Cabinet Screwdrivers vs. "Traditional"

[The Critic]

I thought this statement was interesting - and seems to make sense:

"Standard versions have the flare from the initial forging process, but the primary reason is to give the tip extra strength. The flared wings buttress the tip along its length. Cabinet screwdrivers are more likely to twist or break with too much torque applied, or when used to pry."

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/cabinet-screwdrivers.127198/post-1908376

 

[Trav]

I’ve been wanting to buy a good set of screwdrivers for a while now. So is PBSwiss multicraft handles, Wiha, snap on the way to go?

PB Swiss are arguably the best if used as screwdriver only, no hammering or prying on them, they will snap. Wiha, Witte, Felo, Vessel and a few others are all very good but Snap on are not a good value, they are not especially good either and way over priced. Williams are made by Snap on and they make and old model of Snap on branded black handle drivers that were and are excellent. This is one of the best buys you can get IMO. I use these daily and for precise fitting tips the PB Swiss.

https://www.abolox.com/williams-100...xcCSLkSsCRoDf62akqTKVmuZjk0mYXfIrlCTfG-tvEB20

Another really great screwdriver and the best for carb jets is Walter, these are so good they sold in packs of 10 to German dealers for jets on Bing, Solex and SU carb jets, nothing fits like them. Today they are hard to find in sets, you may find the occasional single.

 

[Trav]

I thought this statement was interesting - and seems to make sense:

"Standard versions have the flare from the initial forging process, but the primary reason is to give the tip extra strength. The flared wings buttress the tip along its length. Cabinet screwdrivers are more likely to twist or break with too much torque applied, or when used to pry."

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/cabinet-screwdrivers.127198/post-1908376

Cabinet blades were very useful when carbs were the norm, the PB Swiss are "cabinet" style and use a parallel ground tip which is what is needed for a precision fit. Keystone (normal) style blades are an all around style and stronger with less precision in the tip.

 

[nomas]

They have a 5/16 cabinet tip in a stubby, but not in regular length. The insulated shank version is the only way to get a cabinet tip in 5/16.

5/16 is the width of the tip ?

 

[Soft Cars]

5/16 is the width of the tip ?

Yes

 

[The Critic]

Cabinet blades were very useful when carbs were the norm, the PB Swiss are "cabinet" style and use a parallel ground tip which is what is needed for a precision fit. Keystone (normal) style blades are an all around style and stronger with less precision in the tip.

Thanks for the background. For some reason I just encounter many situations where having a thinner shank and tip can be beneficial. I also rarely use my screwdrivers for higher torque applications where the keystone style blade is beneficial.

Side note - I must be the only person who loves the Snap-On instinct soft grips.

 

[Braapdaddy]

Klein/ Vaco are my first choice as far as brands go I'm a electrician so.....

Check out the Vaco fuzzy handles for the best in screwdrivers you won't be let down

 

[cb_13]

Side note - I must be the only person who loves the Snap-On instinct soft grips.

Nope, count me in on that camp as well. I’ve got one full set and a bunch of mix and match pawn shop specials. If I can’t remove a screw with them it’s certainly not from being unable to get a good hold of the handle.

 

[Trav]

Thanks for the background. For some reason I just encounter many situations where having a thinner shank and tip can be beneficial. I also rarely use my screwdrivers for higher torque applications where the keystone style blade is beneficial.

Side note - I must be the only person who loves the Snap-On instinct soft grips.

I have no love for that style of grip no matter who makes it. The old black handle Snap on I used in 1971 when I started trade school are still made by Snap on today with Williams branding, never any issues with grip or the blades. Today Snap on and others is making all sorts of colors and softy grips for big money, I have no use for them but to each their own.

 

[dlundblad]

If torque isn’t an issue, I say no difference. It’s not apples to apples, but my cabinet’s tip is a tad thicker on my Greenlee than my square shanked Klein. I’d prefer that.

 

[Lenny5160]

THIS is the screwdriver I intend to get for the propane tanks. For some reason it's not available without an insulated shank.

There definitely aren't many 5/16" cabinet screwdrivers out there. You could try this one:

https://a.co/d/3LgVySF

 

[JHZR2]

Thanks for the background. For some reason I just encounter many situations where having a thinner shank and tip can be beneficial. I also rarely use my screwdrivers for higher torque applications where the keystone style blade is beneficial.

Side note - I must be the only person who loves the Snap-On instinct soft grips.

Not exactly the same but…. Snap on ratcheting screwdrivers are my go to. I have a bunch. I have some that are the old school hard handle and shape, some that are the soft touch material. I much prefer the soft touch comfort grip for these. But for ratchets, I’m not a fan of comfort grip. I like bare metal or the old school plastic handle.