Wiha precision screwdrivers don’t look like much, and their basic aesthetics even look boring compared to their PicoFinish screwdrivers and other brands’ fancy soft-gripped and ergonomic designs.
Despite their simple designs, these are a shop essential, and I would be bold enough to describe them as the minimum for users with serious micro-fastener driving needs.
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No, the handles don’t have fancy bumps or knobs. No, there’s no soft grip outer layer. There’s no fancy stand, at least not for the small sets.
And they cost how much?!!
In my experiences so far, these Wiha precision screwdrivers have been strong, reliable, precise, and quite durable too.
I still remember using some cheap “jeweler’s style” precision screwdrivers and hitting a snag when one of the blades started spinning in the handle. I haven’t had anything of the sort happen with any of my Wiha screwdrivers, although I apparently bent the shafts of one of my drivers.
Although these screwdrivers sport simple aesthetics, they also still have a free-spinning end cap, You really don’t want precision screwdrivers that don’t have such a feature, as it does aid in fastener-turning comfort and control.
If you’re looking to upgrade from cheap hardware store or home center precision screwdrivers, give these a try. There are other brands and styles out there – here are some other precision screwdriver recommendations – but these have stood the test of time and don’t require a whole lot of deliberating over.
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They work, and they work well.
One of the best parts is that you can find these drivers with nearly any bit size or style you might ever need or want. I regularly use commonly-used screwdrivers in other brands and styles, but I still stick to these Wiha screwdrivers for secondary or portable kits, and where specific sizes are needed.
Buy Now: 7pc Starter Set via Amazon
Buy Now: 8pc Set with Pouch via Amazon
It’s awfully tempting to consider Wera Kraftform precision screwdrivers as an alternative, especially now that they increased their size and style selection.
Given today’s pricing, I would have been tempted into trying Wera’s precision screwdrivers sooner than Wiha’s. The handle style is unconventional, but I don’t mind it.
It’s a tough consideration. My fondness towards Wiha’s precision screwdrivers goes back much further than my satisfaction with Wera’s screwdrivers, based on Wiha’s earlier availability and Wera’s previously very limited selection.
I can heartily recommend both.
I tend to use Wiha more, especially beyond typical micro Phillips and slotted tip sizes. It’s been a while since I added more Wiha precision screwdrivers to my kit, but it seems like I buy more Wera precision screwdrivers every time they run a promo.
Wera’s drivers are longer (which can be a negative at times), but the shafts also a tad bit thicker. I have a Wiha Phillips #00 with a bent shaft – and it drives me crazy – and I don’t think the same damage would have happened to my Wera driver of the same size.
Buy Now: Wera 6c Set with Stand via Amazon – Set 1
Buy Now: Wera 6pc Set with Stand via Amazon – Set 2
Buy Now: Wera 12pc Set with Case via Amazon
Set 1 Screwdrivers (05118152001)
- Phillips: #0, #1
- Slotted: 3/32″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″
Set 2 Screwdrivers (05118150001)
- Phillips: #00, #0
- Slotted: 0.07″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″
(Slotted sizes are approximations, Wera provides specs in metric.)
I purchased my Wera set back in August 2009, so around 11 years ago. I opted for Set 2, as I desired the smaller sizes compared to what’s available in Set 1.
I can’t tell which of my screwdriver sets I’d have to part with if asked to choose just one. But, if I were buying new, Wera’s lower pricing would likely steer my decision.
Robert Landrigan
Years back, we had full sets of Wiha drivers at each repair bench at Apple Stores, really spoiled me.
TheTool
Probably not supplied by Apple.
Rob L
They came with the store, along with the Sub-zero fridge and custom order Evian bottles that we stopped giving away to customers at the Bar. We also had killer Panasonic torque limited power drivers for disassembly. That was pre-iPhone, almost pre-iPod days, tho:)
They are great for laptop repair, and the tips are fantastic.
