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Screwdriver recommendations

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Eddie in MI

03-16-2005 16:02:16

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What are your current favorites? I need to get a new set for the garage. Now, I'm just your avarage DIY enthusiast (read: I can't afford Snap On, Matco or MAC), so what would you look at buying?
Just fishin' for some input...
TIA

-Eddie

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Andy/tn

03-19-2005 21:13:09

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Craftsman is the only way. Just pay sears what ever they want for them. The thing of it is when you buy craftsman you will never ever have to buy another. If you break, bend, or melt your screwdriver just take it back and get a new one for free; you can't loose. The sears here will only take back 8 at time though. I send my broken tools with my wife when she goes shopping at the mall (there is a sears in the mall). It's just like christmas when she gets home with my new tools.

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superwrench

03-17-2005 18:41:33

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

It's hard to match the strength, balance, fit ,or feel of Snap on screwdrivers. However, the German brands such as Wiha or Witte do a good job at a fraction of the tool truck price. Wiha offers probably every possible blade type with a wide range of handle configurations. They have a series with textured nonslip handles with a steel cap on the end for beating.They're study and well made and are relatively inexpensive. Witte currently make screwdrivers for Matco and Cornwell. I like the old style Craftsman professional models. I don't like that they were all black though as I lost a couple. SK are tuff too, although that rectangular green handle is very slippery with oil on it.I don't care for the rubber handle Kleins as they're difficult to clean and the rubber doesn't resist solvents well. However, they would perform well in a dry and fairly clean environment.

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Indydirtfarmer

03-17-2005 12:30:32

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I've got a set of Snap-On screwdrivers I'm almost afraid to use. Too expensive...Wouldn't want to hurt them. Good screwdrivers though.

There's about 2 dozen odd Crapsman screwdrivers in toolboxes on various tractors. If they get lost, I feel lucky! The most over-rated JUNK I've ever owned.

I use (at work and at home) my Klien screwdrivers and nutdrivers more than all the rest combined. Quality at a (fairly) reasonable price. (All relative...They're MUCH cheaper than the Snap-Ons)

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Nolan

03-17-2005 07:53:17

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Snap-On. And it's the *only* thing Snap-On carries that might be worth its price. I'm always amazed at how much better I can put the torque down with their screwdrivers as opposed to everything else I've got. Instead of camming out and ripping up the threads, I break the head off the screw!

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big fred

03-17-2005 07:35:09

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Phillips vodka and Minute Maid orange juice. Some folks swear by Absolut, but the OJ is the predominant flavor, so going with the higher priced vodka is just throwin' your money away, IMHO.

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Indydirtfarmer

03-18-2005 10:02:58

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Shaken, not stirred in reply to big fred, 03-17-2005 07:35:09

And I prefer fresh squeezed O.J. over that store bought stuff.

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big fred

03-18-2005 13:45:44

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Re: Shaken, not stirred in reply to Indydirtfarmer, 03-18-2005 10:02:58

Picked fresh from those Kentucky orange trees, no doubt.

Helpful hint, don't try makin' a screwdriver with fresh apple juice...

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Rauville

03-17-2005 04:57:25

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Richmond makes some nice screwdrivers. Hard to find, but worth the effort. Here's a decription of one of their models:

"Manufactured with a chrome vanadium steel blade which extends the whole length of the screwdriver, a steel striking cap is positioned over the blade at the palm end of the handle, to enable hammer action to be used to dislodge stubborn screws.A bolster is supplied at the top of the exposed blade to enable a spanner to be used for extra torque.Ergonomically designed handle combines grip, torque and comfort.Blade Length.200mm./8in.Blade Width. 9-5mm. Flared Tip." Otherwise, my favorites are an old set of Protos and a hollow ground set by Bonanza.

All about screwdrivers

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Jimmy King

03-17-2005 04:27:58

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I lean toward S K only because I can buy them at a discount where I work. I will pass this old trick on I learned when I worked for the NCR Co., in the late 60"s. For straight screwdrivers put them in a vise and run a file across rhe end at an angle both directions, and it will bite the screw head much better.

