Screwdrivers Top 5 Need to Know Before You Buy
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Here are my Top 5 questions to ask yourself before you buy your next screwdriver set.
If you don't actually watch the video here are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Something as so often, we buy something, sure that we “need” it, only to find that it’s not really something that we use again, or that we truly need.
Before you buy something, it’s a good idea to ascertain that you actually need it, and that it fits in with your long-term financial priorities.
Before you buy something that you “need,” take a step back and determine whether you really should buy that item.
Here are 5 questions to ask yourself - answer honestly:
1. Can I Really Afford It?
First, you need to determine if you really have the money for the item. Can you truly afford it? You need to make sure that the purchase isn’t going to land you in debt. Additionally, you don’t want the money you spend on this item to detract from something else you might want to buy - or something that you truly do need. Make sure that the item is actually affordable before you buy.
2. What Will I Do With It?
What are your plans for the purchase? Really think about what it will accomplish in your life. Will you be able to forward a specific goal you have? Will using the item contribute to your overall quality of life? Really think about your plans for the item, and consider a realistic plan for its use.
3. How Often Will I Use It?
Next, determine how often you will use the item. If you are buying something that you are unlikely to use more than once or twice, it doesn’t often make sense to complete the purchase. There are other ways you can get what you need for a one-time use.
Be honest about how often you are likely to use something.
4. Do I Really Even Want It?
Figure out why you want to make that purchase. Examine your motives. If you are making a purchase primarily because you think you “should” have it, and not because you actually want it, or you believe it will make your life better, then reconsider.
5. Can I Borrow It?
If the item is something you won’t use much, and something that you don’t particularly care to own, it might be worth it to borrow it. If you can borrow something, it doesn’t make sense to buy it - especially if you can borrow it for free. Heck even buy something at Harbor Freight and see if they have a free screwdriver coupon.
As a mechanic, I'm not overly picky about screwdrivers but I highly recommend getting some with the square at the base of the shaft to put a wrench on.
Wrench flats
Vessel makes super nice screwdrivers. That Japanese quality is next level
The tip hardness is very important to last over time without stripping screws out after a year or 2
I’m going to see about doing a Rockwell C hardness at some point on what I have. Just need to schedule it👍🏻
Looking forward to that video thank you bud
@@ClientGraphics Gas hardened tips would yield a superior tip. I thought that Snap-on did or used to do this...as I recall their tips occasionally shattering but never wearing out as Craftsman tips did. The Rockwell hardness test will quickly identify the pro-grade drivers. Great video.
It's a difficult balance. A very hard tip breaks but too soft and it wears out fast.
I Agree, the tip fit and hardness is absolutely #1 importance. A tip should fit to where it can actually hold a screw without it falling off. If its lose, it will likely "cam out" and case slipping and stripping.
I'm in the commercial HVAC industry and I have used Klein screwdrivers for years. I have some that are 20 yrs old and still work great. Before I bought them I was using craftsman but one day the tip twisted on me so I went out and bought the Klein. You can get a nice set at home depot for around $50. Not cheap but they hold up and are American made!
Some. Klein is slowly moving overseas
@@jamesstephenson2346 That's true I have noticed that
Good stuff!
In my travels, I have learned that black painted tools can disappear forever only inches away from you. lol
The example of SO shown hasn't been sold in around 30 years. I bought my next gen SO set 28 years ago, best $125 screwdriver set I ever seen!
I have SK and Vaco screwdrivers for over 30 years and all the tips are still good.
Great review, Ty. I think your list of 5 is very helpful. My #1 is where the tool was made ("made in the USA" weighs in best for me to purchase). Wish I could look inside that Olsa Tools diamond tip box.
Black oxide shafts sound like more of cost cutting attempt than any sort of advantage.
The two biggest factors in my opinion is the functionality/comfort of the grip and more importantly the shape and durability of the tip. Everything else is tertiary or further down the list.
A black oxide finish is typically cheaper to manufacture compared to chrome.
Awesome in depth look at screwdrivers! Happy New Year man!
