Things that screw drivers...

kaiser715

kaiser715

Doing hard time
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Location
7, Pocket, NC
I've got to replace my old craftsman screwdrivers in the shop. The handles, like Crapsman always do with age, have gotten stinky. Can't stand it when I open the screwdriver drawer.

Who makes a good screwdriver now? Who has a good set (the craftsman is still the most varied/complete set I have seen for the money)?

Kobalt has a full set, but they're acetate handles too. Wonder how they'll hold up over time?

My screwdriver drawer has about a set and a half like this pic (set from Lowes):

885911577502.jpg
 
I used craftsman at work for nearly 10 years, but as they got harder to warranty, because sears wouldn't warranty tools to pros, (I'd have to change out of work uniform to get stuff swapped, and the stock started getting iffy) I started buying more tool truck tools. Not just screwdriver but everything, pliers, wrenches, sockets, etc. Although I noticed a smell they don't "stink" to me but I guess that's subjective. Any acetate handle will do it as they break down. I bought a set on the Mac truck 5 or so years ago for work. The fit of the tips especially in phillips screws are much better than even new craftsman. They have rubber handles so no smell and they are bigger handles, so there's much better torque applied to the screw. I brought my craftsman ones home for the trail truck and home box extra stock.

According to garage journal at the time the Mac drivers I have are basically Proto duratek other than handle color. They are made in the USA. Whenever I go to replace the home set I'll likely either use Proto, unless I get a deal on the tool truck, or a German company like wera, wiha, or witte as they all seem to be great screwdrivers by reviews, though I have no experience with them.
 
I have a bunch of the kobalt ones. I prefer the acetate handles because there's less friction against your hand when compared with a rubber handle.

They only cost about $3/ea, even buying them individually, so I'll pick up a few new/extra ones whenever the mood strikes.

I also have a bunch of the Klein 4 in 1s. Those handles are rubber coated, but the driver tips are pretty good, and it's handy to have everything there in one tool when doing stuff around the house.
 
Tim C said:
According to garage journal at the time the Mac drivers I have are basically Proto duratek other than handle color. They are made in the USA. Whenever I go to replace the home set I'll likely either use Proto, unless I get a deal on the tool truck, or a German company like wera, wiha, or witte as they all seem to be great screwdrivers by reviews, though I have no experience with them.
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Stanley owns Mac, Proto, Blackhawk.
We have worked on the mold for those screwdrivers, they are made at the Stanley plant in Cheraw, SC. (we also made a mold for the fat max tap measures, they run there as well)
Looks like they swap and logo insert and keep on rolling with a different brand.
 
At this point in time, I can't remember the last time I actually used a manual screwdriver for anything other than poking holes in metal. Otherwise I use my Milwaukee drill or 90* driver (or even 3/8 90* impact with adapter). On the rare occasion I don't have one of those handy, Leatherman multi tool gets the job done.
 
I've always used and liked Klein screwdrivers. Probably because that's what my dad raised me on, but ive never had a reason to disagree. Lowes or HD carries them if you want to touch and feel. They have a good balance and feel in the hand for most models.
 
Depends on how much you will use them. If you will be using them a lot I would step up to a tool truck brand. I have used USA made craftsman, Husky, Napa, Wier? after awhile they all sucked. Finally bit the bullet and bought Snap on ones. They were expensive but have been awesome. After 15 years of abuse I just replaced them. Gave them to my dealer and he gave me all brand new ones.
 
Felo, Wiha, Witte, sometimes Wera. They're all pretty cheap and very high quality. I've had some problems with tip wear on the Wera phillips and Torx drivers compared to the others I lised, but they are still far better than average and I think the least expensive of the four.

Klein Journeyman stuff is nice too (I don't care for the traditional clear/black molded Klein handles), and I have some Proturn for those times when live electrical seems like a good idea.
 
I guess I'm the oddball, and reasonably happy w/ my Crapsman screwdrivers.
Why not just take the whole lot in and get replacements free?
I don't know if they will replace just from having funky handles... so take a pair of bolt cutters and cut the ends off of all of them. Failed tool in hand = replaced. Thats what my brother did when his rusted.
 
UTfball68 said:
I can neither confirm nor deny if this has ever been done...but you also have the option of buying ebay SnapOn handles, re-handling your crapsman...then doing something worthy of warranty-ing your 'SnapOn' drivers:

Snap On Tools USA SDD Orange Handle Lot (Small and Large Available) You Pick | eBay
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For around the the $10 for an eBay Snap-On handle, you can just buy Wiha/Witte/Felo (or similar) and have the same quality. Okay, maybe two eBay Snap-On handles for the bigger sized drivers.

$30 for a standard #2 Phillips from Snap-On is about 3X what it should be for that level of quality. Maybe 2X if you're buying high quality at a retail store.
 
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GubNi said:
Channel lock has the best in my opinion. The steel shank goes all the way though to the top.
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That's just a method of construction; I think you're talking about a striker-cap screwdriver so it can be hit with a hammer, etc. There are many brands that have model lines with that feature.
 
Fabrik8 said:
That's just a method of construction; I think you're talking about a striker-cap screwdriver so it can be hit with a hammer, etc. There are many brands that have model lines with that feature.
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Yes, I got a set as a gift and I am very happy with them. They are very high quality in my opinion.
 
Fabrik8 said:
Felo, Wiha, Witte, sometimes Wera. They're all pretty cheap and very high quality. I've had some problems with tip wear on the Wera phillips and Torx drivers compared to the others I lised, but they are still far better than average and I think the least expensive of the four.

Klein Journeyman stuff is nice too (I don't care for the traditional clear/black molded Klein handles), and I have some Proturn for those times when live electrical seems like a good idea.
Click to expand...
Witte are my favorite. German made, and you can get them from a MAC dealer. Makes it easier to warranty. MAC adds an extra logo and sells them as their own.


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Neat thing about the HF ones linked are the handles have hex holes that the shanks fit in perfectly for when extra leverage is needed
 
The Flea Market makes the best screwdrivers! It's a screwdriver. Flea market find .50 cents.
 
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