9 Best Screwdriver Sets of 2024

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The Best Screwdriver Sets

The Best Screwdriver Sets
  1. Best Budget Screwdriver Set - STANLEY STHT0-62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set

  2. Best Budget Screwdriver Set with Hex Keys - Draper Tools 44 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stand

  3. Best VDE Screwdriver Set - Wera 31575 Kraftform Comfort 7 Piece VDE Screwdriver Set

  4. Best Screwdriver Set with Magnetic Tips - TOOLZILLA 10 Piece Screwdriver Set

  5. Best VDE with interchangeable blades - Draper 5721 VDE Interchangeable Blade Screwdrivers Set

  6. Best Torx Screwdriver Set - Wera Kraftform 367 6 pc Torx Screwdriver Set with Rack

  7. Best Torx Long Screwdriver Set - AB Tool Torx Star 6pc Extra Long Screwdriver Set T10 - T30

  8. Best Stubby Nut Driver - Klein Tools 32561 Stubby Screwdriver and Nut Driver

  9. Best Stubby Ratchet - Engineer Low Profile Stubby Ratcheting Palm Screwdriver

Screwdriver Set Reviews

Editors Choice

1. STANLEY STHT0-62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set

Best Budget Screwdriver Set

best screwdriver set STANLEY STHT0 62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set
  • STANLEY have covered pretty much all the bases that any home DIYer would need to. Having Torx and PoziDriv bits alongside the traditional Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers is useful.
  • You don’t always get proper Torx screwdrivers in a set. They’re often left to the bit holder screwdriver, so it’s a nice touch.
  • All the screwdrivers, including the precision watch drivers, have a hole through the handle. This means you can hang them up or use one another screwdriver shank as a “T” handle for some extra torque.

  • I was surprised that STANLEY have included three different sizes of Phillips but no full-size PoziDriv screwdrivers. They’re more common than the classic Phillips these days.
  • Several users have complained about the quality of the “carry” case. Even though it has a handle, the plastic is brittle and not meant for carrying to a jobsite. It’s disappointing.
  • Quite a few users have found the ends of the screwdrivers to be badly machined. It might be few and far between, but STANLEY should really have better quality control.
Type
General Purpose
Total No. of Pieces
34
Screwdrivers/Bits
8 + 20 bits
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
3
No. of Phillips
3
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
2
No. of Nut Drivers
1
Precision S/drvers
5
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
4

Anyone who’s ever got involved with DIY has heard of STANLEY. One of the big American tool brands, they make an enormous range of tools for DIYers as well as professionals. Screwdrivers are the go-to hand tool of choice for a million different jobs, so I’m glad the STANLEY STHT0-62141 screwdriver set covers so many bases.

Starting off with what you get in the set; there are eight full-size screwdrivers with two Torx, three flatheads and three Phillips heads. You also get five precision watch screwdrivers: three flatheads and two Phillips. But that’s not all. To make this one of the best screwdriver sets out there, you get a bit holder screwdriver and a selection of 20 different bits including PoziDriv, hex and more sizes of Torx.

The bi-material handles are wonderfully comfortable as well as giving you that extra bit of torque when you need to give them an extra bit of grunt. All the screwdriver heads are well-machined and finished with black oxide blades for extra hardness.

All the screwdrivers come in a plastic display case with a little handle on the top. It should keep them organised when not in use. If you’re looking for an inexpensive screwdriver set that comes from a big-name brand, you can’t go far wrong with this collection of hand tools.

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Runner Up

2. Draper Tools 44 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stand[ SAVE 33% ]

Best Budget Screwdriver Set with Hex Keys

best screwdriver set Draper Tools 44 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stand
  • You really do get a good mix of screwdrivers with this set. Compared with the STANLEY set, you get four proper full-size PoziDriv screwdrivers, not just the heads that plug in.
  • Each screwdriver has a large symbol on the butt end that corresponds to the tip. This means you can quickly identify what type of screwdriver it is when it’s in the stand. Brilliant.
  • The handles have handy hanging holes that can also be turned into “T” bar screwdrivers if you use the shank of another tool for extra torque. It’ll get you out of a jam!
  • These screwdrivers are all made from hardened Chrome Vanadium. It’s a reliable and structurally strong steel that’s ideal for hand tools like screwdrivers.

