new set of screwdrivers needed - which are the best value?

[Rykard]

Hi,
we've been doing some work in the utilitry over the christmas break and i've fiound all my cross blade/pozi screwdrivers have damaged heads? Most are 'no name' but I now need to replace them.

So..

what is the difference between cross head and pozi?

what are the best value drivers to get?

cheers
Rich

 

[JohnD]

As a rule of thumb, I like tools made of chrome-vanadium steel. You can usually get a set of screwdrivers for less than the cost of buying them individually. I recently got a set from Wickes for £9.99 as a present for a beginner, after searching through the DIY sheds and Screwfix, I thought they were great value.
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-General-Purpose-Screwdriver-Set-Pack-14/p/200402
You will probably end up using only about four out of your set for 90% of your jobs.
If you have a particular interest, you can get precision sets in tiny sizes, or insulated sets for electricians, or pound-through sets for gorillas. Never use a screwdriver as a scraper or to open paint tins, and don't lend tools to anyone less fastidious than yourself. I like to keep a set in the car, a set in the garage, and a set in the kitchen, and others in the toolbox for a particular job. Throw them out when the tip gets worn or damaged.

All Pozidriv are cross-head, but not all Cross-head are Pozidriv. If you have 50-year old car, or live in America, you may still come across Phillips. Otherwise, Pozidriv will be what you need. They are not the same and you will damage both the driver and the screwhead if you try. Stanley screwdriver sets often include Phillips, perhaps they are made for the American market.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Pozidrive

Here are some other examples:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/search?text=screwdriver+set

http://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/screwdrivers-hex-keys/cat831030?producttype=softfinish_slimfix_vde_screwdriver_set;torx_screwdriver_set;ergo_screwdriver_set;phillips___slotted_vde_screwdriver_set;softfinish_vde_screwdriver_set;pozi___slotted_vde_screwdriver_set;slimvario_vde_screwdriver_set;ratchet_screwdriver_set;angled_ratchet_screwdriver_set;long_reach_screwdriver_set;combination_tip_screwdriver_set;stubby_screwdriver_set;screwdriver_set;vde_screwdriver_set;precision_screwdriver_set;vde_1000v_insulated_screwdriver_set&cm_sp=managedredirect-_-handtools-_-screwdriversets

Do not be seduced by sets of exchangeable bits and ratchet handles. They are occasionally useful for peculiar sizes and tips, but only after you have a good set of ordinary drivers.

 

[Rykard]

thanks John,
I like you like to have a 'few' sets around the place, but it's all the newer ones that are made off soft cheese. I will have a look at the wickes sets when i get a chance to get to the store.

 

[alan333]

Check out machinemart, I find their stuff pretty good.

 

[Belle427]

http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/tool-kits/halfords-professional-screwdriver-bit-set

A very useful set and its good quality.

 

[Rykard]

hadn't thought of halfords cheers

 

[seaangler]

wera or bahco are about the best