Buying screwdrivers

WLM21

I'm about to be doing some flat pack assembly and think it's about time I get a decent set of screwdrivers.

I've a mixture of flat and cross head, but am a bit fed up with worn tools, especially the cross head drivers. I (probably like many other folk) have been guilty of using whatever 'cross head' driver i could find for Philips or Pozi screws without taking much notice ... resulting in many screws being gouged out and many drivers being worn.

I think I'll buy a decent set of Pozi and another set of Philips .. in different colours but need advice on where the best deals are.

thanks

tony6403

I couldn't contemplate flat pack assembly without a cordless drill/driver (with torque settings).
Some are very inexpensive and are sometimes supplied with a set of bits.
Unless you have a lot of time on your hands or really like screwing then cordless is the way to go.

Ebe_Scrooge

Another vote for a cordless drill / driver if you'll be doing a lot of assembly in the future.

If not, then buy some decent screwdrivers - cheap tools are a false economy. Buy a decent tool, it should last you a lifetime ( I inherited some of my granddad's tools when he died, some of those are over 60 years old and still going strong ! )

You can get some good deals online, from the likes of Amazon or Screwfix. Stick to well-known brands and you'll *generally* be OK ( not a hard and fast rule, but it's a good starting point ! ). Read the reviews - as always, some reviews need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but you can generally get a pretty good idea.

It's also worth looking at Halfords - they often have some good deals on their "professional" range of tools, which are actually pretty good ( despite Halfords' rather poor reputation for servicing & repairs on this forum ! )

Vampgirl

We have one of these: http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/diy/screwdrivers-and-tool-sets/stanley-multibit-ratchet-screwdriver-721012 and it is fab. Very comfy to use due to the chunky handle, and because the interchangeable bits are stored in it you never have the wrong screwdriver. Seems to be pretty hardwearing too - my DIY-obsessed mother has had one for years and swears by it.

Jonesya

Another vote for the Stanley ratchet screwdriver - great bit of kit and you can get the replaceable hex bits from Screwfix or Toolstation for very little money.

£8 at Screwfix:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-multi-bit-ratchet-screwdriver/72752

Ectophile

Get something that takes the standard size hex screwdriver bits. I have a cheap ratchet screwdriver from Lidl (which came with a wide variety of bits), and a Wickes cordless one, both of which take hex bits.

When a bit goes blunt, just buy a pack of new ones at a DIY store and throw the blunt ones away.

DigForVictory

+1 for power tools if doing flatpack.
Also industrial volumes (think 5 litre jug minimum) of PVA, a well stocked first aid kit & a good pub within staggering distance (or a judiciously loaded fridge) for when you have finished for the day.

If wanting the real hand tools, buy from carboots or charity shops or house clearance folks, and spend the time cleaning & oiling & sanding & restoring them so you know them before you put them into use.

savemoney

If budget isnt restricted too much and plan on do more diy I also agree get a decent drill driver. It much easier and a lot less time consuming getting one. I used several different cordless drivers including Bosch and I wouldn't go back now after using my drill driver accept maybe smaller jobs. I got a great Makita drill/driver and its powerful a God send on my allotment doing jobs (non gardening) putting up security bars allotments are often places for thieving gits. Also use it for making raised beds/paths. Well worth money in time/effort.

If budget tight I opt for a decent powered screw driver or cheap drill/driver but bare in mind batteries dont last that long on them often low mAh and Nicd batteries. Better ones have Lithium-ion battery

DirectDebacle

For a manual screwdriver I can thoroughly recommend these. Every home should have one.