ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (New for 2019!)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Best Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
    • Best Cordless Impact Drivers (2015)
    • Best Cordless Circular Saws
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Cordless Oscillating Tools
    • Best EDC Gear
    • Best Multimeter
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Modular Tool Boxes
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Milwaukee NPS19 Tools
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Precision Tools > Best Precision Screwdrivers

Best Precision Screwdrivers

Nov 13, 2012 Stuart 39 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Every now and then I am asked about which precision screwdrivers I would recommend. It can be hard to offer just one recommendation since there are so many great quality brands and styles out there, so instead I will describe what I like about the various precision screwdrivers I have in my personal toolbox.

Kronus

Kronus Screwdriver Set

This 6pc Kronus screwdriver set cost me less than $10 at Radio Shack. Five years ago, when it was brand new, it was a huge step up from the cheap thin-metal-handled “jewel screwdrivers” I kept breaking.

Advertisement

While these drivers are not terribly ergonomic, they’re not uncomfortable to use. The compact case makes this my on-the-go precision screwdriver set when tool bag space is in short supply.

Radio Shack isn’t selling these anymore, but they’re still available on ebay and through liquidators.

Craftsman/General Tools

General Tools and Craftsman Precision Screwdrivers

I have a couple of these General Tools-made Craftsman screwdrivers floating around my toolbox. The two yellow-capped color-coded screwdrivers are tiny ball-head hex drivers that I still use regularly despite having upgraded to Bondhus and Wiha drivers.

These seem to offer the best bang for the buck. Too bad the sets I’ve seen don’t come with handy storage or carry cases.

10pc Set(~$19 via Amazon)

Wiha

Wiha Precision Screwdriver

Wiha is the de-facto precision screwdriver brand among technicians, makers, hobbyists, researchers, and industrial users, and for good reason. Basic Wiha precision screwdrivers like this one might not look like much, but they’re comfortable to use. The tips are precision-formed, the handles comfortable to twist, and the end-cap spins freely and easily.

Browse Wiha Precision Screwdrivers(via Amazon)

Wiha makes precision drivers with Phillips, slotted, Torx, and hex bit styles, which sell for about $3-4 each on average. A great place to start is this 8-piece slotted and Phillips set, which is currently discounted to $22 via Amazon.

Wiha PicoFinish

Wiha PicoFinish Precision Screwdriver Set

Wiha also offers a premium soft-touch PicoFinish line of precision screwdrivers, but they’re not nearly as popular as their standard drivers. The rubbery handles really do feel great, but I wouldn’t consider this a must-have feature.

PicoFinish Selection(via Amazon)

Wera Kraftform Micro

Wera Kraftform Precision Screwdriver Set

Like Wera’s larger Kraftform screwdrivers, many people either love or hate the handles on these Micro drivers. Personally I find these drivers to be a touch better than Wiha’s designs, but the finger grip can be awkward to reach at times.

Wera’s Micro screwdriver size and style selection does not yet compare to Wiha’s, but it looks like the lineup has been expanded recently with nutdrivers, ball hex, and Torx models.

Buy Now(~$23 for 6pc set via Amazon)

Witte Wittron

Witte Precision Screwdriver Set

I bought this 7pc Witte precision screwdriver set on a whim with a gift card, and while they’re not my favorites, I still reach for them every now and then. They’re not bad, just very pricey – undeservingly so. If I didn’t like them better than the other brands’ precision screwdrivers for higher torque micro-driving tasks I would have given them away a long time ago.

Buy Now(>$40 via Amazon)

PB Swiss

PB Swiss Precision Screwdriver Set

PB Swiss makes some of the best screwdrivers I have ever used, and their precision drivers are no different. There are two downsides – they don’t have a wide size and style selection and USA distributors can be hard to find. If you must have a set, expect to pay a lot for it.

Available via ToolLady

Technician and Pocket Screwdrivers

General and PB Swiss Pocket Precision Screwdrivers

While I would not call these multi-bit drivers precision screwdrivers, they are indispensable for on-the-go miniature fastener-driving needs. If I’m feeling lazy I’ll reach for one of these instead of a “real” precision screwdriver for quick tasks. But usually I do prefer precision drivers for their thinner handles and free-spinning palm-grip cap.

There are many other recommendable precision screwdrivers available, but I wanted to limit this to screwdrivers I have personal experience with. A couple of other brands I would trust are Felo and Moody.

