care what anyone says, the old fashioned Craftsman clear, blue and red screwdrivers are "decent" and if you catch them on sale they are a bargain !

They stink.

 

[mudflap]

I'd like to get a decent set of screwdrivers. To give some perspective, snap on has been the best I have used. So, those are "good" in my opinion, I realize there are likely better ones but I'd like to learn what may be out there that is on par with snap on.

Thanks.

Oh....and just a heads up.. The SO droolers........ will probably be along soon to pick you up and take you out to the Desert for re-education for suggesting on a public forum that there could be some other brand that is "likely better".....Lol....

 

[pstemari]

+1 to suggestions above for Proto Duratek and SK comfort grips. Both first rate drivers.

The SK are especially nice for Torx because they are 2" longer than all the competition. That was really useful when mounting the VFD on my lathe—the mounting holes were semi-recessed into the sides and the long reach allowed me to keep the driver straight.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[designer485]

I have both Snap-On hard handles and Felo Ergos and like them both for different reasons. I would grab a set of the Williams hard handles (basically the same as the Sanp-On hard handles) on Amazon or toolsdelivered, you can't beat the price for a great set of screwdrivers. If i pick up another set, I will definitely grab a set of Wera standards or chisel drivers.

 

[Tinner]

The proto duratek look nice, I will give them a try. Thanks.

Best bang for the buck, IMO. I have Duratek Torx drivers and they're outstanding.

My go to drivers are Snap-on. They are really tough, you can get a lot of torque on the handles and they're easy to warranty.

I have a big set of PB Swiss with long and short shanks for finer work. The tips are really precise, less likely to damage a fastener. They are very strong, also.

All three of these brands are top quality, but different in ways that may or may not matter to some people.

The SK comfort grip screwdrivers are a couple levels down, but pretty decent if you can buy them at a good discount.

 

[seanb02]

I've got Craftsman, SK hard handles, Carlyle, and Snap-on. Carlyle would be my first choice at the price point and quality level along with easy warranty.

Of course the Snap-on is the best quality, and best feel in my hand, however at the price point they are it would be extremely hard for a DIY'er or hobby mechanic to justify.

 

[pelletman]

I have Snap On, Matco (Witte), Eastwood, Wera, Craftsman Pro, Craftsman, HF, and probably others I am forgetting. I like the Witte best I think. For cheap Eastwood and HF.

 

[M6erfan]

IMO, S-o screwdrivers are way overrated.

PB Swiss for slotted (they're cabinet tip and hollow ground, in other words, the proper design for slotted)
Vessel & Wiha for cross tip

 

[BillK]

Dave,
I dont think there is a set answer. There is a lot of difference in what type of handles different people like. I personally do not like cushioned handles at all and yet someone else might love them. I would be willing to bet that almost all of the blades are comparable unless you are buying real junk.

 

[nbpt100]

I don't care what anyone says, the old fashioned Craftsman clear, blue and red screwdrivers are "decent" and if you catch them on sale they are a bargain !

In the day I would agree. They have cheapened them over the past 10 years or so. If you can get a good price, why not?
I got a set as a gift and stripped out the #2 Phillips the 1st time I put it to a difficult screw. There was something wrong it, clearly. Sears swapped it out with out any problems. That was a major attraction with Cman tools. Now that is all up in the air. I have to drive an hour now to get to the nearest Sears. It remains unclear how well Lowes will handle warranties.

Very good comments so far. Screw drivers are more complicated than the average person would think.
Features and things to think about.

How well does it feel in your hand and how balanced is it? Very subjective.
How well are the tips machined and how is the quality of the steel. Tempering etc.
Do you want magnetic tips?
Does it have a bolster for added torque?
What lengths to you need? Stubby, extra long etc.
Handle material?

Diamond grip tips? (past threads on this say it works great but it wears off relatively quickly)
Warrantee and easy of use.

There are a lot of good choices out there.

The best for one is not the best for another.

The community here is great for input, ideas, creativity, variety of view points etc.

Like someone else said. After reading threads on here I want to go out and buy more stuff........it is addictive.