I'll start this off with a recent addition of mine.
I was watching this set on EBAY for at least a year, no takers and the seller offered me a deal I couldn't refuse a couple weeks ago.
I haven't seen another set or solitary driver anywhere online, the only trace or pictures I could find are from this Ebay listing.
I know the basic story of THE BUDD COMPANY and am fairly familiar with both Woodings Verona and Harrold.
(https://i.postimg.cc/44K3P7cv/20250123-165035.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhpR6sNh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8tFVtcL/20250123-165159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRMWnBqL)upload pictures online (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvy0fTWC/20250123-165507.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDfNX2qy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/N0V4H2TJ/20250123-165637.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwV89Jg8)
Boy is this set hard to photograph..
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzBYDCkX/20250123-165255-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mzZRbXyV)
This is probably the 1st time I recall ever seeing a set of screwdrivers that came in their own blow moulded case.
Overall they seem quite high quality and heavy duty, they even bothered to crimp wings into the square shank flat blades so they not only wouldn't turn but also would pull out.
The grips are a bit shorter than thet could be, but overall I really love the contour and the thickness of them.
If I ever find out that there were more of these offered I'll have to track them down, I bet the handles on the stubby drivers are great if they exist.
A couple months back I bought a large box lot of random screwdrivers and bit drivers cheap on ebay.
This was about the pick of the lot, an NOS early original 4 in 1 driver from I guess the 70's.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjWLB3VT/20250124-124946.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G4yH7LVZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/JzQK5159/20250124-125031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/75fgxrcV)
It's not something I'm likely to actually use much, but the quality and tolerances are the highest I've ever experienced.
These early 4 in 1 drivers are probably the highest quality of this type ever made.
i like that clear handle 4 in 1. i have several red handle versions floating around but have never seen a clear one.
Nice drivers, all of them.
I am a very huge fan of Chapman MFG, in my mind their bits drivers and extensions are the best.
When it comes to gun type screws and working on vintage fishing reels anyways.
Aside from the new machined aluminum driver handle I haven't bought yet, I own every drive tool they currently offer.
All the handles, ratchet, and palm ratchet.
Not too long ago they introduced this cool custom tool board that can be wall mounted or stood up like an easel, with the racks removable by magnet so you can just grab one and go.
They're not cheap and probably not worth it to most people, but as a functional practical storage / organization solution that also doubles as shop art decoration I love it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dVxCNbcN/20241121-110612.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v45DcSB5)
I was using one handle and a strip of bits at the time but this is my set plus a couple custom/ DIY handles
somebody spent some cash with the chapman crew..... ;D
Quote from: skfarmer on Jan 26, 2025, 10:36 AMsomebody spent some cash with the chapman crew..... ;D
Yeah I think the board was around $250.
The thing that got me is the fact that I don't really have or need that many of their bits, but don't like swapping handles constantly so I keep adding driver handles.
I like everything about the Chapman system so much that I'm not willing to just go exclusively to any fixed driver sets.
I think the Brownells sets are the only way to get a fixed driver set that offers the amount of tip options you get with a bit set anyways.
This VA magna brand bit driver came in that lot I purchased.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNbFqjHh/20240709-135519.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7Cw7DT41)
I pulled the little friction ring and it's perfect for Chapman bits.
Then I added a textured gripping surface to the aluminum shaft.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FH6ZkPGc/20240709-135739.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFp5RJ2x)host pictures (https://postimages.org/)
I love the size/ contour of the handle, and it's my go-to when I need more torque.
This one here was an odd Apex specialty driver of some kind that I had no use for ( same box lot ), so I put the handle on the shaft from another VA made bit driver that had a chewed up handle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sx5RL6DZ/20240709-144531.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1VRTnKF9)
And as with that MAGNA I pulled the tension ring so it'll work with Chapman bits.
I don't know if Ace hardware still offers this, but I snagged a set before I left and it is a nice one including comfy driver and bits in a snap cover box. Ratcheting, too!
The part number is visible if anyone wants to check on availability.
Quote from: bonneyman on Jan 27, 2025, 01:47 PMI don't know if Ace hardware still offers this, but I snagged a set before I left and it is a nice one including comfy driver and bits in a snap cover box. Ratcheting, too!
The part number is visible if anyone wants to check on availability.
I've seen these same sets many places, the truck stop where I work maintenance has them under the Road pro brand, I think Walmart might have something extremely similar under the Hyper Tough brand, and there might be a Husky equivalent at HD.
I just received a couple 2 in 1 drivers in the mail.
I bought this Enderes from HJE.
(https://i.postimg.cc/65mNkSkN/20250127-153542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6ynSRH6H)
And this Channellock 21A pocket screwdriver from a distributor on Ebay, I think they're discontinued now but are still available plenty of places.
(https://i.postimg.cc/JhB7Ym0g/20250127-153626.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67tNTkdL)
I don't know who the manufacturer was for their previous generation reversible and 6 in 1 drivers, but I love how they did the tips on the flat blades.
(https://i.postimg.cc/KYdjmjCx/20250127-153642.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLQT4XtR)
My acetate hand 61N has tips like this, but the new 61H with the Mayhew handles has the telltale course grind tip finish you get from Enderes.
Normally I'm fairly obsessed with having having full complete matching sets of tools, but after a lot of foolishness I finally realized that there's no perfect driver handle or set.
This is my set of main use screwdrivers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBtfRFLJ/20250129-145602.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDdsb55g)
The William's are my favorite handle for higher torque, but the Stanley 100 plus offer more finesse, the Tekton hard handles are a good higher torque handle for some stuff, and the same situation goes for the stubbies.
The 2 PROTO flat blades I just like using.
I just rediscovered this Apex that I received in that Ebay box lot.
The handle could stand to be a bit bigger but it's not bad and it's a very solid bit driver.
It holds the bits very well with very little play.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VL90d48F/20250302-155728.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mdx06nK)
The plating on the end was all worn off so I cleaned it up a bit and it appears to be some kind brass-ish alloy.
I picked up this SK bit driver, among other things, last time I swung through the Restore
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54358850843_bda1e6d9aa_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qPvjwg)
Nice looking drivers guys,all of them. About six months back I became addicted to regular stops at the Restore and have only recently slowed down with that a bit. During that time I probably bought 50-60 individual tools with 30-40 of those being screwdrivers and the balance being wrenches, none of which I really needed. I seem to have replaced that habit with regular stops at the State of KS Surplus Property store closer and more convenient to my work that provided several incredibly heavy hauls at insanely cheap prices. Of course most all of those tools I really did not need either, but as usual, little money was spent so I have no regrets. I do not expect my hot streak on heavy tool hauls to hold up long at Surplus though. I will keep stopping there regularly though. My stop last week produced 4 new 4oz bottles of Starrett instrument oil for $2 total, 2 new in the package Lincoln needle attachments for grease guns for $1 each, and one small, but new in the box professional (meaning serviceable and rechargeable) Badger fire extinguisher for $7. The real bargain was the Starrett oil which for those that know, is not cheap. I could have bought 8 more just as cheap per each as I did the four that I bought, but doubt I would live long enough to begin to use them all!
It is definitely a disease I tell ya!
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Jan 23, 2025, 05:24 PMI'll start this off with a recent addition of mine.
I was watching this set on EBAY for at least a year, no takers and the seller offered me a deal I couldn't refuse a couple weeks ago.
I haven't seen another set or solitary driver anywhere online, the only trace or pictures I could find are from this Ebay listing.
I know the basic story of THE BUDD COMPANY and am fairly familiar with both Woodings Verona and Harrold.
(https://i.postimg.cc/44K3P7cv/20250123-165035.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhpR6sNh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8tFVtcL/20250123-165159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRMWnBqL)upload pictures online (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvy0fTWC/20250123-165507.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDfNX2qy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/N0V4H2TJ/20250123-165637.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwV89Jg8)
Boy is this set hard to photograph..
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzBYDCkX/20250123-165255-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mzZRbXyV)
This is probably the 1st time I recall ever seeing a set of screwdrivers that came in their own blow moulded case.
Overall they seem quite high quality and heavy duty, they even bothered to crimp wings into the square shank flat blades so they not only wouldn't turn but also would pull out.
The grips are a bit shorter than thet could be, but overall I really love the contour and the thickness of them.
If I ever find out that there were more of these offered I'll have to track them down, I bet the handles on the stubby drivers are great if they exist.
Most impressive set. I am not familiar with the brand.
Budd was a large industrial powerhouse in many transportation and defense related industries most notably in the railway industry.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Company
I recently bought a set of KLEIN screwdrivers to try out and really like them.
I'm not sure they'll replace anything I currently favor, but the handles are comfortable and the well fitting tips are good quality.
I am not really a fan of multi-bit screwdrivers (although I have many). I just don't like fiddling around changing the bits and trying to find "the one that is always lost". They certainly have their place (like in the vehicles) but I prefer to use a dedicated driver for the task at hand.
Speaking of screwdrivers, I recently bought some S*K screwdrivers on Amazon. One purchase was a set, the other a single screwdriver. Advertised as "Made in USA" multiple times in each listing and fairly expensive. They are made in China. They don't even match the description photos on Amazon.
I let Amazon know that S*K is falsely advertising products on their site, but I doubt anyone there cares.
Is it S*K that is advertising, or someone advertising S*K drivers?
Quote from: wilbilt on Jul 12, 2025, 10:40 AMI am not really a fan of multi-bit screwdrivers (although I have many). I just don't like fiddling around changing the bits and trying to find "the one that is always lost". They certainly have their place (like in the vehicles) but I prefer to use a dedicated driver for the task at hand.
Speaking of screwdrivers, I recently bought some S*K screwdrivers on Amazon. One purchase was a set, the other a single screwdriver. Advertised as "Made in USA" multiple times in each listing and fairly expensive. They are made in China. They don't even match the description photos on Amazon.
I let Amazon know that S*K is falsely advertising products on their site, but I doubt anyone there cares.
I generally prefer regular drivers too, but mostly because they fit in screw holes with bit drivers don't.
