Who makes a good, precision screwdriver?
 

Trying to save some money by working on my wife's mechanical sewing machine. I need a set of precision screw driver's so I don't end up buggering the screws that are holding gears to shafts to set the timing. My Craftsman and other screw driver's aren't cutting it.

Any reco's from the gun smithing guys out there?

Thanks.

Best for sensible # I found are Wiha. Made in Poland.
I’m sure there are better, but I’ve been happy with these compared to your craftsmen or Stanley.

Gun smith's screw drivers are very good https://www.midwayusa.com/screwdrivers-and-bits/br?cid=23810

These are great have had them several years, not crazy expensive. Bigger felo screwdrivers are fantastic as well. As Recommended by internet tool phenom AVE


https://www.amazon.com/Felo-0715731844-Phillips-Precision-Screwdrivers/dp/B000E60O42/ref=sr_1_16?crid=1VB9WK3U9NASU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rM HWkCowJkDIPZgEC0HBYpwvi-uqi_RrTI0W3V7XvBBaEQmPjDOXRV_Q61r08YTADHPLibfk3LFl irRgbgFi9ydpqMnrsy8-q9uLw_45zvasAV0CVB9ifW-gBlvZkTUHZOM9o9NDV35I7tHVTlgw5Ri4_jKpT8mlsKNeT6dEm aE6wpLIsZjOd9rC8ElfEwVo01ZWo3iz3ydf9VDiPx2gsDDbYiK bJe9je7EKuqCs2AF_We-W_y0QS_IK9EJIg-J2EekBnod6wBLnSfkDXalylpNZSOWDKD54ZCCA4JC2HVs.yFZK sF6a7XqIfJYIYMnU6DMVmWEjIqbCwYVMz6FYUnU&dib_tag=se &keywords=felo+screwdriver&qid=1719956765&sprefix= felo+s%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-16

I've heard decent stuff about Wiha. I have to assume they are competitors of the German brand Wera which I've also heard makes good stuff.

No personal experience, but have seen youtube raves about this Japanese made brand. Notice they make a 36 piece precision bit set. Looks like it might handle anything you come across. Couldn't see a price on this site, but if it's like their automotive sets, be prepared for a shock. Click on the set pic to see a list of the bits offered. Seems they want you to buy from one of their dealers...you'd have to search for one near you.

https://vesseltoolsusa.com/products/screwdriver-set/

(edit again) Not too bad...$34 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/9836-Precision-Replacement-Screwdriver-Smartphone/dp/B0CN6M3GZ3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MY3T5HPUNVPD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x9oW x9IBfQfupv9Twcura5Uybp64T0-MdrDF-UGa8p1bh985c1mOhDJahEjHse9a-BeKBxYmN5981ZUk5V41vlBIpB94qma0mSGl2709udtxw-KkL-HI9hGO3b-AfHrJuNZJBpeem4FKob2lGKJNGffdSh9Q7fL-_iKOVXjymshqU-jzT_Jh-3vJ7jZLrRj3wfnraVm8gdNXjNDjfmMk-3X5-vpIRbo9cFwLm6d9jyXusgzwv_uc_AfuABRm5rB5cauNuYXs0GS wv7sSZa5DYJMlR7hFkre1JdgomwSjBBQ.xxI8wdgBIH59VF2uU nrm6IZIsT1c2xGzbp0vsG_oH8M&dib_tag=se&keywords=ves sel%2Bscrewdriver%2Bset%2B9836U&qid=1719963865&spr efix=vessel%2Bscrewdriver%2Bset%2B9836u%2Caps%2C16 9&sr=8-1&th=1

I've had this one for so long I don't remember where or when I picked it up, but it has just been stellar. If all you need is a tool for common screws, this thing punches way way way above it's weight. The tips always have a precise fit to the screwhead, the red cap swivels for firm downward pressure, the positive ball and spring lock hold the tip tight to the shaft and the extra tips store in the handle.
None of the tips show any sign of wear.

I use this thing all the time, and I don't think it's ever let me down. I should get another one.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1719965475.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1719965492.jpg

^I have one that's nearly an exact copy of your Husky. Only my bits are different...contain same type but different sizes on each one. Phillips or flat on both ends. Another difference? Mine has a black body with "Craftsman" printed. Sears vs. Home Depot...looks like Home Depot won...lol.

Probably both made in the same plant..

Brother in law has given me Wera stuff every Christmas (pretty cool advent calendar) and I would not hesitate to use it on my nice guns and mechanical toys.

I use Wiha in the workshop, and I used Wera at work. Both are $$$ and worth it when you use them daily like I do. Both bite a screw like they have teeth, both feel great in the hand, both are well marked and always *just the right size*. The Wera were EVER so slightly more comfortable because they have rubberized inserts, but that same insert would get FILTHY with oil and grease. The Wiha slough off oil like nothing.

But $$$. Only if you want some precision screwdrivers that will either last forever, or do what you need day in and day out.

Yup. I have an old Weaver branded set, although I'm sure they did not actually manufacture them. Old enough to where I'm sure they were still American made. Hollow ground tips on the flat bladed, very sharp edges on the properly fitted Phillips, and so forth. It's my understanding that the modern day Wheeler are every bit their equal. The real key for fine work is fit. My set has 40 flat bladed tips alone.

