Need a "speciality" screwdriver set... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 10:14:58 pm
content: Hey engineers,I think as we all know screwdrivers are very important to a hobbyist in electrical engineering. I am currently in need of a set of those "speciality" screwdriver heads. I have got an awesome set of phillips and flat head ones, but I am in need for those which are in the attached image (courtesy of wikipedia). I do not need all of the heads in one set, but just as long as there are any of those heads mentioned there I would be happy

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 10:58:13 pm
content: just as a tip to help you get them a little quicker, the security ones will work with the regular ones, and only minimally effect the amount of force you can exert on them, so just get sets of those, and not the non security aswell, jaycar has the smaller sized secuirty hex's,the double hex, spline and triangle one though, they are getting specialised, personally i have never seen them in retail, but some hobbiest stores or buried deep in some hardware stores you may find them, though i doubt hardware stores

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 11:55:08 pm
content: I don't know how often you'll be using them, but there are inexpensive bit sets (fit a 1/4" /6.3mm hex bit driver) that have a good selection (hex, triangular, security Torx) that would probably serve you well.Personally, I like the following set, as the smaller ones are tapered to allow them to fit in smaller diameter holes (where the 1/4" hex part would be too big):http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-32-Piece-6-Inch-Security-Screwdrivers/dp/B003X5KEUK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1336261851&sr=8-12IF there are specific types you need to use rather often, you'd probably be better off getting a good set of dedicated screwdrivers (better economy when you figure in time), such as those offered by Wiha.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 12:53:45 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on May 05, 2012, 11:55:08 pmI prefer not to use this type of screwdriver because they are for the drill if I am correct I prefer a hand operated one, which is the hold and twist.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 01:06:24 am
content: These appear to be way too long to be convenient with cordless screwdrivers. Screwdrivers designed to work with these bits are easily available. As nanofrog mentioned, a dedicated screwdriver is nicer, but usually more expensive and bulkier. Screwdriver bits work fine for those occasionally used oddball sizes, in my opinion. I would want a dedicated screwdriver for something common like a #2 Phillips.Wiha offers a number of exotic screwdrivers, but don't be surprised to pay something like $15 each, which adds up real fast if you want a wide selection.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 01:43:42 am
content: Quote from: Mint. on May 06, 2012, 12:53:45 amYou can readily find bit sets that don't have to go in a drill. The set pictured came from Harbor Freight Tools. The small hex bits will fit in any standard screwdriver handle like the one pictured next to it. That particular screwdriver probably cost only a few bucks, but I have a whole range of hex bit screwdrivers similar to that one. I have a compulsive tendency to buy tools.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 02:09:13 am
content: Quote from: IanB on May 06, 2012, 01:43:42 amThats an excellent idea! Can you point out any online stores where I can buy something like that from?

author: hugos31
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 02:14:04 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Craftsman-Driver-100-Security-Screwdrivers-Bits-Set-1-4-Drive-/280873748055?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4165614657&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1361

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 02:45:05 am
content: Quote from: IanB on May 06, 2012, 01:43:42 amDitto! I have that same security bit set from HF. Hard to pass up for $7!That female 1/4" to female hex adaptor included in the kit is actually kind of a rare tool. Quite useful!-sj

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 03:22:28 am
content: Quote from: sonicj on May 06, 2012, 02:45:05 amThe pins in "snake eye" bit from HF an other cheapo manufacturers break after one use. Torx strip easily. They are shite and should be avoided. I use these types of screws often.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 03:59:46 am
content: Quote from: Mint. on May 06, 2012, 12:53:45 amEven though they're longer, they work with magnetic bit holder/drivers others have already linked (used by hand, not run from a battery). Bit long perhaps, but they make versions without long bit holders to keep the overall length in check.They could be used in a cordless driver as well, but there's a risk that the heads on the fasteners could strip out or snap off if the driver is a strong one (been there more times than I'd like to remember on wood and metal projects).I only mentioned the Wiha's for those you use often (i.e. pretty much everytime you need to grab a screwdriver), such as a Phillips. But if for some reason you see security screws constantly, then the specialty screwdrivers would be worth considering IMO, as they'll last longer (better long term economy since they're not tossed in the bin after say 50 screws).Sorry my post wasn't clearer.

author: jamesp15
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 05:54:01 am
content: I give these to a lot of friends and have a set of them I use when im on the road doing repairs..NOT security bits, but almost every size "precision" non-security screw type your ever likely to find.http://www.amazon.com/Maxtech-16521MX-32-Piece-Precision-Bit/dp/B000MF754W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336283269&sr=8-3They arent the most durable, but are better that a lot of cheaper sets out there in my experience. They WILL strip out/break if you try and use too much force with them.I use a set of these on my bench:http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-75990-40-Piece-System-Interchangeable/dp/B002RL7YJ0/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1336283476&sr=1-1Pricey, but great, have yet to strip out a bit or a screw using them. But they are kinda costly.Speaking of screwdrivers (I am kinda a tool nut..) but does anyone know who makes the screw drivers that Dave is using in his teardowns/etc? Notably the newer Manson 9400 teardown video.

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 06:14:30 am
content: Quote from: Wartex on May 06, 2012, 03:22:28 amIf I pull out a security fastener, it usually goes in the trash. I try to use quality drivers and bits for most everything else. For less than $10 for a set of 100, I feel the quality is quite adequate. If I installed security screws for a living, I would probably acquire a higher quality set....-sj

author: Kilroy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 01:28:08 pm
content: Wiha make great screwdrivers. I use this security bit set...http://www.amazon.com/Security-Bits-Collector-39-Set/dp/B0009K4V2E/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1336310211&sr=1-2As previously mentioned, Wiha tools grip the screw head properly so you extract the fastener without damaging the head. The cost is trivial compared to the frustration of using inferior tools.

author: JuiceKing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2012, 02:42:31 am
content: For hand use, dedicated drivers are much nicer, and you only need a few. Otherwise, you can get a bit set and one or more drivers to go with them. I have become a Wera convert. Beautifully made, a great pleasure to use, and as expensive as some. Many are available on Amazon. Chad's Toolbox has the full toolbox.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2012, 06:04:22 pm
content: I bought a very nice 6 TORX security bit driver years ago, where all the long bits are kept in the handle, and are slid out as needed. Comes in handy a lot these days.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2012, 06:33:24 pm
content: In the US. Chads toolbox is the best pricing for high quality tools I have found. They guarantee it. They have a lot of my moneyhttp://chadstoolbox.com/They carry the worlds best brands.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2012, 07:50:40 pm
content: I second Wiha, or similar, for quality tools. I have a set of Harbor Freight driver heads and one day, one of the torx bits split in half as I was trying to remove the screws on a hard drive. I luckily had 2 of these cheapo sets and managed to get the screw out. But not knowing when they will break again, and if you'll be stuck unable to complete a task can be a tie breaker for the more costly Wiha. If you care for them, the Wiha will last a lifetime as its guaranteed to be Cr/Mo/or CrMo steel.Quote from: Kilroy on May 06, 2012, 01:28:08 pm