Tools - Quality Screwdrivers

Luke's Machinery sell industrial grade tools. I went to see if I could find a super brand of screwdrivers (Phillips and Square Heads). I usually buy Sears Craftsaman, because I can just bring them back when they're snafued. But I recall using really good ones from Snap-on or Mac Tools, that you could pound on forever and still count on to take out a rusted in screw. Who makes them?

The salesrep tells me they're all made in Asia now? Bull!

Just this summer, I've bought or replaced at least 5 phillips screwdrivers, meaning the job stopped, I got on a bus or took the car to get a replacement. My time and the delay is worth paying more for a decent screwdriver. But who makes them?

 

I just went to look at brand names on some of mine for you....all my old quality ones, the names worn off the handles from years of use. I have some screwdrivers that were my Dads still. the shank goes almost to the top of the handle rather than the "new school" couple inches in...where the new ones seem to snap.

You want good, your going to have pay. A electriocal suplier or a HVAC suplier, they seem to sell good quality screw drivers. Thats where I have bout all my work ones, but it's been years since I've had to make a purchase for a die hard quality one...they all mite be made over seas c/w the lack of quality.

It is a anoyance having to return but Crappy Tire screw drivers are'nt all that bad. I just look at the flyers and every once in while they put there 60+ piece screw driver set on sale for $20. I kept my good tools at work and have bout a set from Crappy for the house and cars. They seem to hold up pritty good so far and if one brakes, I've had no problem with exchange, you just need to have a reciet

 

I just remembered the name of my good worn out screwdrivers....


KLEIN is the brand name, I've beaten the bark off of my sets over the years, still hav'nt broke one or rounded any robertson or phillips heads.

 

While Klien may have god screw driver , I'm familliar with the electronic uses , I still hands down prefer Snap- On for general Automotive work . Ed Shaver

 

This is a good question...I can NOT find a GOOD screw driver anymore. I keep trying and failing to find a set that doesn't go to hell in a week.
EDIT:
Where do you get those Klein's, Tedy? I would imagine that the Snap-On's are good as eshaver points out, but, their stuff is SO expensive. I don't mind paying for a good tool but I feel Snap-On is nuts with their prices.

 

Hands down Snap On is the best but like you mention...the price. What Snap on tools I have, I've bout used and have had them for years, never broke a rachet, screwdriver, nothing.

As I said above Mike, a commercial electrical suplier, or a HVAC/commercial ventilation refrigeration suplier. Sorry I can't come up with a ball park price, it's been that long since I've bout mine

 

Hey Fox, Home Depot sells them, like I figured there not that cheap, but they have lasted me and I have had to be hard on my tools at times.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...ode+matchall&recN=112046&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

Sounds like they are still made in the USA...

Quote...


Specifications

• Assembled Depth (In Inches) 13.5 In.
• Assembled Height (In Inches) 1.5
• Assembled Weight (In LBS) 1.6 Lbs.
• Assembled Width (In Inches) 7.5
• Country of Origin United States <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
• CSA Certified No
• Item Depth 13.5 In.
• Item Height 1.5 In.
• Item Weight

 

Thanks, Tedy!!

 

Well Tedy, I'm gonna give Klien a try. I just looked at the Snap-On Canada site, and although they are pricey, I think I'll get a set of Phillips and Square heads. I go through a lot of both, expecially with the driver tips in the power screwdrivers.

Thanks for the informed tips and comments. A huge help.

 

I got a set of Snap-on ones and they are REALLY nice. They are expensive, but they seem to last along time. My favorites though, hands down are the sears ones. I use the heck out of that lifetime warranty they have on the hand tools. If the phillips ones get just the least bit worn out, I take them back and they hand me a new one no questions asked. I have also had good luck finding craftsman tools at garage sales where they sell them ridiculously cheap. Now I have like 2 or 3 of everything, so I wait to bring them back until I have a few that need to be replaced.

 

I have some old Craftsman that have served me for over 30 years. They are still good. I think I have replaced the Phillips, as the end wears out. We all do it, but screwdrivers were made to drive screws, not use as chisels. I bought a set of probably 20 cheap Taiwan screwdrivers at a junk store for about $5. Believe it or not, they are pretty tough tools. Haven't had any problems with them.

 

... not use as chisels... right... A bird in the hand is too much of a temptation, when the chisels are in the basement in the toolchest. Good point though. Probably why the Craftsman screwdrivers get returned often.

 

Off subject, but you mention Taiwan tools....

I remember in the 90's cheap Taiwan tools were every where, they sockets were such a soft steel they were almost useless. How ever they have come in handy for me due to the lack of quality.....

My Dad's 87 T-Bird had the factory mag wheel locks just like in the pic below. so the mag key tool went missing and I had to get the wheels off, I brout the car to a old timmer friends garage. After he put it up on the hoist he grabbed a jar that was full of Tiawan sockets, found a close size and with a led shop hammer pounded the socket into the mag lock, the steel being so soft (cheap quality) it molded to the mag lock and with a rachet he got all 4 off. Took one socket a wheel but he got them off and no damage to the mag lock.

I've also used this trick for the 80's Chrystler 5th Ave spoked hub caps with the locking bolt.

 

um....isn't that what you are SUPPOSED to do when sockets don't fit right??

 

.....You know what I mean