Quality screwdrivers

Status
Not open for further replies.
Given a choice, I go for Klein or Xcelite screwdrivers.

A set of quality JIS screwdrivers have been on my shopping list for a while.
 
I really like Kleins. I have a full set and am glad I didn't cheap out on something you use as often as screwdrivers. Just a pleasure to use.

I'd try Weras or Wihas as well. I love stuff made by ze Germans.

I was disappointed to find that the set of Wera side-cutters I just ordered from digikey were made in Vietnam. I guess we'll see how they hold up.
 
When I saw the HF post I expected item 94607.

I got tired of having Snap-on replace the bit on a #1 Phillips every 6 months because it was being used predominantly on #2 heads. I also got tired of the blue Craftsman #2 wearing out on #2 heads every year. So I bought a pair of the previous generation to the drivers in 94607 with the "Snap-on" square handles and they are still in daily use 8 years later. The tips are scuffed where the screw head touches but there is no observable wear and they still fit the screws perfectly.

My initial impressions are that the drivers in 94607 are made to the same quality standard.

There are at least two distinct Phillips head standards and even more Phillips driver standards. The heads come in American and "Japanese" JIS B 1012. American drivers do not fit and quickly damage Japanese screws. Japanese drivers fit American screws fairly well. Universal drivers fit both well though not as well as the proper driver. I suspect that poor quality standards contributes extra "unknown" driver and head standards. Check your drivers' fit in the screws you will be driving. A Snap-on screwdriver that fits poorly will wear out faster than a HF screwdriver that fits well no matter how much better made the Snap-on may be.
 
The Klein's aren't too fancy, but you can get them spinning real fast on the tips of your fingers. They give you some real good torque too. If you want some fancy expensive screwdrivers, look no further than PB Swiss with the 'Swiss Grips'.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
I hate my Snap-On screwdrivers. The handles don't fit my hand.

agreed. one bike shop I worked at had snap-ons and I never did like the handle.
 
I agree with Klein's as well. However, I abuse my screwdrivers and use them for crazy things sometimes. It's a big reason I stay with Craftsman, so I can take them back when I blow the end of one off by hitting a hot wire.
 
Your question made me look at my tool box.
I noticed lots of brands of screwdrivers,German,American a few old Made in England but the ones i always gravitate to in Phillips are an 30+year old SK stubby and a same vintage U.S. made Stanley 6 inch.

I realize Stanley no longer makes pro tools but if you ever find vintage one at yard sales etc they are worth buying.
I have no idea if SK still make quality drivers or not but they maybe worth looking at.These two have out lived all others including the most expensive German ones,the tips are still absolutely perfect.
Its almost like for some reason everything about the steel was perfect the day they were made,not to hard or to soft and had the ideal shape for getting out the most miserable screws.

My advice would be to buy one Phillips and one regular from the companies you are considering and work with them,see how they feel and hold up.No point in having a set you cant stand.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
You guys are going to laugh. These are the best screwdrivers I have ever used. The tips are hardened and the grips are comfortable.

I have these and I love them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-color-grip-screwdriver-set-36788.html



I'm not laughing at you - you beat me to the post! I've used them (and the cheaper all black ones) and LOVE them! They are better than my Craftsman screwdrivers and the price is right!
 
25 years ago I bought a screwdriver that uses replaceable tips. It's my main screwdriver. I now have over 100 tips with all the shapes, styles, and sizes (slotted, philips, torx, hex, etc.) that are used in screwdrivers. All other dedicated screwdrivers are secondary, but still useful (i.e., stubby).

I keep one screwdriver in my toolbox that is dedicated to poking and scraping. This way I don't wear down my good screwdrivers.

I also learned to rejuvenate the tips of old screwdrivers with a file, to keep the tips flat and square with sharp edges.
 
For $6 I bought a set of screwdrivers on special from HD, last year sometime, there are all kinds and sizes in it, even torx. Nice comfortable handles. They are just fine for what I use them for and seem to not wear much. China wins. "We" will regret later, 100% positive of that.
 
Klein, Klein, Klein if you want to spend the $$

Telephone and Electric trades people rely on Klein for high quality of which they are.
 
I bought a minature set of WIHA's years ago that are still in excellent shape. I later came across a full-size set at a great price and bought them on-the-spot.
 
I have a bucket with a variety of screwdrivers, and a gallon ice scream pail nearly full of the magnetic bit pieces of all sorts.
I like my old Erwin screwdrivers, the kind with wood lay in steel. The end of the handle has a steel cap that had taken punishment from hammers.
My two Snap-on sets don't have the comfort feel to me.
Always seem to have so many screwdrivers.
 
for a all in one screwdriver, if thats what your looking for invest in a 11 in one Klien, look for the US made ones , not the new Global Component [censored] ones. I have broken the rubber off the handle of 3 of teh global ones lately chinese communist garbage.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

rstsco
No-Skip Metric Combination Wrenches Needed
3 4 5
Replies
81
Views
2K
barbersurgeon
R
Good quality, fair priced screw extractor set?
Replies
8
Views
616
PACSUNSD
Quattro Pete
Cordless screwdriver recommendations?
2
Replies
25
Views
4K
AdditiveOCD
G
Good ratcheting screwdriver?
2
Replies
38
Views
7K
buck91
P
S-K Tools Pricing
Replies
5
Views
669
facility1
Back
Top Bottom