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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: cmadrid on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:06:31

Title: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:06:31
I've been planning on picking up a new screwdriver set.. any recommendations?  I want one mostly for PC hardware and keyboard stuff when I finally build one.

I was considering the set below, but I'm open to suggestions

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PJ3IYE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:23:14
I've got a set like this - http://www.ebuyer.com/366059-xenta-30-piece-precision-toolkit-ht0279

The one I've got has a smaller drive as well for precision stuff, I will take a picture when I get home. But if I were you, I would get ones with weird and wonderful attachments for every eventuality :)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: DrHubblePhD on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:23:46
the Ifixit kits are really nice, I use mine almost every day  :thumb:
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: The_Beast on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:26:04
I'm a big fan of wiha and knipex tools if you want to invest.

I will say the $3 set of precision screwdrivers I have have been doing good for the past 2 years I've had them.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sat, 21 February 2015, 22:55:16
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-screwdriver/
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Melvang on Sat, 21 February 2015, 23:08:12
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/cushion-grip-screwdriver-sets/4-piece-mini-cushion-grip-screwdriver-set

This is the set I use.  Not one complaint.

Edit:  I am seriously considering this set though.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electronics/4-piece-electronics-screwdriver-set
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: The Mad Professor on Sat, 21 February 2015, 23:24:35
I have this set:

http://olympiatools.com/product_info.php?products_id=4999

It pretty much serves all my PC building needs as well as provides smaller bits for more precision work such as with eyeglasses.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: jacobolus on Sun, 22 February 2015, 03:28:55
the Ifixit kits are really nice, I use mine almost every day  :thumb:
They should work fine for occasional use. Wiha tools are going to take a lot more abuse though. I had a couple friends who were repair technicians who shredded their way through ifixit screwdrivers with amazing speed.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 22 February 2015, 03:57:32
I recommend sake instead of champagne, it's a more interesting take on a screwdriver.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: superbia on Sun, 22 February 2015, 07:47:22
I dont like to be cheap with hand tools :)
(http://www.stewartallen.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screwdrivers_side.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9XZFO
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 22 February 2015, 08:10:55
That looks really nice superbia, but a bit out of my price range!  Seems like the set I linked 'should' be pretty good tho.  At least to get started ;)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: superbia on Sun, 22 February 2015, 09:02:17
That looks really nice superbia, but a bit out of my price range!  Seems like the set I linked 'should' be pretty good tho.  At least to get started ;)

You can order just the ones you need... like 5-10 pieces
And trust me, i dont like swapping those bits :)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 22 February 2015, 13:57:52
I'm confused... Which of the 3 brands mentioned here are you guys saying is "the best" ?
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 22 February 2015, 14:14:10
I'm pretty sure Melvang likes Klein because.. Murica?   I'm not saying they are bad tools or anything, I just remember him saying something about always Murica somewhere else
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Melvang on Sun, 22 February 2015, 15:13:08
I'm pretty sure Melvang likes Klein because.. Murica?   I'm not saying they are bad tools or anything, I just remember him saying something about always Murica somewhere else

They are US made, and there is a dealer in town that carries Klein on the shelf.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 22 February 2015, 15:17:06
Is there a particular reason one of these brands is better?

Is one "m0re" hardened ?   it's all carbon steel right ?
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 22 February 2015, 15:53:04
I'm pretty sure Melvang likes Klein because.. Murica?   I'm not saying they are bad tools or anything, I just remember him saying something about always Murica somewhere else

They are US made, and there is a dealer in town that carries Klein on the shelf.

Being able to pick them up off the shelf and check them out IRL is always nice!
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 22 February 2015, 16:05:32
Does Klein have much in the way of 'precision' screwdrivers for tiny screws?
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 22 February 2015, 16:15:03
now .. they don't post specs on the hardness of their screw drivers..

How do we even know what hardness screw drivers should be..

Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 22 February 2015, 16:18:33
I have done a lot of googling, but haven't found any hard numbers.. just a large majority of Wiha preference
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 22 February 2015, 16:22:31
I have done a lot of googling, but haven't found any hard numbers.. just a large majority of Wiha preference

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/5c745924.gif)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: phoenix1234 on Mon, 23 February 2015, 03:58:47
Any screwdriver with tempered high carbon steel should be useful.
The next important factor is their precision level.
There are many good manufacturers out there, I believe. I think Wiha did public their bit hardness.
http://www.wiha.com/en/bit-selection-guide
It is usually about 61-63 HRC which is over-killed for most of our DIY applications, even the professional ones.
Anyway, the OP already did come up with a great compact set :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PJ3IYE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DERIt is a good choice. So I would vote for it although I prefer using the right tools for the right jobs and there are many cheaper solutions, like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-66-052-6-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B00009OYGV
or this one from Taiwan
http://www.taiwantrade.com.tw/EP/sellery/products-detail/en_US/829617/SELLERY_6PCS_PRECISION_SCREWDRIVER__SCREWDRIVER__SCREWDRIVER_SET/
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Novus on Mon, 23 February 2015, 04:23:07
I recommend a sonic screw driver
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: azhdar on Mon, 23 February 2015, 04:29:00
I'd pick Facom, but not sure if they sell outside of France.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Mon, 23 February 2015, 09:29:03
I recommend a sonic screw driver

I wish..
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 23 February 2015, 09:34:28
I have done a lot of googling, but haven't found any hard numbers.. just a large majority of Wiha preference

While I don't have much experience with Wiha, they do seem to be fairly well regarded here.  For the most part you won't really find published hardness numbers.  About the only time you will see something like that across most brands is if a driver tip is impact rated.  And for the stuff we do, that is a moot point.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Mon, 23 February 2015, 09:56:26
I have done a lot of googling, but haven't found any hard numbers.. just a large majority of Wiha preference

While I don't have much experience with Wiha, they do seem to be fairly well regarded here.  For the most part you won't really find published hardness numbers.  About the only time you will see something like that across most brands is if a driver tip is impact rated.  And for the stuff we do, that is a moot point.

Wait, you don't jump off the roof screw driver first to insert your driver in to the screw? :o
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 23 February 2015, 10:25:13
I have done a lot of googling, but haven't found any hard numbers.. just a large majority of Wiha preference

While I don't have much experience with Wiha, they do seem to be fairly well regarded here.  For the most part you won't really find published hardness numbers.  About the only time you will see something like that across most brands is if a driver tip is impact rated.  And for the stuff we do, that is a moot point.

Wait, you don't jump off the roof screw driver first to insert your driver in to the screw? :o

No no no, by impact rated I mean for use in something like this. (http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-impact-driverswrenches-impact-drivers-dcf886b.aspx)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: cmadrid on Mon, 23 February 2015, 10:25:55
Ah, I don't even know what that is.. I might not even be qualified to use normal screwdrivers, lol
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 23 February 2015, 10:27:22
Ah, I don't even know what that is.. I might not even be qualified to use normal screwdrivers, lol

Essentially it is a powered screwdriver with an internal hammering mechinism that allows you to get much higher torque without having to actually hold back that much torque.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 23 February 2015, 11:06:51
Ah, I don't even know what that is.. I might not even be qualified to use normal screwdrivers, lol

Essentially it is a powered screwdriver with an internal hammering mechinism that allows you to get much higher torque without having to actually hold back that much torque.

Think.. Screwdriver + crack cocaine..
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: paicrai on Mon, 23 February 2015, 14:04:03
obviously this one
(http://www.geekalerts.com/u/sonic-screwdriver-11th-doctor.jpg)
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: smknjoe on Mon, 23 February 2015, 14:27:01
Craftsman or Klein are all I use. They are easy to find on the shelf everywhere in the US, have a lifetime warranty, and are reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: TacticalCoder on Wed, 25 February 2015, 08:07:33
I'm into Facom.  They're owned by Stanley now (just as many brands are actually owned by Stanley).
Title: Re: Screwdriver recommendations?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Wed, 25 February 2015, 08:26:47
As a meachic who abuses* his tools (well, the company's tools) on a daily basis:
Get Wiha for screwdrivers or bits, and Stahlwille for wrenches or ratchets...

* For example pulling a 42mm combi wrench with ~80000N by using a crane because that damn bolt won't get loose