Screwdriver set - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mahin300
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 09, 2012, 10:42:01 pm
content: looking for a screwdriver set to open any and all things. simple philips and flats to torqes for hard drives. Needs a long bit to reach tight spaces any suggestions?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2012, 11:17:04 pm
content: If you buy one of those cheap screwdriver sets with lots of bits the driver bit will round off and will strip out the screw head the first time you encounter a tough screw. This happened to me recently when I was trying to change the battery in a key fob remote with a multi-purpose screwdriver set. The screw wouldn't budge and the driver kept camming out. A good brand name screwdriver from my toolbox came to the rescue.Therefore try to pick up individual screwdrivers as you need them and go for quality rather than quantity.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2012, 11:21:16 pm
content: not sure if this is what you are looking for but their tool selection is worth a browsehttp://www.ifixit.com/Tools/54-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-022

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2012, 11:31:50 pm
content: Wera and Wiha both make real nice drivers/tools. If you are in the US, Chads tool box has very low prices.http://chadstoolbox.com/

author: mahin300
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 09, 2012, 11:46:12 pm
content: thanks guys im getting the 54 Bit Driver Kit

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 01:36:22 am
content: I have this one and find it very usefull (high quality also):http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Precision-45-In-1-Electron-Screwdriver-Torx-Hand-Fix-Tool-Set-9413-/140759714477?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item20c5eecaad

author: JuiceKing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 02:46:21 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 09, 2012, 11:31:50 pmSecond this - with a prejudicial nod to Wera.Wera make nice bits, but the most useful tools I find are the dedicated drivers with the "lasertip" ends. They grab the head and don't let go. Get a set of flat, philips, and pozidriv and forget about switching bits all the time.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 03:14:24 am
content: Agreed, all my "good" screwdrivers are Wera laser tips and they hold a #2 phillips better than any other driver I have used.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 05:11:16 am
content: In case anyone else is a fastener novice like me, there are screws which _look_ like Philips heads, but are actually Pozidriv. This includes screws on a lot of older (and maybe newer?) test equipment. For example, the Fluke 27 which has been discussed here before is held together with them (the case screws). A Philips driver will tend to strip these screws. I bought a couple of Wera Pozidriv screwdrivers, and it has prevented me a lot of grief.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 05:24:12 am
content: Further to Philips and Pozidriv, this can depend a lot on your location. In the UK you will find Pozidriv everywhere and never see a Philips (even though people there call Pozidriv screws "Philips" screws). The clue to Pozidriv is in the four extra little notches on the corners between the main notches. It can be quite hard to actually buy Philips screwdrivers in the UK.Here in the USA every screw and screwdriver I ever see is a Philips head. I don't think I have ever seen Pozidriv here.So if you are working on a device that didn't originate in the US, consider that it may have Pozidriv screws.

author: muvideo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 11:02:39 am
content: For screwdrivers I like felo also.Quote from: robrenz on October 09, 2012, 11:31:50 pmGood selection and prices, is there anything like thisin Europe? I feel ripped off anytime I buy something locally,but more important would be a big assortment like that.Fabio.

author: JuiceKing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 12:57:10 pm
content: Quote from: muvideo on October 10, 2012, 11:02:39 amYou're in luck...they are made in Europe.

author: muvideo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 01:51:30 pm
content: Quote from: JuiceKing on October 10, 2012, 12:57:10 pmI know, but didn't find a store like that around here yet,it seem that's easier to buy them in USA, for a private custumer at leastFabio.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 02:04:11 pm
content: search for "wiha set" on ebay... there are a lot of german sellers.I confirm wiha are real good quality screwdrivers.

author: icon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 03:37:11 pm
content: And while we're talking philips/pozidrive, there's a distinct possibility of bumping into Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) heads. If you've ever wondered why neither philips nor pozi will *quite* fit without wobbling, it may be that you're looking at a JIS screw. I've found them on Shimano derailleurs, motorcycle brake fluid reservoir lids, laptops and other assorted electronica. I have a set of Hozan JIS screwdrivers - 00, 0, 1, and 2 and they come in handy surprisingly often.John

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 05:04:49 pm
content: no wonder i always strip their OVERLY TIGHT screws ...

