Good quality screwdriver?

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C08

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I need to buy a quality slot head screwdriver (6mm) to remove a stubborn alloy slot head. I will not get many goes at this after liberal and frequent dosing wth penetrating oil so I want a screwdriver blade head that will not twist, as many do when put to the test. Please recommend me a good make to order.
 
Bahco or Snap-on are good but there are others.

It's best to get one with a long handle because it's easier to control and you can exert more turning force.

My strongest one has a square shank so I can put a spanner on it, which is sometimes useful.

It looks like this but I don't remember what make it is

1606239817103.png
 
Wiha and Wera are both very good quality and easy to find. I think they're both German makes. I don't think Stanley are as good as they used to be.
 
A 1/4 hex bit which has the correct thickness to accurately match the screw slot would be my first choice.
Something with curved faces so the bit in the slot is almost parallel.
If needs be, grind something to fit really well.
 
I agree with the comment re impact driver- I have one which has a ‘smaller’ flat head- it is probably about 6mm! With time, prolific lubricant even more prolific swearing and patience just managed to separate two stainless machine screws which have been in an aluminium track for 45 years. Impossible with any other tools
 
Another vote for a manual impact driver. Much less chance of slippage and destroying the screw head.
My cordless impact would either snap or bend the screwdriver bit or shear the screw head off.
 
My work toolbox contains Snap On screwdrivers which have held up very well in constant use. Not cheap though. The Halfords Advanced range seem to be pretty decent at not ridiculous prices.
 
Poignard said:
Bahco or Snap-on are good but there are others.

It's best to get one with a long handle because it's easier to control and you can exert more turning force.

My strongest one has a square shank so I can put a spanner on it, which is sometimes useful.

It looks like this but I don't remember what make it is

View attachment 103649
Click to expand...
Not disputing what you're saying. Like you, I always find a long screwdriver more powerful, but can anyone explain the mechanics of this?
 
Ive used good quality large screwdrivers, then applied extra leverage on those really stubborn screws and more times than not the screwdriver tip has broken..
 
NormanS said:
Not disputing what you're saying. Like you, I always find a long screwdriver more powerful, but can anyone explain the mechanics of this?
Click to expand...

Two thoughts. Longer screwdrivers usually have bigger diameter handles so you're applying more torque. Also, you will have more torsion in the longer blade, so more force applied to the screw head
 
Try and get a long screwdriver with a hex or square shank so you can get a spanner on it. you then lean heavily on the screwdriver whilst trying to torn it with the spanner(perhaps with an assistant?). The tip must be a very good fit in the slot of course.
 
Poignard said:
No, I have often wondered that myself.
Click to expand...

There is a lot of discussion on the web, with suggestions of (i) increased torque from a bigger handle diameter and (ii) less axial misalignment with a longer shaft.

Having recently succeeded with a recalcitrant machine screw using a hex screwdriver handle (cylindrical, not very wide) with a long extension shaft, when a shorter conventional screwdriver with wider (pear-shaped) handle had failed, I incline to (ii).

OTOH, some 'slop' in the hex extension to handle linkage might have given increased torque from the handle movement, whilst keeping the bit well-aligned, and a good quality (Wera) bit - perhaps slightly better-fitting - may have made the biggest difference.
 
penberth3 said:
Two thoughts. Longer screwdrivers usually have bigger diameter handles so you're applying more torque. Also, you will have more torsion in the longer blade, so more force applied to the screw head
Click to expand...
Longer shaft usually mean larger cross sectional area of the shaft so more grip inside the moulded handle that is applied post shaft production.
However blade fit is far more important that length. A screwdriver with added hex drive towards the top of the shaft closest to the handle will apply far more torque with the addition of a spanner then any human hand can apply. 1606251227551.png1606251227551.png
 
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