Pazu one of my Wera phillips heads has grooves cut into it. incredibly good bite, I love it .

Bergeon. Swiss made for working on watches.

For the house I have this old set:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720005904.jpg

For the very limited smithing I do, plus other farm chores, I keep a set similar to this (mine has more "stuff") in my shop:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720005988.jpg

I’ve used Wera, Wiha, Xcelite, PB Swiss over my career. Kind of like shoes, the ‘fit’ can be just as important as the material or style. Especially with precision screwdrivers, IMO.

Never got used to the newer Wera handles in the full size drivers in terms of feel in my hands, but they’re ok in the precision size.

Unless you’re working on watches, any of the four above will do ya Scott.

Personally, my ranking for precision is PB Swiss, Xcelite, Wera, Wiha.

I like Vessell screwdrivers, no idea what they offer that's smaller than the smallest one I use (#1.)

I wish I had seen this thread 6 months ago. I had a hell of a time with the #1 and #2 slot head screws on the old music box I fixed up. Bent the tips on 2 Craftsman straight blades.
In general I don't like the screwdrivers with the bits. They just don't feel right to me. But they are the most economical an DO work great.

Thanks a ton guys!

I had been thinking about this last night trying to fall asleep and had convinced myself that my eyes just weren't up to the task as neither pair of my glasses (computer and reading) is the right focal length for really close work. But, this morning I decided to give the problem one more go, starting at the beginning. She'd broken a needle so I figured I'd try putting the needle in myself. Next I tried threading the needle, which is no small feat since the needle threader on this machine is not working well at all. I got that accomplished after a few tries. While doing it, I made note of the fact that when my wife was threading it, she put the thread in going right to left thru the eye. The machine threader does it left to right, so that's how I did it. Got my wife to put a bobbin in and give it a try and what do you know, IT WORKS like a CHAMP!
So, while I really appreciate the reco's for screwdrivers, I don't think I'll be purchasing any in the near future.
If I ever do get some, they will be of the hollow ground tip variety with parallel sides to the tip of the flat blade.
Again, thanks for the reco's and hope you all have a safe 'n sane Fourth of July.

When I was fixing cameras I used Wiha only. Great screwdrivers. Mine were made in Germany.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720028987.JPG

Scott, Hey, a happy ending with no tools needed. :)

This thread took me down a rabbit hole on precision screwdrivers. Much depends on what the pro is doing. Gunsmithing, electronics, watch repair, etc. Then the brand depends on how they prefer to grip the driver and tip fit. Generally speaking, tip fit is better with the higher priced sets. Most of the pros seem to prefer a regular driver set over a bit set, but many do keep an extensive bit set handy for when they run across a fastener the regular driver won't fit.

Pazuzu and 70SATman must both be pros...this based on the brands they suggest.

For most of us home DIYers, my thinking is a good bit set should do most of what we run into...

I didn't know they made such a thing. I thought the purpose of tapered screwdriver blades was that, if you had the correct size of screwdriver, you could get 100% contact between the screwdriver blade and the slot in the screw.

That's what I thought too. The screws in question are not tapered on the slot, they are very much square so a 'normal' screwdriver doesn't contact the sides and wants to come out. I wish I'd taken the time to take a picture of them as they're very impressive looking screws. They almost look as if they're ground from stock rather than machined normally.

For the Win

The "best" flat slotted screw driver uses a different profile. It is not a "wedge". It has a taped curve. This is great for those screws with a square profile slot.

See here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720054466.jpg

FWIW Rolex specifies specific screw drivers for their fasteners. They are "Hollow Ground" so they fit all the way down the slots. And yes they're more expensive than regular Swiss made screw drivers.

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Just read this thread and I guess that you guys are talking about very specialized screwdrivers for gunsmithing and the like but for regular old automotive work, I'm beyond impressed with the cheap ones that Harbor Freight is selling these days. Really nice handles and tips, magnetic and cheap enough to have at least an extra set for me. This is coming from a guy with a very complete set of Snap-on screwdrivers, I think I actually like using the cheap ones better!

I'll get some pictures when I go by the shop tomorrow.

My regular drivers are Greenlee. They just feel right and the tips have held up well. Had a couple of old Snap-On from my Pops era. Never liked the handle shape for some reason.

Mostly USA "craftsperson" here. Both the traditional style and the red and black handled "professional". Also recently bought a ratcheting bit "Megapro Automotive". The Craftsman my main "go to" screwdrivers, but I can already tell I'm going to love the Megapro in some situations...very strongly magnetic. Available on Amazon for less than shown here:

https://shop.megaprotools.com/products/automotive-ratcheting-star-screwdriver

Glad you got it fixed!
What kind of machine Scott? You need surgical tools to work on Vicki’s Berninas, but you only need a pipe wrench and some baling wire for her Innova.

Yeah, I know what you mean. there were some new Husky brand ones at the dump shop for a dollar (that's 60 cents to you guys) each. So live dangerously I said to myself and bought a bunch of them. I really like them. A nice big handle to get lots of torque. Well shaped hard tips, quite nice.

Some pics:
 

These probably cost me $2-3 each and I like them better than my $40 Snap-on drivers:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720151289.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720151289.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720151289.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1720151289.jpg

The best tool? The one that does the job. (edit) Actually, harbor freight has been doing some quality upgrading over the past several years.