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 05:20:28 pm
content: A key thing with drivers is the alloy and workmanship; while cheap made-in-China drivers are often bad, a low cost alternative are Taiwanese drivers and it must says so either stamped on the shaft or the box. They are often sold in computer stores, rather than hardware stores. So far, Taiwan tools have not been counterfeited by the Chinese, I guess there is some pride in not using brands for their rival 'rouge' nation. Japanese drivers are good too, but they are rare in the USA.Wiha, Wera, Excelite and many many others are superb, but while the alloys are first rate, the push to economy has reduced quality control. So don't expect perfection from Germany, as was once their reputation, its mostly in the finish of the handles and the alignment of the driver shaft to the handles.Depending on how often you use drivers, if you're not a professional technician, Taiwan tools can work well. Poor alloys will deform with one use, better drivers may succumb after metal fatigue with repeated use or rarely with age. Great alloys last a lifetime. Good tools are often steel alloys with Chromium, molybdenium,vanadium, the best I've used is CMV, all 3, or pairs of them, CroMo or CV. What results is the best qualities of steel for tools: ductility, hardness etc., suffice to say good ones never deform, the lesser ones may snap, and the best will not yield, you can apply quite a bit of torque to them to deal with the stuck screw and it will be worth the cost when that happens.A set of 6-7 micro drivers from Wiha will run about $20-30. I also have long shafted micro drivers from Taiwan that cost $5 for a whole set, good for reaching into deep slots, they are CV steel, see photo. You can see in this photo the alignment issues with the Taiwan drivers. They are not bent by me but were made that way, they cannot be straightened because the steel is hard.When I get these in computer stores I test it by taking a long nose on the shelving and try to bend the heads, if it doesn't yield, that cheapo will likely work well. If it breaks, I give it the service person and tell them the product is defective.Security drivers are another issue, as they are less prolific, Taiwan versions can be mixed. While the steel is often good, the casting is subpar, yielding unevenly casted heads, that may not fit properly, or will apply torque in the wrong points, that could strip a screw. What I've done is look at the tools on the shelve and compare the heads, I've mixed and matched the sets to get a perfect one, but again it depends if you have that much choice. A $7 set of security drivers run $70 for a Wiha variant.Finally, I never lend my good tools to anyoneThat's the reason I have to buy more, they get lost. I now have a set of Taiwan sacrificial tools for lending, or easy access, and keep the good one's locked away.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 06:14:04 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on October 10, 2012, 05:20:28 pmOh yes!!! My brother is very good in misusing my tools. I have to hide them and keep them close. Otherwise I am pretty sure I will find them in his Tool-Wagon. Probably in much worse condition.It is amazing how many people take a screwdriver as Multitool. I recently found my brother making some cut and drill marks (on sheetmetal) with my nice, fine Wera PH-00 micro.... you may guess that I had been very happy about that.After several cheap screwdrivers I bought one good set (Wera and Wiha often have basic sets) and they last much longer.... even better, you don't ruin the screws as well!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2012, 11:16:34 pm
content: For the small stuff, I prefer Wiha Drive-Loc series' (http://www.kctoolco.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=drive-loc&Submit=search), as it's longer than the fixed blades, or even standard system 4 or 6 for reaching into deep recesses, and can't back into the handle.Drive-loc 4 SetDrive-loc 6 Set Example (more blade choices in this series).

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2012, 03:51:37 pm
content: A lot of those single handle multiple head variants work nicely, I have a Taiwan copy in a portable kit, much more compact. Note the diameter of the shafts even in the Wiha's thicken compared to stand alone drivers with handles, and it may not fit cases that have deep small diameter wells with a screw at bottom. For bench use, the thinner shafted ones work with most anything, and its money well spent for a Wiha since being small, thin and with less mass, being of quality steel becomes more critical to keep the head shape intact from heavy use and torque.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2012, 09:06:44 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on October 11, 2012, 03:51:37 pmThe system 4 helps with this, as they're a smaller diameter (hex) than the standard .25"/6.3mm shafts (system 6).Reason I ended up trying them, is in a few instances, the depth of the screw was greater than the blade length on the dedicated screwdriver (i.e. Philips #000), and I couldn't locate any longer models.Fully extended, they're longer than the small blade length drivers, such as the Torx, small Philips, ... that only come in one length.Won't get at everything, but they've let me get the job done most of the time. I do have dedicated long drivers that usually make up the short-falls of the set. No nut drivers or security bits in the system 4 set (there are additional blade styles available in Europe), so I went system 6 for those.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 02:05:43 pm
content: That's great, system 6? I'll give it a look. I really need a set of compact, thin shafted security bits, any recommendations?I do have the interchangeable head version, but so far I've not had trouble but its just a matter of time.Quote from: nanofrog on October 11, 2012, 09:06:44 pm

