It is difficult to say what the best brand of screwdrivers is. When you&#;re choosing your favorite screwdriver, you need to think about what type of project you&#;re completing, the type of screws you&#;re using, and also your personal preferences in design and comfort.
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There are many screwdriver brands, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. It&#;s overwhelming to sift through all the options to determine which one is best for you. Let&#;s narrow it down a bit. Japan is well-known for manufacturing top-quality tools. Professionals know Japanese tools are precise, durable, and reliable, and that they are made with the highest quality materials, such as high-carbon tool steel.
If we focus on Japanese screwdriver brands, it narrows down the field of options to a select few that we know will be of high quality. By doing research and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed decision and choose a screwdriver brand you can stick with, and that will serve you well for many years.
Screwdrivers come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Choosing the right one can make a tremendous difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. If you are looking for the best quality screwdrivers, then you need to consider Japanese brands. Another great point about Japanese screwdrivers is that their star drivers are made to the JIS specification - which means they work on Phillips screws and Japanese screws without damaging the screw or the driver, which makes them twice as useful and versatile as a standard Phillips screwdriver.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the best screwdriver brands and explain why they&#;re worth your investment. Consider one of these brands for your next project, and experience the precision, durability, and reliability that they offer.
Vessel is the oldest producer of screwdrivers in Japan, and is known as maybe the best brand of screwdrivers in the world. They are synonymous with quality and prestige. They have been producing screwdrivers since , and their experience is clear when you pick up their tools.
Daitool sells a 10pc combination slotted and JIS screwdriver set from Vessel. These drivers have wooden handles which ensure a good grip under any conditions. Promising full torque whether your hands are dry or covered in oil. Which makes them a favorite of mechanics and motorcycle riders across Japan. Many popular motorcycle brands come from Japan. So Vessel screwdrivers have become a vital motorcycle tool for riders worldwide.
Tone was founded in Osaka in and has become a trusted global brand, especially for construction and demolition.
Their focus is on bolting, and their ratchets, sockets and spanners are among the most relied upon fastening tools in Japan. Tone are known for using the highest quality stainless steel and titanium to make their tools, and everything they make, from spanners to toolboxes, are built to last.
Tone makes screwdrivers in many specifications, including JIS, hex and Torx. Their demolition screwdrivers, which include a metal striking plate connected to the shank, are perfect if you&#;re looking for a Japanese screwdriver for heavy-duty applications. Demolition screwdrivers can be struck with a hammer to apply extra pressure when prying or scraping, or to allow the driver to set deeper into the screw head. This is especially useful when your screw is rusted or damaged.
Engineer has been making high-quality tools in Osaka, Japan, since . They pride themselves on making &#;tools with spirit&#; and do not discern between professional and hobbyist use. They make tools that please even professional craftsmen, but anybody can use them.
Engineer makes many screwdrivers, but they specialize in electrician tools. Their circuit-testing electrician screwdriver is fully insulated. So it allows the user to have complete peace of mind while testing mains power and live wires.
Many Japanese know Engineer for their Neji Saurus range of screw-removal pliers. If you&#;re working with screws often, you&#;ve probably experienced getting a screw stuck. So it might be worth checking out this Engineer Screw Removal Tool Kit, which includes a pair of Neji Saurus pliers, and our article all about removing stuck and broken screws.
Kyoto Tool was founded in and has been specializing in making hand tools ever since. KTC and Nepros tools, produced by Kyoto Tool, are known worldwide as being some of the best quality tools on the market. They&#;re coveted by professionals, especially in the automotive industry, because of their unmatched quality and durability.
They produce tools as you'd expect&#;hardened steel and black rubber handles. Tools that get the job done. But they've begun to produce tools influenced by Kyoto's traditional craftsmanship. These visually pleasing tools have been a hit with customers abroad.
They have a set of lacquered ratchets inspired by the traditional art of Kyoto. And some beautiful wooden-handled screwdrivers, too. This sets them apart from most Japanese toolmakers, who focus on function and durability over aesthetics.