No magnetic tips!😂 being a metal fab/automotive shop the magnetic tips on my screwdrivers are ALWAYS covered in metal shavings.
That’s real life adult etch-a-Sketch, but not the fun kind.
I've had times where I've really liked magnetic tips for getting a small screw in an awkward place, and also times where it works against me. All depends on what I'm doing with it.
Klein Tools has a magnetizer/demagnetizer for screw drivers so you can magnetize whenever you want.
Happy New Year Chris and Amy from Branson Mo !!! Looking forward to seeing what you show us in 2020. Love. the reviews, because I appreciate your honesty. I also like your motto !!! Getting young people to buy into it however is a challenge sometimes😛😁😍😀Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos, Rodney
PBSwiss make the best one , Wera is another good brand and some like their grip over anything outhere, Tekton is now making similar style grip they call "High torque" I never try them but Wera fan may like them. I still own two 15 years old full set of Craftman confort grip who look very similar to the Gearwrench of today, they share a drawer with my Wiha soft grip (I have 3 set /32 screwdriver) and my hands feel at home with both of them. Getting what's feeling good is the goal, From expensive to affordable there is alway's a gem waiting for you to be find.
I've never seen Klein screwdrivers cost hundreds of dollars......but in my world (the electrical world) Klein is king. Many of the Kleins will have smaller heads to fit terminal screws inside terminal blocks (electricians call those "terminating screwdrivers" or "Control Screwdrivers") . . . . .when I first started as an electrical apprentice (a.k.a. Helper) in 1992, the first thing I did was go out and buy a set of Craftsman screwdrivers, only to discover that the heads were to wide to fit into terminal blocks and I ended up having to go buy a set of the more expensive Klein screwdrivers anyway, so the money I spent on the cheaper screwdrivers was money wasted. . . . . . . there is a very very good reason why almost every company out there has built a copy or clone of the Klein, and there is a very good reason that it out sells everything else and 95% of all professional electricians carry it.
Once I find a “good set” I have to have at least one or two extras and the cost adds up. However, my brain internally shifted to the Wiha 80pc 32800 Insulated Tool Set with Screwdrivers, which I don’t have and is much more expensive.
Been an electrician just over 30 years & your not touching any 5 or 6 piece Klein screwdriver set for under $50 then add your conduit screwdriver or magnetic &/or hollow nut driver's from anywhere from a 2 piece short or long 1/4 & 5/⅙ are between $26 & $30 just for the 2 piece also add in your square drives & standard nut drivers & yup your into Klein for 100's not counting there canvas pouches or comparable to keep em organized,iam also an hvac tech just over 10yrs & dont get me started one those specialty tool's & on another note have ya ever tried warranting a broken Klein tool ??? Cause I assure you your not walking into a electrical supply house with a busted $25 screwdriver & walking out with a brand new shiny one no question asked!!!!
I’m a first-year electrician’s apprentice with the IBEW NJATC program. I have a bunch of Klein tools and I use the screwdrivers everyday. I used to use an 11-in-1 for everything until I got tired of stripping screws, so I started using my fixed-head screwdrivers that fit well into a screw and the difference is amazing. I don’t have much experience, but I notice some downsides of the screwdrivers (especially the beaters) where the comfort grip on the handle comes loose and falls off the screwdriver if you’re beating it too hard. Other than that they’re built to last. I’ve come across the Tekton comfort grip screwdrivers that dip their shaft into the material and it seals around the metal so there won’t be any slippage. Anyone have any tips on great value for money and great warranty screwdrivers? From my research I feel like Tekton is just that, but I’d like to hear from someone with experience.
I love Kleins and husky screwdrivers aren’t bad for a lot of what I do but my favorite screwdrivers I’ve ever used are the Felo wood handle ones. They have grip all the time (as long as you sand off the varnish) nicely fitting tips, full tang, and have a hex for more leverage. They’re not too expensive either.
