Who makes a good, precision screwdriver?

[Scott Douglas]

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.

[Alan A]

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.

[Bill Douglas]

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

[aschen]

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.rMHWkCowJkDIPZgEC0HBYpwvi-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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Alan A

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.

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.

[pwd72s]

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.x9oWx9IBfQfupv9Twcura5Uybp64T0-MdrDF-UGa8p1bh985c1mOhDJahEjHse9a-BeKBxYmN5981ZUk5V41vlBIpB94qma0mSGl2709udtxw-KkL-HI9hGO3b-AfHrJuNZJBpeem4FKob2lGKJNGffdSh9Q7fL-_iKOVXjymshqU-jzT_Jh-3vJ7jZLrRj3wfnraVm8gdNXjNDjfmMk-3X5-vpIRbo9cFwLm6d9jyXusgzwv_uc_AfuABRm5rB5cauNuYXs0GS wv7sSZa5DYJMlR7hFkre1JdgomwSjBBQ.xxI8wdgBIH59VF2uU nrm6IZIsT1c2xGzbp0vsG_oH8M&dib_tag=se&keywords=vessel%2Bscrewdriver%2Bset%2B9836U&qid=1719963865&sprefix=vessel%2Bscrewdriver%2Bset%2B9836u%2Caps%2 C169&sr=8-1&th=1

[herr_oberst]

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.

[pwd72s]

^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..

[berettafan]

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.

[Pazuzu]

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.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

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

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.

[berettafan]

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

[WPOZZZ]

Bergeon. Swiss made for working on watches.

[Seahawk]

For the house I have this old set:



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:

[70SATMan]

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.

[javadog]

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

[wdfifteen]

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.

[Scott Douglas]

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.

[Starless]

When I was fixing cameras I used Wiha only. Great screwdrivers. Mine were made in Germany.

[pwd72s]

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...