Inspired by subsequent articles by my colleague tomybb, who presents us and successively shares his opinions about the tools he has, I decided to share with you my observations about precision screwdrivers of all types and various shapes. All in all, I was looking for the perfect screwdrivers for a while and I think I found them.
I will share with you my opinion about screwdrivers as in the photo:
These are screwdrivers:
- Dexter market set with replacement blades (set in box).
- KWB insulated precision screwdrivers (set in box).
- Wiha Precision ESD precision screwdrivers (there used to be a set on a stand, but the stand was lost).
- Jonnesway precision screwdrivers (box set).
- Wiha PicoFinish precision screwdrivers (set on stand).
- Beco watchmaker's screwdrivers (set on a rotating stand).
- Wera Kraftform Micro precision screwdrivers (2 sets on stand).
The list is arranged according to subjective assessment.
And now a description of individual screwdrivers
1) Dexter set.
I bought it 2 years ago in Leroy-Merlin when I was staying in France for 1.5 years. In fact, I only used it to tighten screws in my laptop and nail scissors. Screwdrivers of very poor quality, even though they were used for delicate work, the tip of the flat screwdriver was twisted, and the Philips screwdriver was "frayed". You can see the screws in the scissors and laptop were harder...
Advantages:
- price
- 5-point screwdrivers included in the set
Defects:
- terrible/crappy quality
- they don't fit well in the hand
2) KWB insulated precision screwdrivers.
The set includes PH00,PH0,PH1,0.4x2.0,0.4x2.5,0.5x3.0.
I bought the screwdrivers a few years ago at the Jula supermarket and they are still available there.
https://www.jula.pl/catalog/narzedzia-i-maszy.../zestaw-wkretakow-do-prac-elektryczne-110020/
I was tempted because I didn't have insulated precision screwdrivers, and it happened that these would be useful. At first glance they look solid, but this is not entirely true. The entire lower part of the screwdriver bends as if it were made of plastic, I have the impression that the steel tip does not "go" to the handle but is quite a short piece. The screwdriver does not fit well in the hand and the rotary cap does not turn very well. The rubber handle with protrusions does not make the screwdriver hold better, and it is also much too wide in relation to the size of the screwdriver. It is impossible to hold it comfortably with the whole hand, resting the cap on the pastern, or to hold it with the thumb and middle finger while supporting the cap with the index finger. I am definitely not happy with this purchase. When it comes to durability, it's hard for me to say anything, I used the screwdrivers several times and for not very heavy work - adjusting a non-insulated mounting potentiometer in a system operating at 230 V without galvanic separation (phase regulator with triac and twilight switch).
Advantages:
- easy to buy (Jula market)
- screwdrivers are insulated
Defects:
- average/poor quality
- screwdrivers bend
- they don't fit well in the hand
- the rotating cap rotates poorly
3) Wiha Precision ESD screwdrivers.
This is the first set of branded precision screwdrivers that I bought a very long time ago (>15 years). When it comes to durability, I have no objections. Unfortunately, the screwdrivers do not fit well in the hand. The cap turns poorly. The handle is made of hard plastic. The size of the handle depends on the size of the screwdriver, which is annoying. Moreover, depending on the type of screwdriver, you have to hold it differently - the larger ones (3.0x50) hold OK if you support the cap with the palm of your hand, while the smaller ones hold badly. The stand was also bad, it tipped over easily. Even though the screwdrivers are durable and serve for many years, I am not satisfied with this purchase and I would not buy them again.
Advantages:
- durable
-ESD
Defects:
- they don't fit well in the hand despite the high price
- different handle sizes
- the hubcap rotates poorly
- bad stand
4) Jonnesway Torx precision screwdrivers.
The set includes T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10.
I bought them many years ago (>10). Overall, I'm satisfied. The screwdrivers feel good in the hand. You can work with them quite comfortably, either by holding them with your whole hand, resting the cap on the pastern, or holding them with your thumb and middle finger and supporting the cap with your index finger. They don't slip and the hubcap rotates quite decently. The material from which the handle is made is also quite ok. When it comes to quality, I have no objections, despite many years the screwdrivers have been used well and the tips have not been chipped. A PH/Flat set is also available.