That dole product is gold , considering that the same tool makers made mac tools, same quality at an affordable price
Good point Charlie. My biggest point is longevity, for this point I go to flea markets and look for older Western Forge Craftsman screwdrivers, why? because thier as close to "bullit proof" as you can get. I have used older craftsman screwdrivers as chisles and pry bars, not something i'm proud of but as a long standing mechanic, I must admit to it.
One personal dislike of the Gearwrench screwdrivers is that they all have different size handles. Also, they have a painted finish on the metal, instead of a durable black oxide or polished chrome finish. Trying something new, I have been using Milwaukee's comfort grip handle set for a couple of months with no issues.
I like the new Milwaukee screwdrivers.
Don't tell anyone, but I like the pitsburg screwdrivers. You get a ton of torque with those thick rubbery handles and if you have to pry or hammer, they hold up pretty well and if they break, its like a dollar to get a new one.
Having spent some 40+ years in the automotive trade, I've had different brands of tools including different brands of screwdrivers. Snap On (solid handle), SK, Mac, Wera, Felo, Klein, Vermont American and others are in my work box.
But, sadly, the brand/model of screwdriver I prefer, isn't made any more; Stanley Workmaster. I still have a few of these that are over 40 years old and still work well. They were made with Boron steel shafts and we're the top of the Stanley line of hand tools back in the day.
If they offered them again and made them like they did in the early '70's, i'd buy another set of these in a heartbeat. If you see them at garage sales and the like, they can often be bought for next to nothing. Mine have stood the test of time and won't trade them even for a new set of Snap On ones.
That’s great info about the Stanley Workmaster screwdrivers.👍
These were known as Stanely 100 plus, boron steel blades with the yellow-black handles. These held up much better than the same vintage Snap-On and just about all others from that time. These were a fave from back in those days. They have been surpassed by PB swiss and other EU current offerings in every way.
@@rupunzel6299 The 100 plus screwdrivers have a conventional handle vs. the shaped handle of the Workmaster line that allowed you to maximize torque. For a short period, Stanley re-labeled the Workmaster tool line as Stanley Professional, but that didn't last long. Also, some Workmaster tools were made overseas, I prefer and own only the US made ones. Phillips screwdrivers start with code 65-; flat tip start with code 66- on the handle.
I've got two really long flatbladed ones from that series I inherited from my dad,I don't use them for screwdrivers but those two screwdrivers have seen more brake and suspension jobs than I can remember, I constantly watch eBay for them,but rarely I see them and when I do they usually want 30 t0 40 bucks a piece for the same ones I have
Lots of nice screwdrivers you've got there! I've got some DeWalt, Vessel, Kobalt, and Mac, but my favorites are the Pittsburgh Professional's with the comfort grip.
I dislike the square shafts. In tight places they can mar nearby surfaces when turned - like a fat, dull planer blade. Do like the bolsters just as an option (for the two times I’ve ever used them). By looking at all the options, I’m realizing that I will likely reach for another trick tool if I need more torque and a #2 Phillips. Like an impact driver, and screw knocker, or speed handle with a #2 bit.
No perfect set out there which is why we have a whole drawer dedicated to screwdrivers!
Kobalt screwdrivers have worked for 5 years now. Good video, thanx
thanks for the vids! curious which one had the orange and black handle? thanks for the info
Older Rosco USA screwdrivers they were my Dad’s from back in the 70’s.
If you like Snap On hard handles, I’d recommend the Williams brand, made in USA by Snap On just without the warranty for half the price. Also the German Wera brand has a great handle their Chissel drivers are very reinforced.
Tip hardness and fit are most important to me. After that how it feels in the hand. My favorite is 1. felo wood handle, 2. witte, 3. lennox 6 in 1, and 4. klein 11 in 1.
I got a Lenox set around Christmas. I really like then, only complaint is the round handles lets them roll off my work surface.
