Semi OT?: Screwdriver recommendations [Archive]

roguedog

02-06-2018, 06:54 AM

Had to do some household fixing and every time I do I notice that my screw driver set could use replacement. The "heads" seems to be blunted. This is a craftsman set, which used to be good stuff I believe but perhaps not so much anymore.

Would like to get a good replacement set. Who makes quality sets these days?

jb_11

02-06-2018, 07:24 AM

Just got a Wiha set that looks promising. Nice tips and grips.
Too soon to comment on durability though.

jb_11

02-06-2018, 07:25 AM

Also got a Vessel with a JIS tip for derailleur limit adjusters.

HenryA

02-06-2018, 07:28 AM

Wiha and Wera are both very nice.

Tandem Rider

02-06-2018, 07:49 AM

I use screwdrivers all day long at work. Klein wins the cost vs. durability equation for me. I have some that are 5-6 years old, used several times a day.

Gsinill

02-06-2018, 07:51 AM

+1 on Wiha and Wera.

I have multiple sets and my favorite is the Wiha wood handle one.
Just something about the feel of wood.
Currently not available on Amazon US but if you have an Amazon prime account you can order them from Amazon.de for $26 shipped (https://www.amazon.de/Wiha-Phillips-Schraubendreher-Satz-Schl%C3%BCsselhilfe-Buchenholzgriff-162HK6SO/dp/B001JGEDJ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517924987&sr=8-2&keywords=wiha+holz+schraubendreher)

AngryScientist

02-06-2018, 07:51 AM

ketel one and fresh squeezed juice. that's my sunday morning jam.

http://editorial.hipcask.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Screwdriver.png

mktng

02-06-2018, 07:53 AM

? Mastercraft screw drivers are fine. I'd probably just replace with another set as they are always 75% off. Just donate the old set and replace with a new set, so you dont have 100's of screw drivers.

chiasticon

02-06-2018, 07:55 AM

ketel one and fresh squeezed juice. that's my sunday morning jam.winner! :hello:

for the actual question, I personally just have some cheap-o screwdrivers for around the house, and good ones for the bike. the house ones go missing often, end up left random places for months, etc. and they're generally used on cheap screws anyway, not expensive bicycle parts.

NYCfixie

02-06-2018, 08:03 AM

If you use any screwdriver enough the heads will wear out.

I have had good luck over the years with the Craftsman Pro (not the lower level junk).

I have also had really good luck with Klien.

austex

02-06-2018, 08:06 AM

staggerwing

02-06-2018, 08:09 AM

Just buy a couple of these:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E55DL4I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Great tips, compact, wonderful grip. Only downside is the spare bits don't store in the handle.

AngryScientist

02-06-2018, 08:09 AM

you are correct that the new craftsman stuff, non-MUSA is pretty crappy. quality has gone way down since the old days.

for mechanical stuff, bikes, cars, boats, motorcycles, stuff like that, i have some snap on screwdrivers that i bought years ago that are fantastic.

for home maintenance stuff, like cabinet screws, general wood screws, etc - i like to keep a bit holding screwdriver, and replace the heads as they wear out. dewalt heads are dirt cheap and meant to be used for higher speed drill drivers, so they last practically forever in a hand held tool and can be replaced in a moment. buy a 12 pack and keep them handy and always have a sharp edged screwdriver on hand.

https://www.mscdirect.com/ProductImages/6446888-23.jpg

https://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/885911/885911438681.jpg

likebikes

02-06-2018, 08:21 AM

love my lutz, even found another one on the road yesterday!

weisan

02-06-2018, 08:38 AM

I have got tons of screwdrivers lying around but the one I keep reaching for is a lowly Greenlee.
I misplaced it one time and I almost tore down the house to find it.

https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/WUoAAOSw-CpX-SDf/s-l225.jpg

jke.4132

02-06-2018, 08:42 AM

I use screwdrivers all day long at work. Klein wins the cost vs. durability equation for me. I have some that are 5-6 years old, used several times a day.

Still made in the USA!

Ken Robb

02-06-2018, 09:25 AM

Usually take my Craftsman tools to the nearest Sears for free replacement...blunted screwdriver heads count, not just broken stuff.

I was going to say this too, but I haven't had to return anything since Sears sold the Craftsman line. I haven't heard if the sale changed the easy lifetime warranty or not.

Ken Robb

02-06-2018, 09:29 AM

I have one ball grip ratchet with a reversible shaft that is Phillips on one end and slot on the other. It is comfortable in my hand and provides better leverage to apply torque to screws BUT---Sometimes the size of the ball precludes using it in tight quarters so it can only be an adjunct to a set of drivers with regular handles.

benb

02-06-2018, 09:41 AM

My Dewalt "bits" are fine.

