Wera Screwdrivers -- length, differences, and such ?

[semenza]

I have been checking out some Wera screwdrivers both online and in the printed catalog. Plan to try a few. I have some specific questions for those that use them.

    I noticed on the the Series 300 (and some others) that the T15 blade length is only 80mm. At just a touch over 3" it seems quite short to me for a drive size that covers such a broad range of screw sizes in the middle of the field. #6 and #8 screws in all lengths. Has anyone found this to be and issue? Or the handle size to be lacking when used for longer screws?
   
    On the torx with Holding Feature it is described as a force fit. How well does this work? Is it a problem fitting it into screws with a coating?

I probably have more questions to come .....

Seth
 

 

[bobfog]

T15 is more common as a bolt/machine screw size for going into tapped holes. Therefore the extra torque of a longer blade is not needed for this application as T15 is quite a small size. For screwing into timber I would think too long a blade would apply too much torque and either strip the head or apply enough torque to shear the head in harder materials.

 

[semenza]

T15 is more common as a bolt/machine screw size for going into tapped holes. Therefore the extra torque of a longer blade is not needed for this application as T15 is quite a small size. For screwing into timber I would think too long a blade would apply too much torque and either strip the head or apply enough torque to shear the head in harder materials.

  I hadn't thought about as a machine screw size although that is definitely common. So that makes sense that a shorter length would be good for that. For wood screws though it is very common with some brands such as GRK. All of their #6 and #8 (regular type head) screws are T15.  I would think that the handle size would effect torque more than blade length and actually I think that a shorter blade would transmit with less energy loss than a longer one.

  I was thinking just in terms of blade length related to using it for screws in general woodworking applications. It just seems like it would be short for that. EX - when having second hand on the blade to guide or steady the driver. But it could be that it is better. Not having used a screwdriver with less than a 4" blade on any regular basis. I don't know ..... just looking for thoughts on it.

  The more disappointing one though is the ball end torx being that short. I know that pocket holes would not have been the intended use but if it was longer it would be great for that. I frequently will test the first row that I put in with a power driver to make sure I have a good clutch setting. Or on occasion adjust the tightness of one, etc. The ball end would make it easy to engage the deeply recessed screw head. But at 80mm the handle would be right up close to the work piece probably defeating the purpose compared to a longer driver.

Seth

 

[bobfog]

You are right on transmission and handle size, however...

Based on trigonometry, the longer the screwdriver the further you can move the handle away from the central axis, whilst still maintaining the same relative angle and the head not camming out. This then enables you to apply more mechanical advantage, i.e. torque, to the screw by rotating the screwdriver in a slight elliptical arc, as opposed to rotated more closely around the central axis of the screw.

 

[antss]

Seth - my experience has been that torx t-20 is more common for #8 screws.  The GRK and Spax  that I have on hand are both T-20 for size #8.  Starting with #9 , my GRK goes to T-25.

Might also be interesting that FastCap has gone to T-20 recently for their cabinet install screws instead of robertson/sq. drive.

 

[semenza]

Seth - my experience has been that torx t-20 is more common for #8 screws.  The GRK and Spax  that I have on hand are both T-20 for size #8.  Starting with #9 , my GRK goes to T-25.

Might also be interesting that FastCap has gone to T-20 recently for their cabinet install screws instead of robertson/sq. drive.

That's interesting that you have GRK #8 in T20. All of them in the USA, including the 1,000's in a range of sizes,  that I have are all T15. And T25 for #9 & #10 .

In both R4 and Cabinet types. The Trim head are T10 in #8.

Seth

 

[semenza]

   
    On the Wera torx with Holding Feature it is described as a precise geometry which I am reading as a force fit. How well does this work? Is it a problem fitting it into screws with a coating?

Seth

 

[antss]

I've got some of those GRK trim screws with T-10 too.

I'll double check at the office tomorrow on the GRK bins I've got there.  The Spax are definitely T-20 , I keep those everywhere.

 

[antss]

Ok, so I checked my stock and I have T-20 , #8s in GRK boxes.

HOWEVER - they aren't GRK screws  . The original ones are T-15s -  I must have put in spax brand ones at some point.

This brings up an interesting point raised by a few here. What's standard or common?

Seth says, T-15 ; I say T-20 ; and I had a look at a supplier today , and their two brands of #8s both had T-25 heads .  : : :. So it would seem there is no standard. 

I prefer T-20 as it is more common for more of the fasteners I normally want to use for cabinetry and on the German appliances we typically specify.  I can see where T20 might be a bit wimpy for framers or deck guys working hard all day.  I just can't remember the last time I ran across something with a T15, which is prob. why I re appropriated the GRK boxes to hold screws with T20 heads.

I guess "common" all boils down to what's available at your local supplier.

 

[JUDOKA]

Hi Seth,
Been using this set for 4 years now.
Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 RA Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, 17-Piece.
Part No.05051041001
Very happy with it,you can get replacement blades by Wera  or longer blades from other manufacturers as it is 1/4 inch drive.
Ratchet function is key for me.
Also I own other sets by this company and some individual screwdrivers too.
Regards
Goran

 

[semenza]

Ok, so I checked my stock and I have T-20 , #8s in GRK boxes.

HOWEVER - they aren't GRK screws  . The original ones are T-15s -  I must have put in spax brand ones at some point.

This brings up an interesting point raised by a few here. What's standard or common?

Seth says, T-15 ; I say T-20 ; and I had a look at a supplier today , and their two brands of #8s both had T-25 heads .  : : :. So it would seem there is no standard. 

I prefer T-20 as it is more common for more of the fasteners I normally want to use for cabinetry and on the German appliances we typically specify.  I can see where T20 might be a bit wimpy for framers or deck guys working hard all day.  I just can't remember the last time I ran across something with a T15, which is prob. why I re appropriated the GRK boxes to hold screws with T20 heads.

I guess "common" all boils down to what's available at your local supplier.

    Yes, I think it is what is common by brand.  I have noticed that compared to some other brands that GRK #8s have a slightly smaller head diameter. So maybe that is the reason for the T15.

    Yeah, the T25 is probably better for deck building. And I have noticed that other screws oriented toward that market seem to have T25. And even GRK is T25 starting at #9. The GRK #9 are commonly available in big boxes here in sizes that would be used for decks.

Seth

 

[semenza]

Hi Seth,
Been using this set for 4 years now.
Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 RA Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, 17-Piece.
Part No.05051041001
Very happy with it,you can get replacement blades by Wera  or longer blades from other manufacturers as it is 1/4 inch drive.
Ratchet function is key for me.
Also I own other sets by this company and some individual screwdrivers too.
Regards
Goran

  Thanks, for the info.  I was looking at that set.

I have ordered a few Wera in a variety of types and bits to try out.

Seth

 

[semenza]

  I have been trying out this Wera TX15 Ball End Torx driver.  Though the length is shorter and handle size smaller than what I am accustomed to for driving larger size screws it works very well.  Even at the shorter length it is excellent for use in pocket  holes for hand driving pocket hole screws, checking how tight they are , or making adjustments. The ball end allows for a pretty steep angle and helps find the screw head recess hidden in the pocket hole.

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Seth