Best screwdrivers?

[Steven Pearson]

I would like to buy just a couple new screwdrivers. It seems that whatever I have bought in the past, they have always had one issue or another. Tip gripping strength, hand gripping strength, comfort, tip deterioration, etc.

If I jyst wanted a few basic but awesome screwdrivers that excelled in all the above aspects, what should I buy?

Links would be awesome as well.

Thanks!

[Brett Luna]

When it comes to bit engagement in slotted screws, I've had the best luck with a Magna-Tip gunsmithing set from Brownell's. I have enough bits to fit virtually any screw I would typically find in the woodworking universe. The handle is a pretty standard, fluted, thermoplastic affair that offers enough comfort and grip for most jobs. My set came with two handle sizes: a standard length and a stubby. Extensions are available.

That said, I just bought a new set of slot screwdrivers to try out. It's a more traditional design from another maker of gunsmithing tools, Grace USA but these are designed for wood screws. Beefy, non-rolling wood handles, square shafts and rather than being hollow ground, the tips are machined parallel. Less than $70 for a set of seven on Amazon. Search for SDWS7 in Sports & Outdoors. I have given them a real workout yet but they seem promising.

ETA: Sorry, I missed the "just a couple" part but I hope this is at least somewhat helpful.

[glenn bradley]

So many answers based on intended use. These f (http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?p=32219&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1)rom Lee Valley have a lifetime guarantee as long as they are used for screwing screws and not chopping mortises. The Grace (http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?p=70923&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1) drivers that Brett mentions are long time favorites but I keep mine for times I am not likely to drop then, gouge them or otherwise accidentally abuse them. For my square drive work I use this Wera set (http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?p=70365&cat=1,43411,70372&ap=1)and love them for the comfortable grip under high torque situations.

There are all sorts of drivers with special features like diamond grit tips, hardened tips, special handles and so forth but, I find these lay in the drawer more than anything else. Once you have a few drivers that meet your different needs they tend to get used all the time. This doesn't mean that I don't have ratcheting drivers, super long drivers and so forth; I do. They only come out for their intended purpose which is just what they are made for. I have a dozen (large, medium,small and tiny in slot and phillips as well as the four Wera square drive) that meet 99% of my needs and specialty ones for those other times.

[Joe Jensen]

I have some Klein screwdrivers from over 30 years ago that are still fantastic and have outlived many Crapsman and Husky. I replaced one recently and it too seems like it will last a long time. I also have a Wera Set and some Wiha and both of those are great.

[Von Bickley]

When I was working, all the maintenance people used Klein.

[Nick Nelson]

Check out a company named Witte you may have to order them but their lower end sets sell for about $60 and worth more than every penny.

[Dan Friedrichs]

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30297-12-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver/dp/B00NQY51ME/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1465855288&sr=8-7&keywords=wiha+screwdriver+set

Wiha. Made in Germany.

[Martin Wasner]

Another vote for Klein. I think I remember an electrician buddy lusting over Knipex, bit that might have just been a pair of dikes.

[William Adams]

I prefer parallel tips, and would’ve gone w/ Brownells if I could’ve found a nicely organized web-site listing all the sizes. Might’ve bought them if I’d found the 75th anniversary handle sooner.

Considered Chapman, but have always thought their tip shapes were kind of clunky (but well-machined and hardened).

Went w/ Felo, since they were the only company listing parallel tip slotted screwdrivers in Imperial sizes I was able to grok. Paired them w/ an Elemen’tary No. 1 Screwdriver (Made in England, but w/ a German (Wiha) bit holder), and a Felo T-handle.

Tried the Lee Valley parallel tip perfect handle screwdrivers, but was disappointed w/ the fit and finish and wasn’t in the mood to re-handle them.

Been trying to justify a set of Nepros screwdrivers, which would fit in well w/ some nice tools my Father bought while stationed in Japan, but they’re just too pricey.

The other option would be a set of European cabinet screwdrivers.

Very pleased w/ the Elemen’tary though — just need to sand the handle down to fit my hand a bit better, then stain it black and re-finish to match my Starrett 559A and B.

[Mac McQuinn]

I recently purchased a set of "Wright Tool" screwdrivers and have been very pleased with them. The handles are very comfortable and larger than typical for the blade size. I've had issues w/ my hands due to Carpal tunnel and arthritic conditions. Adding broken bones has caused me to pursue a comfortable, O/S handle. The blades seem very grippy for their purpose. BTW, they're made in the USA. The Wright Tool #9476, 10-Pc. Screwdriver Set I purchased from Royal Supply was right around $70. I've owned Wright Tools since 1973 and they've earned my confidence.
Mac

[Frederick Skelly]

I've got 3 sets of the Grace Gunsmithing screwdrivers from Lee Valley (square drive, phillips, slot). Had the a couple years now and like them a lot. Very glad I bought them.
Fred

[Peter Kelly]

http://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-u7z9kprp/products/43457/images/18260/16054_no-box__80497.1418988078.1280.1280.jpg
7-piece set, made in Germany, $32 from Chad's Tool box: http://chadstoolbox.com/felo-16054-7-pc-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-set-ppc-handle

There's also the 5-piece wood-handle version of the same which I like a lot. Can't beat the price for $22: http://chadstoolbox.com/felo-22155-5-pc-slotted-phillips-wooden-handle-screwdriver-set/

[Bruce Page]

I'm a fan of Wiha screwdrivers. Good quality, comfortable to use and doesn't break the bank.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30297-12-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver/dp/B00NQY51ME/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1465876331&sr=1-1&keywords=Wiha+30297+12-Piece+Slotted+and+Phillips+Screwdriver+Set+with+So ft+Finish+Handles

[Jerome Stanek]

I recently purchased a set of "Wright Tool" screwdrivers and have been very pleased with them. The handles are very comfortable and larger than typical for the blade size. I've had issues w/ my hands due to Carpal tunnel and arthritic conditions. Adding broken bones has caused me to pursue a comfortable, O/S handle. The blades seem very grippy for their purpose. BTW, they're made in the USA. The Wright Tool #9476, 10-Pc. Screwdriver Set I purchased from Royal Supply was right around $70. I've owned Wright Tools since 1973 and they've earned my confidence.
Mac

Plus 1 on them and they are made just down the road from us. I have a set and they are my go to tools

[Bill Ryall]

Wiha or Klein. I have/use both. The Wiha are a little more ergonomically friendly, the Klein less expensive but tougher built.