Related posts:

Engineer PH-55 Tetsuwan EDC Scissors5 Awesome EDC Scissors That are Small But Capable Wiha Hex Key SetBall Hex Key Set Recommendations, from Budget to Best Stuey Hand Tools Report - Irwin Parallel Jaw Pliers, Wera Zyklop RatchetMisc. Tool Talk – Irwin Pliers Wrench, Wera Quick-Release Ratchet, More

Sections: Hand Tools, Precision Tools, Screwdrivers, Tool Guide, Tool Reviews Tags: precision screwdriversMore from: Craftsman, General Tools, Kronus, PB Swiss Tools, Wera, Wiha, Witte

« Save $10 off $50+ Kershaw Knives
Home Depot Black Friday 2012 »

39 Comments

  1. freebore says

    Nov 13, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    I’m disappointed to not see Xcelite. I recently bought their M60 set, made in USA. Good stuff.

    Best bang-for-your-buck is the Stanley 6 piece set, for less than $5. I have several, one for each workbench.

    Reply
    • SMD says

      Nov 28, 2016 at 8:37 pm

      I bought an xcelite set about 8 years ago, and the metal was really soft. the only one I actually like is the p0, which I’ve used alongside my wiha p0 for torqier tasks, but far from a quality set. good bang for the buck, I suppose

      Reply
  2. Ian says

    Nov 13, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    No mention of Moody? They effectively invented the precision screwdriver. Most people are familiar with Moody clones (in blue and clear plastic cases) which have been around for decades. Moody drivers are of very high quality and will last a lifetime.

    Reply
    • Ian says

      Nov 13, 2012 at 6:19 pm

      NM. I now see reference to Moody. I’ll bet they would have sent you a small set to demo had you asked.

      Reply
    • Paul says

      Nov 13, 2012 at 8:06 pm

      Moody screwdrivers are terrible. I purchased their largest set of classic metal screwdrivers and was completely underwhelmed by the quality. I found them to be barely better than the import knock-offs which are 20x less expensive. Moody tops my list for tool purchase regret and disappointment.

      Starrett on the other hand, makes superb quality metal jewelers screwdrivers.

      Reply
      • Dom says

        May 13, 2016 at 7:59 am

        My experience too! I bought every set of Moody precision screwdrivers available after reading reviews on the internet and I am not impressed. Wera is so much better. Moody have broken on me and are not at all well made. Bad tempering, and bad finishing. They are very weak tools and not nice to handle.Two pieces were missing from two of the biggest sets and I contacted Moody a few times and they said they would send the missing parts. They never did.

        Reply
        • Dom says

          May 13, 2016 at 8:12 am

          Also AF and Bergeon do some nice sets (and some not so nice), although Bergeon are over priced in my opinion. Also Cousins uk – jewellery tool supplier do their own VERY decent drivers. MUCH better than Moody and others mentioned on this site. Wera are consistently good quality and good prices, for what you get, both their precision tools and bigger tools. Their stuff actually works well and lasts. There are others that are maybe ‘cheap knock-offs’ but are much better than Moody and others mentioned too – Nanch, iwork, Neo, although you need to pick a good set as some batches are pretty awful and some are very good. Tekton is another one that does half decent and cheap precision drivers. All mentioned above have been better than Moody and I had two sets sent back to Neo and iwork and got replacements. Just tested ‘ Hama’ micro set and it is great and cost about $10. Very disappointed about the $1000s I spent on Moody tools. I have a few of their drivers that are ‘OK’ but not as strong as other brands. Another decent brand that I use often is Facom -they have some very nice precision sets and I have every one they own. I often find myself using Facom, Wera, Cousins, and Nanch. I used to always use Bergeon and AF but not so much now. I often use ifixit / Wiha bits with the Nanch tools. I like Wiha bits but not their drivers.

          Reply
    • Stuart says

      Nov 13, 2012 at 8:26 pm

      Above precision screwdrivers were all purchased with out-of-pocket funds or credit card reward gift cards. Maybe the next roundup will feature Moody, Xcelite, Starrett, and other brands I’ve been meaning to try out.

      Reply
      • Scott says

        Apr 11, 2018 at 8:14 am

        I was about to ask about Moody. Mine have been fantastic.