TheTool
They’re overpriced for what they are and aren’t any better than Taiwanese precision drivers.
Ben V
I have to say that I’m partial to the Wera. When I decided to buy a comprehensive set last year I was probably swayed by price, but I already had the larger Weras so that probably swayed my decision as well!
fred
Wiha also offers some pentalobe precision screwdrivers and bits (4mm hex drive) that are a cut above some of those generic “cell-phone” screwdrivers. Wiha’s Torx bit range also starts with T-1.
csroc
I’ve got some of both, I think I generally prefer Wiha’s handle design but haven’t got much against Wera. Haven’t had any Weras for nearly as long as Wihas so I can’t speak to their longevity but the Wiha stuff is great and holds up.
Chris
I’ll readily admit to being on the fence until recently on this very topic. I’ve had both the big Wera set and one of Wiha’s master sets on my list at various times in the recent past. I’ve got a couple of small Wiha basic sets (and A many years old set of Craftsman precision drivers when they were decent still).
I finally pulled the trigger on the Wera set 25-piece electronics set last week. While not as complete as Wiha’s offering, I think I’m sold on Wera going forward now. The fit and finish are fantastic whereas the last set of Wiha I bought didn’t seem quite as nice as years past. The precision tips are clean, the handles very comfortable compared to the perfectly basic and reasonable Wiha shaft of old,
The only thing I’m not completely sold on is the roll storage that Wera is so fond of. A nice blow-molded tray like one of the big Wiha sets or an aluminum bench stand is probably more practical. The roll wouldn’t be so bad if it would lay as flat as they show in their pictures 🙂 I have a small toolbox stack in the basement on a bench where I do precision work (electronics, watches, etc.) and don’t have a reasonable place to store that roll anywhere in it as it’s all narrow height drawers (usually more suitable to small tool sets and the like).
Hoping they keep expanding their offerings – I did note that even the 25 piece set didn’t carry the full spectrum of their current lineup so there’s opportunities to flush it out further.
fred
The latest “new” drivers that I’ve seen from both Wera and Wiha conform to the Penn Engineering “Microstix” pattern (tri-point):
https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-26631-picofinish-precision-tri-point-000-screwdriver/
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-030080-m-x-40mm-esd-safe-microstix-precision-screwdriver/
Chris
Yep, I noticed one of those in the 25 piece set I just got but confess I have not yet run across a fastener with that head in the wild yet. However, as I understand it Apple’s using them on the Watch and some of the newer iPhones so I’m sure I’ll run across it soon…
fred
I should have added that I have not yet seen Aster Recess drivers being offered by either Wera or Wiha – but they may be next if their popularity in the aerospace market expands to folks like Airbus or other European manufacturers.
It may be, however, that this drive style, does not gain traction and becomes just an obscure style – sort of like Bristol Spline – that once seemed more popular in aerospace applications.
Jp
I paid for an expensive set from wera. Its esthetically better, and has better grip, but i prefer my tac life cheapie set for the excellent choice of bits and its durable. Can’t see the justification for either of these sets based on purely function, but certainly i could based on visibility and finish quality.
Stuart
Their value really depends on usage frequency.
Let’s say you just got into electronics as a hobby, or something similar where you frequently work with small fasteners. That’s where sets and drivers like these shine.
If you’re building a robot and have 240 mini fasteners in 3 different hex sizes, you’re going to want comfortable individual drivers, rather than a bit holder and one-size-fits-all handle.
I just repaired my laptop, and for that I brought up an all-in-one tech bit set. I have used Apple pentalobe screwdrivers on three occasions now. Once to swap out a hard drive on my old laptop, a few months ago to tighten the screws on my current laptop, and recently to repair the clutch cover on my current laptop. I also used small Torx bits from the same tech bit set. Although I have separate mini Torx screwdrivers and bits, having everything together in this set was a convenience.
Sometimes it’s one or the other, other times it’s convenient to have both.
