![World’s Best Screwdriver Set [Tested & Reviewed by a Machinist]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDkxOjg0Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTAwIDUwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjUwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
7 months by cncdivi
As machinist’s, we use screwdriver sets a lot. Many of us are also major tool junkies. So, when we get tired of the usual Craftsman or SnapOn options, where do we go for a better screwdriver set?
What about just wanting to try the world’s best of some product, and being able to do so for a type of product we use a lot and can afford to buy the world’s best of.
I thought it was worth some research and came up with 8 brands. What makes a better screwdriver set? Lots of things in common including:
- More comfortable ergonomic grip
- Easier to tell at a glance whether you have to right one
- Extra machine work so the tip is optimized for the job it has to do
- Overall quality of construction and materials
- Warranty
- Extra gizmos and gadgets
These are not a budget screwdriver set, some are quite expensive. But their features and quality are unparalleled.
Without further ado, here are some possibilities for you to consider:
Klein Tools
Electricians, in particular, seem to swear by Klein Cushion Grip screwdriver sets. But so do a lot of others. Their 8 piece screwdriver set is available on Amazon for $75.29 as I write this:
Klein Tools 85078 Cushion-Grip Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
To my eye, this is one of the tamer grip designs of the bunch, but people do swear by them. One special Klein screwdriver I purchased is this one:
Klein 67100 2-in-1 Interchangeable Rapi-Driv Screwdriver
The Rapi-Drive is a speed driver with interchangeable tip that looks like it’d be handy for rapidly installing or removing screws that don’t require a lot of torque–handy in the right situation. Only $15.97 on Amazon. I think the Rapi-Drive would complement any of the other sets if you don’t fancy Klein Tools for the World’s Best Screwdriver Set. It includes both 3/16-Inch (5 mm) slotted and #2 Phillips screwdriver bits.
Bondhus Felo Ergonic Screwdrivers
Now we’re talking about a more ergonomic grip, and they will certainly stand out with their modern design. Like so many of our choices, Bondhus are made in Europe. And a very fine screwdriver set they are:
Felo – Felo 6 Pc Slotted / Phillips Ergonic Screwdriver Set – 53167
At $92.50, these lovely German-made screwdrivers are awfully expensive. I have seen listed in the past as cheap as $40, so I think it is a matter of who is supplying them.
PB Swiss Screwdrivers
These screwdriver sets are extremely popular in places like the Garage Journal where tool snobs like to hang out (it’s a great board, BTW, be sure to check it out some time!). And lest you think I’m being harsh, nothing wrong with being a Tool Snob. I know I’m one. It just means folks really care about their tools.
The PB Swiss 6 screwdriver set includes a nice wall rack:
PB Swiss Tools PB 8244 Slotted screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver set
That set is $77, which is about what I normally see them for. Not super cheap, but they are made in Switzerland, have ergonomic grips, and the grips are made of a special material that still gives traction if your hands are oily–that might be pretty handy. Plus, I love the way you can tell at a glance whether you have a Slotted or Phillips head tip by the end cap color. Notice also the tips are machined for better grip.
Wera Kraftform Screwdrivers
Wera are another German brand that gets mentioned in hushed tones by the aficionados. They certainly have a distinctive look to them:
Wera Kraftform Plus 334/6 Screwdriver Set with Rack and Lasertip, 6-Pieces
The Wera world’s best screwdriver set goes for $29.13 on a deal currently, regular $43.39. It’s neat that you can tell the type and size of the driver from the notations on the end cap. They also sell a step-up model whose main difference seems to be that it is made of stainless steel. What will the Germans think of next?
Seriously though, I cannot tell a lie, the Wera’s are what I purchased to upgrade my aging Craftsman screwdriver set. They have a lovely feel in the hand and their price is nice when you consider the competition.
Nepros Screwdrivers
As machinists, we know full well that the Japanese make some nice stuff. Check out this premium wood-handled screwdriver set:
Nepros Wooden Grip Screwdriver Set (6pcs.)
They’re absolutely gorgeous, but are priced at $197.50, so I might be afraid to use them very much. Perhaps only when changing the jets on the Weber carburetors of my vintage Ferrari. Um, assuming I had a vintage Ferrari, LOL!