  • Several users have complained about the quality of the hex keys. They’re not the best quality but should be sufficient for small DIY jobs around the house.
  • It depends on what you’re using them for, but the Torx screwdrivers are on the small side. The biggest size in the set is T15, which may be too small unless you’re working on electronics.
  • Although Chrome Vanadium is a strong steel, it’s more brittle than other tool steels. This means you shouldn’t use these screwdrivers as mini crowbars. They might break.
Type
General Purpose
Total No. of Pieces
44
Screwdrivers/Bits
17 + 10 bits
Magnetic Tips
Yes
No. of Flat Head
6
No. of Phillips
4
No. of Pozidriv
4
No. of Torx
3
No. of Nut Drivers
1
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
4

Another big name in the UK tool game, Draper have been making reliable kit since 1919. With a company history that long, they should know a thing or two about making the best screwdriver set. The 865/44 piece screwdriver set is an ideal set of drivers for the workshop, thanks to the useful display stand.

You get a whopping 44 different screwdrivers with this set. This includes 17 full-size screwdrivers, a bit holder screwdriver and sets of both metric and imperial size hex keys. The screwdrivers come as six flatheads, four Phillips, four PoziDriv and three Torx. And there are 10 bits in a little case including more sizes of flathead, PoziDriv and Torx.

The handles are all rubberised with a soft grip pattern on them. This makes them easy to hang on to, and you can really put the squeeze on when you need it without slipping. The tips of the full-size screwdrivers have been sandblasted for a bit of extra grip as well.

I’m a big fan of the display case that they come in as well. If you’re often found at your workbench working on a project, it’s handy to have your screwdrivers nicely laid out and ready to go. It’s also rather good that the tips of the screwdrivers are magnetic, which helps to hang onto screws.

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Also Good
  • Each screwdriver has the tip size and shape displayed on the end of the handle. This makes it easy to see what screwdriver it is before you pick it up. It’ll save you a whole lot of fumbling.
  • There’s good reason why Wera screwdrivers are favoured by professional electricians and other trades. They’re built like tanks and will last for years of hard service.
  • The bi-material handles are legendary for their comfort and control. The hexagonal shape is easy to grip on to and stops the screwdriver from rolling away from you when dropped.

  • Phillips head screws are becoming less common these days. The more popular PoziDriv screw seems to be taking over, so at least one of them in the set would have been useful.
  • Several users have complained about the tester screwdriver. Compared with the excellent screwdrivers it joins in the set, it’s a bit cheap and nasty.
  • The heads on these screwdrivers are not magnetised. Compared to the TOOLZILLA screwdrivers, you’ll need to hold the screws on the tips of these drivers.
  • You’re only getting six proper screwdrivers in this collection. Compared with the Draper 865/44 set, there are plenty of screw heads left out. It’s not great value for money.
Type
VDE
Total No. of Pieces
7
Screwdrivers/Bits
7
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
5
No. of Phillips
2
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
0
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
5
Value for Money
4

German tool heroes Wera Werkzeuge GmbH are known for making some of the best professional screwdrivers available on the UK market. They’re favoured by electricians and other trades for their amazing attention to detail and incredible build quality. The Wera 31575 Kraftform Comfort is a set of seven VDE screwdrivers that will keep you safe when working with electrics.

It’s immediately noticeable just how much time and thought has gone into these screwdrivers. The Kraftform Komfort grips are ergonomically designed to fit in the hand and offer the maximum torque when you need it most. Another clever design feature is that if you drop them, they don’t roll away!

Now for the screwdrivers you get in the set: There are four flathead screwdrivers, two Phillips head screwdrivers and one single pole phase tester screwdriver with a flathead end on it. The steel used for the shank and tip is seriously hard. Plus, the Wera Black Point tips have been sent through a refining process that makes them extremely resistant to corrosion.

If you’re planning on doing any electrical work at home, you need to be protected against electrical currents. These VDE rated screwdrivers are coated with non-conductive plastic along almost their entire length, so you should be safe if you touch a live wire.