        Reply
    • Billy says

      Dec 4, 2013 at 9:49 am

      I agree, the green handle Moody drivers are awesome

      Reply
  3. jkrl says

    Nov 15, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    I was wandering – what is so good in PB Swiss screwdrivers? Their price is double that of great screwdriver manufacturers like Wera, Wiha and Felo.
    So what is the difference between PB Swiss vs. Wera/Wiha etc.?

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      Nov 15, 2012 at 11:04 pm

      Their regular screwdrivers? The handles are super-comfortable and well shaped. The tips are precise, especially the slotted ones which fit a little better than traditional wedge-shaped slotted tips.

      I use Wera, Wiha, and PB Swiss full-size screwdrivers on a regular basis. What it comes down is which fits my hand best and can be used with minimal discomfort to transmit the greatest torque.

      Reply
  4. JRE says

    Nov 16, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I have Wiha drivers in my travelling work tool kit. I take this kit everywhere and use the screwdrivers every day. They are precisely made (i.e. the don’t strip screws), durable (have yet to wear one out) and ergonomic. I have various other brands (Xcelite, Generic, Kobalt) but Wiha are my hands down preference. Can’t go wrong with these!

    BTW – if anyone comes accross the set that was “borrowed” from my kit a few years ago…. I’d like them back!

    Reply
  5. Aellynh says

    Nov 17, 2012 at 12:58 am

    Honestly can’t stand the Craftsman/General tools drivers. Imho, the older design produced with a single-piece shank was a much better, much more durable tool. Maybe I expect more out of my screwdrivers than most folks, but the ones they currently build have this awful tendency of snapping when you apply too much pressure. No such issue with the older version of Craftsman Professional micro screwdrivers. I feel like they really dropped the ball on quality with these “newer” ones.

    Reply
    • Jim Mcfarlane says

      Jan 31, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      I have a bunch of newer Craftsman and they are crap. They break midway where the metal shank ends. I’m throwing them away as they break and buying Felo instead. If I trade them in, I’ll still have crap.

      Reply
  6. Mike says

    Nov 17, 2012 at 7:22 am

    Love my Wihas!!,I have all sorts of Wiha screwdrivers,from slotted and philips,and Torx,and a full range of the precision drivers. Hard to beat the quality versus cost. Anytime I need a new type of driver its generally Wiha branded.

    Reply
    • Wayne R. says

      Oct 25, 2014 at 10:37 pm

      I agree, Wiha is where I go whenever I have an excuse to get more. (Though for full size, I’ve got a weak spot for Klein stuff too.)

      Reply
  7. German Tools says

    May 15, 2013 at 11:02 am

    For precision screwdrivers I think anyone who has used the Wiha Pico Finish will attest that they are the best you can buy based on the abundance of features. Other drivers have some of the same features but the Wiha Pico Finish has everything I like. Rotating Cap, Clearly labeled size and style on the cap, very nice designed handle with small section for fast rotation and super high quality Tip that lasts and lasts.

    Reply
  8. Allen says

    May 15, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    I just got a set of Wiha drivers, not all that impressed. Let’s hope they put the money in the tips, sure isn’t in the handles.

    Reply
  9. German Tools says

    May 17, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    They have about 15 different styles. Which ones did you get?

    Reply
  10. dustin says

    Dec 4, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    has anyone else noticed that the harbor freight precision drivers (http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-47823.html)

    are just rebranded Kronus drivers

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      Dec 5, 2013 at 8:43 am

      Good catch!

      Reply
    • Kag says

      Feb 3, 2015 at 12:32 am

      I have used the Pittsburgh drivers and I find they are awesome for the price.

      Reply
  11. Chris says

    Nov 3, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Just got a set of the picofinish wiha precision drivers.
    Like another person said, I hope the tips are super durable because the handles aren’t that great. The red spinning caps are very loose and wobbly. In addition, some are just fine, while others aren’t; there is no consistency. Does it matter? Probably not, but I’m anal, and for those looking for Lexus-like build quality, look elsewhere. With that said, the tips do look like they’d last a long time.

    Reply
  12. Brock says

    Dec 20, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    I have to say, those PB Swiss handles look really similar in shape and style to Wiha. I found out that Wiha also makes the plastic handled Starrett drivers, so it makes me wonder.

