Milwaukee’s 8pc screwdriver set “special buy” is back again this year, in Home Depot’s 2019 holiday gift center. Last year I called it a good buy, although its sale price isn’t too far off from its everyday price.
I’m sure more of you have tried these screwdrivers since last year. So, let’s discuss.
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First, let’s see what you get:
Screwdriver Sizes
- Phillips #1 x 3″
- Phillips #2 x 4″
- Phillips #2 x 6″
- Slotted 1/4″ x 4″
- Slotted 3/16″ x 6″
- Slotted 5/16″ x 6″
- Square #1
- Square #2
These are all sized for common construction fastener, and is about what I would expect from a set like this. The screwdrivers have tri-lobe handles and magnetic tips.
There is some sizing redundancy, since the set comes with two Phillips #2 drivers of different lengths. However, you’ll eventually be glad to have both. A 4″ shaft is common for everyday tasks and applications, but there will be tasks where you need longer reach.
Sure, value-wise you can get a basic multi-bit screwdriver for less, but individually-sized screwdriver are often going to have more proportionate and comfortable handles or better fastener accessibility. Try reaching into a recess with your average multi-bit screwdriver to see what I mean.
8 screwdrivers for $20 comes down to $2.50 per driver, which isn’t bad for comfort-grip screwdrivers. Sure, you could go lower – Harbor Freight’s Quinn screwdriver 2-pack is $3.49. But in the context of mid-tiered brands? 8 Milwaukee screwdrivers for $20 is a good bargain.
For everyday screwdrivers you might need to abuse, this is a good deal.
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Step up to some of our favorite screwdrivers, such as Wera Kraftform with Lasertip (which are currently on sale), and the price per screwdrivers goes above $4.50 each.
Premium screwdrivers are priced even higher, at around $8 to $12 each. Snap-on screwdrivers of similar sizing start at maybe $22 each.
I have screwdrivers I like better than these Milwaukee’s, and also ones I’d sooner abuse, destroy, and discard if need be.
This year I don’t quite think this set deserves a “deal post,” but it seems like an interesting “special buy” to ask for your opinions on.
So, do you think this is a good deal, or at least a good bargain? What alternate brands or sets would you recommend to someone looking to spend $20 on some screwdrivers?
Price: $19.88
There a slightly different 8pc set, 48-22-2708, which swap this set’s square-style screwdrivers for ECX #1 and #2 drivers.
Compare(Alternate Set via Acme Tools)
Brian A
I picked these up on a deal last year, dont really like them much, the big set Milwaukee had prior to this at HD is so much better. Been meaning to try the more expensive cushion grip set they came out with at the same time.
John B
Meh. Nice set, but not a deal that makes me want to part with my cash.
OldDominionDIYer
I have these and Milwaukee’s “Cushion Grip” version with the hex on the shaft near the handle for use with a wrench. They also have a knurl about midway down the shaft for using your fingers to spin the screwdriver and the handles use three different materials to create the cushion grip. The actual final dimension of the handles are a little larger and seem more comfortable in my hands and the extra features are very useful. They all have lanyard holes in the handle and I’ve found the tips of these to fit well and are very rugged. They are also marked in various spots for easy identification, all around they are a far superior product which tends to make me think this deal is pretty useless. I see these being included as “give-aways” on other sites when you purchase some of their PACKOUT gear, just don’t seem worth the money.
Tom D
My local Ace has 10 for $20.
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/screwdriver-sets/2802643
Chris
I only see 8 in the picture, but the product description says it also includes a P2 and S1/4 stubby.
It’s probably a typo though (Wrong description with the “right” product).
Tom D
The one in store had ten (it also had an amusing “we’re out of this Milwaukee product but you can have a Craftsman 18 for the same price” sign right above about five of the Milwaukee sets.
The Milwaukee part number they list shows 10 on HD: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-48-22-2710/302174758
Thom
Makea a decent beater /loaner set.
Kevin Franklin
How can you go wrong with this deal, you can’t
Flotsam
I suppose if you didn’t have a set of screwdrivers it would be ok
Frank D
I have looked at these a several times now. Probably every holiday season in the past few years, and passed. They’re not that special. Comfort is relative. I prefer my old tri-lobe ones from a big box store. And, the average homeowner can be better served with a set of imports that look similarly comfortable, with 20 screw drivers for $10, and functions just fine for many years.
Stacey
7
Tom D
8
hangovna
I love these, even better than the 3-shot comfort grip they offer. I just like a simple 3-lobe shape. Awesome deal at $20. They’ll last most people forever that don’t abuse tools.
Wayne R.
Reminds me to ask: What’s “Lasertip” about, anyway?
Jim Felt
Google an image of those tips and you’ll see. Kinda high techie.
But I suppose it’s of some value. I have some and really don’t “feel” any difference in use.
Wayne R.
Huh. Thanks!
Stuart
These are Wiha, but pretty similar – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/anti-cam-out-screwdriver-tips-aco-acr/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Benjamen
The Wera lasertip Phillips screwdrivers will grab most screwheads almost as well as a magnet. They also help prevent camming out and ruining soft head screws. For instance our tub drain has a brass screw to remove the plug. I won’t use any other screwdriver, because they slip.
I’d highly recommend them.
Javier A.
Have them and like them. I replaced my set of Craftsman stinky handles with these for use as a “beater/pry bar” set, and they fit the bill perfectly. I like the easy to read tip identification on the end of the handle, which makes them great to toss in a bag or belt. They’re reasonably comfortable/ergonomic, and fit fasteners well. Having said that, I wouldn’t pay more than $20 for this set, as I don’t like them for automotive use on fasteners (use my Snap-on soft grips for that).
Tom D
For pry-bar usage I really like my demo driver: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-5-16-in-Slotted-6-in-Demolition-Screwdriver-48-22-2860/302212554 a slotted screwdriver designed to be used how we all use them (as everything but a screwdriver).
TonyT
Or Wera Chiseldrivers — I managed to snag some for a great price from Newark Electronics, and have occasionally used them as chisels.
JayDee
I’ve seen the 8pc screwdriver set with the two ECX drivers on sale for $15 at Blain’s Farm and Fleet a few months ago (not currently)
Joatman
This Milwaukee set looks like a fair enough deal but personally I would probably only use about four of those eight on a regular basis. I just bought the 5pc wooden handled Felo set from Menards for less than $20. Absolutely love them.
A lot of us grew up with craftsman tools. I still have quite a few. The one thing that I I’ve always liked is the lifetime warranty. You just bring your worn out tool into a local Sears and you walk out with a new. I’m sure this is probably still true except you would be going to Lowe’s or wherever you bought them. Same with Husky tools and Kobalt. I know that Dewalt and Milwaukee have lifetime warranties on quite a few of their hand tools but I don’t know how you would go about getting a replacement. Does anyone know if it works the same as craftsman Or do you need to send them through the mail?