My actual "screwdrivers" are mostly Craftsman and they're 20 years old with no signs of blunting. Too bad they don't make them that way anymore apparently.

If I can I almost always use my drill now... screwing things into wood by hand and stuff seems to be pretty poor on the ergonomics side.

jmoore

02-06-2018, 09:42 AM

PeregrineA1

02-06-2018, 09:50 AM

I have a Matco set that is 25 years old. Tons of use, still very crisp.

Birddog

02-06-2018, 09:54 AM

I use screwdrivers all day long at work. Klein wins the cost vs. durability equation for me. I have some that are 5-6 years old, used several times a day.

My thoughts as well. Good quality decent price, some have hardened tips. the Greenlee Weisan mentioned I believe to be similar.

hoonjr

02-06-2018, 10:40 AM

PB swiss for regular slotted. Wiha/Wera for Phillips.

R3awak3n

02-06-2018, 11:43 AM

another vote for vessel. Excellent

Corso

02-06-2018, 12:56 PM

Another Vessel fan. Used a bunch on my Japanese dirt bikes.
I have one of their impact screwdrivers that I thought may be a gimmick, but love it. Probably overkill for bicycles though.

likebikes

02-06-2018, 01:08 PM

surprised to hear that i'm the only lutz lover here.

pjm

02-06-2018, 01:11 PM

Freebies from Harbor Freight.:cool:

staggerwing

02-06-2018, 01:30 PM

surprised to hear that i'm the only lutz lover here.

They were always a local (Cincinnati) brand back in the day. All the area hardware stores had a variety of singles, with clear and black acetate handles, like the mainline Craftsman stock. Properly heat treated steel, well made, and priced reasonably. Nowadays, they are just a marketing company owned by Gorilla Glue, which is also local based. Don't see they sell singles anymore.

likebikes

02-06-2018, 01:34 PM

Nowadays, they are just a marketing company owned by Gorilla Glue, which is also local based. Don't see they sell singles anymore.
?
pretty much every hardware store in the country sells a lutz 6-in-1. and pretty much everyone who works in the trades or with tools for a living owns one. best screwdriver ever. literally 6x as better as anything from wihi/wera/etc.

http://lutztool.com/products/460px_300px/Screwdriver_6in1_green.jpg

staggerwing

02-06-2018, 01:50 PM

?
pretty much every hardware store in the country sells a lutz 6-in-1. and pretty much everyone who works in the trades or with tools for a living owns one. best screwdriver ever. literally 6x as better as anything from wihi/wera/etc.

http://lutztool.com/products/460px_300px/Screwdriver_6in1_green.jpg

Think your missing what I mean by a single. Specifically, a non-interchangeable bit screwdriver. Single blade/style forever in perfect harmony with a handle. The kind you would find if purchasing a screwdriver set from Klein, Craftsman, or whatever.

Mikej

02-06-2018, 02:03 PM

I picked up a set of these in 95'. Due to the price, I still have all seven of them!

https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Combination-Screwdriver-Phillips-SDDX70AO/dp/B01MRLDF67/ref=pd_day0_469_19?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01MRLDF67&pd_rd_r=1QM4PK7D6B368PJ12TW0&pd_rd_w=fVo58&pd_rd_wg=kFlcB&psc=1&refRID=1QM4PK7D6B368PJ12TW0

Black Dog

02-06-2018, 02:27 PM

Want a nice lifetime screwdriver:
Made in Japan.

Lee Valley (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=32208&cat=1,43411,43417)

http://www.leevalley.com/us/images/item/Woodworking/Screwdrivers/44k1201s3.jpg

Gummee

02-06-2018, 02:45 PM

Also got a Vessel with a JIS tip for derailleur limit adjusters.

I have one here at work. Very nice feel when using it.

I've heard JIS is dead, but I don't remember what the next gen is. Maybe someone here smarter than me can figure it out

M

OperaLover

02-06-2018, 03:06 PM

The Husky set I got from Home Depot is plenty good for what I use them for. Grip feels good and the tips are strong. No issues at all.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Screwdriver-Set-15-Piece-246340150/204663546?gclid=CjwKCAiAweXTBRAhEiwAmb3XuzJ52EjyQm oqi8spUti1DA6Y1AktI50J_yVNvnxvaMkzeO1DI_4e_BoCvM4Q AvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKfmqonQkdkCFcnYwAod6m4H9w

I have a #2 Phillips Husky with the blue handle because my kids lost my good Craftsman. Absolute garbage; tip started to strip screwing into wood for a picture hanger wire. Black handled ones may be better, but that was my experience.

jb_11

02-06-2018, 03:57 PM

I have one here at work. Very nice feel when using it.

