Today’s tools of the day are precision screwdrivers.
Multi-bit precision screwdrivers are a good fit for casual and impromptu use. Klein’s is a decent tool at a good value.
But if you’re working on more regular projects, at a bench, or want a slimmer tool with different feel, check out Wera’s 6pc starter set.
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Shop their selection carefully – this set comes with Philips #0 and #1 screwdrivers, and larger slotted drivers, and another comes with Phillips #00 and #0 with smaller slotted drivers.
If you can’t decide, they have a 12pc and 25pc sets in portable cases.
I bought all 3 over the years – a 6pc set, then a 12pc set, and finally the 25pc “Big Pack” set, with the screwdrivers spread across different workbenches and tool boxes.
Even with the 25pc set, I still bought a couple of screwdriver sizes separately.
I keep a mix of PB Swiss precision screwdrivers on my electronics workbench. I do prefer these to Wera, but I bought mine on sale with Black Friday promotions years ago. At full price, I’d sooner buy the Wera’s.
If you need something basic and inexpensive, this Stanley 4-in-1 is $2.49 with free shipping. It’s a good technician-style screwdriver at a price point that’s tough to pass on.
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I’ve tried many other precision screwdrivers over the years, and these are the 4 options I’d look at first – Stanley as the “it’s cheap enough everyone should get one” option, Klein for the next step up, and then Wera or PB Swiss as the creme de la creme choice.
Jared
The Wiha Xiaomi you’ve recommended before is an excellent budget pick too. I lost a bit from mine awhile ago (or rather, my kid did) and tried to order another – but it was surprisingly difficult to find. I’m wondering if it was discontinued, though there are abundant look-alike kits without Wiha bits.
I eventually bought the Klein Tools 32717 “Precision Screwdriver Set”, which I’ve been pretty happy with too.
Oh! and don’t forget about the Picquic Teeny Turner for an inexpensive option that is surprisingly good.
Jared
Just FYI: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/xiaomi-wiha-precision-screwdriver-set-tool-of-the-day/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
This also seems relevant: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/best-pocket-technician-screwdrivers/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Reed Prince
I first bought Wihas, then some Wera to compare to them, and then tried PB Swiss, which became my favorite. I recently saw some on Amazon that are made in France by Facom, a company that often has a clever take on standard items. Facom MT.J5PG Precision Screwdrivers Set of 5. Looking at the price history, they started at $50, rose to $80, and are now at a more reasonable and competitive $25.
KokoTheTalkingApe
Do you have a link? The closest set I’m seeing is MT.JE6PB, a set of 6, available only from third-party sellers for (gulp) $130.
Stuart
Maybe they’re seeing via Amazon Germany on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Facom-MT-J5PG-Precision-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B00AF86CC2/?tag=toolguyd-20
Reed Prince
https://www.amazon.com/Facom-MT-J5PG-Precision-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B00AF86CC2
KokoTheTalkingApe
Well, now they come right up, even when I search for them. Thanks gents!
Stuart
I’d take that as a sign. =)
Voodoo
The design of Facom precision screwdrivers are terrific, and IIRC Facom and Wiha are the only two european brands left who still make two different handle size for the precision line.
However the recent molding quality of Facom’s handle is horrible, almost as bad as those from one dollar store. Bear that in mind if you are buying from amazon, or try to find some old stocks from ebay
Al
Amazon is reminding me that I’ve already bought the Klein 32581 4-in-1 three times. Well…fooled you. I probably bought a half dozen or more, giving them out to family, and stashing them in random places for future use.
This and the Klein 32500 11-in-1 are two tools that should be in every household junk drawer.
I carry a set in my computer bag, because I’m that guy who whips out a screwdriver in the middle of an executive meeting to crack open a piece of equipment that’s being proposed. “You don’t mind if we look inside, do you?”
Wayne R.
I’ve got a lot of little Wiha drivers (screw/Torx/nut). I’ve got several of the 4mm bit sets, and a few of the tiny Klein multidrivers. And a set of small of Vessel JIS drivers.