Advantages:
- price
- they fit well in the hand
- quite durable
Defects:
- they could fit better in the hand
- the hubcap could move more freely.
- they are not made as a security version (with a hole)
5) Wiha PicoFinish screwdrivers.
I have the set as in the picture (PH00, PH0, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm) and the "little ones" purchased separately: PH000, 1.2mm, 1.0mm, 0.8mm. These are the first precision screwdrivers that I was actually really happy with. I bought them 8-10 years ago. The screwdrivers are durable, none of them have worn out. They are made of material that fits well in the hand and does not slip. They are definitely much nicer to the touch than the previously shown Wiha ESD ones, which were made of terrible hard material. In the case of these screwdrivers, the handle material has some flexibility. The screwdrivers fit well in the hand. Here, however, I must emphasize that the smaller sizes with a slim handle fit really well in the hand. Unfortunately, the manufacturer decided to change the size of the handle depending on the size of the handle. The rotating cap moves ok, it could be a bit better. The stand is rather poor and falls over easily.
Advantages:
- resilience
- wide selection available
- they fit well in the hand
Defects:
- price
- variable handle size
- at this price the hubcap could move better
6) Beco watchmaker's screwdrivers (0.60 / 0.80 / 1.00 / 1.20 / 1.40 / 1.60 / 2.00 / 2.50 / 3.00 mm).
Well, I've always liked screwdrivers like this and bought a set of these about 5 years ago. I'm really happy with it. Even though the screwdrivers have a small handle and a small cap, they fit perfectly in the hand. They are made entirely of metal, the handle is elegantly knurled. It is best to work with them in the position as in the photo - grip with the thumb and middle finger, supporting the cap with the index finger. The rotating stand is very nice, there is a container for spare tips inside. Yes, the fact that the tips are interchangeable is a very big advantage. The tips are cheap, easily available and even if something gets chipped, there is no point in regretting it. I often use these screwdrivers for work where I know that the screwdriver can be damaged - rusty screws, prying (I know, that's not what a screwdriver is for). The cap rotates really well, without resistance (although in the most luxurious watchmaking screwdrivers the caps are mounted on bearings, but such a set costs 3-4 times as much).
Advantages:
- they fit great in the hand
- very good turning cap
- replaceable tips
- (they look beautiful)
Defects:
- price (PLN 250-300)
- due to the length of the tip, they are not suitable for screws embedded deeper in a narrow hole
- poor availability of screwdrivers other than flat-head ones
- working with the whole hand is not entirely comfortable.
7) Wera screwdrivers.
In fact, after buying Wiha and Beco screwdrivers, I thought I wouldn't buy any more. But 2 years ago I needed to buy small socket screwdrivers (wrenches) (3.2-6 mm). And here, due to immediate availability at TME, I bought Wera screwdrivers. When I grabbed them in my hands, I immediately knew that this was what I was looking for. They fit perfectly in your hand. They are made of a moderately hard material, and the colored part is made of some elastomer, which ensures that the screwdriver does not slip in the hand. The hubcap rotates perfectly. All screwdriver sizes have the same handle size. The screwdriver can be held well both with the whole hand, supported by the metacarpus (probably the most comfortable way), and with the thumb and middle finger. For me, the ergonomics of all other screwdrivers shown here are significantly worse. For me, these screwdrivers are simply perfect, just a "miracle". After this purchase, over half a year ago, I decided to buy a set of these screwdrivers (all available of a given type) - flat, Philips, Pozdriv, Torx (security version with a hole if the size allows it), Allen with a ball (metric), hexagon sockets (metric). In total, I have over 40 of them. The stands are also great. As I have other Wera tools and have never been disappointed in terms of durability, I hope it will be the same here.
Advantages:
- they fit great in the hand
- the hubcap rotates great
- wide selection - flat, Philips, pozdriv, torx, hexagon socket (including inch), tri-wing, socket (including inch), "five-spoke" torx (I forgot its name).
