Do you need expensive screwdrivers? No, but technically you don’t NEED an expensive tool box, or half the things we have - they just make life easier and more enjoyable...
The Wera ratcheting screwdriver is amazing I threw my Snap On to my buddy and have never looked back. Its pop top is so much easier and quicker and the bits hold everything and never wear out... Some gr8 tools. I love my Wera ratchets and chiseldriver screwdriver set also. take a kicken and keep on ticken...
Totally agree with you on the Vessel JIS! I bought it when you recommended it last time. IT IS AWESOME. Have to admit that I didn’t even know about JIS until you brought it up. Now I know why a #2 Phillips didn’t work worth a crap on Toyotas.
IMO a quality properly fitted phillips head set is a must have for corroded or soft (cheap) screws. The ones that a screw gun or cheap drivers will strip out.
I use a Milwaukee screw gun and supplied bits and rarely ever have screws strip out. If they do it's because I thought I can get away with hitting an already stripped screw.
It’s well worth having a JIS 2 screwdriver if you work on Japanese cars as generally JIS screws are what they use. JIS is slightly different to Phillips. Google it if you don’t know, many don’t. Those Vessel ones are good!
That's a realistic assessment. I've got to admit, I do like the Snap-On Instinct handles, but not enough to buy a whole set of them. If I was a pro mechanic using them all day every day, I might just do that. And the Vessel JIS screwdrivers are very nice - anyone who works on a lot of Japanese stuff, whether it's cars, motorbikes or bicycle components, is going to appreciate them.
I personally love the snapon screwdrivers. I'll use them on some air cleaners. Especially the chevy 5.3's that use the #3 phillips. The lower screws can be annoying to get to with a gun. My snapon rep comes by very often and I absue them. BUT... I only bought the #2 phillips off him. Every single other one I've found at a pawn shop for super cheap. :D
When I started out in 2005 I bought a set of Matco screwdrivers for $117.00. I was working at a Rolls-Royce Bentley dealer and I only use them on Interiors so as to not to get the leather and carpets dirty... they still look like brand new because I just could never bring myself to bash on a set of screwdrivers that cost that much.
cptdavidwebb nice! May I ask how did you get hired at a Bentley dealer? I tried applying to a couple of high end dealers but nothing. It seems I may have to start all over to learn their method of work if I do get hired being that I come from an independent shop. Any info is greatly appreciated,Thanks!
@@sscollantes63 I just walked in off the street, resume in hand and talked to the service manager, told him I would show up ON TIME, EVERYDAY and then I started at the bottom. Without a fancy diploma from an expensive School, just four classes from a community college under the Ford acert program. I probably should mention that before that, I spent 6 years in the Coast Guard as a helicopter mechanic tearing apart jet engines and gearboxes. Didn't help me much on cars, but it looks good on a resume.
I am in the powersports industry, and we still see a lot of Phillips head screws and bolts that require quite a bit of torque to break loose. So, in my industry they are a NEED. Snap On and Matco screw drivers grip screws and bolts much better than a low quality screwdriver.
Anyone working on any Japanese stuff needs a JIS screwdriver and it will work better and last longer and will have a lot less damaged screws. The tool trucks don’t even sell these.
I have the snap on screwdrivers because I don't like the thought of all my high end premium tools having to share a drawer with something from home depot 😁
Haha that's me but with anything offshore made except Japanese or German made tools they get the same treatment and privlage as my US made tools Chinese and Taiwanese made tools get the 3rd class treatment they get passed around like a village bicycle everyone gets a ride
I’ve used the old black and gold craftsman professional for almost two decades. I don’t use them for pry bars anymore, since I have proper sized pry bars now and they’ve lasted forever. I have hundreds of screwdrivers. Vessel makes excellent impact screwdrivers, they also made the craftsman ones in regular flat head and #2 Phillips. I have the really long cabinet screwdrivers from snap on, but I bought them used. If I hadn’t bought them used I’d still have HFT extra long screwdrivers...
I have a set of Mac drivers that are at least 20 years old , still haven't worn them out , cause they never come out of my box , I also love the vessel it's a Honda necessity
A good screwdriver is a must; I'm still using my Stanley Workmaster screw drivers from the '70's. You're right you don't have to purchase tool truck one's, but, a really cheap screwdriver tip can twist or damage the screw.
