cheap but cheerful screwdriver set

[amckay]

I'm on the lookout for some new vde screwdrivers. I have been using aldi work zone vde screwdrivers (a set of 8 cost me £3.49 as they were reduced so I bought 3) and now all are knackered. I have seen the wera kraftform and noticed Stanley are selling the exact same only cheaper.
I don't have deep pockets so I'm looking for something that will reasonably last a while for a fair price and the reason I'm asking you lot is because you give better reviews.

 

[telectrix]

you won't be disappointed with wera. see the thread all about vde screwdrivers by HHD. i rate bahco (irazola) hightly as well. £25 ish a set from wholesalers.

 

[Dcf]

Give them a buff up on a grinder
youll get another ten years out of them
if you must by a new set I'm using wiha or irazola(now bahco)

 

[ferg]

I use Wera and love them.

 

[pennychew]

Ive got a set of irazolas as well and they are spot on but i think its over £30 for a set.

Before these i had a set of wickes own brand VDE drivers, they are about £16 a set and they were spot on with good hard tips.

**edit**

Just checked and its a set of 7 for £15

 

[rapparee]

You cant go wrong with wiha

 

[123]

I find the bahco (irazola) ones hopeless, they break as soon as you look at them. One of my wholesalers stopped stocking them to the huge amount of returns! Wera are great, and if on a budget you can't go far wrong with Draper Expert imho.

 

[pennychew]

I find the bahco (irazola) ones hopeless, they break as soon as you look at them. One of my wholesalers stopped stocking them to the huge amount of returns! Wera are great, and if on a budget you can't go far wrong with Draper Expert imho.

The wickes own brand ones are draper expert rebadged and cheaper.

 

[123]

The wickes own brand ones are draper expert rebadged and cheaper.

Irish Sea is in the way for me getting to my "local" Wickes lol. But for the OP most likely not

 

[ruston]

I find the bahco (irazola) ones hopeless, they break as soon as you look at them. One of my wholesalers stopped stocking them to the huge amount of returns! Wera are great, and if on a budget you can't go far wrong with Draper Expert imho.

I found a Draper Expert on girder in a factory unit. ( I did try to find the owner but it was a gas contractors who had long gone) I must admit it has been a tough little beast and has a tremendous grip. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them if I ever needed a new set.

I have a mixture of drivers from Proto , Snap on, Britool etc, but my modern replacements are Whia , CK, Wera,and Bacho in a socket set. To be honest they are all good.

 

[pennychew]

Irish Sea is in the way for me getting to my "local" Wickes lol. But for the OP most likely not

Yeah its a bit of a travel to save £3-£4 i'll give you that! whether they are draper or wickes own though they are great value for money!

 

[pennychew]

I found a Draper Expert on girder in a factory unit. ( I did try to find the owner but it was a gas contractors who had long gone) I must admit it has been a tough little beast and has a tremendous grip. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them if I ever needed a new set.

I have a mixture of drivers from Proto , Snap on, Britool etc, but my modern replacements are Whia , CK, Wera,and Bacho in a socket set. To be honest they are all good.

Proto, Snap on and Britool makes me think you have a bit of a mechanical background?

 

[7029 dave]

CK for me had them years.

 

[pennychew]

CK for me had them years.

Not really cheap and cheerful though mate!

 

[7029 dave]

No, buy once Penny quality.

 

[pennychew]

I suppose so!

 

[ruston]

Proto, Snap on and Britool makes me think you have a bit of a mechanical background?

Yes bit of time time on Plant and Opencast mining. Seems like forever away now though.

 

[Adam W]

What have you been using them for? I bought a set of Workzone drivers (I paid full price for them) and they're still going strong around 3 months later.
There is a note which comes with them saying they're only for electrical work, not mechanical.

If you will insist on abusing your screwdrivers I'd fork out the extra and go for snap-on.

 

[pennychew]

I've still got a Britool tool cabinet, used to love their kit. Snap on was always too expensive for me!

 

[ruston]

What have you been using them for? I bought a set of Workzone drivers (I paid full price for them) and they're still going strong around 3 months later.
There is a note which comes with them saying they're only for electrical work, not mechanical.

If you will insist on abusing your screwdrivers I'd fork out the extra and go for snap-on.

Even Snap On don't like abuse now , they aren't what they were either.

Britool in their day was great gear.

 

[amlu]

i have big cross and big slotted by draper, wera for socket screws , and a small terminal one by ck, they all work well, never had a need to carry more...

 

[ruston]

I've still got a Britool tool cabinet, used to love their kit. Snap on was always too expensive for me!

Aye , priced out of the market now lol.

Proto have gone downhill too. MAC were getting a hold around here , although I dont have any the lads reckon it is good gear.

Do you have a mechanical background too?

 

[pennychew]

Served my time as a car mechanic, still enjoy bits of it but was too repetitive working for a dealer

 

[pennychew]

Mac had a good reputation when I worked in the garage as well

 

[ruston]

Served my time as a car mechanic, still enjoy bits of it but was too repetitive working for a dealer

I had a spell on Auto electrics too, but as you get older getting under the dash with the head on the pedals is not fun lol.

They are a pain now anyway.