Channellock has new screwdrivers

[hickory n Steel]

I knew it was only a matter of time once they introduced their new Mayhew made pick set, that the screwdrivers were soon to follow.
The previous acetate handles were made by Pratt-Read I believe, but these new Pro series drivers seem to be made by Mayhew.

I'll have to try a 4pc set once they become available, I could buy just a ph2 but then I'd need to order more if I like it.
I sure wish they were a 4 sided handle instead of tri-lobe, but I'm still willing to give them a try because they seem less oversized then the Tri-lobe Wilde drivers that I'm not quite in love with yet.

Here are the pictures I could find.





I could only find a picture of the 4pc set ( in the packaging ) in a premature listing from TSC but they're not available yet so the pic wouldn't take me to the tractor supply website where I could download the image.
Apparently there will also be nut drivers, recess Robertson ,  and handle pry bars.

[hickory n Steel]

The mayhews actually look a bit nicer though,the parallel ribbing there where your thumb and index finger sit are something I really like about the handles on those crappy $6 US MADE ACE exclusive Stanleys.
They were great handles, terrible shanks on them.



The Mayhew precision drivers also use the same handles as their picks and mini pry bars which I really think is a good idea.

I'm pretty sure the Channellock drivers are made by Mayhew, or at least the handles are definitely coming from the same factory.
The Mayhews handles are slightly different and the precision drivers are completely different.
I have no clue what the Channellock stubbies will look like if they have them but they would tell us if Mayhew is entirely responsible depending on whether the shanks are square or round.

[muddy]

Definitely don't like the look of those handles.

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

[hickory n Steel]

Definitely don't like the look of those handles.

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

The aesthetics or the ergonomics?

I'm willing to give them a try , but I've only ever tried one tri-lobe handle design before.

[fatfillup]

I have tri lobes in old Snappy drivers, Mac soft grip nut drivers and misc. other brands.  I like them especially the old Snappys

The Channelocks look a little cheap in the pics.  A two tone scheme would make them look better

[hickory n Steel]

I have tri lobes in old Snappy drivers, Mac soft grip nut drivers and misc. other brands.  I like them especially the old Snappys

The Channelocks look a little cheap in the pics.  A two tone scheme would make them look better

I suppose they could have done these as code blue handles, but they'd have to drop the imported code blue drivers ( a good idea anyways ) and make sure people knew these were American made.

Personally I like them being just plain CL blue like their pliers.

[jeffmoss26]

looking forward to these!

[muddy]

Definitely don't like the look of those handles.

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

The aesthetics or the ergonomics?

I'm willing to give them a try , but I've only ever tried one tri-lobe handle design before.

Both lol

I'm more of a round or square handle guy


Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

[hickory n Steel]

Definitely don't like the look of those handles.

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

The aesthetics or the ergonomics?

I'm willing to give them a try , but I've only ever tried one tri-lobe handle design before.

Both lol

I'm more of a round or square handle guy


Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

Generally I'm the same with the Stanley 100 plus, Pratt-Read essentials, and Tekton hard handles being my favorite.
I haven't tried everything though and am open to finding a tri-lobe handle I like if possible because I'm still undecided.

[Uncle Buck]

My favorite screwdrivers are, old Snappy hard handle style, the Williams hard handles that replaced Snappy drivers once they were discontinued,  Proto yellow handles, Mac old style hard handles almost twin to old Snappy design, Stanley 100 line. Also old Craftsman Super Tuff screwdrivers from the 1950's.  You rarely see the old Super Tuff CM drivers but I found a few through the years and I luv the few I have.

These days, the only drivers I would buy are the Williams hard handles, Super quality, great price, and twins to the old Snappy hard handles from the day. For my money they are as good as the old Snappies from the day.

[walrus]

If Mayhew is making them that should be USA made and decent drivers. I'm with the other "old" guys Snap On hard Handles rule

[Midnitemack]

For me it’s more about the tips rather than the handles


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[wantedabiggergarage]

What do you all keep in your vehicle/travel boxes?

For me, because on the road I do not have an impact screwdriver, and don't want them to be confused with someone else's, Felo's wood handled ones.
The shaft goes all the way through and the end has a leather (I think) cap, for light impact use.

[hickory n Steel]

I have the acetate handle Channellock screwdrivers in my toyo ST350.
It's mostly used when I need yo work on something at my mom's house.

[hickory n Steel]

I couldn't find a picture that I could download,  but Cornwell is going to be offering these new Mayhew screwdrivers as well.
Same color as the Channellock screwdrivers, but the same handle variant as the Standard Mayhews.

I'm anxious to try out the Channellocks once they're available,  but I will say that the little ridges on the Mayhew and Cornwell handles seem better than the very subtle impressions I believe I see on the Channellock version.