Jp
I’ve used my set for my laptop. I like the cheap ones for changing bits. The comfort wasn’t an issue, but visibility was. The nicer sets have high visibility writing/printing. Tac life leaves you in the dark. Also the cheap one was magnetic which is not recommended for hard drives. I can see where a professional would prefer dedicated sets for that alone. Eyestrain is a real thing.
TheTool
“If you’re building a robot and have 240 mini fasteners in 3 different hex sizes, you’re going to want comfortable individual drivers, rather than a bit holder and one-size-fits-all handle.”
Uh no that’s not even true. You would want a 4mm micro bit holder rather than buying individual hex drivers (which would be more expensive)
Mario
Definitely not true.
On a ‘pro’ use base (lets say, every day, or more than 3-4 hours per day) a specific screwdriver is the best choice.
Of course this is user based opinion, and you may find different point-of-views, but mainly I see a agreement on that.
DHCrocks
I bought a set of Wiha but was disappointed, did not like the feel of the handles. I had an old set of craftsman ones that the blades started to spin in the handle so I figured I’d get a good set this time. I don’t get why everyone thinks these are the best precision screwdrivers.
Once I saw that PB Swiss came out with their line with the swissgrip finish, I had to get those since I liked their full size screwdrivers. Wow, what a difference, the PB drivers are so much more comfortable to handle, able to get a solid grip for more turning power with less slipping and fatigue and the tips just fit so much better. In comparison the Wiha feels like a generic bargain brand precision screwdriver.
Stuart
Oh yeah, these Wiha drivers definitely feel cheap, but what can you expect from a thin screwdriver shank inside a small diameter plastic handle?
Feeling cheap and performing cheaply are two very different things though.
PB Swiss screwdrivers are a dream, but cost-prohibitive.
Chris
I do think they’ve done some cost reductions in that area in recent years – I’ve got an individual Wiha P000 from many years ago and then a set from just 5 years back and there’s a noted difference in the quality of the handle.
It is interesting to see that at the same time Wera seems to be pushing more and more into the precision space – I doubt it’s a coincidence.
Sigh, I have not yet succumbed to PB Swiss tools, but I suspect I’ll have to pick up one or two to try at some point in the future. I must say I’ve always enjoyed the posts ToolGuyd has done in the past exposing us to other brands, even if my wallet doesn’t…
Eric
The Wera drivers manage not to feel to cheap at the same price point. I wasn’t at all impressed with the Wiha set I bought a couple years ago. The spinner pieces all felt rough when turning. And the seams where the 2 halves of the handle met were borderline sharp. That’s maybe acceptable on a $5 set of drivers, not at all on a set that’s $5 per driver.
TheTool
PB Swiss shill much?
TonyT
I’ve had my Wiha set for well over 20 years, and they’re still going strong.
Fazal Majid
Try the $26 Xiaomi-Wiha collaboration set with 24x 4mm Wiha bits, including exotic ones like Pentalobe. Those bits can also be used in a Wowstick, and the Xiaomi Mijia aluminum handle is much nicer than Wiha’s own 4mm ones.
I have a few of the Picofinish Wihas, and I’ve got to say they are much nicer than the regular kind. Unfortunately the master set I’ve been lusting over for a decade is only available in regular.
TheTool
“Try the $26 Xiaomi-Wiha collaboration set with 24x 4mm Wiha bits, including exotic ones like Pentalobe. Those bits can also be used in a Wowstick, and the Xiaomi Mijia aluminum handle is much nicer than Wiha’s own 4mm ones.”
It’s called the Xiaomi 24 in 1. Bits are also Wiha, the rest is made by Xiaomi.
Sid
I bought a Wera flathead tweaker for working in Access Control panels. I’ve bought quite a few Wera tools after I decided to replace everything Klein that I could. I love Wera. I have not been able to replace my Klein minis:
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/screwdriver-sets/screwdriver-set-electronics-slotted-and-phillips-5-piece
I did not care for how the Wera felt in my hand. I’ll have to check out the Wiha at some point, maybe the PB Swiss as well, but I don’t think I’ll be able to replace these at any point. Unless Tacklife copies another Klein product then I’ll buy their cheaper version for backups.