As an Electrician (26 years), I have never used a "Tool Truck" brand such as Snap On, SK, Cornwell, MAC Tools, or MATCO screw driver in my life but I can attest that the 100% made in U.S.A. screw driver made by Klein Tools is hands down the very best industrial grade screw driver out there. I would estimate that 90% of electricians, cable technicians, HVAC guys and plumbers all use Klein screw drivers. Made with high grade U.S. Steel and perfect mechine heads, they fit electrical terminal screws perfect. Whereas brands like Kobalt, Craftsman, Irwin, DeWalt and Milwaukee have fatter tips that don't fit electrical terminals as good. ((((maybe Electrician's tools vs Mechanic's tools might make a good video. Kinda like "Who has better tools? Your Auto Mechanic or your Electrician" ...that could make for an interesting video since several of the tools are the same ( that might end up being a Snap On vs Klein video)
I’ve learned that cheaper doesn’t mean less expensive. I bought several screwdriver from brands such as Pittsburgh, Craftsman, Gearwrench, Milwaukee, and Kobalt. I probably spent the same amount on those together as my snap on screwdriver set. Yes they were under warranty but the point of it is to not have to use it.
I’m a firm believer in snap on screwdrivers. I’ve had many stripped screws none of my cheaper screwdrivers or impact driver would get out.. snap on got them right out.
I have had brand new snap on phillips screw drivers break the tips off the screw driver on a almost new screw.Three times.Why I get craftsman screw drivers.Never have broken a tip yet.Also that impact rated phillips screw driver you have.I tried the craftsman version.I love that thing.That is my go to screw driver for most anything. Years ago a friend who is a die hard Snap on guy told me don`t waste my money on snap on screw drivers. He always bought craftsman...Keep up the great videos
So true flat rate master I have all the sets of the new mac line and the only reason is for getting various snap rings out of transmissions during overhauls plus the colors are correct red and black 😀😀
You brought up good points. The only professional screwdrivers I've used are '90s era Snap On. The handles are very comfortable but the tips start to wear out after just a few uses. The JIS is the one to own, but I can't seem to find it in magnetic bits, S wrenches, etc., only the standard handled driver is really available.
Cornwell screw drivers 10 piece set on promo 80 bucks. Torx screw drivers T5 to a T30 on promo 50 bucks! And I use my torx I’d say daily! Best investment I’d say I’ve made.
I disagree. I find my Snap On #1 #2 and #3 screwdrivers are great for super tight screws.but I bought those individually on eBay. You're right about flat head screwdrivers though I use the free ones from Harbor Freight
I used Craftsman screw drivers whenI was younger and every other weekend I was at Sears getting a replacements. Then, I bought a set of Snap-on screwdrivers 35 years ago and still have them today. The bits have been changed but I did not have to buy another set.
💯% agree! You don’t need to buy tool truck screw drivers. Home Depot was a decent Milwaukee Screwdriver Set (8-Piece) for $20 that would match that impact gun and then add the Milwaukee Demo Screwdriver Drivers with Steel Caps (2-Piece) for another $10. Then pick up some other store brand set that you can abuse and swap as needed. The Vessel NO.980 +2X150 and NO.980 +3X150 are a must have item for working on Japanese Motorcycles.
That impacting screwdriver is pretty cool, I used to work at Honda and we all used one of those air hammer driven bit drivers that you twist with a wrench for the brake rotor screws. That seems less cumbersome though if it works well.
I think the best screwdrivers for a decent price is actually the Carlyle tools Screwdrivers you can get from Napa great handles been using them almost a year and love them so much better fit in screws compared two my other screwdrivers I had which was duralast and Pittsburgh the duralast we're decent but the handles kinda suck
If anyone is considering the torx screwdrivers, just get the T handle set Snap On sells instead. The interior of my porsche uses a lot of torx screws and the t handle is perfect for it.
A good Phillips tip is night and day compared to a bad one. Lifetime warranty on flat heads is a must and really for Phillips too once the tip wear out.
I agree 100%.. we are the exception I think. Japanese atvs and bikes are littered with Phillips screws. I do have 3 snap on screwdrivers and all are Phillips. I absolutely love mine. The next set I really love is a kobalt soft grip set. I've read they are basically a Matco screwdriver..