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raytasch

03-17-2005 04:46:28

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Jimmy King, 03-17-2005 04:27:58

Hey Jim, Where in the country are you located? I worked for the same co. Retired in '94. There is at least one other NCR type who posts on here once in a while. rlmtasch at earthlink.net
ray

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Jimmy King

03-19-2005 08:41:08

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to raytasch, 03-17-2005 04:46:28

Hey Ray, I live at Ash Grove, Mo. 20 west of Springfield, Mo. I was in the Springfield Branch. I worked as a resident with an nother resident in Rolla, Mo March 1967 to June 1971. Did 3 months reginal school in Memphis,TN. Aug to Nov. 1967 then 6 mons Apprence in Denver Aug 1969 to Feb 1970. Send me an E-Mail. Jim

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MarkB_MI

03-17-2005 03:36:49

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I have a drawer full of screwdrivers, but my favorites are a set of 25 year old Macs. If I have Phillips head screw that I've stripped out with one of my cheap (Stanley or Craftsman) screwdrivers, the Mac will almost always get it loose.

I reckon you get what you pay for, although Mac tools were quite reasonable when I bought these. Now they're out of sight.

That said, my second favorite screwdrivers are Rigid from Home Depot.

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Eddie in MI

03-17-2005 05:04:40

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Ridgid makes screwdrivers? in reply to MarkB_MI, 03-17-2005 03:36:49

I can find power screwdrivers, but I was not aware that Ridgid made regular hand screwdrivers. I checked on the HD site and couldn't find them. Did you happen to see them in the store?

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MarkB_MI

03-17-2005 17:42:56

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Re: Ridgid makes screwdrivers? in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-17-2005 05:04:40

Ya know, I think HD discontinued the Ridgid brand screwdrivers. I bought mine a couple years ago.

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superwrench

03-17-2005 18:23:09

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Re: Ridgid makes screwdrivers? in reply to MarkB_MI, 03-17-2005 17:42:56

You can still find these on the clearance rack in odd sizes at some Home Depot stores. They were basically the same as the old style Craftsman Profeesional series (the all black models), except the Ridgid models had orange handles and silver blades. In fact, they were made by the same company in Colorado Springs, Western Forge. They weren't too bad for the money.

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Vern-MI

03-17-2005 02:09:45

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

VACO if you can find them. Thee Philips Super Hard screwdriivers are the best at griping the screw of any I have ever used. Usually these can be found where electronic supplies are sold.

VACO screwdriver

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Johnski

03-17-2005 00:13:57

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I work on heavy equipment and trucks. My work box has Snap-On, S-K and Craftsman. Good thing Snappy warrantees theirs cause the tips break. I haven't broken an S-K or Craftsman yet. I picked up a couple of sets of Fuller (Canadian made) for the shop box and they are pretty good for 3.99 a set at the odd lot store. HTH

P.S. Don't forget to get a good set of metric screwdrivers for working on that furrin stuff. ;>)

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Easy

03-16-2005 23:17:24

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I like Klien, Craftsman, and stanley. But my favorite for mechanical work are my Irwin screwdrivers. They are real solid, one piece with the tang forming the handle. Wood grips, and tough as hell. All the machine repair guys at work, the ones that do the heavy mechanical stuff, swear by them too. I see them for sale in a few stores, but not often. Easy

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Big Jim

03-16-2005 22:51:51

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Lots of good ideas here but frankly, screwdrivers seem to get up and walk out of my shop all by themselves. Klien is about the best I've ever used. My tool box when I was a full-time mechanic had nothing but Snap-On but I never cared much for the way they fit screw heads. Now I keep a set of Craftsman pretty well out of sight for the special jobs but I buy a couple of sets at a time from Harbor Freight for most everything. If they get damaged or disappear, I don't feel bad. If the tip is damaged, I usually just grind them into an awl or something and reach for another. For me, the average screwdriver is now a disposable tool.

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jeffcat

03-16-2005 22:31:37

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I will also go with everything in the list. LOVE Snap-on; Sears will relace anything. Have a few of the German ones. That Brownell gun set is a cats meow. I said this a couple of months ago and now spring is vERY soon. Check the flea markets! I have piced up some great deals. Jeffcat

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NEsota

03-16-2005 22:02:32

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

When using a screwdriver for electrical, I like to have the shank covered with shrink wrap.

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Mark - IN.

03-17-2005 17:09:10

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to NEsota, 03-16-2005 22:02:32

Plasti-dip works good too.

Mark

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SteveBogusta

03-16-2005 20:48:24

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I would get a set of KLEINS I aam a service tech for 15 YRS and work with a screwdriver most of the time. I have Snap On, Craftssman ect I always reach for the Kleien.

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No reserved name

03-16-2005 19:43:39

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Klien

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Allan in NE

03-16-2005 19:14:44

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Eddie,

When I was a young man, I worked for a very large Chevy/Cadillac garage in Omaha.

I stood at a bench and overhauled carburetors day in and day out for 5 solid years. Hands were always sore from being in contact with the solvent that we used to rinse the darned carb cleaner off with.

Anyway, there were 7 of us on that line and our favorite screwdrivers were that cheap set of wooden handled things that Mac sold. Think they sold for something like $3.65 for a set of 9 screwdrivers.

Can't use 'em for anything other than a screwdriver, but to this day they are still my favorite. They just feel good in your hand. :>)

Allan

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old blue

03-16-2005 19:07:32

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

The first set of screwdrives i actually went out and bought where a set of craftsman professionals they have a darn good feel when their in your hand, thy just fit. anyways in my opinion id sooner walk out of my way to go get my set than use any others.

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John Garner

03-16-2005 19:05:55

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Well, there's . . . in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Eddie --

If you can find a supplier near you -- which will usually be a "mill supply house" or Industrial Distributor selling mainly to commercial machine shops -- the Swiss-made P B Baumann screwdrivers are about the finest in the world.

A step down are some of the other European lines -- Wera and Wiha from Germany, Bost and Facom (some of the Facom screwdrivers are sold in the US under the name of Facom's US subsidiary, SK) from France come to mind immediately.

For US-made screwdrivers, I prefer Klein and Proto, although I own and use mostly Stanley and Craftsman. At one time or another, Pratt-Read has made screwdrivers for just about every name-brand "maker", and only recently has begun marketing screwdrivers under their own label. Pratt-Read's top-of-the-line screwdrivers are top notch, and I've heard good reports on a line of European-style screwdrivers they are importing from Slovakia.

At the lower-price end of the market, the Canadian-made Fuller drivers are pretty good, and there are some damn fine screwdrivers being imported from Japan and Taiwan.

(Go ahead, get the "Taiwan" laugh out of your system.)

I also laughed a few years back when one of the local auto parts stores gave me a 5-piece set of Allied-brand screwdrivers that were Taiwanese almost-clones of the Snap-On drivers -- the set was free with a $ 25 purchase. After several years of opening paint cans and other scutt work, the 1/4 x 4 inch flat-blade driver still didn't show any sign of wear and it was handy when I needed to clean out some rust-plugged screw slots. And it was still handy when I wanted to hammer-shock the screws before trying to extract them.

After several good hammer whacks, the el-cheapo driver still looked good and was still handy so I decided to be lazy and try to loosen the screws with it . . . expecially since it had that nice hex bolster to take a wrench.

As it turned out, that screwdriver wasn't bad at all, and neither were its package-mates. In all honesty, I'm not sure that genuine Snap-On drivers (I own a couple) would have performed any better.

John

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NC Wayne

03-16-2005 18:56:19

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

For mechanic type work I've got Craftsman in my shop and on my service truck. Of the two kinds though I will say I like the Professional models better than the old standard ones, they just seem to stand up to use better and are more ergonomic...oh to heck with the fancy talk, they have a better feel in my opinion. The old standard ones are still good but since they changed to the serated tip design years back they are more prone to break than they used to be. Still with the replacement warranty you can't go wrong. Now if your doing clean work with them where their not getting greasy I like the Kleins. Like one post said they have the rubber handle and that makes cleaning grease off of them hard because it tends to get in the corners where you can't get it out. That's my only problem with them. They are very comfortable to use, they are sized perfectly for doing electrical work and most have the tip configuration stamped on the top of the handle to make it easy to identify it in a tool pouch. MAC, Snap-On and others also make great mechanics screwdrivers, but for the money you can't beat the Craftsman or the Kleins, depending on what your main use is gonna be.