One of the best setups for me are the 4mm bits in a 4mm-1/4hex adapter, and that’s in a Wiha Centrofix handle. The big diameter of that handle affords a lot of control and the only wobble is on the 4mm end, which isn’t much.
One of the most troublesome are the slim hard handles of the Wiha drivers: They’re a little too slim for a good grip when things are too tight, but their tips are all still good.
ElectroAtletico
My Klein Tools 32717 Precision Screwdriver Set with Case, and my Milwaukee 6 PC Precision Screwdriver Set w/ Case (48-22-2606) have served me incredibly well, thank you very much.
TonyT
I’ve used Wiha for almost 30 years (and most of my originals are still going strong), and Wera for over a decade. Recently, I’ve added some Witte. I’ve been very happy with all three.
My clear favorite though is the Wiha Picofinish, but given how good they all are, what I really like is what is on sale (most of mine were acquired via really good sales).
David
“I’d sooner buy the Wera sooner.”
Stuart
Thanks – fixed! I read it through, said “I thought I added that I’d sooner buy the Wera’s, and apparently added the second instance. Oops.
ChipBoundary
The fact that the iFixit kits aren’t mentioned here is a travesty. They are phenomenal precision driver tool kits and very affordable for what you get.
I highly recommend them. They are also a major supporter and advocate for right to repair, along with offering detailed guides for taking things apart on their site.
Jared
Stuart certainly has recommended iFixit before. I think the intent with this post though was to highlight the “top” picks, albeit he mentions the Stanley driver (but as a budget recommendation).
fred
I had this Ifixit set:
https://www.amazon.com/iFixit-IF145-299-4-Driver-Bit-64pc/dp/B0189YWOIO
I like it well enough – but moved it to our summer place.
I like the handle on this set from Nanch better:
https://www.amazon.com/Nanch-Precision-Screwdriver-Smartphone-Electronics/dp/B00QZLV03O
I’ve never liked the hard plastic-handle ones from Wiha. liking the ones from Wera better – but hand feel is a matter of personal preference. My wife has a small batch of precision divers from Craftsman (made by Western Forge) that have hard plastic handles. I see her using them from time to time. She’s never asked me for something better so I guess she thinks they’re OK.
MM
I have mixed feelings about iFixit. On the one hand, I totally agree with the idea of promoting right-to-repair, and I think anything that gets people interested in DIY and fixing things instead of perpetuating throwaway society is a good thing. I support that message behind IFixit 110%. But on the other hand, I don’t think their products are anything special. In fact, I think they’re rather expensive for what you get. One might say that positive “pro-repair” message is being used (abused?) to push overpriced tools to hobbyists who might not know any better and get distracted by the positive messaging. I don’t think iFixit drivers are bad, but they aren’t anything special either. You can get comparable quality for less money from any number of alphabet soup brands, probably made in the same factory. IFixit feels a bit like a cult where they’re trying to tie their brand of products to the “right to repair” social movement, and that feels scummy. It seems like like they’re focusing more on the lifestyle branding and virtue signalling about the whole right-to-repair thing than they are the tools. I’ve rarely heard or read anyone initiate a discussion by praising the quality or value of IFixit tools, unless those comparisons are made with bottom-of-the-barrel junk, but they never fail to mention the right-to-repair advocacy.
The idea that you can and should fix your own broken stuff is fantastic, but you don’t need to buy IFixit brand products to do that. They aren’t junk, but in my opinion they’re in an odd middle ground where they’re a bit expensive for casual use while also being behind the well known brands in this space (Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss, etc.) when it comes to professional use.
Scott K
I haven’t used many of their tools, but they do sell some bundles that offer great value for specific tasks – I recently bought a variety of plastic opener/pry tools and they worked perfectly for my needs. I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed, so the options came in handy as I winged it. Some are also meant to break if too much force is applied to protect what you’re repairing which is a thoughtful feature.
Stuart
iFixit is great, with curated options generally geared towards consumer electronics repair tool kits. There are very specific user and application types where I’d recommend iFixit hands-down, but they’ve never been my go-to for the tasks I typically use precision screwdrivers for.
eddiesky
You can save money on knock-offs of their “iF-xit” tool/driver bit sets. Besides, its ironic that Wien (started iF-xit) whined about right to repair, all while pushing an agenda to be exclusive Samsung, Chrome and other parts supplier for repairs. I expect soon, subscription-only to “exclusive” repair videos…because you can only markup toolkits so much.