Wiha Screwdriver Sets
Wiha is another great German brand, and I have had some experience with Wiha Torx drivers for changing inserts on my tooling–they’re nicely made. They have several screwdriver sets, but their best is really nice:
Wiha 53097 Screwdriver Set, Slotted and Phillips, Extra Heavy Duty, 7 Piece
They’re not cheap at $89.20, but they’re splendidly well-made, and you have to love the extra features like the wrench flats where the shank goes into the handle.
Facom Protwist
Facom make great tools. In fact, if you attend any historic races sporting Formula One cars, you’re likely to see a fair number of Facom tools floating around the pits. They seem to have an “in” with that crowd. Their Protwist Screwdriver Sets are certainly lovely:
Facom Protwist Screwdriver Set 10 Piece
Normally, it’ll be $71.95 for these lovelies, but they’re currently unavailable from Amazon. These were my #2 choice for my personal World’s Best Screwdriver Set, but they were just a little too pricey when I was buying. If they hadn’t been, I might be sporting Facom in my garage tool cabinets.
Facom Protwist Stubby Screwdriver Set of 5…
When I first wrote this article I talked up the Facom Protwist Stubby Screwdriver Set of 5
Vessel Ball Grip Screwdrivers
These Japanese-made screwdriver sets have the oddest shape yet, but I own some and I really like them:
Vessel Ball grip Screwdrivers
The ends are marked so you can see what type driver you’re getting. I am thinking that for certain situations, a palm-drive would be really nice.
Here’s a nice set at the great price of $37.61. However, I did find this neat little mini-set with interchangeable tips:
You can really see how comfortable the grip looks and how nicely made the tool is. This little Vessel Ball Grip set sells for $13.54, and it seems like an awesome way to try out this style grip (I really like mine!). Also seems like a great gift for the man that has every tool in his tool kit. I bought one, and for certain jobs, that palmy grip is really nice.
Precision Screwdriver Sets
Precision Screwdriver Sets come in handy for assembling and disassembling small screws. For example, when it’s time to open up your laptop computer so you can work on it. They’re so handy to have that I am including a special section that’s just about precision screwdriver sets.
Wiha Precision Screwdriver Set
Wiha makes great screwdrivers and these precision screwdrivers are no exception. This particular set can be had on Amazon for $27.35 as I write this.
Vessel Precision Screwdriver Set
I do love my vessel ball drive screwdrivers, and here is their precision screwdriver set:
These cost about $13.20 on Amazon as I write this. That seemed like such a good price that I went ahead and bought a set for my own toolbox.
Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set
This Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set looks extremely well made. They cost about $34.95 on Amazon as I write this.
Wiha PicoFinish® Electric Precision Screwdriver Set
Lastly, I present these Wiha Precision Screwdrivers set up with insulated tips for electrician’s to use:
Not cheap! About $123 from Amazon. But they certainly are very cool.
FAQs
What to look for when buying screwdrivers?
Factors to consider when purchasing a screwdriver:
- Type of tip: Common types include flathead, Phillips, Robertson, Torx, and Hex-Head
- Tip size: Phillips and Robertson screwdrivers typically come in three or four standard sizes, whereas flathead, Torx, and Hex-Head have a broader range of sizes.
- Length of the shank: Shank lengths can range from a few inches to over a foot. Longer shanks offer greater torque, but limited space may require a shorter shank.
- Handle size: Handles with greater width can produce more torque but may be more challenging to grip.
- Handle grip: Handles coated with rubber are not only more comfortable to grip but also offer additional electrical insulation.
- Measurement standard: SAE uses imperial measurements while metric measurements are in millimeters.
- Price: Screwdrivers with shafts made from high-quality alloys are pricier than those with standard steel shafts, but their durability and reduced risk of bending or stripping screw heads often justify the expense.
Are ratcheting screwdrivers worth it?
These tools are straightforward but efficient, favored by engineers, electricians, hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone frequently dealing with screws or small fasteners. They offer a quicker solution than traditional screwdrivers and are typically more ergonomic and comfortable to handle.
Are longer screwdrivers better?
The comparison hinges on the specific screwdrivers in question; a long screwdriver with a thick shaft will undoubtedly accommodate more torque than a shorter one with a significantly thinner shaft. Additionally, longer screwdrivers afford the user enhanced control.
Are gunsmith screwdrivers different?
You may think that any decent screwdriver will suffice for gunsmithing work, but that's a misconception. Most screwdrivers are designed with a tapered tip, which can damage gun screws. What you actually want is a hollow ground scewdriver.
