Very General question, Screwdrivers?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
Likes: 10
From: Blairsville Ga
Very General question, Screwdrivers?
I'm looking at buying a set of screwdrivers, but I want a good set. I have always purchased the cheap ones but now I would like to treat myself to a good set. I'm partial to craftsman because we have a sears here and their warranty is awesome. Does anyone have their professional series, if so how do you like them? I'm looking to spend around 125 to 150. Thanks for your input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Snap on, MAC, Marco or S&K brands are some of the best. I have an unused Snap on set of "Corvette" screw drivers that were gifted to me by a good freind. I just can't bring myself to open the package.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
I make my living turning wrenches. Some items such as craftsman tools screwdrivers are perfectly fine. I have many in my home tool box, and a few in my work box. I have yet to destroy any craftsman screwdriver used in a proper manor. I also recommend getting a good quality magnetic screwdriver with replacable apex bits for your philips and torx tips. Tips wear out too, but are easily replaced. Gear wrench makes a decent one. I still have many of my snap-on screwdrivers that I bought nearly 30 yrs ago. But I mainly reach for my snap-on magnetic tip screwdriver.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
Likes: 10
From: Blairsville Ga
Craftsman it is. I'll be at my local store tomorrow. 90% of my tools are Craftsman, but I've always purchased their cheaper screwdriver set and over time they have slowly disappeared. All of my sockets and end wrenches are Craftsman along with my rolling tool box. I'll have to check into the magnetic tip screwdriver. Harbor Freight is junk. Purchased a blasting cabinet from them and it's a POS. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I use Craftsman screwdrivers as chisels and their wrenches are excellent to carve /bend up when I need an odd shaped single use tool. They are also wonderful projectiles when you simply NEED to throw a wrench just as far as you can into the woods.
I have a set of Snap-On screwdrivers I purchased in approximately 1976, and I wholeheartedly recommend them since they are of exquisite quality, and have the "forever" warranty as well. Even the handles are guaranteed forever... I had a handle on an original 1976 driver get loose a while back and my rep simply shrugged and presented me with a brand new tool no questions asked.
For those extra tough slotted screws which simply will not budge I turn to either my Grace brand or Wheeler Engineering brand parallel ground gunsmith's screwdrivers. As opposed to an "average" screwdriver whose blade is ground to resemble a wedge, gunsmithing drivers are ground so the contact areas of the bit are square, and drivers are available in a wondrous array of thicknesses and widths so it is possible to select a bit which fits the screw head exactly. If you strip a screw head with a truly properly fitting driver, you have messed up badly.
I have a set of Snap-On screwdrivers I purchased in approximately 1976, and I wholeheartedly recommend them since they are of exquisite quality, and have the "forever" warranty as well. Even the handles are guaranteed forever... I had a handle on an original 1976 driver get loose a while back and my rep simply shrugged and presented me with a brand new tool no questions asked.
For those extra tough slotted screws which simply will not budge I turn to either my Grace brand or Wheeler Engineering brand parallel ground gunsmith's screwdrivers. As opposed to an "average" screwdriver whose blade is ground to resemble a wedge, gunsmithing drivers are ground so the contact areas of the bit are square, and drivers are available in a wondrous array of thicknesses and widths so it is possible to select a bit which fits the screw head exactly. If you strip a screw head with a truly properly fitting driver, you have messed up badly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I make my living turning wrenches. Some items such as craftsman tools screwdrivers are perfectly fine. I have many in my home tool box, and a few in my work box. I have yet to destroy any craftsman screwdriver used in a proper manor. I also recommend getting a good quality magnetic screwdriver with replacable apex bits for your philips and torx tips. Tips wear out too, but are easily replaced. Gear wrench makes a decent one. I still have many of my snap-on screwdrivers that I bought nearly 30 yrs ago. But I mainly reach for my snap-on magnetic tip screwdriver.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
The reason I like Craftsman is 1: they are just good and 2: Its hard to find a Snapon truck in the neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon when you just broke the handle out of one vigorously stirring a mixed drink!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
with craftsman there is no need to get the professional series.....they replace anything that is worn and no longer usable....just get the ones that say craftsman and fit your hands....i use the plain ones.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I make my living turning wrenches. Some items such as craftsman tools screwdrivers are perfectly fine. I have many in my home tool box, and a few in my work box. I have yet to destroy any craftsman screwdriver used in a proper manor. I also recommend getting a good quality magnetic screwdriver with replacable apex bits for your philips and torx tips. Tips wear out too, but are easily replaced. Gear wrench makes a decent one. I still have many of my snap-on screwdrivers that I bought nearly 30 yrs ago. But I mainly reach for my snap-on magnetic tip screwdriver.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
Wrenches and sockets in my tool boxes are filled with snap-on (superior grip) bonney, and even craftman in the larger sizes, snap-on prices are really pricey on large stuff, and frankly I dont use sizes much larger than 7/8" too much. Spend money on the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets, these are going to be used 90% of the time and are prone to high wear.
Whatever you do, avoid the hand tools from harbor freight. Plain junk.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 6
From: North of the Bay California
Craftsman it is. I'll be at my local store tomorrow. 90% of my tools are Craftsman, but I've always purchased their cheaper screwdriver set and over time they have slowly disappeared. All of my sockets and end wrenches are Craftsman along with my rolling tool box. I'll have to check into the magnetic tip screwdriver. Harbor Freight is junk. Purchased a blasting cabinet from them and it's a POS. Thanks
You pay for what you get...and if it's too good to be true, it usually is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
I was extreamly lucky my Dad knew good tools. For my Graduation present, I recieved a full upright and lower box of Mac Tools, complete!. Wow was I surprised. That was in 1986. I still have and use these same tools daily. I still have some of the original screwdrivers. Yes many have worn away, but are replaced under warranty. I have included in my tool boxes many Snap On, Craftsman and Matco. My nicest screwdriver set is the Matco, increadable grip, no slip tips. If I remember, a whole set was around $200. But, worth it. Good luck Al
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
Likes: 10
From: Blairsville Ga
I hate to sound like a p*ss here, but I like the feel of the professional series.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
Likes: 10
From: Blairsville Ga
Using a high end tool is like having a good cigar or top of the line steak. Once you discover the difference, you'll always want the good stuff. I got the chance to use some German made tools (forgot the name) once and I could definitely tell the difference in the quality and the ergonomics.
You pay for what you get...and if it's too good to be true, it usually is.
You pay for what you get...and if it's too good to be true, it usually is.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
After I bought my C3, I went through all my hand tools and took out the cheap Chinese made stuff and donated it to Salvation Army. Then I went to Sears and bought one of their 150 piece tool sets. Made in USA and a lifetime warranty. Love it.