Don’t fool yourself; iF-xit has an agenda…The Right to Repair is just an umbrella to their agenda. Yes, I worked for Apple so I have a chip… LOL
WIHA drivers serve me well. I highly recommend a Mag-DeMagnetizer (those mint colored ones). As well as magnifiers because pentalobe, T5 and smaller fasterners, and spudge sticks (ESD safe). That Wiha Xiaomi Mi Precision set is slick. Last but not least, Vessel makes some superior precision drivers
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/precision
Wayne R.
The iFixit Jimmy is something that has no equal (not that I know of, anyway).
https://www.ifixit.com/products/jimmy
Jared
If you don’t have one already, you might like the Metal Magery “Sheet Metal Skin Wedge”.
I assume the Skin Wedge is a little heavier-duty when I look at the photos of the Jimmy, so I’m not suggesting it’s a direct replacement. However, the Skin Wedge is a tool in a similar vein and I find it to be remarkably useful.
MM
Those are excellent. For smaller things I really like palette knives like artists use. Even the cheapos seem to be pretty good quality steel, and they’re polished so they are easy to slip into thin gaps for gentle prying. A lot of those prying tools similar to the Jimmy are just cut from sheet but aren’t polished, that can make it more difficult to insert edge where you want it. There are also pry tools meant for removing watch backs, some of those are great for other purposes too.
Jared
That’s a good idea! Hadn’t thought to use palette knives that way, but it makes sense.
Scott K
Those Wera pliers look very nice. I bought this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L46TEN2) Wiha set a while ago – the price hasn’t gone up that much but mine came with needle nose pliers that I really like – I paid about $20 for the set.
I recently bought that cheap Stanley to keep in a kitchen drawer with a 16’ tape, retractable Olfa knife, Leatherman, and Megapro ratcheting multibit driver.
Vards Uzvards
Megapro also has this 4-in-1 pocket driver.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ITTMI4/
Five years ago its price was under $4, and I liked it more than the aforementioned Stanley version.
Scott K
That looks similar to this Lutz driver that I got for under $5 at least 15 years ago. It’s held up really well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A463LNI
Stuart
There are a bunch like that, e.g. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/general-tools-4-in-1-pocket-screwdriver/%3C/a%3E , but they’re way too expensive unless you can find them in person.
The Stanley at HD is the only one that can be purchased for a reasonable price online, and you get free shipping. $2.49 with free shipping. It’s a very usable tool at an incredibly good value.
Scott K
I agree – I don’t think I needed that Stanley, but at less than $3 in the HD tool aisle it didn’t take much thought. It’s nice to have in a kitchen drawer with other frequently used tools – it has worked well for toy battery compartments and other basic tasks.
JJ
also check out the pick is the Klein 27-in-1 multi-bit precision screwdriver #32328 for a driver with good ergonomics and bit storage. Bit quality is not as good as Wera or Wiha but handy for a tool bag.
Amatts
What no Beringer?old US made Starretts were the best noting the screw capture feature
fred
I figure that Stuart was thinking more about precision screwdrivers that might get utility use at home for electronics etc. Clockmakers, watch repair, jewelers and opticians may well have a different take on these tools.
Nathan
So I question the bit holder and bits comment. I bought the tekton tech rescue kit awhile ago and while various bits there are also long bits in common deep well sizes. So I’ve not needed to reach for my old precision ones since
My old precision ones being those craftsman ones you mention. The Philips 0 of that kit lives in my car for glasses.
Other kits have these bit assortments too or can be had. And I’ve so far found I’ve not used the long ones often Also more and more items are using small torx screws so make sure you have those. Tiny is probably more like it
CMF
I have a set of 4 PB Swiss minis with acetate handle. I had never seen the PB minis with the SwissGrip, they look very nice. The SwissGrip and similar “soft” grips are usually my favorites. But in minis, acetate does not bother me as much as in regular size screwdrivers.
