Which set of screwdrivers to choose: choosing a high-quality and reliable gift for home craftsmen

TOP 10 best screwdriver sets

As expected, the first places are taken by products from long-recognized and respected brands. You won’t be able to save money on their purchase, but they are worthwhile tools that can withstand increased loads over a long service life. Screwdriver sets from Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers are much more affordable, and they are optimal for infrequent use in the home. At the end of the rating are the cheapest options, the quality of which is in no way comparable to the leaders, but they are quite suitable for solving one-time tasks.

Dielectric

Installation and dismantling of fasteners may not be the only area of ​​application for screwdrivers. This section includes a tool with which you can safely repair electrical appliances, lay electrical networks and other types of electrical work.

REXANT Electrics PH1x125 mm 12-4717

pros

• reliable insulation
• build quality
• solid appearance
• compact dimensions

Minuses

• no complaints about this tool

From 77 ₽

Any electrical work will not cause problems with such a screwdriver. The two-component handle will never turn in the palm of your hand, the steel shaft copes well with loads, and the magnetized tip (PH1) will never come off the fastener slot.

Sibrtech 12929

pros

• good design
• Comfortable handle with storage hole
• isolation level
• magnetic tip

Minuses

• the slots on the tip wear out quite quickly

From 106 ₽

This tool is designed for installation/disassembly of fasteners with cross-head slots energized up to 1000 V. The two-component handle with good anti-slip properties provides a comfortable grip, and the insulation of the rod reliably protects against electric shock.

Felo Ergonic Plus/Minus H1x80 dielectric

pros

• combination rod (PH/SL 1)
• convenient form
• compact dimensions

Minuses

• plastic handle
• high price

From 770 ₽

This tool can successfully replace a whole set of screwdrivers, as it has a combined rod with two types of nozzles (straight and Phillips). The only disadvantages that can be highlighted are the price and the material of the handle.

Electronics for everyone

It would seem, what could be wrong with a screwdriver? The simplest thing. And for most of my life I thought so. Without worrying at all about what I use to tighten the different screws. I twist and turn. Until a few years ago I came across a set that was as convenient and well thought out in design as it was poorly made. The essence of this set was that it consisted of small and nimble screwdrivers, on which you could tighten the handle more if you needed more torque. Moreover, the handle could also be put in an L shape if you need to twist something really evil. And when folded, they formed a compact assembly that did not fall apart and did not clutter the table.

And there was even good steel in the tips, but absolutely disgusting plastic and filling. The screwdrivers easily rolled and turned in the handles with the first serious effort. I later tried to find analogues of this system, but they were just as shitty in quality. But I appreciated the concept.

Therefore, when I once again needed to buy screwdrivers, I went to the store and looked for a set there on a similar principle. It was some kind of Chinese, his name was Glede. The spear was worth it, although the design of the stand was not very convenient (the cover flew off and then was completely lost), but the screwdrivers themselves were very good. And the same principle. Small, sharp screwdrivers, and if necessary they are reinforced with a handle.

This set lived on my desk for several years and was constantly used. And, as you can see, he showed himself perfectly. Signs of wear are visible, but very minor, at least for its price and the work done.

But one set was not enough for me. I need screwdrivers for the workshop, for various tables and at the dacha and home, in the end. But this set, although it suited me, I could not buy. Disappeared. In general, everything is unclear with the Glede company. It seems like there is a company, the product is very good for the price, but you can’t buy its tools. Even on the almighty Aliexpress from this company there are only pathetic echoes. Although they had very cool tweezers, for example. Previously, this brand was actively carried by the Pro network, but now it’s not there either. I understand perfectly well that with the invention of theirs, everything is very sad among the Chinese. But they are so good at stealing someone else’s property. I started looking for the original source and found...

It turned out to be Stanley. The brand is good, I’ve had a set of their heads in my garage since the late 90s - they are completely indestructible. So here it is!

We order a set, we receive...

