Wiha screwdriver questions

[matthew]

I've used Wiha precision drivers like these before:

and they're fantastic. So I've been looking for some precision Torx drivers, and this set caught my eye, Wiha 28094:

It looks nice. ESD safe handle. Everything in a metal box. But does anyone have this set, and can comment? I found one review that wasn't all that complimentary, but what do the GJ experts say?


Also, while I'm at it, anyone have any opinions on the 74988 power drive bit set? I'm looking for some good bits my cordless impact driver, and this looks like the right assortment.

 

[psychob0b1977]

I have used that precision set before at my old job, and I can't say enough good things about it. wiha make some of the finest tools I have ever used.

 

[fnsane]

I have used Willie Hahn tools for several years in my contracting biz. They are good stuff. Have not used this partricular item, but have not had bad luck with any I have used.

 

[shoturtle]

I have not used the changeable shafts. But have used their esd precision bit driver. And they are very good

The power tool bits, they are some of the best out there. They are very hard and do not cam out quickly.

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

As an electrical engineer for Japanese medical equipment company, I used to struggle to find metric screw drivers (and yes there is a difference) until someone turned me on to WiHa, nearly all of my toolbag is now WiHa, I love them.

 

[nanofrog]

You'll like Wiha for precision screwdrivers. They actually fit screws properly, so you're much less likely to strip the screw heads out, even on the soft ones (i.e. laptop screws).

 

[matthew]

The red cap screw drivers the best I've ever used, so I have no doubt the tips are excellent. The reason I'm curious about the system 4 screwdrivers is that the removable shaft system wasn't thought of all that well in the review I saw. It also looks like they have a hex shaft most of the length although I don't think that would be a problem.

 

[Plasmatic]

The only Wiha items I've ever had issues with were pliers.

I've never used the small interchangeable shank drivers like you posted, but I use my larger Drive-Loc VI set practically every day. Great tools. As long as you aren't reaching into particularly narrow holes to get at the screws, you'll be fine.

But, you can always just get the precision torx in the standard red-cap style, too. That's what I use.

Their bits are top-notch.

 

[nanofrog]

I've never used the small interchangeable shank drivers like you posted, but I use my larger Drive-Loc VI set practically every day. Great tools. As long as you aren't reaching into particularly narrow holes to get at the screws, you'll be fine.

Fortunately, they make the Drive-loc 4 series for that. Just not as many blades for it ATM, but it covers the basics rather well IMHO.

 

[shoturtle]

I have used this set in the pass, and it works well. The set that was posted seem to be way more detail in sizes. I suspect that they would be a very good set like the drive-lox series.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PJ3IYE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sage55]

If you're looking for precision Torx then I'd highly suggest checking out the Wiha 26799 Torx set, they are basically the same as your screwdriver set but in Torx. Highly recommend them.

In regards to the Wiha 10-piece bit set, I too was looking at that before but instead went with the Dewalt 35 piece bit set instead. Offers a good selection of bits for my needs and comes in a nice case.

 

[JML2]

The power bits shown are NOT for impact drivers. Wiha has just announced new bits for impact drivers, but what you showed are intended for other uses. The new ones are called MaxxTor "Terminator" Impact Bits. The Wiha site has videos about them.

The Wiha miniature screwdriver shanks/bits are excellent, but they can slip & slide in the Wiha handle if you don't really torque down on the collet. I prefer the similar CK handle, but their shanks/bits aren't as good as Wiha's. The Drive-Loc system is much more expensive and has fewer options.

I like the newer Wiha Pico handles better than the ones shown for the fixed-shank drivers. Soft-touch and smaller.

 

[matthew]

Thanks for the input, folks. Not sure what to make of it all - the 26799 set was sort of my backup, since I know they're fantastic. Thought it was between those and the System 4 set - might end up with those, or the Pico handles, or the Drive-Loc 4... oh GJ...

 

[fflintstone]

Here is what I have

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CW6RRA/?tag=atomicindus08-20.

mine came in a cordura pouch. unfortunatly they were not long enought for one aplication I had. other than that great.

 

[nanofrog]

Here is what I have

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CW6RRA/?tag=atomicindus08-20.

mine came in a cordura pouch. unfortunately they were not long enough for one application I had. other than that great.

Drive-loc 4 & 6 is the longest interchangeable system they make last I checked. Much pricier though and fewer pieces for theDrive-loc system 4 (P/N 26985). Drive-loc System 6 sets are a bit less expensive it seems if you can use the heavier shafts (6.3mm/.25").

Quite handy IMHO though (less room to store and the shafts can't slip back into the handle), and since the bits are longer, not as easy to lose as standard system 4 (if it can be lost, I'll lose it; YMMV though ).

 

[matthew]

Nanofrog, it sounds like you have used a number of the different Wiha precision drivers - am I reading it right that the DriveLoc 26985 set is your preference? Or are you just saying I can't go wrong with all these great Wiha choices (which I'm pretty sure is the case)?

 

[nanofrog]

Nanofrog, it sounds like you have used a number of the different Wiha precision drivers - am I reading it right that the DriveLoc 26985 set is your preference? Or are you just saying I can't go wrong with all these great Wiha choices (which I'm pretty sure is the case)?

Both.

I work with electronics, and have run into numerous occasions that a standard .25"/6.3mm bit is too large of a diameter to get into the recess and reach the screw. Depth can be another issue with the standard interchangeable systems (no dimples in the blade; just held with a collet in the handle, and these blades are shorter).

Between the two systems, you can get a huge selection of drivers to suit your needs (4mm for the small stuff, and system 6 for the larger and for more selection such as nut drivers, ball hex, various security bits, ...).

I still keep some dedicated drivers for both convenience, such as Phillips, and those that wouldn't be possible with any interchangeable set they offer (T27 would be an example).

But if I used separate drivers for each, I'd probably have a couple of hundred. Bench space is limited for me, so being able to pack it up into less has merit for me.

BTW, if a standard .25" bit can be used, and there isn't a blade with that profile, they do offer an adapter for the System 6 Drive-loc (28144), which can be handy to have IMHO (another way to use bits that aren't available from Wiha or you may already have or need in a pinch).

 

[dede2897234]

matthew,

I am a big Wiha tools fan! I own their Microfinish heavy duty screwdriver set and various 1" screwdriver bit sets. All great stuff!

As far as a precision Torx driver set, I went with Eklind. Their handles are larger (for increased torque), rubber coated, and have a spinning end-cap for finger tip control. They're made in the USA! You can purchase the set at any True Value or Ace Hardware store for around $25. You can purchase them online like Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PSD-Precision-Torx-Screwdriver-Sets/dp/B0029T6X2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347937370&sr=8-1&keywords=Eklind+92200.


Dave