Yet another screwdriver thread

[Ohmthis]

Hey all, after reading all of the other screwdriver threads I thought I'd start another. First, I don't care which is the best, I'm only going to talk about three specific sets. Second, please give advice based on experience and not what my brother's uncle's mom's friend who know the president said. I've used tons of screwdrivers in my many years of wrenching and in the last 22 years in the electrical and HVAC trades. I don't have overly big hands, but I have long fingers. Of the drivers I've used in the past, the black hard handled craftsman pros were my favorite. I've worn out most of those or they have been lost. The new set will be for my tool box and be relegated to mostly mechanics type work. So, without further adieu, I present the sets I've come up with. First on the list is the SK comfort grip. These would be the closest to the old pros, but with a rubber grip. Next is the black hard handled Williams, like the old Snap On hard handled. And last is new to me, but they seem to be really good, the Proto dura techs(SP).
On the SK, these should be my favorite choice based on the past. I have reservations because of the rubber grip versus the hard handle. I have held the old black Snap On version and it felt pretty good. I realize that the handle shape and color may be the only similarities between the SO and Williams. How tough are the tips? I have read, though this was several years ago, that the tips were only OK, not what you'd expect from SO. And lastly the Protos, I know very little about these. Anything that can be added, especially the grips and tips would really be appreciated. Any advice would also be appreciated on these sets. Thanks all!

 

[lincwelder225]

YES!!!!! Look at what I started.. Bwahahaha!!!
Seriously from those choices, since the Williams/Snap Ons fit you the best, go with those. I've never had the Proto ones, although they have been recommended. The soft grips from any maker seem like they would get ruined in a shop/ repair type environment. I hadn't heard about the tips being weaker on the Snap On ones, maybe someone else can fill us in on that. I'm curious about this as well, as I just had a post and a poll on buying new/replacement set of drivers as well.

 

[gdocktor3]

I do not like the Craftsman/SK comfort grip screwdrivers. I've never used Duratechs, but do have new and old style Snap Ons and like them both. They're quality made screwdrivers that have proven themselves for years. Because of that, I recommend the Williams hard handles. If I'm not mistaken, only the newer instinct screwdrivers have anti cam tips.

 

[catron44]

I would go SK based on you liking the old craftsman pros. I actually had the same set and warrateed a #2 Philips that was worn out for one of the black and red rubber handles. That is easily my favorite grip. That said, I'm in the same boat with the old cman pros worn out and I'll be watching this thread bc I was debating between the SK and proto as well.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

If when you refer to the old craftsman pro screwdrivers, you're taking about the all black version with hex blades, SK nor anyone else offers anything close to those, sorry.

However, of your choices mentioned, i strongly recommend the PROTO Duratecs. They are hard handled and the handle is resistant to just about anything. there are some you tube videos showing the handle being dipped in a variety of solvents/fluids with no damage. Get the 8 piece combination screwdriver set with bolstered blades. They're US made in South Carolina and aside from the handle color, the same as those sold on the MAC truck. I own them and have them in my cart where they're used daily.

 

[jobo1004]

Another vote for the Durateks and here's one of those videos that Fedwrench referenced.

 

[Ohmthis]

Fedwrench, yes those would be the Pros I'm talking about. While I understand that I am SOL to finding those exact drivers, I was under the assumption that the green and black SK's are the same as the red and black craftsman pros that came out after the black ones. These were very similar. I'll have to visit the local Grainger and play with some of the Protos.

 

[Ohmthis]

I do not like the Craftsman/SK comfort grip screwdrivers. I've never used Duratechs, but do have new and old style Snap Ons and like them both. They're quality made screwdrivers that have proven themselves for years. Because of that, I recommend the Williams hard handles. If I'm not mistaken, only the newer instinct screwdrivers have anti cam tips.

While the Williams look like the old Snap On drivers, I highly doubt that they are the exact same. For the cost I can't see the same steel grade and heat treatment, but I have been wrong before. Thanks for the advice on the Williams.

 

[gdocktor3]

While the Williams look like the old Snap On drivers, I highly doubt that they are the exact same. For the cost I can't see the same steel grade and heat treatment, but I have been wrong before. Thanks for the advice on the Williams.

Who's to say really? They are the same quality as the old Snap On hard handles though. Ability One - Skilcraft screwdrivers are the same as well. http://www.nib.org/media/press-rele...s-skilcraft®-pro-grade-tools-partnership-snap

 

[cheechi]

the williams hard handles do have ACR on the phillips. I can't remember if it was this thread or the other that was suggested the tips are bad, but it's not true. And to the more recent point why would they to to the trouble of doing the ACR if they weren't going to harden the steel the same way as their twin brothers?

There have been too many threads over the years, go reread them if you want. Either the Williams are the same as the Snap On, or they are within 1% of the same.

apples to apples the Williams hard handles and the SK/Cmans that's kind of tough for me but I would go with the Williams for mechanic work, the hex bolster and ability to clean the handle 'clean' with just a rag make them more ideal for a dirty environment like that. Now if you were doing interior work primarily the argument could be made to go the other way.

 

[bonneyman]

...

I have had a couple of this style and I gotta say it's pretty comfortable considering it's a hard handle driver.

 

[SRSemenza]

On the Craftsman all black hard handle pro drivers ...... if you set up a couple searches with email alerts on Ebay they will eventually pop up. I like those a lot too, and have all of them. I have replaced a couple recently with Ebay finds. And it is not uncommon to get them in really good shape. The first ones were also sold as "Industrial " instead of "Pro" I just checked and there are some listed now.

Try these search terms ......... Craftsman Pro Screwdriver , Craftsman black handle screwdriver, Craftsman Professional Screwdriver. Do the same with "Industrial" in in place of "pro", and again with "screwdriver" as two words "screw driver". When you do them mark them all to follow search. The system searches everyday for you and emails the results. A quick check while having a coffee break once a day and you will be surprised how many you may be able to get.

Seth

 

[Sine Swept]

Just checked my Williams hard handles. They are ACR tips on the stubby and 4" Phillips #1 and #2. The longer #2 do not have ACR, nor do the same sized #2 Snap On.

The Williams are worth the price break.