Good quality screwdrivers

[topbuilder]

To OP, A good Snap on set is around $300. Probably not an option. I have used the same set of Mac's for thirty years. (red handle) They are fairly expensive as well. I use Klein for electrical work. If I had to buy a complete set today, it would probably be Klein.

 

[Big Barn]

I really like Wera screwdrivers, available at Lee Valley tools if you have those? Fanstatic tools:

Wera Product finder

I like Wera also.
Here's a cutaway view that shows handle/shank construction.




BUT be aware that this is what the fancy handles look like after a month or so of greasy hands.



Terry

 

[Big Barn]

I have 25-30 original style square black handled Snap On's that I purchased over the last 40 years. I'm pretty certain I've only had one or two repaired under warranty. (FYI my dealer used to stick the shaft in a vise and drive the handle off to reuse.)



I like the grip of one the "newer" styles better.



Terry

 

[Big Barn]

I wouldn't normally buy used screwdrivers but I couldn't resist these two Irwins.





There's something to be said about older QUALITY tools.

Terry

 

[Sportsman762]

I like the Craftsman screw drivers. The ones with the clear handle and red or blue markings. These units are made by Western Forge in Colorado. To make sure the handles are marked with a WF. I like the easy returns after I bend the snot out of them. The flatheads have a square shank so you can put a wrench on them to turn.

 

[Spanner]

Probably the same factory that makes Harbor Freight and most other brands.
The production line probably simply changes labels every 1/2 hr or so.
It is all in quality control and final inspection.
And I'd bet that that factory is another DeWalt/Stanley owned facility,

I don't think so and if you don't know then such speculation is irresponsible.
FYI:
"Snap-on currently operates plants in various states and cities such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Elizabethton, Tennessee, which manufacture hand tools. Pneumatic tools are currently manufactured in Murphy, North Carolina."

Source: Snap-on - Wikipedia

Do feel free to post the source of your supposition.

P.s."Snap-on is an American designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-end tools and equipment to professional tool users. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide. The company is currently worth US $9.5 billion and is included in the S&P 500."

 

[Spanner]

I wouldn't normally buy used screwdrivers but I couldn't resist these two Irwins.

View attachment 521596

View attachment 521597

There's something to be said about older QUALITY tools.

Terry

Agreed, those are nice.

 

[crazyal]

I use the Chapman ones at work but I don't think I would recommend them for personal use. I have free access to replacement bits at work so if one gets lost it's not an issue. But they aren't quite the standard 1/4" hex shank. The plastic case helps reduce the chances of loosing a bit but it does happen. I have a couple of the standard 1/4" bit screwdrivers (I know you said you didn't want them) and just buy the bits in bulk. things like a #2 philips I buy name brand by the 30 pack. At the slightest sign of wear I toss the bit. I have a full set for the occasional use on odd fasteners but usually only use a couple different sized slotted bits and the #2 phillips. I prefer the type that use a magnet to hold the bit in vs a retaining ring.

 

[Tangoddess]

I have a couple of the standard 1/4" bit screwdrivers (I know you said you didn't want them) and just buy the bits in bulk. things like a #2 philips I buy name brand by the 30 pack.

Hello and good evening,

It seems like the Klein tools set is a good option at a fair price point, of course there are so many other good options out there.

Out of curiosity, how do these tools differ in quality from for example what I would buy at Harbor Freight or Stanley tools etc. Is it that the tips wear out quicker?

@crazyal and others mentioned that they usually buy "bits in bulk" which is a good store to get them in person or online?

Thank you

 

[newbury]

Hello and good evening,

It seems like the Klein tools set is a good option at a fair price point, of course there are so many other good options out there.

Out of curiosity, how do these tools differ in quality from for example what I would buy at Harbor Freight or Stanley tools etc. Is it that the tips wear out quicker?

@crazyal and others mentioned that they usually buy "bits in bulk" which is a good store to get them in person or online?

Thank you

You may have picked a poor example using Harbor Freight. I've probably 10 sets of Harbor Freight free screwdrivers scattered about over 4 properties. Like most things it's better to have one than none. I rarely have to walk more than 15 feet to get a screwdriver for the quick tightening of a screw.