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4. TOOLZILLA 10 Piece Screwdriver Set [ SAVE 15% ]

Best Screwdriver Set with Magnetic Tips

best screwdriver set TOOLZILLA 10 Piece Screwdriver Set
  • TOOLZILLA have a legendary customer support team. If you run into any problems or need to ask any questions, get in touch. It’s a good thing to see from a company these days.
  • The screwdrivers all feature heat treated tips. This makes them extra hard and more durable where it counts.
  • Although it depends on the type of work you’re doing, I would prefer to see PZ and P 1, 2 & 3 drivers and leave out the P and PZ 0. You can normally use a PZ 1 for fine screwdrivers.

  • Compared with the Draper 865/44 set, this is a measly collection of screwdrivers. Even though the 10 you get are useful, there are so many different types of screw out there!
  • It’s a shame that this screwdriver set doesn’t come with a case of any sort. I know you’ll probably want to chuck them in a toolbox, but a display case makes them easy to find.
  • Several users have managed to break the tips of the flathead screwdrivers. Usually this is caused by improper use of a screwdriver, but it could be brittle steel in the tips as well.
Type
General Purpose
Total No. of Pieces
10
Screwdrivers/Bits
10
Magnetic Tips
Yes
No. of Flat Head
4
No. of Phillips
3
No. of Pozidriv
3
No. of Torx
0
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
5

British tool brand TOOLZILLA don’t make a huge range of products. But what they do make they make well. I’m particularly partial to their heavy duty staple gun, and I’m pleased to say that this is one of the best basic screwdriver sets you can get for the money.

Decked out in TOOLZILLA’s recognisable black and green livery, the first thing I noticed about these screwdrivers are the excellent grip shapes. Made from a grippy bi-material rubberised plastic, you get the mixture of soft and harder materials that keep it stuck to your hand. It also allows you to apply more turning force. They’re very comfortable to hold.

You get 10 of the most common bit shapes known to most DIYers. Four different size flatheads, three different size Phillips and three different size PoziDriv make up the set. Made from tough Chrome Vanadium steel and boasting magnetic tips, you’ll probably spend less time scrabbling around for dropped screws.

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5. Draper 5721 VDE Interchangeable Blade Screwdrivers Set

Best VDE with interchangeable blades

best screwdriver set Draper 5721 VDE Interchangeable Blade Screwdrivers Set
  • VDE rated screwdrivers are the only ones you should ever be using when working on electronics. They’re insulated along their length to help avoid electric shocks.
  • Having two different handles for these screwdrivers makes this a wonderfully versatile tool set. They take up half the space of a set of dedicated high torque and precision screwdrivers.
  • The nylon tool roll style case is another great feature for someone out working in the field. It can be attached to a belt and takes up a lot less space than a blow moulded plastic case.

  • Snap on handles will never work quite as well as fixed ones. If you get the shank stuck in a recess, for example, you could pull off the handle just when you need it the most.
  • Several users have complained about how bulky the shanks are with their insulated covering. Compared with the streamlined Wera Kraftform shanks they’re huge!
  • Some users have complained about the smaller “precision” handle. The bits don’t click into place as easily as they do in the large handle.
Type
VDE
Total No. of Pieces
8
Screwdrivers/Bits
2 + 8 blades
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
4
No. of Phillips
2
No. of Pozidriv
2
No. of Torx
0
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
4

Draper are another well-known tool brand in the UK, and their distinctive Draper VDE screwdriver set is lightweight and ready to go. The belt-mounted carry roll is made from tough nylon and should keep everything tight and secure for a long time.

The electrical screwdriver shanks are made from hardened, tempered, and blackened steel, which makes them strong, durable, and weather-resistant. The range of bits covers the most popular plain slot, cross slot, and PZ screws you’ll come across as well.

My favourite feature of this Draper screwdriver set must be the interchangeable handles. I love the fact you can swap between the high torque large handle and the fine adjustment handle with the free-spinning head.

The ability to easily change screwdriver heads means that with these VDE screwdrivers you have one of the best electrician screwdrivers available at your fingertips.