I've heard JIS is dead, but I don't remember what the next gen is. Maybe someone here smarter than me can figure it out

M

Haha :beer:

unterhausen

02-06-2018, 04:30 PM

I like the high end Wiha screwdrivers a lot, but I don't have any links right now. I am using a cheaper Wiha set a lot around the house, and they are better than any Craftsman I ever owned. I have this Wera set that is really good: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001NQQCC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Life is too short for cheap screwdrivers. But those Snapon ones are a bit much. I do have a Wiha $110 6 piece set in my wish list at amazon.

roguedog

02-07-2018, 10:09 PM

Hey, thanks all. Will do some research but off top head..Klein or the Lee valley ones. Really helpful thread. Lots of brands I'd never heard of!

yakstone

02-08-2018, 07:23 AM

I am also a fan of the PB Swiss. Comfortable handles and tips hold up.

toollady.com

is where I get mine.

jimcav

02-08-2018, 07:50 AM

I am also a fan of the PB Swiss. Comfortable handles and tips hold up.

toollady.com

is where I get mine.

LOVE their "rainbow" sets. Man, I hate having my screwdrivers all look the same and having to hunt, sometimes I realize I grabbed 'y' instead of the 'x' I wanted. Worse yet being under the counter or something and asking my wife or kids to go get "x" and they come back with "y" or 'x' the wrong size. Oh to just be able to say "get the green handled one"...

staggerwing

02-08-2018, 07:55 AM

Black hole for hand tool junkies. Never know what you are going to find. Country of origin predominately displayed when known.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/

Currently have some nice SK, Wright and Proto screwdrivers at very reasonable prices.

mtechnica

02-08-2018, 07:59 AM

Klein is always a good choice.

mtechnica

02-08-2018, 08:01 AM

Hey, thanks all. Will do some research but off top head..Klein or the Lee valley ones. Really helpful thread. Lots of brands I'd never heard of!

Just get the Kleins, there’s a reason they are the industry standard for professional electricians and technicians.

Tall

02-08-2018, 08:06 AM

Wera Kraftform Kompakt is super awesome: https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051024001-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver/dp/B001HSNHM2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518098658&sr=8-3&keywords=wera+screwdriver

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/8130hyK%2BcHL._SL1500_.jpg

FriarQuade

02-08-2018, 11:49 AM

I have one here at work. Very nice feel when using it.

I've heard JIS is dead, but I don't remember what the next gen is. Maybe someone here smarter than me can figure it out

M

JIS has been phased out in favor of DIN. Any of the euro made screwdrivers are compatible. However a true JIS like the Vessel does feel better in a Shimano limit screw than most DIN screwdrivers.

I'll add another vote for PB Swiss screwdrivers. The grips are amazing but a little on the small side, I like them in my travel box because of that but if I'm really screwing around they come up a bit short. That's what power tools are for though. There's a lot of good screwdrivers out there and I think it really comes down to which one feels best in your hand. We use mostly Wera drivers on the assembly benches here at the tool shop and they hold up well and feel good after an entire day of putting HAG's together.

NHAero

02-03-2019, 02:19 PM

Resurrecting this thread - do people have both Phillips and Pozidrive sets? Are there Pozidrive screws on bikes? If not, where are they typically found?

I'd like to get some better screwdrivers and don't know much about Pozidrive except now I know how the bit differs from Phillips.

slowpoke

02-03-2019, 03:10 PM

I have this Wera set that is really good: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001NQQCC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

On one hand, I'm impressed Wera designed their screwdrivers for abuse, on the other hand, it pains me to know people are using screwdrivers like chisels. :no:

unterhausen

02-03-2019, 03:15 PM

I really like those screwdrivers, but the line drawing of someone hitting the back of the screwdriver was disconcerting. My thought was that they intended for you to loosen up stuck fasteners that way.

Black Dog

02-03-2019, 03:16 PM

11.4

02-03-2019, 10:15 PM

There are no Pozidrive screws on bikes.

Pozidrive is used in construction and manufacturing.

And ski mountings, and a lot of other applications as well.

Black Dog

02-03-2019, 10:18 PM

And ski mountings, and a lot of other applications as well.

True. I should have said primarily construction and manufacturing. I did mount some x-country bindings recently that used pozidrive.

11.4

02-03-2019, 10:19 PM

Check some of the specialty Euro tool distributors like

www.kstools.com/en

The tips on the PB Swiss, Wera, Wiha, and similar tools, in their high end models, are superb. The handles are a bit fragile -- if you have some solvents on them you'll eat out the rubber and they'll at a minimum look bad and potentially feel pitted. Until then the handles are very nice.

The Kleins simply work. Great tips, great handles, decent price, universally available, and you can return any defective Klein product. Ever.