@@blakerblaker2550 that's a fact lol...I may be crazy but I swear the snap on Phillips I have will pop carb bowl screws like its nothing. They just seem to bite better. Work on a early Yamaha and I guarantee you'd appreciate a good screwdriver lol. There's a damn 5 gallon bucket of Phillips screws in those
I agree with using the Vessel. The reason being is, on Japanese products, they aren't Philips screws. They are JIS, (Japanese Industry Standard) Vessel are JIS.
Lmfao! I was just looking at my old worn out screwdriver sets and when you said to hold a rotor I lost it hahahahah that's all I seem to use them for hahaha
I use screwdrivers to take the screws out of door panels and I work at a shop with a strict policy of no power or air tools on the interior of cars and also I work on a lot of old things with the flat head screws you can't take out with a socket
I have one matco set I guess I really didn’t need to spend the money but fudge it I got em and there nice probably the last set I’ll ever need unless I lose one
I have a Mac tools impact screwdriver set from my days on big trucks. Still use it for brake rotors to get the lock screw loose. I kindly put anti seize on the screw when I torque it back down snug. As far as screwdrivers well I have my Cornwell and Mac set from 25+ yrs ago and have a Snap On hi vis green set from a few years ago. The snap on set was free along with 2 heavy snap on hooded coats, 1 nice and 1 for working outside when cold so it can get dirty. I also received gloves and other discounted tools one day because my snap on dealer was broke down at his customers shop after delivering a box. Air dryer went out so I came and got the old one removed, picked up parts for him with his card of course and saved him a tow truck and repair bill that day. Yes he lost the back half of the day on his route but he saved a lot of $$$ and I got some screwdrivers I wouldn't have bought otherwise except had I seen the color prior to it. Yes I'm hooked to the hi vis green. Now flatratemaster you can use those torx bit drivers in cars. I always hand tighten after snugging up screws with a driver. Better safe than sorry is my theory and if you have someone watching over you back while doing mobile work it shows them you care about their car. It's about customer satisfaction as well. I do it with whatever screwdriver is handy that gets the job done though. I have all kinds of brands, Stanley, Masterforce, craftsman, Mac, Matco, snap on, cornwell, generic and oh did I say generic. You could save that $$$$ and get you a torque screwdriver that snap on has had out for awhile now, few months or better I'd say. There's things more torque sensitive these days anymore it seems.
I like the current Snap-on screwdrivers because they are well-made, look nice and feel good in the hand. I use their biggest flat-blade screwdrivers more for plumbing projects around the house than on my cars. If they fail or wear out, you can rebuild them with new shafts or handles. I haven't spent a fortune on them; I have just the ones I need. I'm a DIYer, so I end up paying full price on the website for them (unless there's a sale on), but they'll last me the rest of my life. I got tired of all the others 30+ years ago; they only had round, 4- or 6-segment handles which were hard plastic and not ergonomic. The triangular handles are comfortable in-hand, won't roll if placed on an incline and the blades fit better in the slotted screws I deal most with. Many of them have a hex bolster for additional grip when you've got a tough fastener to remove; most other brands don't. They're just made right and work well when I need them to. And, if you stay off the damned truck, you won't find yourself in debt.
In a career requiring efficiency everywhere you can save time to maximize your personal worth. Manual screwdrivers have become something of the past where cordless tools that can do the same job have taken their place. That's a really honest video for up and coming techs. Those still have a place but are quickly losing or have already lost most of that place to us... even in truck and transport work where we normally aren't working a flat rate system directly to the tech. I've been in automotive and collision shops as well... they were the first where that change quickly started happening.
Only time I use them is on carburetor bowls and I don't even use them to break the screws loose. Usually do that with a pair of mini pliers and then back the screw out with a screw driver. I have a gear wrench set but could honestly get by with a dollar store set most of the time.
Great info! I've been looking at snap-on screwdrivers for a long time (like 30 years) but when Craftsman sets go on sale for 9.99 you can't beat that even if they ware a bit faster. I did get lucky a found a few snap-on drivers at yard sales and the tips are slightly better "harder/and have like blasted tips for grip on screws.