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  • More and more screws are appearing with Torx heads. If you’re working with screwdrivers every day, you need the best Torx screwdrivers available. These are superb.
  • The “Take It Easy” tool finder feature means the size of the Torx heads are printed clearly on the butt-end of the screwdrivers. This means you can find them instantly before picking up.
  • These screwdriver handles are made with an anti-roll off design. If you happen to drop one, it shouldn’t tumble off into a dark corner.
  • I’m a big fan of the stand. It’s simple, compact and works well. You don’t need a whopping great case for these six screwdrivers, just something you can attach to the wall.

  • Compared with the AB Tools Torx screwdriver set, the tips on these aren’t magnetised. As good as they are at staying in the screw head, you can’t start a screw without holding it.
  • Even though these are probably the best Torx screwdrivers you can get, they’re a very specialised set of tools. For the average DIYer, you could get away with a few Torx bits.
  • It’s quite annoying that the screwdrivers aren’t all the same length. Having a bit of extra reach for small size screwdrivers often comes in handy.
Type
Torx
Total No. of Pieces
6
Screwdrivers/Bits
6
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
0
No. of Phillips
0
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
6
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
5
Value for Money
4

Wera make some of the best hand tools in the world, and their German engineering excellence shows in these high-end Torx screwdrivers. The patented Wera Kraftform Screwdriver Set handles are specially designed for comfort and maximum torque. The mixture of hard and soft plastics help to reduce fatigue.

The tool steel shafts have a satin finish, and the Wera Black Point tips are extra hard and wear-resistant. The fit in the points is superb with no lateral movement and a grip feels like it will never fail.

If you’re looking for the best precision Torx screwdriver that comes with a wall-mounted rack, this Wera Torx screwdriver set is going to be hard to beat. They’re a good reason why professional tradespeople are found with Wera in their toolboxes.

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  • Compared with the Wera Kraftform set, all the shanks are the same length. This means you can reach into deep recesses and get at those difficult fixings.
  • You get a good range of sizes with this screwdriver set. It comes with T10, T15, T20, T25, T27 and T30. The T27 seems to appear more often than you might think.
  • Chrome Vanadium steel is an ideal material choice for precision screwdrivers. It’s very hard and well suited to protect tools against rust.

  • Compared with the Wera Kraftform Torx set, the tips are nowhere near as durable. They’re fine for DIY and lighter use but aren’t professional quality hand tools.
  • Some users have complained about the build quality of these screwdrivers. The quality control process might not be as good compared with premium screwdriver brands.
Type
Torx
Total No. of Pieces
6
Screwdrivers/Bits
6
Magnetic Tips
Yes
No. of Flat Head
0
No. of Phillips
0
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
6
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
4

This AB Tools screwdriver set is excellent for dealing with hard-to-reach areas. And it’s thanks to the excellent reach of the 26 cm long shank on these star screwdrivers. For the price, they’re the best Torx screwdriver set I’ve reviewed.

With a dual material grip for extra turning power, they stand up to the more expensive tools on my list. The bi-material handles make them comfortable to use, even after extended periods of time.

The points are magnetised, which helps when the shanks are as long as these ones. You shouldn’t drop any screws once they’re locked into the chrome vanadium-coated tips.

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  • It’s hard to imagine a more compact or more versatile little screwdriver and nut-driver. For something that could fit into your top pocket, it can do a lot of different jobs.
  • When you’re stuck in a tight spot, you can’t beat a stubby screwdriver. Maxing out at just 11.5 cm, it’s sometimes the only tool that can get the job done.
  • The cushion grip handle is incredibly comfortable. Compared with the bi-material handles on some of the screwdrivers I’ve tried out, it’s even easier to get a good grip on a screw head.
  • The nut-drivers are a very useful thing to have on a stubby screwdriver. You’ve got both a 6 mm and 8 mm driver in your pocket as well as the screwdrivers.

  • Seeing as so many screws are becoming PoziDriv recently, having two different sizes of Phillips might not be that useful anymore. Swap them out for PoziDriv if you can.
  • The bits on this screwdriver are held in with magnets. Even though they’re rare earth ones and strong, they can be pulled out if they get stuck in a screw head.
  • If you don’t mind paying the extra money for Klein bits, this is a versatile screwdriver. You can’t just use standard hex head bits though, which is a bit of a shame.
Type
Stubby Nut Driver
Total No. of Pieces
6
Screwdrivers/Bits
1
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
2
No. of Phillips
2
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
0
No. of Nut Drivers
2
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
5
Value for Money
4

Klein are one of the USA’s best-known tool brands, and the 32561 stubby screwdriver is a capable piece of kit for getting into really tight spaces.