    Thanks for this review. I think it’s the only one of it’s kind on the web…at least that I have found. I have been using the Craftsman made by General (though not very often,) and have been pleased with them. I recently needed a tiny torx driver in a hurry and ended up with a changeable bit Husky from Home Depot. It did the job but leaves a little to be disired (the end cap doesn’t spin smoothly and I wonder about the quality of the steel used in the tips.)

    Some folks on Garagejournal seemed to like Wera (among others, Wiha, Witte, included.) What I don’t like about the Weras is they have farmed out to Czech Republic. At least the Wihas are made in Germany.

    Another interesting option is Irazola from Spain. It seems Snap-on has an interest of some sort in this company, as the Snap-on micro drivers are made by them. I love Snap-On tools (at least the ones made by them.)

    If you need a large driver with changeable bits, I love their ratcheting driver with storage for bits in the handle. Pricey from Snap-on, but always available on Ebay pretty cheap. These are not to be confused with every other crappy ratcheting driver I’ve ever seen. These are bullet-proof. But I digress.

    I’m still up in the air. I am partly leaning toward Witte/Wittron (I really like the 7-piece set in black with a black case available at KC Tool….very slick looking, but $56.) I will likely end up with Wiha. They seem to be the best value.

    Reply
  13. Bill Myers says

    Mar 19, 2016 at 7:11 am

    hey Stuart!
    realy enjoyed your “Best Precision Screwdrivers” artice!
    Two questions, if I may:
    1. has there been an “update” to the article? and
    2. your reccomendation for a *powered*, precision screwdriver?

    thanks again

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      Mar 19, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Not really. I have bought more Wiha screwdrivers, but have not tried additional precision screwdriver styles since.

      All of the recommendations still stand.

      I haven’t really tried powered precision screwdrivers yet. Maybe a cheap one once or twice.

      Powered drivers are better for repetitive tasks. Maybe I’ll give them a serious try later in the year.

      Reply
  14. Alick says

    Aug 27, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    Recently shopping in a tool merchants in Asia I bought some “Hero” “picofinish” esd safe precision screwdrivers. Pretty sure these arr made in Japan and they turned out to be some of the best i’ve ever used.
    Searching the web afterwards I found these to be identical to drivers sold by Wiha but I can’t find the brand as I can only search the internet in English (theres a whole other world out there if you can use other languages and search engines).
    There are very many superb quality tools made in Japan. Has anyone else heard of “Hero” screwdrivers ? They are excellent for laptop screws so probably use the JIS standard rather than Philips.

    Reply
  15. Justin Mitchell says

    Oct 12, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Do you know of any good precision screwdrivers with a shorter overall length? The Wera feel much too long for me, and it looks like the Wiha are about the same size. It doesn’t make sense to me for a precision screwdriver to be so long. It’s more comfortable to place the rotating cap in the palm of your hand when they’re shorter.

    Reply
  16. ItsMe says

    Nov 16, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    I have an old Wiha set with very minimal use with a stripped T6 and a T9 bit that is starting to strip out.
    I contacted them asking how I could get these bits replaced and was told I needed to ship them in for ‘assessment’. I assume this means I need to spend the money to ship them the tool to later be turned down for warranty replacement. A reputable tool company would simply send out the replacement bit.

    I did some looking around and noticed Wiha is owned by Apex Tool Group now so I doubt the quality and warranty are up to the same standard.
    Its sad what is happening to the tool world with globalization taking a foothold and cheapening our beloved tools.

    I’ll be buying another brand that stands behind their tools with a solid warranty (if one exists anymore)

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      Nov 16, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Who told you that Wiha is owned by Apex Tool Group?

      That does not seem to be true. Could you please verify this?

      Reply
      • ItsMe says

        Nov 16, 2017 at 5:46 pm

        My mistake.
        It was Xcelite I was looking into as a replacement for my Wiha precision screwdrivers, and Xcelite is owned by Apex Tool Group.

        Reply
        • Stuart says

          Nov 16, 2017 at 6:52 pm

          Xcelite is owned by Apex Tool Group, but I believe they’re still positioned as an industrial brand. But that said, I don’t own many Xcelite tools, so I can’t talk about the quality.

          Apex Tool Group owns a number of commercial and industrial tool brands, the first 2 that come to mind being Cleco and Weller.