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wdtom

03-16-2005 18:15:06

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

My favorites are my 25 year old Stanleys. I think they say "Boron Steel". Anyway they are tough, I have only broken the tip off once or twice doing stupid pry jobs, my fault. These have a sort of 3 lobe grip that fits your hand and grabs as you "ratchet" your hand around the grip as you are turning a screw in. I don't think they make this screwdriver anymore and I don't know about the new ones. I would look for a sort of 3 lobe handle though, I like that feature and some newer grips are similar. Older Craftsman were terrible, blades were soft. Haven't bought a Craftsman for 30 years because of that. I do have some Stanleys that I have used nearly daily for 30 years though. And they haven't needed any warranty.

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GRDINMD

03-16-2005 17:08:33

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I have the Snap- On screwdrivers, love them worth all the money. Dealer replaces the blades, no questions asked. Best on the market, thats my 2 cents worth

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lucasss

03-16-2005 16:58:16

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

i got a set from brownells that are hollow ground to take screws out of guns. this set seem to fit screws better than any ive seen. but alas i use craftsman in the shop. yes they get hammered on and pryed on, but easy peasy to warranty and work pretty good. lucas

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dr.sportster

03-16-2005 17:03:56

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to lucasss, 03-16-2005 16:58:16

oohh.Those gun screwdrivers are in a class by themselves for sure.Went you absolutly cant let it slip.

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ShepFL

03-16-2005 16:38:47

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

You immediately discounted Snap-On but in my mind they make one dang good screwdriver. I have 3 ratcheting ones. They are magnetic, stainless steel shank and have 3 positions - Fwd, Rvs, and lock. Check out EBAY and you can get them reasonable. Query for snap-on ratcheting screwdriver or Model # SSDMR*

I have used these in full time aviation work, tractor work etc. The fit the hand good, work good and just all around decent tool. The only downside is the end of the shank is bigger than bit and on some holes and you may not be able to insert the screwdriver inside to work on a hidden or blind screw. For those times I pull out whatever I have handy, sometime it is just a longer bit.

FWIW

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Eddie in MI

03-16-2005 20:37:12

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No... please don't think I discounted Snap On... in reply to ShepFL, 03-16-2005 16:38:47

Thanks for all the input. I never would'v econsidered half the stuff you guys brought up. At first I thought this was a kinda dumb question, but I have learned alot!

I did not mean to discount Snap On, Matco, MAC or any others for that matter. I will not use them daily to make my living... nor can I afford them! I am just looking for a good set of mechanic's screwdrivers that are cost-effective. Kinda like the good ol' Craftsmans. I was just wondering what you guys thought, you know, like what other choices I might explore.

Like I said, lots of good info already. PLease keep it coming.

-Eddie

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dr.sportster

03-16-2005 16:32:42

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

I know no snap-on but Ive tried em all thats the best screwdriver.Buy it once gets dull get a new one[tip only not handle].Since you said that you dont want that,Ill suggest any new quality screwdriver will work if the tip is sharp and a good factory edge.That is for a mechanic.For electrician a screwdriver is a consumable like welding rod or gloves.Could be Klein or whatever but it gets ruined Snap-on would be a waste[and everyone steals em.]Craftsman makes one pretty similar to the Snap-on only four sided handle not three sided like Snap-on.For ease of replacement at home Craftsman.I dont like the tip chromed,seems slippery.Im talking about the industrial Craftsman not the cheap plastic handles that stink out your tool box and get mildew on the handles for some reason .I had one Stanley ,not good [chrome blade].

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Mark - IN.

03-16-2005 16:26:18

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

Klein. They come in every size you could need, and have nice rubber insulated handles so I don't get the living ...stuff... shocked out of me.

Mark

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thejdman01

03-16-2005 16:20:49

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Re: Screwdriver recommendations in reply to Eddie in MI, 03-16-2005 16:02:16

craftsman warrented even when you use them for pry bars and break them

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