Screwdrivers and such...

[PaulH99]

I'm thinking about replacing some of my (crappy) old hand tools with something better. I've been doing some research into the German brands like Wiha, Wera, and Felo. None of these are available locally to me and would have to be ordered. Does anyone here have experience with these brands? Any recommendations?

 

[#Tee]

I used to be a mechanic and owned snap ons, mactools, klein and other name brands to the lesser craftsmans. by far for the price, ergo, and durability wera screwdrivers and metal ratchets worked out the best for me.

 

[bertv]

Felo screwdrivers are great (watch AvE on YT - he concurs), but their selection is limited to a few sizes and types, as far as I know. They are my go-to ones.

My experience with Wera and Wiha is limited. I have owned Berner ones (I think they got gobbled up by another company), but lately have added a complete selection of PB (Swiss Tools) screwdrivers, that I like a lot. Don't know about availability in your part of the world, but it is worth looking into.

Clarification added: Felo DOES have an extensive range of screwdrivers — just not with the wooden handles that I like so much. Sorry about misinforming you all.

 

[peter halle]

I love the limited number of Wera screwdrivers I have.  There are a number of users here and they can you direct you to a source that actually offers sales.  I would be able to do so but I just got done cleaning out my email and lost those contacts.

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

I like Wera very much, excellent quality. I have some screwdrivers that are almost 50 years old, passed on from my father, and they are still in great condition. Whenever I find something Wera for a great deal, it's hard not to buy it.

My favourite brand for screwdrivers is PB Swiss though. Just a tad better than Wera and I like their handles better.

 

[rvieceli]

Personally I like the Wera Kraftform plus series. But all the brands you mention are of excellent quality.

Amazon carries all of them and frequently has really low prices on Wera screwdriver sets.

Here are some other online resources:
https://www.kctoolco.com/ CAREFUL these folks carry a significant selection of really nice brands. including Knipex and Gedore

For PB Swiss, try the toollady
http://www.toollady.com/

If you thought Festool was a slippery slope, this can be like the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole.  [eek]

Ron

 

[nclemmons]

+1 on Wera from KCTools - I have a complete set and really like them.  Have had Snap-on in the past but I liked the comfort of Wera better

 

[semenza]

    I have seen all the major German brands of screwdrivers recommended. The only ones I have are the Wera. In particular the Kraftform Plus. In the regular (300 series), chiseldriver (900), and insulated VDE. I like all of them. The more I use them the more I like them.  The Laser tip versions on Phillips , Pozi and slotted are really good. They genuinely grip the screw recess.  Most extensive selection is in the 300 series, and there are a lot of them.

    I have one slotted chiseldriver. Which I bought for general purpose prying and such as well as for slotted screws in that size.  I went with the 300 for most because of the Laser tip which is not available on the 900 chiseldrivers. I have several VDE. And one stainless #2 Pozi that I bought specifically to use on Euro hinges. I keep the stainless (because the different color IDs it) just for that use and thereby avoid having any other bits of metal from other screws show up on the hinges. And the limited usage ensures that I am not adjusting hinges with a worn screwdriver.

    If you are not sure about whether or not you will like them or the brand you could narrow your choices and then buy a couple individuals to try out.

Seth

 

[#Tee]

wait for the blackfriday sale at kctools. some pretty good discounts!

 

[Job and Knock]

As a site carpenter I don't have much call for manual screwdrivers these days, but I do have a set of Wera Kraftform chisel drivers. The through tang and steel striking cap make them ideal for removing old, corroded screws (if needs be by the application of a hammer). I also have several old cabinet pattern screwdrivers for dealing with slotted screw heads on old stuff (I do an amount of historical building stuff) and a small electricians tester/driver for the occasional running repair on plugs, etc.

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

I did write about different handles, tips/bits and overall quality of different brands some time ago, here:http://festoolownersgroup.com/hand-tools/screw-drivers/msg459263/#msg459263

You will really have to try the handles yourself and see which one fits your hand best.

To me it's:

Handle

1) Snap-On Instinct
2) Wera Kraftform
3) Wera Kraftform Kompakt (Between full and mid size Kraftform handle)
4) Snap-On classic
5) Wiha Softfinish
6) PB Swiss

Tips/Bits

1) PB Swiss
2) Wera Lasertip
3) Snap-On/Wera diamond coated (gold colored)
4) Wera Impaktor (black)
5) "Festool" (Centrotec, long)
6) Wera/Wiha/Felo/"Festool" standard bits
7) Snap-On (Wera...) standard bits

Ratcheting mechanism:

1) PB Swiss
2) Snap-On

Bit ratchets:

1) Wera and Snap-On (for different tasks: Wera can get into very small spaces, Snap-On offers a better handle for that extra bit of torque)
2) Blue-Point
3) PB Swiss mini ratchet (comes with Victorinox Swiss Tool, Victorinox Bike tool and can be bought separately)

Please understand that none of the listed are per se bad quality or anything - it's just a matter of personal preference as I have the choice.

IMHO, YMMV.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Love Wera - truly top notch though some of my fav's are other brands.
Like Wiha and Felo, Felo are a little harder to come by over here. 

 

[demographic]

I'm no Snap On fanboi but the stubby ratchetting screwdriver they make takes some beating.
What a nice little well thought out tool.

Ive never used another make thats as good and I've tried a few.

 

[PaulH99]

I bought a basic Wera set from my local Woodcraft. It came with six drivers: two flathead, two philips, and two square. All I can say is, "WOW!!!" They're very comfortable in the hand and let me torque down on screws much better than other drivers I have.

Don't tell my wife, but my Wera collection may be growing very soon...

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Chance Beasley]

I own a few German brand screw drivers. My favorites by far are the Wera laser tip screwdrivers. They really grab the screws and don't strip it out. KC Tools runs a decent every now and then.

 

[yetihunter]

PB Swiss SwissGrip and be done with it.
Toollady is legit, and they have periodic sales.
You just missed their 30% of sale.  However,
if you call them and plea your case....you never know.

WERK10 is another good dealer, but foreign (takes a week).

I would not recommend Count On Tools.

If you're stuck on Wera, Wiha and Felo, KC Tool are the best in the biz.

My best advice is to buy a Philips #2 of a few brands/styles.

Wera I recommend: 300 or 900 series
Felo:  500 or 550 series
Wiha: 3k, Soft Finish, Micofinish or Heavy Duty Microfinish

 

[WillAdams]

My favourite screwdrivers are a pair of Starrett machinist screwdrivers, 559A and 559B --- sadly discontinued, but check out the all-metal 553A and 553B (need to get one of the latter for a scribing point I picked up ages ago).

 

[live4ever]

I got hooked on Wera starting with the innocent little Kraftform Kompact screwdriver.  That was the gateway.  I recently got a zyklop set, and am now eyeing a set of Jokers.  Of course there have been bits and other sets along the way...

 

[Doc Fluty]

Wera makes my favorite screwdrivers. These are nut drivers, Torx drivers, square, ecx, flat, Phillips and pozi drivers. I also have more in my tool chest

 

[semenza]

Wera makes my favorite screwdrivers. These are nut drivers, Torx drivers, square, ecx, flat, Phillips and pozi drivers. I also have more in my tool chest

Welcome to the forum!

  Nice. Easy to get hooked on them.  [smile]

Seth