I like those 2 foot long cabinet flat blade screwdrivers for pushing off coolant hoses so you don't get soaked. They also make it possible so you can challenge your fellow technicians or service writers to a dual. :P
Really depends on the type of mechanical repairs your doing or the type of technician you are. Small engine/atv motorcycle mechanics will flat out admit a top shelf set of screw drivers are a must. Aviation mechanics use the Phillips 90% of the time, so any other driver can be a cheapo. a heavy duty tech that deals with the sheer amount of electrical and small junction boxes and filter housings that are on a highway tractor unit you absolutely need a good set of screw drivers. As a guy that previously was an automotive mechanic I only used a Phillips on a near daily basis and I usually was using it on my manual impact driver to bust screws loose on rotors so I mostly needed high end bits not high end screw drivers. I found I actually needed less tools in my tool cart as an auto tech then I even needed repairing ATVs and motorcycles at honda. But specialty tools I found the HD guys had to spend way more money on then any other trade, as one day your working on a bulldozer in the shop or re sleeving and rebuilding a Kenworth the next day pending on the shop your at.
The newer mac tools screwdriver set is awesome the stubbys have perfect gripping ability for good torque in a stubby thats what sold me 105 for 8 piece set i dont regret it and use.them daily
I use Milwaukee screwdrivers I got them for 25$ set of 8 I use them professionally everyday and I only use the flatheads as small Pry bars I’ve flex them quite a lot. And they are still going strong. Everything else is off the tool truck. I rarely use the others.
When time is a an issue a screw gun is your friend, but I use my screwdrivers tones in my own garage. I feel you get a better feel for what your doing with one, and when it is your own stuff why not be extra careful.
Craftsman work just fine..when your not using a gun most of the time. That being said..I love how Mac screwdrivers feel in the hand..so I bought 2 of em. One number 2 Philips and one flathead.
I use torx screw drivers all the time along with numbers 1 2 and 3 Phillips, I’m a collision repair tech so the life of a screw driver is vastly different. When it comes to doing a over haul on a bumper I’ll agree that an impact and some nice bits are the way to go.
I also bought a set of hi vis green Kobalt screwdrivers that are exactly the same as the Matco set was that year.. Work great. The diamond tipped Craftsman screwdrivers arw really nice for the $ too they really grip well and have a lifetime warranty. When on sale you can get some great deals from sears still, like craftsman branded Nubla USA hammers and lisle tools etc. too bad it looks like it's all about to be over for sears within the next year or so... The no longer have any3rd party high end tools like Wera SK Weha.. All suddenly became sold out last week.. Glad i got all my stuff ordered before...
Mike, thanks for the point of view. I'm gonna follow your advise. I think if I find a screw driver that fits my hand and feels comfortable to me I'm gonna run with it. Thanks from us new guys that are sweating on buying that hi end don't have any money tool. Thanks for telling us about that impact screw driver tool. That you think is a must have. ;)👍👍
Williams tool, before Snap on bought them out Williams made screw drivers for Snappy. The quality and warranties are the same for alot less money. I am an aircraft mechanic but we also work on the airports trucks and equipment. Screwdrivers are important. Cheaper drivers i like are SK, Klein and any with the nut on the base next to the handle for using a wrench for extra leverage.
As others have said, no, you don’t necessarily need them. But they are really nice to have. If you are new to the game and you don’t have a student discount with any of the truck brands I’d recommend going with a middle ground brand like Tekton or Gearwrench. I had a Snap On student discount and I was able to get a great deal on a set of Snap On screwdrivers. Plus my dad has a set thats over 20 years old, and they still work great. But there are some things that you should definitely buy from the trucks, pry bars and picks to name a few. It’s worth the extra $$$
I spent a lot of money on SnapOn screwdrivers when I first started out. I lost most of them. I'm now a big fan of the 7.99 pack of magnetic tip screw drivers at HF. I can break and abuse them and not be sad about it. That Vessel impact screwdriver looks great though. Easier than setting up a bit in my impact driver. Just bought one from Amazon.
I seen a mechanic with green set had by blue set not comfus tools. They feel great don't mind turning screws by hand. I'm an upholstery worker screws are everywhere in my trade. Number 1 tool we use thin ice pic aka pico to line up screw holes.
