Screwdrivers Top 5 Need to Know Before You Buy

Here are my Top 5 questions to ask yourself before you buy your next screwdriver set.

If you don't actually watch the video here are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Something as so often, we buy something, sure that we “need” it, only to find that it’s not really something that we use again, or that we truly need.

Before you buy something, it’s a good idea to ascertain that you actually need it, and that it fits in with your long-term financial priorities.

Before you buy something that you “need,” take a step back and determine whether you really should buy that item.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself — answer honestly:

1. Can I Really Afford It?
First, you need to determine if you really have the money for the item. Can you truly afford it? You need to make sure that the purchase isn’t going to land you in debt. Additionally, you don’t want the money you spend on this item to detract from something else you might want to buy — or something that you truly do need. Make sure that the item is actually affordable before you buy.

2. What Will I Do With It?
What are your plans for the purchase? Really think about what it will accomplish in your life. Will you be able to forward a specific goal you have? Will using the item contribute to your overall quality of life? Really think about your plans for the item, and consider a realistic plan for its use.

3. How Often Will I Use It?
Next, determine how often you will use the item. If you are buying something that you are unlikely to use more than once or twice, it doesn’t often make sense to complete the purchase. There are other ways you can get what you need for a one-time use.

Be honest about how often you are likely to use something.

4. Do I Really Even Want It?
Figure out why you want to make that purchase. Examine your motives. If you are making a purchase primarily because you think you “should” have it, and not because you actually want it, or you believe it will make your life better, then reconsider.

5. Can I Borrow It?
If the item is something you won’t use much, and something that you don’t particularly care to own, it might be worth it to borrow it. If you can borrow something, it doesn’t make sense to buy it — especially if you can borrow it for free. Heck even buy something at Harbor Freight and see if they have a free screwdriver coupon.

[johnnewcomb]

As a mechanic, I'm not overly picky about screwdrivers but I highly recommend getting some with the square at the base of the shaft to put a wrench on.

[charlieretherford]

The tip hardness is very important to last over time without stripping screws out after a year or 2

[owenbearden]

Vessel makes super nice screwdrivers. That Japanese quality is next level

[markadams]

Great review, Ty. I think your list of 5 is very helpful. My #1 is where the tool was made ("made in the USA" weighs in best for me to purchase). Wish I could look inside that Olsa Tools diamond tip box.

[msclecarcrzy]

I'm in the commercial HVAC industry and I have used Klein screwdrivers for years. I have some that are 20 yrs old and still work great. Before I bought them I was using craftsman but one day the tip twisted on me so I went out and bought the Klein. You can get a nice set at home depot for around $50. Not cheap but they hold up and are American made!

[Homepros]

I have SK and Vaco screwdrivers for over 30 years and all the tips are still good.

[btrswt]

Black oxide shafts sound like more of cost cutting attempt than any sort of advantage.

The two biggest factors in my opinion is the functionality/comfort of the grip and more importantly the shape and durability of the tip. Everything else is tertiary or further down the list.

[upsidedowndog]

The example of SO shown hasn't been sold in around 30 years. I bought my next gen SO set 28 years ago, best $125 screwdriver set I ever seen!

[camrsr]

Good stuff!
In my travels, I have learned that black painted tools can disappear forever only inches away from you. lol

[fredcailloux]

PBSwiss make the best one, Wera is another good brand and some like their grip over anything outhere, Tekton is now making similar style grip they call "High torque" I never try them but Wera fan may like them. I still own two 15 years old full set of Craftman confort grip who look very similar to the Gearwrench of today, they share a drawer with my Wiha soft grip (I have 3 set /32 screwdriver) and my hands feel at home with both of them. Getting what's feeling good is the goal, From expensive to affordable there is alway's a gem waiting for you to be find.

[andysteele]

Don't tell anyone, but I like the pitsburg screwdrivers. You get a ton of torque with those thick rubbery handles and if you have to pry or hammer, they hold up pretty well and if they break, its like a dollar to get a new one.

[charleyandres]

No magnetic tips!😂 being a metal fab/automotive shop the magnetic tips on my screwdrivers are ALWAYS covered in metal shavings.

[jeremyjohnson]

I love Kleins and husky screwdrivers aren’t bad for a lot of what I do but my favorite screwdrivers I’ve ever used are the Felo wood handle ones. They have grip all the time (as long as you sand off the varnish) nicely fitting tips, full tang, and have a hex for more leverage. They’re not too expensive either.

[jackhammer]

Tip hardness and fit are most important to me. After that how it feels in the hand. My favorite is 1. felo wood handle, 2. witte, 3. lennox 6 in 1, and 4. klein 11 in 1.

[davidbalasco]

One personal dislike of the Gearwrench screwdrivers is that they all have different size handles. Also, they have a painted finish on the metal, instead of a durable black oxide or polished chrome finish. Trying something new, I have been using Milwaukee's comfort grip handle set for a couple of months with no issues.

[davidmiller]

That dole product is gold, considering that the same tool makers made mac tools, same quality at an affordable price

[patrickmclain]

Good point Charlie. My biggest point is longevity, for this point I go to flea markets and look for older Western Forge Craftsman screwdrivers, why? because thier as close to "bullit proof" as you can get. I have used older craftsman screwdrivers as chisles and pry bars, not something i'm proud of but as a long standing mechanic, I must admit to it.

[rds]

If you like Snap On hard handles, I’d recommend the Williams brand, made in USA by Snap On just without the warranty for half the price. Also the German Wera brand has a great handle their Chissel drivers are very reinforced.

[dmar]

I dislike the square shafts. In tight places they can mar nearby surfaces when turned - like a fat, dull planer blade. Do like the bolsters just as an option (for the two times I’ve ever used them). By looking at all the options, I’m realizing that I will likely reach for another trick tool if I need more torque and a #2 Phillips. Like an impact driver, and screw knocker, or speed handle with a #2 bit.
No perfect set out there which is why we have a whole drawer dedicated to screwdrivers!

[oldguy]

Having spent some 40+ years in the automotive trade, I've had different brands of tools including different brands of screwdrivers. Snap On (solid handle), SK, Mac, Wera, Felo, Klein, Vermont American and others are in my work box.

But, sadly, the brand/model of screwdriver I prefer, isn't made any more; Stanley Workmaster. I still have a few of these that are over 40 years old and still work well. They were made with Boron steel shafts and we're the top of the Stanley line of hand tools back in the day.

If they offered them again and made them like they did in the early '70's, i'd buy another set of these in a heartbeat. If you see them at garage sales and the like, they can often be bought for next to nothing. Mine have stood the test of time and won't trade them even for a new set of Snap On ones.