When you need the best stubby screwdriver, Klein are a trusted brand, and I was really impressed with the robust chrome-plated shank and snug fit of the double-ended bit sets. Even though you can’t use standard hex-shaped bits, the four bits included in this stubby screwdriver set fit the most common screw head types.

The feature I liked the most in this stubby set was the cushion grip. Unlike some screwdrivers, the rubberised handle wrapped all around so there weren’t any smooth spots to lose grip on. The soft grip is great for applying that extra bit of torque to stubborn screws.

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  • I don’t think a smaller ratcheting screwdriver exists. Measuring just 38 mm across, you could easily fit it into a top pocket or wherever you think you might need a screwdriver.
  • The ratcheting action on a screwdriver is a brilliant way to get the most out of the tool. When access is incredibly tight, you can still tighten or loosen a stubborn screw.
  • Even though this is a tiny screwdriver, the fact that it fits in the palm of your hand means it’s easy to hang on to. It’s a different technique compared with traditional tools, but it works.
  • The opening in the middle of the screwdriver can take a standard hex bit. That means it works with just about any screwdriver bit you can find.

  • If you’ve got large hands, like I do, you might find it a bit too small to handle properly. The 38 mm width makes it easy to get into tight spots, but not necessarily easy to use.
  • Several users have complained that the bits can wobble around inside the holder. If that’s the case, you should look for a replacement. It won’t work properly unless it’s a tight fit.
  • The entire construction of the screwdriver is aluminium. It’s not the easiest material to grip on to. It would have been much better if there was some rubberised surface on the edge.
Type
Stubby Ratchet
Total No. of Pieces
1
Screwdrivers/Bits
1
Magnetic Tips
No
No. of Flat Head
0
No. of Phillips
1
No. of Pozidriv
0
No. of Torx
0
No. of Nut Drivers
0
Precision S/drvers
0
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Value for Money
4

Engineer is a quality manufacturer of innovative hand tools that fit the job when another tool just can’t reach. Easily the shortest stubby ratcheting screwdriver on my list, this low-profile palm screwdriver will reach into gaps that other tools are just too big for.

The anodised aluminium handle is lightweight, but because it fits in the palm of your hand, you can apply a serious amount of torque in a tight space. The Engineer Low Profile Stubby ratchet’s mechanism feels solid and can be reversed simply by turning the whole screwdriver around and replacing the bit on the other side.

