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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!

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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[–] • 1 pt

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.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

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!