Joatman
Look at the design of each….
Wera for one-handed use
Wiha for two-handed use.
TheTool
Obviously the Wera’s are better. Wiha are cheap and don’t even have black tips.
Wayne R.
You mention those crappy Jeweler’s Screwdriver sets, and I also put those terrible wire stripper/crimpers in the same recycle bin. I always put simple slip-joint pliers in there too after thinking I could use a pair to cut a brake cable when I was a kid – and mangled it to uselessness. (I recently got a very nice set of Channellock slip joints from the 70’s or 80’s and have modified that stance, though I don’t cut stranded wire with them.)
It might be fun to put together a list of the stuff we all thought was adequate – until we learned what was way better. Like those brass-handled nesting screwdrivers that round off the second time used…
BTW, I’ve picked up a lot of Wiha over the years, including a bunch of the precision stuff, and it’s all still completely reliable. A go-to in my world.
Chris
Sigh. My wife SWEARS by those crappy Jeweler’s Screwdriver sets. I keep trying to get her to at least try my older Craftsman set but she actually went and bought another set of those on Amazon to keep in her tool stash.
I guess on the plus side my new Weras won’t disappear from my bench… 🙂
Farid
@Chris: You might get her to try these Vessel screwdrivers:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CED236/
I bet she won’t go back to those other sets! They have both standard and JIS sets. I have the JIS set specifically to use on camera gear, and they have excellent fit.
I have both Wera and Wiha sets as well as an old Craftsman set that I believe was made by Wiha. I use both at work and at home, and we also use PB Swiss at work. They all work great. The tips on PB Swiss hold up really well. The Wiha microblast tips grip screws well but the tips a re a bit more brittle than Wera (not that you’re supposed to torque them that hard. I personally have yet to break either one but others have broken both brands at work.) I personally prefer the Wera handles.
fred
For higher (thinner) wire gauges one can use a thermal stripper – or perhaps this Knipex tool:
https://www.verical.com/pd/knipex-hand-tools—accessories-12-80-040-sb-4370277
For bike cable cutting – nothing beats a Felco cable cutters – they produce a clean shear – rather than a crushed mess:
https://www.zoro.com/felco-cable-cutter-shear-cut-7-12-in-c7/i/G3986997/feature-product
Mike (the other one)
Slip-joint pliers still have their place. They are great for hose clamps, and general grasping applications, but people tend to buy cheap ones which are usually terrible. Channellock and Wilde make the best ones (and they are USA-made). Tekton slip-joint pliers are also good, and I’m pretty sure they are made by Wilde, along with Proto slip-joints,which are quite a bit more expensive.
TheTool
Tsunoda (PL-200) makes some of the best slip joint as does Engineer (PC-08)
frampton
I’m a big fan of Wera screwdrivers and nut drivers. But, I have to agree that the micro drivers from Wiha are better. I have owned several of both. The Wera are very nice and they’re comfortable. I think they may even be finished a little better than the Wiha. But the Wiha just feel and work really well. I have the 51 piece Master set in the blow molded case and they are exceptional.
TheTool
Not true. Wiha have a cheap vapor blast tip while the Wera’s have black oxide tips. There’s a big difference. The Wiha’s also feel like cheap Chinesium .
JoeM
I have to admit, I genuinely have a problem with Wiha and Wera. Not in the “I’m angry at these brands, and they have these flaws!” kind of problem… I have a Problem in the sense of, I should really attend some kind of addict’s meeting, or set a genuine date set aside with my psychiatrist to handle this issue I have with Wiha and Wera.
Y’see… I’ve BOUGHT a few bits from Wiha, and they have not been cheap at all. In fact, they were borderline extortionate for what they were. Until I used them for the first time. And the fact that I could use precision bits, with high torque, but also control them with a very gentle grip… I moved all the brain cells that opposed the price of the Wiha bits from the Opposed to the Obsessed column.