Somebody gonna say Wiha? I rock Klein’s in my tool pouch, but have 1000v Wiha set for working in hot panels. Obviously Wiha is gonna be good, German made all the way.🤙
A good thing about the chrome and black oxide is great you could buy two set with another tech and split 50 50 giving one guy flat blade chrome and the other guy black oxide flat blade and same for the Phillips this way the color would let u know by glance if it’s Phillip or flat
I'm a truck mechanic and I use SK screwdrivers.
Mark Armstrong do you have the 4 piece semi stubby set???
@@billlee1724 no on the stubby set. I only got 2. I bought the biggest set I could find then added on and bought longer ones. I bought all I could find but not the stubbys.
Something I always consider before I buy a tool set is that if I damage one of them and I have to warranty it out will they still have the same replacement 5/8 years down the road because if I get a different style in return I tend to move them to the drawer I keep tools I will modify for whatever special need I will have because in my mind it is no longer a complete set.
What I look for is a good quality steel American steel, proper fitting tips, and a proper full sized handle that feels right in my hands.
The handle can't be too round or too square, and they have to offer a stubby #2 Phillip's in the lineup.
My go to used to be the classic acetate handled Western forge / Craftsman drivers, but the handles are too small on some, and on the last of the American produced drivers the steel quality went down.
Recently I've decided to make a change and went with some 2nd gen Stanley 100 plus ( excellent drivers and I love them ), and some Pratt read essential series acetate handles. These P-R's are also excellent as well.
I have diffrent sized pry bars but if im in a pintch and i always i bring a few throw away cheap drivers to bang and abuse i found them to last longer then my good ones
Awesome I picked up some of those tekton screwdrivers lastnight
I've been thinking about those how do you like them? How are the tips?
@@330FoeSho I love all of my tekton stuff. Especially the screwdrivers. I highly recommend them
@@danmckevittstoolsbagels3258 Thanks! I have some Tekton wrenches, Pliers, and Torx keys. I am probably going to ad those screwdrivers too. I wanted to see some reviews first. Thanks for the input!
Best screwdriver out there is snap on cost a little bit but will last had the same set over 10 years and only had one break and it was my fault using it for a pry bar and they replaced it no cost
Klein are ok, if all you do is electrical. However wera, wiha, and (believe it or not) westward are the best screwdrivers I've ever used!!! I've had the same 3 westward screwdrivers for over 8 years!!!
Dont be to surprised if the Husky and the Harborfreight ones are the same. I was looking for a new tool chest this weekend and some of the home depot ones are the same as the harbor freight ones. Just different name stuck on them. Ive also noticed that same of the tools in both home depot and menards are the same ones as in harbor freight. Just different names on them.
As far as the screw drivers go one thing Ive noticed anyways is that the cheaper ones seem to have softer tips. And after awhile they may start to basically get wore out.
Wow great variety! I got to see my father style screw driver, very happy because this channel brought back memories....
I had them all and the Williams black handle/comfort grip hard handle hold the test of time, used to be labeled snapon, they ain't 100 there about $50 for a 8pc set made in the U.S.A
The Williams stuff is a great value👍
I've gotten to the point i prefer a well shaped wood handle. Seems i have a better grip especially if my hands get sweaty.
Joshua steele Whia, Grace, Felo, handmade?
@@ClientGraphics i currently have felo. Only gripe with them is they aren't really ready to go out of the box. I've found that you really need to get the factory varnish off with sand paper and then care for them as you would any other wood tool. A little more up keep than the synthetics out there but the reward is a driver than can be gripped reliability even if covered in oil. Plus they're something you can show off.
@@joshuasteele5108 totally agree! I'm actually gonna be turning my own set of screwdrivers on my channel soon. Very easy project if you have a lathe 👍 I've considered making some to sell but didnt think there was many other freaks out there like myself lol
@@BradsWorkbench you'd be surprised haha. I'll be sure to catch the video when it drops.
The classic craftsman. There are so many great options in my opinion! Great video and info on screwdrivers buddy! I never thought much about the chrome and black oxide finishes but now I will!
If you want Klein type drivers for less money get the Pratt-Read drivers.
Both companies are owned by ideal industries.
