Who makes decent small screwdrivers

[ChazzC]

Do they offer replacement bits? If so, that is very good indeed.

As far as I know: I haven't managed to bugger one up (yet). The only tools I've purchased from them that I've damaged are "spudgers" and other opening/prying tools (which are sold-as-is), and even those took a lot of abuse before failing.

I did ask them a while back about what knid of torque their bits could handle:

Me:

Hi,​

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What is the maximum allowable torque for these bits?​

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I have several sets of these bits and am very happy with them, using both the supplied drivers and a small battery-powered driver that produces up to 0.1 N-m of torque @250 RPM. I would also like to use them with the 1/4"/4mm adapter on a larger, 1/4" hex battery powered driver (https://a.co/d/1xxWkhJ) that produces up to 4.2 N-m of torque @220 RPM.​

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Thanks!​

Response:

I've forwarded this question to our Product Development team and they got back to me with the following:​

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It really depends on the bit that they're trying to use. Smaller Torx and Pentalobe with break at much lower torques than the larger sizes. For example, that larger driver would probably be fine for T10 and Hex 3 mm screws, but would probably overpower anything smaller.​

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Unfortunately, we cannot provide specifics but it's best to be careful with the smaller/thinner bits when using an electric driver. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out as we're always happy to assist!​

For comparison, the Precision Electric Screwdriver they sell delivers 0.15N-m (1.0 N-m manually, which they recommend for breaking-free & final tightening).

 

[borges1]

The Wera ones for sure. More than just tiny screwdrivers. Very well thought out for usage at small scale. Its hard to describe until you have one in your hand; the shape, spinning end, textured and hardened load surface. buy one you use a lot and try it out if you don't want to splurge on a set. I find replaceable tip drivers like the ifixit above are not good in tight spaces, recessed fasteners, electronics, etc - which these tiny sizes always seem to be. the replaceable tips are very short before they expand to the 1/4" hex, the larger size blocks the view, and are much more cumbersome at small scale.

 

[Choiliefan]

I have a few Xcelite screwdrivers I love.

 

[ChazzC]

The Wera ones for sure. More than just tiny screwdrivers. Very well thought out for usage at small scale. Its hard to describe until you have one in your hand; the shape, spinning end, textured and hardened load surface. buy one you use a lot and try it out if you don't want to splurge on a set. I find replaceable tip drivers like the ifixit above are not good in tight spaces, recessed fasteners, electronics, etc - which these tiny sizes always seem to be. the replaceable tips are very short before they expand to the 1/4" hex, the larger size blocks the view, and are much more cumbersome at small scale.

I have a selection of Wiha drivers, and the are great for hard to reach screws, but are also a little awkward when you are using one easily accessible screws.

Most of the iFixIt bits are 4mm hex, and the handles are slim so they are more like a step between a jeweler’s screwdriver and 1/4” hex driver.

 

[WobblyHand]

Chapman's are 1/4" hex bits. But I bought a spare bit and machined it to fit a recessed hole in a laptop case. That worked well. It's nice to be able to buy spare bits. That means for instance, you don't have to suffer forever with a worn #2 Phillips bit. They do wear with heavy use, or stubborn fasteners. Once I get the replacement bit, I toss the old one, so I won't bugger up any screws. I'd rather replace bits than irreplaceable screws.

 

[ChazzC]

Chapman's are 1/4" hex bits. But I bought a spare bit and machined it to fit a recessed hole in a laptop case. That worked well. It's nice to be able to buy spare bits. That means for instance, you don't have to suffer forever with a worn #2 Phillips bit. They do wear with heavy use, or stubborn fasteners. Once I get the replacement bit, I toss the old one, so I won't bugger up any screws. I'd rather replace bits than irreplaceable screws.

I’ve started using JIS bits/screwdrivers instead of Phillips: they fit well and don’t ramp out (which is what the Phillips are designed to do).

 

[mmcmdl]

No spares needed here .

 

[WobblyHand]

I’ve started using JIS bits/screwdrivers instead of Phillips: they fit well and don’t ramp out (which is what the Phillips are designed to do).

JIS bits in Philips head screws don't quite fit right. A JIS bit in a JIS screw fits tightly and allows a bit of torque. In my Chapman set I have both, and use the bit that fits. Less grief in the long run.

A lot of the "junk hardware" one finds for sale these days have fasteners with JIS screws, not Phillips. Use the correct tip for the job.

 

[GeneT45]

I'm well invested in Wiha, and have no complaints. I did notice recently that Lowe's has started carrying Wiha bits and drivers. I don't know if that bodes ill for the brand, but if you're interested, that's perhaps a local option to pick some up.

GsT

 

[WobblyHand]

No spares needed here .

They're rarely needed at home. But when "in the field" stuff happens.

For me, that includes Maryland. Lets just say this house is sparse tool wise. Machinists have a lot different perspective on tooling than the general populous.