I have a VERY nice, very complete, Mastercraft (Canadian Tire House Brand, Cheap as Cheap gets, but the handle, bit extender, and FLEX SHAFT it comes with are magnificent.) set of Precision screwdriver bits, plus universal bit holder for them. Since buying the Wiha 1/4″ Bit holder, and 1/4″ bit to 4mm Precision 1″ bit adapters… My goal now is to replace every single 4mm precision bit in my Mastercraft set with a Wiha bit of equivalent size and shape.
But then there’s Wera… and I have ZERO experience with them… But I see them in Lee Valley catalogs/Online, and I see them here on ToolGuyd… and I look up the prices in Canadian… and they fall relatively close to Wiha in that… Premium Product for Specific Use kind of range… This gives me such a conflict between the two companies that it hurts my brain. If I had the funds and choice to do so… I would get FULL sets of every single 4mm Precision bit that Wiha makes, and as complete a set as I can possibly manage of the Wera precision Screwdrivers… MAYBE on of thse Wera Ratcheting Bit Holders… The Xyclops was it? They seemed pretty inexpensive, and they really are a very beautiful piece of engineering.
So… My name is Joe, and I have a Wiha/Wera problem… I do enough repairs on precision things that it’s worth owning these things, but this dream of mine is COMPLETELY unattainable. By the time I finished it, I’d probably have worn my knuckles down to bone on bone, had arthritis kill my hands, and have to inherit them down to some relative who likely would rather buy a new thing instead of repair or tinker with things.
I know… PB Swiss, Tekton, Stanley, some other obscure Swiss, German, and Austrian specialty manufacturers probably could solve this problem… It’s just… Not the same to me… If that makes sense?
Chris
Hi Joe! Welcome to the support group 🙂 I got hooked on Wiha when my ex-father-in-law lent me a set of Wiha System 4 drivers to fix something at his house once. Don’t miss the ex-wife but do miss her father’s tools…
My Wera addiction started with ToolGuyd and was initially fueled by the yearly advent calendars. Any tool company that puts out something that much fun really gets me. I will say I was a little disappointed in this past year’s calendar, but if you want to feed the bug it’s a great way to start!
Now if I could just stop drooling over the Stahlwille catalog I got from KCTool with the last order…that’s a SERIOUS addiction issue there.
JoeM
I’m probably torturing myself at this point. I subscribe to Adam Savage’s Tested as well as Toolguyd here… I keep seeing Adam’s workshop, and drooling. Bondhaus T-Handles, DeWALT tools, HUGE machining tools that make me drool… Just pushes my Wiha/Wera problem every time I see them… Because I KNOW, seeing Adam Savage do his magic, and reading the articles ABOUT Wiha and Wera here on ToolGuyd… Man… The things I could do with these things! And if the funds were there, I’d TOTALLY justify buying these things!
For now though… Just the odd twitch and Withdrawal issues when I see them… They’re… Just so beautiful to me!
Mister Physics
Replacing ALL the Canadian Tire tools I bought is now a life’s goal.
The problem with owning a good set of Wiha (or Wera) micro-drivers is that you suddenly have a lot of friends with old electronics that need minor servicing like battery replacement. Good for the karma, though.
JoeM
That is one of my goals actually! Replace all my Mastercraft, Jobmate, and.. Wait, they don’t make/sell any other house brands anymore… Just those two then… In fact, that’s how I initially bought tools in my 20’s. My Late Father and I would go to Canadian Tire once every so often and say “What CAN’T Joe Do With His Tools Right Now?” and then I’d examine that problem, and come up with, say… “Bolts… Sockets and a Ratchet would be great, just in case. Something basic for now, see how much I end up using it.” Then, being that we’re Jewish, on his side, and survived the Holocaust… We aren’t a wealthy family… Got the brains and skill, but not the resources… So we went with Cheap stuff when it was on sale.
