Quality precision screwdriver set?

[artvandalai]

Any recommendations for a quality precision screwdriver set for taking apart small electronics? I'm ready to upgrade from my cheap Chinese precision screwdriver set.

[Halcyon]

https://www.ifixit.com/en-au/products/manta-driver-kit-112-bit-driver-kit

[coppercone2]

I think you should get the ESD tools for electronics

especially because if you actually work on those modern devices that have the tiny parts like phones... those are the parts that are sensitive.

[mwb1100]

I've been very happy with this kit:

  - TEKTON Everybit Tech Rescue Kit (46-Piece) | 28301

It's compact and has a good selection of bits which seem to have good quality.  I prefer the semi-soft zip case to a hard plastic one that some kits come with.  I think Tekton has a lifetime guarantee, but I haven't heard about anyone's experience trying to get replacement pieces.

One thing that doesn't get much mention is that underneath the panel that holds the screwdriver handle/bitholder, tweezers, and spudger is a magnetic pad so you can use that part of the case as a parts tray.  It's not necessarily the nicest parts tray, but it's certainly better than nothing in a pinch.  I think it's a really nice touch.

[chilternview]

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[tooki]

The aluminum handles (bit holders) from ifixit are second to none. Really nicely made, and the ball-bearing caps on the ends are really useful. (Though such caps are common on precision screwdrivers — though often not as free-turning — they're unheard of on full-size drivers. I find it to be way more useful than expected.) Being solid aluminum, they’re inherently ESD-safe.

The ifixit bits, on the other hand, are nothing to write home about. The quality isn’t terrible, but they’re by no means premium bits. It’s a nice selection of bits, especially the security bits, but on my Manta set at work (my primary screwdriver), I quickly replaced the slotted and Phillips bits with top-quality ones from PB Swiss, Wera, and Wiha. (The 1/4”-drive ifixit slotted bits are borderline useless: the blades are too thick for a given blade width, forcing you to use an undersized bit.)

[tooki]

Beyond that, I really like PB Swiss precision drivers. The quality of their drivers is superb, the handles are nice, and the plastic caps turn very smoothly, no friction or “grittiness” like most brands. Their downside is that they don’t make every single drive type. Most notably they discontinued their precision PoziDriv drivers, so you’ll have to get those from someone else. (I got Wera Pozi drivers at work.)

[MarkF]

I also have an iFixit set and am very happy with it.

   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0189YWOIO?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

[PartialDischarge]

I like screwdrivers without interchangeable bits:

Wera 05134000001 Kraftform Micro Big Pack 1 Screwdriver Set

+1 for Wera, that set looks great

[Black Phoenix]

You have tons of sets available: Some that I used before in other occasions and other ones I own:

- iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit;
- Wera Kraftform Kompakt 62 - you can add their ESD handle (816R ESD)that they sell separately, since they have a similar kit with ESD handle but less bits;
- Xiaomi x Wiha 24 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Kit - newer ones are not anymore a collab with Wiha;
- Wiha 92191 Precision Screwdrivers 51 Pcs Master Set - very expensive but well worth it. "Buy Once, Cry Once situation".

[tszaboo]

I have this. Nothing to complain about, Wiha bits supposedly. Good price.
https://www.mi.com/uk/mi-x-wiha-precision-screwdriver

[DenzilPenberthy]

Another vote from me for the Wera stuff.

As well as the normal vs ESD handle they also do a range of precision torque screwdriver bodies for the bits as well.

e.g. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/torque-screwdrivers/1231839

[tooki]

I have this. Nothing to complain about, Wiha bits supposedly. Good price.
https://www.mi.com/uk/mi-x-wiha-precision-screwdriver

I have this set, too, and it is excellent. The bits are definitely better quality than ifixit. I think I might sliiiiightly prefer the ifixit handle because it is knurled, but the Xiaomi handle is extremely well made.

[tooki]

Another vote from me for the Wera stuff.

Wera is great quality. But their grip shape is a bit “you love it or hate it”. I don’t like their large screwdriver grip — it doesn’t feel right in my hand — but the precision ones are good. I do prefer PB Swiss, though.

[David Hess]

I like screwdrivers without interchangeable bits:

Wera 05134000001 Kraftform Micro Big Pack 1 Screwdriver Set

Available from Amazon, https://shorturl.at/Y30tZ

I suggest the smaller and less expensive Wera set which only has slotted, Philips, hex, and Torx, unless you need other driver styles:

https://products.wera.de/en/screwdrivers_series_kraftform_micro_kraftform_micro_12_universal_1.html
https://www.amazon.com/KRAFTFORM-MICRO-SET-12-SCREWDRIVER-SET/dp/B009ODV0PI

My current "precision" screwdriver set is a very old no longer made Wiha 26997 set.  Wiha no doubt makes a suitable set and I recommend them as well.

[jpanhalt]

"Different horses for different courses"  I have three different types of screwdrivers.  The one handle multiple bit type is my least used.  It just doesn't have the same "feel," meaning feedback, as the solid, single size types.  The sets are compact, and if that makes a difference (as when visiting a daughter to fix something), I'll take them along.  Maybe they lack feel because they are cheap. I have several sets in different locations.  One might call them the "Swiss knife" of screwdrivers.  If I have a choice, I never use them.

The second type is the large handle small tip. Mine are mostly Wiha (e.g., #261 PH0x50).  The tips are durable and seem accurate.  They are great for larger screws that are in really tight and can be gripped in the fist or held with fingers.  My Torx/star tipped versions are Craftsman brand and look a lot like Wiha's.  I have not compared quality.  They serve my purposes.

