Screwdrivers - Good'ns?

[wizer]

Good Day

I bought a set of Jetechscrew drivers from Axminster a couple of years ago and to put it bluntly, they're crap. The tips on the two smallest size ones disintegrated and one of the larger ones handles came off. Not impressed.

So I wanted to get myself an extensive range of good screw drivers. I can't get on with multi headed jobbies. I'd prefer a good set of individuals. My idea is to buy one or two a month til I've got a good set. It would be nice to have all sizes, I've always had the 'middle' sizes and caught short all too often when I needed a diddy size or a bing honker (technical terms).

I noticed ToolStation sell the Werarange and Axminster sell the Wiharange. Are these basically the same? Is one better than the other? Can you recommend a better range?

**Please don't tell me I can get by with any old bunch of odd screw drivers, I realise that, but I want a set, all shiny and matching. Cheers **

 

[Steve Jones]

Tom,

I've got a set of Stanley Magnum, red/blue and grey handles, they've been really good had them for about the last 8 years.

Steve

 

[cambournepete]

I have a set of the small Wiha onesfor IT use here at work ad I like them a lot.
The rotating end means you can push down on them and (un)tighten screws easily.
The soft-finish handle gives a good grip as well.
I've also got some middling Wihas at home and the're pretty strong as well.

 

[chingerspy]

If it helps the Wera driver bits did not get great trade reviews. The head is formed on them rather than cut apparently. This meant the reviewers have had them dull or shear off completely after extended use.

I'm not sure about the screwdrivers as they are branded "lasertip" which I would immediately think laser cut tips so they might not suffer the same manufacturing problems.

The Wera's look more comfortable than the Wiha ones to me.

 

[speed]

i got a stanley fatmax set from bnpoo
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?a ... ax&fh_eds=ß&fh_refview=search&ts=1266944721612&isSearch=true
had them 15month heavy site use and still ok,

 

[chingerspy]

I've heard good reports on a lot of the Fatmax stuff. It's site robust so as very good tools for extended use. I'm looking at thier chisels which look like they could take a beating. Step up from my relegated to pencil sharpener Wickes ones within budget

 

[Paul Chapman]

As you're into turning, Tom, why not make yourself a set. And with interchangeable bits, you are more likely to find ones that fit the screw heads properly

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[wizer]

I can't get on with multi headed jobbies. I'd prefer a good set of individuals.

 

[Paul Chapman]

with interchangeable bits, you are more likely to find ones that fit the screw heads properly

 

[wizer]

I guess it's worth considering, but do they do the very small interchangeable bits ?

 

[Paul Chapman]

You can get bits to fit all types and sizes of screw heads. I find that some of the best are CK. In particular they make some quite thick ones that fit the heads of large slotted screws very well. Many screwdrivers with fixed blades don't fit the screws very well and you end up with the heads all mangled, which can look nasty on good quality work.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Mr Ed]

I have Facom, mainly because my local toolshop stocks their stuff and they seem very good. I think they are mainly an engineering / automotive brand like Snap On, but equally suitable for what we do.

Ed

 

[Shrubby]

Hi Tom
I've tried most brands
from Japan - Vessel,Anex and Sunflag have good problem solvers
Witte,Schroeder,Sora and Wiha from Germany - these have lasted well
Favourites : PB Swiss Tool
They still make Cellulose handles as well as softgrip
The slotted drivers are VSM pattern (true parallel tip and docked corners)
I prefer them to DIN type which are tapered and can cam out

Matt
(a mine of useless information)

 

[leverb01507]

I use Wera screwdriver bits on site and have always found them the best available, the laser cut design really does seem to help prevent camming out when you use higher speeds (not just a marketing scam like i thought) and ive found they last great. I see some people havent been as impressed but i can only speak from my own experience.

 

[wizer]

Thanks guys

I'm not sure about the changeable tip idea. Will have to think about it. I've got a Wiha multi tip screw driver which I only use very occasionally, with a hex head. No expense in making one to find out, I suppose.

I did kind of like the idea of having a nice tidy rack of screw drivers. It is a bug bear of mine to never have the right screw driver to hand.

Only one recommendation for the Wiha drivers here, but they've always had a fair rep. I might continue to buy a couple per month and see how I get on with them.

 

[Smudger]

I've got an interchangeable head screwdriver, and I've only ever used it with a Torx bit. Which begs the question why I didn't buy a Torx screwdriver...
Mostly I use Stanleys but some secondhand cabinet maker's drivers for slotted screws, and some new cabinet type I bought from Axi. Which are much nicer to use.
I've also got a nice Miller's Falls yankee, which I bought with the intention of learning to use it without gouging whatever I'm screwing. Which hasn't happened...

 

[slimshady]

For slotted I use a selection of CeKa (or CK) pound-thro with square shafts, easy to apply pressure and torque with a spanner. For pozi I mainly grab a basic Stanley "cushion grip" which is now in a different colour to mine. I also think that Wera s/driver bits are better, got a good selection of slot,pozi,torx,spline,allen-key as well.
All of the above is conditional on same current manufacturing as when I brought them about 15 years ago from Toolmaster in Cowley where I worked.

Alex.

 

[CNC Paul]

Snap On .....If it fails they replace it.

 

[awkwood]

The wiha screwdrivers have been very good, even my no2 pozi isnt very worn and its used everyday.I keeping putting one on my axminster order when i need to meet minimum postage charge
The one with the metal capped handle is good to have in a couple of common sizes (6.5 or 8mm slotted no 2 pozi)

 

[Keenedge]

I have Witte screwdrivers and never had a problem with them (apart from never being able to find the right one), CK don't make their screwdriver bits, they get them from USH in Germany which do a "goodish" quality range.
I think for most small and medium size applications that a holder and 1/4 hex bit solution is far more flexible. For anything large, the individual driver is king.