The kleins may or may not be manufactured by P-R, but either way the quality is the same.
Ideal doesn't own Klein Tools, but does own Pratt-Reed, which makes a fair number of drivers for Klein like you mentioned. And many of Klein's bits (ex: the bits for the 15-in-1) come from Taiwan. As an aside, Ideal sadly sold SK this year to the Chinese.
@@CoronadoBruin
They just shut down Pratt-Read too, it sucks for all the companies sourcing drivers from them but I believe they are at least going to continue ideal driver production in some capacity.
@@TylerSnyder305 Didn't know P-R shut down but not entirely surprised. A third of a billion people in this country and we may not be able to keep one domestic screwdriver manufacturer going? Truly sad
@@CoronadoBruin
Look at western forge, they were the last American manufacturer of adjustable wrenches.
Sears ended the contracts for everything and it devastated them.
Black oxide vs chrome I think is a non issue. Its more of a asthetic personal preference in my opinion.
I personally like the Klein. And liked the Chraftman comfort grip when it was the same style as the Klein then they changed it to that triangle comfort grip and those were terrible.
Great video ! You should test some Facom too 🛠
I always go to my acetate Craftsman’s. They just feel right in the hand, and have a nice tacky grip that doesn’t slip. Not great for working around fluids, but for everything else they work for me.
I used to go to the classic western forge screwdrivers as well, but the recent examples had softer tips and in general the handles are too small on some.
I have very few tools. I was replacing a broken door handle at my apartment when I noticed the original screws were only 3/4" long. The new set were about 2x thicker and about 3" long. I had to use the tools that I had, which was an acetate Craftsman to screw in that thick long screw into the frame by hand. It hurt. Wife bought me a
Snap On set that was on a heavy sale. No longer hurt my hand. I really need a drill.
Hey Chris don't you think it's a little late to be posting a video 😂 but my favorite screwdrivers are the husky comfort grip I still have my USA Craftsman screwdrivers and a couple of snap on
....... And even later to be replying back to comments😂 👍👍👍
Great Review ! Very Good Questions but there is a Big But a 6p Screwdriver Set or a one of the Bit Kits has what you need for most screws now .
Obviously not a tradesman that has to work with different fasteners everyday.
How about Wera, Facom, Beta??? All good contenders
PB Swiss
I prefer Wera and Wiha. The bits outlast any competitors and they fit on the screws are just ace
if your working on your fridge or any other major appliances, get lennox , 100% worked for lowes delivery for 5 years…hated the klein….lennox did it all.
Chris, just how often to you get chrome to fail and flake off? The only tools ive seen with chrome issues are really old Chinese tools that been left in a garage for 20 years and then get used. Also if you ever see the chrome starting to fail on a tool get rid of it asap, that stuff is sharp like jagged razor glass!
The Klein, Stanley, and Ace, screwdrivers really look suspect in being too much alike. Would you say those husky diamond screwdrivers are made in USA with global materials?
Plating issues or the kids leave them outside or some water/rust. Had a couple over the lifetime. The Husky diamond tip are actually made in China and really similar to HF Quinn.
ClientGraphics what im getting at with the husky is that the blades are sent over to western forge to have the handles put on them since the handles are so similar to the USA craftsman and USA husky padded grips.
What that they are USA made? I don't know about Stanley and Ace, but Klein is made in the USA, the multiple tip types are made where the screwdrivers you own are from China and Taiwan.
I look at the tip, especially with cross head. There is the standard US Phillips design, and a design like Vessel JAWSfIT, which while is no longer to JIS spec, is JIS compatible... since JIS no longer produces a spec as it once did. I greatly dislike chrome screwdrivers (although the Vessel drivers are chrome plated), they chip too easy and look cheap. I like the finish of the old USA Craftsman ones, sort of a no finish, otherwise black oxide. I have a drawer full of the old Craftsman screwdrivers that we all know that I use as rough use, I have a Tekton "High-Torque" set that I use for easily accessible screws due to comfort and finally a Vessel set of cross heads only (4 piece) that I use for most all cross head applications aside from the more abusive ones. I use Vessel P3 bits with impact driver for rotor screws, never a problem. I am not a professional, but a DIYer, and that is my selection.
