Give me your general screwdriver thoughts and experiences

[hickory n Steel]

I'm on a bit of a screwdriver kick lately, had an experience with one of my WF Craftsman's a couple weeks ago that pushed me to try some others that I might replace them with.
I made my purchases based on my preferences and like what I bought, though that doesn't mean I wouldn't mind trying some others out in the future.
I'm not really looking for more at the moment and not looking for recomendstions, but screwdrivers are still on my mind and I'd like to learn any general things I can use to guide any future purchases.

For me there's a handle size that fits my hand best, handle material I currently favor, and I gotta have a stubby #2 , but I expect some things will change as my experiences grow.
There's not much more I could say, not that my level of experience warrants me saying it.

Let's hear your general thoughts or preferences on screwdrivers , like your go-to brands / series and what types / sizes and features you mostly consider necessary or unnecessary.

 

[goodfellow]

Williams black handle set are a copy of the venerable Snap-On sets that were so popular some decades ago. Great deal on one of the best drivers ever made. Price is right as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30?tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

If you want basic drivers and GREAT quality -- Proto has the lock on that end with the Yellow Handle series. These have been in pro toolboxes forever.

https://www.harryepstein.com/13-pc-proto-screwdriver-set.html

[muddy]

Second what Ray said I love my Snap ons at work

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman

[bonneyman]

I also agree with Ray here.

For absolute bulletproof-ness, try and find the old MALCO screwdrivers. The pukey orange handled ones made in the USA. Made from polycarbonate, indestructible. You can't miss them in a tool bin because they stand out so well.

[skfarmer]

i am a fan of the old hard handle sk's made by facom. they have a squarish handle with a  nice taper and hex bolster on the larger sizes. i also like the felo ergonic screwdrivers. they have the   "felo" sbape handle with a hard rubber/plastic base and a squishy rubber overlay and again hex bolsters on the larger sizes. made in germany of course. i also have some felo woodies. they are just pretty to ool at and feel real nice.

felo screwdrivers are often seen displayed with bondhus items who i think import them. they also make a driver set for bondhus that is very similar to the ergonic.

[bonneyman]

While we're talking about screwdrivers, what do you'all think of the bolster style? Never did anything for me - if I needed more torque than I could get from a handle I switched to another tool.

But they have their following.

[hickory n Steel]

The Proto set looks like a great value, and I've wanted to try them but I'll have to find a 6pc or so set.
I tend to stay away from larger sets of most everything because you tend to get number of tools you don't want / need and miss something you do.
When I went looking I went with Stanley 100 plus and Pratt Read sets I could expand on if I wanted and would do the same with anything else I try.

[hickory n Steel]

While we're talking about screwdrivers, what do you'all think of the bolster style? Never did anything for me - if I needed more torque than I could get from a handle I switched to another tool.

But they have their following.

I'd like to know as well.
Seeing it gives me confidence in the strength of a screwdriver,  but that could be the intention for a lot of companies.

[skfarmer]

While we're talking about screwdrivers, what do you'all think of the bolster style? Never did anything for me - if I needed more torque than I could get from a handle I switched to another tool.

But they have their following.

i like a bolster on a screwdriver. do i always use it? no. but it is a feature i like to see on larger drivers for another option of how to use. why bust your wrist when a nudge with a wrench will help? maybe you can't get a grip because of an odd location. it's nice to have when and if you need it and when you don't it's just there and it doesn't bother anything.

i will take a driver with a bolster over a handle all buggered up from a pipe wrench, pliers or vice grip every day and twice on sunday! 

[hickory n Steel]

While we're talking about screwdrivers, what do you'all think of the bolster style? Never did anything for me - if I needed more torque than I could get from a handle I switched to another tool.

But they have their following.

i like a bolster on a screwdriver. do i always use it? no. but it is a feature i like to see on larger drivers for another option of how to use. why bust your wrist when a nudge with a wrench will help? maybe you can't get a grip because of an odd location. it's nice to have when and if you need it and when you don't it's just there and it doesn't bother anything.

i will take a driver with a bolster over a handle all buggered up from a pipe wrench, pliers or vice grip every day and twice on sunday! 

