Thread: Screwdriver advice

Wiha (made in Germany) will not have JIS markings but correct for Japanese made.

Get screwdrivers with longer shafts. These are more precise to use and more powerful because easier to keep on centre with the screw.

And don't be lazy, take your time to pick the right driver for a screw.

I get my wiha and various other bits and pieces from https://www.screwfix.com/

my full wiha set was 14.99 on special. Have a look there and see how much we get ripped off here....

I get mum to buy it back home and post it over, even then it's a fraction of the NZ price.

I have a full Brownells set that was presented to me by Bob Brownell when I visited in the mid '80's. I have broken a few bits as they are quite brittle when ground to suit the narrow slots on English shotguns, but I have never had the gall to ask for replacements on a gift! Any good quality drivers from respectable makers are fine. Take care when hollow grinding to not overheat the tip (changing colour) and quench frequently.

Posters here have given a wide range of excellent advice on some good options and without doubt there are some excellent products out there. I'm going the other direction:

Don't buy Snap-On or Blue-point screwdrivers or tips. They're shit.

Don't get me wrong, their magnetic screwdrivers and ratcheting screwdrivers that take 1/4 inch tips are outstanding and I have a couple which have given years of outstanding service, but the replaceable tips themselves are crap. Likewise their "fixed" screwdrivers are also shit and wear out waaaaay too fast. Best of all (!) you pay top dollar for them. I can't tell you how many tips I've broken or worn out. As a result I can tell you just about any tips except those made by Snap-On will give great service.

This is not a Snap-On bashing post... I love their gear and I have far too much of it, its just a statement regarding their screwdrivers. They're generally shit.