The third type is a classical jewelers version.  They are smaller and are designed to be held between fingers with the index finger on top.  They are what I grab first for small screws (0 and smaller), unless I need the power of something I can grip in my fist.  My most used set is a late 60's version from Craftsman.

My final thought:  I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference unless you buy the cheapest possible junk.

[artvandalai]

ESD screwdrivers arent a gimmick? Don't i still need to wear a wrist strap even with esd screwdrivers?

[Zucca]

Wera - 5134000001 for the winners

https://pldaniels.com/tools

A must have item! - Finally in mid 2020, Wera released a useful collection of 25 drivers that you'll most definitely want to keep on hand. No more needing to buy the individual drivers. Best of all, the handles are at last colour coded and a clearer description on the side. So good, I ended up getting two sets.

ESD screwdrivers arent a gimmick? Don't i still need to wear a wrist strap even with esd screwdrivers?

ESD for EE hobbyist must be taken with a pinch of salt. The EE brain is the best tool to avoid ESD damages.

[artvandalai]

Do you guys recommend a non interchangeable bit set over an interchangeable bit set? I was leaning more on getting a screwdriver set like this from Wiha or Wera but im not sure if i should get interchangeable or non. I just need a buy it for life all in one screwdriver set that can open up any electronic.

[CatalinaWOW]

Do you guys recommend a non interchangeable bit set over an interchangeable bit set? I was leaning more on getting a screwdriver set like this from Wiha or Wera but im not sure if i should get interchangeable or non. I just need a buy it for life all in one screwdriver set that can open up any electronic.

Interchangeable bits are very handy, and allow use of a power driver.  The biggest drawback is that the bit holder doesn't fit into some deep access holes on cases and sometimes even inside the unit. 

If you can only afford one, avoid the interchangeable bit variety.  But the best answer is both.

[Conrad Hoffman]

I use Wiha at work and at home. Whatever you use, it's the fit that's most important. If you have any significant rotation in the slot or cross, choose another driver!

[David Hess]

Do you guys recommend a non interchangeable bit set over an interchangeable bit set? I was leaning more on getting a screwdriver set like this from Wiha or Wera but im not sure if i should get interchangeable or non. I just need a buy it for life all in one screwdriver set that can open up any electronic.

Interchangeable bits are very handy, and allow use of a power driver.  The biggest drawback is that the bit holder doesn't fit into some deep access holes on cases and sometimes even inside the unit. 

If you can only afford one, avoid the interchangeable bit variety.  But the best answer is both.

I only just recently bought two smaller 1/4" hex Wera drivers, but to use initially with Pozidriv bits.  1/4" hex drive screwdrivers will be too fat for some applications, although long and narrow 1/4" hex bits do exist.  I wanted to try these drivers because it seemed like they would have less or no slack, and that seems to be the case.

There are some non-standard 1/8" hex drive interchangeable bit screwdrivers.  My Wiha set is made this way, however even it is still too fat for some applications, and it also has the problem where if you push too hard, the long bit slips into the driver.  Wera makes something similar which may be better.

Wiha and others make precision screwdriver sets that do not use interchangeable bits, and I have selected drivers but not a full set except for a Wiha nut driver set for tiny nuts in difficult places.  My complaint about these is that at least with the cheap ones, I always end up destroying one bit by twisting the end and then I would have a set minus the ones I have destroyed.  The Wiha ones seem to be a lot tougher.

[temperance]

For an Inexpensive and in my opinion good quality set of of small screwdrivers I can recommend this set from Proxxon.

https://www.proxxon.com/en/micromot/28148.php

What I like about them
-The cross head screwdrivers have the correct shape such that cross head screws don't fall off even if the head is not magnetic.
-The tips of the screwdrivers are not easily damaged.
-The rotating top of the screwdrivers rotates without friction and is not loose.
-The rubbery part doesn't get sticky like some do. My set if now 5 or 6 years old.

Disadvantage:
-spare parts are not available.

[Someone]

My complaint about these is that at least with the cheap ones, I always end up destroying one bit by twisting the end and then I would have a set minus the ones I have destroyed.

Properly supportive brands sell the bits in ones and twos so you can replace them.

Also worth distinguishing between bits vs "blades" vs "slim"/"long" bits as you did. Not sure the blade types have any common standard but 1/4" and 4mm bits are defacto standards and widely interchangeable (can have expensive bits for the commonly used/worn types and cheaper ones for one-off/occasional use).

[mwb1100]

Do you guys recommend a non interchangeable bit set over an interchangeable bit set?

Personally, I get the interchangeable bit sets for the uncommon configurations - the pentalobes, Tri/Y tips, etc that I rarely use (such as swapping out a phone battery).  For the more day-to-day thing like small Phillips 000/00/0 or slotted - even some TORX.  I also have dedicated drivers that I generally reach for first.  In my case they are mish-mash of screwdriver makes -  mostly Craftsman - that I have picked up over the decades.

If you're starting from scratch I think I'd suggest getting a good, small set of the "normal" drivers.  The one @David Hess suggested (Wera 05073675001 Kraftform Micro 12 piece set) would be a good choice if $40 or so is in budget.  (I don't know why Wera threw in so many slotted drivers - I'd prefer a Philips #000 and another 2 Torx, even a Philips #1).  You can surely find something similar for less than $40, but definitely try to stay away from junk.

Then when you need the weird stuff, get a decent bitset or just the specific tool you need.   If it's a one-off situation, you might even be able to get away with a tool that's not top quality, but I'd still avoid the very bottom.