Note that gunsmiths may also use torque-limited screwdrivers that are much like torque wrenches.
Conclusion
There you have it–8 brands you may not have been aware of that should be considered for the title, “World’s Best Screwdriver and Screwdriver Set” I doubt there is a one-size-fits-all solution here–the choice will be a matter of personal taste and what’s most compatible with your tool kit.
Which of these would you pick, or what brand not mentioned would you recommend for World’s Best Screwdriver?
As I mentioned, I’ve got the Wera’s and the interchangeable tip Vessel Ball Grip. I also have a Klein Rapi-Drive offset screwdriver (I’m such a sucker for a gimmick!).
These screwdriver sets are not the be-all and end-all. They’re composed entirely of slotted screwdriver and Phillips head screwdrivers, for example. As such you’ll need to look for add-ons to pick up Torx screwdriver. Other specialty categories include ratcheting screwdrivers (usually equipped with interchangeable screwdriver bits), precision screwdrivers (the little mini screwdriver ones for working on tiny screws), insulated screwdrivers, nut drivers, hex keys, and more. There’s literally no end to screwdrivers you may find handy at some point or another.
Putting together a complete arsenal screwdriver set means covering all of the screwdriver head types (Torx screwdriver, Phillips Head Screwdrivers, and Slotted Screwdrivers) plus each of the use cases including:
- Hard to reach situations. Stubby screwdrivers and sometimes ball drivers are helpful here. Also helpful are very long reach screwdrivers, though they can be hard to manipulate, particularly slotted screwdrivers which will try to slip off constantly.
- Speed Drivers: A ratcheting screwdriver can be the answer.
- Specialty Drivers such as insulated and magnetic screwdriver set.
For some of these, you can save cost and space by purchasing screwdriver bits rather than individual screwdrivers. Multi Bit Drivers can be great tools that are just about as good as dedicated rivers, but that take far less space.
Put it all together and you’ll be certain of having the right screwdriver no matter what job you’re working on. And, having one of these premium sets at the heart of your tool kit can be a real pleasure. They ensure a great tool whether the job is building flat pack furniture, diy projects of all kinds, automotive repairs, or assembling furniture and woodworking.
Note: Many of the links in this article are affiliate links to Amazon. If you click through on them and subsequently purchase the screwdrivers, CNCCookbook will get a small fee. Hey, we need good screwdrivers here too, and that’s how we’re starting a fund to buy them. But, if you don’t want to contribute, no worries. Just search Amazon using the information provided here and you’ll be able to find the same thing, sans affiliate link, in no time.
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Recently updated on February 20th, 2024 at 11:55 am
Bob is responsible for the development and implementation of the popular G-Wizard CNC Software. Bob is also the founder of CNCCookbook, the largest CNC-related blog on the Internet.
Why no pozidrive screwdrivers in these sets? Are they not common in the US?
Tom, I hadn’t come across the pozidrive. They look nice. This is why I ask the readers for their ideas and suggestions–something good always comes of asking.
Bob,
I think that you misunderstood the term Pozidrive. It refers to a design of a particular type of cross head. The detail shape of the slots are different to those commonly known as Phillips. The slots in combination with an appropriate screwdriver are designed to reduce the tendency for the blade to spin in the slot. It is not the brand of screw-driver.
Posidrive fasteners are pretty uncommon in the US. High-torque applications tend to use Robertson square drive, Torx, or hex socket.
I think the only people in the US using pozi-drive is cabinetmakers.
We assemble our cabinets with Posidrive confirmat screws, and most of our hinges and drawer slides use posidrive as well.
I’d be happy if everyone could switch to Robertson/Square Drive
Posi-Drive are the only cross-point screws used on General Motors cars for 40 years. They are as common as dirt. Never wondered why your Philips drivers didn’t fit?
There is a Pozidriv up there, the Vessel 220W is actually a combo of JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) and Pozidriv, as noted by the Pz2 and Pz3 markings. The JIS crosshead is also a non-Phillips drive, making that little honey worth having in case you run into either of those.
Grandpa was a tool and die maker, Uncle Ernie was a Millwright and Dad was a Machinist and Metalspinner.