The disadvantage (because there is only one) - high price.
I will share with you my opinion about screwdrivers as in the photo:
These are screwdrivers:
- Dexter market set with replacement blades (set in box).
- KWB insulated precision screwdrivers (set in box).
- Wiha Precision ESD precision screwdrivers (there used to be a set on a stand, but the stand was lost).
- Jonnesway precision screwdrivers (box set).
- Wiha PicoFinish precision screwdrivers (set on stand).
- Beco watchmaker's screwdrivers (set on a rotating stand).
- Wera Kraftform Micro precision screwdrivers (2 sets on stand).
The list is arranged according to subjective assessment.
And now a description of individual screwdrivers
1) Dexter set.
I bought it 2 years ago in Leroy-Merlin when I was staying in France for 1.5 years. In fact, I only used it to tighten screws in my laptop and nail scissors. Screwdrivers of very poor quality, even though they were used for delicate work, the tip of the flat screwdriver was twisted, and the Philips screwdriver was "frayed". You can see the screws in the scissors and laptop were harder...
Advantages:
- price
- 5-point screwdrivers included in the set
Defects:
- terrible/crappy quality
- they don't fit well in the hand
2) KWB insulated precision screwdrivers.
The set includes PH00,PH0,PH1,0.4x2.0,0.4x2.5,0.5x3.0.
I bought the screwdrivers a few years ago at the Jula supermarket and they are still available there.
https://www.jula.pl/catalog/narzedzia-i-maszy.../zestaw-wkretakow-do-prac-elektryczne-110020/
I was tempted because I didn't have insulated precision screwdrivers, and it happened that these would be useful. At first glance they look solid, but this is not entirely true. The entire lower part of the screwdriver bends as if it were made of plastic, I have the impression that the steel tip does not "go" to the handle but is quite a short piece. The screwdriver does not fit well in the hand and the rotary cap does not turn very well. The rubber handle with protrusions does not make the screwdriver hold better, and it is also much too wide in relation to the size of the screwdriver. It is impossible to hold it comfortably with the whole hand, resting the cap on the pastern, or to hold it with the thumb and middle finger while supporting the cap with the index finger. I am definitely not happy with this purchase. When it comes to durability, it's hard for me to say anything, I used the screwdrivers several times and for not very heavy work - adjusting a non-insulated mounting potentiometer in a system operating at 230 V without galvanic separation (phase regulator with triac and twilight switch).
Advantages:
- easy to buy (Jula market)
- screwdrivers are insulated
Defects:
- average/poor quality
- screwdrivers bend
- they don't fit well in the hand
- the rotating cap rotates poorly
3) Wiha Precision ESD screwdrivers.
This is the first set of branded precision screwdrivers that I bought a very long time ago (>15 years). When it comes to durability, I have no objections. Unfortunately, the screwdrivers do not fit well in the hand. The cap turns poorly. The handle is made of hard plastic. The size of the handle depends on the size of the screwdriver, which is annoying. Moreover, depending on the type of screwdriver, you have to hold it differently - the larger ones (3.0x50) hold OK if you support the cap with the palm of your hand, while the smaller ones hold badly. The stand was also bad, it tipped over easily. Even though the screwdrivers are durable and serve for many years, I am not satisfied with this purchase and I would not buy them again.
Advantages:
- durable
-ESD
Defects:
- they don't fit well in the hand despite the high price
- different handle sizes
- the hubcap rotates poorly
- bad stand
4) Jonnesway Torx precision screwdrivers.
The set includes T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10.
I bought them many years ago (>10). Overall, I'm satisfied. The screwdrivers feel good in the hand. You can work with them quite comfortably, either by holding them with your whole hand, resting the cap on the pastern, or holding them with your thumb and middle finger and supporting the cap with your index finger. They don't slip and the hubcap rotates quite decently. The material from which the handle is made is also quite ok. When it comes to quality, I have no objections, despite many years the screwdrivers have been used well and the tips have not been chipped. A PH/Flat set is also available.
