Replies

1. 
   Al_Hargis | Jul 07, 2001 01:10pm | #1

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   John,
   This question is one that promotes great debate with electricians. Personaly, I find that the screw drivers which have out lasted all others I own are made by VACO. Ther are now made by Klein and have been favored by HVAC mechanics mostly. The insulated plires and cutters I favor are made by Knipx (West German). The steel in both of the above is VERY hard. "Sockets is sockets" to us, brand doesn't seem so important.

1. 
   Phill_Giles | Jul 07, 2001 05:37pm | #2

   *IMHO, there's a big difference in the 'feel' of Snap-On or even the top-of-the-line Sears socket wrenches compared to the regular stuff.

1. 
   p_m | Jul 09, 2001 03:28am | #3

   *Until FineHomeBuilding comes up with an objective testing program similar to what Consumer Reports does, we will be left in the dark as to the true quality of different screwdrivers and such. As for the quality of the tips, that depends on the alloys used, the heat treatment and so on. You probably get what you pay for but on a sliding or curved scale. That is, a Snap-On may cost twice as much as another good quality screwdriver but not necessarily be twice as good. Who knows? Where is the testing? What to buy depends on your situation. If you are a carpenter, spend most of your budget on a good hammer, if you are an electrician, concentrate on good screwdrivers and pliersa, if you are a plumber, get good pipe wrenches. In a maintenance situation in which a life-time guaranteed screwdriver disappears in three months in someone's back pocket, a 99c WalMart special is the way to go.

1. 
   Cliff_Popejoy | Jul 09, 2001 03:45am | #4

   *John,I've found that Klein drivers last the longest. Especially their plastic handle models that are roughed up--I've heard it called "cat's tongue" surface. I prefer the rubber grip ones, though. But now I drive most of strap screws with a Milwaulkee 2.4V or Pana 3.6 cordless driver. The 1" driver inserts don't last long (Vermont American are the best), but they're cheap. The crappy screws now being used in fixtures and devices can eat up a phillips driver tip pretty quick. I save my receipt from Home Depot, and take the drivers and pliers back about every 6 months for new ones. No questions asked.

1. 
   Steve_L. | Jul 30, 2001 08:14pm | #5

   *What I use:Craftsman hand tools - including ratchets and sockets - Sears is everywhere and I can't justify to myself $27 per SnapOn wrench to $69 per Craftsman wrench SET with same guarantee.Ridgid pipe tools - good stuffPanasonic 15.6 cordless drillFluke metersAnd big padlocks for the bolted down toolbox.Stolen tools suck.

2. 
   John_Soto_ | Jul 30, 2001 08:14pm | #6

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   hi there-

   looking for some feedback. I've started doing alot more consulting
   and just curious to know if the *expensive* stuff is worth it in terms of comfort/quality level.

   While I love my snap on rathceting screwdriver, I use nut drivers, phillips/slotted and also torx screwdrivers on a day to day basis.
   I'm looking at the Wiha, Xcelite, etc line and for the price they don't seem that bad BUT is the *steel* on the tips better, etc or are they just as same as a pair of Stanley, Home Depot variety with a better handle on it?