Wiha vs Wera vs Vessel vs Milwaukee vs Craftsmen vs Harbor Freight vs Stanley Screwdriver Comparison

[@1966johnnywayne]

The choice of screwdrivers depends on the application. You DO NOT want to use any of these full tang drivers for electrical work, nor do you want to use them to reform a damaged screw. The full tang drivers are for breaking heavily rusted fasteners loose using an 'impact' like whack from a hammer, not to re-shape fasteners...better yet, Vessel makes their "Impacta" screwdrivers with the JIS (Phillips like) tips that rotate the shank twelve degrees to back off a 'Philips type' fastener when struck by a hammer on the end cap. For automotive work, the Vessels are my favourite...I really like the added weight in the hand, and the bolster for applying extra torque, as well as the round shanks for gripping and guiding the tool. I don't personally like hex shank drivers, although they do sometimes come in handy if the driver doesn't have a bolster on it, like the Milwaukees. I'm not a fan of the Wera handle shape, nor do I like the oversized 'Tri-lobe' on the Milwaukee drivers, plus it's cheaper feeling, non-grippy handles. Assuming you're getting good German steel, or equivalent with the Wiha drivers, you probably can't go too wrong, and the extra two drivers in larger sizes is a definite plus ...BUT, here in Canada, I can order the full tang Vessel 8 pc. set as well as the 8 pc. Vessel 'Impacta' set and still have a few bucks left over to put towards a larger size slotted driver. As an aside, I don't know that JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) tips are actually a thing...I believe it's just something that got lost in translation over the years and became an 'Urban Legend'. I think it's actually just Japan's equivalent industrial to America's ISO standards, and that their 'CROSS' shaped tips are simply made better...even better than the Phillips tips on my Klein drivers. Over the years I've ground the tip back a little on most of my Phillips drivers so that they don't bottom out on cheaper screws and have found this to be a significant improvement.

[@stansbruv3169]

Those Wihas are the best I’ve ever worked with. I’d like to try a Vessel though.

[@cerealkiller4248]

Thanks for posting this. I have a full Klein insulated tool set, and I’m after a non insulated set too. I have Wiha/Wera/Fatmax/Armeg/Irazola sets or old part sets and wanted another brand to of non VDE units. Everyone raves about the Wera, they’re ok I have had the insulated set but wasn’t impressed with the laser etched tips which I didn’t find any better than normal tips. I have a large non branded flathead I found somewhere, I use it as my beater to save my other drivers. I wouldn’t touch touch it with a bargepole if I saw it in a shop, but funnily enough it’s probably my most used driver 😂😂😂

[@davehaggerty3405]

I agree with your assessment. Ite only screwdrivers I lock in my tool chest is my Vessel, Wera & Wiha. I have the Wera chisel-drivers. 13 piece standard Wiha. Vessel ball grip and their Impacta JIS # 2&3

[@Toolstime]

Thanks man. Love the review. Awesome sets you have

[@codustv1465]

have you tried the ball grips from vessel? they are awesome.

[@gabys2]

Thank you for this!

[@stephenbonin3049]

I like the Wiha best.

[@branned]

JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Screwdrivers #1, #2, #3 puts them as #1

[@geektarded]

Great comparison. Thanks!

[@CorvetteTrev]

Thanks! I went with the 7 piece Wiha for $112. ph1,2,3 and 4 blades. And I'm trying to decide on a 2nd set between the Vessel and Wera. I would like to see a long narrow cabinet size, i also like the stubby in the vessel set. I'm redoing my tool box organizing and didn't want to fill it with junk. I have so many impact bits. I wish i knew about the Wiha impact bits set for $30 over some of my DeWalt impact bits. I'm right on the same page with you here. I do mainly automotive work, helicopter mechanic at Sikorsky, thanks again

[@petermikus2363]

They cost that much in america? The cost in europe is 60€ for 14pcs set, 35€ for a 7 piece.

[@CorvetteTrev]

@@petermikus2363 $170.00 for the 10 piece set extra heavy duty in the foam tray. If you want to ship one over. I'll return mine, yes they're expensive

[@chrisrossouw2230]

VESSEL TIPS ARE JIS!!! JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL STANDARD. The fit JIS screws on ALL Japanese products. Even if it's made in another country. JIS tips also fit Philips screws as well as even Pozidriv.

[@kennethhanes5438]

Not all are jis they do sell phillips into foreign markets

[@jeromebland8287]

Vessel jsi screwdrivers can be used on Phillips head screws

[@ruelsmith]

Your comparison is flawed. Milwaukee makes another line of screwdrivers that are through shaft and have the striking caps. Most brands have larger screwdrivers available. You're just limiting yourself to what is in the set you bought. The fat handles on the Vessels don't work in all situations. Sometimes you want a thinner, shorter handle. There are tradeoffs.