[mark mcfarlane]

Wiha or Klein. I have/use both. The Wiha are a little more ergonomically friendly, the Klein less expensive but tougher built.

The 'soft cushioned grip' on the Wiha's seems like something that might degrade to 'stickiness' over a decade or two. Anyone have the Wiha's for a long time? Have my share of bad experiences with 'rubberized' surfaces becoming a mess over time.

[Bill Neely]

I don't like cushion grip screwdrivers or anything else for that matter. Screwdrivers are an expendable as far as I'm concerned.

[phil harold]

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30297-12-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver/dp/B00NQY51ME/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1465855288&sr=8-7&keywords=wiha+screwdriver+set

Wiha. Made in Germany.
+1
These are sweet

[John Lanciani]

The 'soft cushioned grip' on the Wiha's seems like something that might degrade to 'stickiness' over a decade or two. Anyone have the Wiha's for a long time? Have my share of bad experiences with 'rubberized' surfaces becoming a mess over time.

I have some Klein's that are almost 30 years old, they have gotten a little harder over the years, definitely not soft or sticky.

[lowell holmes]

Check out the Wera screwdrivers at Amazon. I bought the phillips. The handle looks silly, but I find it to be comfortable and I can put incredible force on the screw head. The bit just does not cam out. I will probably buy one or two more. I rate it as the best screwdriver that I've ever had.

[Bill Ryall]

The 'soft cushioned grip' on the Wiha's seems like something that might degrade to 'stickiness' over a decade or two. Anyone have the Wiha's for a long time? Have my share of bad experiences with 'rubberized' surfaces becoming a mess over time.

I've had a set for almost a decade. No issues.

[Rich Riddle]

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30297-12-Piece-Phillips-Screwdriver/dp/B00NQY51ME/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1465855288&sr=8-7&keywords=wiha+screwdriver+set

Wiha. Made in Germany.Wiha makes many things in Germany, but according to Amazon these are made in China:

Part Number 30290
Item Weight 1.9 pounds
Product Dimensions 11.2 x 6.8 x 3.4 inches
Origin China
Item model number 30290
Style 10 Pieces
Item Package Quantity 1
Number Of Pieces 10

One of the machinist boards covered the made in China information a while back.

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

Check out the Wera screwdrivers at Amazon. I bought the phillips. The handle looks silly, but I find it to be comfortable and I can put incredible force on the screw head. The bit just does not cam out. I will probably buy one or two more. I rate it as the best screwdriver that I've ever had.


+1

I got a few sets of Wera's about 2 years ago and like them a lot.

[Rod Sheridan]

I buy either Klein or Wiha screwdrivers.................Rod.

[Marc Burt]

+1

I got a few sets of Wera's about 2 years ago and like them a lot.

+Another

I bought the starter set from lee valley (link on page 1) and have been filling out my collection one at a time as needed ever since. I've been very pleased with the tips as well as the grip.

[Tom M King]

I have some SnapOn's, some Wera's, some Klien's, some Wiha's, and gunsmith sets for various things. Those are all nice, and too nice to use for some things.

Go buy a set, or several, of the Black with White stripe set that Home Depot has on sale now for $9.88. They're surprisingly decent screwdrivers. Get the little hook and pick set while you're there.

[Greg R Bradley]

The 'soft cushioned grip' on the Wiha's seems like something that might degrade to 'stickiness' over a decade or two. Anyone have the Wiha's for a long time? Have my share of bad experiences with 'rubberized' surfaces becoming a mess over time.

My ten year old Wiha Insulated screwdrivers are fine. The one that was lost and replaced with a new one is virtually the same. Old ones and new are both made in Germany BTW.

About half of my 25-40 year old Snap On screwdrivers have literally crumbled into plastic fragments. Clearly different batches of plastic used as they are either perfectly fine or crumbling so badly that I can pull them apart with a fingernail.

[John K Jordan]

I love the Grace gunsmithing screwdrivers.

[richard poitras]

One thing to consider as I read threw the posts is a lot of people stating they have had said brand for a lot of years now, but unfortunately over the years most brands change their quality.

[John Lanciani]

One thing to consider as I read threw the posts is a lot of people stating they have had said brand for a lot of years now, but unfortunately over the years most brands change their quality.

I can speak only for Kleins because I use (and misuse) them every day professionally but the ones made today are equal to the ones I have had for 25 years. In daily hard use they last me a year or so, my home set on the other hand will last indefinitely.

[Robby Tacheny]

I just picked up a cheap set on Amazon based on the positive reviews as an add on item. The handles are VERY comfortable. When I need to push/turn hard with a screw driver the hard skinny handled ones just don't cut it for me. These have a nice balance between grip and size.

I can't speak for the durability since I haven't had them long enough. My previous set of shop screw drivers is a set of dollar store screw drivers that have lasted 10+ years, so maybe I am not that demanding on screw drivers?

Olympia Screwdrivers (https://www.amazon.com/Olympia-Tools-22-613-Gold-Screwdriver/dp/B003ES5SX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466082214&sr=8-1&keywords=olympia+screwdriver+set)

Robby