Screwdriver Sets Tested

A decent screwdriver set is a toolbox essential. We pick the best from 10...

Auto Express Car Reviews

June 2010

Fasteners on today’s cars come in all shapes and sizes, so it pays to buy a set of screwdrivers to tackle them. Picking the right one, though, has got harder in recent years, as quality has improved to the point where even basic budget sets are up to most DIY mechanics’ needs.

In a bid to get an edge, makers have put a lot of effort into handle design to make them more comfortable and, by using different compound materials, easier to grip. But which set of screwdrivers will suit your needs best? Our testers got to grips with 10 of the finest to find out.

The Test
A case or bracket is always useful because it keeps your ’drivers clean and easy to find. We looked for a good range of sizes and we liked designs which gave some kind of extra twisting option, such as using a T-bar as a lever or a hexagon on the shaft so it can be turned with a ring spanner.

Magnetic tips are also handy should you drop a fastener, and we’ve listed the number of slotted, crosshead and Pozi ’drivers in each set.

Comfort and grip are vital, especially with oily or gloved hands. We tried all the contenders on a selection of screws to check for practicality and build quality.

Verdict

Verdict
Sealey’s 11-piece set isn’t the cheapest on the market, but it works well and copes admirably with most situations. If you’re on a budget, check out Draper’s 8-piece offering. And if you can live with the lack of markings, Kamasa’s 30-piece has much to commend it.

Top 3

Sealey Premier 11-piece GripMAX
Draper Expert 8-piece set
Kamasa 30-piece

< Previous Next >

1 Comment

Not impressed with this test at all. How many cars use pozi-drive these days? It's all Torx. Where are they in this review?
Frankly I expected better things from Auto Express

By Fubbery on 15 July, 2010, 4:53pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.