          Reply
  17. ItsMe says

    Nov 16, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    I’m not sure the affect being owned by Apex Tool Group has but it does make me question todays quality vs my past experience with these brands.

    I know from experience two previous companies I worked for changed ownership resulting in major changes in direction and the final products changed for the worse.

    I own a Weller solder station (about 15 years old) that has been bomb proof and have used Xcelite screw drivers (unknown purchase date) from a previous company I worked for that were excellent.

    I don’t want to leave the impression simply being owned by any major company results in a poor product. I just bought 1/4 and 3/8 GearWrench socket sets with the 120 tooth (double 60 tooth) ratchets that seem fairly nice for the price I paid. If I’m not mistaken GearWrench is owned by Apex Tool Group. Its no Snap-on but I am impressed for the price.

    I wish Wiha had a better warranty policy. I would stick with them if they did.
    When its all said and done I need tools that are quality with a no nonsense warranty if something happens.

    Reply
  18. jim hinson says

    Mar 26, 2018 at 8:32 am

    Vessel precision set No. TD-56. $12.86 to the door for a 6-piece set. Vessel makes as good or better a screwdriver as any company out there IMHO. Although the WIHA precisions have been my go to for years now and perform admirably…plus the way they are shaped allows them to slip into my work shirt pocket with ease.

    Reply
  19. Matt says

    Apr 17, 2018 at 4:31 am

    Wiha is my go to for two reasons – first they are well made and do the job. Second, they have a huge range of profiles and sizes. I do a lot of work on old mac laptops and other electronics and having a single roll of about 30 wihas lets me do virtually everything I need to do.

    Reply
  20. TonyT says

    Apr 26, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    I have to put in a vote for Wiha – I’ve had a set of Wiha screws that are so old (>20 years, bought at Fry’s Electronics) that they say “Made in W Germany”.

    I still use them all the time for work and play – obviously my favorites.

    BTW, why are Wiha Tools USA and Bondhus Tools in the same small town of Monticello, MN?

    Reply
  21. Sepp says

    May 14, 2020 at 3:17 am

    Getting a full set of desktop drivers and a stand has been on my list for several years now. I have various drivers from all the players, but I can’t justify the cost when they are all the same color and no clear markings.
    It’s hard enough to keep the workbench clean as it is. 50 wiha drivers that all look the same is waste of my time.
    Anyone have a solution or recommendation?

    PB Swiss color codes the allen keys, why hasn’t anyone done this for precision drivers?

    Reply
  22. JoseS says

    Jul 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    I have this Paxcoo Precision Screwdriver Set of 8 – Magnetic Professional Repair Tool Kit – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHJ6Y6K/ $13.99 and it is great. Precision tips and metal handles with rubber grips in a nice zipper pouch. Reviewed on Cool Tools – https://kk.org/cooltools/paxcoo-precision-screwdrivers/ .

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • A W on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “*company’s”
  • A W on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “Stuart, I really appreciate your integrity. It’s one of the many reasons I check this site daily for new content.…”
  • Stuart on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “That’s the thing – this brand’s tech DOES speak for itself. For whatever reasons, that’s not enough, and so this…”
  • MarketStreetTools on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “Is this a marketing based brand or an legitimate manufacturer brand? This sounds like the type of aggressive promotion and…”
  • Stuart on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “That’s the thing – this brand contact doesn’t seem to care about our relationship with readers, or reader interests, they…”
  • Stuart on The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot’s Attention: “I did forward it along to someone at the same company who I believe to be in a higher adjacent…”

Recent Posts

  • The Wildly Inappropriate Way a Tool Brand is Vying for Home Depot's Attention
  • New Dewalt 12V 5Ah Battery Signals that More Cordless Power Tools are Coming Soon
  • Diablo AMPED Carbide Reciprocating Blade is "IMPOSSIBLY Durable"
  • Spec Ops Tools Tape Measures
  • iQ Power Tools iQ228 Cyclone Tile Saw Cuts Dry with Built-in Dust Control
  • Kobalt has a 24V Cordless Vacuum w/ HEPA Filter & 3 Gal Tank
  • Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Miter Saw Updates - Here's What Changed
  • True or False? The World Needs this Komelon Tape Measure with Built-in Flashlight
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Cordless Impact Drivers
  • Best Cordless Multi-Tools
  • Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Modular Tool Storage Systems
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure