Screwdrivers

[Lars]

Can anyone recommend a quality brand of screwdriver?

I have a drawer full of crappy screwdrivers with chewed up tips and beat up handles. Need something that will last. Also a comfortable, firm grip that you can get some torque behind is just as important.

--Lars

 

[dd113]

Snap on

 

[Bryan E.]

I have used a lot of Craftsman tools, including screwdrivers. They have a lifetime guarantee so if the tip breaks off free replacement plus usually a Sears around. I've also found others that work well. I find the standard old style handles don't give as much torque as a square or triangle style handle. You'll realize what I mean when you pick up one with new style of handles. Usually I won't break a well made screwdrive unless using it like a prybar which is stupid but they tend to get used that way sometimes.

 

[Poser]

Hands down, no one makes a better one...


SNAP ON

 

[haystax]

Klein and Wiha also make good ones - Snap On are the best for sure but plenty of cash, just like any tools. Craftsman catalog carries the ones I mentioned.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

crapsman sucks the big one

 

[RHINO]

my old black and yellow handled stanley set has held up real well, but the handle doesnt lend itself to ALOT of torque application.
several years ago i bought some husky hand tools from home depot, screwdriver set, wrench set and socket set, mostly a trail kit for the cruiser. they have found theyre way into the toolbox and the misc. craftsman, stanley ect. handtools that were there went in the cruiser.

 

[Tools R Us]

Wiha is the best that I have used.

 

[lowenbrau]

I guess it's all what you are used to but cast another vote for Klein. If you are using it by hand for turning screws I can't think of anything better. If you are using it for a chisel or want a square shank so you can put your crescent wrench on it, there will likley be better choices.

 

[Junk]

I prefer Matco Tools which gets their's from Wiha.

 

[MoJ]

Klein Tools 10-in-1. About 10 bucks at Home Depot.

 

[brownbear]

SNAP-ON, if you just buy screwdivers only they are worth it. 100 bucks for a set of screwdrivers, 50-60 for a great ratcheting screwdriver. mine is 10 yrs old and used commercially. the best!! mac ones blow, so do craftsman, they work. but don't have the same feel. I say this cause I work on airplanes that are covered in screws. so we quickly find out which ones have a better handle design. and those clear craftman ones are not that comfy. and mac have a bad angle. I know of guys who have traded in there mac ones with the snap on guy to get a set of snaps. just my op.

 

[Clyde-2]

Smirnoff & Sunny Delight........sorry, had to do it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I never really thought much of the brand, but used a friends set of Husky's (Home Depot) with a rubber grip. Really nice.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

SNAP-ON...I say this cause I work on airplanes that are covered in screws. so we quickly find out which ones have a better handle design...

I agree, the SO ratchet screwdriver is great - really love mine.

BB, what's the problem - too many srews on the otters and beavers?!

Cheers, Hugh

 

[brownbear]

BB, what's the problem - too many srews on the otters and beavers?!

Cheers, Hugh

Twin Otter to be precise! and yes too many screws! Most of the time I use a Makita 9.6 drill. They are the best. Not too heavy and can be used over your head for hours. Where as the big boys, 14.4,18, 24 volter are a killer on the arms. and tend to strip out the screws if the clutch isn't set..

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Based on this thread I got a set of Kleins today, and they are better! At least better than the crappy craftsman ones I have. Those of us not in the industry have limited access to Snap-On but I found the Kleins at my local hardware store. Very cool, thanks.

 

[dd113]

I also have a set of Vessel drivers I bought in Japan. They make snap on look foolish!

http://www.vessel.jp/products/pro_hand_mega_01.html

 

[brownbear]

dd113, that stuff is soo cool I have to post the petrol impact on chit chat, thanks

 

[RavenTai]

For day to day use Snap on Ratcheting, had the old style for years that I bought used at a pawn shop when the new style came out I got it and brought the old one home, you can get the new one with interchangeable stems of different lengths, the shape is better than the old, only thing I don’t like about the new one is the cap for storing apex bits is 1/4 turn and sometimes comes loose when cranking

If you are looking for a comfortable one for high torque also get this one , also good for certain kinds of tight spots

Not sure if I could justify $130 for 2 screw drivers for occasional home use but they are a have to have for work.

Still have to have convention fixed Philips for tight spots, and standard flat heads for all kinds of other things, bought a set of new at the time "Craftsman professionals" (IIRC made by S&K) for school, bad choice, the philips are not standard #1 #2 #3 etc and do not fit right, the flat heads all chipped, replaced with a set of fixed Snap-On’s, the flat heads get daily use (rarely for screws) and hold up very well

For open up (literally thousands of 3/16” and ¼”screws) I use a 3/8" drive IR impact on the first pass and a screw knocker second pass and a drill or pencil grinder for the third, For close up a pneumatic screw gun (company issued)