My “Sockets” came in the form of a now-discontinued 300 piece home tools kit. Hammer, pliers, screwdriver bits, a basic hacksaw, a feeler gauge… and at the base of this awesome blow-molded folding case it came in, was a basic set of Metric and Imperial Sockets, with a Ratchet. Turns out I ended up using Sockets quite a bit, same with a Hacksaw, and a Hammer, all sorts of things that came in that first kit, and from that kit I bought my first Stanley Socket set (Black Chrome, ’cause it was awesome, and laser etched.) and the DeWALT version of the 5-in-1 Hacksaw (I have dubbed the Voltron Saw), and the list goes on. As we bought the store brands (Usually 90% off or something crazy, because, housebrands in Canada can go on sale HUGE amounts.) I’d see what got used, and what didn’t. And when it came time to upgrade, it’d be an investment. In a lot of cases, my own decision, and money. But for the initial stuff? The “I don’t know if I need it, but if it comes up, these are cheap enough to tell me if I need a better one” types of things… My Dad would buy Canadian Tire.
So… Since my health has declined significantly since my 20’s, and several business ventures fallen through… I’ve slowed down a lot of my purchasing… But since turning 30, I’ve been set on replacing what tools I ABSOLUTELY need from my Canadian Tire stash, with better brands that I feel comfortable with.
Wiha and Wera? I hope it’s not rude to say, I’m really only interested in them for their precision screwdriving stuff. I know they both make lots of other stuff, pliers, wrenches, ratchets of one thing or another… But their Precision stuff has my heart and soul tethered to them… And yeah… I like other brands for other stuff… But my brain is really tweaked when it comes to this weird, idealized Wiha/Wera combo set of my dreams. I am hooked… I am guilty of overreaching my expenditures here… And in my health, I should probably not be obsessing about these things that may never result in a business application to pay for them… But still… Hooked. Because I’m still trying to replace the Mastercraft sets I have. The only thing good about the precision Mastercraft set is that the magnetic handle, long extension, and FLEX SHAFT (Yes, a FLEX SHAFT for Precision Bits! NEVER seen one before, or since! And it HAS saved my hands a few times!) are all comfortable and easy to use. The bits themselves are of all sorts, and wide-reaching in their variety… something like 80 of them? But they’re so soft, I’ve snapped, or torqued the tips right off on at least four of them. Clean break, distorted bit. CHEAP bits. But the handle set still rocks.
Probably TMI… but hey… I totally feel comfortable with the sentiment we share over replacing Canadian Tire tools… Good for a start, not for a lifetime.
Hilton
I absolutely love my set of Wera screw drivers. I bought a couple of other sizes that didn’t come with the set.
BEST part of having these Wera drivers is that the cheap ($2) screwdriver rack that KC Tools sells for the normal sized screw drivers can be rotated 90 degrees and then used to store up to six (I think) precision drivers standing up. Great for working on a bench. If you have more drivers then get another ultra cheap stand. I’ve bought about ten of these in the past.
TheTool
Best part about 4mm microbits is I don’t have to worry about buying racks.
Gwiz
I have had some of each over the years. They have both worked fine for industrial use. At one time Craftsman sold a large set of this type of screw drivers with short and long shafts. Great price and they are my go to for industrial work. Sorry to say after 20 years a couple are starting to wear out and the set is no longer available.
Scott K
I love these Wiha precision drivers. I don’t use them that often, but I find myself looking for tasks so that I can. I bought them years ago for about $20 with a free needle-nose plier.
Mike (the other one)
I confess to owning some cheap jeweler’s screwdrivers. I rarely use them, and I keep them mostly as loaner tools.
I love Wiha screwdrivers. I prefer the regular handles, since they have a grippy texture and the shape seems to be more practical for their intended use. I worry that the soft finish on other drivers might degrade over time, which is another reason I stuck with the basic handles, along with price.
