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Can anyone recommend a manufacturer of good screwdrivers. I’m a computer technician and constantly fiddling with boxes. Is the expensive stuff Snap-On, Wiha, Mac, etc worth the extra money. Just need something with good hard tips.
If memory serves me correctly, I once used a Craftsman Phillips head and I was putting alot of torque on this particular screw. It didn’t strip one bit. It must have been their pro/industrial line. The grip on it was pretty good too.
Everyone swears by Snap-On but if I was to compare the 2, I’d go with the Sears. Maybe it’s just me.
Hand tool junkies, what’s your preferred brand?
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Klien has a new line of hand tools with eronomic grips. I have never broken the tip on on a Klien tool, but I have burned a few off. They also make screw drivers that have insulated shafts. I forget what voltage they are rated at,and of course they have the standard diclaimer about using them for hot work. The ergonomic grips don't look any different than standard grips, but are made of that kind of softer material that lets you maintain a better hold. I get mine from any number of electrical supply houses we deal with. They are not cheap, and like Snap-On and Mac, I think you are paying extra for the name.
Dave
*I alternate between buying the Craftsman sets (such as a 19 piece screwdriver set for $25 on sale) and waiting to find the in-store promotion when they have a box of Craftsman screwdrivers at $1 to $2 each. Then I stock up on the Philips #1 and #2's and 1/4 and 3/16" slotted - the common sizes. The standard Craftsman line has been great for me. The Pro line has nicer grips if you do a lot of high torque work. Skip the Sears-branded stuff. Only the Craftsman stuff is good.The problem I have is the ever increasing collection of weird sizes/types (huge phillips, torx, kings point) that I get in those bigger sets but almost never use. And therefore never lose or destroy. Had a friend who would use modify those extra ones - make nutdrivers and such in his favorite sizes by welding sockets onto the screwdriver shafts. -David
*John -I have a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver that I really like for computer work. Check it out at: http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?qty=1&Item_id=6447&PartNo=SSDMR4BO&Price=46.00&ListPrice=46.00&FORMNAME=4&Desc=Screwdriver%2C+Ratcheting%2C+Magnetic%2C+Standard%2C+Orange%2C+8+3%2F4%22&SUB_Cat_ID=822653&SUB_Cat_NAME=Ratcheting+%2F+Plastic+Handle&Cat_ID=822247&Cat_NAME=Screwdrivers&group_id=702&group_NAME=Standard+Handle&store=snapon-storeIt has a magnetic tip, interchangeable bits and storage in the handle. I had to replace the originals after 5 or 6 years of use.
*If you are going thru drivers that fast and quick, you don't mention which type your're using up so fast, are you sure there isn't something that you are doing with them that isn't correct? Any driver will suffer, Snap On or Craftsman, depending upon how you use it. I have had the same full set of Stanley drivers, for bench use with nary a problem since '85. Sure I use other drivers, mostly Snap On in the garage and if I've had a tip break or bugger up a handle, Mr. Snap On has replaced them. If you are trying to work faster and reaching for any driver, you may use them up faster, just my .02 cents.
*Two Words - chrome/vanadium. If they're made of anything else dont pay a nickle for them. And never pay more than $6 for a (single piece) screwdriver.
*There's good and bad tools, but that Snap-On ratcheting screw driver is the best dang tool I've ever owned. Totally worth the $$ if you use it every day, even if just every weekend, in my book. Every time I pick it up I remember how happy it feels in my hand.Bought my first one about 12 years ago and finally got a 'spare' so I won't always be looking for it and they have even managed to improve it.John Soto, I guess that you are not using hardened tips and that's why they are stripping (assuming that you are using the correct size for the job). You can tell they're hardened because it can not be chromed there (the tip (about 1")is grey)
*I had the Snap On Ratcheting driver awhile back. It was my trusty green lantern (handle was this funky green - always spotted it on my desk of parts. I was racing back to the datacenter one day....was playing ratchety, ratchety in the cab ride. Got to the place and it must have slipped out of my damm pocket. That was a $65 screwdriver I lost . Never had the courage to buy one again - I know I would lose it sooner than later. I still have two stubby Snap On Ratchetings. They're my favorite but they get in the way sometimes in tight spots.
*The Snap On ratchet screwdrive is a nice tool. I also lost mine or had someone lift it from me. Maybe some day i will feel very plush with money and replace it. I really loved that screwdrive when I install stainless steel sinks. I had the long one.
*I posted some time ago about the glorious OXO brand tape measure. Well, they make some pretty wonderful screwdrivers and other small hand tools as well. Their claim to fame is kitchen gadgetry, but all their products are top drawer.Here's the site:https://www.oxo.com/catalog/index.html
*I like the "Cully" 15 in 1 screwdriver. Go to cully.com to find a dealer close to you. They cost $20. each but make great gifts and last forever , or as long as you can keep the bits in the handle.
*Here it is with the handle open
*Yes Quality Screwdrivers, sockets are worth the money. The tips are hardened and fit is better.Just make sure they arent magentized when you buy them for computer work, but im sure you know that... a demagnetizer is very handy
*Klein,They are definatly tough enough. I use mine every day and love them.
*Hey... Now dat's cool.
*I'll save one for you Luka.
*Thanks Bob !!b : )
*I have a xcelite set that I use for computer work - got it about 5 years ago. it has nut divers too with a cresent wrench and neadle nose and side cutters. I dont know if they are the same quality still but my dad has the same set that he bought about 15 to 20 years ago and he still used it. it is in a cloth roleup pouch.here is a picture of ithttp://www.e-sci.com/jensen/1/26/140/2989.htmlwow it went up in price I think I paid $100sam
*On a lighter note - the reason I dont wear out my screwdrivers is I only put back in about a quarter of the screws that I take out.
*John Soto, are you using these for computer work? If so are they made from non-ferrous metals? The non-ferrous metals don't magnetize or spark so they are considered the only safe materials for working inside the box. Consider that before you buy a new screwdriver or it may end up costing you a lot more than you think. If you're using tools from a computer repair kit to fix your car, don't expect them to last very long. They are not designed for that type of work.
*Hope this thread is still active!Has anyone used the screwdrivers from RemGrit whose tips are coated with SC. I picked up two flat 1/4 by 6" and a set of Phillips at an industrial show 10 years or so ago, then ordered some 1/4" bits. Im down to one flat screwdriver which hardly shows any wear. I could never make one of these slip. The bits were a problem when hanging dry wall because they wouldn't release properly. I haven't been able to find them recently and RemGrit doesn't have web site.