The best screwdrivers for home and garden: TOP 12, review, photo
Of all the tools available in the house, screwdrivers are rightfully considered the most important. Moreover, most often this is not a ready-made set, but simply a scattering of tools that differ slightly in design, handle shape and weight.Usually the best screwdrivers are selected, several tool options with slots of different sizes and a cross, as they say, for all occasions.
The content of the article:
What to look for when choosing a screwdriver?
The buyer, of course, can choose a tool by simply weighing it in his hand and determine how flexible the handle is. Are there rubber pads, is the slot size suitable?
In fact, in this way you can choose the simplest model, for example, an indicator screwdriver. In this case, the tool only needs to be checked for operation of the neon inside the transparent handle; no other requirements are usually placed on the indicator. This is a specific device for monitoring the electrical potential at a terminal; it is as important to an electrician as a torque wrench is to a car mechanic.
When choosing a model, you can focus on a specific brand or manufacturer of screwdrivers. On the other hand, it will be useful to pay attention to three main features characteristic of the best screwdrivers:
- The rod must be made of tool steel and spring back when bent. The working end must be hardened. For dielectric models, the rod is covered with insulation.
- The handle must be of a special shape, often with corrugation, an emphasis on the back and a finger rest.
- The working rod must be pressed into the plastic of the handle. Moreover, slots must be stamped on the back side for adhesion to the plastic or wooden base of the handle.
In multifunctional models with one rod and several replaceable bits, you need to pay attention to the thickness and strength of the back of the handle. As a rule, the rod is made tubular, with sockets for bits at both ends. Replacement attachments are stored inserted into a socket inside the handle. If you hit it hard with such a screwdriver, the spare bit will easily pierce the back of the case.
Screwdriver purpose
There are several main types of tools. The screwdriver can be universal or specialized. Accordingly, each type has its own requirements:
- Bench or standard screwdriver. You need to pay attention to the size and elasticity of the metal rod, the width and length of the slot (for a slotted model) or cross for a Phillips screwdriver. Pay attention to the shape and size of the handle.
- Watch instruments. Used to unscrew screws measuring 0.5-1.5 mm. Usually the screw head is made with a slot, but there are also cross-shaped ones. Manufactured entirely from tool steel. A special feature is the presence of an under-finger rotating stop and a special notch on the handle that prevents fingers from slipping during operation.
- Electrician models.They are distinguished by a dielectric handle, a long and thin pin (with an insulated surface) with a slot or a cross-shaped tip. Most often they are sold in a set with bits of different shapes. When choosing, pay special attention to the shape and quality of the handle material.
- Cordless screwdrivers. A massive long handle with a motor and battery inside. Instead of a pin, a shaft with a collet clamp is installed. There are models with only forward direction of rotation, usually these are tools for assembly lines. For professional repairmen, cordless screwdrivers are produced with direct (clockwise) and reverse rotation.
Advice! If you have to work with different types of screws, it is better to choose a set with interchangeable heads. In addition to the traditional slot or cross, two dozen different profiles can be used on a screw fastening.
There is a separate class of tools - impact screwdrivers. They are used to remove rusted screws. Previously, a chisel with a steel heel “at the back of the head” of the handle was used for these purposes. It was inserted into the screw slot and hit on the heel with a light hammer with a twist.
Material
Brand tools are made of chrome vanadium steel or forged metal with additional heat treatment, hardening of the working surface to HRC 47-52 units. Such a tool will last for many years; it can be easily distinguished by the blackened surface of the slot or cross.
Chinese instruments are often made from low-carbon St3, St5. Due to the low quality of the metal, the rods bend easily, the working edges quickly wear off, making it almost impossible to restore such a screwdriver.
For the handle, plastic with a hard rubber finish (not silicone) or a rubber-plastic copolymer is best. This type of handle lasts much longer than a plastic or wooden one.
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The best standard screwdrivers
The most common tool in any home. But even standard models can vary greatly in design, so it is best to choose a universal screwdriver according to the method of its use. Many craftsmen do not let it go out of their hands at work; it replaces a probe, and often a pry bar or even a chisel. But usually a standard tool is only needed to remove a couple of screws during the next repair.