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 02:22:06 pm
content: Saturation, on Chads toolbox site on the right side are the catalog pdf downloads for the lines they carry, Wera, Whia, Felo, Knipex, etc.I found it easier to browse the catalogs and then punch the part number you are interested in into the CTB search box for pricing and availability. They have so much stuff on the site it is frustrating even when you use the catagories on the left sidebar. But their prices cannot be beat.If you are looking for Whia, system 4 is small shaft (4 is 4mm hex shafts)

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 04:36:18 pm
content: Wiha is the brand to go for !David.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 04:46:38 pm
content: Excellent, thanks robrenz, will browse through on my Nexus 7!Quote from: robrenz on October 12, 2012, 02:22:06 pm

author: billclay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 07:22:58 pm
content: I've been considering Wera as well. Which of the Kraftform drivers do you think is best?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 07:31:36 pm
content: I have some of the Wera Kraftform plus 300 series laser tips with the gold titaniaum nitride coating and I am impressed. just be aware there are multiple shaft lengths for the same tip size so make sure you get the length you want.

author: jamesp15
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 08:03:51 pm
content: I have lots of tools from both Wera and Wiha, I think they are equal in quality and would buy either without second thought. BUT I find Wera's screwdriver handles to be very awkward to use for my hands. Much prefer Wiha handles and even Craftsman Acetate handles to the Wera's. Personal preference there.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2012, 08:43:02 pm
content: That was my initial impression on the Wera kraftform plus handles also but I have grown to prefer them now.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2012, 12:03:04 am
content: Quote from: saturation on October 12, 2012, 02:05:43 pmThe System 4 shafts are thinner (4mm asrobrenzstated), but don't have all that many styles available in the US currently.The US version of the System 4 Drive-Loc is a very good basic set (Philips, Flat, Torx), that will fit most recesses I've encountered however. Europe also offers at least Hex, Ball Hex, Bit Holder (takes their standard system 4 bits), and Pozidrive blades for the System 4 IIRC. Perhaps a couple of others. Go to Wiha's European site, and download the catalog and see for yourself if you wish. That's how I found that additional blade styles exist (blade styles available has been my one complaint). Given your location, it may be easier to locate the additional styles and sets that aren't yet available in the US market.BTW, the handles are more comfortable and allow you to get more torque on the screw than the more common micro sized screwdrivers IMHO (either system). Requires less storage space too, if that's a concern.The system 6 (might try searching with "Drive-Loc System VI" if you have a hard time finding it), does carry security bits, and a lot of other styles (nut drivers in particular). But you may run into an issue where the recess diameter is smaller than the shaft with this series on occasion. This is my one complaint, and why I keep hoping for more styles to be offered in the US. There will be limits of course as to sizes possible with a 4 mm shaft, but the smaller screw sizes makes better sense in a 4mm shaft IMHO as there's a much better chance it can fit in a recessed location (run into too many instances where I couldn't reach a screw with a .25"/6.3mm shaft).Quote from: robrenz on October 12, 2012, 02:22:06 pmI use the catalog method as well.BTW, I thought Chad's was getting out of Wiha due to competition from Amazon.The reason I'm thinking this, is that they don't link Wiha's catalog, and they don't have listings for all of the products (seems they have listings for what's in stock on a cursory glance). For example, if you look up the System 4 Drive-Loc set (26985), nothing. Couldn't find any of it under other terms either.Aside from Chad's and Amazon, there's KC Tool Co (http://www.kctoolco.com/) for good prices and shipping seems reasonable. Not sure this will help saturation, but might be useful for US/Can members.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2012, 06:07:15 am
content: Quote from: ablacon64 on October 10, 2012, 01:36:22 amI bought the same kit thinking they were going to be absolutely awful, but they were actually pretty good, mine cost a little under $10 and i was pretty surprised.

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2012, 04:19:18 pm
content: Quote from: peter.mitchell on October 14, 2012, 06:07:15 amI thought the same so I bought only one, after arrival I bought 3 more. It's very good indeed.On the other hand there is a small 5 piece precision set that is sold under the brand Hakko or Hikari that is very weak, could not find the link to show. Of course it's fake, Hakko would not shoot itself in the foot with such an awful tool.