I was a Sears Home products Service Technician
Before switching to Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Installation and repair. I constantly have a screwdriver or nutdriver in my hand (since 1971). Vessel, Wera, Wiha, Klein are my favorites. I agree with your list. The Bondhus ones are made by Felo, another of my favorite German companies. Witte is one you missed (German company that supplies Tool truck brands like Matco).
I also like the Proto (Mac) and Urrea red handle (was Protomex made in Mexico with U.S.A. Steel. ) Stanley 100 plus are good Industrial grade screwdrivers too.
Have tried all of items except the Japanese drivers and they are good and reflect great value that keeps home country skilled workers working. A suggestion a request and a rant. For in shop work these sets are fine but for field work, not practical. I have a driver that holds 7 double tipped inserts within a pull out end cap with no loose parts that is indispensable for out of shop use. Pat # 5265504 no manufacturer on handle but marked USA made. heard rumors years ago that Tim the Toolman bought rights to this tool and produced it for a period of time. Stand out feature was the quality of the tips, they are still after 10 years or more in good shape.
How about a review on screw driver tips with quality of screw fit, durability when used in power drivers and sourcing. When I have an engraved screw stuck in the receiver of a $20,000 firearm, cost is not a question and I custom grind lots of tips for this reason, but torsional strength now comes into play.
And the rant. We need a social media revolution to eliminate phillips and straight slot head screws and move to posidrive style heads( have sets of such from American supply sources). When ever possible I replace with this style or the closest similar torx type screw that is available.
I still have my blue handeled screwdriver from the erector set I had as a kid. Priceless
I think for $187 you should not be afraid to use those screwdrivers on anything. Including opening paint cans and the occasional chisel job.
The most important tools I have are my insulated screwdrivers designed for working on potentially live circuits. Klein Tools for Electricians are worth every penny.
My best tools are Powerbuilt Snap-on clones which I bought at the Navy Exchange in Pensacola Fl. They stay in my tool chest reserved for automotive work. Do not want cheap tools that can slip and strip frozen auto parts.
Just bought a set of black anodized Stanley 6 Point sockets to keep in my new compact car. Black anodized = invisible even on my white garage floor. Dumbest Idea ever!
I have various Dollar Store and W-Mart screwdrivers and wrenches at various work stations on my property so I do not have to borrow from my good automotive tools for non critical stuff. I do not need a $25 adjustable wrench for my welding tanks.
$15 worth of cheap screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and Allen wrenches in my kitchen saves me numerous trips out to my shop for little chores.
My lathe and Milling workstations are stocked with only the few needed sized that came from cheap sets that were discarded when I upgraded. No high torques or frozen bolts to deal with so no exotic brands needed. The cheap wood handeled screw drivers that came with my Grizzly Lathe still serve well 2 decades later. Something nice about wood.
My prized tools are my bicycle specialty tools from Taiwan. I have augmented the specialty tools with the beautiful but over priced Kobalt wrenches and sockets from Lowes strictly for vanity purposes. I likes my bicycles way more than my cars.
My machinist tool box and measuring instruments are a whole different mindset but this blog is about screwdrivers.
John, good thoughts.
I do like to keep tools commonly needed with the machines nearby. I even used some colored electrical tape to color code what goes where. Wrap the handle and then stick a short swatch onto the machine near where the tool would be used. Makes it quick to find the right one.
As for the kitchen, every few years I buy one of those “complete kits” from Sharper Image or Brookstone to keep in the kitchen pantry. Keeps my wife and kids out of my toolbox!
John, please elaborate on your machinist tool box. Would like to hear more.
I have a set of green Matco drivers and they have outlasted the Strap ons… which I have a nice collection of with busted and chipped business ends… no I do not uses them with a hammer…
I am a firm believer in buying quality tools (I have a ton of craftsman pro series along with Matco and Snap on) cheap tools cst you time and possible injury… my theory is the same for Cigars… life is to short to smoke cheap ones!
As an Englishman currently working in the states the lack of Pozidrive screwdrivers & screws is a fairly constant source of frustration, you really miss them when you have got used to the system.
Having said that, both my Snap-on screwdriver sets are Phillips rather than pozidrive, so work just fine over here.
I miss pozidrive bits the most when using the Dewalt impact drives, then the extra grip of the pozidrive really shines through.