Universal option: Rexant SL8x150 mm 12-4724
Durable and reliable tool. The length of the rod is 150 mm, the width of the tip is 8 mm, this is quite enough for most household work. The tip of the tip is hardened to HRC 52.
The rod is soldered into the body of the handle with a shrink fit, which prevents it from turning under load.
Classic model TOPEX 39D255
Another high quality version of the classic screwdriver. The features of the model include the large length of the rod with a wide slot. The edge has been carburized, heat treated and magnetized. That is, you can easily catch small steel fasteners with the end of a screwdriver.
High-quality cast handle with a rubberized surface for a finger grip.
Impact version of the “classic” Jonnesway SL D70S5100
A successful model for any occasion. No screwdriver rating is complete without the Jonnesway SL D70S5100. The tool belongs to the standard three-in-one model.In addition to loosening screws, a screwdriver can be used as a chisel or pry bar. The strength of chrome-molybdenum alloy is simply enormous.
On the back there is a “penny” that you can hit hammer. It is believed that a screwdriver can be used to unscrew rusted fasteners, but in practice it turned out that this is not very convenient.
The best special screwdrivers
This is a special category. These are not even screwdrivers, but a specialized tool or device, so you need to know exactly the purpose of the model and its performance characteristics. Otherwise, you may get injured or break the instrument.
Model Stanley 100-500V PRO 200MM 66-120
One of the best indicator screwdrivers in the class, from a well-known manufacturer. Potentials up to 500 V can be tested. Moreover, the durable insulation of the steel rod is made of epoxy resin. The voltage will not break through it, it is difficult to damage even with a sharp knife.
Main advantages:
- Compact size, comfortable transparent handle.
- An ordinary neon is used as a voltage indicator. You can check the voltage at low temperatures in the cold, where the LCD indicator simply freezes.
- Long service life.
The indicator screwdriver can be used as a general purpose tool for loosening screws. The hardness of the metal is lower, but, according to reviews, this does not prevent it from being used for its intended purpose.
Impact screwdriver WHIRLPOWER
A tool with a massive chuck-retainer for interchangeable attachments and a very thick handle with a large supporting surface at the back of the head. One of the best models for situations when you need to manually unscrew a rusted screw.
The wide supporting surface of the handle makes it possible to lean your entire body weight on the fastener when unscrewing to avoid breaking off the splines or cross.
Reversible version VIRA 302012
Used for unscrewing and tightening screws located in inconvenient places. For example, when repairing household appliances, fasteners often have to be unscrewed by hand blindly.
VIRA 302012 fits well in the hand, thanks to the rubber pads it does not slip even in wet fingers. A fairly reliable ratchet and a rotary switch for the direction of rotation. True, you have to switch with your fingernail, so you need to get used to the operation of the tool.
The kit includes a set of six bits and an extension cord. The entire metal part is made of alloyed chrome vanadium steel, so the tool is quite reliable.
Advice! A reverse screwdriver is not intended for unscrewing rusted screws. If you do not follow this rule, you can easily break both the ratchet and ratchet.
Best screwdriver sets
Typically, such a kit includes several tools with the same type of handle, but differing in shaft length and tip shape. Buying a set is worth it; screwdrivers are cheaper in bulk, plus there is a box for storing them. But before making a choice, you need to use any screwdriver from the kit for at least a couple of weeks.
Set KING TONY 3310MR
The best option for a home workshop or for a mechanic who professionally repairs household appliances. The set consists of four Phillips screwdrivers and four flat-blade screwdrivers, widths from 3 mm to 6.5 mm. Four more tools in the set have cross-shaped tips. The length of the rod is from 38 mm (thrust screwdriver for heavy screws) to 100 mm (universal model).
Advantages of the KING TONY kit:
- Well-designed metal storage box. Durable, compact and at the same time convenient enough for quick removal of the tool.
