Screwdriver brand recommendation | Poal: Say what you want.

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I'm assembling a set of hand tools for my son in law. No, that's a lie - they're primarily for my daughter. My son in law is a manager and has zero use for tools - just spends money they don't have when something breaks. My daughter is the brains of the outfit - manages the money and fixes shit when and where she can. So anyway, I've been buying good used tools at estate sales for them, but there's seldom a decent screwdriver to be seen - let alone a set of 5 or 6. So I figure I'll just buy those new. I bought Snap-On screwdrivers for myself in high school based on the cool factor and the fact their handles were the best around at the time. Well that and the tool rep would accept time payments directly from my service station job. They've held up very well, but I now know better.

So can some of you who actually work with their hands recommend a good screwdriver brand based on strength, durability, ergonomics and price? Figure a cordless drill/driver isn't in the cards for them just yet - if ever. Thanks!

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I read Screwdriver band recommendation. Poal is getting to me.

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I post in a bit, and figured someone will just assume this is booze related and post their mixology recipe.

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This brings back memories. They told me I looked like I listened to screwdriver back in the day.

The real answer is that you should give what is yours to your progeny. You can't take it you your grave even if you are Chosen. Buy some new tools that do what you need them to.

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I'm not that old, and I'm still using my Snap-Ons! Besides, my son gets them when I'm done with them.

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LOL same here.

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I bought a set from SK four years ago and give them a solid thumbs down. I don't have access to the Matco or Mac trucks anymore, and I remembered some SK tools my father had that lasted forever so I ordered them direct. Great disappointment and now the company sold to the Chinese. Another great American brand gone.

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Too bad - I've got some solid old SK tools too. Sad what's become of the American industrial manufacturing might.

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When in doubt I usually just buy something form klein. They seem to hold up well enough.

It will depend on how much you use them, like everything else. I don't think I have stripped one out (yet). For the price they seem ok. I too would like to see what others post though.

[Edit] I do have some old hand-me-down's from my father that seem like you can't kill them if you try. If I can find one in my tool box ill post back with the brand. I can't for the life of me remember it right now but they use a yellow/honey kind of color resin with black rubber grip for the handle.

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Sounds like Craftsman to me, I have some that are like what you are describing. My dad gave them to me decades ago, still using them.

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It could be, I'm not able to get to my toolbox for a few more hours but when I can ill see if I can fish one out. They are damn near bullet proof. I buy other stuff since I don't use it that much and they do the job.

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I buy German Wiha for small stuff.

Not many USA brands left for big stuff, Channellock still makes some here as does Pratt and Read. I have both, both are of reasonable quality.

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Wiha handles look good!

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I don't know how their large stuff is, but the precision stuff is about as good as you're going to get for daily drivers.

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Wera for bad assedness. But they are screwdrivers, Dewalt, craftsman, rigid, cobalt will all work fine for light home useage. Hell, I even bought some Hart from Walmart once in a pinch and they have been just fine.

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Damn - I try to avoid Wallyworld like the plague, but sometime you just have to do it.

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Check out project farm on YouTube. He tests all kinds of hand tools including screwdrivers. Some of the tests probably won't apply to typical use cases but there's usually a chart that lets you filter the results and gives you the best one.

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I've seen him before and tried to search for him earlier, but to no avail. Just finished watching his screwdriver segment after you named his channel, and had to laugh - Craftsman came out on top. Coincidentally I bought a 7 piece Craftsman set yesterday!

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I've gotten two Kobalt kits. 1 for work and home. I prefer the acrylic handled ones, but my grandfather used to have tons of Craftsman ones like them so I'm biased towards them. Red are slotted, blue are Philips. The work set is just plastic handles, but they fit my hands well enough.

The metal on either is hard and durable...as I may use them are prydrivers on occasion. I also go through more screws from camming them out. I've had both sets several years now, so this all may be mute.

I wouldn't go crazy expensive, get something you think is good enough. They're hand tools made in 2025...they might last until 2035.

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I wouldn't go crazy expensive, get something you think is good enough

Yep, that's the plan. Thinking off the shelf at the big box store, but looking at some of the German ones maybe for myself. I've got screwdrivers out the wazoo from myself, my dad and grandpa too, but most have seen better days. I hang onto them out of nostalgia mostly, but have been sending more and more of them to the garbage lately if they don't pass muster when I grab one randomly for the task at hand. Strangely my very best screwdriver is a circa 1970s Stanley flathead with acrylic handle and 8mm tip. It has held up so well the tip still looks almost new. By comparison my 1970s SnapOn screwdrivers look worn.

Thanks for the input!