Hm. The concept is

The box is much better than Glede’s and even snaps into place, which has been more important than ever for me lately at home. But... the steel is of average lousy quality. Literally a few unscrewed screws and signs of wear like on screwdrivers from Leroy/Castorama for 50 rubles each.

Despite the fact that it is twice as expensive as Glede. Which turned out to be much more tenacious.

And the ambiguous question of following safety precautions when working with a partner arose:

On one side the peaks are sharpened, on the other...

Hmm...Which side will you take and which side will you give to your friend?

Stanley Stanley, fuck your mother. NN4Z and I laughed from this handle for probably five minutes. Well, it's a laugh, but despite a very successful concept, the screwdrivers are mediocre. If they had better steel, it would be great. But for rare use it will do. The set is compact and contains a typical household set of screwdrivers.

In general, I was already completely desperate and had lost all hope of finding light in this tunnel if I didn’t see a sign from above and didn’t come to faith...

Wera turned out to be excellent German screwdrivers. I touched it, turned it and found enlightenment. No China and everything is hardcore. The price really dampened the enthusiasm somewhat. And the issue was postponed indefinitely. Moreover, a screwdriver is such a thing, it seems to be there and it seems like you don’t really need another one...

Until, once again, using a shitty castorama screwdriver to assemble a crap that had a bunch of mounting screws in it, I decided that

1) STOP ENDURING THIS! 2) In general, the new year is coming soon. 3) Yesterday I got some crazy money and I can spend it on screwdrivers. 4) Well, in general, a good instrument is simply pleasant to hold in your hands. And since we have a hobby here, not a job, even the process itself should be enjoyable. Therefore, the toad was carefully removed and demonstratively shot.

So the first was a set of regular general purpose screwdrivers. CraftForm 334/6 WERA WE-105650

• 1.2 x 6.5 x 150 mm - 1 pc.
• 0.5 x 3 x 80 mm - 1 pc.
• 0.8 x 4 x 100 mm - 1 pc.
• 1 x 5.5 x 125 mm - 1 pc.
• PH 1/80 – 1 pc.
• PH 2/100 – 1 pc.

And I separately bought a PH0 screwdriver in the same style so that the socket would not be empty.

What is there to talk about? The screwdrivers themselves are awesome. It’s nice to hold it in your hand, at first the shape seems very unusual, but it’s until you start power spinning that you feel that the grip is just right. The steel is excellent. The tips have a special Lasertip laser notch designed to enhance adhesion to the slot.

I have already twisted and untwisted them. Like new.

As for the laser type, the effect it produces is not illusory. Here is an example, watch the video. Comparison of two Wera screwdrivers, both new and hardly used, both PH1, but one with a laser cut, the other without.

I don’t know how long this notch will live. It still lives on my screwdrivers and no decrease in efficiency has been noticed.

The set has an average lousy stand. It's good that there is one from the series. The screwdrivers fit fine in it. Screws to the wall by the ears.

The stand and stand do not cause any wow effect. I screwed it to the end of the desktop and now it lives there.

For the table, for various small tasks, a set 2035/6 B SATZ 6 TLG was purchased. WERA WE-118152

There was a strong discount on it in all the stores that sold Wera tools, I bought it for 1750 rubles. And for some reason only on him. Its twin brother 2035/6 A (the difference is one screwdriver) did not lose in price. Now the freebie is over.

They were packed in a very good quality and beautiful cardboard box, I threw it away, but it looked like a box from a video card. Thorough. If you give it to someone, it will be impressive.

The screwdrivers themselves are very comfortable in terms of ergonomics. They fit right into my hand. It's a pleasure to spin every little thing with them. The heel rotates freely, even though plastic slides on plastic. The thickening is right under the fingers to apply force. And the handle itself is narrow, which does not interfere with quickly turning. At the base of the tip there is a sort of hexagonal nut, so they don’t roll anywhere.

It has one drawback - there is no inscription on the butt with the type of slot.