Anex began as a screwdriver producer but diversified into making a full variety of hand tools. Although they&#;ve made significant efforts to shift toward specializing in power-tool attachments, such as drill bits and screwdriver bits, they&#;re still one of the best screwdriver brands in Japan.
Their magnetic screwdriver handles are one of their most popular and versatile products. You only need a single handle rather than a complete set of screwdrivers. You insert the screwdriver bits from your power drill into the handle and have a screwdriver in any size.
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Basic as they are, screwdrivers are not a one-size-fits-all tool, nor does one type of screwdriver fit all situations. That&#;s why we researched 40 screwdriver sets before landing on the following top&#;notch sets that we could test and recommend to our readers.
Keep reading to learn more about the key features and considerations that guided our selection process. Later on, find out how each of these sets performed in our field tests, and why we considered them among the best screwdriver sets around.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob VilaWe searched dozens of popular and obscure brands and more than 15 retailers to find quality screwdriver sets in numerous categories. Comparing more than 40 different screwdriver sets against our shopping criteria, we ultimately whittled the list down to the recommendations in this guide. Following on our vetting process, we spent 8 hours field-testing these sets to ensure that they could aptly be called the best.
Our tests began with unboxing the tools. For each set, we noted the number and types of screwdrivers as well as a description of the materials and other physical details.
For general-purpose screwdrivers, we set up a simple comparison trial with four screwdrivers (or bits) from each set. Starting with a softwood 2×4 that had pilot holes predrilled, we used each tool to install and remove three deck screws. Then we repeated the process in an oak plank with wood screws. To test the precision screwdrivers, we replaced a smartwatch battery and disassembled an old CPU for recycling. To test the insulated screwdrivers, we installed two outdoor ceiling fans.
We noted the overall performance, user comfort, and any special features that stood out during operation. We also noted anything that seemed to be lacking in these areas. Finally, we compiled our notes on a scoring rubric before awarding each category.
We selected the following tools to help shoppers find the best screwdriver set for home maintenance, repairs, and building projects. Ahead, learn what is included in each set and how they performed in our tests.
Photo: amazon.com
Every home and business needs a few common screwdrivers for routine maintenance. This set of eight Craftsman screwdrivers includes all of the most important Phillips and slotted screwdriver-head sizes in 1½ -, 3-, 4-, and 6-inch shaft lengths. These tools are made of alloy steel with black-oxide tips for toughness, secure fit, and reduced cam out (when a screwdriver bit slips out of a screw head), plus ergonomic polypropylene plastic handles for a secure grip with added torque.
We really liked the feel of the Craftsman set and its uncomplicated mix of options. The screwdrivers were comfortable to work with while manually installing and removing wood screws and deck screws in softwood and hardwood lumber. The soft textured polypropylene handles felt secure in the hand and allowed us to apply strong torque without slipping. The black-oxide tips fit nicely into the screw heads and held securely while we worked.
Although the kit only included Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, the three tip sizes of each type that were represented in this kit account for most household projects. Also, this was only one of two kits we tested that included stubby (1.5-inch) screwdrivers, which are indispensable for low-clearance work. The main downside was that the round handles tended to roll across hard surfaces. However, for a starter tool kit, this screwdriver set makes an excellent choice.
Get the Craftsman screwdriver set at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe&#;s, or NAPA.
Photo: amazon.com
The Vickay screwdriver set makes a great choice for the average person who doesn&#;t typically engage in complicated DIY tasks. It includes both slotted and Phillips-head screwdrivers, the two most commonly needed screwdriver types. Each screwdriver in the set features a cushioned grip to help reduce hand fatigue and muscle strain.
This affordable set comes with three slotted screwdriver choices and three Phillips screwdrivers that range in size to take on a variety of common tasks at home. Screws will cling to the magnetic tips on these screwdrivers, helping to ensure accuracy and control while driving screws. A chrome-vanadium steel shaft on each screwdriver adds strength and durability and resists corrosion.