(Note for other English readers, they call Imperial ‘Standard’ over here, asking for an imperial anything will get you a blank look… )
Snap-On? They aren’t cheap, to be sure. But the handles are the best-feeling I’ve ever used, and the blades (shafts, tips) are as durable as any others.
…and the blades are replaceable. Keep a couple spare #2 phillips blades on hand, and never have another worn screwdriver.
You mentioned the Vessel ball grips, which are ok, but for JIS screws, the Vessel “cross point” drives are the best! If you work with anything metric with a “cross point” it’s not a Phillips head, and the JIS specific design is priceless. Plus the built in hex nut on the shaft has been very handy for the #2 and #3 drivers.
Grace makes nice old-school wood handled screwdrivers and the price is right. Parallel sided flatheads don’t come out on their own (the tip of the flatheads are ground parallel, not the typical tapered style)
Elkhead tools makes some nice screwdrivers as well, more of a gentleman’s tool than something to get greasy working on your car though.
Why don’t manufacturers make sets of only Phillips screwdrivers? Over the last few years my need for slotted (flat bladed) screwdrivers has decreased greatly. Even if a slotted screwdriver gets messed up a quick trip to a bench grinder usually fixes it. In contrast a messed up Phillips screwdriver is a candidate for becoming a scribe or awl. One can buy sets of square drive or other special drive screwdrivers but not (to my knowledge) Phillips. Finally, in the larger sizes, I think it pays to have the hex section below the handle which allows one hand to provide the push and the other the twist via a wrench.
I agree 100%. I have several sets of Craftsman screwdrivers (not the best btw) and they are like 80% flatheads!
I bought some red handled square blade mechanic screwdrivers on Amazon by a Company that used to be half owned by Proto. URREA is the name on the handle and they are indestructible. Also the handles are molded onto the shaft. I really like these screwdrivers.
My favorite set is Brownells #080-112-081WB (magna-tip). With 57 tips, you’d be hard pressed to not have just the right size for your work, and the straight tips are parallel ground, so they won’t cam out of the screw slot.
You should check out Milwaukee Tools. They make some very nice screwdrivers and other hand tools.
Best are the ones I can afford to lose or have “borrowed”.
The one thing I also look at when purchasing tools is what warranty they come with if any, and how easy and convenient it will be if I need to exchange them. That is the biggest reason I have the big box store brands.
One attribute I look for in a screwdriver is the magnetic properties of the shaft. I like to use a magnetic knife bar for storing screwdrivers and similar tools, but not all brands stick very well to them.
Screwdrivers can be purchased separately also. It is not important that you buy the tool box with drives
Thanks BOB for such Good comparison article. Its good to see My favorite VESSEL BALL GRIP. If we are opening up some decade old equipment, this one never fails us. Opens Up all the jammed Screws without any clutters. VESSEL Gives a confidence boost for critical Tasks.
For some reason I find this discussion, now I am retired, absolutely fascinating. I too have a best tool box with 5 drawers, and now ( as I am 60 years old) and have collected tools since childhood) at least two other overflow cantilever boxes with older reject tools in case I have rougher jobs to do. Now I have three married grown up kids they help them selves from the second division toolboxes but when my son borrows my low range torque wrench and 3/4″ Allen sockets for his racing bike from my division one tool kit, I miss them like an old friend. Tokoma used to make the best screw drivers and now I think Wiha or Teng tools are supposed to be pretty durable. What you need in a screwdriver is a tip as hard as diamond and an ergonomic handle.
Dr Chris
I’m definitely not interested in any rubbery / rubberized coated screwdriver. The rubbery coating they invariably use breaks down, smells nasty after a while and turns your expensive ass screwdrivers into junk when it gets really bad. The softer it is, the more likely you have a tool that won’t be reliable in a decade or 2.
Klein is the electrical contractor industry standard and what you are talking about has not ever been a problem with any union electrician I have ever know over the past 50 years. I will say, though being in absolutely constant use we do tend to wear them out, or once in a blue moon blow one up on a live circuit, nut I’m talking about the business end, not the handle. Never saw a gummy smelly Klein screwdriver handle in my life.
No love for Starrett?
Was absolutely thrilled to be able to find a pair of Starrett 559A/B wood-handled screwdrivers, but am sad that they are no longer made.
They have the nicely shaped curved ground tips w/ parallel ends which are becoming unusual, but which I prefer.