Yes, they come with their own stand, where the screwdrivers stand with their tips facing up, but it’s not very convenient. It is light and will not stand well on the table. It will fall, so if there is no way to mount the stand on the wall, like mine.

it will be inconvenient. Because I would store screwdrivers either in a glass or in this printed thing.

Points down, handles up. But there is no marking on the ass. So you'll have to put it there somehow. Scratch or something. But I managed to nail the stand above the monitor, it turned out conveniently and this problem faded into the background. It won't work like that with the installer's table. But there will be other screwdrivers.

There is one screwdriver at home... A friend from Kyiv gave it to me when we met.

I don’t know what it’s made of, but the steel there is just hellish. Whatever I did to her, whatever I did to her, and whatever barbaric use I made of her. Unscrew TORX? No problem! Hammer this spline and turn it! Here we have PH2, and only she is in our hands? Fuck it! Let's score and spin! Need PH1? Let's crawl up the corner and twist it. And so repeatedly and with particular cynicism, but there are not even traces on it. It feels like it was bought yesterday.

What brand? On the reverse side it says www.columbiamachine.com A quick google showed that this is a company that makes CNC machines, and its screwdriver is made of zip, therefore. But obviously not theirs, just branded. As is customary with fashion companies. Gloom and uncertainty, but again I accidentally heard from someone that “Wiha makes the best screwdrivers” and went to Google. Exactly, the shape is one to one Vikhovskaya. ABOUT! IT!

Since the dead toad began to stink, I took it to the trash and ordered a set of Wiha screwdrivers for a second table, for a change. When the tools are different, you quickly get used to where each one is, and it doesn’t turn out that there are a bunch of identical screwdrivers on one table, and nothing on the other. In general, we are slowly introducing color differentiation, but I will write about this later.

The set was from the PicoFinish series and was functionally identical to the Wera set.

• PicoFinish (00478) , Schlitz: 1.5 x 40
• PicoFinish (00482) , Schlitz: 2.0 x 40
• PicoFinish (00486) , Schlitz: 2.5 x 50
• PicoFinish (00490) , Schlitz: 3.0 x 50
• PicoFinish (00512) , Phillips: PH00 x 40
• PicoFinish (00511) , Phillips: PH0 x 50
• PicoFinish (00516) , Phillips: PH1 x 60

But it didn't have a stand. Oh, trouble, trouble, I’ll make myself a stand a thousand times better, in. Like the section of my organizer designer:

But these screwdrivers have good markings on the butt.

Which is a definite plus. The quality of the screwdrivers is excellent, the handles are covered with something like rubber, they feel like family in the hand. The shape really doesn’t have any obvious protrusions, so they always roll off the table somewhere. Another disadvantage of these screwdrivers is that you can’t just buy them. If Wera is available in a wide range in networks like All Tools, then Wiha is only available on order through shady offices with a wait of 6 weeks.

If we compare Wera and Wiha... these two sets are almost identical. They cost about the same and solve the same problem. Wiha has markings on the end and the rubber coating is less slippery in the hand. With Wera, the shape itself seemed more convenient to me, but this is a matter of taste. And there is some kind of stand. There is parity here. I don't have preferences.

Well, a clear example of how a good screwdriver makes life easier. Here I am assembling an experimental batch of devices. You have to screw in the racks, a lot of racks... How is this usually done? You take a screw, put a washer on it, then insert it, then tighten the nut, then just take a screwdriver and screw it in. We get a bunch of body movements and shifts. Here's how it works with a good screwdriver:

The screwdriver (this is a Wiha PicoFinish PH1) sits so tightly in the slot that it allows you to hold the entire board by the slot with the screwdriver, allowing you to free your hand and take the stand or nut without moving it. Cool!

▌What little things

To open our smaller brothers and all sorts of small gadgets, I sometimes need different Torx and other tricky slots. Sometimes, because I rarely repair consumer electronics. But it happens. For a long time, the Sturm set served me faithfully, which was bought at a stall for 1000 small items for a mere spear. Surprisingly good set. I've had it for over 10 years now.