No Wera,Wiha, or PB,guaranteed if you had a set of PBs you'd throw that whole dish of screwdrivers in the junk drawer
Its not nearly hundreds of dollars for one Klein screwdriver. around 15 dollars but that's a long way from hundreds.
The one thing I would really like to see in comment who has the strongest metallurgical tips that last underwear for length of time I love them if you can find me a cheaper screwdriver with the same Metallurgy strength on the tip I would buy it but right now I buy Klein because they're reliable the tips don't wear out!
Wera makes the best screwdrivers
You gotta get the wiha…they’re better than anything you have
I use screwdrivers everyday at work, I will only buy Wera anymore.
Isn’t that the one Matco rebrands? I’m 99% sure it’s Wera or Wiha, it I forget.
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm That's actually Witte, also a german brand.
@@stormsilagy5744 Damnit, so close....
Multiple tip drivers do not have the best tips,they have the worst tips. I haven't used a thousand different brands of screwdrivers available, however I have had to use a screwdriver that I either borrowed or was just laying there in front of me and am amazed how shitty most screwdriver brands are. I am an electrician been doing it since my mid teens and am now 48 years old, hands down the best screwdriver is Klein and it ain't the handle that makes it the best, its hands down the durability of the over all tool and the fit of the tip in the fastener.
No testing the tips for checking hot wires in a panel? 😂
That's what the Weras are for.
I still using Wera
Not sure how you would have a video about uses of screwdrivers and not include such brands as Wera, Wiha, PBSwiss, Witte and Capri?? When looking at materials and handle shape you have to include Wera, Wiha and the others mentioned.
Might should funny but I don’t have any. I know I had some MAC, Williams and Stanley fat max I skipped.
Wiha and Wera are for fucking Europeans that really want Klein.
How about PB Swiss,Felo,Wera or Vessel?
What about them?
I would throw all those away for one of the new snap on instinct handles
I think it’s hilarious in the auto field guys swear by snap on screwdrivers then use husky, Milwaukee... insert bits 90% of the time. I was at kmart probably 5 years ago and they had a bin by the registers full of craftsman screwdrivers for $1 each. I grabbed multiples of the ones I use most. They’re decent and if I lose one no big deal.
I only use bits for things that dont matter like undershields and whatnot. For things like interior screws or things that are tight, I always use my snap on screwdrivers. I haven't found any that grip as good and last as long
So did the Doyle demo screwdrivers have the shank all the way to the striking cap or not? You said you’d cut one up
It does go all the way through. The striking cap does sit on top of the shank. There are around 3-5seconds at the very end of the video.
Klein, Ideal, Tekton.
WERA 810/1 1/4 X 120 --?--
Wiha and PB Swiss
👍
"most strongest"?
I think the first thing to look at should be country of origin.
No wera?
Quinn's r strong as shit
Funny how he says "OR EVEN GEARWRENCH " like it's a bottom of the barrel dead last resort lol
I use the Kobalt hi vis set and the Snap on comfort grip. I use the kobalts for just about everything. I dont care for the square polyresing handle. Due to lack of tightness in my grip. I have purchased the doyle construction drivers. And they do come in handy for beating against.
I wanted one of those Kobalt hi vis sets, but we didn’t have a Lowe’s within 200 miles. I always heard that is an awesome set.
@@ClientGraphics Love'em
This is... trash. Only Wiha, Wera, Wurth, Koken and more non us.
All garbage. Get the older red Protos or the best. Megadoras !
You dont even have the best screwdrivers like wiha, wera, gedore, unior,.. etc.
He has the best Klein.
@@josephlabranch6595 pheheh.. klein? Really?
Somehow you missed the most important aspects of screwdrivers. Droned on about small stuff while overlooking the important things. Will the blades hold up, what kind of metal is it made of, price per performance, etc. Pretty useless video.