I have a set of Craftsman precision drivers (made by General) that I used for a long time. They were decent, but the handles were brittle and the rubber portion of the grip would free-spin. I do love the color-coded spin-caps (Red-standard, Blue-Phillips, Green-Torx, Yellow-Allen) which also have the sizes marked. That makes finding the right tip type and size *so much easier*. I wish this were an industry standard. But if they roll off the table and hit the floor, it’s warranty time. Never had that problem with Wiha. Of course, Wiha tips are far better machined.
I also really like the Wiha chip lifter. It’s like a tiny crowbar, but I use it to place wires into punch-down blocks. The gap is the perfect size, and you can push them down without mangling your fingernails. It seems to make punch-downs easier and better.
Gordon
I bought a Husky precision set a few years ago. It was mostly for some of the smaller torx and hex bits. Precision was a gross exaggeration. The actual size of many of the hex bits is off by upwards of 20%. The 2mm hex measures closer to 1.6mm, Which makes the 1.5mm bit closer to 1.3mm. I also found that the PH000 and PH00 bits were too pointy for most screws. I end up using the PZ00 bit for everything.
But the biggest annoyance is the short bits. I think manufacturers have decided that security screws are only good for a few months before a bit is mass produced. So I see far more deeply recessed screws which are impossible to get at without a long thin bit.
So the convenience of the bit set is often negated by the cost cutting nature of designing to a price point. As much as I want a Wiha or Wera set of precision drivers, I think I’m more interested in a set of extended bits that can fit a normal 1/4″ hex driver. I like my Wera bit handle, and I’d love to pop a precision bit into a drill for when you have 30 long screws to pull out.
Lance
My company buys high-end metrology equipment. When you see Wiha tools included with a $700k Zeiss CMM, that’s pretty confidence inspiring. I have a bunch of Wiha full-size drivers and they’re fantastic. I couldn’t justify a complete set of micro drivers so I bought an 80-piece bit set that came with a small 1/4″ hex drive ratchet. It’s a great set and has just about any small bit you could want.
TheTool
No it just means they have a deal with Wiha
Zack
I have the Wiha micro-bit set in the metal box. They are excellent bits.
Some of the other commenters here have said that the Wiha precision drivers have “cheap, vapor-blasted tips.” The bits in my set are not black oxide or vapor blasted or anything: they are hardened tool steel, and if you leave them out, they will rust — there’s a warning inside the box! I’ve been very pleased with these. They get a very good bite on the fastener.
The ESD-safe handle has the spinning cap on the back end and grips the bits firmly with friction and a spring steel retention clip. It doesn’t *look* like a premium solution, but it just works really well in a huge variety of cases.
fred
I just ran across a flash sale promotion valid through 07/11/19 @ 11:59PM CST on this Wiha set direct from Wiha USA:
https://www.wihatools.com/insulated-slimline-slotted-phillips-square-screwdrivers-6pc-set
supposedly 1/2 off (now just under $50) – using code “SLIMSAVER50”
It seems like a legit sale – since the set is listed on Amazon for $84.59
Wayne R.
I use a bunch of these Slimline Insulated drivers, love them.
JML
I have too many sets/drivers, but for different purposes and toolboxes: Wiha regular, Wiha Pico, Wiha with separate blade & handles, Wera, Nanch, Commander, Bergeon, etc.
The Nanch sets on Amazon are surprisingly good, and inexpensive.
928'er
I’ve got a General Tool set in a plastic tray which has served me pretty well, a 6 piece (I think) set of the Wihas that came with a free pair of dykes from KCT, and a 6 piece set of Vessel drivers which are a step up in quality, but my “go to” set is the IFIXIT 64 bit set with a nice aluminum drive handle and a ~6″ flex drive shaft. Quality tool set that covers just about any fastener you’re likely to encounter.
craig
A #2 philips would be great for electronics and appliances. Don’t ever need to tighten hard and spins fast. Surprised no one makes one.