Saw a YouTube video recently claiming that the classic WF acetate driver Handel was shape so you could put a wrench on it and break a fastener.
I call BS on that, And I've seen a fair share at the flea market that were wrecked from a wrench and still overpriced simply because Craftsman is all imported now.

[DeadNutz]

I grew up using Craftsman and have a ton of them now. I also have in my boxes wood handle Proto L.A., yellow handle Proto, Cornwell, Klein and several other brands. I have been using the Klein Multi-bit quite a bit lately with the Robby bit. I do have a large driver with the bolster but have never put a wrench on it.

[goodfellow]

Sorry to hijack this thread for a minute, but speaking of screwdrivers; have you guys seen the ebay prices of the US made Craftsman Professional Series screwdrivers lately? Amazing, how that line has appreciated over the last five years. It was a good quality driver product, but not extraordinary. Yet the prices are sky high.

[walrus]

Williams black handle set are a copy of the venerable Snap-On sets that were so popular some decades ago. Great deal on one of the best drivers ever made. Price is right as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30?tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

If you want basic drivers and GREAT quality -- Proto has the lock on that end with the Yellow Handle series. These have been in pro toolboxes forever.

https://www.harryepstein.com/13-pc-proto-screwdriver-set.html

The Snap On # 2 have ACR tips, williams don't.  I'd take Snap On hard handles over any screwdriver ever made. I'm still using the same handles from Drivers I bought in early 90s

[bonneyman]

Sorry to hijack this thread for a minute, but speaking of screwdrivers; have you guys seen the ebay prices of the US made Craftsman Professional Series screwdrivers lately? Amazing, how that line has appreciated over the last five years. It was a good quality driver product, but not extraordinary. Yet the prices are sky high.

Maybe it's a nostalgia thing. Lots of people recognize the Craftsman name, and now that those particular drivers are no longer made, there's a rush on any around.
I'm kicking myself for not grabbing a set of the metric Professional combo wrenches Craftsman offered (I think S-K made them?). Oh well if you snooze, you lose!

[hickory n Steel]

So what are some driver sizes and such you consider necessary, and some that may come in larger sets which you'd consider unnecessary or just filler for the average person ?

[goodfellow]

So what are some driver sizes and such you consider necessary, and some that may come in larger sets which you'd consider unnecessary or just filler for the average person ?

If you work on older cars, small 2/4 stoke engines, and/or electronics, you'll need a larger set. Varied flat blade sizes are especially needed on older equipment. 

[DeadNutz]

I ran into Reed Prince screws holding a carburetor body together on a golf cart. My friend wondered why the phillips driver didn't fit very well. I consider a Reed Prince driver a must in every arsenal. H&S, Craftsman made a RP driver as I have one.

[hickory n Steel]

Interesting.
I think R&P is something a lot of people probably haven't even heard of.

I'm not sure I even have any R&P bits, I have what look like R&P but are kind of twisted and I have some pozidriv bits but not any R&P I don't believe.
I may just see if Chapman offers any R&P bits, no sense taking up space with a whole screwdriver until I find myself actually needing them.


Anyone else find that they don't often use the long cabinet tip drivers ?
I have a few which I have yet to use a single time in the past 6 years or so.

[slip knot]

The cabinet tips work great for pulling jets out of old carbs. Some of the old carbs have jets down in the bottom of a well and the straight tip cabinet drivers are the only ones that work

[hickory n Steel]

The cabinet tips work great for pulling jets out of old carbs. Some of the old carbs have jets down in the bottom of a well and the straight tip cabinet drivers are the only ones that work

I'll keep that in mind when I ever get into any diy automotive work.

[bonneyman]

As far as recommending what styles and tips it all depends on the line of work you'll be doing with them. Typical "sets" don't tend to be helpful in that regard, as manufacturers put the sets together with drivers that will fit most wallets, not usage.

One thing I can say is make sure you have a nice set of small and micro drivers. For many electronic things tiny drivers are a must. You will find alot of great tiny drivers (and other tools) here:

https://www.micromark.com/

[hickory n Steel]

As far as recommending what styles and tips it all depends on the line of work you'll be doing with them. Typical "sets" don't tend to be helpful in that regard, as manufacturers put the sets together with drivers that will fit most wallets, not usage.