Years ago, a few years before COVID, someone had what I thought was a really good deal (might have been KC Tools but not sure) on these a got it
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-92191-Precision-Screwdrivers-Storage/dp/B0098RB3SY/
This pretty much covers all of my needs, I just wish there was some kind of cover on it. Be it for dust and also to keep the drivers in place. I have knocked it over a couple of times.
Wayne R.
“This pretty much covers all of my needs” – how could it not?
William Adams
I have an old Niwa camera tool kit which has covered pretty much every small fastener I’ve ever needed — put it into a Levenger “Safety Case” (modeled on the toolkits carried by knitting machine mechanics) and it’s gone pretty much everywhere with me since.
My dad had an Omega precision screwdriver toolkit at need.
I’ve bought a couple of NOS Starrett screwdrivers as well and have been quite pleased with them (and need to find a full set at some point).
Chris
I have a couple Kobalt precision screwdrivers. They’re alright.
I have some HDX ones too and they’re horrible. They’re so soft. They work until you need to crank down on something.
But I really like my ifixit screwdriver bit set. Has both 1/4” hex and 1/8” hex bits and the handles are pretty solid. I do like having multi bit screwdrivers until I have to change the bit out a dozen times during a repair.
Kyle
I have gotten great service from having a few of these Harbor Freight kits stashed around. Extremely affordable, has a wide complement of sizes, and sometimes the two different types of extensions are just the ticket. Not on par with PB Swiss but I’ve never had a problem with them. You wouldn’t use them for regular bench work, but sometimes it’s more important to simply have access to the right driver when you need it. When you didn’t know you were going to need it these really shine. Also nice to fill in the gaps for weird sizes. They’re cheap at the regular price and occasionally on sale.
https://www.harborfreight.com/33-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-93916.html
ITCD
I myself have and do quite like the Wiha. But I also have some Vessel and really like those, the option to go plain knurling on them as well as set the comfort grip where it feels best to you is pretty great.
iFixit has come up already, and I got that too. I like the bit driver a lot, with the ball bearing spinner and whatnot. Feels good, allows some decent torque if the skinnier options aren’t doing it. They also have some Made in USA individual drivers, those are actually rebrands of Moody Tool! A lot of folks always looking for a USA version of this or that, and Moody is an option for precision drivers.
jack
I have alot of these including swiss brands like horotec and bergeon and japanese brands like vessel and at least 3-4 chinese, but also not limited to both wiha 25 piece sets (esd and not)
reality is that they are all pretty good with some caveats. if you’re using them for hrs per day in specific setting, then sometimes ergonomics matters, if you need to screw from the top, maybe ability to do it from cap matters.
one thing I valued that is hard to find is thin blade to get to those t5 and t6 recessed screws that require 2″ blade of same thickness (usually head is thin but blade is 2x thicker), so those are much harder to find and most bits at those sizes are not that either… i did find vessel screwdriver that is as good as it gets and i guess usual hex keys can help too..
summary, 90% are fine, with caveats that may apply to individual people….
ElectroMike
I got a Wera 05073675001 set in the velcro organizer pouch last year and I’m very happy with them. I had been hypnotized by the big packs but they include a lot of things I don’t think are very useful. I wanted the spectrum of Torx, Philips and Slotted. That set is $40 on ChadsToolbox and they stock all the other Wera precision drivers for $3-$5 ea.
I do a lot of electronic trim pot adjustment and I always used to use the Bourns blue potentiometer adjusters. I looked up the geometry of a Bourns trimpot screw and the Wera 05118005001 slotted precision screwdriver fits them beautifully. I really like the feel of the tactile zone on the ball portion of the grip. I think the best feeling screwdrivers to me are the Felo Ergonic. I’ve never used their precision drivers, but if they have that kind of feel, that would be ideal to me.
The Wera 05118135001 3/16 nut driver works great on the hex standoffs on dsub connectors. The wall of the socket is plenty thin enough and it’s not so deep as the Klein multibit drivers so it’s easy to load the standoff into the socket without it falling out and then screw it in place.