The Best Screwdriver Sets

When it comes to screwdrivers, few people actually require a large number of types and sizes. However, only a handful of screwdrivers are needed to complete most projects on the job, in your workshop, or at home. The best screwdriver set will be durable, comfortable, precise and possibly last you a lifetime.

If any of the following apply to you, now’s the time to think about getting a new, high quality screwdriver set:

·         You have a bunch of old, cheap, mismatched screwdrivers that you’ve collected over the years but none seem to work well.

·         You’re using a magnetic socket screwdriver with 30 different bits since it seemed like a good idea at the time but now you can’t find the 3-4 bits you need the most.

·         You simply want the best screwdriver set your money can buy.

Screwdriver Set Reviews

#1 – Klein Tools 8-Piece Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set

Sometimes the top screwdriver sets are the simple ones, and Klein Tools proves this with the perfect collection of eight commonly-used, professional grade screwdrivers.

Klein Tools (made in the USA) is a brand preferred by electricians and other professional tradesmen, but not commonly known to DIYers even though they’ve been making the finest quality tools since1857. Weighing in at under 2 pounds when in their case, this set includes one cabinet, four Phillips, and three keystone (standard tip) screwdrivers, all with heavy duty shafts.

All Klein screwdrivers draw plenty of praise from both home and professional users due to a high level of durability. They can withstand heavy use and are backed by warranty, leaving these screwdrivers as the ones to have in your tool chest. Another trait which consumers love is the comfortable but sturdy grip these tools provide, making them perfect for even family projects.

Because of Klein’s reputation, many consumers have run into knock-offs being advertised as genuine. This is the single key complaint, and one which reinforces the need to buy only from verified sources. Knock-off sets often use paint to resemble coating, are made of inferior materials, and damage easily. Always be sure to buy only from official Klein sources.

#2 – Wera 932/6 Kraftform Plus 6-Piece Screwdriver Set

Wera is an internationally-known, German-based company that markets products that meet strict international standards. The 932/6 Kraftform Plus set contains four standard slotted and two Phillips screwdrivers in the most commonly-used sizes and a storage rack. The handles (one of the most important parts of a screwdriver) are made of multiple components and shaped for superior handling, comfort, and torque.

This product is generally owned by users who are abusive towards their screwdrivers and is met with high praise. Users love the sturdy impact cap and Pound-thru blade, both of which allow the screwdrivers to be used for chiseling and other high-impact jobs without damage to the handle or shank.

The lifetime, no-hassle warranty only serves to further bolster enthusiasm for those consumers who use these screwdrivers as chisels and for other high-impact jobs. Finally, the unusual design of the handles allows for greater torque than more common designs, making it easier to remove damaged screws.

No product is perfect, and the Kraftform Plus set is no exception. The biggest design issue has been the handles, which may be ideal for most users, but cannot fit every hand with the same level of comfort. Another concern has been the lifespan under extremely harsh use, which can begin to split the handle after several years. This is somewhat negated by a no-hassle replacement policy, but may frustrate some professional users who would rather not keep back-up screwdrivers on-hand.

#3 – GearWrench 80066 20-Piece Screwdriver Set

Designed for comfort and convenience, this 20-piece set has a lot to offer. The tri-lobe ergonomic handles provide a high degree of comfort and feature a “speed zone” for faster work in low torque situations. Dual material molding ensures the handle is as durable as comfortable. Meanwhile, the size for each piece is laser-etched onto the shaft for easy reference and a black oxide tip for superior grip.

A large, durable case holds all the drivers for easy storage and identification. This set includes not only 9 slotted and 9 Phillips screwdrivers, but two Torx drivers to handle a wider variety of tasks. The tips on every screwdriver is magnetic so you don’t need to manually magnetize each. Don’t be turned off that the set is made in Taiwan. The quality is right up there with Klein and Wera.

Overall, this is a durable set that can stand up to the big names in terms of quality and put cheap screwdrivers found in some all-in-one mechanics tool sets to shame. Owners of the set love the variety of driver sizes, although more Torx sizes would be needed to make this a truly complete kit. The case is also a welcome addition, and most owners use it to store their set on the go.

A few people have complained about their sets being brittle, which suggests defects may occasionally get through. What makes this frustrating is that you must return a product for assessment before a replacement is sent. This potential extra cost should be considered when purchasing the set.

#4 – Craftsman Extreme Grip 6-Piece Diamond Tip Screwdrivers

Craftsman is one of the top names in tools, and this small set proves they’re still one of the best screwdriver brands in the world. Sporting diamond coated tips for better gripping power, these screwdrivers also have ergonomic handles and laser-marked shanks so you will never need to wonder which size you are holding.

Consumers have raved about the diamond tips, noting that they easily grip stripped or rounded heads, allowing for easy replacement of damaged screws. As a compliment to the grip, this is a magnetic screwdriver set, allowing for even easier maintenance of worn-out screws. Owners of this set also love the comfortable handles, and high overall durability.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern that Craftsman tools are becoming less durable despite having full warranties. While problems with this set are few, they all seem to run into a single durability issue. After multiple uses against stripped heads or over-tight screws, the shank can come loose within the handle.

In most cases, this results in the shank not turning with the handle, but in a few extreme cases, the shank has fallen out completely, requiring replacement. Fortunately, Craftsman is known to have one of the best tool warranties in the biz so if you ever have a problem, a free replacement is usually painless.

#5 – Craftsman 9-31794 17-Piece Screwdriver Set

One of the top names in tools, this quality set of clear handle screwdrivers can cover almost any task that requires a slotted or Phillips head. The set includes 9 slotted and 7 Phillips drivers. All screwdrivers have heat-treated blades and durable handles for a long, reliable lifespan.

The final piece to this set is a unique 4-in-1 keychain with four slotted screwdriver blades on a circular hub. Due to the number of sizes available, this also makes an excellent household toolkit addition and is often used for general repairs as well as in workshops.

There is an old saying that when you want quality, you want Craftsman. Unfortunately, that statement is slightly less valid now that Craftsman screwdrivers are made in China. Despite not being immune from a universal drop in quality among modern tool manufacturers, most previous Craftsman owners note that the quality is still there for the most part.

The biggest complaint regarding this set is the lack of a 5/16” size. While you can use a smaller size for 5/16” screw slots, the omission of this size (excluding one of the keychain tips) means you’ll have to buy another set to have a complete line of drivers. There is also the occasional manufacturing defect, although Craftsman’s excellent warranty covers replacing these.

#6 – Wiha 32092 6-Piece Insulated Screwdriver Set

Wiha might not be a household name, but this set makes you wonder why it isn’t. Perhaps the best insulated screwdriver set for the price, this 6-piece selection of slotted and Phillips drivers is certified for up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC.

The SoftFinish handles have a solid molded core and soft outer cushion grip, providing both comfort and 40 percent more torque than conventional screwdriver handles. To prevent the handle slipping, it’s molded directly onto the CRM-72 tool steel blades.

German-made tools have a reputation for being some of the best on the market, but can also be among the most expensive. The lower price paired with high quality have made this set a hit with consumers. Perfect for an electrician’s tool belt, many of those who buy this set keep them for general home or shop use and often compare them to Klein tools in terms of their durability.

Manufacturing defects seem to slip by every company these days, and Wiha is no exception. A few users have gotten tools that were more brittle or had molding errors. The percentage of defects reported in this set are extremely low compared to other sets, but you should always take the time to inspect and (when possible) test the tools upon arrival to ensure there are no issues.