And like others have written if I'm going to be doing a lot of screwing I prefer battery powered drivers. Often I'll use two, one to drill a pilot hole, one to put in the screw.

But if I'm going to be working on something that requires a lot of manual screwing (can't fit a battery powered driver in) I've several good (but 40 yr old) sets of Craftsmen screwdrivers that fit my hands like a glove and they have performed very well for decades.

And that's one of the important things about manual screwdrivers - The "interface" for your hand is VERY important if you are going to use it for long. I've had a few sets of other brands but they just didn't fit my hands well.

You need to handle the screwdrivers before you decide.

 

[Tangoddess]

Thank you @newbury

How about where to buy these bits in bulk?

 

[newbury]

Thank you @newbury

How about where to buy these bits in bulk?

I just watch slick deals. As long as your getting a name brand they should be good. I think the last pack of 25 DeWalt philips I bought was from CPO.
/edit
For example their 30 bit set for $8 (but I think I bought 25 on sale for $5).

 

[JRobyn]

The major difference I find between really good screwdrivers and "all the rest" is that the tips and shanks are made of high-quality, tough, hardened steel. So the tips won't round off and ruin the fasteners you're trying to drive.

 

[TractorGuy]

I know you said you didn't like the removable tip type but my go to screwdriver for most uses is a $1.99 4 in 1 Harbor Freight. I have a full set of Snap On screwdrivers and they are great but I find the tips on the HF driver every bit as durable and good fitting while it has the flexibility of having a #1 and #2 flat head or phillips in the same tool. They are more commonly called a 6 in one because you also can use the sockets on 1/4" or 5/16" hex head screws. I buy several and have them in all the vehicles and tool boxes.

4-in-1 Screwdriver with TPR Handle

I have had a few of them that the guts came out of but most are holding up fine.

 

[Mace Canute]

Some guys make their own...

What did you machine today? - Page 61

 

[crazyal]

The last pack of #2 philips bits I bought I got from Lowes. People who say they strip screws are usually at fault, not the bit. I would also guess that they are using a drill (not by hand) with them and don't realize that it's like the gas pedal in your car. If you just plant your foot down on the gas pedal you are going to have trouble. The same holds true with using a drill to drive screws. If you just squeeze the trigger hard then you are going to strip the screw head, strip the screw, or snap it. These are the ones I bought. I would but them again. I'm sure if you shop around you could find them cheaper but when it's less than $10 I usually don't bother looking elsewhere.
Shop DEWALT 3-Pack 1-in Phillips Screwdriver Bits at Lowes.com

 

[drizler]

Some guys make their own...

What did you machine today? - Page 61

I sure do make my own punches. It's exactly the best use for those screwed up cheapo Chinese screwdrivers they're taking up space. Just put them on a grinder roll them around or nice fine point anyway you like it.

 

[V65ozzie]

I recently purchased a set of JIS(Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdrivers from an online supplier(mcmaster-carr I believe) Vessel brand.
If you own asian made stuff, these are a must have. JIS crosspoint screws are identified by a little dimple on the head of the screw. I have a #2 on my work bench at work, a #2 at home, a break down model on my bike by a different manufacturer(I ride red) and a set of#1,2,and 3 in my service kit in the truck. Less camming out on true JIS screws, they have saved my bacon more than once.
Quick tip: for a cammed out phillips head screw, try a drop of valve lapping compound on the tip of the driver.
The Vessels have taken a beating, pretty impressed, I think I got the set of 3 for about 30 bucks.
The rest of my drivers are a mix of Snap-On, MAC, Craftsman, Klein and whatever I found cheap(these usually end up as prybars, punches etc.)
McMaster-Carr

 

[Laderbuilt]

Also check out Wright tool. There tools have been great of what I own.
They are of very good quality and punch well above there pay grade for the price.

 

[Capt Dan]

I didn't see anyone mention Williams.

Amazon.com: Williams 1P-5MD 5-Piece Premium Mixed Screwdriver Set: Home Improvement