One thing I can say is make sure you have a nice set of small and micro drivers. For many electronic things tiny drivers are a must. You will find alot of great tiny drivers (and other tools) here:

https://www.micromark.com/

Precision screwdrivers are definitely good to have.
I currently have a set of US Craftsman precision screwdrivers that seemed like winners when I bought them, but the handles have already snapped on 3 of the smaller ones under minor torque.

I'm thinking of trying out some Moody precision drivers from HJE, but have no experience with the company.I like the type with the spinning cap, and will get some in this style I might just get some Pratt-Read precision drivers too.

[hickory n Steel]

At $17 shipped for a 6pc set of Pratt-Read precision screwdrivers I went ahead and bought them.
They match the essential series set I got in last week and I like those handles, so it's a win win I guess.

I do still need some of the more professional type with the long shanks and spinning cap and such, but I need a storage shed so I can make some room around here so those will have to wait.

Besides the rest of my Craftsman set is holding up just fine for now, I will replace them for sure though because at this point I just don't trust the handles not to snap.

[Conductor562]

Proto has been well represented in this thread, but I have to say it. The Proto Duratek drivers are exceptional. I got one of the promo sets back before they came out and they pretty much relegated all my other drivers to back up duty.

[hickory n Steel]

Proto has been well represented in this thread, but I have to say it. The Proto Duratek drivers are exceptional. I got one of the promo sets back before they came out and they pretty much relegated all my other drivers to back up duty.

I've heard great things.
Aesthetically not my style because I prefer classic or old school for my tools, but I have seen these tested with all kinds of chemicals and the handles did not deteriorate.
( Yes I am dumb enough to not want a tool because it looks futuristic )

[bonneyman]

Proto has been well represented in this thread, but I have to say it. The Proto Duratek drivers are exceptional. I got one of the promo sets back before they came out and they pretty much relegated all my other drivers to back up duty.

I've heard great things.
Aesthetically not my style because I prefer classic or old school for my tools, but I have seen these tested with all kinds of chemicals and the handles did not deteriorate.
( Yes I am dumb enough to not want a tool because it looks futuristic )

Hey, I'm right there with ya!
I saw a vid where the guy soaked Duratek drivers in ATF, acetone, brake fluid, used motor oil, etc and the handles came out unscathed. Cool...but I didn't buy any.

[torqueman2002]

In the 60's & 70's I discovered Craftsman tools, so my first purchases were CM.

I have more CM screw drivers than others, but I have the classic black handled Snap-On that are just like the Williams mentioned above. I also have a set of Hazet that get used a lot. Thet have a feel of quality about them.

[bmwrd0]

When I did commercial AC I used Proto yellow handles. I would find them cheap at garage sales and flea markets with good tips and I put them back to use. But, I always loved the old MAC/Irwin woodies and used them at home. They just feel so good, especially with oily hands. So, when I went over to ATT, who supplied all the tools, I sent all my Proto yellowboys to Bonneyman. And found that Wilde still offered that MAC style woodie. Got some of them, and then got some Grace gunsmithing drivers with the same handle and. But I also loved the old Proto woodies and one day I found these one day on CL:








The guy I bought them from was left them by his father, who had been a tool salesman to industrial facilities. Those were his old sales samples.

[DeadNutz]

Wow Aaron, those are a fantastic set of drivers. Lucky guy.

[fatfillup]

Typed a response a few days ago and apparently forgot to hit post

Darn those Proto woodies are sweet!!

I like Snap on screwdrivers alot, likely my favorite.  Right  behind them are the Witte made for matco and cornwell.  I bought a set at a sale that were so greasy, you could hardly tell they were orange.  They were obviously the guys go to drivers.  They cleaned up nicely and the tips were perfect.  I have since put a few singles on my pegboard at home and like them a lot.

The Proto yellow handles are good also as well as my set of Mac red handles.

Not much on the Cman WF drivers though they sell well for me.

Like the Matco burgundy handles that Gary likes so much.