Anyone know of one?
928'er
Vessel.
TheTool
Microbit 4mm sets
JML
Vessel’s screwdrivers aren’t Phillips; they’re JIS crosspoint.
TheTool
Except JIS hasn’t existed since 2008.
fred
I did not know that – learn something new every day. I used to work on Japanese bicycles – and Hozan JIS crosspoint screwdrivers were de rigueur.
On some old US cars trim screws you also saw some Reed&Prince (aka Frearson) cross point screws where the drivers hard a sharp point and somewhat thinner cross-section than Phillips.
In out fabrication business – we did quite a bit of work for aircraft and were sometimes called upon to use B.N.A.E. standard items. Their standard crosspoint is also a bit different.
Nathan
I still cringe when I see offset cruciform
fred
The offset cruciform style that I know of is called Torq-Set:
https://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-Bits-Torq-Set/s?rh=n%3A552598%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A3177297011
JML
Where did you learn that? Seems current and Vessel drivers are denoted as JIS, not Phillips, on most detailed marketing documents. See https://www.instructables.com/id/When-a-Phillips-is-not-a-Phillips/ and https://shop.standards.ie/store/details.aspx?ProductID=776510.
JML
And see Vessel catalog at https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets
TheTool
Email Vessel and they’ll tell you. Also Vesseltools isn’t their official site it’s JDV Products. This is their official site:
https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/
Nathan
I have a set of craftsman branded slot and philips that are simlar to those in style and function. Sure they are made by someone but “shrug”. They work great for purpose.
For other things I use 1/8th bits in a holder or ratcheting holder. and I have to say I grab that first for most uses. taking apart toys – or electronics like taking apart a LGV20. I find I rarely use the dedicated drivers these days but they are very useful on glasses.
bobad
I’ll never buy a soft grip screwdriver again. I’ve owned about 15 of them over the years, and every one of them turned sticky. I keep the soft rubber on my cordless drills, drivers, saws, etc wiped down and in an airconditioned shop. I hope they don’t do that sticky thing. 😐
High & Mighty
I personally don’t feel that it’s essential for anyone to spend that kind of money on a set of micro screwdrivers. Fondness aside, fifty dollars for twelve screwdrivers is a hell of a lot of money for a partial half of a set of micro screwdrivers. You can find full sets of these that aren’t bad at all for less than twenty bucks. Heck, I bought a 42 piece set from Walmart for under fifteen bucks. That was like four years ago and I still use it. How much would a 42 piece set from wera cost? I’m thinking over two hundred dollars. That ain’t nowhere close to reasonable. It certainly isn’t essential. But to each their own on how they want to spend their money. But I heartily disagree that a set of micro screwdrivers that costs that much money is essential for micro screw fastening applications when more affordable options are just as effective.
fred
When you say “anyone” – I take that to mean someone at the DIY or consumer end of the spectrum. If you need ESD safe or cleanroom spec to meet ISO standards – then you may be willing to pay more to get more. If an inexpensive screwdriver sheds a tiny bit of plating or metal – when you’re working on your I-phone at the kitchen table – its hard to imagine it as a big deal – and paying over $400 for a Mountz clean-room screwdriver – would be lunacy.
TheTool
High & Mighty you’re absolutely right. You can get the Xiaomi Wiha 24 in 1 precision screwdriver set with microbit driver and 4mm microbits for about $18 off Aliexpress. Microbits absolutely are superior except in rare situations when you need longer bits or a longer reach.
AndrewLB
I own about a dozen Wiha drivers and recently bought a mid sized Wera set and the Wera win hands down. The grip is more comfortable and allows for a more solid hold on it, and the steel use is outstanding. I just picked up a Wera 0.4mm slotted screwdriver to remove a few stubborn micro screws in my great grandfathers pocket watch I’m replacing the mainspring on and it worked flawlessly. Had to use a USB microscope to see the screws they were so small.