- The optimal shape of the handle is a base made of impact-resistant plastic with an outer lining of hard rubber.
- Phillips and slotted screwdrivers in the set differ in color.
- High quality hardened tip.
The set has one drawback. The number of screwdrivers is clearly not enough; it would be possible to add a couple of slotted tools in dielectric insulation with a tip size of 10-12 mm. But overall, the KING TONY 3310MR is worth the investment.
JONNESWAY D3750P08S – kit for repairing household appliances
The best set of screwdrivers for those who regularly repair small equipment with numerous screws, hardware, and composite screw fasteners. The JONNESWAY D3750P08S set consists of eight tools (flat spline and cross-shaped), placed on a plastic jig, covered with a transparent polyacrylic lid.
A transparent cover is the only way to control the presence of screwdrivers in the case and not lose them.
Each of the eight screwdrivers comes with an additional handle that can be used to hold the screw over the threaded hole. It is impossible to do the same with your fingers. These are not watch screwdrivers, they are a tool for disassembling mobile phones and other electronic equipment.
The best universal set Sturm 1040-02-SS1
Compact plastic case-box with a transparent lid. The set includes 28 different items, of which only 7 are screwdrivers. The Sturm 1040-02-SS1 kit can be considered an option for a home workshop.
The kit includes:
- three slotted and three Phillips screwdrivers;
- one manual reverse screwdriver with a tip for replaceable bits;
- 20 units of interchangeable bits of various shapes: from slotted to TORX and standard hexagon;
- flexible extension for bits.
In general, the composition of the set of screwdrivers turned out to be successful; the only drawback is the unreliable rotation direction switch on the reverse screwdriver.
The best cordless screwdrivers
The design and principle of operation are somewhat reminiscent of battery-powered screwdrivers, but much smaller in size and more comfortable to use. For a cordless screwdriver, the main thing is reliability and correct adjustment of rotation speed.
Hardy RWS OA-4.8
Based on the design of the case, you can already tell that the screwdriver is designed for extreme operating conditions. The shock-resistant case and rechargeable battery make it possible to work even in cold weather, in an unheated garage or workshop. But the main thing is that the design of the motor, battery, and clamp are made with a huge margin of safety, so that overall the screwdriver is durable.
The tool easily ensures rotation of the tip at a speed of 3 rps, which is more than enough for unscrewing and tightening any screws or even small self-tapping screws. The only negative is very slow charging. It will take at least 3 hours to fully charge the battery.
Full size AEG SE 3.6 Li 413165
Huge, heavy, shaped like a small screwdriver. This cordless screwdriver is ideal for any monotonous and hard work. The weight of the device is 2 kg, the mechanics and gearbox allow you to obtain high torque - up to 6.5 N*m.
True, the charge lasts only 30 minutes. work, but there is a reverse and at least two rotation speeds.
The design is quite reliable and will ensure trouble-free operation for many years.
Pocket version Molot MBS 4548 Ni
You don't always need a tool with the size and energy reserve of a good cordless screwdriver. At home, you most often need an inexpensive tool to remove a long, thin screw in an extremely inconvenient place. Where a hand with a regular screwdriver clearly cannot reach.
The energy reserve is enough for a maximum of half an hour of operation, but the rotation speed and torque are quite high. The tool has LED backlight, charge indicator and a set of interchangeable bits.
The best screwdriver has a blade made of hardened or alloy steel, a comfortable handle with rubber inserts, and well balanced in the hand. If it is difficult to choose, then it is better to buy a set; usually manufacturing companies try to take into account all the requirements for a modern instrument.
Tell us about your instrument and which models you would prefer.
I would choose a simple screwdriver with a forged blade and a wooden handle, machined to fit my palm. Everything that is sold in modern stores is the same age. It is inconvenient to work with such screwdrivers; they often break and get lost.
I don’t know who thought of making screwdrivers from chrome vanadium. An open-end wrench is still possible, but even then they break every once in a while. And here is an impact screwdriver, hit it hard with a hammer and the tip will fly apart. For such a tool, manganese steels are needed.