As to the cabinet tips, I have a few Snappy's that get used from time to time.  Expensive but handy when needed.

I have a Snappy tri lobe #2 phillips that was my Dad's that also hang on my pegboard.

I personally don't care about matched sets, they are nice, but I would rather buy used and have many and save a few bucks, but that is me.

Hickory, you are building a nice collection of tools and I like that you are trying to stay US made. 

[hickory n Steel]

When I did commercial AC I used Proto yellow handles. I would find them cheap at garage sales and flea markets with good tips and I put them back to use. But, I always loved the old MAC/Irwin woodies and used them at home. They just feel so good, especially with oily hands. So, when I went over to ATT, who supplied all the tools, I sent all my Proto yellowboys to Bonneyman. And found that Wilde still offered that MAC style woodie. Got some of them, and then got some Grace gunsmithing drivers with the same handle and. But I also loved the old Proto woodies and one day I found these one day on CL:








The guy I bought them from was left them by his father, who had been a tool salesman to industrial facilities. Those were his old sales samples.

Those Wilde drivers are actually made by Grace, wanted to get some recently but the lack of a Stubby #2 held me back.

[hickory n Steel]

Typed a response a few days ago and apparently forgot to hit post

Darn those Proto woodies are sweet!!

I like Snap on screwdrivers alot, likely my favorite.  Right  behind them are the Witte made for matco and cornwell.  I bought a set at a sale that were so greasy, you could hardly tell they were orange.  They were obviously the guys go to drivers.  They cleaned up nicely and the tips were perfect.  I have since put a few singles on my pegboard at home and like them a lot.

The Proto yellow handles are good also as well as my set of Mac red handles.

Not much on the Cman WF drivers though they sell well for me.

Like the Matco burgundy handles that Gary likes so much.

As to the cabinet tips, I have a few Snappy's that get used from time to time.  Expensive but handy when needed.

I have a Snappy tri lobe #2 phillips that was my Dad's that also hang on my pegboard.

I personally don't care about matched sets, they are nice, but I would rather buy used and have many and save a few bucks, but that is me.

Hickory, you are building a nice collection of tools and I like that you are trying to stay US made.

I just have a thing for US made.
Growing up the only tools I had access to were bottom of the barrel junk, but now that I have a choice I'm going American made as much as possible.

[hickory n Steel]

What do you guys like for American made precision screwdrivers ?

I've been interested in trying out Moody tools.

[jeffmoss26]

I fully admit that I am addicted to screwdrivers. I have hundreds of them, lol
Snap-on, Craftsman, Klein...
My current daily use drivers are the red handled Tektons with black oxide shank, and a Snap-on pocket flathead.
Prior to that, I was using a set of wood handled Felos. If I have a bunch of locks to rekey I will use my Milwaukee impact.
I also love my Enderes 4 in 1 and 6 in 1 drivers.

[TexasT]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Industrial-Brands-100P-8MD-Williams-Screwdriver-Set-8-Pieces/273858536296?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
I'll admit I'm an impulse buyer. I had some ebay bux burning a hole so these were ordered.


I also like the look of the tekton red handle.
https://www.tekton.com/phillips-slotted-hard-handle-screwdriver-sets?piece-count=16-pc&blade-finish=chrome

Mostly I have the craftsman, but there are ideal, klein, snap on, and others in my drawer. I have a favorite powr craft acetate handle that was my dads so it has sentimental value for me.


One of my older driver drawers.



My main driver drawer.


A set of Snap On i bought one day, I told you im an impulse buyer.


My mobile bag for field work.



Another impulse buy. chinesium cm but they make good loaners, you can see the price there




My favorite Snap On are the hard handle. Just feel good in my hand.


My favorite Green Hard handle snappy




Klien, I use them mostly for field work as they are easily replaced if lost or stolen


Not sure I have too many but definitely not a shortage. I learned early on wrecking a fastener with a screwdriver sucked so I always tried to buy quality drivers. I cant wait for the williams hard handles to show up.

[hickory n Steel]

Those Williams hard handles do look nice.
I have generally not much liked handle profiles on the square side like this, so I'd have to pick one up cheap or something and play with it a bit first.