Spot on totally agree 100% although i have a set of black handle snap on screw drivers from way back when Hindsight is a wonderfull thing keep up the good work
I buy Vessel from the truck here. Cheap but quality. Value of money. Must have if you have to work on Japanese cars or motorcycle, bikes. Snap-on still strip bolt where vessel don’t
Montevallo Mustang You’ve got a legitimate point... to a point. Matco’s German made screwdrivers are my favorite but at $250 a set I can understand some people not buying them. SK offers the lowest priced USA made screwdrivers and they’re still about $100 set. Unfortunately the costs of USA made tools has skyrocketed a lot more than technician wages.
I justed used mine as a scraper to remove I would assume 18 years of oil and grease of my bmw as it was starting to get cocked by the headers and smoke.
I bought a set of Milwaukee screwdrivers at the depot. I figured "Hey, if I destroy 'em, then I'll upgrade." I keep a set of cheap HF screwdrivers around for fun tasks like persuading stuck dust caps, deburring brake lines before flaring (it works), etc. The Milwaukee set barely shows any wear. Those situations where a screw gun isn't going to end well, they haven't failed me yet. Some of the screws have, sure, that's the risk you take with rust. Now, would I love to have an ultra high quality screwdriver for use outside the shop? Sure. But I don't need them...yet.
It is the handle that makes a difference for me... It has to be chemical resistant and decent grip and not slippery when coated with a liquid or grease after being wiped off........has to clean up see what easily.......if it stays a little sticky that's good for just not slick or slippery.
I mostly use a #2 phillips screwdriver more than anything and a couple size nut drivers for the hose clamps. Tekton actually makes a good screwdriver now and pretty darn cheap.
u can buy a set of witte for 70 bucks instead of buying the same from matco for more or buy yourself a set of williams screwdrivers cause they are the same as the plastic handle snapon. they used to make snapon until snapon bought them out but u can buy a set on amazon for 35 bucks or buy it from snap on for 180 for the exact same set except for the name printed and the williams only come in black. the same goes for the ratcheting screw drivers.
YES. Screwdrivers are one of my most broken things, whether it's removing those stuck rotor screws or, uh, totally not prying on something, I break several per year. I have a Wera #3 phillips screwdriver that broke within a few months. Nice tool, but it cost just as much as Snap On and has been sitting there broken for a year now because the warranty isn't nearly as quick/easy.
I enjoy watching your videos as it is so vastly different from industry to industry. Working as an industrial mechanic I got some snap on screwdrivers and don't regret it at all. They have fit better and don't seem to wear out like store brands and when they do the snappy man comes to the plant.
Typically anything plastic that has screws I’m using my impact driver with screw bit but anything that has rust or corrosion usually metal screws in hole I’ll use my snap on set. Could probably get by with lesser brand but I have warrantied about 3 times do I would say they are getting close to paying for themselves and I’ve only had them for about 3 years
Great video thanks brother. I started out with Craftsman screwdrivers. I got my first Snap On flat set in 82 or 83 I still have the set. The most useful set I own is the Mac ratcheting screw driver set. I would have probably went nuts with out it all kinds of bits including security bits and a T handle. I did get another set of Snap On comfort grip Phillips and flat. I got them because I bought a lump sum of tools at a sale. I don't know much about the car and pickup truck industry. I do know that semi trucks and trailers and heavy equipment sockets and impacts. The only time you might need a regular screwdriver would be dashboard. Fuse and breaker box you might even have to get out the precision ones. For the most part ye not necessarily needed much anymore. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother
I agree, I currently have two go to screwdrivers they are the Milwaukee demo screw drivers cost 10$ for Philip and flat I’ve only broken the flat tip because of prying on something I shouldn’t have. Other than that the only other screw driver I reach for is a stubby
I do agree on the straight blade screwdrivers, Philip thou not so much, if I have a philips I can't get out with my screw gun, my Snap on is my first choice, seems like it always gets the job done!!
I spoke with tool truck sales people and their advice for a DIY person like my self is not buy a tool that you only use once or twice or doesn’t make you money. They advise borrowing specialty tools from an auto parts store or from a friend who trusts you with their tools.
personally as a marine technician I switched from husky to snap on because all my husky screwdrivers broke on lower unit drain plugs or corroded screws from the stupid saltwater.
Great video, Good quality screwdrivers for special applications like BMW door handles long torx with thin shafts, other than special needs , have been using power for years.