Current example: http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=70159&cat=1,43411,43417
William, I like the parallel tips too. Very popular with gunsmiths, so that’s one possible place to look. The ones from your link are also beautiful.
I will say, I have some nice gunsmiths screwdrivers which I keep separate from my general-purpose screwdrivers. The latter take some abuse from me, I will admit. They’re often handy for poking, prying, and other un-screwdriverly tasks. As such, the brands listed above are inexpensive enough I don’t feel bad about using them freely or replacing one every now and again if I am too hard on it.
Odd that you left out Proto. Those also get a lot of buzz on the Garage Journal. Nice solid drivers with consistent quality.
Chapman makes a great insert set that’s especially good if you’re doing a lot of slotted screws in pieces where not slipping is critical, eg gunsmithing.
I work at one of the shops that manufactures most of Snap On’s tools. If you have purchased on of the cordless ratchets in the last 2 years, your welcome 🙂 That being said, I wouldn’t buy their smaller tools. They just don’t have strict enough tolerances imo. They worry more about the engraving font than uniformity in GD& T. I’m going to run down a few of the others I’ve tried.
1) Klein tools are top notch. They aren’t the most comfortable I’ve used but they are certainly durable. Their whole line of hand tools is really well made and they never give me a moments trouble about warranty issues. I inherited most of my Klein’s from my Lineman grandfather and they still work great.
2) Wiha is another fantastic option. They are really durable and the holder for the Allen wrenches is a example of smart engineering. It may not seem to be a big deal but the way all the wrenches turn to the side simultaneously is a big help when you are using multiple sizes.
3) I personally would caution against Wera. They feel nice at first but the rubber gets nasty in no time and it starts to fall apart and stick to your hands. They are very bad about tearing up the heads of screws. Their torx do this so often I keep a set of Torx Plus to fix the cutters that the operators tear up bc my boss only buys Wera . The torx heads also tear up in very little time.
Save your money for Klein tools or Wiha, you’ll be glad you did. Someone mentioned Milwaukee tools, I don’t care for the screwdrivers but the power tools are top notch. The 12 volt impact was my go to tool when I was an electrician. I’ve had the same driver and batteries for 6 plus years of heavy use and they are still going strong.
Hey, what are your thoughts on SK screwdrivers?
That is very useful information on how to choose a good screwdriver
I have experience with the heavy professional(mis-)use of PB and Wera screwdrivers. PB screwdrivers just broke. Wera was the best.
I personally like Witte screwdrivers. Made in Germany use every day and haven’t broke one yet.
Been using nothing but Klein in the field for over 40years (Industrial electrical/millwright contractor) and up to a couple of years ago there were nothing but Craftsman in our shop, but we ended up with,,,,,you ready for this…., a couple of the low buck orange Harbor Freight sets kicking around and guess what? Not sure how they will be in 20 years but right now, they aint all that bad. Work just fine in place of the Craftsman – Strange but true.
As a Electrician(21years) and now a electronics factory owner(2.5years) I have used a lot of screwdrivers , but never around a lot of oil and grease. so for the “clean” work I like PB swiss , but I also have and used Kline , craftsman , and Allen and they have served me well. But when I have a choice I will use a Camlock panel fastener or if that is not practical a Torx fastener (stainless into brass inserts), which is why I design things now.
I think the attention to handle shape is important until you actually have to use them. Which one has the best fit when it comes to engaging the screw slots? Hardly any straight blade drivers I have come across actually fit, most are too thin and round out the ends of the slot requiring them to be resharpened. Phillips always wear and once they are rounded they just destroy screws. Crescent is the brand I like personally, I never buy sets because there are some you never use, favorite ones usually wear out and need to be replaced
Greg, it’s a good point. Keep in mind most of these screwdrivers have gone the extra mile making sure their tip engages the screw slot better than most.
My Wera’s certainly do so much better than my Craftsman screwdrivers ever did, even when new.
I have been a professional electrician and millwright for more years then I care to admit and never had anything but Klein in my tool belt. The lineman pliers we use are even refered to as “Kleins” no matter eho made them, but when it comes to mechanical work and for use in the shop I have never had a single complaint with regular old Craftsman Screwdrivers. No matter how I have abused them they have never failed me. I have a set in my mechanics box at the shop I have had for going on 50 years. – I have dressed the flat blades a number of times and they replaced the #2 Phillips a couple o f times at no charge because it was worn out, but the rest of the set works every bit as good as the day I took them out of the Sears store somewhere around 1971.
