Top Screwdrivers Test

September 2008

Long, stubby, cross, flat... screwdrivers come in a host of styles – and you will need them all if you are planning even the most basic of car DIY.

The days of ’drivers with shafts you could virtually bend in your fingers and handles that shattered at the slightest tap are thankfully behind us. Picking a set now is all about grip, comfort and what you get in the box.

Even budget kits are capable of fulfilling most DIY mechanics’ demands, so makers have put a lot of effort into handle design and finding ways to provide extra strength. Which are the head turners? We tested a dozen sets.

The Test

Range is key, as a high-grip handle is useless if you can’t get it on the screw head. So we looked for a wide spread of flat tips, plus Phillips and Pozi crossheads. We then used each tool on a selection of screws to check how robust the tips were, handle grip, comfort and strength of fixture to shaft.

Extra points were earned by tools that could also be driven by sockets, spanners or bars, and price also played a role.

Verdict

Yamoto’s YMT-572-2080K has eight ’drivers, all well made, with handles that are very easy to grip. At just over a tenner, this Best Buy set is an absolute bargain. Kennedy’s KEN-572-6030K is significantly more expensive, but you get additional tools, a couple of extra features and a proper carry case.

Franklin’s professional-level, super-durable 6999 claims our final podium placing. However, some surprising omissions made the price hard to justify.

Contacts

Argos (Challenge), 08706 003030, www.argos.co.uk
Cromwell (Kennedy & Yamoto), 0116 288 8000, www.cromwell.co.uk
Draper, 023 8049 4333, www.draper.co.uk
Franklin, 0114 272 1429, www.franklin-tools.co.uk
Halfords, 08457 626625, www.halfords.com
Kamasa, 01926 815000, www.toolconnection.co.uk
Screwfix (Wera & Screwfix), 0500 414141 www.screwfix.com
Stanley 0114 244 8883, www.stanleyworks.com

Top 3

1. Yamoto YMT-572-2080K
2. Kennedy Professional KEN-572-6030K
3. Franklin 6999

Social Bookmarks

• Email a friend
• Print this page