[hickory n Steel]

WRIGHT is offering them now too It seems.

They're not on their sight/ in their catalog yet but they're already available through some of their distributors such as Circle C supply.

[hickory n Steel]

Looks like they are currently available at TSC.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/channellock-4-pc-standard-screwdriver-set-sd-4h?store=726&cid=Shopping-Google-Local_Feed&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&utm_campaign=&utm_content=Local_Feed&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsED9I0CR1hD3YCSAKncbQcHRRdWrpfKxgrKxBP73WDknEZzzyA0f30BoClBYQAvD_BwE

Apparently they have magnetic tips which I didn't know,  that's definitely a big plus.

[jeffmoss26]

Mayhew is private labeling them for CL and Wright

[hickory n Steel]

Mayhew is private labeling them for CL and Wright

Mayhew is making them for Channellock,  WRIGHT,  and Cornwell.

[jeffmoss26]

too bad they aren't Cornwell orange!

[hickory n Steel]

too bad they aren't Cornwell orange!

Would you pay Cornwell prices for them if they were ?
I love orange quite a lot , but as a diehard Channellock fan I'll probably be trying some from them here before too long if my local TSC has them in stock.
I'll have to wait till CHANNELLOCK adds the stubbies to their lineup though,
The ph2 and stubby ph2 are how I asses my feelings about a driver handle, if I like them I could get a set otherwise definitely not.
I won't even entertain a driver set that doesn't offer stubbys.

[hickory n Steel]

Well the new Screwdrivers are finally on Channellocks website.
They don't have any large sets yet, but theres a 6pc a 4pc, a 5pc precision, and a 4pc Robertson
They've also got the long reach and the long sizes listed individually as well as the torx.

I really want to check out the 61H 6 in 1 driver , but they're not currently available from anywhere I trust.
It looks like they'll be $20 when they are though.

https://channellock.com/tool-sets/screwdriver-sets/

It looks like they changed the shaft to a nice satin chrome finish over that dark grey forged looking finish of the previous acetate handled 6N1 that I have, but beyond that the bits look to be the same.
I'm glad to see that it's also 100% American made, Klein doesn't even seem to make the bits for theirs here anymore.

[bonneyman]

Well, if the new handles can take greasy, sweaty palms well and clean up without dissolving like so many acetate handles than that 6-in-1 looks like a gotta try it.

[hickory n Steel]

Well, if the new handles can take greasy, sweaty palms well and clean up without dissolving like so many acetate handles than that 6-in-1 looks like a gotta try it.

Here's what Channellock has to say.
" REINFORCED 3-sided High-Performance Handle is heat-stabilized and modified to provide excellent abrasion protection, impact resistance, and chemical tolerance ".

[jeffmoss26]

spotted this set at Tractor Supply

[hickory n Steel]

spotted this set at Tractor Supply

I checked my local TSC a few weeks back and they didn't have anything Channellock,  the shelves in the tool section were very bare like they were going out of business or something.

[hickory n Steel]

I just ordered the new 6N1 from HJE.
They also had the 6pc screwdriver set, but I figured I'll just try the 6n1 and maybe go for the 6pc set if I actually like the handle.

[jeffmoss26]

I have the 6 in 1 in my cart for HJE day!

[muddy]

I have the 6 in 1 in my cart for HJE day!

Remind me when that is again?

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

[hickory n Steel]

I have the 6 in 1 in my cart for HJE day!

Don't tell me I should have waited, because I also grabbed one of their 4" adjustables.
I didn't need it but I have been kind of curious about the Irega adjustables everybody seems to rebrand these days since Western Forge went under.

[hickory n Steel]

I just got my 61H in the mail.

I assumed the handle was going to be at least slightly textured but it's not ,  this is a nice tough though.
pic upload

My first initial impression was great,  but then I adjusted my grip a bit and it wasn't as good.
I definately like that it goes octagonal at the end.

overall being triangular though one corner will always put a bit of a hot spot on my fingers right here, unless I grip way back on it then it feels great.

It's significantly better than those tri-lobe Wilde drivers I got a few months back though.

I'm sure the bits are equal in quality to the 61A that this new 61H replaced,  but they're not as nice.
They're not marked in any way

Unlike the bits from the 61A.
free image uploader

And they don't have that same parallel tipped hollow grind that I really love about the 61A bits.


The tip profile is just a design change I suppose and can't really complain because this is pretty much the standard profile you'll find, but that previous profile was just something I loved about the 61A.

Overall I think it's a good 6 in 1 driver, I'm probably not going to buy a set of the new screwdrivers but I'll give this a fair shake and see if it grows on me before I really decide.

[jeffmoss26]

I have the 6 in 1 in my cart for HJE day!

Remind me when that is again?

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

starts tomorrow 7/1!