True, today its assortment of bits may not be enough. A shitty bunch of all sorts of three-wings and pentalobs have appeared that they love to shove into their Apple devices, but they are not there. And its case is not the most convenient. The bits hold on somehow, fall out of it and tend to get lost. I've already lost two somewhere.

the YaXun YX-809-31 set specifically for some tricky screw.

. SO SHIT! Be careful not to buy this feces by accident. The bits are disposable. And this is not a form of speech. In terms of strength, they resemble chrome-plated aluminum. Small ones come off with the first screw! It’s on my desk purely for fun. When I’m in a bad mood, I take a bat out of it and break it. It's addictive, almost like sunflower seeds. However, he once completed his task and I unscrewed the tricky screw.

To replace the shit on Ali, I bought this set:

Overall, it’s not bad for its meager 5 bucks. The bits do not slip off and are durable. For your own money, of course. There is everything you need, the set has so far covered all my tasks. The handle is comfortable, metal. It fits well in the hand. The bits in the case fit securely, do not get lost and do not slip out.

Everything would be great, but I didn’t like its case. Pick the bat out of the case, put it in the handle, fix it, and then push it back. Yes, if you do it with one hand... You can say that these are trifles, but I got greedy. But when I saw the alternative, I didn't think for a second.

Quite by accident I came across contextual advertising (yes, I don’t use adblock and have never regretted it) and saw the strangest thing. Xiaomi Wiha set

What? Come on? Xiaomi is not Hi End, of course, but not completely bullshit. And quite a good, narrow-eyed brand. So they won’t embarrass themselves and sculpt someone else’s logo without asking. So Wiha is probably not just words there. On the other hand, why should Wiha cooperate with the Chinese? They are already well-known and well-deserved. The price was completely Chinese. RUR 1,400 for a set of screwdrivers. And what a one!

Excellent hard case made of almost millimeter thick aluminum. Press-to-open mechanism for extending the tray.

The bits in the holders are held on by magnets. They literally jump into place themselves even if you carelessly throw them into the cradle.

If you turn it over, nothing will fall out.

The recess under the bat allows you to pull out any bat in one easy movement without straining or distraction.

A VERY valuable quality, especially when in your left hand, showing miracles of balancing act and dexterity, you are holding with each finger a torn device of half a dozen boards connected by feeble cables and suddenly you need to change the bit, because the manufacturer decided that this is where he really needs a Phillips instead Torx. The solution with magnets in the cradle is excellent and simple. I am delighted.

The bits themselves are marked Wiha and the set contains up to 24 pieces. As much as I use, damaging devices in small ways, it’s always been enough.

Aluminum handle. Smooth, grippy, heavy. The cap rotates very well, as if on a roller bearing (I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the case, the design of the set is very nerdy), but when force is applied, the edges of the cap rub against the end of the cap, anodized aluminum on anodized. At the same time, such a... mmm... tactile squeak is heard. Well... like a long fingernail on cardboard. It's really chilling, brr. I hope over time the anodizing there will wear off and this effect will not occur. Perhaps the only drawback. In general, the set is awesome, convenient and very thoughtful. It's nice to hold and convenient to use. Absolutely beautiful. It’s not a shame to give something like this. In general, I'm still using it. The impression is good.

Actually, I wanted to order it from Gearbest, it was cheaper there. But Gearbest has been having problems with delivery lately (current as of January'18). They send through the IML courier service, and it is subject to new customs clearance rules for courier services and the parcel will hang at customs for a month if not more. Until all these formalities are tired.

So I had to look on Ali. I found it a little more expensive and with regular postal delivery, which seems to go through customs easily and stress-free. And within two weeks I received it, despite the New Year. In general, Russian Post has been pleased with its efficiency and speed lately. They should also restore order in the departments. And sometimes it’s hell there.