The Vickay 6-piece set offered excellent value, with a comparatively low price point plus functionality and flexibility. The tip sizes were skewed small, but the tiny size &#;0&#; Phillips-head and &#;-inch slotted heads offered precision-like functionality that is particularly useful for electronics repair. The other four drivers (PH1, PH2, 3/16, and ¼-inch slotted) are the right size for minor home repair and DIY projects.
This set also featured nicely defined trilobe handles (trilobe refers to the three &#;lobes&#; of rubber overmold, which alternate with the hard plastic surface of the handle for improved grip and torque) that resisted rolling on hard surfaces and the strongest magnetic tips of any set we tested. The grips were comfortable to work with and easy to get a strong hold. Overall, this set is a nice choice for a bargain price.
Get the Vickay screwdriver set at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Gearwrench&#;s set features 20 screwdrivers in the most common sizes and types. A dual-material grip provides comfort and precision, while an ergonomically shaped handle enhances hold and driving force.
Gearwrench&#;s Speed Zone, located on the handle just before the shaft, has a more textured surface for added grip. This gives users better control and improved speed when they need to back off quickly or run down screws.
We really liked the versatility of this large screwdriver set. It includes two stubby screwdrivers and a few others with long, 8-inch shafts, which should offer good reach for most automobile, outdoor power equipment, or household projects. Plus, the kit includes an assortment of six precision screwdrivers to help with smaller tasks. Twenty screwdrivers is quite a lot, so this may be enough to outfit the garage and garden shed.
In our tests, the smooth trilobe handles felt firm and just grippy enough to get a good hold under normal conditions, but sweaty or greasy hands might slip on the surface. The handles did not provide much cushioning to speak of and the lobes were not flat enough to prevent the screwdrivers from rolling.
The magnetic tips were helpful while starting and removing screws, while the hex bolsters on the six largest screwdrivers made it easy to use a wrench for added torque; if the hex section were ½ inch longer, it would be even easier to use. We also liked the control offered by the spin caps on the precision drivers.
With magnetic, black-oxide tips for added recess grip and torque, this makes an excellent set for DIY mechanics and home improvement specialists.
*Editor&#;s note: The set we received for testing is, as of publishing, not the most current version of this set. Both versions offer many of the same features. We have linked to our tested version here, but the newer version is also available through the same link.
Get the Gearwrench screwdriver set at Amazon.
Photo: acehardware.com
If the first tool requirement for a project is heavy-duty performance, these Milwaukee screwdrivers may fit the bill. The wrench-ready hex shanks are constructed of forged steel. The metal core goes all the way through the handle, ending in an impact-resistant, heat-treated steel cap at the top of the handle. The comfortable trilobe-handle design gives users an improved grip for improved leverage. This 2-piece demolition screwdriver set also includes quick reference markings on the handles for easy tool identification.
These Milwaukee demolition screwdrivers are stoutly constructed for heavy-duty use, which made them outliers in our tests. We had to purchase larger screws and drill wider pilot holes into our hardwood and softwood pieces to test them accurately.
The synthetic trilobe grips were extremely comfortable with generous proportions and a slightly cushioned surface, allowing us to deliver maximum torque. The tips gripped the screw heads well and stayed in the slots without slipping. The weight-to-length ratio of these drivers felt well-balanced, thanks to the shaft-through-the-handle, or full-tang, design. We liked that the hexagonal shaft shape extends from the handle all the way to the tool tip, allowing us to use a wrench at the most convenient point for added leverage. Forged steel hex shafts and steel strike caps make these screwdrivers a top pick for tough jobs.
Get the Milwaukee 2-piece screwdriver set at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Blain&#;s Farm & Fleet.
Photo: amazon.com
When working with electrical systems in the home, like replacing a light fixture or
repairing a loose wire on a wall outlet, an insulated screwdriver helps reduce the risk of accidental electrocution. Hurricane&#;s screwdriver set comes with 11 insulated screwdrivers and one interchangeable handle that will resist up to 1,000 volts of electricity. An included electroprobe tests the target material for electrical current.