I just can’t believe Craftsman didn’t make the list especially since you would be hard pressed to find somebody that has not used them. They are everybody’s weapon of choice in our Machine/Fab shop and for work on vehicles. (Seems very odd to tighten a radiator hose clamp with a Klein screwdriver.)
Matthew, before I discovered these screwdrivers I had Craftsman and SnapOn. They’re the one’s “everybody has used.” What I was looking for was a step up. And I can tell you after using them that these are indeed a step up.
I’m never far from one of my two Stanley ratcheting multi bit screw drivers.
It holds six bits in the handle one in the tip. Handy when you are up a ladder or away from the tool box. It has a good tri-lobed ergonomic grip handle for great torque. Had them both for nearly ten years of hard use. The rubbery surfaced handle is still good.
Tool geeks like me also carry a compatible box of nut driver bits and odd-ball tips suitable for all occasions.
Why two? One lives in the car along with a 3/8 inch socket set and combo wrench set.
Stanley 62-574 21 Piece Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver Set should run under $20 US.
Great Article. Re Craftsman, in 1957 my father, who had all Craftsman hand and power tools, bought me a starter set so I would not get into his tools. As most of us are, he was finicky about who used his tools, even his own 10 year old son.
I still have most of the socket set, all of the combo wrench set. Still my main tools. I don’t use them as hard as I used to but I used to use them a LOT and they really held up.
In the 70s and 80s I ran a maintenance shop for a pharma plant. Craftsman Commercial was our main supplier of tools.
Best thing about Craftsman is the guarantee. I once beat on a pair of visegrips with a slugging hammer to the point where I bent it sideways. I was going to throw them away but figured it would be good for a laugh. I took them to Sears and they didn’t bat an eye. Just threw it under the counter and told me to get a new one off the shelf.
I think over the past 20-30 years Craftsman quality, particularly durability, has declined. I look forward to them being renewed by Stanley.
I have a few Stanley tools and they seem fine.
John Henry
3 more comments on screwdrivers:
Unless you will NEVER, EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES work around even de-energized low voltage electrical circuits, NEVER use a wood handled screwdriver. Plastic/rubber handled screw drivers may not be absolute insulators but they do provide some protection.
Ditto screwdrivers that have the shaft running all the way through so that there is exposed metal on the end.
(I’m not an electrician but have gotten crosswise a few times with some very sparky results. Thankfully a plastic handle)
2) NEVER, EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to dress or fix a damages screwdriver tip. You will never get it right and you will damage every screw you touch with it. In my maintenance shop our tool policy was turn a damaged tool into the toolroom, get a replacement with no paperwork and no questions asked.
And I would still catch people regrinding screwdrivers. ARRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!
I always keep a couple of damaged screwdrivers in my toolbox to use for prying, cutting and the like.
3) My #1 Craftsman Phillips wore out last year and I could not find a replacement with a decent tip. None had the right geometry, looking more like Reed & Prince than Phillips. I finally found one on Amazon by SK that is almost, but still not completely right. Nice grip, though.
John Henry
I agree the slotted screw and Phillips should rest in peace. I have just finished a year-long shop building project. I don’t remember ever picking up a slotted screw driver. From wood screws to steel machine screws I use Torx or Torx Plus and always substitute for them. I also find the small Bosch 12v cordless screw driver to be indispensable. With its repeatable, precision clutch I never strip a screw. The cordless drive will do everything a screwdriver will do, much faster, with less effort, and in positions about impossible with a screwdriver. And before I get flames about “Feeling” just the right torque with a manual screwdriver the Bosch driver will do the same thing. It locks up when off and you can twist with just the right “feel”. I’m not talking about jewelry, PCB, or watch work with 0-80s. But for everything 6-32 or larger it is far superior to anything else.
All you mentioned was the screwdriver grips. What about the quality of the steel? I have had some quality screwdrivers wear down in short order. For the prices they are asking for some of the screwdrivers you reviewed they should last several lifetimes
Some more candidates:
https://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/screwdrivers/screwdriver-sets/
(Narex and Marples)
There are lots of other very nice (and expensive) things on there, like the lovely Starrett dividers.
Witte makes excellent screwdrivers too. Matco used to rebrand them, not sure if they still do