One thing I know is that when I first held one of the Stanley 100 plus drivers my instant thought was this just feels right.

I'm sure it all depends on what  your working on but I have found I like a handle closer to the round side or with a round area that's easy to spin with my fingers.
One of the reasons I have clung to the Craftsman's so long I suppose.

[walrus]

I personally don't care about matched sets,

I purposely bought different color hard handles, orange flat blade, blue # 2 philips etc

[DeadNutz]

I personally don't care about matched sets,

I purposely bought different color hard handles, orange flat blade, blue # 2 philips etc

Great idea Walrus and I like that.

[bonneyman]

Make that 2 likes, walrus. Smart idea.

[hickory n Steel]

That does sound like a good idea though I wouldn't want all different handle shapes or brands.

One thing I do like about the Craftsman's is that the standards are blue and red while the Phillips are just blue , they and the varying handle sizes makes it easier to know what's what if they were say sticking out of a tool bag.
Of course a lot of modern screwdrivers these days are marked on the butt with the size or just a color so you know what's what, not that my current use at a workbench really demands it when I can just keep them in a specific order or even just see the tips.

[strik9]

I have a Stanley set of all sizes  in addition to my old standard of a no. 2 Philly and one flat out for regular use.  Usually random stuff that lasts.  The electrical kit has its specific stuff that near never sees use anymore  and a set of tiny bits that rarely see daylight except in extreme tiny cases.

Only the one has a name, none are US made but one is in the colors of a US flag with blue stars. 
Meh, good enough for my needs.

Base level tools that last don't need a pedigree.  Theses go years without wearing out.

[TexasT]

They have arrived!


In a plastic bag with a snap.


Laid out.


Another angle


Compared to the Snap On


Another comparison


One more





I really like them. They feel just like the snappy but are different enough not to be exactly like the snappy.
Nice Set.

[J.A.F.E.]

Those are the same as Snap-on. The texture may have been altered a little but Williams is owned by Snap-on and Williams only started these under their name after Snap-on Introduced the Instinct line. Initially the pattern was dropped from the main SO line until demand generated a reintroducing it back into the line and at that time started pushing the colored handles.

Snap-on has a long history of retiring a pattern only to resurrect it under another brand. Done it with Par-X, Blue Point, Williams, and some of the other Snap-on brands. I think it's a pretty a very smart move. The tooling is done and paid for, the non recurring engineering amortized, the design proven and revisions for cost savings, product enhancements,  warranty claims, etc already done.

If you are willing I'd like to see close ups of the tips.

[GNAP]

For the last 30+ yrs, I’ve used nothing but the Witte electrically insulated screwdrivers.

[bonneyman]

Love that Snap-On/Williams handle shape. If I were starting over again I'd get a set or two of those! 

[hickory n Steel]

I gotta find myself one of those Snap-on / William's screwdrivers to play with, looking at them I do not think I would like them ( a little to square in profile ) but I can't really say for sure without experiencing one.

[Heiny57]

They have arrived!


In a plastic bag with a snap.


Laid out.


Another angle


Compared to the Snap On


Another comparison


One more





I really like them. They feel just like the snappy but are different enough not to be exactly like the snappy.
Nice Set.

I like mine also,

[slip knot]

Those Williams drivers are sweet. I bought a couple sets when Toolsdelivered had a sale. shoulda bought  few more

[Heiny57]

Thanks for the my secret Santa gift a few years back. 

[TexasT]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Industrial-Brands-100P-5MD-Williams-Mixed-Screwdriver-Set-5-pcs/273922225330?epid=1200045176&hash=item3fc70974b2:g:6uAAAOSwwIRdJLVL

There is a five pc set

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Industrial-Brands-SDR-24-Screwdriver-Premium-Round-4-x1-4-1-4-4-Round/283578669051?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225073%26meid%3D397a52e905904a939983665b55ac2de2%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D273369208119%26itm%3D283578669051%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Williams-SDP-2-4-Phillips-Screwdriver-Round-Blade-2-Point-4-in-Blade/282854413401?epid=1713330885&hash=item41db6fd459:g:dxIAAOSwJRZaiyUJ

or a single or two for almost the same money