This review is written by contributor Stephen K.
We use screwdrivers on a regular basis and are always on the lookout for new brands and styles to try out, especially those that you might not see every day. So when we spotted a Wiha Proturn cushion-grip 3K screwdriver set at a great price – under $20 via Amazon – we bought a set to try out.
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We reviewed Wiha 3K screwdriver set #46095, which includes five drivers: Phillips #0, #1 and #2, as well as 4.0 and 6.0 mm (5/32″ and ~1/4″) cabinet tip slotted screwdrivers . This set is made in Germany and comes with a reusable case.
These drivers have ergonomic handles with a bi-material cushion grip, unlike the plain-plastic value-priced Wera Kraftform classic screwdrivers we reviewed the other day. The Wiha 3K handle is composed of hard blue plastic and a black rubbery layer that is bonded to the surface. This helps improve handle grip and torque application.
Our initial impression was that the drivers have a very high build quality. The handles are all molded well and the rubber surface is properly bonded to the drivers. We couldn’t see any significant flashing on the handles from the molding process, or any other flaw for that matter. The tips all appear well formed and fit well in various screws we tried.
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Given the high quality of the handles and exceptional fastener-fit, we wouldn’t have thought these were Wiha’s value screwdrivers.
Because of its ergonomic design, the handle on the Wiha #2 Phillips screwdriver is significantly larger than a Craftsman screwdriver of the same drive size and shaft length. While it looks large in the photo, maybe even bulky, the Wiha 3K handle fits naturally and comfortably in-hand. Screwdriver comfort can be an issue of personal opinion, but we found the drivers to be quite comfortable to hold and use.
The handle shape looked unusual at first, but we found it very comfortable and a good fit for a medium-sized hand. The wider part of the handle fits well in the palm of the hand, and allows for a strong and secure grip, not to mention improved torque transmission. A slight taper makes it easier for your fingers to wrap around and grip the handle.
The tips of the Wiha screwdrivers have a black coating to help better grip screws, and possibly provides corrosion resistance as well. The shafts are made from high alloy chrome-vanadium-molybdenum steel that is hardened and then nickel-plated.
The shape of the Wiha drivers makes them especially good for spinning. The wider shape at the top of the handle allows for quick twisting when removing or installing screws.
We chose this set because of the useful (and cost-effective) mix of sizes. Since we find ourselves reaching for Phillips drivers much more often than slotted ones, we liked that this set included the 3 most commonly used sizes (#0, #1, #2). The slotted drivers will see some use as well, but not as much.
In addition to this 5-piece set, Wiha also offers smaller and larger screwdriver sets with added Phillips and slotted size and length variety. This ergonomic driver style is also available with Torx and ball hex screwdriver tips.
Conclusion:
After using these screwdrivers for a few days, we find it hard to believe this 5-piece set comes in at under $20. The fit, finish and comfort are far ahead of what we expected at this pricepoint. We definitely recommend these to anyone looking for good-quality screwdrivers, especially if you’re on a budget.
Buy Now (via Amazon)
Additional Wiha 3K Screwdriver Sets (via Amazon)
Patrick Lucado
I have this exact set, and love them too. I had always had Craftsman and thought they were good…until I felt how these grip a screw. They don’t cam out, don’t wear, and the handles feel great. Outstanding value. I’m going to round out my set with a P-3 and large flat tip eventually.
mark
Personally I have always found pink tips do better at grabbing screws. They dont corrode either. What does the black tip have to do with grabbing screws? Nothing. The black tip is to provide contrast to see the end (so I have been told). I have Felo screwdrivers with red tips, I have a whole bunch of various screw drivers sold from trucks with chrome, felos with red, and a bunch with black.
Stuart
Certain coatings do improve the frictional fit with fasteners. Sometimes the effect is negligible, other times it makes a noticeable difference. Sometimes it’s by design, other times it’s a side effect. And some manufacturers paint their driver tips just because it makes them look more professional.
Robert
The drivers pictured on the Amazon link do not show the black coating. Is it picured incorrectly, or does the photo represent what they’re currently shipping? It makes you wonder if the ones you received are not their economy versions, and yours were shipped by mistake.
Robert
Stuart
The link is to the set I purchased for the guest reviewer. I can’t tell you why the ones he received have a black coating and why the ones pictured on Amazon only appear bead-blasted.
Wiha does offer several 3K-handled drivers with premium anti-cam-out tips, but those drivers are clearly distinguished with different colored handles – grey instead of blue.
I would think that the picture on Amazon refers to an older driver set. Not that it should make a difference. I have a set of the Wiha soft-finish drivers with satin-colored tips, and the quality is superb.
Robert
Given their reputation, I’m sure that anything they make is great quality for that matter. It’s just good to feel like you’re receiving the item that you at least thought you were purchasing.
Just to be safe, I usually don’t make the purchase if the photo doesn’t represent the description of the item.
Robert
Matthew Sumner
I love my set of Wiha screwdrivers.
Seb
We have here in Europe a value Wiha set like this one with a bit of difference. 7 screwdrivers, 3 Slotted, 2 Phillips (PH1&2) and 2 Pozidriv (PZ1&2). We do use a lot of Pozi over here so that set is handy and come at around 25$. Another difference is that the set is color coded, red for slot, yellow for PH and blue for pozi. i have used the set extensively while working on construction sites ( i m an alarm technician and we do install temporary wireless burglar alarms on construction sites).
While not the best screwdrivers i have used they are very nice for the price and the handles are very tough which is important for me since they get used in rough environments and under every kind of weather, with and without gloves . The brightly colored handles are very handy to see your tools and identify them from a glance while on location.
http://s2.lmcdn.fr/multimedia/264597438/2a25f4fdb44b2/produits/set-de-vissage-mixte-wiha.jpg
Conclusion i wouldnt hesitate to recommend this for actual everyday use.