▌All sorts of different things

Since we started with screwdrivers, I can’t help but remember one tool that is remarkable for its compactness and oak-like appearance.

It’s been driving in my car for 5 years now, previously it was used at the dacha for several years, in general, I’ve had them for about 10 years. Somehow I found them from the worn-out manufacturer’s markings. Available on the same Aliexpress.

The steel is not bad, a set of the most popular screwdrivers. The design is very interesting. Use the selector to select a bit.

We turn the curtain, the screwdriver extends (but does not fall out!)

from the groove and is inserted with its square shank into the center, where it is fixed with a magnet. In this case, you can also use a curtain to additionally secure it from moving forward.

The result is a powerful monolithic structure. It's a cool thing, but it has one drawback - extremely poor weight distribution. Because everything is in the handle, then it turns out to be heavy and it’s not very convenient to twist it, it tends to fall out of your hand, what can you do about the design costs. But for occasional applications, when you need to screw something in once a century, and between these events you don’t want to screw up the components.

▌Magnet/demagnet

To finish the order to the minimum amount I bought this little thing. It turned out to be convenient.

This thing can magnetize screwdrivers and demagnetize them. It's a great magnet. With one movement. But with demagnetization everything is more complicated. To demagnetize a screwdriver, you need to quickly poke it exactly into the center of the demagnetic window and quickly remove it, without touching the walls and generally keeping it in the middle of the window. What to do is problematic, because... these very walls magnetize her furiously. I recommend blocking the window halfway with your finger and resting against it, holding the tip strictly perpendicular and quickly pushing it back and forth across the entire depth in the center of the window. After some skill it will work out right away - the screwdriver will immediately demagnetize.

If it doesn’t work out in any way, then try first to properly magnetize it with the same stray device, and then demagnetize it. Because If you magnetize it, for example, with some kind of third-party magnet, then it is no longer possible to demagnetize it with a degausser. Apparently, the direction in which the screwdriver was magnetized also plays a role here.

By the way, Wera has Wera Star - a similar thing, but with a much more convenient design, where you just need to swipe it along the side edge to demagnetize it.

Yes, I was only able to magnetize and demagnetize once or twice only with Wera/Wiha screwdrivers; with others, this trick doesn’t work. You can magnetize them easily, but demagnetizing them is quite difficult. Looks like the steel there is somehow different.

The thing is useful, but the price of both is rather high, so you can buy it in China. Fortunately, this is not space technology.

In general, for the next few years I have closed the issue with screwdrivers. Next in line is every pliers tool... There are some advances here too, but more on that next time.

What to look for when choosing a screwdriver

It is recommended to select modern screwdrivers focusing on specific characteristics.

Types of tools:

1. Cordless - good rotation speed so you can drill at the same time.
2. Dielectric - safety, low sensitivity of the material to cold and heat.
3. Drums are a durable metal base that allows you to use a hammer and a large number of different bits.
4. Reversible - small size and versatility, allowing you to work with cross-shaped and straight profiles.
5. Indicator - high protection against electric shock, thinness and simultaneous strength of the tip.

The tip must first of all be durable. On low-grade screwdrivers, when used for a long time, the edges quickly become damaged, crumble and lose their original shape. On the contrary, tools made of high-strength materials - molybdenum steel, chrome vanadium - are practically indestructible. Another advantage is the magnetic properties of the nozzle, which makes it convenient to work with small parts.

It is recommended to select the rod according to GOST - within 47-52 HRC.

This indicator allows you to maintain optimal strength of the tip, preventing it from damage when twisted with great force. Too soft rods bend under force, and hard rods - more than 52 units - burst. To protect against corrosion, they must be coated with a layer of zinc.

Spline size

The correct tip size is the key to long service life of the screwdriver. The easiest way is to take with you a sample of the fasteners with which the work will be carried out, and select the appropriate tool for it on the spot when purchasing. If this is not possible, you will have to be guided by the markings.

