Screwdriver set...?

french_guy

What is a good brand for screwdrivers?
I'm thick of those "basic" sets you can find at HD or Lowes with poor quality bits
Any recommendations, and where to buy?

joecaption

Craftsman has worked for me for over 40 years. Lifetime warrentyed.
I'm still using some I got for Christmas as a kid.

jeffsw6

This may not work for every situation, but have you thought about buying some impact bits for an inter-changeable screwdriver or ratcheting screwdriver?

These Makita bits are supposed to be very good. I own a set but I haven't had it long enough to wear any bits out.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3#.UM8y2nfK5IA

I don't use my "regular" screwdrivers enough to wear them out. I am always using the electric one, ratcheting one, or whatever.

There are always the mechanics tool-makers like SnapOn, Matco, etc. GearWrench for a slightly less expensive choice that is still above-average quality.

french_guy

Good idea...
I like the Kobalt screwdriver ratchet with multiplier function (1 turn on the handle, 2 turns on the bit)
is it any good?

bassJAM

I can't stand the normal Craftsman sets, but their Pro screwdrivers are really good, and also pricey. Last set I bought was a Kobalt set from Lowe's. Can't remember if they were a basic cheap set or not,but the tips have a black coating on them and they are magnetic. They seem to be holding up well so far.

jeffsw6

Why not just use an electric screwdriver? If you are concerned about over- or under-torquing a fastener with an electric screwdriver then you probably would not want to use that "multiplier" ratchet-driver either.

My electric screwdriver cost about $20. I use it as much as any other tool I own. If it ever breaks I'll look for one that cost more than $20. Here is the one I have, not saying it's the best or will last longest (I don't think you can replace the battery.) Its torque is certainly limited, but I have other power drivers if I need more torque.
http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/Li2000.aspx

woodworkbykirk

last time i checked the craftsman screwdrivers are made by either fuller or johnson.. just rebranded


that makita set looks like its good quality but too expensive for what you get

ratherbefishing

I enjoy my Snap-On and Mac Screwdrivers. I've heard good things about Wiha. Xcelite used to make good ones. And I have a couple Enderes, from the hardware store, that have held up well.

jeffsw6

It's really not expensive if you are wearing out other screwdriver bits. Fool with warranty exchange on the bits / screwdrivers you are wearing out, or just buy better ones?

You could buy two or maybe five cheap sets of driver bits for $20, that's true. I suspect these Makita ones, because they are made for use in impact tools AND there are about ten PH#2 bits in the set, will out-last five cheap sets of bits. That's why I bought it.

woodworkbykirk

more often than not i lose the bit before it wears out.. i always keep a stock pile of the most common bits in my kit for drill gear... the best bits available right now though are the milwaukee shock wave drivers bits and hilti

Mort

I bought a set of the regular Craftsman, and I wish I'd saved up and bought the Craftsman Professional. After a few twists, the regular ones hurt your hands, where the CPs are a lot more comfortable.

mizzoutiger

Wera Kraftforms are great screwdrivers and not too overly priced. Check em out if you get the chance.

stephen9666

In the US the Craftsman screwdrivers are mostly made by Western Forge, with a few being made by Pratt-Read.

I like Pratt-Read drivers. They're basic, but they're USA made and affordable. There are lots of sets on Amazon.

Other popular choices from another forum I'm a member of:
-The more expensive Husky drivers that are USA made. They're similar to Craftsman Pro drivers.
-The Williams USA made drivers. They're almost identical to the older Snap-On hard handle drivers. Snap-On owns Williams.
-Wiha Proturn drivers. Under $20 on Amazon and made in Germany. I had these and I really liked them for the price/
http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-Screwdriv...rds=wiha+46095

Those are just a few choices off the top of my head.

Missouri Bound

If you want screwdrivers for.....well just "screwing" and not beating on or prying, I would suggest a Klein or Greenlee 11 in 1. One tool, 8 bits and 3 hex drivers. Very handy. As far as regular screwdrivers, Craftsman is always a good bet, and Sears still warrantys their hand tools for life. Shop around for the best deals.

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paintdrying

Klein and craftsmen pro. The regular craftsmen are not good. Anything from the big box stores is not good. I can not deal with cheap tools, get the best you can afford.