Good post sir. I'm in a faze were I use bits in a 1/4 inch ratchet and extension. Good screwdrivers are great to have, I do have an old wera #1 Phillips that's really held up well. I bought a 26pc screwdriver set for 20. Bucks on sale at Napa and the torx in it saved my butt and I do have a couple of snap-on I don't have a impact driver, yet. Looking in to it tho
Vessel makes the best screwdriver, not only for JIS, but they work better even on US Phillips screws. Get yourself the P3, P2 long and short and P1 and you are set.
For a body tech standpoint, you 100% need good screwdrivers you use them all the time and cheap ones have bad tips that ruin the screw so. Plus you need torx ones as well for the outer handle of doors.
I enjoy my matco screwdrivers. Was like $180 or $200 for the set. But to be honest i would be fine with just the big flat head and small flat head screwdrivers.
Actually, DIYers (like myself) don't need the full range of sizes in a typical set of Snap-on screwdrivers. I did, however, buy some of the larger flat-blade and Phillips sizes for use around the house and yard. They are primarily used for plumbing projects and random house and yard repairs. Those often require the larger sizes, i.e., those which typically aren't included in a standard set. I like the look and feel of the Instinct handles, which make them comfortable to use. They're also pretty sturdy compared to Sears Craftsman screwdrivers. Craftsman screwdrivers often have square shafts, where the Snap-on screwdrivers have large, round shafts which are significantly stronger and made of better steel, hence the higher cost. JIS screwdrivers are needed when working on Asian-built cars and motorcycles, and fit better on Asian electronics than regular Phillips screwdrivers, so I have a set of those as well.
Only reason I have such a wide array of so many hand drivers and t handles is because of my 4 years spent as an aftermarket 12 volt installer. Screw guns are tempting for dash work etc, but when you're working on a "lot fresh" Lexus installing a dash cam for the dealer so they can sell the car, one slip of the screw gun will ruin a 3000 dollar dash pad, and you end up spending 12 hours to replace it... been there, done that
I have probably 5 sets of snap on screw drivers they are pretty good. I have the higher end red handle Mac tools screw driver and I’ve never broke it. I would buy more of the Mac tools screw drivers but I don’t have a Mac dealer that shows up much.
I can think of one thing I would buy on a tool truck if available. If they made a sized file that would fit squarely into the recesses of the caliper where the stupid stainless clips go that the pads slide in to. To this day I cannot EVER get a replacement set of pads in without grinding away at something or just trashing the clips all together.
There is no way a driver works perfectly on JIS AND Phillips. It may work decently, but they are completely different designs and one driver can’t fit both perfectly.
Wera has the best ratcheting screwdriver I promise if you try it you will never want to use another brand again.. And I used to love my Snap On ratchet screwdrivers too until I bought the Wera... OMG so much nicer, smoother and easier to access the bits with a push and the handle pops open to expose the bits. Its fine teeth ratchet super fast and I have not used another screwdriver since to actually screw in a screw I actually look for loose screws just to have an excuse to use the amazing ratchet screwdriver... And I do not work for or get paid by Wera just know a quality tool and that one def. passes the test with flying colors...
I really like the Snap-On ratcheting, since getting one 30 years ago. Bits are US made by Apex Tools. Industry has kind of moved on from a lot of screws to a lot of snap-together pieces, so it doesn’t get the use it used to. Wera is for small hands.
I love my Snap On ratcheting screwdriver but I bought 2 of the William's US made ratcheting screwdrivers (same as the Snap On but no gasket on the bit cap) I keep one in my school backpack and one in my glove compartment $35 each buy two of them same price as one Snap On
2 part question. Did you by a set of them or just 1? if you bought just one, which #? I would use it mostly for rotors, so ass-u-me #2. Thanks for all the great videos.
Funny I finally bought a nice set,. Been using Mastercraft ones forever but one week after buying the snap on snapped the head off one of the snap on ones lol
Screwdriver tips are not created equal. Stubborn Phillips screws round cheap screwdriver tips. I use my flat to pry back calipers, my Phillips to hold rotors for axle nut r&r too. Audi VW engine cover screws. I've yet to warrantee a snapon knock on wood but tons of craftsman. I have cheapies for various tasks but when I need a strong driver, well I got some.