The set includes four slotted, two Phillips-head, three Torx, and two Pozidriv screwdrivers made of chrome-vanadium shafts and manganese-phosphate tips, as well as a compact carrying case for safe storage.
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In our screw-driving and removal tests, the Hurricane insulated screwdriver set worked efficiently. The textured plastic handle felt comfortable in the hand and held securely to the interchangeable screwdriver shafts with only the slightest wobble in the connection.
We also used these screwdrivers for electrical and support screws while installing several outdoor ceiling fans. The magnetic bit tips conveniently stuck to lightweight electrical junction box screws to prevent drops, but heavier exterior wood screws dropped off. The voltage probe worked to detect live outlets by simply inserting the tip into the outlet while covering the rear contact plate with the thumb.
We liked the neatly organized heavy-duty carry case but found the absence of a square drive bit (a common requirement for electrical work) a bit odd. Still, for common household electrical repairs and maintenance, this kit could come in really handy.
Get the Hurricane screwdriver set at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Klein Tools multibit screwdriver streamlines the conventional screwdriver set. This multibit tool comes with four dual-side reversible screwdriver bits, including Phillips, slotted, Torx, and Robertson bits. The screwdriver doubles as a nut driver with three tips, including &#;-, 5/16-, and ¼-inch tips, to handle any minor appliance repairs around the home.
Each tip attaches to the metal shaft that packs a powerful magnetic force to hold the bits in place. Unused bits stack inside the shaft to stay safely out of the way without compromising the tool&#;s ability to do its job. A rubber-coated handle provides comfort and control.
In our tests, we were impressed by the snug, secure fit of the Klein Tools multibit driver. (Though at times, bits were so secure they were a little hard to change out.) With eight removable parts&#;handle, barrel, two bit-retainer shafts, and four bits&#;it might be forgivable if the tool felt a little wobbly. But it didn&#;t. The tool felt as secure as a conventional screwdriver. Plus, the rubber overmold on the handle provided a very comfortable, secure grip.
We noticed that the strong magnetism of the bit retainers transferred through the bits, which helped prevent drops when starting or removing screws. The lightly textured bit tips also seemed to help maintain contact between the bits and screw heads, minimizing slippage and cam out while working. Overall, the tool was a pleasure to work with and would make a space-saving addition to any tool kit.
Get the Klein Tools 11-in-1 screwdriver set at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
A good ratcheting driver allows users to apply more torque repetitively while maintaining a sturdy grip without repositioning the hand. The Milwaukee 9-in-1 ratcheting driver features a heavy-duty three-way ratcheting mechanism that can be set to ratchet in either direction or lock in place for use as a conventional screwdriver. The set includes seven 3½-inch interchangeable bits: two slotted bits, two Phillips bits, one square drive, and two electrical connector (ECX) bits. Six storage slots in the handle keep track of the extras when they are not in use.
Milwaukee&#;s all-metal ratchet mechanism delivers high torque for fast driving speeds. A magnetic bit retainer in the shaft ensures consistent driving performance. The included chrome-plated bits feature precision-machined tips and wrench-ready hex shanks. They are tough enough to be used with cordless power tools for even more work site versatility.
When we tested the Milwaukee 9-in-1 bit driver in our hardwood and softwood screw-in and screw-removal stations, it outshined most of the other screwdrivers in terms of driving speed and operating efficiency. The textured handle was comfortable to work with, and the bits were easy to change. The large ratchet-control switch was located at the base of the handle, where the thumb and forefinger naturally rest, making it easy to switch between modes.
The only weak point we noticed was the wobbly connection point where the shaft enters the handle below the ratchet control switch, but it didn&#;t seem to affect the tool&#;s performance. With enough screwdriver bit selection for most DIY repair projects, this tool would make an excellent addition to any grab-and-go toolbox.
Get the Milwaukee ratcheting screwdriver set at Amazon, Toolbarn, or Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
Precision screwdrivers enable users to make simple or complex repairs on electronic devices, ranging from computers and tablets to smartphones and smart watches. This set of Klein Tools precision screwdrivers comes with 39 screwdriver bits, including Phillips, slotted, Robertson, Hex, Torx, triangle, Pentalope, Tri-Wing, standoff, and spanner screwdriver heads designed for Apple products.