Advantages:
- price
- they fit well in the hand
- quite durable
Defects:
- they could fit better in the hand
- the hubcap could move more freely.
- they are not made as a security version (with a hole)
5) Wiha PicoFinish screwdrivers.
I have the set as in the picture (PH00, PH0, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm) and the "little ones" purchased separately: PH000, 1.2mm, 1.0mm, 0.8mm. These are the first precision screwdrivers that I was actually really happy with. I bought them 8-10 years ago. The screwdrivers are durable, none of them have worn out. They are made of material that fits well in the hand and does not slip. They are definitely much nicer to the touch than the previously shown Wiha ESD ones, which were made of terrible hard material. In the case of these screwdrivers, the handle material has some flexibility. The screwdrivers fit well in the hand. Here, however, I must emphasize that the smaller sizes with a slim handle fit really well in the hand. Unfortunately, the manufacturer decided to change the size of the handle depending on the size of the handle. The rotating cap moves ok, it could be a bit better. The stand is rather poor and falls over easily.
Advantages:
- resilience
- wide selection available
- they fit well in the hand
Defects:
- price
- variable handle size
- at this price the hubcap could move better
6) Beco watchmaker's screwdrivers (0.60 / 0.80 / 1.00 / 1.20 / 1.40 / 1.60 / 2.00 / 2.50 / 3.00 mm).
Well, I've always liked screwdrivers like this and bought a set of these about 5 years ago. I'm really happy with it. Even though the screwdrivers have a small handle and a small cap, they fit perfectly in the hand. They are made entirely of metal, the handle is elegantly knurled. It is best to work with them in the position as in the photo - grip with the thumb and middle finger, supporting the cap with the index finger. The rotating stand is very nice, there is a container for spare tips inside. Yes, the fact that the tips are interchangeable is a very big advantage. The tips are cheap, easily available and even if something gets chipped, there is no point in regretting it. I often use these screwdrivers for work where I know that the screwdriver can be damaged - rusty screws, prying (I know, that's not what a screwdriver is for). The cap rotates really well, without resistance (although in the most luxurious watchmaking screwdrivers the caps are mounted on bearings, but such a set costs 3-4 times as much).
Advantages:
- they fit great in the hand
- very good turning cap
- replaceable tips
- (they look beautiful)
Defects:
- price (PLN 250-300)
- due to the length of the tip, they are not suitable for screws embedded deeper in a narrow hole
- poor availability of screwdrivers other than flat-head ones
- working with the whole hand is not entirely comfortable.
7) Wera screwdrivers.
In fact, after buying Wiha and Beco screwdrivers, I thought I wouldn't buy any more. But 2 years ago I needed to buy small socket screwdrivers (wrenches) (3.2-6 mm). And here, due to immediate availability at TME, I bought Wera screwdrivers. When I grabbed them in my hands, I immediately knew that this was what I was looking for. They fit perfectly in your hand. They are made of a moderately hard material, and the colored part is made of some elastomer, which ensures that the screwdriver does not slip in the hand. The hubcap rotates perfectly. All screwdriver sizes have the same handle size. The screwdriver can be held well both with the whole hand, supported by the metacarpus (probably the most comfortable way), and with the thumb and middle finger. For me, the ergonomics of all other screwdrivers shown here are significantly worse. For me, these screwdrivers are simply perfect, just a "miracle". After this purchase, over half a year ago, I decided to buy a set of these screwdrivers (all available of a given type) - flat, Philips, Pozdriv, Torx (security version with a hole if the size allows it), Allen with a ball (metric), hexagon sockets (metric). In total, I have over 40 of them. The stands are also great. As I have other Wera tools and have never been disappointed in terms of durability, I hope it will be the same here.
Advantages:
- they fit great in the hand
- the hubcap rotates great
- wide selection - flat, Philips, pozdriv, torx, hexagon socket (including inch), tri-wing, socket (including inch), "five-spoke" torx (I forgot its name).
The disadvantage (because there is only one) - high price.
Cool? Ranking DIY