The 2 in 1 drivers with a single reversible shaft are good for this though.
Another thing I dislike about a lot of bit drivers is the handle storage, especially the modern trend of a pop out carousel that requires the handle to be a huge.
Quote from: bmwrd0 on Jul 12, 2025, 12:33 PMIs it S*K that is advertising, or someone advertising S*K drivers?
It is the "S*K Store" on Amazon, so I assume it is S*K.
Example:
https://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tool-86321-Screwdriver/dp/B005PIJMRY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QRAEXHE1R7BJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kbds0UhxOF4UNRKArgWPNnlfPFybSlNIrlVeWeg9wrbXj0KC64bO5Qg6EWYpQdUmBCC7SOol0ItshTRxB0JTX6X1G8BhBXDwpcUbegEbU2Mb0371Y7orKHS7mXIgx2Jd8sHun5sMoUS_TFRbzA985ETdem5E_vtrSq2nxCcwsPXjTzwWs8g7cX0WjM3g8gAUndV-s55yIwSn1VCZ-QBx8cBdznqqz0yR0MLnOHxurZ51KXnerc3JFWXtbo0aYOvzmtRYROgJq7sOLweu8XoiZ5cOG6R1aGW-Hu98cy6vugg.R-3k4Qi_tJ6mpMGpOrsG6mApfIDBQfJbaAkk5S9yQPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=sk+screwdriver+set&qid=1752364991&sprefix=sk+screwdriver+set%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1
The drivers I received did not have "USA" on the handles as pictured, and it said, "Made in China" on the box they came in.
They also do not have the hex bolsters on the shanks as pictured.
Man that really sucks.
I've heard good things about those green hard handles, but the new Chinese stuff looks like crap.
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Jul 12, 2025, 05:07 PMMan that really sucks.
I've heard good things about those green hard handles, but the new Chinese stuff looks like crap.
I prefer the hard handles, and having a set of those S*K green ones was on my bucket list.
Now, I guess they are on my "kick the bucket" list LOL. Blatant misrepresentation by S*K, IMHO
Quote from: wilbilt on Jul 12, 2025, 05:00 PMQuote from: bmwrd0 on Jul 12, 2025, 12:33 PMIs it S*K that is advertising, or someone advertising S*K drivers?
It is the "S*K Store" on Amazon, so I assume it is S*K.
Example:
https://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tool-86321-Screwdriver/dp/B005PIJMRY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QRAEXHE1R7BJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kbds0UhxOF4UNRKArgWPNnlfPFybSlNIrlVeWeg9wrbXj0KC64bO5Qg6EWYpQdUmBCC7SOol0ItshTRxB0JTX6X1G8BhBXDwpcUbegEbU2Mb0371Y7orKHS7mXIgx2Jd8sHun5sMoUS_TFRbzA985ETdem5E_vtrSq2nxCcwsPXjTzwWs8g7cX0WjM3g8gAUndV-s55yIwSn1VCZ-QBx8cBdznqqz0yR0MLnOHxurZ51KXnerc3JFWXtbo0aYOvzmtRYROgJq7sOLweu8XoiZ5cOG6R1aGW-Hu98cy6vugg.R-3k4Qi_tJ6mpMGpOrsG6mApfIDBQfJbaAkk5S9yQPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=sk+screwdriver+set&qid=1752364991&sprefix=sk+screwdriver+set%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1
The drivers I received did not have "USA" on the handles as pictured, and it said, "Made in China" on the box they came in.
They also do not have the hex bolsters on the shanks as pictured.
Well, that sucks. I don't really use SK, but they were a good brand. Too bad they have gone this way.
I have more screwdriver sets now than I ever have, and will have to round them all up for a picture.
Quote from: bmwrd0 on Mar 02, 2025, 05:31 PMI picked up this SK bit driver, among other things, last time I swung through the Restore
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54358850843_bda1e6d9aa_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qPvjwg)
This reminds me, I picked up one of these SK's at a garage sale, minus bits. I have since picked up the Japanese bits, and should put them with this, so I can clearly tell which is which. Thank you.
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Jan 26, 2025, 12:45 PMThis one here was an odd Apex specialty driver of some kind that I had no use for ( same box lot ), so I put the handle on the shaft from another VA made bit driver that had a chewed up handle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sx5RL6DZ/20240709-144531.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1VRTnKF9)
And as with that MAGNA I pulled the tension ring so it'll work with Chapman bits.
I decided to try the new swiss burrs that I bought yesterday and add some finger turning grip to this one as well.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBLmGNYF/20250909-121756.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftysK5SB)
If I had the capability to do
knurling I would, but this is quite effect it's easy and I think it's kind of neat looking.
I can only be done on aluminum but driver shafts though.
As suspected the new TEKTON drivers are a standard WITTE product, and Tekton is even very upfront with the fact that they're sourcing them from WITTE.
Mostly because they're using that as a selling point though, they don't specifically call out WILDE as the source for their pliers and pry bars.
https://www.tekton.com/screwdrivers?recently-added=last-90-days
The fact that they have Insulated drivers is nice, but I just don't like the WITTE handles regardless of their quality.