The reversible screwdriver shaft gives users the option of a standard or extended-reach barrel. A swivel endcap allows DIYers to apply constant finger pressure while driving the screws. A rubber handle offers excellent control.
Instead of driving screws into wood, we tested the Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver where it was designed to be used&#;on electronics. We changed a band and battery in a smart watch, then disassembled a retired central processing unit (CPU) and monitor before recycling. A few nice design elements stood out, starting with the longer-than-average bits.
At about an inch in length, the bits were easy to access, handle, and replace in the case. The magnetic tip was also extremely helpful for keeping the tiny screws aligned. We also liked the reversible screwdriver shaft that allowed us to use a shorter 2-inch length when working on the watch or opt for a longer 4-inch reach when diving deep into the CPU. The textured grip was easy to control and the carrying case was well organized, although the bit labels were hard to read. This set is a great choice for repairing watches, glasses, toys, and electronics.
Get the Klein Tools precision screwdriver set at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
This 6-piece screwdriver set includes three slotted and two Phillips screwdrivers with black-oxide tips to help improve the fit and grip of the tip in the screwhead recess. Each screwdriver has a smooth beechwood handle that is contoured for enhanced comfort and control. Small indentations in the handles prevent the screwdriver from rolling off a counter or workbench.
Heat-treated chrome-molybdenum-vanadium steel provides increased strength and durability. Despite the beechwood handles, the screwdrivers can stand up to the strike of a hammer because of their anti-splinter leather cap that helps absorb and dissipate the energy from the blow.
In our tests, the Felo Tools screwdrivers fit securely into screwheads, with a subtly textured blade surface that helped eliminate cam out. Although the kit only included five screwdrivers, the selection of tip sizes and shaft lengths seemed to be just right for all of our tasks.
We drove and removed 30 screws into predrilled softwood and hardwood with great satisfaction. The hexagonal hardwood handles felt comfortable and easy to grip, and they would make a nice accent to the woodworking shop when not in use.
Get the Felo Tools screwdriver set at Amazon, Acme Tools, ChadsToolbox.com, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Jackson Palmer&#;s 218-piece screwdriver bit set includes bits for maintenance tasks that run the gamut from delicate electronics to cars. The 218 bits include Torx, slotted, Phillips, Robertson, Pozi, Hex, socket, security, and specialty bits, as well as nut drivers, a magnetic bit holder, and a quick-change adapter for simple switches between bit sizes. Designed for use with drills and impact drivers, these bits are made of high-grade, sandblasted carbon steel for enhanced strength and longevity.
The set comes in a hard-shell plastic case. Labeled spots for each piece help keep bits organized when not in use and help users find them in a hurry when the time comes.
This Jackson Palmer bit kit offers a really good variety of bit types in three different shaft lengths and includes multiples of the most popular sizes. The shanks fit snugly into our
DeWalt 20-volt impact driver
. With so many bits to choose from and only a limited amount of time for testing, we selected PH2 , T25, and SQ2 bits first. Screwing into hardwood or softwood, with and without pilot holes, each maintained a tight connection without slipping from the screwheads.
After installing and removing a dozen screws with each bit, we inspected the screwheads and bit tips for wear and tear. The screwheads were fully intact with no damage to speak of, which indicated that the metal used to make the bits was soft enough to minimize stripping. All of the bits exhibited minor wear and tear, which indicated to us that users may need to replace worn bits after extensive, heavy use.
Get the Jackson Palmer screwdriver set at Amazon.
A good-quality screwdriver set comes with all the screw heads users need to tackle many different repairs and projects, from tightening up a loose door handle to assembling a piece of flat-pack furniture.
