Tools: Screwdriver set

[Stephenmarklay]

My screwdriver drawer is full of mismatched, bent and ugly screwdrivers.

I would like a nice new set and wondered what is a good choice. Need to have tough shafts, comfortable and have a good tip that won’t bend, and importantly have good tolerances (true to size.)
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1985 Westfalia. Project 2017.

[greebly]

I bought a Stanley diamond tip set at Lowes for less than $20.00 that I am happy with. I have some specialty drivers like a 22 inch #2 phillips snap-on that was purchased o long ago it has been replaced once and I forget what obscene amount I paid for it, but it is a goto tool. I also have a harbour fright 4 in 1 that I grab often for stuff around the house. It is kept in the upstairs toolbox. If the fastener presents any problem I take the time to go get the diamond tip.

[Terry Kay]

I like snap-on screwdrivers.

They are infinitely guaranteed if you bust an end, and they have a hex on the shaft at the bottom of the handle, so if you need to get a stuck screw loose you can lean on it and use a box wrench on it to assist.
A racheting box wrench works great here.
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T.K.

[greebly]

[ZanaEvyPapa]

This is the best screwdriver system I've come across. I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Picquic-98881-Carded-Screwdriver-Nutdriver/dp/B0018IYTYQ

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82 Diesel Westy
03 Jetta TDI
Gainesville, FL

[Paulbeard]

I have a couple of square shaft ones as well in my collection of misfit toys tools and they are useful for the same reason: you can clamp a vise grip on them when needed. I think they're Craftsman.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs

[Terry Kay]

<<I thought you just got the acetelene torch out for stuck fasteners TK. Put some heat to it until it glows kind of stuff.

You are correct--but in certain instances that a torch can't be used.
If the ratcheting box wrench on the screwdriver, and a lot of leaning won't do it--I break out the impact driver--that will get the fastener out in an instant.
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T.K.

[djkeev]

I've historically used Craftsman since the 1950's...... But with the decay of the brand I'm no longer faithful.

My latest screw drivers are a set of Wiha that I got about a year ago.

I use these for screws, if I need a mini prybar or chisel, the old Craftsman units come out.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[physast]

I have had luck (so far) with these craftsman screwdrivers. I have only owned them for a month, but no complaints so far.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-extreme-grip-14-pie...ockType=G4
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1967 L633 VW beetle (currently being restored...slowly)
1991 Orly Blue Vanaru 2.5L

[Ahwahnee]

I'm still using my Craftsman set purchased almost 50 years ago. Of course each screwdriver has been replaced a few times through the years.

Pry bars, paint stirrers, chisels, even welded on to a battery post -- they are versatile tools.

They always let me swap for a new one - but if the tool has clearly been abused then I have my wife handle the exchange. They don't bother to quiz her on how she managed to melt the shaft or bend the tip into a pretzel.

[rusty busty]

I got these Milwaukee ones maybe 6 months ago. I'm pretty impressed so far. They say that they're "demolition grade" so I've taken that to mean that I can beat on them with a hammer or pipe wrench😈

https://www.milwaukeetool.ca/hand-tools/screwdrivers/48-22-2002
I've been changing a lot of my other hand tools over to Milwaukee as well. I picked up some insulated screwdrivers, vice grips, chanel locks, side cutters etc. I do hvac installations so I'm hard on my tools. No brand loyalty though. I do have a sweet dewalt adjustable wrench.
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1978 CEII Get-away hightop

[Vanagon Nut]

Re impact driver

I use my handheld impact driver all the time. Don't know if it technically qualifies as a screwdriver but it's a really useful tool to have.

Mine is a Lyle. Don't know how it would hold up under daily pro use but so far, no issues. It came with bits, drive head is 3/8" so it will accept sockets.

Neil
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[greebly]

Stanley FatMax diamond tip set.
http://www.stanleytools.com/products/fatmax-tools/.../fmht62052

I use Lowes as they graciously give me a 10% veteran's discount. With the discount the Stanley set was $18.00.
I also will use Lowes for Irwin pliers (Vicegrip brand) just bought a set of slip joints with a box frame and push button adjustment which is similar to the Knipex Cobras at half the cost. Nice pliers. Prefer them to the old channel locks I had which are now delegated to the travel tool box. I also use Lowes for Dewalt bits and blades.
Harbour freight professional series are suprisingly good for their 8" diaganols and needle nose pliers, linesman and safety pliers. The locking pliers are decent for the price. Avoid the non professional series, they are junk. The slip joint pliers are cheaply made and designed.
Sears Craftsman Brand are made to their specs by whomever sears contracts with. At one time they were decent, although nothing special, manufactured by Cooper Industries and then by Danaher Corporation. The lifetime guarantee is paid for up front and they expect most will lose the tool or neglect to return it for warranty.
Problem with Snap-on returns is finding the snap-on truck to return them. If you purchased from one vendor somewhere else and do not have a relationship with the guy they do not like to do the return.

[Stephenmarklay]

Thanks for these ideas! I do like the thought of having a shaft can put a wrench on.
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1985 Westfalia. Project 2017.

[tates1882]

Well as an electrician I've driven literally thousands of screws and fasteners, the pictque from above is descent but the tips rust and wear quickly then they are a pita to get in and out of the handle. The best brand I've found for comfort and longevity is wera, I use the screw sticks, ratchets and precision screw stick set all the time. The handle fits my hand nicely, I wear a large glove to give you an idea of my hand size.
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88 Vanaru, ej22, naht

[ejimmi]

I have multiple sets of craftsman snap-on, and wiah. I always seem to grab for the wiah first, they just feel right.

amazon has an amazing deal on a 5 pack for $34
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-30295-Screwdriver-Slot...NRDX119YCB

KC tools carries the bigger sets.

Edit: I do also have a big #4 philips Wera driver and agree they make top quality stuff too!

[Merian]

the critical thing is to get flat screwdrivers with cross-ground blades - Hazet was the best as of a few years ago - better than Snap-Off

I have several Snap-Offs, and a couple of Crapsman that are used as beaters, and then returned periodically. The Snappies last a long time but I had to get the guy to put new shafts on a couple years ago.

I have some tiny ones by Wiha - very nice; no experience with larger ones
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[Steve M.]

This is the only full size one I have

The only one aside from a set of Wiha precision Torx and jewelers screwdrivers.


That and a large hammer will fix anything!
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Zundfolge1432]

Geez I'm shocked nobody is ready to hand over their money to their Chinese buddies at harbor freight. LOL.

[TDCTDI]