I liked the fact that this simple stubby screwdriver could be kept in a pocket or carried around in a toolbox whilst taking up hardly any space. It makes it an extremely versatile and handy little pocket multi-tool.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best general-purpose screwdriver sets should contain a selection of flathead, Phillips, PoziDriv and Torx screwdrivers.
  2. More specialist screwdriver sets include a selection of screwdrivers in just one of those categories.
  3. VDE screwdriver sets are specifically designed for electricians as they are insulated along their length to avoid electric shocks should you accidentally touch a live wire.
  4. Look for a screwdriver set where the grips are ergonomically designed. Rubberised handles that feature a soft grip pattern provide extra comfort and control.  They are easy to hang on to and help with turning force.
  5. If you require extra torque look for handles that feature hanging holes. These can turn a traditional screwdriver into a “T” bar screwdriver if you use the shank of another tool.
  6. The screwdriver set should come with screwdrivers whose shanks are made from hardened, tempered, chrome vanadium steel which makes them strong and durable. A black oxide coating makes them weather-resistant too.
  7. Magnetic tips are a really handy feature for hanging on to screws.
  8. Some screwdriver sets include a bit holder screwdriver and a selection of bits. These are usually metric but can also include imperial sizes.
  9. Other screwdriver sets include interchangeable handles and blades for extra versatility.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • STANLEY STHT0-62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set
    best screwdriver set STANLEY STHT0 62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set
    • 4
    • General Purpose
    • 34
    • 8 + 20 bits
    • No
    • 3
    • 3
    • 0
    • 2
    • 1
    • 5
  • Draper Tools 44 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stand
    best screwdriver set Draper Tools 44 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stand
    • 4
    • General Purpose
    • 44
    • 17 + 10 bits
    • Yes
    • 6
    • 4
    • 4
    • 3
    • 1
    • 0
  • Wera 31575 Kraftform Comfort 7 Piece VDE Screwdriver Set
    best screwdriver set Wera 31575 Kraftform Comfort 7 Piece VDE Screwdriver Set
    • 4.5
    • VDE
    • 7
    • 7
    • No
    • 5
    • 2
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
  • TOOLZILLA 10 Piece Screwdriver Set
    best screwdriver set TOOLZILLA 10 Piece Screwdriver Set
    • 4.5
    • General Purpose
    • 10
    • 10
    • Yes
    • 4
    • 3
    • 3
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
  • Draper 5721 VDE Interchangeable Blade Screwdrivers Set
    best screwdriver set Draper 5721 VDE Interchangeable Blade Screwdrivers Set
    • 4
    • VDE
    • 8
    • 2 + 8 blades
    • No
    • 4
    • 2
    • 2
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
  • Wera Kraftform 367 6 pc Torx Screwdriver Set with Rack
    best screwdriver set Wera Kraftform 367 6 pc Torx Screwdriver Set with Rack
    • 4.5
    • Torx
    • 6
    • 6
    • No
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 6
    • 0
    • 0
  • AB Tool Torx Star 6pc Extra Long Screwdriver Set T10 - T30
    best screwdriver set AB Tool Torx Star 6pc Extra Long Screwdriver Set T10   T30
    • 4
    • Torx
    • 6
    • 6
    • Yes
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 6
    • 0
    • 0
  • Klein Tools 32561 Stubby Screwdriver and Nut Driver
    best screwdriver set Klein Tools 32561 Stubby Screwdriver and Nut Driver
    • 4.5
    • Stubby Nut Driver
    • 6
    • 1
    • No
    • 2
    • 2
    • 0
    • 0
    • 2
    • 0
  • Engineer Low Profile Stubby Ratcheting Palm Screwdriver
    best screwdriver set Engineer Low Profile Stubby Ratcheting Palm Screwdriver
    • 4
    • Stubby Ratchet
    • 1
    • 1
    • No
    • 0
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0

How to Choose the Best Screwdriver Set

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or you’re tackling your first piece of flatpack furniture, a screwdriver is something every homeowner will need at some point in their lives. 

A screwdriver set contains a range of sizes and types of screwdrivers, suitable for mechanical, electrical and DIY tasks. It’s essential that you use the correct screwdriver for the screw, so having a variety of screwdrivers will be very useful. 

Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best screwdriver sets? Take a look at this buyer’s guide. 

Different Types of Screwdrivers

The type of screwdriver you need will depend on the screw head you are working with. There are many different types of screwdrivers, and the best screwdriver set should contain a variety. 

Flathead screwdrivers have a flat shape shaft tip with a single slot. These are suitable for slotted screw heads only and can either be manually or power-driven. This is one of the most common types of screwdriver.

Phillips screwdrivers have a tip that looks like a cross. These are either power or manual driven.

Pozidriv screwdrivers look similar to Phillips screwdrivers as they have a cross-shaped tip. They also have an offset cross at a 45-degree angle. These are slightly less likely to slip than Phillip screwdrivers. 

Torx screwdrivers have star-shaped tips. These produce a higher torque with the same amount of force required and there’s less danger of the tool slipping than there is with other screwdrivers. 

Hex screwdrivers have 6 straight lobes and are usually used to fasten bolts instead of screws. 

Number of Included Pieces

Screwdriver sets can vary hugely in size. The sets I’ve recommended range from 6 individual screwdrivers to over 40 different combinations. 

Some screwdriver sets come with one or multiple screwdriver handles, plus a range of heads that can be attached to the handles. Others consist of a number of individual screwdrivers. 

You should look at the sizes of screwdriver tips included, as well as the type. Smaller sets may have just one size of each of the most commonly used screwdrivers, while others contain a range of sizes. 

Deciding on the best set can be tricky, as you likely won’t know the different jobs you’re going to be tackling. If you’d like to be fairly certain you’ll have a screwdriver for most everyday tasks, look for a set with a few sizes of each type. 

