Thread: Wanting a quality set of screwdrivers

I am a fan of PB Swiss tools for screwdrivers. You pay for the privilege of owning them but unless you lose tools you have them for a long time.


PB Swiss Tools Australia - P&A Engineering Supplies


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Originally Posted by tomartomau

Can anyone recommend a set of screwdrivers, the cheap ones I use are hopeless.
Thanks in advance
Tony

Tony, there are all levels of quality. For a quality set, look up Wera.

Regards from Perth

Derek

You can try Snap on , but be warned there pricey.

But niccceee.

Cheers Matt.

+1 for Wera

A good test for screwdrivers is how well the very fine ones last
I have a set of Wiha (made in Germany) from 4mm wide down to 1.5mm I picked up at used tool sale for $25 for use on my electronics bench and they are excellent

You didn’t say what type of screwdrivers you’re looking for; although I suspect a No.2 Philips is the one most likely giving you grief. Wera, Snap-on and Stahlwille are probably the most respected brands as used by mechanics. Don’t bother buying sets unless you have a need to display them; rather than spend $lots on a matching set just buy the two or three sizes & types you actually use all the time.

Something to think about is length; the longer the shank the more control you have over the screw and the more torque you can apply. Standard shank lengths are 150mm but I always go for 200mm ones. Also don’t knock the 1/4” hex replaceable tip drivers; quality tips are CHEAP.

Lastly; there are THREE types of star point heads; they are interchangeable with each other but only in the same way that butter knives and shoes are interchangeable with flat bladed screwdrivers and hammers…

Philips- >90% of screw heads you encounter in Australia will be this type.
JIS- Only encountered (usually) on Japanese equipment, particularly cars and motorcycles. Identifiable by being slightly skinnier with sharp corners and often a dot stamped in one quarter section of the head. If you’ve ever come across a Philips head that needs the screwdriver to be hammered in because the stupid thing was made too tight… you met a JIS.
Pozidrive- Some US and almost everything European. System 32 kitchen cabinet fittings are normally supplied with PZ headed screws, check out the hinges in your kitchen. If the screws have manky heads it’s because they are PZ but the kitchen fitter/ape who installed them used a Philips screwdriver. These have a sort of star pattern in the head which stands out like a dog’s pods when you know that not everything is a Philips…

I have both Wiha and Snap-On. And lots of others too. I wouldn’t buy the Snap-On brand because they are just ok but groasly overpriced. I would however buy a German brand, likely Stahlwille. I do have some PB Swiss tools (their rainbow set of hex wrenches are hands down the best I have ever ever used, and they came recommended by machine tool rebuilders) They are really spendy, but I wish all of my tools were that brand.

Pay attention to the form of the tool, as Chief Tiff points out.

Lately all I use is a #2 square drive and a torx for the Spax screws which I have made my shop standard.

If you want just a good honest plastic handled set then look at Fuller on Amazon. I have a Fuller screwdriver that I have owned for 55 years that is my go-to ideal sized slot screwdriver. I lean over my complete Wiha set to reach the Fuller for most light duty chores.

Originally Posted by Simplicity

You can try Snap on , but be warned there pricey.

But niccceee.

Cheers Matt.

I was given a full set of Snapon screw drivers and I forever grateful I did not pay good money for them. Wera, Wiha, Stahlwille, PB Swiss, Beta, in fact any of the good brands out of Europe. Perhaps the best value for money is a hex driver handle and good quality bits which can be replaced if they wear out. Wera and Wiha have some really clever handles which hold the bits in the handle but a simple handle for $10 or so does the same job. Like all sets of anything 80% rarely get used.

Ive had about three sets of these Stanley ones over the years and never had a problem with one of them . Apart from losing a few of them now and then . I had a set for work, a set for home and a set for the car spread out at one stage .

Stanley 20 Piece Acetate Screwdriver Set - Bunnings Australia

In the U.S., Klein tools have a lot of respect from electricians, who use screwdrivers constantly; don't know if they've made the long swim to Oz.

Amazon makes anything possible Amazon.com : klein screwdriver

There is an ad for a new Wiha driver on that page, it looks good and the price is excellent. Personally I would not buy a set as most of it never gets used. A No.3 phillips? I have used mine once and a No.3 hex bit is a whole lot cheaper and takes up less space.

Originally Posted by auscab

Ive had about three sets of these Stanley ones over the years and never had a problem with one of them . ...
Stanley 20 Piece Acetate Screwdriver Set - Bunnings Australia

No, No, No and No!

Ten plus years ago I would have agreed with you. My 1983 vintage screwdriver set gave stirling service but was showing its age; I bought a replacement and returned it. Enough said.
Not Fit for Purpose

The 1983 set is still almost complete, still works well, and has that patination of experience.

The 2016 set had "twistable blades" and was returned.

I’ve found the Kincrome Australia - Thru-Tang Screwdriver Set 12 Piece | Screwdriver Sets (23) - Kincrome Australia Pty Ltd to be very good, these live in my 4WD toolbox and get used everywhere from my 4WD to trucks and farm equipment

Wera do a wooden handled set currently $56 on Amazon
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