Screwdrivers - which ones do you actually use?

[Trav]

But, then they make the mistake at the end when they say "slotted head"

I just like to mess with people, especially ones that call hex keys "allen wrenches" or Socket head cap screws as "allen head bolts" when they arent allen heads or bolts.

I use terms everyone understands. Slotted head is correct or the most commonly referred to for the majority of people even tradesmen.

Is slotted the same as Flathead?


Everyone knows what a flathead screwdriver looks like, but that is actually not the correct term. This type of driver is technically known as a standard or slotted screwdriver. It's known as standard because it was the original form of driver head

 

[D60]

Probably my most used is my Carlyle PH2 in "standard length." Next likely my Snappy PH2 stubby

Here's what I want to know: does anyone actually make a screwdriver that's labeled on the end of the handle (for identification when stored vertically in a rack) with a labeling method that withstands solvents??????

 

[Pablo]

Probably my most used is my Carlyle PH2 in "standard length." Next likely my Snappy PH2 stubby

Here's what I want to know: does anyone actually make a screwdriver that's labeled on the end of the handle (for identification when stored vertically in a rack) with a labeling method that withstands solvents??????

Klein as well as Pratt are labelled

 

[Snagglefoot]

The air cleaner assembly on my Burb uses Torx head screws. Also, the screws on my boiler front cover has Torx screws. I remove the cover on my boiler drum once a year to clean the debris.

 

[RaymondP]

Coincidentally, looking to buy a quality set (14 -20? screwdrivers) as a B.day gift for my son. As an engineer he appreciates the good stuff. Would like to find something that doesn't round of or bend at the business end. Been considering Craftsman, Milwaukee, and even Icon(?). Staying away from the cheap brands I suspect will disappoint after some serious use.

Plan on buying them along with a nice old style roll-up canvas bag for him to keep them organized in. Hoping convenient so the right tool is easily to hand.

Open to suggestions.....

 

[D60]

Coincidentally, looking to buy a quality set (14 -20? screwdrivers) as a B.day gift for my son. As an engineer he appreciates the good stuff. Would like to find something that doesn't round of or bend at the business end. Been considering Craftsman, Milwaukee, and even Icon(?). Staying away from the cheap brands I suspect will disappoint after some serious use.

Plan on buying them along with a nice old style roll-up canvas bag for him to keep them organized in. Hoping convenient so the right tool is easily to hand.

Open to suggestions.....

Milwaukee screwdrivers do not impress me, at least for phillips use.

I actually like my Carlyle set, but at regular retail Carlyle is stupid expensive (like Icon tends to be)

 

[Pablo]

Coincidentally, looking to buy a quality set (14 -20? screwdrivers) as a B.day gift for my son. As an engineer he appreciates the good stuff. Would like to find something that doesn't round of or bend at the business end. Been considering Craftsman, Milwaukee, and even Icon(?). Staying away from the cheap brands I suspect will disappoint after some serious use.

Plan on buying them along with a nice old style roll-up canvas bag for him to keep them organized in. Hoping convenient so the right tool is easily to hand.

Open to suggestions.....

Look at the brands I mentioned above Klein as well as Pratt

 

[D60]

Coincidentally, looking to buy a quality set (14 -20? screwdrivers) as a B.day gift for my son. As an engineer he appreciates the good stuff. Would like to find something that doesn't round of or bend at the business end. Been considering Craftsman, Milwaukee, and even Icon(?). Staying away from the cheap brands I suspect will disappoint after some serious use.

Plan on buying them along with a nice old style roll-up canvas bag for him to keep them organized in. Hoping convenient so the right tool is easily to hand.

Open to suggestions.....

As funny as it sounds, you might consider Tekton (made in US)
https://www.tekton.com/hard-handle-screwdriver-set-drv42023

 

[D60]

Look at the brands I mentioned above Klein as well as Pratt

Apparently ideal acquired Pratt? And after what they did to SK (granted, finished off by Great Star), I'm inclined to run. Fast. This is a little over a year old so maybe new info has surfaced?
https://toolguyd.com/pratt-read-usa-tool-brand/

 

[Pablo]

Apparently ideal acquired Pratt? And after what they did to SK (granted, finished off by Great Star), I'm inclined to run. Fast. This is a little over a year old so maybe new info has surfaced?
https://toolguyd.com/pratt-read-usa-tool-brand/

My newest Pratt is nearly or greater than 6 years old...........point is DANG I didn't know much any of that. Thanks. I think.

 

[D60]

My newest Pratt is nearly or greater than 6 years old...........point is DANG I didn't know much any of that. Thanks. I think.

Yeah, I mean I'm inclined to just not even give Ideal the time of day. There are plenty of solid options in the market where I don't have to wonder....

 

[Quantico]

0 Phillips
1 phillips
2 phillips. Get the most use
3/16 4 inch flat and 1/8. Three inch flat get some use..
I like the snap on and blue point screwdrivers.

 

[D60]

Here's my beef with my Carlyles. These were all marked at one time.

I do also really enjoy this small set when needed.

 

[supton]

I have a bunch of cheap ones in the drawer. Get cheap results with them. But they get used the most.

There's a couple older Craftsman in there that I like. Gifted to me from dad.

Recently got a Vessel for JIS, says 220W on it, what I really like, and am thinking of buying more. But the way I misplace tools and things keeps me from buying too many "good" things generally speaking. But the way it fits Philips screws... it's like, mind blowing, to use the right tool and not have to fight the tool to do the job at hand.

Growing to dislike anything that takes a bit. Bits belong in screw and/or impact guns, for doing framing, the rest of the time, I all but abhor them, the screw is in some recessed hole and no matter how good the bit is, I'm off looking for a cheesy screwdriver for the job at hand.

 

[Zaedock]

I typically use Screwdrivers that have pulp in them.

In all seriousness, in the building automation industry, I have probably used my Klein multi-bit the most.

 

[repairman54]

Lately the #2 JIS is the first one I reach for when it comes to Phillips style fasteners. Unless I'm taking apart something old.

 

[paulo57509]

Flat bladed and Phillips are usually used around the house or if I need to open/pry open a can (I actually miss using a screwdriver to open oil cans).

Most screws I need to remove are on the interiors of Asian imports. Vessel JIS screwdrivers are most in use around here.

 

[64bawagon]

This is an interesting thread. I never knew square-drive was called Robertson; just that they are annoying and cam-out easily. When buying screws I avoid them. Torx are almost as bad due to the fragility of the bits.

Also never knew of the Japanese "phillips" heads, I'm sure I've come across them but never have used a specialized bit. How are you supposed to tell whether it's Phillips or JIS?

If you look at the drivers they are actually tapered very slightly and are smaller at the tip. This helps with engagement into the broach on the screw. The quality of the screw often doesnt follow the same taper so they sometimes tend to be sloppy. Its more due to the cheaply made screws than anything else.
The RV industry is plagued by cheap screws that the heads break off of. Every one of my last 3 trailers has had some issues with broken screws. Unfortunately the quality only goes up if they are willing to pay for it and it isnt a big enough problem for them yet.

 

[64bawagon]

Nobody likes a pedant.

Look at that, I learned a new word today.

 

[vavavroom]

So many screws loose that need tightening!