Screwdriver Sizes

On that note, the size of the screwdrivers in your set will also need some consideration. 

The tip width and the length of the tool overall are usually measured in millimetres. 

The way the sizes are labelled will depend on the type and brand of the screwdriver. Phillips screwdrivers, for instance, are available in 4 standard sizes ranging from #0 to #4. 

Torx screwdrivers will be labelled with their Torx size, and you’ll need to select the right size for the screw you are using. The Torx size is listed with the letter T followed by a number, such as T10. 

Handle Type and Grip

The handle type is also worth considering. If you’re doing a job that takes a while, you may have trouble turning the screwdriver if the handle isn’t comfortable. 

There are 3 main types of handles; composite, rounded and T-handles. 

Composite handles are made from plastic or rubber. These are usually comfortable, ergonomic and grippy. 

Rounded handles are compact and sit deep in your hand so you can apply a lot of torque. These are a great option if you’re going to be working in tight areas where a standard screwdriver may not fit. 

T-handle screwdrivers are great for times when more torque is required. These take up more space in storage but offer the user a very good grip. 

Build Quality

A screwdriver set is an investment that you should only have to make once, so it’s important that each piece is built to last. 

As a general rule of thumb, more expensive screwdrivers do tend to be better quality. If you’re paying the same amount of money for a set containing 30+ pieces as you would for a set containing just 5 screwdrivers, you’ll want to look at the quality. 

The tip of a screwdriver is usually made from S2 steel, tempered steel or CVM steel. Some screwdriver tips are chrome plated for added durability.

Ease of Storage 

Screwdriver sets can contain a huge number of pieces, so it’s important your set is easy to store and the pieces are easy to access.

Most larger sets come with a case of some kind, but a few of the sets I’ve recommended do not. While the screwdrivers can be stored in your toolbox, if you’re dealing with multiple handles and bits you’re going to need a case with different compartments to keep them organised.

Screwdriver Set FAQ's

What is a Phillips screwdriver?

A Phillips screwdriver has a head with pointed edges that are in the shape of a cross. This screwdriver is able to loosen and tighten Phillips screws, which have the same cross shape. 

These types of screwdrivers are available in 5 different sizes; from 0 to 4. Most screwdriver sets come with a selection of Phillips screwdrivers. 

What is a Torx screwdriver?

Torx screwdrivers, also called 6-point or star screwdrivers, have star-shaped tips. There are variations of Torx screwdrivers –  a security Torx is one such example that has an additional pin at the centre, so you’ll need this version to loosen Torx security screws. Torx screwdrivers come in a range of sizes, from T1 to T100. 

What is a VDE screwdriver?

A VDE screwdriver, or an electrical screwdriver, is a screwdriver designed to keep you safe when working with electricity. It is insulated to protect you against electric shocks, so is used widely by electricians. 

VDE screwdrivers have a distinctive red handle, so you’ll always know at a glance which screwdriver is safe to use in electrical areas. 

How to use a screwdriver 

Screwdrivers are very easy to use. 

To start, select the right screwdriver for the screw. 

Gently position the screw into the material. Next, insert the screwdriver tip into the screw head (if you are tightening it) and turn the handle of the screwdriver clockwise. By applying pressure onto the handle you should be able to prevent the tip from slipping. Even so, it’s best to keep your fingers at the handle end of the screwdriver to prevent injury if the screwdriver slips. 

Continue to turn the screwdriver, ensuring that the screw remains straight as it enters the material. 

What is a screwdriver made from? 

Screwdrivers are usually made from a combination of materials. The best screwdrivers will be made from alloys such as chromium-molybdenum steel (Cr-Mo), chromium-vanadium steel (Cr-V) and S2 tool steel. 

Cr-Mo is impact resistant, tough and used for the best quality screwdrivers. The downside is that this material is expensive, so screwdrivers made from this material can cost more. 

Cr-V is also strong and tough, but it’s less expensive. For most general-purpose screwdrivers, this is the material used. 

S2 tool steel is made to make high-hardness wrenches and screwdrivers. This also has good wear resistance. 

The handle of a screwdriver is most commonly made from hard plastic. It is often covered in a grippy material such as thermoplastic rubber to prevent your hand from slipping.

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