Don&#;t just grab the first available screwdriver set. The best screwdrivers for a given project need to be the correct type, whether it&#;s Torx, Phillips, or Robertson screwdrivers or slotted screwdrivers. Screwdriver tips matter, too. Some screwdrivers come with a magnetic tip, which helps keep the tool in place on the head of the screw. Others have a coated tip to help improve grip and torque. Read on for details on these factors and more, making it easier to choose the right screwdriver for the task at hand.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob VilaDifferent screwdriver heads correspond to different types of screws. That&#;s what makes screwdriver sets so handy&#;they have a lot of head types. Here are the most common types of screwdriver heads:
Each type of screwdriver comes in a variety of sizes to match the different sizes of screws, which really does matter. Resist the temptation to use a larger or smaller tool than needed. Mismatched sizes can strip screws, damage screwdrivers, and create slipping hazards that can lead to injury.
Often screwdrivers come with a special coating on the tip. These specialized tips generally help improve the grip of the screwdriver head in the screw and reduce the slippage likely to occur during normal use.
A slight difference in handle shape or size can change a screwdriver from a high-production construction tool to a high-accuracy technical tool. A wide-handle grip design allows users to drive a screw with more force. This design works well for driving simple construction screws quickly. A narrower design forces the user to take more time and care with a precision project.
Screwdriver handles with a rubber coating allow for an easier, more comfortable grip during a long project. Finally, some screwdrivers feature dual-material molded handles made with a combination of hard plastic and rubber. This split design provides the accuracy of a hard-handled screwdriver with the comfort of a rubber handle.
So how many screwdrivers does one really need? For those who consider themselves new to home repairs and don&#;t intend to take on many ambitious projects in the future, a general-purpose selection of the most frequently used screwdrivers might do just fine. On the other hand, pros and those who consider themselves handy may want a wide-ranging set or a few speciality sets for a variety of projects.
The total number of pieces within a screwdriver set can range widely from five or six screwdrivers to well over 100 pieces&#;although that doesn&#;t mean 100 screwdrivers. Rather, &#;piece total&#; refers to the number of screwdrivers, bits, handles, and any other added features that come with the kit. For instance, a 100-piece set may contain four screwdrivers, two all-purpose handles, 84 different bits, one extension bar, one flexible extension bar, and eight specialty heads.
Storage is another consideration. Some kits with five or more screwdrivers don&#;t include a storage container, while others have an enclosed box, a fabric carrier, or a simple plastic stand. Without a home tool box or kit with dedicated screwdriver storage, a set with its own storage is essential.
Even simple, straightforward screwdrivers can have some additional features, such as specially insulated versions for use in electrical jobs. Other screwdriver kits may include heavy-duty shafts, tips, and handles intended for use as both chisels and screwdrivers. There are also screwdriver sets designed for those in the electronic repair industry that often contain flexible extension bars and a wide variety of precision tips for use with tiny screws.
Some of the best screwdriver sets available include standard screwdrivers, precision screwdriver tools, and even specialized ratcheting models with magnetic tips. Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best screwdriver set.
While a Phillips screwdriver or a Torx screwdriver may seem like the most obvious option, the most commonly used screwdriver is actually a slotted or flat-head screwdriver.
The best screwdriver brand is hard to choose because many brands manufacture excellent insulated or precision screwdrivers, but their common screwdriver products may not be the best on the market. However, Craftsman, Milwaukee, and Klein Tools screwdrivers are among the best brands.
Choose a screwdriver set according to its intended use. Consider the screwdriver head types, the tips, the handle-grip design, and the number of pieces in the screwdriver set.
Each individual tends to have their own preferences for tools, so it&#;s difficult to determine one screwdriver bit set that&#;s the best for everyone, but the Jackson Palmer screwdriver set is certainly one of the best screwdriver bit sets available.
Bob Vila has been America&#;s Handyman since . As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including &#;This Old House&#; and &#;Bob Vila&#;s Home Again,&#; he popularized and became synonymous with &#;do-it-yourself&#; home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day&#;a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Mark Wolfe is a product tester and writer with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He kept his tool box well stocked in order to build or repair fences, walls, irrigation systems, and equipment on any given day. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest hand tools, lawn-care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
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