For a cross-shaped tool, there is a table where each screwdriver is assigned a serial number, and depending on the number, the dimensions of the fasteners to which it fits are indicated, as well as the diameter and length of the shaft of the screwdriver itself. PH2 screwdrivers are the most popular, as they fit most screws and self-tapping screws.

With flathead screwdrivers it’s quite easy. The markings indicate the width and thickness of the blade, as well as the length of the screwdriver and the length of the working part. The most popular are SL3, SL5.

Drums

This type of tool is necessary when dismantling old structures whose fasteners are “welded” or covered with a layer of rust. This quality rating of screwdrivers includes three of the best examples with straight and Phillips bits that can withstand the toughest loads.

matrix SL8x150 19117

pros

• solid high quality steel rod
• handle with steel butt plate
• life time
• phosphated tip

Minuses

• rustic design

From 149 ₽

A reliable impact screwdriver, the main advantages of which are a comfortable two-component handle with a steel plate on the back side (can be struck with a hammer), a solid rod with a high safety margin and reinforced protection of the magnetized head (SL8). Such a tool will last a long time even when working in the most difficult conditions.

JONNESWAY D04P138

pros

• working part made of chrome-molybdenum steel
• magnetized rod

Minuses

• decent price
• plastic handle

From 242 ₽

A convenient Phillips screwdriver with a solid shaft and an ergonomic handle that can withstand hammer blows. The magnetized working part is highly durable and allows you to work in hard-to-reach places.

BERGER BG1035

pros

• rod diameter
• ergonomic handle
• blackened working part
• metal back of the head

Minuses

• quite high price

From 271 ₽

The straight slot impact driver is suitable for use on hard-to-cut fasteners. Can be used together with an impact tool and a wrench.

Materials for rods and tips

The performance characteristics and cost of the tool directly depend on the grade of steel. If we consider in ascending order, then for screwdrivers that can be found on sale, the situation is approximately like this:

No. 1. Carbon steel. Plus - low price. Disadvantage: short service life.

No. 2. Chrome vanadium steel. The most common material. It is plastic, but deforms under heavy loads.

No. 3. Chrome-molybdenum steel. Poorly resists torsional loads, so it is not entirely suitable for screwdriver rods.

No. 4. Alloy steel S2. It resists impact loads well, but has low ductility.

No. 5. Steel SVCM. Combines all the advantages of the steels described above. Ideal for screwdrivers.

The rods are protected from corrosion by a special coating. For this purpose, chromium, nickel, zinc and some other passive metals are used. They not only protect the rods from aggressive external environments, but also increase hardness and give the products a beautiful appearance.

T-shaped

This section contains the best heavy-duty impact screwdrivers, the design of which allows the tool to be used in conjunction with an auxiliary lever.

STAYER 25142-0-06 PROFI ELECTRO

pros

• convenient work
• electrical protection up to 1000 V
• handle with T-shaped rear part
• affordable price

Minuses

• small sizes
• limited area of ​​use

From 76 ₽

A dielectric tool with a cross-shaped working part (PH0) is securely fixed in the hand and is used for mounting/dismantling fasteners in the most inaccessible places. The back of the handle is sharpened for a key, which allows you to significantly increase torque.

Thorvik SDPI315

pros

• chrome vanadium nozzle with magnetic effect
• light weight
• good dielectric characteristics

Minuses

• manufacturer (PRC)

From 370 ₽

The two-component oil and petrol resistant handle and the rod made of high quality steel with good insulation allow this tool to be used for assembling and disassembling any structures, even if they are under voltage up to 1000 V.

Felo 1/4″x125

pros

• appearance
• high-quality materials are used in production
• reliable manufacturer
• convenient operation

Minuses

• high price
• additional items need to be purchased

From 1,160 ₽

This reliable and practical tool is designed for mounting or dismantling threaded fasteners. The hardened high-quality steel working part holds the bits securely, and the T-shaped handle with Soft-Grip coating does not allow the hand to slip.