Which screwdrivers?

[Colin33]

I seem to get through so many 4mm slotted drivers. I currently use Irazola/Bahco. Is there anything tougher out there?

 

[Admin]

CK from CEF.

 

[Pete999]

Toga Stubby Screwdriver - http://www.oldtools.co.uk/screwdrivers/327-toga-stubby-screwdriver.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwvIO_BRDt27qG3YX0w4wBEiQAsGu3ecIKpUtHp3JUYp0TuzGgWj8AzzD9-g9KqZHU4Ua7JqgaAl0V8P8HAQ

 

[7029 dave]

CK for me.

 

[123]

A good bit more costly but Facom screwdrivers are superb. Wera and Wiha aren't too bad. CK/Bahco/Irazola I find brittle as anything

 

[Colin33]

Looks like Facom aren't any dearer than the Irazola.... I'm sure Irazola were far better before being taken over by Bahco. Thanks for the advice, I will try a set of Facom unless someone comes on here telling me how ---- they are!

 

[Andy78]

Facom are rubbish

Only joking, not used them but they have a good rep

I use Wiha. I don't use a 4mm but a 4.5mm for socket terminals, and a 3.5mm for switch terminals and the like.
Their blades are 1.0mm thick in 4.0mm to 5.5mm which means a snug fit in socket terminals and 3.5mm screws, but a bigger beefier driver can be used.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Looks like Facom aren't any dearer than the Irazola.... I'm sure Irazola were far better before being taken over by Bahco. Thanks for the advice, I will try a set of Facom unless someone comes on here telling me how ---- they are!

Hi Colin,
I started a poll on this some time ago Which make of VDE screwdriver do you think is the best? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/which-make-of-vde-screwdriver-do-you-think-is-the-best.96625/
As you can see 'Wera' clearly came out on top and quite a few people voted so perhaps give them a try. I personally like my CK which I have had for 3 years. I also have a set of Wiha which I tempted to say I prefer just because they feel so good to hold!

 

[Colin33]

Facom are ----

Only joking, not used them but they have a good rep

I use Wiha. I don't use a 4mm but a 4.5mm for socket terminals, and a 3.5mm for switch terminals and the like.
Their blades are 1.0mm thick in 4.0mm to 5.5mm which means a snug fit in socket terminals and 3.5mm screws, but a bigger beefier driver can be used.

I have a set of Wiha which I bought just to rob the smaller blades from. There was no 4mm in the set though. Problem is I have loads of new big screwdrivers and always needing the smaller blades, shame no one sells a set of small blades. I tend to use the 4mm for sockets and switches, but maybe I should do as you do and use a 4.5 for sockets, particularly the MK sockets which seem to have larger slots to their terminal screws.

 

[Andy78]

I have a set of Wiha which I bought just to rob the smaller blades from. There was no 4mm in the set though. Problem is I have loads of new big screwdrivers and always needing the smaller blades, shame no one sells a set of small blades. I tend to use the 4mm for sockets and switches, but maybe I should do as you do and use a 4.5 for sockets, particularly the MK sockets which seem to have larger slots to their terminal screws.

Yeah the 4.0mm you have to buy separately, it's not in any kit I'm aware of. It can be a bit of a fiddle using two terminal drivers, but the 4.5mm gives a lot better nip. I use a 5.5mm generally for anything bigger like 45/50A switches/connection plates etc.

 

[Colin33]

Just found the 4.5 in my set of Wiha so I'll try that out tomorrow before I rush into buying more 4mm. I s'pose using the 4mm for everything is whats killing them

 

[Colin33]

Hi Happyhippydad... a good poll, have you done one on cutters too? I've yet to find a decent general purpose cutter...

 

[Andy78]

Hi Happyhippydad... a good poll, have you done one on cutters too? I've yet to find a decent general purpose cutter...

Sidecutters ? If so, Knipex

 

[westward10]

Sibille, look old fashioned and cheap but they are neither.

 

[OggyMac]

I use bacho (formerly irazola), the small terminal screwdriver they make is good quality, i have had mine now for over 2 years, it gets used quite often as i work with control panels & they have a comfortable grip to ease the useage etc.

 

[123]

Hi Happyhippydad... a good poll, have you done one on cutters too? I've yet to find a decent general purpose cutter...

Side cutters - Knipex
I prefer CK Cropper Cutters though https://www.amazon.co.uk/C-K-3963-C...7625&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=ck+cropper+cutters

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Hi Happyhippydad... a good poll, have you done one on cutters too? I've yet to find a decent general purpose cutter...

I haven't as there doesn't seem to be as much variance in people's views on side cutters. Knipex seems to be mentioned the most and this is what I use and am very happy with. I'm sure there are other good makes though.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I think Wiha drivers are tougher than Wera ones. Went through loads of Weras til I switched... Or maybe I'm getting limp-wristed in my old age! Maybe I need a torque driver....yikes....